Long-term Psychological Effects Research Articles

THE EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF UNIFORMS ON COLLEGE STUDENTS: EVIDENCE FROM SAUDI ARABIA

Purpose: The study's purpose is to assess how wearing uniforms affects college students psychologically and socially, with an emphasis on comfort, productivity, self-worth, and social relationships. It specifically looks at Saudi male college students' inclination for traditional clothing over uniforms and considers the policy and practice consequences. Methodology: Purposive sampling was used to gather survey data from 249 Saudi male college students as part of the study's quantitative methodology. Respondents answered questions about uniform comfort, price, usefulness, and social integration. Three hypotheses about uniforms' psychological, social, and academic implications were tested through data analysis using SPSS. Findings: The results show that uniforms significantly negatively impact students' academic achievement (H3), social perception (H2), and emotional wellness (H1). Uniforms were seen as constrictive and unpleasant, which negatively affected self-esteem and output. Where traditional clothing were favored because of their utility and cultural value. The findings highlight the necessity of ergonomic and culturally aware uniform designs to balance student welfare and institutional goals. Practical & SocialImplications: The study gives educational leaders practical advice on updating uniform regulations while including cultural considerations and adaptability to students' preferences. Future studies should investigate the long-term psychological effects of uniforms across genders and cultures, building on various samples. Value and Originality: This study fills a knowledge gap by investigating the cultural and psychological impacts of uniforms on Saudi Arabian college students. It advances knowledge of how uniforms affect students' social and academic experiences and aids in creating culturally inclusive policies.

The Impact of Cyberbullying on Adolescents' Real Lives

With the surge of the Internet era, the widespread use of the Internet by minors has become an unstoppable and irreversible trend. In today's era of high-speed information flow, the Internet is like a sharp double-edged sword. On the one hand, it brings unprecedented convenience to minors with amazing speed and extremely wide coverage. They can easily obtain rich knowledge resources through the Internet and broaden their horizons. On the other hand, while the Internet brings many conveniences, it also induces various types of network infringement. Among them, cyberbullying is an extremely serious public health problem, and the depth of its harm may lead to a sharp increase in the risk of mental health problems. This risk may lead to a series of serious consequences, including long-term psychological problems and adverse effects on the development of adolescents, and in extreme cases, it may even push them to a desperate situation of suicide. This article is intended to deeply explore the multi-faceted impact of cyberbullying on the real life of teenagers, to attract great attention from all walks of life, and to jointly create a safe and healthy network environment for teenagers.

Late mental sequelae in post-COVID-19 individuals

Abstract Aim. The aim of the study was to investigate the long-term psychological effects in patients who had experienced COVID-19 and those who underwent quarantine. Differences in metacognitive beliefs and overall mental health were analyzed to assess their impact on the emergence of psychological distress. Material and methods. The study involved 122 participants, including post-COVID-19 patients and individuals who had been quarantined. To assess mental health, the Metacognitive Questionnaire (MCQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were used, providing data on metacognitive beliefs and overall mental health. Results. Post-COVID-19 patients more frequently reported positive beliefs about worrying (MCQ1), while quarantined individuals scored higher in cognitive self-awareness (MCQ5) and negative beliefs about lack of control over thoughts (MCQ4). Both groups exhibited similar levels of general psychological distress, suggesting that the pandemic had a widespread impact on mental health, regardless of direct contact with the disease. Conclusions. Both post-COVID-19 patients and quarantined individuals require psychological support to counteract the negative mental effects of the pandemic. Therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques, can help manage stress and rumination.

The effect of grandparental care on social networking sites addiction in college: mediated by social anxiety and loneliness

ObjectiveGrandparental care has become a common phenomenon, yet there is still limited research on the long-term psychological effects on children raised by their grandparents. This study aims to explore the impact of early grandparental care experiences on university students’ social networking sites addiction, social anxiety, and loneliness.MethodsA random cluster sampling method was employed to select college students from a medical school in Jiangxi for a questionnaire survey. The study measured social networking sites addiction, social anxiety, and loneliness using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Interaction Anxiety Scale (IAS), and Loneliness Scale (ULS-6) respectively. Additionally, grandparental care was assessed through individual questions. Data analysis was conducted using mediated effects modeling.ResultsIn total, 4318 participants were recruited. 45.2% of participants were male and 54.8% were female. The study found a significant positive association between grandparental care experience and social networking sites addiction, social anxiety, and loneliness. The study revealed that social anxiety mediated 20.0% of the effect between grandparental care experiences and social networking sites addiction, while loneliness mediated 16.0% of this effect. Moreover, social anxiety and loneliness together mediated 12.0% of the chained effects between grandparental care experiences and social networking sites addiction.ConclusionGrandparental care has no direct impact on social networking sites addiction in adulthood. Social anxiety and loneliness play a mediating role between grandparental care and social networking sites addiction. Therefore, schools and families should prioritize efforts to enhance the physical and mental well-being of individuals receiving grandparental care. This can be achieved through targeted health promotion initiatives.

The Silent Burden: Investigating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Social Isolation Among Healthcare Workers During COVID-19.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and paramedics. This study investigates the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the impact of social ostracism on psychological distress among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Poland, with a focus on exploring the interplay between professional and social factors contributing to their stress. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March 2021 and February 2022 with 852 HCWs from four Polish provinces. PTSD symptoms were measured using the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), and social ostracism was assessed through a custom-designed questionnaire. Results: Of the participants, 14.1% reported experiencing social ostracism, and 4.9% observed such experiences among colleagues. Those who experienced or witnessed ostracism reported significantly higher PTSD symptoms (p < 0.001). Concerns about personal health and the well-being of older individuals were strongly associated with increased PTSD severity, while concerns for household members were not. Conclusions: Social ostracism exacerbates the psychological burden on healthcare workers, contributing to higher levels of PTSD. This study highlights the need for targeted mental health interventions and support systems, including resilience training and stigma reduction initiatives, to address these challenges. Future research should explore cross-national comparisons and long-term psychological effects among diverse healthcare populations.

Long-term psychopathology rates of children and adolescents and associated factors in the worst-sticken area of 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake

Introduction Earthquakes are natural disasters that can have significant psychological impacts on individuals, particularly children. While physical injuries are often the immediate focus following an earthquake, the psychological effects can be long-lasting and profound. Understanding the psychiatric effects of traumatic experiences in children following earthquakes is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems. Method One hundred fifty three children and adolescents who experienced the earthquake were evaluated in the first year of the earthquake. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were measured using standardized assessment tools. Factors that may be related to psychopathology, such as sleep disturbance, the extent of trauma, and where one lived after the earthquake, were also evaluated. The anxiety, depression and stress levels of the mother and father separately and their relationship with the child’s psychopathology were evaluated. Results The frequency of depression risk among participants was found to be 24.8%, while the frequency of anxiety risk was 62.8%. The frequency of PTSD risk was 97.4%. Children who migrated to another province after the earthquake had higher scale scores. Parental depression anxiety stress level was positively correlated with children’s scale scores. Disruption in sleep patterns increased the risk of depression by 2.38 times. Experiencing the loss of friends in the earthquake increased PTSD score by 6.27. Discussion The findings of this study highlight the importance of addressing the psychiatric needs of children following earthquakes. Psychosocial support and access to appropriate treatment should be prioritized to mitigate the long-term psychological effects of traumatic experiences in children.

Human-Nature Boundaries: Cultural Heritage, Landscape Ecology, and Healing in the Kumano Kodo

Abstract: The Kumano Kodo, an ancient pilgrimage route network in the Kii Peninsula of Japan, serves as a unique case study in the intersection of cultural heritage, landscape ecology, and human-nature relationships. This paper explores the dynamic interactions between human interventions and natural processes along the Kumano Kodo, highlighting how landscape ecology principles illustrate the blurred boundaries between nature and culture. The rewilding of the human-imposed structures, coupled with the restorative experiences of modern pilgrims, reinforces the notion of coexistence rather than dominance over nature. The findings support Turners theory of landscape dynamics and Mortons assertion that the human-nature dichotomy is artificial, showing how human interventions and natural processes coalesce in a living landscape. The study also applies Kaplans Attention Restoration Theory to demonstrate the psychological benefits of engaging with cultural landscapes. However, the research is limited by its focus on a specific demographic of pilgrims and calls for more diverse methodologies in future studies. Broader data collection will offer deeper insights into the long-term psychological effects and cultural significance of such heritage sites.

Resting-state functional connectome predicts sleep quality two months after the first negative COVID-19 antigen test

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to long-term neurological and psychological effects, including sleep disturbances. While prior studies have identified altered brain function post-COVID-19, specific functional connectivity (FC) patterns predicting sleep quality after recovery remain unclear. This study aims to identify FC patterns associated with sleep quality two months after the first negative COVID-19 antigen test. MethodsUsing a connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) approach, we identified the functional connectome regulating sleep quality based on a 164-region parcellation. Significant connections were analyzed using mediation models to examine their role in the relationship between anxiety, depression, and sleep. ResultsFC between the right cerebellar peduncle and the left VIII of the cerebellum, and between the left middle temporal pole (MTP) and left ventral tegmental area (VTA), significantly predicted Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores for sleep disturbances two months post-recovery (q2 = 0.059, MSE = 0.154, p = 0.017, r = 0.350). Mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect of FC between the left MTP and VTA on the relationship between generalized anxiety and sleep disturbances (indirect effect = 0.013, 95% CI = [0.002, 0.03], pfdr <0.05). FC between the right dorsal raphe nucleus and ipsilateral regions—including occipital, parietal, and temporal areas—predicted PSQI scores for daytime dysfunction (q2 = 0.092, MSE = 0.678, p = 0.025, r = 0.342). ConclusionPost-COVID-19 brain connectivity and anxiety predict sleep quality. These findings highlight the potential for targeted therapeutic strategies to improve sleep and identify patients at risk for prolonged disturbances through FC biomarkers.

Investigating whether offshore immigration detention and processing are associated with an increased likelihood of psychological disorders.

Immigration policies designed to deter people from seeking asylum are gaining traction in many Western nations, with the UK recently attempting to establish an offshore immigration processing centre in Rwanda. This letter outlines emerging evidence from Australia on the negative long-term psychological effects of offshore processing on people seeking asylum.

The Ongwen Judgments

Abstract The Ongwen trial and appeal judgments are an affront to child soldiers everywhere and to international criminal justice. The judgments fail to treat Mr Dominic Ongwen as an individual within his own social context, in which culture and race are significant factors. The Chambers invisibilized the victimization of Mr Ongwen within the cruel and ruthless conditions of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) as a child and young adult. Seeking justice for Mr Ongwen and ensuring he had a fair trial has been a Sisyphean struggle for the defence counsel, who have tried to humanize the lived experience of our client within the courtroom of the Hague. The Chambers acknowledged the brutality and bestiality of the LRA, led by Joseph Kony, yet created an ‘Ongwen Exception’ that dehumanized him as detached from the Court’s previous rulings on the long-term social and psychological effects of being forcibly recruited as a child soldier. In these observations, the Defence discusses Mr Ongwen’s social context, emphasizing the importance of culture and race within it, and the dangers of the Chambers’ rote and narrow interpretation of Article 26 ICC Statute, which underlies Mr Ongwen’s convictions.

The Hidden Toll: Exploring the Impact of Challenging Patron Behaviors on Australian Public Library Staff

ABSTRACT As a public-facing profession, public library workers are often exposed to challenging behaviors that raise concern for their safety. To understand these concerns, this study explores these staff safety issues in Australian public libraries through semi-structured interviews with 59 staff members from six library services. Findings reveal that library workers frequently encounter challenging and sometimes violent behaviors from patrons. These incidents impact staff wellbeing, causing stress, anxiety, and potential long-term psychological effects. Many workers receive insufficient workplace support following traumatic incidents, leading to internalization of the trauma the experiences cause. The study highlights the need for improved institutional support and better safety measures. It also recognizes the tension created by libraries’ open-door policies, which may expose workers to potential harm.

Psychological Impact Of Kidnapping On Social Reintegration And Academic Pursuits Of Female Undergraduates In Zamfara State

Although kidnapping and banditry are increasingly rampant in northern Nigeria, research on their psychological impact on female undergraduate students is lacking. To fill this gap, this study investigated the psychological impact of kidnapping on female undergraduate students in Zamfara State, Nigeria, focusing on their social reintegration and academic pursuits. Kidnapping and banditry have become pervasive in northern Nigeria, severely disrupting the lives of vulnerable communities including students in both pre-tertiary and tertiary institutions, particularly Zamfara State. The study adopted qualitative research design. Seven out of the female undergraduates of Federal University Gusau who had recently been released after prolonged captivity participated in the study. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques was used to select participants based on availability, willingness, and ability to provide detailed accounts. Data was collected through structured interview. Thematic analysis revealed profound psychological trauma, including symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Social reintegration challenges found in the study include stigmatization and alienation, while academic difficulties involved concentration, memory issues, and decreased motivation. The study recommends implementing comprehensive psychological support programmes within educational institutions located in high risk locations such as Zamfara State, including professional counseling and peer support groups, to address the long-term psychological effects and facilitate better social and academic reintegration of the victims

The Effect of Depression and Hopelessness Level on Death Anxiety in Earthquake Survivor Students One Year After the Earthquake.

It is important to reveal the long-term psychological effects of the earthquake in earthquake-exposed individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of depression, hopelessness and death anxiety in students who experienced the earthquake one year after the earthquake and to examine the effects of depression and hopelessness on death anxiety. This is a descriptive and correlational study. Data were collected from 155 Emergency Relief and Disaster Management students who experienced the Kahramanmaras earthquake in Türkiye in 2023. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, Beck Depression Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Thorson-Powell Death Anxiety Scale. In the study, a moderate positive correlation was found, indicating that as levels of depression and hopelessness increased, so did death anxiety (p < .05). Depression and hopelessness explained 18.1% of the variance in death anxiety. Death anxiety was found to be higher in males and in students whose relatives or close friends died.

Navigating 'Waithood': The Socioeconomic Impact on Highly Skilled Chinese Emigrants in the Silicon Valley

This paper investigates the socioeconomic impacts of waithood on highly skilled Chinese emigrants in Silicon Valley. Waithood is primarily characterized by underemployment and delayed career progression which leads to extended adulthood. In this regard, it was found that systematic barriers such as visa restrictions, along with discrimination and market competition, contribute to this global youth iss ue. The study uses a theoretical approach to examine the factors that influence waithood. In Silicon Valley, waithood manifests as prolonged periods of underemployment and financial instability. It also leads to delays in achieving life milestones that include buying a house, getting married, and forming a family. The findings also reveal that waithood hinders career advancement. It enhances economic instability and causes long-term psychological and social effects. It is therefore imperative for policymakers and industry leaders to formulate policies that enhance the integration and utilization of the talented Chinese workforce. Simultaneously, it is also essential to promote a more inclusive and equitable environment in Silicon Valley.

Conference Report: LPMHealthcare Emerging Viruses 2023 (EVOX23): Pandemics-Learning from the Past and Present to Prepare for the Future.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has meant that pandemic preparedness has become a major focus of the global scientific community. Gathered in the historic St Edmund Hall college in Oxford, the one-day LPMHealthcare conference on emerging viruses (6 September 2023) sought to review and learn from past pandemics-the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the Mpox outbreak-and then look towards potential future pandemics. This includes an emphasis on monitoring the "traditional" reservoirs of viruses with zoonotic potential, as well as possible new sources of spillover events, e.g., bats, which we are coming into closer contact with due to climate change and the impacts of human activities on habitats. Continued vigilance and investment into creative scientific solutions is required for issues including the long-term physical and psychological effects of COVID-19, i.e., long COVID. The evaluation of current systems, including environmental monitoring, communication (with the public, regulatory authorities, and governments), and training; assessment of the effectiveness of the technologies/assays we have in place currently; and lobbying of the government and the public to work with scientists are all required in order to build trust moving forward. Overall, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has shown how many sectors can work together to achieve a global impact in times of crisis.

Pathways to motherhood: A single-center retrospective study on fertility preservation and reproductive outcomes in patients with breast cancer

BackgroundBreast cancer treatments often have negative effects on fertility, which pose challenges among patients who want to be parents in the future. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of oocyte cryopreservation, embryo cryopreservation, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation in patients with breast cancer. MethodsThis retrospective review evaluated 42 patients with breast cancer who underwent fertility preservation at our center from January 2012 to December 2022. This review encompassed the demographic characteristics of the patients, cancer stages, treatment details, and types of fertility preservation procedures and their outcomes. ResultsThe average age at disease diagnosis was 33.4 years. Approximately 90.4% of patients presented with early-stage cancer (≤2). Of 42 patients, 26 underwent oocyte cryopreservation; 17, embryo cryopreservation; and 2, ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Further, three patients received mixed treatment. The overall live birth rate was 63.2%. There are more live births in embryo cryopreservation group. The successful pregnancy group was significantly younger and had a remarkably higher quantity of preserved oocytes/embryos than the nonsuccessful pregnancy group. The oocyte and embryo utilization rates in cryopreservation were 7.69% and 52.94%, respectively. These findings underscored the importance of prompt, informed discussions about fertility preservation options. ConclusionFertility preservation in patients with breast cancer have promising reproductive outcomes, with embryo cryopreservation being particularly effective. Prompt counseling and individualized fertility preservation strategies are important for improving the likelihood of posttreatment pregnancy. Nevertheless, future research on the long-term psychological and emotional effects of different fertility preservation methods must be performed.

Child sexual abuse in Vietnam: A review of prevalence, risk factors, and prevention strategies

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a severe global problem that has long-term psychological, physical, and societal effects for victims. This review looks at the prevalence, risk factors, and effects of CSA, with a specific emphasis on Vietnam. The frequency of CSA varies worldwide, with notable regional variations. In Vietnam, approximately 2,000 children are sexually abused each year, with females being disproportionately affected. Risk variables include age, gender, family dynamics, social level, and cultural norms. The review investigates the short- and long-term effects of CSA, which include mental health illnesses, physical health issues, and social difficulties. Prevention and intervention efforts, including as school-based education programs and parental involvement, show promise, but they encounter obstacles owing to cultural stigma and limited resources. The Vietnamese government has developed a variety of policies and legal frameworks to combat CSA, however gaps persist. This research emphasizes the importance of a multidimensional approach that involves broad education, substantial support services, and ongoing legislative improvements to effectively prevent and respond to CSA. Future study should focus on improving preventative strategies and assuring their long-term efficacy.

Progressive worsening of posttraumatic stress symptoms in Syrian and Iraqi refugees associated with cumulative and victimization trauma: A longitudinal study.

War and forced migration expose refugees to trauma and ongoing stress, often contributing to long-term psychological consequences. Typically, trauma exposure is assessed cumulatively; yet, trauma type may better predict psychological outcomes. This study examined the differential impact of cumulative trauma and trauma subtypes (victimization, death threat, accidental/injury) on postmigration trajectories of posttraumatic stress and anxiety in refugees. Seventy-seven Syrian (88.3%) and Iraqi (9.1%) adult refugees self-reported prior trauma exposure and psychological symptoms at time of arrival in the United States and 2 years post. Linear mixed-effects modeling was performed to assess for associations between trauma variables and symptom trajectories. Models using cumulative trauma as a predictor were compared to models including the three trauma subtype variables as predictors, using pseudo-R² values to compare variance explained between the two methods of trauma measurement. Linear mixed-effects modeling indicated that prior exposure to victimization predicted progressively worsening posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms over time postmigration (b = .97, SE = .45, t = 2.14, p = .036). Cumulative trauma also predicted increasing PTSD symptoms (b = .124, SE = .06, t = 2.09, p = .041), but explained less variance than victimization (9% vs. 18.1%). Direct effects of cumulative trauma (p = .009) and victimization (p = .002) on anxiety severity emerged; however, anxiety symptoms did not change over time depending on prior trauma exposure. Accidents/injuries and death threats did not predict PTSD or anxiety. These findings can be leveraged toward focused identification of those at highest risk for progressive illness postmigration, thus providing empirical guidance for allocation of interventions and resources for refugees. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Continuous chains: childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence victimization among displaced women in a war context

BackgroundChildhood victimization has been associated with long-term psychological effects and an increased risk of being victimized in later life. Previous research has primarily focused on sexual abuse during childhood, and a wide range of consequences have been identified. However, a significant gap remains in our understanding of the complex interaction between different forms of childhood abuse and violence in later life, particularly in the context of broader social stressors such as armed conflict and displacement.MethodsThis study examines the association between exposure to different types of childhood maltreatment in the context of family and intimate partner violence (IPV) among displaced women living in refugee camps in northern Iraq. Structured interviews were conducted by trained female psychologists with 332 women aged between 20 and 62 years.ResultsResults indicated that over one-third of the participating women reported experiencing at least one occurrence of IPV by their husbands within the past year. In addition, participants reported experiences of different types of maltreatment (physical, emotional, and sexual violence and physical and emotional neglect) perpetrated by family members in their childhood. While all forms of childhood maltreatment showed an association with IPV within the past year, only emotional childhood maltreatment was found to be a significant predictor of IPV in a multivariate analysis.ConclusionThe study highlights the ongoing impact of child maltreatment and its contribution to increased vulnerability to IPV victimization in later life. In addition, this study describes the specific cultural and contextual elements that contribute to IPV in refugee camps.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in a Canadian population of medical students, residents, and physicians.

Physicians encounter stressors with potential long-term psychological consequences. However, a comprehensive picture of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence and symptomatic work-related event occurrence across practice stages is lacking. To evaluate PTSD prevalence and the occurrence of work-related symptomatic events among physicians and medical learners. In 2017, we surveyed 3,036 physicians, residents, and students within the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Participants completed the Life Events Checklist (LEC) for DSM 4 and the PTSD Checklist for DSM 4-Civilian version (PCL-C). They also reported work-related events that triggered PTSD-like symptoms. The prevalence of a positive PTSD screen (PCL-C ≥ 36) and the proportion identifying a symptomatic work event were determined. The t-test, Chi-square test, and multiple regression were used to evaluate associations between respondent characteristics and these outcomes. Among 565 respondents, 21.2% screened positively, with similarity across career stages. Thirty-nine percent reported a symptom-inducing work event, with many training-related. Although independent PTSD predictors were not identified, partnered residents and surgical residents were more likely to identify a work-related event. Internationally trained practicing physicians were less likely to identify an event. Both symptom-inducing work events and PTSD are frequent, broadly based concerns requiring better preventive strategies across career stages.