Mental Health Of Young Adults Research Articles

Narcissistic Personality, Social Media and Mental Health in Early Adulthood

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social media, narcissism, and the mental health of young adults. It was hypothesized that there is likely to be a relationship between narcissism, social media usage, and mental health in early adulthood. A correlation research design was used to collect data (online) from (N= 160) university students (male =31; female=129) with the age range of 18-25 years (M=19.58, SD=5.27). The sample was recruited by using a convenient sampling technique from different private sectors universities. Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS-SF), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), and 16 items pair of narcissism were used to collect data. Patient Health Questionnaire introduced by Robert, Janet, and William. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis showed that mental health is positively correlated with social media whereas narcissism is negatively correlated with mental health. Implications show that seminar is very important for awareness about mental health and excessive social media usage. Results show that using hours of social media is significantly predicts mental health. Virtual problems, virtual communication, virtual information social media significantly correlated with mental health. Moreover, there are no gender differences in social media and mental health. So our hypothesis is proved. Our results contradicted the results of previous research which showed a relationship between Narcissism, Social Media, and their impact on mental health.

Role of Psychological Flexibility and Social Support Satisfaction on the Mental Health of Young Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant mental and psychological distress, in addition to its impacts on physical health. Though young adults are at low risk of health complications from COVID-19, they’re still prone to many psychological problems, during such times marked by uncertainty, ambiguity, and loss of control. Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine the mental health status of young adults during the pandemic. It also seeks to look at the relationship between psychological flexibility and social support and the mental health of young adults. Method: Convenience sampling procedure was used. The questionnaires were circulated through Google Forms among people of the age group 18-35 years. A total of 211 participants completed the study. Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), psychological flexibility was measured using the Flexibility subscale of the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI), and Social Support Satisfaction was analysed using the Satisfaction subscale of the Sarason Social Support Questionnaire (SSQSR). The data were analysed using the Student t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Results: A significant correlation was found for social support satisfaction, but not for psychological flexibility, with the other variables.

Social Media, Social Support, and Mental Health of Young Adults During COVID-19

The current study examines the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health among young adults in the US, how they use social media and the social support they obtain from the online environment, and the effect on their mental health during stay-at-home orders. Our survey among 18-to-25-year-olds found that women and those uncertain of employment status due to the pandemic experienced elevated depression symptoms. The informational acquisition motive for using social media was positively associated with depression symptoms, and a higher level of online informational support contributed to increasing the symptoms. Young adults showed the lowest level of depression symptoms when they had a higher level of offline emotional support and a lower level of online informational support. Our survey stressed the importance of offline emotional support and reconfirmed that nothing can replace its value.

Rebuilding the workplace to promote young workers' mental health

PurposeYoung adults have been particularly adversely affected by COVID-19-related disruptions, especially in relation to industries with an over-representation of young adults. This study, a report, aims to discuss the findings from survey data from young adults who reported poorer mental health comparative to older generations prior to the pandemic. Drawing on the international literature and the research findings, the authors propose recommendations for rebuilding the workplace post-pandemic to support young adult's mental health.Design/methodology/approachData from 1,999 respondents from 200 organisations in the UK were sought in relation to workplace well-being and mental health through a 15-item multiple choice online survey. Overall, 17% of the sample were senior management, 31% junior management, 37% in non-management roles and a further 15% stated “other”. Exploratory quantitative analyses were undertaken to assess differences in responses to questions between age groups.FindingsParticipants in the 16–25-year-old age group were more likely than any other age group to report that work adversely affected their mental health, that their mental health challenges influenced their performance at work, that they had witnessed colleagues' employment negatively influenced by mental health challenges and they felt more comfortable citing physical health challenges for absence than mental health difficulties.Originality/valueCOVID-19-related disruptions meant a large-scale move to remote working for many people. As we return to physical workplaces, we have an exciting opportunity to reform and improve the status quo. The findings, in relation to the mental health of young adults, highlight key risk factors that need to be addressed.

A Behavioral Strategy to Nudge Young Adults to Adopt In-Person Counseling: Gamification.

Mental illness has always been an important issue for young adults. Moreover, initiatives resulting from the outbreak of COVID-19 have had an even greater impact on the mental health of young adults. This study sought to examine the effect of gamification on whether young adults adopt in-person counseling. One hundred twenty young adults (42 males and 78 females) with an average age of 29 years participated in our experiment. In the experiment, a 2 (Gamification: no vs. yes) × 2 (Vividness: low vs. high) between-subjects design was employed. In the “yes” gamification condition, participants decided whether or not to read introductory material about in-person counseling, and also whether or not to adopt in-person counseling in the future. The results of the study show that: (1) gamification increased adoption, (2) participants’ perception of subjective usability of in-person counseling mediated the effect of gamification to adoption, and (3) vividness of presentation moderated subjective usability. Our study demonstrated that gamification nudges young adults to adopt in-person counseling while subjective usability mediates the relationship, and vividness moderates the relationship between gamification and subjective usability. Our findings provide counselors fresh insights into motivating people to access counseling services.

The components of mental health in young adults: The mediation and moderation effects of self-esteem and personality traits

The components of mental health in young adults: The mediation and moderation effects of self-esteem and personality traits

Effect Of COVID-19 on The Mental Health of Young Adults in India

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is devasting for human health. Apart from physical health COVID-19 has affected mental health also. This study examines how COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health especially in young adults in India. Methods: A one-time Online Questionnaire Survey was completed between the age of 18 to 30 years and form was randomly circulated across India (with the help of friends and family). Results: Overall, three-fourth of participants were worried about the COVID-19 pandemic where female had more fear, sadness and nightmares than male. Also, mental health is stigma in our society. Conclusion: Findings highlight the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of young adults in India.

An SBQ-R assessment of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of young adults in North India.

Introduction:During the COVID-19 pandemic in India, the increase in the number of suicides was observed in India. Therefore, the present study aims to explore various factors affecting the mental health of an individual and their consequences. Moreover, it has been attempted to assess the suicidal risk in the population of North India by using the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R).Methodology:The young adults from the North Indian population belonging to the age group of 18 to 35 years (24.93±4.42 years) have been incorporated into the study. A total of 190 responses (102 males and 88 females) were recorded through online mode. The present questionnaire has incorporated the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) and some of the parameters taken from the psychology today online survey. The obtained data were processed in the Statistical Product and Service Solutions package (IBM SPSS version 20).Results:The demographic characteristics of the respondents were described by using frequencies and percentages, means, and standard deviations. Cronbach’s alpha, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO), and the Bartlett sphericity were calculated. The mean SBQ-R score was recorded to be 4.62±1.5. Further, during the factor analysis with the principal component method, seven factors have explained the 70.797% of the cumulative variance with an eigenvalue of 1.Conclusions:The SBQ-R assessment revealed a minimal risk of suicidal behavior but the frequency distribution of the parameters taken for the psychological assessment has highlighted that the anxiousness or worriedness has a significant impact on the mental health of the population at risk. Therefore, it is recommended that some precautionary measures, such as online mental health services, should be taken by the health ministry to keep the population healthy. (www.actabiomedica.it)

P28 Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health in Young Adults in the United States

P28 Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health in Young Adults in the United States

Outcomes of psychiatric rehabilitation – a retrospective study of young adults with severe mental disorders after psychiatric rehabilitation

Aims The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in functioning and psychiatric symptoms of young adults who participated psychiatric rehabilitation. Methods The rehabilitation program included active engagement of the individual, coaching, rehabilitation groups and functional rehabilitation in, for example ADL-activities and work/education. The main goal of the program was that the individual would be able to reach independent and meaningful living. The sample consisted of individuals aged 18–29 years who had been in rehabilitation between 2011–2017 (n = 39). The data consisted of information collected during rehabilitation and interRAI-CMH-evaluations. From InterRAI-CMH-instrument we gathered and analyzed scales focusing on psychiatric symptoms and functioning. Explorative statistics, a paired samples t-test or a Wilcoxin`s rank order test was used for analyzes. Results Median age of the participants was 23 years and average length of rehabilitation was 2,5 years. Of the participants 92% had several diagnoses, most common anxiety disorders. Antipsychotics were the most commonly used medication by 72%. Symptoms of depression decreased, and independent living increased statistically significantly from baseline to the end of the rehabilitation. Conclusion This was the first Nordic study on outcomes of psychiatric rehabilitation using interRAI-CMH-instrument. Even though the sample size was small, using clinical sample is an important contribution. Independent living was the primary target of the rehabilitation and a result of a significant increase in independent living is an important marker of effectiveness of rehabilitation. Based on this study, psychiatric rehabilitation has positive effect on the functioning and mental health of young adults with severe mental disorders.

COVID-19 and mental health among at-risk university students: A prospective study into risk and protective factors.

ObjectiveThe COVID‐19 pandemic has confronted young adults with an unprecedented mental health challenge. Yet, prospective studies examining protective factors are limited.MethodsIn the present study, we focused on changes in mental health in a large sample (N = 685) of at‐risk university students, which were measured before and during the pandemic. Network modeling was applied to 20 measured variables to explore intercorrelations between mental health factors, and to identify risk and protective factors. Latent change score modeling was used on a subset of variables.ResultsThe main findings indicate that (1) mental health problems increased at group level, especially depression‐anxiety and loneliness; (2) emotional support during the COVID pandemic was associated with smaller increases in loneliness and depression‐anxiety; (3) COVID‐related stress predicted increases in depression‐anxiety; (4) loneliness acted as a bridge construct between emotional support and changes in mental health.ConclusionTo mitigate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental health of young adults, is it recommended to focus on interventions that strengthen internal resources (stress‐regulating abilities) and reduce loneliness.

Relationships among Early Adversity, Positive Human and Animal Interactions, and Mental Health in Young Adults.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with poor mental health. Emerging research demonstrates the protective role of positive childhood experiences, including a positive sense of self and relationships with both humans and animals, in mitigating the impacts of early life adversity on mental health outcomes. This study examined whether benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) or relationships and interactions with pets during childhood moderated the link between ACEs and current mental health symptoms in a sample of young adults. Students (N = 214) recruited from a public university in the U.S. completed an online survey. The results showed that ACEs were significantly associated with worse mental health symptoms, including anxiety and depression. Neither emotional closeness to a childhood pet dog nor positive interactions with a childhood pet were significant moderators of the relationship between ACEs and mental health. In contrast, more BCEs were associated with better mental health, and their interaction with ACEs was significant such that adversity-exposed young adults with high BCEs reported fewer mental health symptoms than those with low BCEs. The results highlight the need for continued research on differential experiences that may be protective in the relationship between adversity exposures and mental health.

Discrimination and the Role of the Clinician.

Discrimination and the Role of the Clinician.

Disordered eating and self-harm as risk factors for poorer mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a UK-based birth cohort study

BackgroundYoung adults and especially those with pre-existing mental health conditions, such as disordered eating and self-harm, appear to be at greater risk of developing metal health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is unclear whether this increased risk is affected by any changes in lockdown restrictions, and whether any lifestyle changes could moderate this increased risk.MethodsIn a longitudinal UK-based birth cohort (The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, ALSPAC) we assessed the relationship between pre-pandemic measures of disordered eating and self-harm and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2657 young adults. Regression models examined the relationship between self-reported disordered eating, self-harm, and both disordered eating and self-harm at age 25 years and depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and mental wellbeing during a period of eased restrictions in the COVID-19 pandemic (May–July 2020) when participants were aged 27–29 years. Analyses were adjusted for sex, questionnaire completion date, pre-pandemic socioeconomic disadvantage and pre-pandemic mental health and wellbeing. We also examined whether lifestyle changes (sleep, exercise, alcohol, visiting green space, eating, talking with family/friends, hobbies, relaxation) in the initial UK lockdown (April–May 2020) moderated these associations.ResultsPre-existing disordered eating, self-harm and comorbid disordered eating and self-harm were all associated with the reporting of a higher frequency of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms, and poorer mental wellbeing during the pandemic compared to individuals without disordered eating and self-harm. Associations remained when adjusting for pre-pandemic mental health measures. There was little evidence that interactions between disordered eating and self-harm exposures and lifestyle change moderators affected pandemic mental health and wellbeing.ConclusionsYoung adults with pre-pandemic disordered eating, self-harm and comorbid disordered eating and self-harm were at increased risk for developing symptoms of depression, anxiety and poor mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, even when accounting for pre-pandemic mental health. Lifestyle changes during the pandemic do not appear to alter this risk. A greater focus on rapid and responsive service provision is essential to reduce the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of these already vulnerable individuals.Plain English summaryThe aim of this project was to explore the mental health of young adults with disordered eating behaviours (such as fasting, vomiting/taking laxatives, binge-eating and excessive exercise) and self-harm during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analysed data from an established study that has followed children from birth (in 1991 and 1992) up to present day, including during the pandemic when participants were 28 years old. We looked at the relationship between disordered eating and/or self-harm behaviours from before the pandemic and mental health problems (symptoms of depression and anxiety) and mental wellbeing during the pandemic. We also explored whether there were any lifestyle changes (such as changes in sleep, exercise, visiting green space) that might be linked to better mental health and wellbeing in young adults with disordered eating and self-harm. We found that young adults with prior disordered eating and/or self-harm had more symptoms of depression and anxiety, and worse mental wellbeing than individuals without prior disordered eating or self-harm. However, lifestyle changes did not appear to affect mental health and wellbeing in these young adults. Our findings suggest that people with a history of disordered eating and/or self-harm were at high risk for developing mental health problems during the pandemic, and they will need help from mental health services.

A symphony within: Frequent participation in performing arts predicts higher positive mental health in young adults

RationalePositive mental health is a critical component of overall mental health, but our understanding of the potential drivers of positive mental health is lacking. Participation in the arts may contribute to positive mental health through the mechanism of flow, a mental state of becoming completely engrossed in an enjoyable activity. Participation in performing arts specifically may be especially predictive of positive mental health due to its collective nature. Objective and methodsThis study uses the Population Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) Transition to Adulthood Sample (N = 5657 person-years) to investigate whether participation in performing arts predicts positive mental health in young adults in the US through adjusted least squares and individual-level fixed-effects linear regression models across three waves of data per individual. Additionally, the study investigates different levels of participation to establish a dose response and employs stratified analyses by race/ethnicity, income, and gender. ResultsResults show that, compared to no participation, participating in the performing arts every day is associated with an increase in positive mental health of a 0.315 effect size [p < 0.001]. White and higher income individuals are more likely to participate in the arts than people of color and lower income individuals. Yet, the association between performing arts and positive mental health is similar, if not greater, for people of color than it is for white individuals. ConclusionThis study shows strong associations between frequent performing arts participation and positive mental health and suggests that more resources should be allocated to performing arts access for young adults from diverse backgrounds.

Mental health engagement: Addressing a crisis in young adults

This research examines the influence that emotional distress, socially demanding contexts, and the coronavirus pandemic have had on the mental health of young adults. It highlights how active engagement in one’s mental health can help mitigate the negative influence of emotional distress on mental health. A research model outlines the importance of mental health engagement in combating and controlling mental health symptoms. Implications from findings underscore the significance of creating a culture that assigns parity to both mental and physical healthcare. Direction is offered for healthcare providers in fostering mental health engagement by promoting mental health literacy and increasing access.

Prepare for intensifying COVID‐related student suicide risk and mental health needs

The months since the COVID‐19 lockdowns have been challenging for everyone, but particularly so for the mental health of young adults aged 18–24, along with communities of color, women (especially those with young children), and essential workers, all of whom are significantly represented at our institutions.

Return to classes impact on mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the necessary social isolation and distancing measures - that were adopted to prevent spreading the virus, including the suspension of university classes - negatively impacted the mental health of young adults. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether returning to online classes, even not presential, during the social isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, affected the mental health of university students. Forty students (10 men and 30 women) (age, 22.3 ± 3.8 years; body mass, 62.5 ± 17.8 kg; height, 165.6 ± 8.7 cm) from undergraduate health courses participated in the study. The students answered a self-administered questionnaire designed to gather personal and quarantine information as well as information about the frequency of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) symptoms. The questionnaire was answered before and after the return to online classes. There was a significantly lower frequency of depression symptoms after the return to online classes (Z = -2.27; p = 0.02). However, there was no difference in anxiety symptoms before and after returning to online classes (Z = -0.51; p = 0.61). Return to online classes positively impacted the mental health (decrease of frequency of depression symptoms) of university students. Future studies are needed to observe whether the changes observed after returning to school are maintained over time.

Sleep as a Priority: 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and Mental Health of Chinese College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Research on the combined role of 24-hour movement behaviors (sleep, sedentary behavior [SB], and physical activity) in adult mental health, though important, is in its infancy. In the context of Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines integrating quantitative recommendations for sleep, SB, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), this study aimed to examine the associations between meeting guidelines and mental health among college students. The study used a cross-sectional sample of 1846 Chinese college students surveyed online in August 2020. Through network analysis and multivariate analysis of covariance, the individual and combined associations between meeting 24-hour movement guidelines and the levels of depression and anxiety after adjusting sociodemographic factors were analyzed. Results indicated that meeting the sleep guideline had stronger associations with depression and anxiety than meeting the SB or MVPA guideline. Specifically, compared to meeting no guidelines, meeting the sleep guideline (alone or in combination with other guidelines) was associated with significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety; meeting both SB and MVPA guidelines was also associated with a significantly lower level of depression. Hence, meeting more guidelines, especially adhering to a healthy sleep routine, may play an important role in promoting the mental health of young adults.

The Association Between Employment Status and Mental Health in Young Adults: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in Korea

BackgroundThere has been limited evidence on the association between employment status and mental health among young adults. Therefore, this study investigated the association between employment status and mental health in Korean young adults. MethodsData from 15,649 adults aged 19–39 years who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2013, 2015, and 2017) were analyzed. Employment status was categorized by those who worked in paid jobs or those who did unpaid work for relatives. Mental health problems included depressive mood and suicide ideation. We performed a multiple logistic regression analysis. ResultsOf the participants, 33.5% were unemployed. The odds ratio (OR) of depressive mood (1.28, 95% CI: 1.06–1.55) was higher in unemployed 20-year-olds than employed ones and ORs of suicide ideation were higher among unemployed males (1.59, 1.16–2.20) and 30-year-olds (1.38, 1.13–1.70) than employed ones, respectively. Further, compared to employed males, the ORs of depressive mood (3.10, 2.54–3.77) and suicide ideation (4.44, 3.57–5.53) were the highest among unemployed females. LimitationsThis study could not explain the causal relationship between employment status and mental health because it was a cross-sectional study. We did not include the relationship between mental health and employment status before the last week. ConclusionsAmong young adults, unemployed status was significantly associated with an increased risk of mental health problems such as depressive mood and suicide ideation. Multifaceted efforts are required to reduce these mental health issues among unemployed young adults.