Mental Health Continuum-Short Form Research Articles

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Its Association with Risk of Obesity, Sedentary Behaviors, and Well-Being in Adolescents

Background/Objectives: The literature on consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) using the NOVA classification is still limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was twofold: (i) to compare the UPF consumption, sedentary behaviors, and well-being perception between boys and girls; and (ii) to investigate the association between the UPF consumption and risk of overweight, sedentary behaviors, and well-being in adolescents. Methods: The present cross-sectional study comprised a sample of 245 adolescents (131 boys) aged 12–17 years-old (M = 14.20; SD = 1.09). Height and weight were assessed, and subsequently, the BMI was computed; furthermore, total body fat percentage was measured with bioelectrical impedance. Daily consumption of UPF was assessed by the NOVA screener and time spent sedentary was assessed by the Midlands Behavior Health 2024 questionnaire. The Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) was used to measure adolescents’ psychosocial well-being. Pearson’s correlations and logistic regression analysis were used, controlling for biological, behavioral, and socio-economic confounders. Results: No sex differences were observed for the different UPF NOVA subscales. Boys reported higher computer use levels than girls on the weekend (p = 0.025), and they spent more time playing electronic games during the week (p = 0.005) and on the weekend than their female counterparts (p < 0.001). Moreover, boys reported higher scores in all well-being dimensions (p < 0.001) than girls. Conclusions: The findings revealed, after controlling for sex, sedentary time, and active behaviors, adolescents who consumed UPF on the previous day tended to be associated with a higher risk of being overweight, but also marginally without statistical significance (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83–1.01, p = 0.06). Of relevance, the present study revealed that both boys and girls of mothers with high educational levels were less likely to be classified as overweight or obese youth.

Evaluating flourishing: a comparative analysis of four measures using item pool visualization

The construct of flourishing, which refers to a high level of wellbeing, is a key concept in the field of positive psychology. Nevertheless, despite the proliferation of questionnaires attempting to measure wellbeing and flourishing, there is still an ongoing debate in the scientific community about the definition and assessment of both, which makes the choice of appropriate measures a major challenge. This study addresses this uncertainty through a comparative analysis of four widely used flourishing measures in a German-speaking sample, to enable researchers to make a reasonable choice among the measures available: the PERMA-Profiler, the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, the Flourishing Scale, and the Wellbeing Conceptual Framework. To enhance the understanding of these four measures, we compared and contrasted the instruments using Item Pool Visualization (IPV), an illustrative approach that generates item pools from the same dataset and displays them as nested radar maps. Our research indicates that all four measures are useful in measuring the concept of flourishing. However, they differ from each other depending on specific interest (from a broader to a narrower view). If the aim is to get a comprehensive overview of flourishing, then the PERMA-Profiler, the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, and the Flourishing Scale are appropriate options. If the focus is on measuring a more central concept, the Wellbeing Conceptual Framework provides the most specific assessment of flourishing.

Assessing Mindfulness Barriers: Turkish Validation of the Fears and Resistances to Mindfulness Scale (FRM) via a Bifactor Model Approach

The Fears and Resistances to Mindfulness Scale (FRM) is a self-report measure to help identify who may fear of, have blocks against, and show resistances to mindfulness. The goal of the present study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the FRM. The study recruited a sample of 448 participants. Participants completed several instruments including the Fears and Resistances to Mindfulness Scale, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. Factor analyses confirmed the original two-factor structure of the FRM with good internal consistency and a bifactor model of the FRM. Measurement invariance analyses across gender showed consistent psychometric properties across gender. The subscales and the general factor had positive associations with depression, anxiety, and stress, whereas they predominantly were negatively associated with well-being indicators or irrelevant. This study confirms the original factor structure of the FRM in a non-Western context along with a bifactor model. The Turkish version of the FRM is a valid and reliable instrument.

An investigation of the Bernstein’s strengths Scale: factorial validity and network analysis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms, mental health, and the strengths of the healthy adult self

BackgroundBernstein’s heuristic model of personal strengths describes 16 positive attributes of the healthy adult self, grouped into four higher-order factors: self-directedness (identity, self-reflection, self-confidence, self-assertion, imagination/creativity), self-regulation (emotional balance, resilience, self-control, self-care, reality testing), connection (empathy, compassion, humour, responsibility), and transcendence (gratitude and wisdom). The study aimed to explore the factorial validity of Bernstein’s Strengths Scale developed for the assessment of these constructs. Furthermore, we explored the association of strengths with attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) symptoms and mental health in a nonclinical sample using a network approach.MethodsFive hundred and twenty-eight adults filled out an online questionnaire, including Bernstein’s Strengths Scale (BSS), the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form (MHC-SF), and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS).ResultsThough our data showed an acceptable fit to the 16-factor model, the Self-control subscale and item 28 of the Compassion subscale were excluded because of reliability issues. The final model with 15 factors and 44 items showed excellent fit, χ2(797) = 1130.149, p < .001, RMSEA = 0.028, 90% CI [0.024, 0.032], SRMS = 0.049, CFI = 0.993, TLI = 0.991. Principal component analysis revealed three instead of four second-order factors. In the network model, Self-confidence and Wisdom emerged as the most influential nodes. ADHD symptoms were negatively connected to Responsibility, Self-care, Identity, Emotional balance, Self-confidence, and mental health, while they had positive edges with Humor, Self-reflection, and Imagination/creativity. Mental health was positively related to several strengths, with the strongest association being between mental health and Gratitude.ConclusionThe BSS has acceptable factorial validity and is a reliable tool for assessing the personal strengths of the healthy adult self. ADHD symptoms in adults may be associated with deficits in personal strengths, but protective factors could also be identified. Addressing personal strengths in psychosocial interventions for ADHD in adults may improve patients’ emotional well-being and everyday functioning.

Psychological well-being and its associations with sociodemographic characteristics, physical health, substance use and other mental health outcomes among adults in Canada

Introduction Psychological well-being (PWB) is an important component of positive mental health (PMH) and an asset for population health. This study examined correlates of PWB among community-dwelling adults (18+ years) in the 10 Canadian provinces. Methods Using data from the 2019 Canadian Community Health Survey Rapid Response on PMH, we conducted linear regression analyses with sociodemographic, mental health, physical health and substance use variables as predictors of PWB. PWB was measured using six questions from the Mental Health Continuum—Short Form, which asked about feelings of self-acceptance, personal growth, environmental mastery, autonomy, positive relations and purpose in life during the past month. Results In unadjusted and adjusted analyses, older age, being married or in a commonlaw relationship and having a BMI in the overweight category (25.00–29.99) were associated with higher PWB, while reporting a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, high perceived life stress, engaging in heavy episodic drinking and frequent cannabis use were associated with lower PWB. Sex, having children living at home, immigrant status, racialized group membership, educational attainment, household income tertile, having a BMI in the obese category (≥30.00), major chronic disease and smoking status were not significantly associated with PWB. Conclusion This research identifies sociodemographic, mental health, physical health and substance use factors associated with PWB among adults in Canada. These findings highlight groups and characteristics that could be the focus of future research to promote PMH.

Investigating the Mediating Roles of Hopelessness and Psychological Distress in the Relationship between Psychological Vulnerability and Well-Being among Married Individuals

The well-being of married individuals is shaped by various psychological factors, among which psychological vulnerability, hopelessness, and psychological distress play critical roles. This study investigates how psychological vulnerability impacts well-being through the mediating effects of hopelessness and psychological distress. The sample comprised 522 married individuals aged 23 to 67 (M = 36.70, SD = 10.77). Data were collected using the Psychological Vulnerability Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-4, Beck Hopelessness Scale, and Mental Health Continuum Short Form. Pearson Correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationships between variables, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the mediating roles. The significance of direct and indirect relationships was assessed using the bootstrap method. The analysis revealed significant correlations among the variables. SEM results indicated that psychological vulnerability positively and significantly predicted hopelessness and psychological distress, while hopelessness and psychological distress negatively predicted well-being. Additionally, the serial mediation of hopelessness and psychological distress in the relationship between psychological vulnerability and well-being was found to be significant. These findings suggest that psychological vulnerability can adversely affect the well-being of married individuals through the serial mediation of hopelessness and psychological distress. This study may contribute valuable insights to the literature and offers practical implications for couple and family counseling.

The D*Phase-study: Comparing short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy for major depressive disorder in a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial

BackgroundGiven both the large volume and manifold preferences of patients with depression, the availability of various effective treatments is important. Psychodynamic psychotherapy (PDT) has received less research in comparison to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to establish whether short-term psychodynamic supportive psychotherapy (SPSP) is non-inferior to CBT in the treatment of MDD. MethodsA non-inferiority trial was conducted in a Dutch mental health setting, with 290 patients randomised to receive 16 sessions of either CBT or SPSP, over eight weeks. Primary outcome was depressive symptom severity assessed using the self-rated Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS-SR). The non-inferiority margin was prespecified as a − 5 post-treatment difference on the IDS-SR. Secondary outcome measures were functional impairment caused by symptoms assessed using the Sheehan disability scale (SDS), and wellbeing measured by the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF). ResultsBoth intention-to-treat (baseline-adjusted mean difference 1.62, 95 % CI -1.82 to 5.05) and per-protocol analyses (mean difference 2.54; 95 % CI -0.63 to 5.72) showed SPSP to be non-inferior to CBT in reducing depressive symptoms. SPSP showed slightly but significantly higher remission rates and wellbeing scores. LimitationsPatients opting for other therapies or medication did not take part in the trial. Follow-up measures or clinician-rated questionnaires were not included. ConclusionsThe findings support SPSP as a viable treatment option for MDD, expanding the available choices for patients and broadening treatment options.

Exploration of factors associated with complete mental health among postsecondary students

BackgroundPostsecondary students are at risk for mental health problems and there has been an overall reduction in flourishing in recent years. The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with general mental health among students from one postsecondary institution (n = 1082).MethodsThe Mental Health Continuum-Short Form was used as the outcome, which categorizes individuals as being languishing (i.e., state of incomplete mental health), moderately mentally healthy, or flourishing (i.e., positive mental health). A multivariable ordered logistic regression analysis was applied to identify factors associated with more favourable dimensions of mental health.ResultsMost students were moderately mentally healthy (53%), compared to flourishing (32%), and languishing (15%). Factors significantly associated with positive mental health included students who: (i) participated in meditation, (ii) participated in physical exercise, (iii) frequently experienced challenges that helped them grow, (iv) felt one's campus did enough to protect students from COVID-19, and (v) felt they were part of a campus that looked out for others.ConclusionThis provides further evidence for investing in mental health training for instructors, promoting positive coping strategies within the student population, campuswide implementation of a universal approach to health promotion, and building a sense of community.

Mental Health of PE’s Teachers in Indonesia: Analysis between Well-Being Psychological Capital and Social Support with Demographic Factors

Mental health is crucial in education, including physical education. No research has yet profiled the mental health of physical education teachers in Indonesia. This study aims to identify and analyze the mental health conditions of these teachers through well-being, psychological capital, and social support profiles. The sample consisted of 248 physical education teachers in Indonesia. Most participants were male (87.9%), aged 21-40 years (54%), with a sports education background (80.2%), state school status (74.2%), a bachelor's degree (85.9%), and over 10 years of teaching experience (56.9%). The instruments used were the MHC-SF (Mental Health Continuum Short Form), with validity ranging from 0.477 to 0.723 and a reliability coefficient of r = 0.899. The PCQ (Psychological Capital Questionnaire) with validity from 0.233 to 0.49 and r = 0.904, and the MSPSS (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support) with validity from 0.339 to 0.746 and r = 0.885. The results showed that most teachers' mental health was in the moderate category. In conclusion, no difference in well-being was found among teachers (p&amp;gt; 0.005). However, differences in psychological capital were observed between male and female teachers (p &amp;lt;0.05), and social support varied with age, teaching status, teaching experience, and marital status (p &amp;lt;0.05). Further research is needed to explore the causes of these differences to enhance teachers' well-being.

Psychological well-being and its associations with sociodemographic characteristics, physical health, substance use and other mental health outcomes among adults in Canada.

Psychological well-being (PWB) is an important component of positive mental health (PMH) and an asset for population health. This study examined correlates of PWB among community-dwelling adults (18+ years) in the 10 Canadian provinces. Using data from the 2019 Canadian Community Health Survey Rapid Response on PMH, we conducted linear regression analyses with sociodemographic, mental health, physical health and substance use variables as predictors of PWB. PWB was measured using six questions from the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, which asked about feelings of self-acceptance, personal growth, environmental mastery, autonomy, positive relations and purpose in life during the past month. In unadjusted and adjusted analyses, older age, being married or in a commonlaw relationship and having a BMI in the overweight category (25.00-29.99) were associated with higher PWB, while reporting a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, high perceived life stress, engaging in heavy episodic drinking and frequent cannabis use were associated with lower PWB. Sex, having children living at home, immigrant status, racialized group membership, educational attainment, household income tertile, having a BMI in the obese category (≥30.00), major chronic disease and smoking status were not significantly associated with PWB. This research identifies sociodemographic, mental health, physical health and substance use factors associated with PWB among adults in Canada. These findings highlight groups and characteristics that could be the focus of future research to promote PMH.

Patient perspectives on systematic client feedback in Dutch outpatient mental healthcare, a qualitative case reports study

ObjectiveThe added value of systematic client feedback (SCF) to psychotherapy can be affected by patient perspectives, both in a positive and negative way, and is influenced by cultural factors as well. Current study explores patients’ perspectives on use and optimization of SCF in Dutch outpatient mental healthcare. Primary aim of present study is to generate implications for daily practice and optimize SCF implementation, particularly for the Netherlands.MethodFour patients suffering from mild to moderate psychological disorders were in-depth interviewed on their perspective on the use of SCF, when the Partners for Change Outcome Management System (PCOMS, high frequent), the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45, low frequent) and the Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF, low frequent) was added to treatment as usual in two Dutch outpatient mental healthcare centers offering brief psychological treatment. Interview topics were (a) SCF in general; (b) type of questionnaires; (c) frequency of use; (d) effect of SCF on therapy; and (e) perceived added value of SCF. A SCF expert team analyzed the data through reflexive Thematic Analysis.ResultsWe identified three themes, all of which have two sub-themes: (a) Requirements to use SCF, with sub-themes (a1) Balance between effort to complete SCF and perceived validity, and (a2) Balance between used frequency and perceived validity; (b) Modifiers for test-taking attitude, with subthemes (b1) SCF as an embedded part of therapy, and (b2) Quality of Therapist-Client alignment; and (c) Effects on therapeutic process, with subthemes (c1) Focus on task and goals, and shared responsibility, and (c2) Effects on outcome and satisfaction.ConclusionsAdding SCF to therapy can be perceived as helpful by patients in psychotherapy if two conditions are met: (1) Creating a right balance between effort and yield for SCF to be used at all; and (2) embedding SCF as an integral part of therapy, through therapist-client alignment. Throughout the progression of therapy, it might be useful to perceive SCF and therapy as communicating vessels; according to patients it is not only necessary to adjust therapy based on SCF, but also to adjust SCF based on the course of therapy.Trial RegistrationThis trial was registered on September 30, 2015 in the Dutch Trial Register NTR5466. The Medical Ethics Committee of the University of Twente (Enschede) approved this study (registration number: K15-11, METC Twente).

The mental health of parent versus non-parent post-secondary students

Post-secondary students experience abnormally high levels of stress compared to the general population, and parents pursuing post-secondary education have additional demands that challenge their mental health. Understanding the mental health of parent versus non-parent students is imperative to support students in their academic pursuits. The purpose of this mixed-methods, cross-sectional paper was two-fold: (1) to investigate the mental health (flourishing/languishing) of parents pursuing post-secondary education in Ontario, Canada with children/youth aged 0–18 years compared to non-parent post-secondary students; and (2) to explore parents’ and non-parents’ lived experiences of mental health (flourishing/languishing) while pursuing post-secondary education. A total of 374 students (n = 86 parents; n = 288 non-parents) completed an online survey that included demographics and the previously validated Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. A subset of participants (n = 10 parents; n = 10 non-parents) participated in one of six focus groups (3 parent focus groups; 3 non-parent focus groups). Results from the independent sample t-tests indicated no significant differences between the overall mental health scores. Thematic analysis revealed 4 themes for student-parents: (1) factors that challenge mental health; (2) realities of being a student-parent; (3) social connectivity among family and friends; and (4) mental health fluctuations. A total of 6 non-parent specific themes were found: (1) social connectivity among peers; (2) factors that challenge mental health; (3) the bidirectional relationship between school and mental health status; (4) prioritizing academic roles; (5) finding purpose through academic pursuits; and (6) admiration for student-parents. Findings from the current study highlight the dichotomy in student-parent versus non-parent academic identities and are important for university personnel to understand to provide tailored supports.

Exploring the Association of Urban Agricultural Practices with Farmers’ Psychosocial Well-Being in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé: A Perceptual Study

African urban agriculture (UA) has garnered attention for its contributions to food security and socio-economic improvement. However, its impact on the psychological well-being of farmers has received minimal focus. This study explores the psychosocial effects of UA by surveying 733 farmers in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé. Utilizing the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC-SF) and bespoke questionnaires, our research evaluates the emotional benefits of urban farming. Findings from regression analyses and spatial assessments conducted using Python and QGIS 3.32.2-Lima indicate significant variations in UA-related happiness across different city zones, with peripheral farmers experiencing greater satisfaction than their urban counterparts. Notably, female farmers reported higher levels of happiness, underscoring UA’s potential to empower women. This study advocates for the integration of UA into urban planning frameworks to foster psychologically beneficial urban environments.

Insights into Positive Mental Health Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a Study in Croatia

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has raised significant concerns about public health, particularly in terms of mental well-being due to heightened fear and uncertainty. The findings of this study are based on a survey conducted to evaluate the mental health status of the general population in Croatia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A survey conducted randomly and cross-sectionally included 588 respondents from all 21 counties in Croatia. The survey gathered demographic data and assessed various factors related to pandemic response measures and mental health using the Mental Health Continuum—Short Form (MHC-SF) scale. Results: Despite feeling adequately informed about COVID-19 (76.0%), most respondents (60.8%) expressed concerns about their loved ones during the pandemic. There were significant numbers who felt there was no risk of infection (50.9%) or believed they would not get infected (40.2%), while 72.4% were content with government measures. A statistical analysis indicated that mental health was not significantly different between genders, but age-related differences were evident, with those under 21 experiencing the most distress. The lowest level of psychological and social well-being was observed in respondents who were unemployed. Conclusions: The study identifies vulnerable groups in the Croatian population during the pandemic, including younger individuals, those on parental leave, students, and the unemployed, who exhibited worse mental health. The importance of implementing targeted mental health interventions to support these vulnerable groups is highlighted by these findings.

Mental distress and well-being in geriatric professionals: The role of job satisfaction

BackgroundAs limited evidence is available on health professionals’ experience during the post-pandemic period, the interplay between job satisfaction components, mental distress and well-being was investigated among workers of an Italian geriatric institution. MethodsIn Spring 2022, 205 participants (females =75.6%), primarily healthcare assistants (36.6%), nurses (16.6%), and rehabilitation professionals (14.1%), completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF), and the Job Satisfaction Questionnaire. Data analyses comprised Multiple Regressions, Relative Weight Analyses, and ANOVA. FindingsSatisfaction with working conditions and leadership exhibited negative associations with distress, while satisfaction with patients, colleagues, results, and leadership were positively correlated with well-being. Participants with high well-being levels scored significantly lower across mental distress dimensions than participants reporting poor well-being levels. ConclusionsResults showed that specific job satisfaction components relate differently to distress and well-being, suggesting the need for implementing organizational resources, psychological support, and interprofessional collaboration in healthcare services.

Time in childhood extracurricular activity and mental health of young adults with developmental disability

BackgroundPeople with developmental disability have higher rates of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, psychological distress, or a limited sense of belonging to a community. Extracurricular activity can help children and adolescents build social connections beyond family, increasing social capital, which may promote mental health in the transition into adulthood. Little is known about such associations among people with developmental disability. ObjectiveTo examine associations of childhood extracurricular activity with mental health in young adulthood among people with and without developmental disability. MethodsData: Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID, 1968–2017), its Child Development Supplement (1997, 2002, 2007) and its Transition into Adulthood Supplement (2005–2019) (n = 2801). Time diaries measured time in activity. Outcomes were psychological distress (Kessler K6) and flourishing (Mental Health Continuum-Short Form). Adjusted linear regressions modeled associations. ResultsIn nationally representative results, 9.6 % (95 % confidence interval, CI 7.8, 11.4) had a disability. Children without disability reported more average weekly time in group activity, 125.1 min (CI 113.2, 136.9) vs. 93.6 (CI 55.1, 132.0; not significant at conventional levels). In adjusted results, “some” group activity (0–180 weekly minutes) was associated with greater flourishing for those with developmental disability (0.89; CI 0.16, 1.61). ConclusionAmong people with developmental disability, group activity in childhood was associated with greater flourishing in young adulthood. More research is needed to understand the complex nature of activity participation for children with developmental disabilities.

Self-Silencing and Mental Well-being in Married Individuals

The present study investigated the relationship between self-silencing, co-dependency and mental wellbeing in married individuals. The objectives of this study were to explore the relationship between self-silencing, codependency and mental wellbeing in married individuals; and to investigate the mediating role of co-dependency between self-silencing and mental wellbeing in them. The total sample of the study comprised of 154 married individuals, including equal number of men and women, selected through convenient sampling strategy. The survey forms were sent online to the participants via interactive social media networks. Data was collected from the participants using the Mental Health Continuum Short Form, Self-Silencing Scale, and Spann Fischer Co-Dependency Scale. Pearson Product Moment correlation was computed which revealed a positive correlation between self-silencing and codependency, and a negative correlation between self-silencing, codependency and mental wellbeing in married individuals. Co-dependency was found to be the negative predictor of mental wellbeing. Moreover, co-dependency was found to be a significant mediator between self-silencing and mental wellbeing. These findings contribute to the behavioral sciences by providing evidence that the experience of self-silencing and co-dependency can negatively affect mental well-being of married individuals. As a result, it may impact their intimate marital bond.

Childhood emotional neglect and its relationship with well-being: Mediation analyses

Emotional neglect can have negative effects on mental health and well-being, making it a potentially traumatic experience. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between emotional neglect and depression, anxiety disorders, self-esteem, well-being, perceived social support, and perceived climate anxiety. The study also explored possible mediations and moderations among these variables. A total of 278 participants completed the study and were administered a range of psychological tools, including the Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Additionally, a demographic survey was conducted, which included questions about climate anxiety and experience with psychotherapy. Childhood emotional neglect is significantly, and positively correlated with climate anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression, while being negatively correlated with well-being and perceived social support. Self-esteem, depression, and anxiety partially mediate the relationship between emotional neglect and psychological well-being, suggesting that interventions aimed at improving self-esteem and reducing anxiety may be effective in promoting psychological well-being among individuals who experienced emotional neglect in childhood. Early intervention and prevention efforts are important to reduce negative impact of emotional neglect. In particular, focusing on anxiety and depressive symptoms and self-esteem seems important to protect their well-being.

Staging of psychiatric disorders in patients with limited and advanced/metastatic solid cancer: A pilot study.

e22545 Background: 38% of cancer patients (pts) receive diagnosis of major depressive disorder. According with the clinimetric approach of the staging of psychiatric disease, the 5-step model of unipolar depression allows for the evaluation of the extent of the disorder, its severity, and characteristics at a specific time in the course of the disease. This study was aimed: a) to assess mental health and quality of life of cancer patients with limited (LS) and advanced/metastatic (AS) solid cancer through the join evaluation of the staging of psychiatric disorders; b) to explore the potential role of severity of oncological disease in anxious/depressive disease development. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Oncology Unit of Luigi Sacco Hospital of Milan during the first session of a psychological support path. Patients’ cancer diagnosis and stage, as well as regular engagement in work, leisure and social activities were explored. Hospital and Depression Anxiety Scale (HADS), the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) and Mental Health Continuum Short-Form (MHC-SF) were also administered. Results: 104 pts were included: F 86, M 18, median age 57,5 (27-84), 30% AS, and 70% LS. Pts’ anxious/depressive symptoms were assessed by HADS scoring and they were divided into 3 groups according to the model of unipolar depression: Group 1a (prodromal phase – no symptoms), Group 1b (prodromal phase – mood symptoms) and Group 2 (anxious/depressive disorder). Pts in group 2 were significantly more frequently AS pts, while in group 1a pts in LS stage (χ² = 7.78, p &lt; .05). Based on MHC-SF scores, flourishing and languishing were significantly more frequently reported by pts in group 1a (55,5% and 46% of pts, respectively), and moderate mental health in group 2 (45,9% of pts, χ² = 18.1, p &lt; .001). Regression analysis highlighted non-hobbyist vs. hobbyists, AS vs. LS cancer pts, asthenic vs. non asthenic pts, and moderate vs flourishing metal health were more likely to receive a provisional anxious depressive disorder diagnosis (Stage 2). No association emerged for other physical symptoms, work, and socialization. Conclusions: AS pts with asthenia, no engagement in structured activities and moderate mental health had a higher risk of developing anxious/depressive disorders. Screening psychiatric disorders in cancer pts may improve the physician's ability to recognize earlier phase of psychopathological disease and guide pts to tailored treatment. These may prevent progression of psychiatric disease and promote mental health and positive quality of life.

The Impact of Internet Addiction on Mental Health: Exploring the Mediating Effects of Positive Psychological Capital in University Students

Introduction: The widespread use of the internet has brought numerous benefits, but it has also raised concerns about its potential negative impact on mental health, particularly among university students. This study aims to investigate the relationship between internet addiction (IA) and mental health (MH) in university students, as well as explore the mediating effects of positive psychological capital (PsyCap) in this relationship. Objective: The main goal of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the measures and to determine whether internet addiction could negatively predict university students’ mental health, mediated through PsyCap. Method: A cross-sectional design with an inferential approach was employed to address this objective. The data were collected using the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24), Internet Addiction Scale (IAS), and Keyes’ Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF). The total sample of this study comprised 850 students from two large public higher education institutions in Ethiopia, of whom 334 (39.3%) were female and 516 (60.7%) were male, with a mean age of 22.32 (SD = 4.04). Several analyses were performed to achieve the stated objectives, such as Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliabilities, bivariate correlation, discriminant validity, common method biases, and structural equation modeling (confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, and mediation analysis). Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test the construct validity of IAS, PCQ-24, and MHC-SF. Additionally, the mediating model was examined using structural equation modeling with the corrected biased bootstrap method. Results: The preliminary study results found that the construct validity of IAS, PCQ-24, and MHC-SF was excellent and appropriate. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that internet addiction had a negative and direct effect on PsyCap and MH. Moreover, PsyCap fully mediated the relationship between IA and MH. Additionally, this study confirmed that all the scales exhibited strong internal consistency and good psychometric properties. Conclusion: This study contributes to a better understanding of the complex interplay between IA, PsyCap, and MH among university students, confirming previous findings. Recommendation: The findings, discussed in relation to the recent and relevant literature, will be valuable for practitioners and researchers aiming to improve mental health and reduce internet addiction by utilizing positive psychological resources as protective factors for university students.