Mental Health Continuum Research Articles

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.

Sport mental health continuum in young Brazilian athletes: adaptation and psychometric properties

Instruments used to assess the mental well-being of young athletes in Brazil are scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt for young athletes, and gather evidence of validity for the Sport Mental Health—Short Form (S-MHC) for use in Brazilian Portuguese. The research was conducted in five stages: translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert review, and validation of the psychometric properties. For validation, 246 young athletes of both genders (88 females, 35.8%), aged between 12 and 18 years (14.5 ± 1.9 years), were recruited. Psychometric methods were employed to confirm and validate the translated and adapted versions of the S-MHC for young athletes, including internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega, composite reliability, Item Characteristic Curve (ICC) using Item Response Theory (IRT), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Two structures were tested, with Model 1 loading the 14 items of the translated version of the S-MHC into a single latent factor and Model 2 loading the items into three factors related to emotional, social, and psychological sport well-being. Both models showed good validity, consistency, and reliability measures and can be used to investigate the sport well-being of young athletes. It was concluded that the translated version of the S-MHC in Brazilian Portuguese can be used to assess the sport well-being of young athletes in Brazil. Model 2 structure is recommended to observe the different nuances of emotional, social, and psychological well-being.

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.

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.

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).

Positive mental health, depression and burnout in healthcare workers during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies focused on healthcare workers' positive mental health (i.e. high levels of psychological well-being) and its association with anxiety, depression and burnout in the second wave of the pandemic. To evaluate the protective role of well-being in buffering burnout and psychological distress. We evaluated 173 Italian healthcare workers with indicators of psychological distress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales [DASS]-21), burnout (Copenhagen Burnout Inventory [CBI]) and positive mental health (Mental Health Continuum) and we cross-classified them according to their levels of mental health (flourishing, languishing and moderate mental health) and their levels of anxiety, depression and burnout. Forty-eight per cent of health workers were classified as flourishing, 10% as languishing and 42% as moderate mental health. Flourishing individuals presented lower scores on DASS and CBI scales, whereas no differences emerged between languishing and moderate mental health groups. More than 80% of health workers with clinically significant symptoms of anxiety, depression and risk of burnout were classified as not flourishing. This investigation documented the presence of flourishing mental health in almost half of the sample of Italian healthcare workers. However, those with moderate or languishing mental health manifested higher levels of anxiety, depression and higher risks of burnout. The study confirms the importance of maintaining and/or promoting the well-being of this population, with a crucial role of mental health nurses who can easily approach other healthcare workers and provide them informational (training, guidelines) and emotional support programmes (psychoeducation, mental health support team, peer support and counselling) when facing adverse working conditions.

Mental health and locus of control among Naga youth giving various competitive examinations

Purpose Competitive examinations, especially in a country like India, are important in deciding careers and access to prestigious institutions. Each year thousands of youth appear for different national and state level examinations, the competition for which becomes progressively tougher. Hence, it is important to study the mental health of youth appearing for competitive examinations. Nagaland, with an unemployment rate of 19.3%, is among the states with the highest unemployment rate in India. Therefore, this paper aims to study Naga youth with special focus on three aspects, namely, the status of mental health, to examine locus of control and to examine the correlation between mental health and locus of control. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted in Kohima town and Dimapur town respectively with a sample comprising of 196 youth. The participants were in the age range of 15–35 years. The tools used included the Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale, Mental Health Continuum (Short-form) and a demographic questionnaire. Findings A considerable proportion of the participants (36%) were found in flourishing category whereas majority of the participants were either moderately healthy (46%) or languishing (17%). Age and employment status were found to have a significant relationship with mental health whereas gender was found to have a significant relationship with locus of control. Pearson chi-square showed a significant association between mental health and locus of control. Originality/value The present study used the mental health continuum model and locus of control to give a comprehensive view of mental health and the perceived control among Naga youth appearing competitive examinations.

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.

A Global Study of the Wellbeing of Adolescent Students During the COVID-19 2020 Lockdown

AbstractAs the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus spread across the world, countries took drastic measures to counter the disease by requiring their citizens to home self-isolate i.e., lockdown. While it was not known how young people would cope with the social distancing restrictions, there was concern that the lockdown would have a debilitating effect on youth mental health. This study examined whether there was an association between adolescent subjective wellbeing and the amount of time spent in lockdown. Global Research Alliance researchers in 15 countries collected data using the Mental Health Continuum (Keyes in Am J Orthopsych 76:395–402, 2006) from over 7000 middle-school students aged 11–18. Findings show a decline in eudemonic wellbeing, particularly among females during the first 6 months of lockdown, which was most strongly associated with diminished psychological wellbeing, followed by social wellbeing, while emotional wellbeing remained relatively stable. An adaptation effect was noted after approximately 6 months. There was evidence suggesting females were slower to adapt to lockdown conditions compared to males. More attention should be paid to the wellbeing of students in lockdown to overcome languishing tendencies and educators should be cognizant of diminished student wellbeing, particularly among females, when students return to school. Positive school experiences, and positive relationships within the school community, may assist in reducing the risk of languishing in lockdown conditions, so schools should design interactive online activities for off-campus learning.

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.

P-482 Construct validity of the donor conception identity questionnaire and its association with searching for and finding donor connections

Abstract Study question Is there an association between donor conception identity, psychological and social wellbeing, and searching for and finding donor connections? Summary answer Donor conceived individuals differ on key domains that tap into aspects of their donor conception identity. These relate to searching for and finding donor connections. What is known already There is variation in the ways that donor conceived individuals feel about their conception. Factors such as the age of disclosure are associated with how donor conceived individuals feel about being donor conceived. Associations have been found between donor conception identity and parent-child relationship quality among adolescents, suggesting that curiosity and negativity about donor conception are influenced by the valence of the parent-child relationship. The Donor Conception Identity Questionnaire (DCIQ) has not been previously validated. Study design, size, duration 88 donor conceived adults in the UK participated in a cross-sectional study using an online multi-method survey. Data were collected between January and August 2022. The survey was advertised by the Donor Conception Network and Donor Conceived Register Registrants’ Panel via mailing lists and social media and circulated by the research team and others on social media and university mailing lists. The present findings draw from a subsection of the data collected from this survey. Participants/materials, setting, methods Most participants identified as female (n = 65,74%) and were conceived using donor sperm (n = 79,90%). Participants completed the 25-item DCIQ (adapted from studies of donor conception and adoption identity), and the Mental Health Continuum, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and adapted versions of the community connectedness and pride subscales of the Gender Minority Stress and Resilience Measure and the HIV Stigma Scale. Participants reported on whether they had searched for and/or found donor connections. Main results and the role of chance Factor analysis of items on the DCIQ identified four domains: 1. Concern and centrality, 2. Internalised stigma, 3. Pride and acceptance, and 4. Openness and understanding. ‘Concern and centrality’ correlated positively with community connectedness (r(86)= 283, p=.008), and stigma (r(86)= 280, p= .008), and negatively with pride (r(86) =-.398, p&amp;lt;.001). ‘Internalised stigma’ was positively correlated with stigma (r(86)=.858, p&amp;lt;.001) and negatively correlated with psychological wellbeing (r(85)=-.378, p &amp;lt;.001), satisfaction with life (r(86)= -.263, p=.013) and pride (r(86)=-716, p&amp;lt;.001). ‘Pride and acceptance’ was positively correlated with psychological wellbeing (r(85) = .276, p = .010), satisfaction with life (r(86)=.329, p =.002) and pride (r(86)=.800, p&amp;lt;.001), and negatively correlated with stigma (r(86)=-.396, p &amp;lt;.001). ‘Openness and understanding’ was positively correlated with psychological wellbeing (r(85)=.304, p=.004), satisfaction with life (r(86)=.316, p=.003), and pride (r(86)=.584, p&amp;lt;.001) and negatively correlated with stigma (r(86)=-.614, p&amp;lt;.001). Searchers scored higher than non-searchers on ‘concern and centrality’ F(1, 79) = 7.543, p= .007 and ‘internalised stigma’ (F(1, 79)=4.355, p=.040). Donor conceived individuals who had found donor connections scored lower on ‘internalised stigma’ F(1, 79) = 7.071, p=.009 and higher on ‘openness and understanding’ (F(1, 79)=6.083, p=0.016) compared to those who had not found their donor connections. Limitations, reasons for caution Lack of diversity within the sample with regards to participant gender, age, and donation type means that findings may not apply across donor conceived populations. The sample were self-selected. Causal relationships between variables cannot be established. Wider implications of the findings The DCIQ may be useful to understand variation in donor conceived people’s psychological health and interest in their donor. The value of the measure in a practical context (e.g., in counselling) should now be evaluated. Further work to validate the scale across different contexts and with different populations is recommended. Trial registration number the UK Economic and Social Research Council [New Investigator Award ES/S015426/1

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.

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 sense of coherence scale: psychometric properties in a representative sample of the Czech adult population

BackgroundSense of coherence (SOC) is a personal resource that reflects the extent to which one perceives the world as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful. Decades of empirical research consistently show that SOC is an important protective resource for health and well-being. Despite the extensive use of the 13-item measure of SOC, there remains uncertainty regarding its factorial structure. Additionally, a valid and reliable Czech version of the scale is lacking. Therefore, the present study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the SOC-13 scale in a representative sample of Czech adults.MethodsAn online survey was completed by 498 Czech adults (18–86 years old) between November 2021 and December 2021. We used confirmatory factor analysis to examine the factorial structure of the scale. Further, we examined the variations in SOC based on age and gender, and we tested the criterion validity of the scale using the short form of the Mental Health Continuum (MHC) scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) scale as mental health outcomes.ResultsSOC-13 showed an acceptable one- and three-factor fit only with specified residual covariance between items 2 and 3. We tested alternative short versions by systematically removing poorly performing items. The fit significantly improved for all shorter versions with SOC-9 having the best psychometric properties with a clear one-factorialstructure. We found that SOC increases with age and males score higher than females. SOC showed a moderately strong positive correlation with MHC, and a moderately strong negative correlation with GAD. These findings were similar for all tested versions supporting the criterion validity of the SOC scale.ConclusionOur findings suggest that shortened versions of the SOC-13 scale have better psychometric properties than the original 13-item version in the Czech adult population. Particularly, SOC-9 emerges as a viable alternative, showing comparable reliability and validity as the 13-item version and a clear one-factorial structure in our sample.

Psychological distress, well-being, resilience, posttraumatic growth, and turnover intention of mental health nurses during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study.

Mental health nurses (MHNs) experience a range of stressors as part of their work, which can impact their well-being and turnover intention. There is no prior evidence, however, on MHNs' mental health, well-being, resilience, and turnover intention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of this online survey-based cross-sectional study, conducted during the pandemic, were to explore the psychological distress, well-being, emotional intelligence, coping self-efficacy, resilience, posttraumatic growth, sense of workplace belonging, and turnover intention of n = 144 Australian mental health registered and enrolled nurses; and explore relationships between these variables, in particular, psychological distress, well-being, and turnover intention. There was a higher percentage of MHNs with high (27.78%) and very high psychological distress (9.72%) compared to population norms as measured by the K10. Emotional intelligence behaviours were significantly lower than the population mean (GENOS-EI Short). Coping self-efficacy was mid-range (CSES-Short). Resilience was moderate overall (Brief Resilience Scale), and posttraumatic growth was mid-range (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory; PTGI). Sense of workplace belonging was moderate, and turnover intention was low. Higher levels of psychological distress were associated with higher turnover intention, and lower workplace belonging, coping self-efficacy, well-being, resilience, and emotional intelligence behaviours. Despite the levels of psychological distress, nearly half the sample (n = 71) was 'flourishing' in terms of well-being (Mental Health Continuum Short-Form). To help prevent staff distress in the post-pandemic period, organisations need to proactively offer support and professional development to strengthen staff's psychological well-being, emotional intelligence, and resilience skills. These strategies and group clinical supervision may also support lower turnover.

Social support as a factor of mental health in wartime conditions: Communication and interaction

According to researchers, social support is a powerful tool for maintaining a person's mental health. The aim of this study was to empirically identify the relationship between social support as a resource and the stability of an individual's mental health in wartime conditions. The following methods were used in the study: “The Mental Health Continuum – Short Form” (E.L. Nosenko, A.H. Chetveryk-Burchak), and the BASIC Ph Model. Mathematical-statistical methods applied included correlation analysis with the determination of the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and the determination of differences using the Student's t-test. The study sample consisted of 382 Ukrainians living in Ukraine (of which 116 were men and 266 were women), with an average age of 21.3 years (ranging from 18 to 43 years). The results obtained demonstrate that more than a third of the respondents have a low level of stability of mental health, which is interpreted as a state of depression, a tense psycho-emotional state, passivity in activity and interaction with others. To overcome this state, the respondents most often resort to cognitive skills, belief and physical activity. Analysis of the relationship between mental health stability and various forms of social support revealed that communication and interaction with friends, family members, and members of organisations or communities to which one belongs are associated with higher indicators of mental health and well-being. Differences in mental health indicators and the use of social support were also found between men and women. Men are less likely to use social support as a method of coping with difficult life circumstances. The obtained data do not exhaust the problem of studying social support as a factor of mental health in wartime conditions, but they confirm that communication and interaction are associated with the psychological health and well-being of the individual

Assessing the dimensions of psychological (in)flexibility in adolescence: Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory - short form

IntroductionPsychological Flexibility (PF) is a complex and extensively studied concept within the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework. PF denotes one’s capacity to effectively navigate psychological distress and challenges while aligning one’s actions with deeply held values. Given its association with mental health and overall well-being, it is crucial to develop assessment tools able to capture the various facets of flexible behaviour and design strategies for its enhancement.ObjectivesTo adapt the Portuguese version of the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI-24; Grégoire et al., 2020) for the adolescent population.MethodsThe study involved 269 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years old. Participants completed a set of self-report instruments, including the MPFI24-A, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), Mental Health Continuum - Short Form (MHC-SF), and the PsyFlex-A, which also assesses PF. A subsample also completed the MPFI24-A four weeks later to assess test-retest reliability.ResultsTwo models, specifically the six-factor correlated model and the bifactor model, emerged as presenting the best fit when analysing data separately for the Flexibility and Inflexibility indices. The MPFI24-A demonstrated good reliability for both overall scores (α = .90 and α = .85, respectively) and good test-retest reliability. The PF index showed significant positive associations with PsyFlex-A scores, perceived mental health, and a moderate negative association with depression and anxiety. Conversely, the Psychological Inflexibility (PI) index presented the opposite association pattern with these variables and showed no significant correlation with PF as measured by the PsyFlex-A. The two indices of the MPFI24-A demonstrated a weak positive correlation. Significant differences between boys and girls were found for the PF index, with boys showing higher scores. No significant differences were found between boys and girls concerning the PI index.ConclusionsResults suggest that the MPFI24-A is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing adolescents’ psychological flexibility and inflexibility competencies. Although further clarification of the MPFI24-A factor structure and the utility of different factors is warranted, the findings support its overall applicability.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

A comparative study of depression, anxiety, loneliness, well-being and self-esteem among patients with and without Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IntroductionIndividuals diagnosed with Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often experience recurring and painful symptoms, which can significantly affect their daily life, while hospitalization and/or surgery may be needed when they present complications. During the course of the disease, IBD patients may experience feelings of anxiety and/or depression and present decreased well-being.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to investigate depression, anxiety, loneliness, well-being and self-esteem in patients with IBD in comparison to individuals without IBD (healthy controls), while taking into consideration demographic and clinical parametersMethodsThe study included 164 participants and in particular 98 patients with IBD and 66 healthy controls matched for sex and age. All participants completed Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess depression and anxiety, UCLA Loneliness Scale to assess feelings of loneliness, Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF) to assess well-being and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES) to assess self-esteem, while socio-demographic and clinical data were additionally recorded.ResultsAccording to the results, statistically significant differences were observed in all psychological parameters with IBD patients presenting higher depression (p&lt;0.001), higher anxiety (p=0.002), higher loneliness (p=0.002), lower well-being (p=0.019) and lower self-esteem (p&lt;0.001) compared to healthy controls. Among IBD patients, higher well-being was independently associated with higher self-esteem and lower anxiety, but not with depression, loneliness or patients’ sex and age.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the importance of investigating and timely detecting psychological symptoms among patients with IBD, with a view to providing them an integrative physical and mental health care.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Help-Seeking Intention and Its Determining Factors Among High School Students in Iran

Background: With a global prevalence of mental disorders among adolescents, exacerbated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)’s impact, understanding the dynamics of seeking assistance is crucial. Therefore, this study determined the status of the help-seeking intention and the factors affecting it among high school students in Saveh (center of Iran). Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2023, 400 students from different high schools were selected by a multi-stage stratified random sampling procedure. They were studied using the Short Form of Mental Health Continuum Questionnaire (MHC-SF), Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Questionnaire (ATSPPH), Help-seeking Intention Questionnaire (GHSQ), and perceived barriers related to mental health services. Data were analyzed via SPSS 21 software using linear regression and descriptive statistical methods. Furthermore, P&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean score attitude toward mental health services, perceived barriers to mental health services, and positive mental health were 33.8±5.5, 23.5±3.8, and 42.36±10.39, respectively. Close friends were favored for informal help-seeking (4.3±0.97), while doctors preferred formal help-seeking (3.4±0.91). Furthermore, attitude toward mental health services was the most important predictor of formal help-seeking (P value&lt;0.001; β=3.89), while positive mental health was the most important predictor of informal help-seeking (P value&lt;0.001; β=2.93). Conclusion: The findings of this study identified friends, family, and doctors as primary sources of informal and formal help-seeking among adolescents. Mental health literacy education is crucial for these groups. Given boys’ lower help-seeking intentions and the influence of attitudes and perceived barriers, comprehensive training is recommended. Hence, it is essential to incorporate mental health literacy programs within school curricula. Moreover, school counselors should receive comprehensive training to identify and address mental health issues effectively among students.