Mental Health Consequences Research Articles

Transforming health psychology and behavioral medicine to address the climate crisis: A call for strategic research and advocacy.

The climate crisis poses the largest threat to human health and survival and has been a public health emergency for many years. It is causing harmful consequences for physical and mental health and is amplifying existing health inequities. In this call to action, we highlight the relevance of the health psychology and behavioral medicine communities in addressing the health impacts of climate change. We identify mitigation and adaptation climate health behaviors and social changes needed that underlie the three essential objectives to address climate change and its associated health consequences: (a) rapid decarbonization, (b) drawdown of atmospheric heat-trapping gases (sequestration), and (c) adaptation. To advance the behavioral and systemic changes necessary to protect health, we propose a 1-2-3 Transformational Model in which the larger field of health psychology and behavioral medicine promotes (1) One Health, human and planetary health by (2) targeting climate health behaviors, and (3) social change across major professional areas, including research, interventions, and education/advocacy. We urge the adoption of the social quantum change paradigm, a systems approach to understanding the process of social change, where systemic change is viewed as local to global, and the individual has an influential role. These shifts in views, priorities, and methods will bolster hope, collective efficacy, and action to support the next generation of health psychology and behavioral medicine professionals. With these changes, the health psychology and behavioral medicine communities can have a more immediate and meaningful impact on the climate crisis and its associated health consequences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Risk of developing sleep disorders and psychologic comorbidity in children with inflammatory skin diseases-Apopulation-based study.

Risk of developing sleep disorders and psychologic comorbidity in children with inflammatory skin diseases-Apopulation-based study.

Gender differences in the associations of adverse childhood experiences with depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Gender differences in the associations of adverse childhood experiences with depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

From relief to risks: a comprehensive review of medical cannabis

Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, with a resurgence in modern medical applications sparking significant research and regulatory discussions. This review explores the medical benefits, risks, mechanisms of action, and legal considerations of cannabis use. Cannabis-based treatments have shown efficacy in managing multiple conditions, including chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, psychiatric disorders, chemotherapy-induced nausea, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite its therapeutic potential, cannabis use carries short- and long-term risks, including cognitive impairment, cardiovascular issues, dependency, and adverse mental health effects. The variability in cannabis products, dosing, and regulation raises concerns regarding safety and quality control. Additionally, ethical dilemmas exist in prescribing unstandardized cannabis-based therapies. Legalization trends across various regions continue to shape the accessibility and acceptance of medical cannabis, though significant research gaps remain. Future studies are required to further validate its efficacy, optimize dosing strategies, and mitigate potential health risks. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current evidence, highlighting both the promise and challenges associated with medical cannabis.

Assessing the Feasibility, Effectiveness, and Acceptability of a Multicomponent Mental Health and Wellbeing Prevention Program Adapted for Youth

The mental health needs of youth are increasingly urgent, necessitating effective interventions. This study used survey methods to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability of Thrive, a multicomponent program designed to promote mental health and wellbeing. The program, which was delivered over six weeks via Zoom, was adapted for youth and integrates elements of positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness (Heintzelman et al., 2020). A total of 677 middle and high school students in the United States participated in the study. Moderate attrition was observed, with 75% of participants who attended the program completing five or six sessions. Completion rates were higher for white and middle and junior high students than for nonwhite and high school students. Acceptability was high with participants reporting a positive experience, citing supportive facilitators, engaging content, and a sense of community as key strengths. In terms of effectiveness, results showed significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as improvements in quality of life from pre-test to post-test. Notably, students of color experienced a greater reduction in anxiety compared to white, non-Latino students. Suggestions for program enhancement included adjustments to scheduling and logistics and incorporating a greater variety of activities to enhance engagement. The findings underscore the promise of Thrive as a scalable intervention while highlighting areas for further refinement.

Exploring the Perception of Social Media Users about Cyberbullying: Consequences for Mental Health

Aim of the Study: The aim of study was to explore the perception of social media users about cyberbullying consequences for mental health. The study investigate that what social media users describe the consequences of cyberbullying. Methodology: The study conducted using quantitative methodological plan to explore the perceptions of social media users about cyberbullying: consequences for mental health. The study was conducted in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan and population of the study was university students including male and female. Using purposive sampling, data was collected from (n=175) social media users living in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Findings: The finding showed the effects of cyberbullying on mental health were very hazardous specifically on female social media users like depression, anxiety and sleep distances. These findings yield crucial knowledge concerning the adverse impact of cyberbullying on the psychological well-being of social media users. Conclusion: The study confirmed the association between cyberbullying and increasing anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep issues, and mistrust over online interactions. In short, this research offers strong proof that cyberbullying is anathema to mental health. It must, therefore, be tackled through a multi-faceted response, including policies to reform the cyberspace; access to mental health care for affected victims; and raising public consciousness about the drawbacks of cyberbullying.

Examining the associations among lifetime interpersonal trauma, attachment, and romantic relationship conflict

Conflicts can be a common occurrence in relationships, and poor conflict management can have negative consequences for relationship satisfaction, mental health, and relationship longevity. Both interpersonal trauma exposure and insecure attachment style have been independently linked with impairments in interpersonal functioning and poor conflict management. However, there is little research that simultaneously examines how trauma and attachment are associated with relationship conflict management. The present study aimed to address this gap and expand upon current literature by simultaneously assessing these associations among a sample of college students in established romantic relationships (N = 365) using structural equation modeling. Measurement of a latent factor of insecure attachment was supported, and insecure attachment was significantly positively associated with interpersonal trauma. Interpersonal trauma did not predict conflict management strategies in the full model; however, insecure attachment was significantly negatively associated with compromise and positively associated with interactional reactivity, domination, submission, and separation. The results of this study contribute to our knowledge of relational difficulties and trauma among college students and have important implications for treatment for individuals in romantic relationships with conflict management concerns.

A 10-Year Comparative Study Of Prevalence And Pattern Of Substance Abuse Among Patients In A Drug Treatment Center

The abuse of drugs and substance is a global phenomenon. So much efforts has been made in many parts of the world to reduce the menace, but it seems such efforts are not yielding much fruits; but rather on the increase with attendant physical and mental health consequences. Over the last decade, drug addiction patterns have evolved, influenced by a variety of factors, including the availability of new substances, socio-economic pressures, and changes in public health approaches to treatment. According to world health organization (WHO), Substance abuse is consistently or sporadic drug use is inconsistent with or unrelated to acceptable medical practice.1 It is seen that drug abuse and drug dependence is showing an increasing trend which is an important health problem throughout the world including Nigeria

Risks and benefits of engaging youth living with HIV in research: perspectives from Kenyan Youth, caregivers, and subject matter experts

BackgroundInvolving children and adolescents (youth) living with HIV (YLWH) in research is critical for developing appropriate HIV care services and interventions. However, this vulnerable population may not adequately weigh risks against benefits when participating in research, forming an ethical concern, yet little is known about how YLWH perceive these risks and benefits. To inform research-related policies and procedures, we sought perspectives of Kenyan YLWH, their caregivers and subject matter experts (SMEs) on risks and benefits of participation in research in a setting with a high burden of youth HIV infection.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative inquiry on identifying, enrolling, and protecting YLWH (age 10–24 years) in research using semi-structured interviews with YLWH involved in research, their caregivers, YLWH with no prior research experience, and other SMEs at the AMPATH care and research sites in western Kenya. Transcripts were thematically analyzed and emerging themes derived to characterize perspectives of each group on risks and benefits of engaging YLWH in research.ResultsInterviews were conducted with 40 YLWH (50% female; median age 17.5 years), 20 caregivers (70% female), and 39 SMEs [healthcare providers (N = 10), community leaders (N = 10) community advisory board members (N = 4), IRB experts (N = 5), clinical researchers (N = 6), social science researchers (N = 4) and laboratory experts (N = 1).] Participants in all groups identified accidental disclosure of HIV status, stigma and discrimination, risks of blood draws, mental health effects, and coercion due to study compensation as risks of research involvement. Benefits fell into 5 categories: clinical, informational, personal, future and community or household benefits. Benefits included access to health care, learning about HIV, gaining hope and community, improving HIV care, and reducing stigma. All participant groups largely held similar views; however, caregivers were the only group to identify misuse of study compensation as a risk, and YLWH less frequently cited clinical benefits.ConclusionThese findings suggest that participants commonly cite indirect risks and benefits of research participation, yet these are often excluded from institutional guidelines for consent documentation. Researchers should consider including indirect risks and benefits, such as the risk of stigma or the benefit of gaining knowledge and community, to study documentation.

“The hidden struggle”, climate-induced forced migration and its impact on mental health: predictions from a nested cross-sectional study in India

ABSTRACT Climate-induced migration and the biopsychosocial issues it brought to human beings are perilous. This nested cross-sectional study, part of a larger research initiative, examines the mental health consequences of forced migration in Kuttanad, Kerala, India. Quantitative assessments of 120 displaced individuals from Kuttanad explored psychological distress, loneliness, life satisfaction, and coping resilience. Results identified key predictors of psychological distress, including age, life satisfaction, loneliness, and coping resilience, explaining 75% of the variance in the regression model. The findings underscore the urgent need for mental health interventions for climate-induced migrants and highlight implications for social work practice in assessment and intervention.

Relevance of self-rated health level and mental health in Korean adolescents.

In this study, we explored the impact of mental health on self-rated health of Korean adolescents. By examining the relationship between self-assessed health and mental-health issues, such as anxiety and depression, this study sought to inform strategies for enhancing health education and school-based interventions. Secondary data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed, with a sample comprising 418 middle and high school students. The study examined general characteristics of the sample and the correlations between subjective health status and mental-health indicators and between subjective health status and physical activity levels. Frequency and cross-tabulation analyses were performed to explore these relationships. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing subjective health status. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Associations were noted between subjective health status and mental-health indicators, including stress recognition (p < 0.05), suicidal ideation in the past year (p < 0.001), suicide planning in the past year (p < 0.001), suicide attempts in the past year (p < 0.001), and counseling for mental-health problems in the past year (p < 0.005). Additionally, subjective health status was correlated with the following physical activity metrics: average daily hours spent seated (p < 0.05) and engagement in physical activities lasting 1 h or more per day (p < 0.1). Several factors were identified to influence subjective health status including the frequency of breakfast consumption per week (p < 0.05) and suicidal ideation in the past 1 year (p < 0.05). The study findings highlight the considerable effects of mental health and health behaviors on adolescents' subjective health status. Thus, addressing school health should go beyond promoting physical health alone. An environment that supports adolescents' mental and social well-being, enabling them to grow into healthy adults, is necessary.

Cumulative Incidence of Mental Disorders Among German Military Personnel Deployed to Iraq 2015-2018-An Epidemiological Study.

Background: There is currently no study examining the mental health consequences of deployed German service members in Iraq. The aim is, therefore, to determine the cumulative incidence and latency period until the first diagnosis of deployment-related mental disorders. We hypothesized a lower rate than for Afghanistan with 2.4%. Methods: All registered N = 1635 German military personnel who were deployed to the mission "Training support contingent Northern Iraq" between 2015 and 2018 were included. Individuals with mental disorders attributed to this deployment were identified in a central database. Differences in latency between diagnoses were calculated by t-tests for independent samples. Results: By January 2024, n = 55 (3.4%) individuals had been recorded who developed a mental disorder as a result of this deployment. Most of them (54.5%) had a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the main or comorbid diagnosis. There were no gender differences in the cumulative incidence (male 3.6%; female 2.9). The latency period between the onset of disease and initial diagnosis was, on average, 1.0 years (standard deviation 1.1 years; Q25 < 1 year, Q50 = 1 year and Q75 = 2 years). With 1.3 vs. 0.6 years, the latency was significantly longer for individuals with PTSD. Conclusions: The cumulative incidence appears to be higher after the Iraq deployment than after most other Bundeswehr deployments. This is attributed to particular threats. The latency period is higher for those affected with PTSD than with other disorders. This could be due to a higher degree of stigmatization. It is, therefore, worthwhile to compare the different deployments in order to be able to derive better preventive and aftercare measures as well as destigmatization programs to prevent chronification.

The effects of maternal childhood victimization on depression, harsh parenting, and child externalizing problems over 10 years.

Physical and sexual abuse have far-reaching mental and behavioral health consequences, extending across the lifespan and, in some cases, across generations. However, empirical work in this area is limited by cross-sectional study designs, short follow-up durations, and data analytic techniques that fail to capture the nuanced developmental processes through which caregivers and children impact one another. The present study investigated the cross-lagged and bidirectional pathways between maternal childhood victimization, depression, harsh parenting, and their children's externalizing symptoms over a 10-year period. Participants were 818 mother-child dyads prospectively identified as at-risk for family violence when children were four years old. Traditional cross-lagged panel modeling (CLPM) and random-intercept cross-lagged panel modeling (RI-CLPM) documented that maternal depression, harsh parenting, and child externalizing problems - all predicted by mothers' early abuse experiences - exacerbated one another across time. Discrepancies between the CLPM and RI-CLPM highlighted the advantages, disadvantages, and methodological implications of each approach. Findings highlight maternal psychopathology and parenting as key mechanisms in the intergenerational impact of abuse, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed, parent-mediated interventions for breaking long-term cycles of family dysfunction. The present findings support separating out between-person, trait-like components when interpreting cross-lagged associations, as these may confound within-person effects.

Examining the Effects of Mental Health and Parent-Youth Relationship on the Associations Between Childhood Violence Exposure and Adolescent Dating Violence Perpetration.

Adolescent dating violence (ADV) is a serious public health concern affecting youth worldwide. Potential risk factors of ADV include child maltreatment (CM) and intimate partner violence exposure (eIPV), though existing research on ADV perpetration specifically is inconsistent. There is limited research on co-occurring eIPV and CM, despite co-occurrence in 30-60% of homes where there is one. This study aims to address these gaps by testing the impact of childhood violence exposure on ADV perpetration and assessing two potential, theory-informed mitigating factors-mental health and parent-youth relationship. This study utilizes moderated-mediation structural equation modeling with longitudinal data from a sample of 2354 U.S. adolescents (10-18) and one of their caregivers. Three models were tested: (1) childhood violence exposure (eIPV only, CM only, or co-occurring CM & EIPV) and ADV perpetration; (2) mediation by mental health quality on model 1; and (3) overall moderation by parent-youth relationship quality on model 2. The final sample consisted of 961 youth with a history of dating. A significant direct effect between eIPV and ADV perpetration was found. There was a significant direct effect between co-occurrence (eIPV & CM) and ADV perpetration, which was mediated by mental health quality. This study further emphasizes the relation between eIPV and ADV and provides novel evidence of the impact co-occurrence has on ADV. Evidence of a trauma-informed mitigating factor, mental health quality, offers a potential point of intervention to be considered by mental health providers and ADV prevention/intervention programs.

Workplace violence and fear of violence: an assessment of prevalence across industrial sectors and its mental health effects.

This study aimed to (i) examine variance in the prevalence of workplace violence and fear of violence in the United Kingdom by industrial sector and (ii) determine the mental health effects thereof using longitudinal data. We used the United Kingdom Household Panel Study (UKHLS), a nationally representative survey with mental health indicators collected annually allowing us to determine common mental disorders (CMD) at baseline, one year prior and one year later. Using weighted logistic regression and lagged dependent variable regression, we examined prevalence of violence and fear of violence by sector and the effect of violence on CMD risk. We supplemented our analyses with the views of those with lived experience. Workers employed in public administration and facilities had the highest risks of workplace violence, with predicted probabilities (PP) of 0.138 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.116-0.160], and these were not statistically different from the second highest sector of health, residential care, and social work (PP 0.118, 95% CI 0.103-0.133). Workplace violence increased CMD risk [adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) 1.400, 95% CI 1.182-1.658] as did fear of violence at work (ORadj 2.103, 95% CI 1.779-2.487), adjusting for prior CMD. Moreover, the effect of violence and fear of violence on CMD remained when we investigated CMD one year later. A high prevalence of workplace violence and fear of workplace violence was found in multiple different industrial sectors - >1 in 10 workers were exposed to violence in the last 12 months in 30% of sectors and >1 in 20 workers were exposed in 70% of sectors. Both violence and fear of violence were associated with enhanced CMD risk at baseline and one year later.

Revisiting the Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 on Young Adults in the UK: Long-Term Trends, Temporary Setbacks, and Recovery

Abstract This study assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of 16- to 29-year-olds in the United Kingdom, using longitudinal data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) and its predecessor, covering the period from 2001 to 2023. The study identifies the causal effects of the lockdown (April 2020–March 2021) and the post-lockdown period (April 2021–March 2022) by estimating counterfactual mental health trajectories based on long-term trends. Unlike prior research, it accounts for potential reporting bias introduced by the UKHLS COVID-19 study. Mental ill-health among young adults had been rising for nearly two decades before the pandemic. During the lockdown period, the average General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) psychological distress score increased by 9% of its standard deviation, while the prevalence of clinically relevant psychological distress rose by 4.5% points. This impact was temporary, with mental health levels returning to predicted trends by April 2021, suggesting no lasting ‘scar’ on average mental health. The recovery coincided with declining feelings of loneliness and increased life satisfaction. The study also identifies variations in the pandemic’s mental health effects by gender, household income, age, and ethnicity. Women and young adults in the top third of the household income distribution experienced a more pronounced increase in psychological distress during lockdown. However, there is no evidence that the under-30 age group suffered, on average, more severe mental health effects than the rest of the adult population under 60 during the lockdown period. The findings challenge prevalent narratives by demonstrating the relative resilience of young adults in the face of the pandemic.

Preventing Childhood Sexual Abuse Related Mental Health Deterioration Using a Narrative Family Intervention in Burundi.

Despite the severe impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on trauma-related disorders, preventive interventions are scarce, especially in (post-)conflict regions. We developed and evaluated a narrative family communication approach for sexually abused Burundian female children and adolescents (N = 102). The intervention cohort (n = 55) received psychoeducation, parental skill training, and preventive narrative exposure therapy. Intervention participants reported improved parental acceptance at 3- and 12-month follow-ups (3mFUP, 12mFUP), and showed greater improvement in overall mental health between initial assessment (IA) and 3mFUP (drm = -0.70) and between IA and 12mFUP (drm = -1.36) compared to non-treated controls (drm = -0.33, drm = -0.02, respectively). Moreover, PTSD symptoms were significantly less pronounced in the intervention cohort than in the control cohort at both follow-ups. Our findings suggest that the preventive narrative family intervention might effectively buffer against devastating mental health consequences, including emerging PTSD symptoms, in the aftermath of CSA. The study and its outcome measures were preregistered at Clinical Trials ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ) with the registration number NCT05136105.

Where Healing Dwells: Faith, Trauma, and the Sacred Work of Community

This article reflects on the integration of psychiatry, spirituality, and community as vital pathways to healing for trauma-impacted and displaced people. Drawing from clinical experiences and pastoral ministry, it explores the sacred intersections between mental health care and faith-based accompaniment, particularly within immigrant and marginalized communities. Grounded in personal narrative, theology, and lived examples, the piece calls for the Church to become a partner in healing—one that honors cultural wisdom, responds to the mental health consequences of dehumanization, and embodies the liberative love of Christ. Through this lens, community becomes not only a site of resilience but also a sanctuary where trauma is transformed into belonging and hope.

The Interplay of Personal and Collective Resilience and Mental Health During Prolonged Conflict: Insights From Young Adults in Israel.

In this study we employed a repeated cross-sectional design to examine mental health among young adults in Israel using samples collected before and after the October 7th attacks and subsequent war, with a focus on resilience resources, coping strategies, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Additionally, we explored risk and protective factors associated with PTSD symptoms separately for each sample. Data were gathered from two online surveys conducted pre- and post-October 7th, encompassing 2131 young adults aged 18-24. Findings revealed a significantly higher rate of PTSD in the post-October 7th sample (43.3%) compared to the pre-October 7th sample (25.2%). In addition, the post-October 7th sample reported lower levels of resilience resources and social support, along with a greater reliance on emotional coping strategies. PTSD symptom severity was also significantly higher in the post-October 7th sample. Perceived threat emerged as a key risk factor, whereas social support and personal resilience acted as protective factors. Emotional coping strategies such as self-blame and avoidance were found to exacerbate PTSD symptoms. Post-attack predictors of PTSD symptoms included direct exposure to the injury or death of loved ones and internal displacement. These findings underscore the vital role of personal resilience and social support in mitigating the mental health effects of severe trauma. Furthermore, the study highlights the nuanced relationship between coping strategies and mental health, emphasising that commonly employed strategies may not always protect against severe stress. Identifying effective resources for recovery in the context of prolonged and intense threat is essential for informing intervention efforts.

The impact of sleep, mental health, and gender on academic performance in Canadian university students

PurposeTo understand the independent and combined effects of sleep and mental health on academic performance, while also exploring gender differences.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was distributed to undergraduate students at two Canadian universities in March 2022. Sleep quality and quantity was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Mental health variables included stress, depression, and anxiety. Academic performance was self-reported as students’ cumulative percent average. Multiple linear regressions were used to investigate how (1) sleep, (2) mental health, (3) sleep and mental health together related to academic performance. These analyses were then repeated, stratified by gender.ResultsA total of 1,258 undergraduate students participated. While mental health and sleep duration predicted academic performance among the whole sample, there were important gender differences. In gender-stratified data, sleep quality and quantity predicted academic performance in men but not mental health in the combined model. For women, stress, depression, and anxiety predicted academic performance but not sleep quality. Sleep duration squared, but not sleep duration simply, was associated with academic performance in women.ConclusionSleep and mental health are essential for academic performance in undergraduate students. Further, gender may play a critical role. Universities should consider gender-specific supports to improve the wellbeing of their students.