Measures Multivariate Analysis Research Articles

Old Habits Die Hard: Regression in Learning and Study Strategies Inventory Scores in PharmD Students

ObjectivePrior studies have demonstrated that “learning to learn” (L2L) courses can lead to significant improvements in students’ Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) scores immediately following the course. This study aimed to analyze whether improvements in LASSI scores are sustained 1 year following an L2L elective course. MethodsFirst-year pharmacy students in the classes of 2024 and 2025 completed the LASSI at the start of the fall semester and again immediately following an L2L course. One year later, during the second professional year, students completed the LASSI a third time. Repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance was used to analyze within-participant differences in LASSI scores across each of the 10 LASSI scales. Univariate analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction was used for pairwise comparison. ResultsA total of 119 students completed all 3 LASSI assessments. LASSI scores improved in all 10 scales following completion of the L2L course. However, 1 year after the completion of the course, there was a statistically significant regression in all 10 scale scores (Wilks’ Λ [20,98] = 8.7). Among the 10 scales, scores for the Attitude and Concentration scales were statistically significantly lower during the second professional year relative to baseline at the start of the first professional year. Selecting Main Ideas was the only scale with a higher score during the second professional year relative to baseline. ConclusionDespite marked improvements in LASSI scores following the implementation of a “learning to learn” course for first-year pharmacy students, the improvements were not sustained after 1 year.

Ironic processes of concentration and suppression under pressure: A study on rifle shooting in Norwegian elite biathletes.

This study examined how priming attentional and negative cues affected participants' shooting performances toward ironic error targets under cognitive load conditions in Stroop task across two experiments. Semi-elite biathletes (Experiment 1, n = 10; Experiment 2, n = 9) participated in the study. The study used a within-subject quasi-experimental design, particularly a one-way repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance and a 2 × 2 fully repeated measures analysis of variance, to determine the participants' hit rates and shooting response times (RTs). In both experiments, the participants completed the reverse-Stroop-based target shooting performance under low- and high-cognitive load conditions while receiving frequent priming attentional and negative cues. The findings from Experiment 1 suggest that regulating repetitive priming attentional thoughts is efficacious in mitigating the likelihood of ironic performance errors and interference effects. The results of Experiment 2 show that repetitive priming negative cues resulted in negligible ironic error hit rates and slower RTs in target hits under high-cognitive load conditions. The Bayesian analyses provided evidence supporting the null hypotheses. Trying to control repetitive priming attentional and negative thoughts reduces ironic performance errors to a similar degree under cognitive load conditions among biathletes, regardless of interference effects. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of suppressing task-relevant negative instructions in reducing the likelihood of ironic performance errors under pressure.

Effect of increasing cognitive activity participation on default mode network in older adults with subjective cognitive decline: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundHaving more cognitive activities may prevent dementia, but its evidence of modulating the functional brain network is limited. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigated the effect of increased cognitive activity participation on the default mode network (DMN) in older adults who had already been having regular cognitive activity participation and experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD). MethodsCommunity-living Chinese individuals aged 55 to 75 years with regular practice of Chinese calligraphy and screened positive for SCD (but negative for mild cognitive impairment or dementia) were randomly allocated to either the intervention or control group. Over 6 months, the intervention group doubled their weekly calligraphy practice time, while the control group maintained their usual amount of practice. The primary outcome was functional connectivities (FCs) of DMN, with pre-specified regions of interest including medial prefrontal cortex [mPFC], inferior parietal lobe [IPL], hippocampal formation [HF], posterior cingulate cortex [PCC], and lateral temporal cortex [LTC]. FC changes were compared using repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). This study is registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900024433. FindingsBetween 15 January 2020 and 31 December 2021, 112 individuals consented and completed the baseline assessment. The participants, who had a mean age of 66·3 [SD 4·3] years, with 83 (74%) being women, had been practising calligraphy for an average duration of 9·7 years before enrolment and, in the preceding six months, for an average of 3·1 hours per week. 96 (86%) completed the post-intervention fMRI scan. Significant between-group differences were observed in the FCs between mPFC and right LTC (group difference=0·25 [95% CI=0·06-0·44], p=0·009), mPFC and right IPL (0·23 [0·06-0·39]; p=0·007), left HF and right LTC (0·28 [0·002-0·57]; p=0·04), and left HF and right IPL (0·34 [0·09-0·60]; p=0·009). InterpretationOur findings, which reveal positive neuromodulatory effects with increased calligraphy practice, highlight the importance of engaging more in cognitive activities in late life for better brain health.

Handling sensory disabilities in a smart society

Billions of people live with visual and/or hearing impairments. Regrettably, their access to systems remains delayed, leaving them socially excluded. The need for universal access of next-generation systems and users’ inclusion is paramount. We pose that a smart society should respond to this crucial need. Following ability-based design principles, we introduce a simulated social robot that adapts to users’ sensory abilities. Its working was assessed via a Rock–Paper–Scissors game in an Intelligent Environment (IE), using three modes: where the user is able to see and hear, only see, or only hear. With this game, two user-studies were conducted using the UMUX-LITE usability score, an expectation rating, and the gap between experience and expectation, complemented with two open questions. A repeated measures Multivariate ANalysis Of VAriance (MANOVA) on the data from study 1 unveiled an overall difference between the three modes, F ( 6 , 6 ) = 6.823, η p 2 = .872, p = .017. Users expected applications to be harder to use with a disability, especially a visual impairment. All modes were considered accessible, with the experience exceeding expectations for the mode with a hearing impairment. In parallel, substantial variance was observed across participants and the results from the open questions suggested improvements. To reduce this variance and increase system stability, study 2 was run with an enhanced design. A repeated measures MANOVA on the data from study 2 confirmed study 1’s findings, F ( 6 , 6 ) = 12.801, η p 2 = .928, p = .003. Moreover, experiences exceeded expectations in all modes and the variance among participants was substantially decreased. We conclude that IE applications managed by a social robot can be adapted to user’s sensory abilities, improving smart society’s accessibility, and, hence, reducing social exclusion.

The effect of incline walking on lower extremity and trunk mechanics in older adults

Older adults are at an increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. High internal knee abduction moment during daily activities may elevate the risk of knee osteoarthritis. Incline walking exercise has been found to decrease knee abduction moment in healthy young adults. However, it is unknown if this occurs in healthy older adults. The purpose of this study was to quantify the internal knee abduction moment at different treadmill grades to determine if incline walking could reduce the knee abduction moment in healthy older adults. Twelve healthy older adult males walked on a treadmill at five incline grades (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) at 1.34 ​m⋅s-1. The primary outcome variable was the internal knee abduction moment. A one-way repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance was performed to determine differences in the dependent variables among incline gradients. Peak knee abduction moment significantly decreased from level walking at all gradients in 10% increments (0%–10%, p ​< ​0.001; 5%–15%, p ​< ​0.002; and 10%–20%, p ​= ​0.04). A reduction in knee abduction moment during incline walking could result in decreased knee joint loading on the medial knee compartment. For older adults, who are looking to exercise to improve their health, incline walking may be beneficial to promote lower body strength and cardiovascular ability without inflicting further harm to the aging knee joints. However, because the frontal plane knee joint was of primary interest in this study, further research is needed to determine the effects of incline walking on other joints and in other planes of motion.

Identity Dynamics in Collegiate Olympic Athletes Post-Tokyo 2020: A Pre-Post Study

This study employs a pre-post survey design, engaging a purposive-convenience sample of 94 U.S. college athletes who participated in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics across eight sports and 22 countries. Utilizing validated scales, participants’ group, national, and athletic identities were measured weeks before and after the event. Paired sample t-tests and a repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance were utilized to understand the effects of time and demographic variables on these identities. Results revealed that after competing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, college athletes exhibited a significant decrease in their group identity and a significant increase in their national identity, while their athletic identity remained relatively unchanged. The results were qualified by student status interactions such that international students showed a significant decrease in group identity and a significant increase in national identity after competing in Tokyo 2020, with no significant changes observed in these identities for domestic students. The results illuminate a complex process of identity negotiation experienced by collegiate Olympic athletes that transition between Olympic and college sport environments. This study contributes to sport management literature by offering nuanced insights into the dynamics of role-switching, urging stakeholders to utilize these findings to enhance the experiences of college athletes.

Critical Thinking: A Program Review of Doctor of Audiology Students.

Critical thinking is a crucial component of health care, and its importance has been recognized in training medical professionals. This study reports critical thinking skills for entering doctor of audiology (AuD) students and the trajectory of the change in critical thinking skills measured 2 times over a period of 3 years. This longitudinal, descriptive, and exploratory design was implemented for programmatic review. Critical thinking skills were measured using the Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT; Insight Assessment) upon entering the program and compared to measurements during the final month of academic coursework. Descriptive statistics, exploratory analyses of the HSRT scores among cohorts, the relationship of the HSRT to the graduate record examinations (GREs), and changes in the HSRT over time using a repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance were conducted. There were no significant differences in critical thinking skills between any of the cohort years. There was a significant correlation between the GRE verbal scores and OVERALL HSRT. Improvements in critical thinking skills were found between the time the students entered the graduate program and their final academic semester. Greater gains were reported for students who initially scored below the 50th percentile on the OVERALL HSRT. This program review showed improvement in the critical thinking skills of AuD students during their academic training program. Information regarding critical thinking skills may be useful for programs to monitor students' clinical thinking skills and possibly include clinical and didactical activities to promote critical thinking skills.

Add-On Effect of 0.01% Atropine in Orthokeratology Wearers for Myopia Control in Children: A 2-Year Retrospective Study.

Orthokeratology (OK) and low-concentration atropine are recommended approaches for controlling myopia. However, children with younger age and lower myopia are more likely to experience rapid axial progression during OK or atropine monotreatment. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of OK combined with low-concentration atropine for myopia control in childrenover 24months and to determine whether the effect was sustainable. In this retrospective study, we reviewed medical records of baseline and follow-up visits from children (7-14years) applying OK for myopia control. Sixty-eight children receiving monoorthokeratology treatment (OK group) and 68 children who received 0.01% atropine in combination with orthokeratology simultaneously (AOK group) were included. A series of ophthalmic tests at baseline were conducted, and axial length (AL) was measured every 6months. The comparison of AL change at different visits between the two groups was performed by repeated measures multivariate analyses of variance (RM-MANOVA). There were no significant differences in baseline characters between the two groups (p > 0.05). The AL significantly increased over time in both groups (all p < 0.05), and the 2-year change in AOK was 0.16mm (36%) lower than in OK (0.28 ± 0.22mm versus 0.44 ± 0.34mm, p = 0.001). Compared with OK group, the significant suppression of AL elongation in the AOK group was observed in 0-6, 6-12, and 12-18month periods (suppression rate: 62.5%, 33.3%, 38.5%, respectively, p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in the 18-24month period (p = 0.105). The multiple regression analysis showed an interaction between age and treatment effect (interaction coefficient = 0.06, p = 0.040), indicating one year age decrease approximately associated with 0.06mm increased retardation in AL elongation in the AOK group. The add-on effect of 0.01% atropine in OK wearers only occurred within 1.5years, and younger children benefited more from the combination treatment.

A national professional development program fills mentoring gaps for postdoctoral researchers.

The Postdoc Academy: Succeeding as a Postdoc was designed to build postdocs' skills in career transition, career planning, collaborative research, resilience, and self-reflection. This study examined self-reported changes in five skills as learners progressed through the course. Data were collected from participants who responded to both pre- and post-surveys and engaged with the course learning activities. Results from repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance revealed that all of the self-reported perceptions of skills improved significantly upon completion of the course. Hierarchical regressions revealed that underrepresented minority learners had greater gains in their development of skills in career planning, resilience, and self-reflection. Qualitative analysis of learners' responses to learning activities found that postdocs perceived networking and mentor support as contributing factors to their skill advancement while tensions among multiple obligations and concerns of uncertainties were significant challenges to applying those skills.

Telehealth-delivered naturalistic developmental behavioural intervention with and without caregiver acceptance and commitment therapy for autistic children and their caregivers: protocol for a multi-arm parallel group randomised clinical trial

IntroductionTimely access to early support that optimises autistic children’s development and their caregiver’s mental health is critical. Naturalistic developmental behavioural interventions (NDBIs) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are evidence-based...

Creating safe environments: optimal acoustic alarming of laypeople in fire prevention

Hazards like fires occur regularly and can cost people’s lives. Optimal auditory alarm signals enable laypeople to recognise dangers and to protect themselves. Existing fire alarm sound research focuses on alarm sounds and voice alerts presented singularly. We explored a combination of both and aimed to identify alarm signals that work optimally in everyday life. Thus, we conducted two online experiments: In Study 1 (N = 379), we tested eight alarm sounds regarding their typicality, their familiarity, their arousal, their valence, and their dominance. Siren-like alarm sounds were the most effective. In Study 2 (N = 206), we combined the four most effective alarm sounds with a voice alert. The voice alert reinforced ambiguity reduction, action motivation, and action intention. Hence, we suggest using alarm sounds with siren-like patterns. They should be combined with a voice alert to foster a quick and specific (target task-oriented) reaction. Practitioner summary: Warning laypeople is of great importance in time-critical hazards. In two remote testing studies (N Total = 585), auditory alarm sounds with siren-like patterns resulted in the most distinct and emotional perception. Combining the alarm sound with a voice alert adds meaning to the alarm and fosters action intention. Abbreviations: DIN: Deutsches Institut für Normung [German Institute for Standardization]; ISO: International Organization for Standardization; Mixed MANOVA: mixed measures multivariate analysis of variance; rmMANOVA: repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance.

Added mass increases Achilles tendon stress in female runners

ContextAchilles tendon (AT) injuries are common in female runners and military personnel where increased AT loading may be a contributing factor. Few studies have examined AT stress during running with added mass. The purpose was to examine the stress, strain, and force placed on the AT, kinematics and temporospatial variable in running with different amounts of added mass. DesignRepeated measure design MethodsTwenty-three female runners with a rear-foot strike pattern were participants. AT stress, strain, and force were measured during running using a musculoskeletal model that used kinematic (180 Hz) and kinetic data (1800 Hz) as input. Ultrasound data were used to measure AT cross sectional area. A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (α = 0.05) was used on AT loading variables, kinematics and temporospatial variables. ResultsPeak AT stress, strain, and force were greatest during the 9.0 kg added load running condition (p < .0001). There was a 4.3% and 8.8% increase in AT stress and strain during the 4.5 kg and 9.0 kg added load conditions, respectively, compared to baseline. Kinematics at the hip and knee changed with added load but not at the ankle. Small changes in temporospatial variables were seen. ConclusionAdded load increased stress on the AT during running. There may be an increased risk for AT injury with added load. Individuals may consider slowly progressing training with added load to allow for increased AT loading.

Influence of iron supplementation on fatigue, mood states and sweating profiles of healthy non-anemic athletes during a training exercise: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study

Iron is specifically important to athletes, and attention has grown to the association between sports performance and iron regulation in the daily diets of athletes. The study presents new insights into stress, mood states, fatigue, and sweating behavior among the non-anemic athletes with sweating exercise habits who consumed a routine low dose (3.6 mg/day) of iron supplementation. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, both non-anemic male (N = 51) and female (N = 42) athletes were supplemented either with a known highly bioavailable iron formulation (SunActive® Fe) or placebo during the follow-up training exercise period over four weeks at their respective designated clinical sites. The effect of oral iron consumption was examined on fatigue, stress profiles, as well as the quality of life using the profile of mood state (POMS) test or a visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire, followed by an exercise and well-being related fatigue-sweat. Also, their monotonic association with stress biomarkers (salivary α-amylase, salivary cortisol, and salivary immunoglobulin A) were determined using spearman's rank correlation coefficient test. Repeated measure multivariate analysis of variance (group by time) revealed that the total mood disturbance (TMD) score was significantly lower (P = 0.016; F = 6.26) between placebo and iron supplementation groups over the four weeks study period among female athletes. Also, a significant reduction in tired feeling/exhaustion after the exercise (P = 0.05; F = 4.07) between the placebo and iron intake groups was noticed. A significant within-group reduction (P ≤ 0.05) was noticed in the degree of sweat among both male and female athletes after 2 and 4 weeks of iron supplementation, while athletes of the placebo intake group experienced a non-significant within-group reduction in the degree of sweat. Overall, the result indicates routine use of low dose (3.6 mg/day) iron supplementation is beneficial for non-anemic endurance athletes to improve stress, mood states, subjective fatigue, and sweating conditions.

The Effectiveness of an Integrated Symptom-related Fatigue Management Program (ISFMP) on Pain, Anxiety, Fatigue Score and Lactate Levels in Low-risk Pregnant Women During Childbirth

Background: Fatigue accumulates throughout the labor period and often occurs in conjunction with pain and anxiety during childbirth, resulting in negative effects on laboring women. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of an integrated symptom-related fatigue management program (ISFMP) on pain, anxiety, fatigue score and lactate levels in a low-risk pregnant woman during childbirth. Method: This quasi-experimental study was conducted from August of 2021 to March of 2022 at Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital. Sixty-five low-risk pregnant women with 32–41+6 weeks gestation were selected by the stratified random-sampling and matching techniques. They were then randomly assigned to either comparison or intervention groups. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a visual analogue scale for pain, anxiety and fatigue. Lactate Pro 2 was used to evaluate lactate levels. Data were analyzed through statistical software (SPSS-26) using independent t-test, chi-square, repeated measure ANOVA and repeated measure multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The significance level was set at p &lt;.05. Results: The participants in the comparison and experimental groups had varying pain, anxiety, fatigue scores and lactate levels throughout their progression of labor. Pain, anxiety and fatigue in the experimental group were significantly lower than in the comparison group (p &lt; .001). There were no statistically significant differences in lactate levels between the two groups. Conclusion: The ISFMP was shown to be effective in lowering the symptoms of pain, anxiety and fatigue in women in labor. Midwives should apply the ISFMP in their clinical practice when caring for low-risk pregnant women.

Efficacy and Cost over 12 Hospitalization Weeks of Postacute Care for Stroke.

Few studies have investigated changes in functional outcomes and economic burden in patients in the postacute care cerebrovascular disease (PAC-CVD) program. We, for the first time, retrospectively investigated changes in functional performance and the national health insurance (NHI) cost over 12 PAC-CVD hospitalization weeks and evaluated the therapeutic effects of the PAC-CVD program on the NHI cost. Specifically, the functional outcomes and NHI cost of 263 stroke patients in the PAC-CVD program were analyzed. The repeated measures t test was used to compare functional performance over 0-3 weeks, and a one-way repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance was used to compare functional performance and NHI costs during weeks 0-6 and 0-9. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare functional performance over weeks 9-12. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to estimate the effects of functional performance on NHI costs during weeks 3, 6, and 9. Over weeks 0-12, all functional performance measures demonstrated significant improvements. Changes in NHI costs varied depending on whether hospitalization was extended. At any time point, functional performance did not have a significant impact on NHI cost. Therefore, the PAC-CVD program may aid patients with stroke in sustainably regaining functional performance and effectively controlling economic burden.

The Repair of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomers with Bulk-Fill Flowable and Packable Composites using the Eight-Generation and Universal Dentin Bonding Agents

Background: To investigate shear bond strength regarding the repair of resin-modified glass ionomers (RMGIs) with bulk-fill flowable and packable composites using eighth-generation and universal dentin bonding agents. Materials and Methods: One-hundred-fifty specimens were prepared using polymethylmethacrylate-resin injected into preformed cylinders. Inverted recessed holes with convergent walls 4 mm deep and 4 mm wide were created using Operative Friction Grip 330L and inverted diamond burs. These holes were used as reservoirs for RMGI II LC. The resulting RMGI specimens were roughened with medium coarse diamond burs and placed in distilled water for 24 hours at 37o C to remove debris. RMGI surfaces were etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 20 seconds, rinsed with copious water, and air-dried without desiccation. Each RMGI specimen was placed in an Ultradent bonding clamp in preparation for adding the tested material. Specimens were divided into 6 groups: (1) Bulk-fill flowable composite (BFF) no adhesive (control), (2) Packable composite (PC) no adhesive (control), (3) BFF + iBond, (4) BFF + Futurabond-DC, (5) PC + iBond, and (6) PC + Futurabond-DC. Shear bond Strength was determined using an Ultra Tester Machine. Results: The SBS among and between groups were statistically assessed with repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The Tukey honestly significant difference test with an alpha level of 0.05 was used for post-hoc testing. Repeated measures MANOVA indicated that there were important differences between groups (Wilk’s lambda, P &lt; 0.0001), with BFF + Futurabond-DC resulting in the highest SBS. Conclusion: The study indicates that BFF combined with eighth-generation dentin bonding adhesive is a reliable method for the repair of RMGIs.

Psychological distress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorders: A randomized control trial of cognitive behavioural therapy

High psychological distress that ranges from stress reactions to anxiety and depression are prevalent among parents and caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and undermine positive parenting and health outcomes. The current study sought to investigate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in curtailing psychological distress in a sample of those parenting children with autism. We conducted the study in Enugu state, Nigeria, with 97 parents of children with ASD. Participants were randomly allocated into CBT (N = 48) and waitlist comparison (WLC) (N = 49) groups. The CBT group participated in a 120 min CBT program weekly for 12 weeks. Data were collected using Demographic Questionnaire; Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 items (DASS-21) and Satisfaction with therapy and therapist scale- revised (STTS-R). Three data sets were collected at baseline, post-test, and follow-up. Descriptive statistics, Repeated measures Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), and t-test statistics were used to analyze the data. Raincloud plots were also used to illustrate results. Results revealed that all dimensions of psychological distress (DASS-depressive symptoms, DASS-anxiety, and DASS-stress) reduced significantly at post-CBT intervention and follow-up assessments in the CBT group, compared to the WLC. Multivariate analysis showed that the global psychological distress score was responsive to CBT intervention. We concluded that stress, anxiety, and depression among those parenting children with autism could be lessened with CBT.

The assessment of locavorism through the lens of agritourism: the pursuit of tourist’s ethereal experience

The popularity of local foods is increasing among the masses, especially tourists, and this has led to the inception of ‘locavorism’ where the consumers – termed locavores – look for sustainable local foods. We gauge tourists’ ideology of locavorism through the lens of agritourism in India as we found it crucial to highlight and enhance local foods as an addition to the tourists’ palate. A pre- and post-survey was conducted using repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to empirically assess 8 Agritourism farms’ tourists’ behaviour towards locavorism. Data was collected among tourists by using a self-report questionnaire during two phases (check-in and check-out; n = 344). Findings underscore that tourists’ intention to buy local food increases considerably after experiencing Agritourism. This study is the first of its kind to understand the perception of tourists towards India’s ethnic cuisine, its role in augmenting tourist experience, and in figuring out better ways to sustain local foods. The impact that Agritourism has on tourists’ behaviour towards locavorism and its continuing effects on the local economy needs to be studied by researchers. Future research can extend the concept of locavorism to service providers by understanding their perception of producing and marketing sustainable local foods.

College Students' Reduced Cognitive Empathy and Increased Anxiety and Depression before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study explored college students’ individual mental health (i.e., anxious and depressive symptoms, intrapersonal identity, and ethnic identity), as well as interpersonal mental health, as assessed by their affective connection to and care for others (i.e., cognitive empathy), exploring the role of culture and identity during the twin COVID-19 and racial justice pandemics of 2020. Comparing a longitudinal cohort of 147 undergraduate students’ experiences prior to the pandemic (Spring 2019) and after the onset of the pandemic (Spring 2021), the study examines students’ mental health changes amidst the multi-layered challenges of this time. A repeated measures Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) revealed heightened anxiety and depression scores from pre-pandemic to during the pandemic and a reduction in cognitive empathy as expressed through perspective taking and empathic concern. The study begins to examine the implications of these findings in the COVID-19 era with a focus on young adult mental health, higher education, empathy, and community-mindedness.

Cognitive training via a mobile application to reduce some forms of body dissatisfaction in young females at high-risk for body image disorders: A randomized controlled trial

Body dissatisfaction has been related to Body Image Disorders (BIDs) such as Eating Disorders (EDs) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). This study investigates the efficacy of a mHealth app in reducing body dissatisfaction, BDD/ED symptoms and related features. Ninety-five women who were identified as high-risk of developing BIDs (using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5) were randomized into: immediate-use App (iApp group; n = 47) and delayed-use App (dApp group; n = 48). The iApp group started using the app at baseline for 16 days (T1). The dApp group started using the app at T1 for 16 days. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline (T0), 16 days from baseline (T1), and 32 days from baseline (T2). Repeated measure Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) showed Group (iApp vs. dApp) × Time (T0 vs. T1) interactions indicating decrease in BDD symptoms and body dissatisfaction related to EDs in the iApp group at T1. The Reliable Change Index indicated changes on extreme body dissatisfaction/BDD symptoms for 34.74% of participants. Although preliminary, these findings highlight that a mHeatlh app might reduce BDD symptoms and body dissatisfaction related to EDs in women at high-risk for BIDs. Effects on ED symptoms and associated features seem more limited.