Lower Levels Of Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

An Analysis of the Social Context of Video Games, Pathological Gaming, and Depressive Symptoms.

This study addresses the relationship between the social context in which individuals play video games, pathological gaming, and depressive symptoms. A sample of 265 participants recruited through local gaming communities completed an online survey asking questions pertaining to demographics, the most common social context of their gaming, depressive symptoms, and pathological gaming. Participants also responded to the open-ended question "How do you feel gaming has impacted you socially? Why?" Many participants felt gaming helped to expand their social circle, maintain existing relationships, develop social skills, and connect with others during Covid-19 lockdowns. A small minority of participants reported that gaming displaced time they could have spent with friends and family, and sometimes damaged their social skills. Using an Ordinary Least Squares regression framework, quantitative results indicate that those who gamed primarily in-person with friends displayed lower levels of pathological gaming than all other contexts. Those who gamed in-person with friends also displayed lower levels of depressive symptoms, although this was found to be somewhat a function of time spent gaming. These results indicate that perhaps in-person gaming with friends is a protective context for gaming compared with online gaming, or solitary gaming.

Which variables moderate the relationship between depressive symptoms and global neurocognition across adulthood?

ABSTRACT The current study examined moderators of the relationship between depressive symptoms and global neurocognition in a large non-clinical community-dwelling sample spanning adulthood. Participants comprised 5,430 individuals between the ages of 18–99 years drawn from the Virginia Cognitive Aging Project. Depressive symptoms were measured via the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale and neurocognition was operationalized as a composite variable comprising episodic memory, spatial visualization, processing speed, and reasoning tasks. Moderator variables included physical activity, cognitive activity, education, emotional stability, and openness. Hierarchical regressions were used to examine the influence of depressive symptoms and the moderators on neurocognition. Depressive symptoms significantly predicted neurocognition. Cognitive activity, years of education, and emotional stability moderated the depression-neurocognition relationship by buffering the impact of depressive symptoms on neurocognition. Cognitive activity engagement and level of education may function as a protective influence on those with higher levels of depressive symptoms, while emotional stability may be protective for individuals with lower levels of depressive symptoms. No differences in moderation were found across three age groups representing younger, middle, and older adults. Post-hoc analyses showed years of education and openness as moderators in a subsample excluding individuals with potentially clinically meaningful levels of depressive symptoms.

Gender and age differences in the associations between personality traits and depressive symptoms among Chinese adults: Based on China Family Panel Study.

This study aims to explore the associations between personality traits and depressive symptoms among Chinese adults and analyse the gender and age differences in the associations. A national representative sample of 28,628 adults aged 18 and above were selected from the 2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data. The short version of the Big Five Inventory (CBF-PI-15) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D 8) were used to measure personality traits and depressive symptoms respectively. Binary logistic regression models were employed to analyse the associations between personality traits and depressive symptoms in the whole participants, different age groups and genders respectively. After adjustment, higher levels of conscientiousness, extraversion and agreeableness were related to lower level of depressive symptoms, while higher levels of openness and neuroticism were related to higher level of depressive symptoms (p < 0.05). A significant interaction between gender and conscientiousness on depressive symptoms was found (interaction p=0.005), and the association between conscientiousness and depressive symptoms was stronger in males than females (p < 0.001). Significant interactions between age and conscientiousness (interaction p=0.007), agreeableness (interaction p=0.001) on depressive symptoms were found respectively. Moreover, the associations of conscientiousness and agreeableness with depressive symptoms were strongest among old group, followed by middle-aged group, and then young group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, conscientiousness, extraversion and agreeableness had negative associations with depressive symptoms, while openness and neuroticism had positive associations with depressive symptoms. The negative association between conscientiousness and depressive symptoms was stronger among males than females, and the negative associations of conscientiousness and agreeableness with depressive symptoms were strongest among old group, followed by middle-aged group, and then young group.

Adversity coping capability and its associations with mental health and family wellbeing amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong

BackgroundAdversity coping capability (ACC) is important amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the associations of ACC as measured by our one-item ACC scale (ACC-1) with mental health, family well-being and validity of ACC-1 in Hong Kong.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on Hong Kong Chinese adults aged ≥ 18 years by landline, mobile phone, and online survey from February to March 2021, when the fourth wave of COVID-19 was under control. ACC-1 consisted of the question: “How do you rate your capability to cope with adversities?” with higher scores (0–10) indicating stronger ACC. The associations of ACC with socioeconomic characteristics, resilience, mental health, and family wellbeing were examined by linear regression coefficients (βs). Data were weighted by sex, age, and education of the general population.ResultsOf 7441 respondents, after weighing, 52.2% were female and 79.1% were aged 18 to 64 years. ACC-1 showed good construct validity, with higher ACC being associated with higher levels of resilience (adjusted β = 0.29), personal happiness (0.55), family happiness (0.42), family wellbeing (0.41), and family communication quality (0.41), and lower levels of depressive symptoms (-0.30), anxiety (-0.30), loneliness (-0.15); incremental validity with additional contributions of ACC to mental health and family wellbeing; and known-group validity with older age and favorable socioeconomic characteristics showing higher ACC (all P < 0.02). Females (mean ± standard deviation: 6.04 ± 1.82 vs 6.15 ± 1.96 [male]) and unemployed respondents (5.30 ± 1.99 vs 6.11 ± 2.03 [in paid employment]) had lower ACC (all P ≤ 0.02).ConclusionsWe have first shown that stronger ACC was associated with better mental health and family wellbeing, and the results support ACC-1 as a simple and valid measure of ACC.

Association Between Anxiety Symptoms, Depression Symptoms, and Life Satisfaction Among Individuals 1 Year After Spinal Cord Injury: Findings From the SCIRehab Project

ObjectiveTo examine the association between anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and life satisfaction 1 year after SCI. DesignCross-sectional analysis of data from the SCIRehab Project. A linear regression model estimated the association between anxiety symptoms and life satisfaction and tested the moderating effect of depression symptoms on the association between anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms with an interaction term. SettingSix rehabilitation facilities across the United States. ParticipantsA total to 940 persons older than 12 years who received inpatient spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation between 2007 and 2009 were followed up 1 year post injury (n=940). InterventionsNone Main Outcome MeasuresLife satisfaction 1 year after SCI measured via the Satisfaction With Life Scale. ResultsUnadjusted analyses showed anxiety symptoms were associated with decreased life satisfaction for individuals with SCI. In adjusted analyses, anxiety symptoms were not associated with life satisfaction. In adding an interaction term, anxiety symptoms were associated with 2 points lower life satisfaction holding the other variables constant (P=.02). There was a moderating effect of depression symptoms on the association between anxiety symptoms and life satisfaction. Persons with anxiety symptoms had lower life satisfaction scores at lower levels of depression symptoms but higher life satisfaction scores at higher levels of depression symptoms than persons with no anxiety. ConclusionsIn clinical settings, both anxiety and depression symptoms should be monitored, measured, and treated together to optimally improve life satisfaction for persons with SCI. Prioritizing interventions known to have transdiagnostic effects may achieve the best results.

Parent-Child Attachment Security and Depressive Symptoms in Early Adolescence: The Mediating Roles of Gratitude and Forgiveness.

Although greater parent-child attachment security is linked with children's lower levels of depressive symptoms, little research has evaluated potential explanatory mechanisms. We investigated whether dispositional gratitude and interpersonal forgiveness explain the relation between attachment security with parents and early adolescents' depressive symptoms. Early adolescents (N = 105; M age = 12.3 years; 51% girls) completed questionnaires assessing their attachment security to mother and father figures, depressive symptoms, and dispositional gratitude, and an interview assessing interpersonal forgiveness. Results revealed that greater attachment security to mothers and fathers was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and greater levels of dispositional gratitude and interpersonal forgiveness. Further, dispositional gratitude and interpersonal forgiveness were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Dispositional gratitude emerged as a mediator between attachment security with each parent and depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that greater parent-child security may promote early adolescents' appreciation of positive events, which in turn may relate to fewer depressive symptoms.

The Protective Effect of Culture on Depression During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Romanian National Study

Previous studies indicated that collectivism represents a protective factor against depressive disorders, even among vulnerable populations. The protective effect of collectivism in relation to depressive disorders is often attributed to the social support networks available to individuals in collectivistic societies. The current study aims to investigate the protective effect of collectivism in the relationship between psychological vulnerabilities and depression. Moreover, we examined whether the protective effect of collectivism in relation to depression can be explained through the mechanism of social support. We measured individualism-collectivism for 42 Romanian counties ( n = 2,882) before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data for irrational cognitions, depression, and social support were collected online during the lockdown in Romania ( n = 5,310). All instruments showed acceptable measurement and scalar invariance across regions. In a multi-level regression model, county-level collectivism was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms b = −.032, 95% CI [−0.045; −0.019], while irrational cognitions were positively associated with depression b = .474, 95% CI [0.438; 0.510]. The interaction between irrational beliefs and collectivism had a significant and negative effect on depression, b = −.004, 95% CI [−0.008; −0.000]. The indirect effect of collectivism on depression via social support was tested in a two-level SEM model. Explicit and implicit social support were not significant mediators. Collectivism was negatively associated with the perceived availability of explicit social support, b = −.043, 95% CI [−0.074; −0.012]. The results support a general protective effect of collectivism on mental health but cast doubt that the mechanism for this effect is related to social support.

Pathways From Prosocial Behaviour to Emotional Health and Academic Achievement in Early Adolescence

This study examined pathways from prosocial behaviour in the beginning of the school year to emotional health and academic achievement in the end of the year, taking into account the mediating role of peer acceptance. Participants were 734 grade 4 to 7 students in public elementary schools (51% female) in Western Canada. As expected, pathway analyses taking into account the clustered structure of the data indicated that self-reported prosocial behaviour in the beginning of the school year was significantly related higher levels of self-reported optimism, lower levels of depressive symptoms, and better grades in the end of the year; the association was mediated by peer-reported peer acceptance in the classroom. Findings support the role of peer acceptance as an underlying mechanism involved in the association between prosocial behaviour and positive developmental health outcomes in early adolescence. Findings are also practically relevant as they inform school-based social-emotional competence promotion through interventions.

Suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and positive mental health in Chinese medical students

• Twelve-month suicidal ideation is about 10-11.5% in Chinese university students. • Medical students have lower depression symptoms than students of other disciplines. • Medical students have higher positive mental health (PMH) than other students. • Over 84% of students report complete mental health (high PMH, low psychopathology). Students worldwide are at marked risk of suicidal ideation/behavior, depression, and low positive mental health (PMH). Medical students are suspected to be a particularly burdened group. On this background, the aim of the present study was to determine prevalence rates of suicidal ideation/behavior, depression and PMH, among Chinese medical students compared to students from other disciplines. A total of 2,695 Chinese students (41.2% women; age: M = 18.86, SD = .60, range: 18–21), including 461 medical students, filled out self-report measures on suicidal ideation/behavior, depression, and PMH. Twelve-month suicidal ideation was reported by 10.2% of the medical students and by 11.5% of the other students. Medical students had significantly lower levels of depression symptoms and significantly higher levels of PMH than students from other disciplines. Complete mental health – according to the dual-factor model of mental health – was reported by more than 84% of the total sample. Data were assessed by a self-report survey that is prone to social desirability. Students in the present study displayed high rates of complete mental health – although the survey was conducted in the midst of the Corona pandemic. No evidence was found that medical students are particularly stressed.

Chaotic family environments and depressive symptoms in parents of autistic children: The protective role of optimism

BackgroundRaising an autistic child is associated with increased parenting stress and higher rates of depression for both mothers and fathers. While most research has focused on the challenges related to having an autistic child, such as higher rates of chaotic family environments, an emerging body of research has begun to examine the protective effects of optimism to reduce the negative impact on parent mental health. MethodA total of 133 mothers and 78 fathers of autistic children between the ages of 2–10 years participated in the study. Parents answered questionnaires related to their family functioning, dispositional optimism, and depressive symptoms. ResultsResults found a significant family chaotic environment X optimism X parent gender interaction. For mothers and fathers, higher levels of chaotic family environment were associated with increased depressive symptoms whereas increased levels of optimism were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. However, optimism was only protective for mothers and not for fathers. ConclusionsThe results highlight the need for the inclusion of optimism in parent-focused interventions.

Effect of intervention delivered by frontline maternal care providers to improve outcome and parenting skills among adolescents with perinatal depression in Nigeria (the RAPiD study): A cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPerinatal depression is more common and is associated with greater negative consequences among adolescents than adults. Psychosocial interventions designed for adults may be inadequate at addressing the unique features of adolescent perinatal depression. MethodsIn a two-arm parallel cluster randomized trial conducted in thirty primary maternal care clinics in Ibadan, Nigeria (15-intervention and 15-control) we compared age-appropriate intervention consisting of problem-solving therapy, behavioral activation, parenting skills training, and parenting support from a self-identified adult to care as usual. Pregnant adolescents (aged <20 years) at fetal gestational age16–36 weeks with moderate to severe depression were recruited. Primary outcomes were depression symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS) and parenting practices (Infant-Toddler version of the Home Inventory for Measurement of the Environment, HOME-IT) at six-months postnatal. ResultsThere were 242 participants (intervention arm: 141; Control arm: 101), with a mean age of 18∙0 (SD-1∙2). Baseline mean EPDS score was 14∙2 (SD-2.1); 80∙1 % completed the six-month postnatal follow-up. The intervention group had lower level of depressive symptoms than the control group, mean EPDS scores: 5∙5 (SD-3∙6) versus 7∙2 (SD-4∙0) (adjusted mean difference -1∙84 (95%CI- 3∙06 to −0∙62; p = 0∙003) and better parenting practices, mean total HOME-IT scores: 29∙8 (SD-4∙4) versus 26∙4 (SD-4∙2) (adjusted mean difference 3∙4 (95%Cl- 2∙12 to 4∙69, p = 0∙001). LimitationsThis study explored the effect of complex interventions making it difficult to know precisely what aspects produced the outcomes. ConclusionsAn age-appropriate psychosocial intervention package holds promise for scaling up care for adolescents with perinatal depression especially in resource-constrained settings. Trial registrationISRCTN16775958. Registered on 30 April 2019.

Socio-demographic correlates of subjective age in young and middle-aged adults

Subjective age, referring to the age people feel rather than their chronological age, is conceptualized as an important biopsychosocial marker of development, and there is a growing body of literature linking the age one feels to a range of psychological, behavioral, and functional outcomes. Little is known, however, about the correlates of subjective age. To fill this gap, a questionnaire was applied to a convenience sample of 229 participants (Mage = 28.69 years, SD = 8.12 years) in the present study measuring socio-demographic, health-related variables and multidimensional subjective age. The questionnaire was applied using the Google Forms web application, and the results were analyzed with a standard multiple regression analysis. The regression analysis revealed that the senior chronological age, a lower level of depressive symptoms, and being married or with a partner were associated with a younger subjective age. Importantly, the chronological age group (younger vs middle-aged adults) had no moderating role in the relationship between subjective age and sociodemographic or health-related variables. In conclusion, the findings highlighted the importance of certain sociodemographic characteristics on subjective age.

Planful Self-Control, Metabolic Risk, and Psychosocial Outcomes Among Young, Black Men: A Test of Skin-Deep Resilience Theory.

Research on skin-deep resilience suggests that for youth and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, high levels of planful self-control may promote positive psychosocial outcomes while simultaneously conferring vulnerabilities to chronic diseases related to aging. In this study, we investigated the divergent effects of planful self-control on young Black American men’s psychosocial well-being and their metabolic risk. We expected that high levels of planful self-control in emerging adulthood would predict positive outcomes in young adulthood (educational attainment, low depressive symptoms, job satisfaction); however, the combination of high levels of planful self-control and the experience of contextual adversity either in emerging adulthood or in childhood would forecast poor metabolic health. Hypotheses were tested with prospective data from 504 Black American men followed from age 20 to age 26. Planful self-control in emerging adulthood directly forecasted low levels of depressive symptoms, one’s likelihood of obtaining a bachelor’s degree, increased job satisfaction, and increases in metabolic risk. Exposure to childhood deprivation moderated the influence of planful self-control on metabolic risk. Men with high levels of deprivation and high levels of planful self-control exhibited the worst metabolic profiles in the sample. In contrast, men with high levels of childhood deprivation and low levels of planful self-control exhibited the best metabolic profiles. Documenting the health consequences associated with planful self-control provides a foundation from which to identify modifiable psychosocial factors that affect the course of psychosocial problems and health.

Mental health problems among hotline callers during the early stage of COVID-19 pandemic.

BackgroundThe study aims to explore the mental health of the hotline callers during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.MethodsCallers (N = 10,490) from the Beijing Psychological Support Hotline from January 21st to June 30th in 2019 and 2020 were enrolled and divided into two groups (during (2020) and before (2019) COVID-19 pandemic). The severity of depressive symptoms, psychological distress, hopefulness, and suicidal ideation (SI) was assessed. Demographic characteristics and major concerns were also collected. Mann-Whitney U and chi-square test were used to compare the differences in mental health conditions and major concerns between two years and between different age groups. The multivariable logistic regression was used to explore whether mental health conditions were associated with pandemic and demographic factors.ResultsResults from multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that the change in suicidal ideation (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.21–1.92) was significantly different across age groups. Callers during the pandemic reported a higher level of hopefulness (OR = 1.13, 95% CI [1.03–1.24]), a lower level of depressive symptoms (OR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.74–0.89]) and psychological distress (OR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.81–0.98]), and were less likely to report SI (OR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.61–0.77]) compared with callers before the pandemic.ConclusionsCompared with callers before the pandemic, hotline callers during the early stage of COVID-19 pandemic did not present significant mental health problems. Younger callers during the pandemic were more vulnerable for the presence of suicidal ideation. Hotline-based crisis interventions might provide specific psychological support to cope with troubles during the pandemic.

Does social capital buffer or exacerbate mental health inequality? Evidence from the China Family Panel Study (CFPS)

BackgroundHealth inequality, including physical and mental health inequality, is an important issue. What role social capital plays in mental health inequality is still ambiguous, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between social capital and mental health inequality in China.MethodBoth family-level and community-/village-level social capitals are included in our analysis. Data is mainly extracted from the China Family Panel Studies in 2018, and lagged term of social capital in CFPS 2016 was used to link with other variables in 2018. Depressive symptoms and subjective well-being are set as indicators of mental health. A series of OLS regression models were conducted to estimate the effects of social capital on mental health and mental health inequality.ResultsHigher levels of social capital and income are related to a lower level of depressive symptoms and a higher level of subjective well-being. The positive coefficient of interaction term of family-level social capital and income level in the urban area indicates that the inhibiting effect of social capital on depressive symptoms is pro-poor. The negative coefficient of interaction term of village-level social capital and income level in the rural area suggests that the promoting effect of social capital on subjective well-being is pro-poor, too.ConclusionThe results show that severe mental health inequality exists in China; family-level social capital can buffer depressive symptom inequality, and village-level social capital can buffer SWB inequality. Although the amount of social capital of the poor is less than the rich, the poor can better use social capital to improve their mental health. Our study advocates enhancing social participation and communication for the poor to reduce mental health inequality.

The Relationship Between Parent-Adolescent Communication and Depressive Symptoms: The Roles of School Life Experience, Learning Difficulties and Confidence in the Future

PurposeAdolescent depression has become a public health issue in China. Family environment and school life play important roles in shaping adolescent mental health. Our study aimed to examine the effect of parent-adolescent communication, school-life experiences, learning difficulties, and confidence in the future on depressive symptoms. We also examined the mediating effects of school-life experiences, learning difficulties, and confidence in the future on the relationship between parent-adolescent communication and depressive symptoms.MethodsData on depressive symptoms, parent-adolescent communication, and mediating variables were obtained from the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS), including baseline data (2013–2014) and follow-up data (2014–2015). Mixed-effect models were used to evaluate the effects of parent-adolescent communication, school-life experiences, learning difficulties, and confidence in the future on depressive symptoms, and path analyses were performed to determine the mediating roles of school-life experiences, learning difficulties, and confidence in the future on the relationship between parent-adolescent communication and adolescent depressive symptoms.ResultsMore father-adolescent communication, better school-life experiences, and higher confidence in the future were protective factors for depressive symptoms among all boys and girls, and learning difficulties were a risk factor for depressive symptoms among all boys and girls. School-life experiences, learning difficulties, and confidence in the future had statistically significant mediating effects on the relationship between parent-adolescent communication and depressive symptoms.ConclusionMore father-adolescent communication, higher confidence in the future, better school-life experiences, and fewer academic difficulties were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Both mother-adolescent communication and father-adolescent communication affected depressive symptoms through their effects on school-life experience, learning difficulties, and confidence in the future. This finding highlighted the importance of parent-adolescent communication and its impact on depression.

THE INVESTIGATION OF CHANGES IN HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE BEFORE AND AFTER GIVING BIRTH IN A SAMPLE OF ROMANIAN WOMEN

Pregnancy is an important and meaningful period of transition to motherhood. It can be seen as a socially, physically, psychologically, and culturally challenging and transformative period, and may affect women’s physical and mental health. Objectives of this study are to investigate significant differences in health-related quality of life and indicators of mental health in women during pregnancy and after giving birth and to explore the association patterns between these variables during pregnancy and after giving birth. The study included 57 Romanian women enrolled from July 2019 until the end of April 2020 through Facebook groups dedicated to pregnant women and mothers, forums, and support groups. The women completed the set of questionnaires twice: during pregnancy and one month after giving birth. The participants reported significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms in the second semester of pregnancy compared to the assessment conducted one month after giving birth. Physical functioning, affectionate expression, and vitality proved to significantly improve after giving birth. Emotional well-being, social functioning, and cohesion seem to lower significantly after giving birth. The results of the study can be used as a basis for designing, planning, and implementing appropriate interventions for women by healthcare providers and policymakers.

Baseline Quality-of-Life of Caregivers of Patients With Heart Failure Prior to Advanced Therapies: Findings From the Sustaining Quality of Life of the Aged: Transplant or Mechanical Support (SUSTAIN-IT) Study

We compared health-related quality of life (HRQOL), depressive symptoms, anxiety, and burden in caregivers of older patients with heart failure based on the intended therapy goal of the patient: awaiting heart transplantation (HT) with or without mechanical circulatory support (MCS) or prior to long-term MCS; and we identified factors associated with HRQOL. Caregivers (n = 281) recruited from 13 HT and MCS programs in the United States completed measures of HRQOL (EQ-5D-3L), depressive symptoms (PHQ-8), anxiety (STAI-state), and burden (Oberst Caregiving Burden Scale). Analyses included ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis tests, χ2 tests, and linear regression. The majority of caregivers were female, white spouses with ≤ 2 comorbidities, median [Q1,Q3] age = 62 [57.8, 67.0] years. Caregivers (HT with MCS = 87, HT without MCS = 98, long-term MCS = 96) reported similarly high baseline HRQOL (EQ-5D-3L visual analog scale median score = 90; P = 0.67 for all groups) and low levels of depressive symptoms. STAI-state median scores were higher in the long-term MCS group vs the HT groups with and without MCS, (38 vs 32 vs 31; P < 0.001), respectively. Burden (task: time spent/difficulty) differed significantly among groups. Caregiver factors (number of comorbidities, diabetes and higher anxiety levels) were significantly associated with worse caregiver HRQOL, R2 = 26%. Recognizing caregiver-specific factors, including comorbidities and anxiety, associated with the HRQOL of caregivers of these older patients with advanced HF may guide support strategies.

Translating, contextually adapting, and pilot testing of psychosocial and mental health assessment instruments for Congolese refugees in Rwanda and Uganda

BackgroundForcibly displaced people are at elevated risk of experiencing circumstances that can adversely impact on mental health. Culturally and contextually relevant tools to assess their mental health and psychosocial needs are essential to inform the development of appropriate interventions and investigate the effectiveness of such interventions.MethodsWe conducted two related studies: (1) to translate and contextually adapt the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a measure of depressive symptomatology, along with assessment instruments measuring levels of daily stress (Checklist for Daily & Environmental Stressors; CDES), social capital (Shortened and Adapted Social Capital Assessment Tool; SASCAT) and perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support; MSPSS) for use with Congolese refugees; (2) to conduct pilot testing of the assessment instruments (including cognitive interviewing about participants’ views of completing them) and a validation of the adapted PHQ-9 using a ‘known group’ approach by recruiting Congolese refugees from refugee settings in Rwanda (n = 100) and Uganda (n = 100).ResultsStudy 1 resulted in the translation and adaptation of the assessment instruments. No substantive adaptations were made to the SASCAT or MSPSS, while notable linguistic and contextual adaptations were made in both sites to the CDES and the PHQ-9. The cognitive interviewing conducted in Study 2 indicated that the adapted assessment instruments were generally well received by members of the refugee communities. Participants recruited on the basis that local informants adjudged them to have high levels of depressive symptoms had significantly higher PHQ-9 scores (M = 11.02; SD = 5.84) compared to those in the group adjudged to have low levels of depressive symptoms (M = 5.66; SD = 5.04). In both sites, the adapted versions of the PHQ-9 demonstrated concurrent validity via significant positive correlations with levels of daily stressors. Each of the four adapted assessment instruments demonstrated at least adequate levels of internal consistency in both sites.ConclusionsThe adapted versions of the PHQ-9, CDES, SASCAT and MSPSS are appropriate for use amongst Congolese refugees in Rwanda and Uganda. We recommend further application of the approaches used in the current studies for contextually adapting other assessment instruments in humanitarian settings.

A dyadic analysis of relationship satisfaction and depressive symptoms among same-sex couples.

Sexual minority individuals experience depression at a disproportionately higher rate than their heterosexual peers. One predictor of depression is low romantic relationship satisfaction, and research on different-sex couples demonstrates that one's own and one's partner's levels of relationship satisfaction are negatively associated with one's own level of depressive symptoms (i.e., actor and partner effects, respectively). However, little research has explored partner effects of relationship satisfaction on depression in same-sex couples. Furthermore, little is known regarding the degree to which relationship satisfaction is associated with depression in same-sex couples, over and above their shared association with demographic characteristics and internalized heterosexism, a known correlate of both relationship satisfaction and depression. This study examined cross-sectional actor and partner effects of relationship satisfaction on depressive symptoms in a sample of 102 same-sex couples (68 female), and evaluated whether these effects were significant when adjusting for sex, relationship length, and internalized heterosexism. Multilevel analyses were conducted to estimate actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) effects for indistinguishable dyads. Results indicated that (a) there were statistically significant actor and partner effects for relationship satisfaction on depressive symptoms, such that higher levels of relationship satisfaction were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms and (b) actor and partner effects for relationship satisfaction remained statistically significant when adjusting for sex, relationship length, and actor and partner effects for internalized heterosexism. Furthermore, there were statistically significant actor (but not partner) effects for internalized heterosexism on depressive symptoms, such that higher levels of internalized heterosexism were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).