Lower Levels Of Life Satisfaction Research Articles

Prediction of depression onset risk among middle-aged and elderly adults using machine learning and Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging cohort

BackgroundEarly identification of the middle-aged and elderly people with high risk of developing depression disorder in the future and the full characterization of the associated risk factors are crucial for early interventions to prevent depression among the aging population. MethodsCanadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) has collected comprehensive information, including psychological scales and other non-psychological measures, i.e., socioeconomic, environmental, health, lifestyle, cognitive function, personality, about its participants (30,097 subjects aged from 45 to 85) at baseline phase in 2012–2015. We applied machine learning models for the prediction of these participants' risk of depression onset approximately three years later using information collected at baseline phase. ResultsIndividual-level risk for future depression onset among CLSA participants can be accurately predicted, with an area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.791 ± 0.016, using all baseline information. We also found the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale coupled with age and sex information could achieve similar performance (AUC 0.764 ± 0.016). Furthermore, we identified existing subthreshold depression symptoms, emotional instability, low levels of life satisfaction, perceived health, and social support, and nutrition risk as the most important predictors for depression onset independent from psychological scales. LimitationsDepression was based on self-reported doctor diagnosis and depression screening tool. ConclusionsThe identified risk factors will further improve our understanding of the depression onset among middle-aged and elderly population and the early identification of high-risk subjects is the first step for successful early interventions.

Modeling the Effect of Psycho-Socio-Economic Consequences of COVID-19 on Life Satisfaction: The Role of Deviation from a Balanced Time Perspective

Abstract This paper aims to study the role of deviation from a balanced time perspective in the broader context of COVID-19-related variables. We examined a structural model that depicted how the difficulty with adhering to COVID-19 restrictions and their psycho-socio-economic consequences were related to life satisfaction in a sample of 1,423 participants. The results suggest that the difficulty with adhering to the anti-pandemic measures was associated with increased loneliness, decreased contentment with the authorities’ management of the pandemic situation and a worsened personal economic situation. These factors were related to higher levels of COVID-19-related stress and anxiety and lower levels of life satisfaction. Importantly, deviation from the balanced time perspective was one of the strongest predictors of overall life satisfaction within the model.

여가라이프스타일에 따른 삶의 만족도 연구: 1인 가구와 다인 가구 비교 분석

As the number of single-person households in Korea has increased rapidly, the relevant issue has been discussed in many dimensions to improve their quality of life. This study explored the differences in life satisfaction according to leisure lifestyles between single-person and multi-person households. The study also examined the influence of leisure lifestyles on life satisfaction within each group. Data was collected using an online questionnaire for 415 respondents from online survey panels(204 respondents from single-person households and 211 from multi-person households). Frequency analysis, reliability analysis, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis were conducted to analyze the collected data. The results showed partially significant differences in leisure lifestyles and a significant difference in life satisfaction between single-person and multi-person households. The study also revealed that leisure lifestyles significantly influenced life satisfaction within each group. As a result, it is suggested that proper leisure activities and programs need to be designed and supported to make up for the inconvenience and to improve the quality of life for single-person households who reported lower levels of life satisfaction than multi-person households.

The influence of cities and their environmental management on life satisfaction: urban and rural perspectives

This study analyses the influence of city size on life satisfaction among the Ecuadorian population. It distinguishes rural from urban residents and looks at the effect of environmental management. Using individual and canton-level variables, an ordinal logit model is estimated. Results suggest that individuals living in the most populated cantons report a lower level of life satisfaction. This effect varies for urban and rural residents. Environmental management is positive for life satisfaction.

Validation of Types of Body Pain Areas and Related Factors in the Korean Aged Using Latent Class Analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find a nursing intervention plan by classifying the body pain areas of the Korean aged and analyzing related factors. Methods: This study performed the latent class analysis, cross-analysis, and one-way ANOVA using the SPSS 25, M-plus 7.0 program on 4,388 older adults aged 65 or over using the data from the 2020 Aging Research Panel. Results: As a result of the Latent Class Analysis, participants divided into four groups. Group 1 was the 'shoulder and low back pain group' with high shoulder and back pain, group 2 was the 'upper body pain group' with severe pain in the arms, wrists and fingers and chest, group 3 was the 'lower pain focused group' with high pain in the legs and knees, and finally, group 4 was the 'general low pain group' with low pain overall. The result of the study shows that the group that did not exercise regularly, the female group, and the low socioeconomic status group have more pain in general. The upper body central pain group showed a low level of life satisfaction. Conclusion: This study discusses various nursing interventions for the prevention of chronic pain, especially for the aged female group who has diverse body pain areas, the aged with low socioeconomic status, and the aged who do not exercise.

The negative association of perceived stress with adolescents’ life satisfaction during the pandemic period: The moderating role of school community support

PurposeTo analyze the association of perceived stress on the life satisfaction of Chilean adolescents during the recent pandemic, and to evaluate the moderating role that school community support provides. MethodsA total of 1337 adolescents in Chile (56.6% females), aged 14 through 19 (M = 15.99; SD = 1.3) participated. Descriptive statistics, a multiple linear regression model, and moderation analysis were all employed. ResultsFemales were associated with lower levels of Life Satisfaction (B = −0.19, p = .042), which was not the case for the Age variable (p = .160). The level of Perceived Stress was shown to have a negative association on Life Satisfaction (B = −1.93, p < .001). The moderation analysis revealed an interaction factor between Perceived Stress and School Community Support as predictors of Life Satisfaction (B = 0.37, t = 4.91, p < .001), showing that higher levels of School Community Support moderated the negative effect of Perceived Stress on Life Satisfaction. ConclusionsPerceived stress during the pandemic had a negative association on life satisfaction. School community support was a protective factor for this negative effect, even in the case of online classes due to school closures. Strengthening the connection between adolescents and their school communities along with providing additional tools and resources in support of such a connection are both essential.

Life Satisfaction among Self-Employed People in Different Welfare Regimes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Significance of Household Finances and Concerns about Work

Most studies have shown that self-employed people have higher levels of life satisfaction than employed people due to high levels of job satisfaction, work flexibility, and job control. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many self-employed people experienced economic strain and worried about the situation of their employees and survival of the company. The aim of this study was to examine the level of life satisfaction among self-employed people during the COVID-19 pandemic in different welfare regimes. Analyses were mainly based on Eurofound's "Living, Working and COVID-19" online survey. Fieldwork took place between April and June 2020 in 27 EU countries. The results showed that there was a significantly lower level of life satisfaction among self-employed people than employed people during the pandemic. This was in contrast to analyses from approximately one year before the pandemic, which showed that life satisfaction was higher among self-employed people. The main reasons for this lower level of life satisfaction among the self-employed during the pandemic were worse household financial situation and more worries about their job. Analyses of life satisfaction among the self-employed in different welfare regimes indicated that self-employed people in the Nordic welfare state regime largely kept their relatively high level of life satisfaction during the pandemic, but this was not the case for self-employed people in other welfare regimes.

Assessment of Life Satisfaction of the Physicians of the Silesian Province, Poland.

The medical profession is associated with a heavy psychological and physical burden. Specific working conditions can negatively affect the assessment of physicians' quality of life. The lack of current studies prompted us to evaluate the life satisfaction of the physicians in the Silesian Province in relation to the selected factors (health status, professional preferences, family and material status). The study included 701 physicians and dentists from the Silesian Province aged between 25 and 80 years. It was conducted in 2018 using the Paper and Pencil Interview technique by obtaining non-personalized demographic, anthropometric, socioeconomic, occupational, health and lifestyle data. The following measures were used: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Occupational Satisfaction and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Considering the environmental conditions, the total SWLS scores were analysed in terms of the significance of differences in the groups. Moreover, the SWLS scores underwent multivariate analysis of variance and the correlation analysis of job satisfaction and the presence of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Life satisfaction among the physicians and dentists from the Silesian Province was at an average level. Significant predictors included age and economic status. Additionally, significant predictors in the younger subjects (25-50 years) included the Body Mass Index and practising sports. In turn, in the older subjects (50-80 years), these predictors were related to hospital work and being on sick leave. The study found a significant moderate association between life satisfaction and professional satisfaction. Additionally, a significantly lower level of life satisfaction was reported in the subjects who presented with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Due to its association with the profession, the mean level of life satisfaction among physicians and dentists prompts verification of crucial spheres related to the physical, emotional, social and material well-being and the activity of the professional group.

Determinants of Life Satisfaction and Quality of Life Among American Indian Women Cancer Survivors: The Role of Psychosocial Resources

ABSTRACT Purpose This study assessed the relationship of spirituality, social support, and sense of mastery to life satisfaction and quality of life to identify viable psychosocial coping resources among American Indian (AI) women cancer survivors. Method We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 73 AI women cancer survivors residing in South Dakota. A series of multivariate hierarchical regression analyses was conducted. Results Findings indicated that lower self-rated physical health was consistently associated with lower levels of life satisfaction and quality of life. Spirituality was found to be the most influential predictor for life satisfaction, while social support and sense of mastery were two significant predictors for quality of life. Discussion Our data underscored the importance of spirituality, social support, and sense of mastery to the well-being of AI women cancer survivors and as effective coping strategies to mitigate life stressors. Implications of this evidence for the design of cancer preventions and interventions are discussed.

Relationship Analysis of Spiritual Intelligence with Life Satisfaction of College Students

The present study was conducted during December-January, 2022–23 at Ludhiana, Punjab, India to assess the relationship between spiritual intelligence and life satisfaction among college students. The sample consisted of 220 college students aged between 23–24 years. The sample consisted of equal number of male (n=110) and female (n=110) students. Random sampling was done to draw sample from four colleges of district Ludhiana. The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between spiritual intelligence and life satisfaction of college students. Sixfold spiritual intelligence scale by Kaur (2017) and Life satisfaction scale by Singh and Joseph (2015) were used as data collection tools to assess the spiritual intelligence and life satisfaction of college students. Gender wise mean score differences among college students across different dimensions of spiritual intelligence revealed no significant differences among various dimensions. Gender wise mean score differences among college students across different levels of life satisfaction showed a significant difference at low level of life satisfaction. The results revealed that all the dimensions of spiritual intelligence were positively related to life satisfaction of male and female college students. It would be also helpful for parents, counsellors, psychologists and human development professionals to understand the level of spiritual intelligence of college students. The present study will be useful for the youth to understand the importance of spiritual intelligence and its relationship with life satisfaction.

Are older teens more frustrated than younger teens by the covid-19 restrictions? The role of psychological maturity, personality traits, depression and life satisfaction

Many studies have shown the negative impact of lockdowns on adolescents, but there is less evidence on how they are affected by other stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, and, especially, whether there are any differences between early and late adolescence. The current study focuses on the frustration felt by adolescents because of the severe COVID-19 restrictions in a non-lockdown situation. We aimed to (a) assess the role of maturity and two personality traits (emotional stability and extraversion) in predicting their frustration, and (b) compare the levels of frustration, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction in older and younger adolescents. The sample of older adolescents was also compared with a paired sample of the same age collected in 2018, before the pandemic. The results suggest that maturity, extraversion and emotional stability are predictors of frustration in both older and younger adolescents, although older adolescents reported higher levels of frustration and depressive symptoms, and lower levels of life satisfaction. Older adolescents also reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than adolescents of the same age before the pandemic. These results show the negative impact of the pandemic, especially on older adolescents, and the important role of maturity and some personality traits in predicting their frustration.

TEACHERS AND POSITIVE EDUCATION: SOME INDICATORS OF TEACHER PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

It is often heard that the mental health of the population in Serbia is compromised and that the educational system is continuously deteriorating. However, there is still limited discussion regarding psychological well-being as a positive aspect of mental health that is of significant importance to enhance. The research presented in this paper was conducted with the aim of determining the psychological well-being of teachers, by assessing the levels of some “positive” and “negative” indicators (positive orientation, life satisfaction, hope for the future, exhaustion, perceived stress). The sample included 196 teachers / professional associates (88% female) with work experience ranging from 0 to over 20 years. The following instruments were used to measure indicators of psychological well-being: the Perceived Stress Scale, the Subscale of Exhaustion from the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, the Optimism‒Pessimism Scale, the Positive Orientation Scale, the Life Satisfaction Scale, and the Hope for the Future Scale. The results show that teachers / professional associates report an increased level of perceived stress, but at the same time, they still find satisfaction in their profession. For participants showing high levels of Job Exhaustion and Perceived Stress, low levels of Life Satisfaction, Job Satisfaction, Positive Orientation, and Hope for the Future can be expected. As a way to improve mental health and psychological well-being of those employed in schools, the introduction of positive education programs in schools in Serbia is suggested.

A survey of mental wellbeing and stress among dental therapists and hygienists in South West England.

Introduction Mental health and wellbeing of the dental team has been brought into sharp focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this renewed interest, there has been longstanding issues with poor mental health and wellbeing in the dental profession for some time. While there is some evidence that documents poor mental wellbeing amongst dentists, there appears to be a lack of evidence concerning dental care professionals.Aims To explore the level of mental wellbeing and stress amongst dental hygienists and therapists (DHTs) in South West England.Method An online survey was distributed to DHTs in South West England via two professional networks.Results A total of 129 surveys were completed. The mean levels of reported wellbeing were lower amongst DHTs than the general population and 45% of respondents reported high anxiety levels. Younger respondents reported lower levels of life satisfaction. Plus, 43.5% of dental therapists reported performing solely dental hygiene treatments, with those performing no dental therapy reporting lower happiness levels.Conclusion Low mental wellbeing amongst DHTs in the South West has been identified in this survey and this is likely to impact negatively on the morale and motivation of the workforce, leading to increased levels of absenteeism and ultimately, loss of colleagues from the dental workforce. The stress encountered by DHTs is largely workplace-related and therefore, there is an increased need for team- and organisation-delivered interventions to improve mental wellbeing for this group.

Does mindfulness reduce perceived stress in healthcare professionals?

BackgroundHealthcare professionals (HCPs) are exposed to multiple psychosocial risks that may lead to high levels of stress and low levels of life satisfaction and well-being. Mindfulness, defined as the awareness that arises by intentionally paying attention in the present moment and in a non-judgmental way, seems to be a moderator in the causal association between life stressors and well-being. AimsThe aim of the present study was to test the model of relationships between self-reported mindfulness, perceived stress, well-being index and life satisfaction in a sample of Tunisian HCPs. MethodsWe performed a correlational cross-sectional study on a sample of HCPs at Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Tunisia. We used validated self-reporting instruments: the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the World Health Organisation Well-Being Index (WHO-5) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). For data analysis, the SPSS version 23 program was used. ResultsParticipants (n=297) included staff nurses (49.2%), medical technicians (19.2%) and doctors (31.6%). The overall model revealed that reduced perceived stress (β=−0.30, P<0.000) and high levels of well-being (β=0.13, P=0.03) were associated with mindfulness, explaining 14% of the variance. Individually, perceived stress significantly predicted mindfulness explaining 13% of the variance. ConclusionThe study explores a variety of elements that can support the development of mindfulness interventions for stress prevention, staff well-being, and improvement of services as a whole.

Examining staff and faculty work–life balance and well-being using the dual continua model of mental health during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic created work–life balance, mental health, and well-being challenges for higher education employees, both initially and years later. We investigated staff and faculty self-reported work–life balance and quality of life using the dual continua model of mental health at a medium-size university for 9 months during August 2021 to April 2022. The dual continua model of mental health states that high levels of well-being and psychological distress can co-occur, while a unidimensional model of mental health positions well-being and psychological distress on opposite ends of a unipolar continuum. The dual continua model overlaps with and is broader than the unidimensional model. Based on 299 responses, four groups of staff and faculty (high and low anxiety crossed with high and low life satisfaction) were formed. Consistent with the dual continua and inconsistent with the unidimensional model of mental health, high life satisfaction, regardless of anxiety level, was associated with higher levels of quality of life and work–life balance. Consistent with both the unidimensional and dual continua models, within faculty and staff reporting lower levels of life satisfaction, higher levels of anxiety were associated with lower quality of life and work-life balance. In addition, within the high or low anxious groups, higher life satisfaction was associated with lower levels of depression. Present data represent the only study that builds on previous literature in examining well-being and psychological distress using a dual continua model in staff and faculty at a mid-size university. Overall, present results suggest the dual continua model of mental health better characterizes the relationship of well-being and psychological distress in staff and faculty in a higher education setting than a unidimensional model

Constraints to the Use of Social Media on Undergraduate Students in Tertiary Institution

The purpose of the study, which is a descriptive survey research, is to ascertain the limitations placed on undergraduate students' use of social media in postsecondary institutions. The study's focus is Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. The population of the study consists of all undergraduate students in the curriculum studies/Instructional Technology department of the faculty of education at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. 200 pupils made up the study's sample. Candidates were chosen through a simple random sampling process. The instrument used for the study to collect data from respondents is the Constraints to the Use of social media on Undergraduate Students in Tertiary Institution (CUSMUSTI), a structured questionnaire with 30 item questions with a reliability co-efficient of 0.74. Mean and standard deviation were used to statistically respond to the study questions, and the Z test was used to statistically assess the hypothesis. The study found that older teens who use social media in a passive way, such as by just scrolling through other people's images, report lower levels of life satisfaction and are more likely to propagate untrue rumors. It is recommended that young and old people should create more time for sleep so that their mental health can improve.

Associations between smartphone use and mental health and well-being among young Swiss men

Background and aimsIntense use of smartphones is associated with mental health problems and low well-being. However, little is known about the mental health and well-being of non- and low-level users. This study investigated the possibly non-linear associations between time spent using a smartphone, including non-users, and mental health and well-being among young adults. MethodsBetween 2016 and 2018, 5315 young Swiss men (M = 25.45 years old, SD = 1.25) completed a questionnaire assessing smartphone use, daily time spent using a smartphone, mental health and well-being (i.e. depression, social anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, life satisfaction, stress) and potential confounding variables (social capital, personality, education). The associations of smartphone use and time spent using a smartphone (linear and quadratic associations) with mental health and well-being were tested using regression models. ResultsNon-users (4.3%) reported worse mental health and well-being than smartphone users on all outcomes. Time spent using a smartphone was linearly associated with higher rates of social anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and lower levels of life satisfaction. The association with stress was non-linear, with significant linear and quadratic coefficients of time spent using a smartphone. Associations were partially attributable to confounding variables (i.e. social capital, personality, and education). ConclusionsNon-users and intense users of smartphones have lower levels of mental health and well-being than low-level users. Although society and mental health professionals are deeply concerned about the potentially negative consequences of the ever-increasing use of smartphones, the present study suggested that not using a smartphone may also indicate problems.

The Relationship Between Life Satisfaction and Functional Ego States for Elders in Nursing Homes

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between life satisfaction and functional ego states of elderly people in a nursing home. This cross-sectional study sample was composed of 126 elders living in a nursing home who were not diagnosed with dementia. Data were collected using the Introduction Form, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Ego States Scale. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc tests. The mean Satisfaction With Life Scale score of elderly participants was estimated to be 21.84 ± 5.30 (range 9–33). The possible range of scores is 5–35, with a score of 20 representing a neutral point on the scale. This result indicates that elderly people in nursing home show a higher than average level of life satisfaction. The dominant functional ego state of the participants was found to be Critical Parent (34.1%). There were significant differences in the Satisfaction With Life Scale means between groups in terms of dominant functional ego states (F = 47.304, p < 0.05). Post-hoc comparisons demonstrated that elderly people with a tendency to show more Critical Parent behaviors and communication patterns had lower levels of life satisfaction, and elderly people showing more Natural Child energy had higher levels of life satisfaction (p < 0.05). According to the research findings, the elders in Turkey have adopted a more critical stance over the years and shifted from the concerned, natural, but rational agedness defined in prior studies to a criticizing, demanding, and more rule-making agedness. Having an attitude more spontaneously and authentically like a child can increase life satisfaction in the elderly living in nursing homes. The research devoted to the functional ego states of the elderly needs to be completed with cultural analysis. Determining the dominant functional ego states of individuals while offering health care to the elderly experiencing problems in their personal and interpersonal relationships, and promoting convenient ego states, might render the care more effective and increase the life satisfaction of elderly people.

A Path Model for Subjective Well-Being during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Study among Polish and Ukrainian University Students.

Background: Previous studies showed several associations between physical and mental health dimensions and well-being. This study aims to examine a complex path model explaining the life satisfaction of university students from Poland and Ukraine during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The cross-sectional web-based study was performed in November 2020 using Google Forms. The conventional sample of 3230 university students from Poland (n = 1581) and Ukraine (n = 1649), aged 18–59 (M = 21.40, SD = 3.46), with 59% women, participated in the study. We used standardized questionnaires to measure life satisfaction (SWLS), self-reported physical health (GSRH), perceived stress (PSS-10), coronavirus-related PTSD (PCL-S), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). We also developed some questions to assess the exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic, positive effects of the pandemic, religiosity, and physical activity (PA). Results: We found a high prevalence of stress, coronavirus-related PTSD, anxiety, and depression and a low level of life satisfaction and physical health. Polish students, women, and those with insufficient PA levels reported worse physical and mental health than Ukrainians, men, and those who exercised sufficiently during the pandemic. Low perceived stress can directly predict life satisfaction, anxiety, and depression. Low stress also leads to better physical health, sufficient PA levels, high religiosity, and more perceived positive effects of the pandemic. Several indirect effects between particular variables and life satisfaction were also found in the path model. Conclusions: The target group for campus prevention programs is Polish university students, women, and people with insufficient PA levels. Intervention and prevention programs should focus on coping strategies and techniques for improving mental and physical health.

Age, ethnicity, life events and wellbeing among New Zealand women

AbstractBy the year 2030, 19–21 per cent of the population of New Zealand (NZ) is projected to be aged 65 and over. Like many countries, life expectancy in NZ differs by gender but also ethnicity: in 2019, life expectancy for Māori (indigenous) women was 77.1 years compared with 84.4 years for non-Māori women. If Māori and NZ European women are to flourish in later life, examining the factors associated with their wellbeing is paramount. The current study draws on the Life Course Perspective to explore how wellbeing is associated with age-related life events among mid- to later-life NZ women. The women in this study (N = 19,624) are participants in the 2018 wave of the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study, a national probabilistic 20-year longitudinal study (mean age = 55.62; Māori = 10.8%, NZ European = 89.2%). We found that stressful life events were negatively associated with life satisfaction but positively associated with meaning in life. Māori women exhibited lower levels of life satisfaction but there were no ethnic differences for meaning in life; however, Māori and NZ European women showed different patterns of significant correlates associated with meaning in life. Findings highlight the necessity of an intersectional approach to the study of mid- to later-life wellbeing and the utility of measuring wellbeing in more than one way within NZ's unique cultural-historical context.