Lower Levels Of Well-being Research Articles

Assessing the psychometric properties of the World Health Organization -five well-being index (WHO-5) in Filipino samples amid the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe WHO-5 well-being index is a brief rating scale extensively used to evaluate well-being symptoms. Despite the increasing number of studies validating this instrument across different samples from different countries, its psychometric properties remain unexplored in the Philippine context. Bridging this gap, the present study assessed the psychometric properties of the WHO-5 in Filipinos amid the pandemic.MethodsIn study one, exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was conducted using a sample of Filipinos (N = 2,521) from the general population and a unidimensional model of well-being was extracted. In study two, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to examine the one-factor model in 1,289 Filipino government workers. In study three, nomological validity was examined by performing a mediation analysis using 407 Filipino left-behind emerging adult children with dysfunctionality as mediator, pandemic-related adversities as independent variable, and well-being as the dependent variable.ResultsThe results of ESEM and CFA provided support for the WHO-5 one-factor model. Moreover, the negative relationship of well-being to anxiety, depression, and distress lend evidence to the scale’s criterion validity. The results of the mediation analysis performed in study three implied that those who experienced pandemic-related adversities tended to have greater dysfunctionality, and in turn, had lower levels of well-being.ConclusionsOverall, the findings suggest that the WHO-5 well-being index is a psychometrically sound tool for measuring Filipinos’ well-being.

Age Discrimination of Senior Citizens in European Countries

This paper addresses perceived age discrimination of older persons in European countries. This disturbing issue has become all the more prominent, having doubled over a relatively short period between 2018 and 2021. Strongly associated with bad health outcomes, low levels of wellbeing, and considerable social tensions, age-related discrimination against senior citizens is a sign of the lack of their social integration. Our study used secondary data analysis based on survey methodology. Statistical analysis was performed on data from the European Social Survey wave 10 (2021) subsample of people aged 65 and above to assess the senior population’s age-based discrimination experiences and its individual and macro-level determinants. The results indicate that in all European countries, low socioeconomic status, older age, and living alone are strongly associated with the experience of age discrimination. Having bad health and being functionally limited in everyday activities results in a state of dependency that is connected to a higher risk of perceived exposure to age discrimination. Smaller populations, such as those in villages, are protective against discrimination at older age. Finally, compared to other welfare regimes, in social democratic welfare states with egalitarian redistribution systems and high levels of social benefits, there is a significantly larger share of old people who reported to have been victims of age discrimination. Our results have implications for policy in the context of ageing societies.

Merck Animal Health Veterinary Team study reveals factors associated with well-being, burnout, and mental health among nonveterinarian practice team members.

To assess the levels of burnout, well-being, and mental health of nonveterinarian employees of veterinary practices and, for context, compare them to veterinarians and the general population by use of validated instruments. An online survey of 2,271 nonveterinary practice employees drawn from members of the North American Veterinary Technicians Association, members of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, referrals from veterinarian respondents to a companion survey, and a large hospital group that owns several hundred US veterinary practices. The study was fielded from September 11 to October 9, 2023. A majority of practice team members were satisfied with their work in veterinary medicine. However, serious psychological distress was twice as prevalent among team members as among veterinarians and well-being was lower than that of veterinarians. Burnout was similar to veterinarians. Personality played a role: team members on average were more likely to score higher in neuroticism than veterinarians and the general population, and neuroticism was a predictor of low well-being, poor mental health, and burnout. There was also evidence of substantial financial stress among team members. Serious psychological distress was common among practice team members. Financial stress may play a role. Burnout and low levels of well-being were also common. This study provided a useful profile of the psychological conditions that many practice employees may be experiencing.

Do resilience and socio-demographic characteristics predict university lecturers' well-being? A cross-sectional study.

A substantial proportion of lecturers in higher education experience low levels of well-being. The aim of this work was to examine the predictive role of resilience and demographic variables such as gender, working hours, nationality, teaching experience and faculty in relation to the well-being of university lecturers. An online survey was sent to a sample of 684 lecturers at a Dutch university. A multiple linear regression showed that nationality, working hours and resilience were significant predictors of well-being. The results of this study highlight the importance of assessing predictors of university lecturers’ well-being and the need for resilience-enhancing initiatives.

Navigating the battlefield within: Exploring the interplay of political armed conflict, mental health, and emotion regulation

The study explored the intricate relationship between political armed conflict, mental health outcomes, and emotion regulation strategies, focusing on cognitive reappraisal and emotion suppression. Drawing on extensive literature, we examined the impact of the Israel-Hamas war on mental health, particularly post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and anxiety. Using data from a nationally representative sample of 517 Israeli adults surveyed four weeks after the October 7 war began, we conducted path analysis to examine the direct and indirect effects of conflict exposure on mental health outcomes mediated by emotion regulation. Cognitive reappraisal was positively associated with well-being, while emotion suppression was linked to higher levels of PTSS and anxiety and lower levels of well-being. Subjective exposure to war events was associated with higher levels of anxiety and PTSS, and cognitive reappraisal served as a protective factor for overall well-being. We also observed ethnicity, age, and gender differences in exposure levels and mental health outcomes. Emotion regulation emerges as a crucial factor in navigating the psychological challenges posed by war exposure, with cognitive reappraisal associated with positive mental health outcomes and emotion suppression linked to adverse effects.

Florence Bullying-Victimization Scales: Validation Study and Victimization Associations With Well-Being and Social Self-Efficacy

This study provides a thorough psychometric evaluation of construct and criterion validity and measurement invariance of the promising Florence Bullying-Victimization Scales (FBVS). A special focus was devoted to the concurrent criterion validity of the victimization scale with regard to well-being and social self-efficacy. Exploratory and confirmatory multidimensional item response theory and structural equation modeling were applied to cross-sectional data retrieved from 3rd to 6th-grade Czech primary school students ( N = 1795; 49% female; M age = 10.42, SD = 1.25). The results supported the use of unidimensional factor structure that demonstrated acceptable model fit and measurement invariance across genders and grades. Moderate to high correlations of the FBVS scores with bullying and victimization measured by the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire and other instruments indicated very good convergent validity. Regarding criterion validity, higher victimization was associated with lower levels of well-being and social self-efficacy.

Emotion regulation skills as a mediator of STEM teachers’ stress, well-being, and burnout

The teaching profession highly stressful, and teachers are often faced with challenging situations. This is particularly the case in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, which is a uniquely demanding and challenging field. This study examined the role of emotional regulation (ER) skills in STEM teachers’ stress, well-being, and burnout. The sample included 165 STEM teachers in middle and high schools who completed standard online questionnaires on ER, stress, well-being, and burnout. They were also asked to comment on three videos depicting authentic mathematical and pedagogical situations. The results indicated that contrary to popular belief, seniority was not linked with levels of stress, difficulties in ER, lower levels of well-being, or higher levels of burnout. A structural equation model and bootstrapping analysis showed teachers’ levels of stress predicted their well-being, and this link between stress and well-being was mediated by teachers’ level of difficulty in ER. The study highlights the importance of STEM teachers’ well-being and suggests the need to reduce stress and burnout by providing tools for teachers to regulate their emotions in the classroom.

Demoralization and well-being among self-employed individuals with cardiac disease: the role of intolerance of uncertainty.

Individuals with cardiac disease (CD) who are self-employed may experience ability limitations and especially intensive challenges and uncertainties. These challenges may cause demoralization and impaired well-being. To examine: (a) whether work ability limitations are related to demoralization and well-being among self-employed people with CD; (b) rates of demoralization; and (c) how demoralization and intolerance of uncertainty (IU) are associated with well-being. The study involved 120 self-employed individuals with CD. The PROCESS macro was used to analyze mediation and moderation processes. The prevalence of demoralization syndrome was 37.4%. Work ability-limitations were associated with higher demoralization levels. Demoralization was associated with well-being only among participants with high IU. Further, demoralization mediated the relationship between work ability limitations and well-being only for individuals with high IU. Encountering limitations among self-employed was associated with demoralization and lower levels of well-being, especially among those with high IU. In addition, demoralization syndrome is prevalent among individuals with CD in general. Early recognition and treatment of demoralization as a treatable psychological syndrome are essential for preventing its degeneration into more complex forms. In addition to uncertainty related to health, it is important to pay special attention to other sources of uncertainty.

Occupational, academic, and personal determinants of wellbeing and psychological distress in residents: results of a survey in Lyon, France.

The mental health of residents is a growing significant concern, particularly with respect to hospital and university training conditions. Our goal was to assess the professional, academic, and psychological determinants of the mental health status of all residents of the academy of Lyon, France. The Health Barometer of Lyon Subdivision Residents (BASIL) is an initiative which consists in proposing a recurrent online survey to all residents in medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry, belonging to the Lyon subdivision. The first of these surveys was conducted from May to July 2022. Participants should complete a series of validated questionnaires, including the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), respectively, and ad-hoc questions assessing their global health and hospital and academic working conditions. A Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) analysis was conducted prior to multivariable analyses, to explore the determinants associated with low wellbeing (WEMWBS <43) and high psychological distress (K6 ≥ 13). A total of 904 residents (response rate: 46.7%) participated in the survey. A low level of wellbeing was observed in 23% of participants, and was significantly associated to job strain (OR = 2.18; 95%CI = [1.32-3.60]), low social support (OR = 3.13; 95%CI = [2.05-4.78]) and the experience of very poor university teaching (OR = 2.51; 95%CI = [1.29-4.91]). A high level of psychological distress was identified for 13% of participants, and associated with low social support (OR = 2.41; 95%CI = [1.48-3.93]) and the experience of very poor university teaching (OR = 2.89, 95%CI = [1.16-7.21]). Hospital working conditions, social support, and the perception of teaching quality, were three major determinants of wellbeing and psychological distress among health profession residents. Demographic determinants, personal life and lifestyle habits were also associated. This supports a multilevel action in prevention programs aiming to enhance wellbeing and reduce mental distress in this specific population and local organizational specificities.

The Interplay of Sleep Quality, Mental Health, and Sociodemographic and Clinical Factors among Italian College Freshmen.

Background/Objectives: Sleep and mental health are closely linked, with sleep deprivation increasing the risk of mental health problems in college students. This study aimed to analyze the role of sleep in the mental health status of a sample of Italian freshmen, considering various mental health outcomes and potential interactions between sleep and other relevant factors, such as sociodemographic characteristics, academic experiences, and mental health history. Methods: All freshmen from a medium-sized Italian university were invited to participate in a multidimensional online survey (n = 3756). Sleep quality was assessed through questions on average hours of sleep per night and on satisfaction of perceived sleep quality. Mental health outcomes included psychophysical well-being, psychological distress, substance use, and problematic internet use. Statistical analysis involved multivariate analysis of variance, followed by pairwise comparisons. Results: The sample (n = 721) exhibited low levels of well-being and a high prevalence of psychological distress (52.1%). Approximately one-third of students (n = 258) were dissatisfied with their sleep quality, and one-fourth (n = 186) reported inadequate sleep (less than 7 h per night). More specifically, 24.4% of students slept on average six hours per night, and 1.4% slept five hours or less. Satisfaction with perceived sleep quality significantly influenced well-being, psychological distress, and cannabis use (ηp2 = 0.02). Interaction effects were observed between satisfaction with sleep quality and drop-out intentions (ηp2 = 0.01), as well as between satisfaction with sleep quality and history of mental health diagnosis (ηp2 = 0.02), both of which were significant for psychological distress and cannabis use. Conclusions: This study highlights the influence of perceived sleep quality on academic distress among college freshmen, particularly those with higher intentions of leaving university and with a history of mental health diagnosis.

The worst off in Europe - country differences and trends over time in (low) life satisfaction

In recent years, policymakers and researchers have shown increased interest in subjective well-being across countries. While previous research primarily focused on country averages, measuring the distribution of subjective well-being through standard deviation has become more frequent. This article introduces a new approach to assess subjective well-being: focusing on the “worst off," or the group with the lowest levels of well-being. Based on several ethical and political theories, this measure is deemed the most relevant when assessing well-being levels in society. The study constructs new measures of low subjective well-being (the bottom 10%) to evaluate differences across countries, changes over time, and associations with economic growth, using data from 33 European countries from 2002 to 2018. The findings indicate significant variations in well-being for the worst off across countries, with improvements observed in almost all countries studied, particularly in Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Improvements are generally larger for the worst off compared to the general population. Furthermore, both GDP per capita and financial satisfaction are positively associated with the subjective well-being of the worst off, both over time and when countries are compared cross-sectionally. The implications of these findings for future research and benchmarking quality of life are discussed.

Role of Media Consumption, Governmental Distrust &amp; Psychological Vulnerability in Predicting Affective Well-being of University Students &amp; Healthcare Professionals during COVID-19

The present research aimed to explore the role of media consumption, governmental distrust, and psychological vulnerability in predicting the practical well-being of university students and healthcare professionals during COVID-19. Two correlational studies were conducted. Study 1 was conducted with 411 university students (206 Women; 205 men), and it was conducted during the first lockdown in Pakistan. Study 2 was conducted during the thigh-intensity phase he COVID-19, and the sample comprised 375 healthcare professionals (198 women; 177 men). Both studies showed that higher levels of media consumption, governmental distrust, and psychological vulnerability were associated with lower levels of well-being. Our path models in both studies (with students and healthcare professionals) indicate that during the pandemic, participants’ level of media consumption, trust in the government, and their personal vulnerability were negatively associated with their affective well-being. These findings have implications for individuals’ affective well-being during healthcare crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Atypical Forms of Employment Acceptance by Polish Full-Time Employees as per Modern Labour Market Rules in an EU-Country Context

This manuscript is dedicated to atypical forms of employment which are a response to transactional relations between the employee and the employer on the modern labour market. The general research question is whether employees who accept atypical forms of employment (or “AFE”; readiness to providing work) obtain benefits in the form of high employability and well-being as well as low levels of job insecurity. The assumptions and the research scheme are new compared to previous studies. A quantitative CAWI study was conducted on a sample of Polish full-time employees (N = 543), as potentially voluntarily declaring their acceptance of AFE. In addition, well-being was operationalised according to C. Ryff ’s approach as a sense of agency in the creation of the professional environment. The respondents were divided into two groups – those accepting AFE and those accepting traditional, long-term employment, in reference to the concept of transactional and relational psychological contract. The regression analysis shows that the first group had a high level of employability. However, they achieved low levels of well-being, and job insecurity was not significant. These are individuals in managerial positions in the private sector. On the other hand, the group that accepts the traditional form of relationships are public sector employees and have high job insecurity only. An important determinant of the acceptance of AFE is the so-called “Big Five trait” openness. In addition, the level of acceptance decreases with age. Gender and education are not statistically significant. The focus in this paper on full-time employees, and the benefits of AFE, fill the research gap in this area. It also delivers recommendations for labour market practices and policy on how to support employees on the modern labour market in EU countries.

Wellbeing of Students from Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Schools

This article presents data of a quantitative study that aimed to analyze the specifics of the wellbeing of students in disadvantaged secondary schools. A total of 1579 students of gymnasium level from 27 disadvantaged schools in Iasi County, Romania, participated in a survey conducted using the Adolescent Wellbeing Scale (EPOCH). Findings illustrate that pupils from disadvantaged schools have a low level of wellbeing, with different characteristics depending on the gender, age, environment and the level of disadvantage of the school. Results indicate that students from disadvantaged schools are satisfied with their life, develop positive interpersonal relationships, show indifference to involvement in activities and easily abandon their goals. This study confirms the importance of analyzing students' wellbeing to identify educational strategies that allow schools to be more effective from the perspective of reducing the level of violence and decreasing the level of student demotivation, problems that educational systems face nowadays.

The Mental Health Toll: Medical Trainees Living with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives. Throughout the world, medical trainees have experienced psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic due to substantial changes in their educational programs and COVID-19 patient care. When medical trainees live with a disability, their psychological distress may be exacerbated. This study aimed to explore how having a disability may be associated with an additional emotional toll for medical trainees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. Participants in the study were 201 medical trainees (62 interns and 138 residents) and 147 medical attending physicians in various fields of medicine. Participants completed an online survey including the Fear of COVID-19 scale, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the Mental Health Continuum Scale measuring aspects of wellbeing, including emotional wellbeing, belonging, and sense of psychological meaning. Results. Disabled participants experienced higher levels of fear of COVID-19, depression, anxiety, stress, and lower levels of emotional wellbeing, sense of belonging, and psychological meaning compared to participants with no disabilities. Residents generally experienced higher stress levels and lower wellbeing levels than attendings. Residents living with disabilities were more prone to experience stress and fear of COVID-19, and residents and interns living with disabilities experienced higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to their peers who live without disabilities and compared to attendings living with disabilities. Conclusions. Medical trainees living with disabilities were more prone to experience high levels of psychological distress and lower levels of wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to their peers without disabilities. Therefore, there is a need to address this emotional toll and provide support in medical education programs promoting trainees’ wellbeing, sense of belonging, and psychological meaning.

Gender, marginalised groups, and young people’s mental health: a longitudinal analysis of trajectories

BackgroundIndividuals from marginalised groups experience higher levels of mental health difficulties and lower levels of wellbeing which may be due to the exposure to stress and adversity. This study explores trajectories of mental health over time for young women and girls and young people with other marginalised identities.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis on N = 14,215 children and young people (7,501 or 52.8% female, 6,571 or 46.2% male, and 81 or 0.6% non-binary or questioning) who completed a survey at age 11 to 12 years and at least one other annual survey aged 12 to 13 years and/or aged 13 to 14 years. We used group-based trajectory models to examine mental health difficulties.ResultsExcept for behavioural difficulties, young women’s and girls’ trajectories showed that they consistently had higher levels of mental health difficulties compared to young men and boys. A similar pattern was shown for non-binary and questioning children and young people. Children and young people with economic disadvantage and/or special education needs, and/or for whom there were welfare concerns, were generally more likely to experience higher levels of mental health difficulties.ConclusionsThis information could inform public policy, guidance and interventions.

‘Very little is done other than the odd reminder’…‘look after yourself’: a mixed-methods evaluation of what Australian teachers need and want from a wellbeing program

School teachers have demonstrated poor mental health and low levels of wellbeing, globally. Despite the high prevalence of depression, burnout, stress, and anxiety, few programs have been developed in collaboration with teachers that are appropriate for their needs and circumstances. The current mixed-methods study involved consultation with members of the teaching workforce in Australia to understand their preferences for a program to address their mental health and wellbeing. The sample included teachers and other key representatives from the education sector in New South Wales, Australia. There were 47 participants who completed online surveys, with a subset (n = 16) also attending two group workshops (n = 10 in the first workshop, n = 6 in the second workshop). Data were collected between May 2021 and October 2021. Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarise quantitative survey data, and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Results from surveys and workshops found that a new approach is needed to address teacher mental health and wellbeing in schools. Participants expressed a preference for a strategy that combined a face-to-face approach with a digital component and focused on three areas: staff relationships, supportive leadership, and practical skill development. The results of this study provide guidance about areas to target to improve teacher mental health and wellbeing.

Positive Well-Being, Work-Related Rumination and Work Engagement among Chinese University Logistics Staff.

Logistics personnel in Chinese universities are facing unbalanced costs and benefit from overloaded work with minimum wages, which impede school development and their well-being. However, the logistics staff population has been neglected in past investigations pertaining to psychological health conditions. The present study aimed to examine the positive well-being, work-related rumination, and work engagement of logistics staff, their correlations, and the factors affecting well-being in 282 Chinese university logistics staff via the Smith Well-being Questionnaire, the Work-Related Rumination Questionnaire, and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. The results indicated low levels of well-being and high levels of work-related rumination and work engagement among Chinese university logistics staff. The presence of positive attitudes towards life and work and high levels of work engagement predicts enhanced well-being, while the presence of negative characteristics and work-related rumination predicts decreased well-being. In situations where the working hours and work duties are challenging to change, universities can regularly schedule psychological counselling sessions for logistics staff to improve their well-being.

Physical activity, weight management, and mental health during COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study of healthcare students in China.

There is growing evidence that the social blockade brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected college students' physical activity; however, their weight management behaviors and mental health have not been fully explored, especially among healthcare students. This study aimed to assess physical activity, weight management behaviors, and mental health among healthcare students during the campus lockdown and to analyze the factors influencing physical activity. A cross-sectional survey of 1,216 healthcare students from March 24, 2022, to April 11, 2022. To collect information about students' physical activity, weight management behaviors, and mental health, they were asked to complete the Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), 11 issues related to weight management behavior, and the World Health Organization 5-Item Well-Being Index (WHO-5) questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine the factors influencing physical activity. Almost half of the participants had low levels of physical activity (45%), the mean score for weight management behavior was 39.55±6.26, and 54.6% had low levels of well-being. Healthcare students without exercise habits during the non-epidemic period reported lower levels of physical activity (OR = 1.81; 95%CI = 1.41-2.34, P<0.001). Participants with poor weight management behavior were more likely than other participants to report lower levels of physical activity (OR = 0.92; 95%CI = 0.90-0.94, P < 0.001). Likewise, the odds of being physically inactive were higher among the happier participants (OR = 0.98; 95%CI = 0.96-0.99, P = 0.031). During the COVID-19 lockdown, most healthcare students in Gansu province lack physical exercise and have a low health level. Significant correlation factors for low physical activity levels were grade level, non-lockout exercise habits, weight management level, and well-being. These findings demonstrate the importance of developing targeted policies and programs encouraging physical activity among medical students.

Evaluation of Changes in the Quality of Life Using the U22 Questionnaire after Cavotricuspid Isthmus Ablation

Abstract. Atrial tachyarrhythmias are the most common forms of heart rhythm disorders. According to literature sources, isolated atrial flutter (AFL) is observed in 88 people per 100,000 population. Most quality-of-life assessment methods have been developed and used primarily to assess atrial fibrillation. In this context, the U22 questionnaire becomes a significant protocol aimed at quantifying paroxysmal symptoms associated with tachyarrhythmias.&#x0D; The aim. To evaluate changes in the quality of life in patients with typical AFL after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and bidirectional conduction block through the cavotricuspid isthmus.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study is based on the analysis of the results of the treatment of a group of 135 patients at the National Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine in the period from 2014 to 2021. The patients had three follow-up examinations, which were subject to analysis and static processing: before RFA (n=135), after 1 month (n=122) and after 1 year (n=81). All the patients were interviewed concerning their arrhythmia-related symptoms, which were assessed according to the U22 protocol.&#x0D; Results. Before the procedure, the patients noted a low level of well-being (4.3±1.0 points). During the follow-up visit 1 month after RFA, the patients rated their general condition during this period at 8.9±0.7 points. The registered changes were statistically significant compared to the initial state (p&lt;0.0001). Thus, the radical elimination of AFL led to rapid improvement in the psycho-emotional and physical condition of the patients as early as within 1 month. Similar changes were observed during the assessment after 1 year, when the patients assessed their condition at 9.3±0.7 points (p&lt;0.0001); there was statistically significant difference compared to the initial condition and the results at the first follow-up examination. These results confirm the stability of the positive trend during the medium-term follow-up.&#x0D; Conclusions. The U22 questionnaire found symptomatic improvement in patients undergoing RFA of cavotricuspid isthmus. The U22 questionnaire can be considered as another, additional control tool for patients who underwent RFA. The peculiarity of its application is the specificity of the assessment of paroxysmal symptoms and complaints, which are specifically related to rhythm disturbances, and the possibility of a simple analysis of the dynamics for a long time after the intervention.