Lower Levels Of Psychological Well-being Research Articles

Cardiac-specific experiential avoidance predicts change in general psychological well-being among patients completing cardiac rehabilitation.

Previous studies have shown that experiential avoidance (EA) is associated with physical and psychological well-being in medical and non-medical samples. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the reciprocal association between psychological well-being and EA over time among cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients with moderately to severely low levels of psychological well-being. Pre-CR data on demographic characteristics, measures of psychological well-being, and cardiac-specific EA were collected from 915 CR patients, as well as post-CR psychological well-being and EA data, from 800 of these patients. A cross-lagged model was estimated to examine the relationship between EA and psychological well-being among patients with moderately to severely low levels of psychological well-being based on questionnaire scores. Both EA and psychological well-being significantly changed during CR and were negatively associated with each other at both pre- and post-CR. Results from cross-lagged structural equation modeling supported a nonreciprocal association between EA and psychological well-being during CR. Pre-CR assessment of EA in patients showing low levels of well-being at the beginning of CR could help to identify patients at risk for worse psychological outcomes. EA could be a promising target of psychological treatments administered during CR.

The psychological determinants of internet gaming disorder: Vulnerability to stress, psychological well-being, and comorbidity

IntroductionA variety of psychological determinants, such as vulnerability to stress, low levels of psychological well-being and several comorbidities, have been hypothesized to play a role in the development, and maintenance of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). However, evidence has been insufficient to sustain an overarching model of the causal pathways leading to IGD.Objectives. This study aimed to depict a model of the causal links between vulnerability to stress, psychological well-being, and symptoms of common mental disorders (e.g., depression, generalized anxiety, phobic anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, somatization, and hostility).Methods. A community-based sample of Portuguese gamers (N = 153; Mage = 21.92; 15.29% female) completed measures of IGD (IGDS9-SF), mental health (SCL-90-R), psychological well-being (EBEP), and vulnerability to stress (23QVS). A machine learning algorithm – Greedy Fast Causal Inference – was used to infer a model of the causal pathways linking those psychological determinants to IGD.Results. Hostility and psychological well-being were directly involved with a subgroup of IGD symptoms (i.e., gaming used as escape, tolerance, withdrawal, and loss of control). Stress vulnerability and symptoms of mental disorders were only indirectly implicated in the causal pathways leading to IGD.Conclusions. It is likely that several psychological factors implicated in the causal pathways leading to IGD, have not been yet identified. Future research should directly test specific models of the causal pathways involved in the development and maintenance of IGD symptoms.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Influência da perceção de apoio social no bem-estar psicológico em adolescentes portugueses

Even though there has been systematic research into the perception of social support, few studies have sought to understand their influence on adolescents’ psychological well-being. This study aims to identify possible consequences of social support perception in the various dimensions of psychological well-being. The study sample consisted of 283 Portuguese students, ranging from grammar to secondary education, between 12 and 17 years old, being 52.7 % were female. Two self-report scales were used to assess psychological well-being and perceived social support. Results showed significant influences of social support dimensions of perception (friends, family, teachers, and general support) in the dimensions of psychological well-being. Still, low levels of perceptions of support were also associated with lower levels of psychological well-being compared to those with higher perception support. The individual’s perception of social support is related to psychological well-being. These results suggest that adolescents support is a variable that can limit the development of capacities inherent to their positive achievement. Further research needs to be conducted to systematize research on the topic.

Impacts of COVID-19 on population well-being: Results of a web survey conducted in France during the first quarantine in 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental well-being observed during the first quarantine implemented in France in 2020. This online survey included 1,876 French volunteer participants who completed data on lifestyle habits during the period of confinement and self-reported levels of resilience, optimism and psychological well-being. We observed that the score of participants’ psychological well-being was considerably lower among single participants, students, the unemployed and those facing risk of financial insecurity. The results of the multivariate analysis showed that low levels of psychological well-being were significantly associated with single status and male gender. Higher scores for general peer support, optimism, resilience and confidence in information shared within immediate circles of friends of family were also significantly positively associated with better mental health. Taken together, the results from this study showed that quarantine measures impacted the psychological well-being of the participants in our sample, that the degree of impact was strongly linked with individual levels of resilience and optimism, and that general support together with confidence in one's immediate circle of friends or family also played an important role in overall mental well-being.

Psychological Well-Being in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Associated With Obesity: The Relationship With Personality, Cognitive Functioning, and Subjective and Objective Sleep Quality.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome severely affects psychological well-being. This syndrome frequently occurs in obesity; however, no previous study has investigated the level of psychological well-being in the case of OSA syndrome associated with obesity. In this work, we assessed the level of psychological well-being in fifty-two individuals affected by OSA syndrome and obesity through the Psychological General Well-Being Index. Moreover, we investigated the role of personality, cognitive functioning and attentional capabilities, subjective perception and objective measurement about sleeping, on the subjective perception of psychological well-being. Our sample reported a lower level of psychological well-being; the participants’ scores were below the normative cut-off in all components, except for depression symptoms. A lower expression of harm avoidance temperament and a lower level of daily sleepiness predicted a higher level of psychological well-being. Psychological well-being seemed to be severely affected in individuals affected by OSA syndrome and obesity. The temperament and subjective perception of daily alertness and sleepiness, rather than the syndrome severity, seemed to play a crucial role in the individual perception of the psychological well-being.

Comparing the Psychological Well-Being of the Manjo Ethnic Minority with the Non-Manjo Ethnic Group in Kaffa Zone, Ethiopia

This study examined the level of psychological well-being between the Ethnic Minority group, commonly called “Manjo,” and the majority group called “Gomero.” Psychological well-being questionnaires were administered to a sample of 298 (independent sample from both groups). The findings demonstrated that the non-Manjo (Gomero) Ethnic group possessed a considerably high level of psychological well-being. Statistical differences were found in participants’ psychological well-being across Ethnic groups. According to the results, participants from the Manjo Ethnic Minority group had a lower level of psychological well-being (M = 211.27, SD = 17.51) compared to the majority (Gomero). A statistically significant variation in psychological well-being (theoretically embodied across a broad spectrum of measurement units) among the two independent study groups was reflected.

Esquemas desadaptativos tempranos y bienestar psicológico en pacientes que acuden a consulta externa en una Institución Prestadora de Servicios de Salud – IPRESS, Lima, 2020

En el presente estudio se planteó como objetivo determinar la relación entre los esquemas desadaptativos tempranos y el bienestar psicológico de los pacientes que acuden a consulta externa en una Institución Prestadora de Servicios de Salud – IPRESS, Lima, 2020. La investigación se desarrolló bajo un enfoque cuantitativo, diseño no experimental y un alcance correlacional; en la cual participaron 120 pacientes (ambos sexos) que acudieron al servicio consulto externa de una Institución Prestadora de Servicios de Salud – IPRESS de la ciudad de Lima. La recolección de datos se realizó utilizando dos instrumentos: Escala de esquemas de Young (YSQ-SF) y la Escala de Bienestar psicológico Bieps-A. En el estudio se concluyó que los esquemas desadaptativos tempranos presentan una relación significativa (p=0,000) e inversa (r=-0,764) con el bienestar psicológico en pacientes que acuden a consulta externa en una IPRESS, Lima, 2020. Es decir a mayor presencia de esquemas desadaptativos, los pacientes tienden a experimentar menores niveles de bienestar psicológico.

Validation of the brief scale for the evaluation of acculturation stress in migrant population (EBEA)

BackgroundAcculturation stress is associated with poorer physical and mental health and a lower level of psychological well-being. The causes of acculturation stress are diverse, but most are similar in the migrant population. Despite the importance of evaluating this variable, few studies have reported culturally adapted and validated instruments for specific populations. Based on this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a short scale for the evaluation of acculturation stress (EBEA).MethodsTwo studies were conducted, involving 1725 first-generation Colombian and Peruvian migrants living in Chile, between the ages of 18 and 60 years. In addition to the EBEA and as evidence of validity, the Beck Anxiety Scale and the WHOQOL-BREF psychological health domain were applied. A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out, and the reliability and nomological validity were evaluated.ResultsThe results in both studies indicated that the scale presents a factorial structure of three dimensions: (a) the stress derived from the preparation and departure from the country of origin, (b) the stress produced by socioeconomic concerns in the host country, and (c) the tensions typical of adaptation to sociocultural changes or Chilean society. The reliability coefficients and the analysis of their nomological validity were very good.ConclusionsThe EBEA is a measure that offers quick, useful screening for researchers who need a short measure for research among migrants. This tool contributes to the work of education, prevention, and intervention in the field of general health and migrants’ mental health.

Factors of psychological well-being of adolescents in the aspect of self-knowledge

The premise for the present study lies in the lack of a unanimous scientific opinion on the relationship between self-knowledge and psychological well-being. The article presents the results of a study of the factors of psychological well-being of adolescents associated with their self-knowledge. The relevance of the conducted study is due to the need to integrate scientific knowledge on the internal factors contributing to psychological well-being. The scientific novelty is shaped by the fact that adolescents’ self-knowledge in the context of their psychological well-being is understudied and is examined for the first time. The study includes 500 adolescents aged 13-17 years old from schools in Tula, Lipetsk, and Moscow regions. The conducted factor analysis reveals common and specific factors of psychological well-being that are significant for adolescents with varying levels of psychological well-being. The common factors found in the entire sample are the desire for self-reflective analysis, for successful communication, for physical harmony, and for a meaningful perception of one’s future. The specific factors relevant for each group – adolescents with high, average, and low levels of psychological well-being – are also identified. The results of the analysis allow concluding that the psychological well-being of adolescents at different levels of psychological well-being is determined by factors related to self-knowledge. The presented work is of interest for researchers concerned with the problems of adolescents’ psychological well-being, as well as in designing educational programs and projects aimed at improving the psychological well-being of adolescents.

ЛИЧНОСТНЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ОДАРЁННЫХ УЧАЩИХСЯ С РАЗНЫМ УРОВНЕМ ПСИХОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО БЛАГОПОЛУЧИЯ

Introduction. The paper presents the results of the comparative analysis of the personal characteristics of students with various levels of psychological well-being. Materials and Methods. The study relies on the following methods: Maddi’s Hardiness survey, V.V. Stolin and S.R. Panteleev’s Self-attitude test questionnaire, R. Lazarus and S. Folkman’s Test for coping with difficult situations, Kolb’s Learning style inventory, and H. Sievert’s Test to identify creative abilities. Results. Students with a high level of psychological well-being are characterized by constructive strategies for resolving problem situations, a high level of hardiness, and a positive self-attitude. Students with a low level of psychological well-being are characterized by a low degree of self-acceptance, a high degree of self-blame, a desire to avoid solving problems, and a lack of control over their own lives. Conclusion. The findings indicate that there are relationships between the psychological well-being of gifted students and indicators of their hardiness, coping strategies, self-attitude, learning style, and creativity. The study has revealed that students with different levels of psychological well-being differin some of the studied characteristics. Keywords: psychological well-being, giftedness, specialized schools, personal characteristics, hardiness, self-attitude, coping strategies, creativity

The Effects of Pet Ownership on Psychological Well-Being Among Socially Isolated Older Adults

Accumulating evidence suggests that pet ownership associates with positive psychological outcomes (i.e., less loneliness, lower depression, etc.) in older adults. Yet, the role of pet ownership in psychological well-being (PWB) of socially isolated older adults is not fully explored. In this study, we hypothesized that pet (i.e., dog or cat) ownership would have positive effects on PWB among socially isolated older adults. The study used cross-sectional data of 9875 community-dwelling older adults collected in 2016 in a metropolitan area of Japan. Overall, 2841 (28.8%) participants were socially isolated (i.e., having social interactions with others less than once a week). Stratified by dog and cat ownership, 3143 (31.8%) were current or previous dog owners, and 1724 (17.5%) were current or previous cat owners. PWB was dichotomized using a score of the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, and 2730 (27.6%) were identified as low levels of PWB. Logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic confounders, showed that social isolation was associated with lower PWB (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 2.17, 2.64) and lower odds of having a dog (OR: 0.70; 0.63, 0.77). When social isolation and dog ownership were entered into a model simultaneously as independent variables, dog ownership was associated with greater PWB (OR: 0.90; 0.81, 0.99). There was a significant partial mediating effect of dog ownership found on the association between social isolation and PWB (Sobel test p=.034). No such associations were observed in cat ownership. Our results suggest that having a dog may be effective for increasing PWB for socially isolated older adults.

When Less Is More: Downsizing, Sense of Place, and Well-Being in Late Life

The present study aimed to investigate the decision-making process and outcomes associated with downsizing to a smaller home in late life. Older adults who had downsized in the past year (n = 68) completed self-report measures of push-pull factors driving the decision to move, relocation controllability, sense of place (SOP), move satisfaction, and psychological well-being. It was hypothesized that the relation between push-pull factors and relocation outcomes (i.e., move satisfaction and psychological well-being) would be serially mediated by control and SOP. Haye’s PROCESS macro was used to test serial multiple mediator models for each of the relocation outcomes. Placing greater importance on push relative to pull factors was associated with lower levels of well-being in three domains: environmental mastery (b = -5.52, p = .002), purpose in life (b = -3.94, p = .01), and self-acceptance (b = -3.61, p = .007). Results of serial mediation analyses suggested that older adults whose downsizing decisions were more strongly influenced by push factors felt less control over relocation, found it more difficult to develop SOP in the new home, and, in turn, experienced lower levels of psychological well-being and move satisfaction. These findings can be used to inform older adults’ downsizing decisions and develop supports for relocating older adults.

Mental health of circus artists: Psychological resilience, circus factors, and demographics predict depression, anxiety, stress, and flourishing

Circus artists perform physically demanding skills in a high-stress environment, yet little is known about their mental health. We explored emotional states of depression, anxiety, stress and flourishing in a sample of 500 circus artists. The predominantly female sample (n = 415) encompassed a range of performance levels (amateur 50%, part/full-time professional 41%, student 6%, retired 3%), with aerial acrobatics (71%) being the most frequently represented main circus discipline in the sample. Compared to previously established normative scores of a non-clinical population, circus artists scored higher on scales of emotions reflecting depression, anxiety, and stress, and lower on flourishing. They also scored higher on both state and trait resilience compared to previously established normative scores. Using a Bayesian estimation procedure, linear regression analyses showed that resilience, circus factors, and demographics (i.e., age and gender) explained between 24% and 51% of the variance in emotional states of depression, anxiety, stress, and flourishing. Consistently, circus artists with higher levels of state/trait resilience reported higher levels of psychological wellbeing, indicated by lower levels of emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress, and higher levels of flourishing. Therefore, the development of interventions for circus artists who experience lower levels of psychological wellbeing appears warranted.

Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Sense of Coherence.

The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, the ensuing pandemic, and the related containment measures pose considerable challenges to psychological resilience and well-being. Researchers are now forced to look for resources to cope with negative experiences linked to this health emergency. According to the salutogenic approach proposed by Antonovsky, the sense of coherence (SOC) is a major source of resilience. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the role of SOC in moderating the link between illness experiences (in terms of knowing persons diagnosed with COVID-19 and fear of contracting COVID-19) and psychological well-being. 2,784 participants, taken from a large sample of the Italian population (65.4% females) and aged between 18 and 85 years, filled in an anonymous online survey during the 3rd week of the lockdown. Findings supported the moderating role of SOC in shaping the link between illness experiences and psychological well-being. Specifically, participants who knew at least one person diagnosed with COVID-19 showed lower levels of psychological well-being at low levels of SOC. The negative relation between participants’ fear of contracting COVID-19 and psychological well-being was stronger for those who showed higher levels of SOC. This study discusses the implications of these results for interventions aimed at reducing the pandemic’s detrimental effects and promoting resilience.

Timing of Prenatal Care Initiation and Psychological Wellbeing in Black Women.

The purpose of this study was to see if timing of prenatal care initiation was related to psychological wellbeing of Black women. Using a cross-sectional design, a sample of 197 pregnant Black women completed a self-reported survey between 8 weeks and less than 30 weeks gestation as part of the Biosocial Impact on Black Births study. The questions asked about the initiation of prenatal care, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and psychological wellbeing. Multiple linear regression was used to examine if timing of prenatal care initiation was related to psychological variables. Sixty-three women (32%) reported they were not able to initiate their first prenatal care visit as early as they wanted due to various barriers. After adjusting for cofounders, not initiating prenatal care as early as women wanted predicted lower levels of psychological wellbeing. Perinatal nurses should assess psychological wellbeing in Black women throughout pregnancy; advocate for Black women who report high levels of stress, psychological distress, or depressive symptoms for further mental health evaluation by their health care provider; and provide resources and education (e.g., support groups, counseling) for these women.

Don’t blame the kids: mothers’ satisfaction with different life domains after union dissolution

ABSTRACT Single, separated mothers report lower levels of psychological well-being than partnered mothers. This study examines whether this penalty in well-being results from the burdens of single parenting or from the stress and strain of union dissolution. The data come from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP). Our sample consists of 1919 childless women and mothers who reported a union dissolution. We used fixed effects models to examine changes in financial satisfaction, family satisfaction, and overall life satisfaction after union dissolution. Our results show that mothers experience steeper declines in financial satisfaction after union dissolution but lower declines in family satisfaction than childless women. Mothers and childless women report almost similar post-separation declines in overall life satisfaction. The results contradict the common notion that low life satisfaction among single mothers can be attributed primarily to the negative consequences of single parenting. The findings suggest that large parts of the life satisfaction penalty experienced by separated single mothers arise from union dissolution rather than from single parenting.

When less is more: Downsizing, sense of place, and well-being in late life

The present study aimed to investigate the decision-making process and outcomes associated with downsizing to a smaller home in late life. Older adults who had downsized in the past year (n = 68) were recruited across the U.S. between 2018 and 2019 and were interviewed eithr in person or over the phone. Participants completed self-report measures of push-pull factors driving the decision to move, relocation controllability, sense of place (SOP), and relocation outcomes (i.e., move satisfaction and psychological well-being). Placing greater importance on push relative to pull factors was associated with lower levels of well-being in three domains: environmental mastery, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. Results of serial mediation analyses suggested that older adults whose downsizing decisions were more strongly influenced by push factors, felt less control over relocation, found it more difficult to develop SOP in the new home, and, in turn, experienced lower levels of psychological well-being and move satisfaction. These findings can be used to inform older adults’ downsizing decisions and develop supports for relocating older adults.

What Is Hidden Can Still Hurt: Concealable Stigma, Psychological Well-Being, and Social Support Among LGB College Students

This study examines the importance of social support and psychological well-being for college students and highlights the unique challenges faced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual students. Interacting with members of similar identity groups is crucial in the development of one’s sense of self and place in the social world. However, these benefits are limited for people with a concealable stigma identity, given the increased difficulty of identifying similar others. The current study examined indicators of social support, psychological health (positive affect), and anxiety among college students between 2015 and 2017. To investigate the role of concealable stigma among these factors, responses from students (N = 33) who identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) were compared with responses from heterosexual students (N = 43) who did not consider themselves allies of the LGB community. LGB students reported lower levels of psychological well-being and less social support than their heterosexual peers. The unique difficulties faced by members of concealable stigma groups when needing social support are considered, with the goal of increasing psychological health among college students with a minority sexual orientation.

The Relationship between Psychological Well-Being and University Students Academic Achievement

This study aims to measure psychological well-being and its relationship with academic achievement of the students from Sultan Idris Education University. Information gained through questionnaire distributed to 542 second year undergraduate students in Sultan Idris Education University. Psychological well-being is measured based on Psychological Well-Being Instrument (Ryff,1989). Academic achievement is measured based on Culmulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Decriptive analysis has shown that most students indicate intermediate and high level psychological well-being. The analysis of psychological well-being dimension shows that most students have high purpose in life meanwhile another psychological well-being dimensions which are autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relationship with others and self-acceptance are at intermediate level. Correlation analysis indicates that there is a significant positive relationship between psychological well-being and academic achievement. The result of this study shows that there is a significant positive correlation between the dimensions of psychological well-being which are environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relationship with others, purpose in life and self-acceptance with academic achievement. In conclusion, this study shows that most students potrays positive attitude as well as accepting themselves, have control over their environment, self-autonomous, able to maintain positive relationship with others, have clear life meaning and goals as well as the presence of continuous personal growth and development. This study implies that university need to design continuous program to help students especially to those whom have low level of psychological well-being due to its relationship with academic achievement.

Efficacy of a Smartphone App Intervention for Reducing Caregiver Stress: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundCaregivers play a pivotal role in maintaining an economically viable health care system, yet they are characterized by low levels of psychological well-being and consistently report unmet needs for psychological support. Mobile app–based (mobile health [mHealth]) interventions present a novel approach to both reducing stress and improving well-being.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-guided mobile app–based psychological intervention for people providing care to family or friends with a physical or mental disability.MethodsIn a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial, 183 caregivers recruited through the web were randomly allocated to either an intervention (n=73) or active control (n=110) condition. The intervention app contained treatment modules combining daily self-monitoring with third-wave (mindfulness-based) cognitive-behavioral therapies, whereas the active control app contained only self-monitoring features. Both programs were completed over a 5-week period. It was hypothesized that intervention app exposure would be associated with decreases in depression, anxiety, and stress, and increases in well-being, self-esteem, optimism, primary and secondary control, and social support. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 3-4 months postintervention. App quality was also assessed.ResultsIn total, 25% (18/73) of the intervention participants were lost to follow-up at 3 months, and 30.9% (34/110) of the participants from the wait-list control group dropped out before the postintervention survey. The intervention group experienced reductions in stress (b=−2.07; P=.04) and depressive symptoms (b=−1.36; P=.05) from baseline to postintervention. These changes were further enhanced from postintervention to follow-up, with the intervention group continuing to report lower levels of depression (b=−1.82; P=.03) and higher levels of emotional well-being (b=6.13; P<.001), optimism (b=0.78; P=.007), self-esteem (b=−0.84; P=.005), support from family (b=2.15; P=.001), support from significant others (b=2.66; P<.001), and subjective well-being (b=4.82; P<.001). On average, participants completed 2.5 (SD 1.05) out of 5 treatment modules. The overall quality of the app was also rated highly, with a mean score of 3.94 out of a maximum score of 5 (SD 0.58).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that mHealth psychological interventions are an effective treatment option for caregivers experiencing high levels of stress. Recommendations for improving mHealth interventions for caregivers include offering flexibility and customization in the treatment design.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12616000996460; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371170