Mental Health Of Young Adults Research Articles

Examining the relationship between civic engagement and mental health in young adults: a systematic review of the literature

ABSTRACT Researchers have examined civic engagement as a health promotion tool among older adults and adolescents, yet less is known about its mental health implications for young adults. This systematic review identified 53 articles on civic engagement and well-being in young adults. Five key themes emerged: (1) varying associations between type of civic engagement and well-being, (2) duration and frequency of civic behaviors, (3) directionality in the civic-to-well-being pathway, (4) mediation and moderation factors affecting the civic-to-well-being pathway, and (5) civic engagement as a tool for coping with adversity or systemic oppression. Civic engagement demonstrates a heterogeneous relationship to well-being; future research should focus on the explanatory pathways for positive, negative, and null correlations particularly among historically marginalized young adults.

Exercise improves mental health status of young adults via attenuating inflammation factors but modalities matter.

The mental health of young adults is a global public health challenge. Numerous studies have demonstrated that exercise benefits mental health. However, it is still unclear which exercise mode is optimal for protecting mental health and its association with the immune system. This study aimed to compare the intervention effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training (MVCT) on mental health and assess the underlying mechanism of exercise interventions to improve the immune system, which facilitated the mental health status. This is a double-blinded RCT study conducted from October 13, 2020 to January 25, 2021 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04830059). Ninety-three participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into the HIIT (N = 33), MVCT (N = 32), and control groups (N = 28) with a mean age of 25.26 (SD = 2.21), and 43% of males enrolled in the study. Professional coaches guided participants in HIIT and MVCT groups to perform 40 min of exercise training three times a week for 12-week while those in the control group received 1 h of health education twice a week. Questionnaires related to mental health status and blood samples of inflammatory factors, including immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), albumin (Alb), globulin (GLO), lymphocytes (LYM), and lymphocyte percentage (LYM) were assessed before and after the intervention. We found that blood inflammation factors increased significantly in the control group during 12 weeks (ΔIgA = 0.16 g/L, ΔIgM = 0.092 g/L, ΔAlb = 2.59 g/L, ΔGlo = 3.08 g/L, ΔLYM = 0.36, and ΔLYM% = 3.72%, p < 0.05), and both MVCT and HIIT intervention could effectively defend the increased inflammatory response compared with the control group (IgA: MVCT β = -0.14, p < 0.001, HIIT β = -0.096, p < 0.05; IgM: MVCT β = -0.12, p < 0.001; HIIT β = -0.068, p < 0.05; Alb: MVCT β = -1.64, p < 0.05, HIIT β = -1.14, p > 0.05; Glo: MVCT β = -3.17, p < 0.001, HIIT β = -2.07, p < 0.01; LYM: MVCT β = -0.34, p < 0.05, HIIT β = -0.35, p < 0.05). However, the MVCT intervention modality was more conducive to enhancing positive affect (β = 0.52, p = 0.018) and well-being (β = 1.08, p = 0.035) than HIIT. Furthermore, decreased IgA, Alb, and Glo were associated with improved mental health. Both 12-week HIIT and MVCT are beneficial to the immune system. The MVCT intervention mode is recommended to prevent mental health problems and attenuate immune inflammation, and the immune system is a potential mechanism that exercises improving mental health. [ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04830059].

Grading bias and young adult mental health.

We study exposure to grading bias and provide novel evidence of its impact on mental health. Grading bias, which we interpret as over-grading, is constructed as the residual of final upper secondary school grades having controlled for results in a standardized test, itself not subject to grading leniency. Grading bias is further isolated by considering only within-school variation in over-grading and controlling for prior grades and school production. Using Swedish individual-level register data for individuals graduating from upper secondary school in the years 2001-2004, we show that over-grading has substantial significant protective impacts on the mental health of young adults, but only among female students. That grades themselves, independent of knowledge, substantially impact the production of health highlights an important health production mechanism, and implies that any changes to the design of grading systems must consider these wider health implications.

The protective role of parental vigilance in the link between risky childhood environments and health

Growing up in a risky environment is associated with poor lifespan physical and mental health. However, promotive factors that have protective or compensatory effects (i.e., buffer against negative outcomes or promote positive ones in the context of risk) allow individuals to remain healthy despite adverse upbringings. Parental vigilance, including parents' efforts to set boundaries and limitations and/or monitor and have knowledge of children's daily lives, has been shown to buffer and protect against negative health outcomes among individuals who grow up in risky environments. Conversely, some aspects of parental vigilance have been shown to be maladaptive for, or unrelated to, health among individuals who are raised in low-risk environments. The current study leveraged longitudinal data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 97 (NLSY97; https://www.nlsinfo.org/content/cohorts/nlsy97) to explore the link between environmental risk in adolescence and indices of physical and mental health in young adulthood, and whether parental vigilance (limit-setting and knowledge) buffered these associations (n = 4829). Results indicated that childhood environmental risk predicted a greater likelihood of experiencing physical health limitations at age 29 but was not significantly associated with mental health symptoms at approximately age 34. Further, there was evidence that parental limit-setting (but not knowledge) buffered the relation between childhood risk and physical health limitations, such that the association between risk and physical limitations became slightly less pronounced at greater levels of parental limit-setting. Additionally, maternal knowledge was associated with fewer mental health symptoms in young adulthood among all participants. Results highlight the importance of parental limit-setting in reducing physical health consequences associated with childhood risk and suggest that there may be long-term mental health benefits of maternal knowledge of adolescents, regardless of childhood risk exposure.

청년기 발달과업 성취, 자기돌봄 및 정신건강: 1인가구와 다인가구 및 성별 차이 분석

This study examines the differences in the level of developmental task achievement, self-care, and mental health of young adults by household type and gender. Data was collected through an online survey, and respondents were in their 20s and 30s living in Seoul and Gyeonggi province. Young adults living alone had a higher level of employment. Women were more likely to have romantic relationships compared to men. No significant difference was found in the level of self-care by gender, while young adults living alone exhibited a higher level of self-care. Men showed a higher level of social well-being. Single-person households exhibited a higher level of well-being. Women were more depressed than men, and more women have experienced suicidal ideation compared to men. Young adults living alone showed a lower level of depression. Programs need to be tailored in regard to gender and the type of households, and it should be noted that young adults living with family of origin can be more vulnerable compared to the ones living alone.

Social Conditioning in India: the past and present, what of the future?

The paper aims to discuss the impact of social conditioning on the mental health of young adults and children in India. Social Conditioning has at its core the role of stereotypes in conditioning humans to behave in such and such a way. Positive and negative reinforcements of society's condition, encourage and train people to think and act in a certain way. It starts at birth, and several factors such as family, physical and social environment, biology, social experiences and so on create certain social conditioning. This issue is of importance in the present day as the factors that promote social conditioning have varied in the last 75years of Indian Independence with unprecedented technological changes that individuals have been encountering, the media and social networks occupying significant major roles in the lives of people. Statistics show that Mental health issues and the number of suicides per year are increasing steadily in India. Several research studies point out that a major causal factor leading to suicide is the failure to meet expectations. The role of social conditioning on the maladaptive behaviour of individuals taking a heavy toll on their lives appears to be critically important. In this context, the paper discusses the scenario of social conditioning in India based on the secondary sources collected from research sites such as research gate, Google scholar, Academia.edu etc. The study proposes, the need of the hour is psychological intervention at early ages to have a society with mentally healthy individuals.

Protecting mental health of young adults in COVID-19 pandemic: Roles of different structural and functional social supports.

Concerning rates of psychological disorders are increasingly recognized in young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the associations of different structural and functional social supports on depression, anxiety, and stress among young adults in Vietnam. An online cross-sectional study was performed on 236 respondents aged 16 to 30 years in Vietnam from June to July 2020. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21); the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the LUBBEN Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) was used to measure psychological health, functional and structural social support characteristics. Multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression was used to identify associations between social support and anxiety, depression, and stress. The rate of at least mild depression, anxiety, and stress were 30.1%, 34.8%, and 35.6%, respectively. Structural supports measured by LSNS-6 were not associated with the likelihood of having depression, anxiety, and stress (p&gt;0.05). Respondents having friends with whom they could share joys and sorrows were less likely to have anxiety (aOR = 0.61, 95%CI = 0.41-0.90) and stress (aOR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.45-0.96). Having family support in decision-making was also negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Meanwhile, those having family and friends who tried to help them were more likely to suffer stress (aOR = 1.94, 95%CI = 1.16-3.24) and depression (aOR = 2.09; 95%CI = 1.11-3.92), respectively. This study highlighted a high rate of psychological problems among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. Emotional support from friends and advice support from family were important components that should be considered in further interventions to mitigate the psychological problems in young adults.

Socio-demographic parameters and non-cardiac comorbidity related to self-perceived quality of life in young adults after neonatal arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries

Evaluating the relation of non-cardiac comorbidity and socio-demographic factors to physical and mental health-related quality of life (QOL) which has been partially found at elevated risk in young adults after neonatal arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA). In a prospective reassessment study, results of 92 unselected young adults (22.8 ± 2.6 years) having undergone evaluation of QOL (SF-36) were related to non-cardiac comorbidity with special respect to neurologic and psychiatric comorbidity and to socio-demographic parameters. Neurologic (14%) contrary to psychiatric comorbidities (6.5%) were more frequent than in the general population. The educational level was higher, the rate of unemployment was double as high compared to the average German population. Significant inverse relations (p = 0.006 to 0.033) existed between physical health domains (physical functioning and general health perception) and non-cardiac, neurologic, and psychiatric comorbidity, as well as correlations between the latter domains and socio-economic status, educational level, and worse employment status (Spearman 0.22–0.41, p < 0.0001 to 0.036). Mental health domains (vitality, social functioning, psychical health) were significantly inversely related with neurologic and psychiatric comorbidity (p = 0.002 to 0.048) and correlated with higher educational level (Spearman 0.25, p = 0.019). Neurologic and psychiatric comorbidities and socio-demographic parameters are significant risk factors for a reduced QOL concerning physical and mental health in young adults with TGA after ASO. Standardized QOL measurement should be part of routine screening programs to detect subclinical physical, neurodevelopmental, and psychosocial comorbidity.Graphical abstract

Labor market participation and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic among young adults (18 to 30 years): A nationally representative study in France.

To examine the relationship between young adults' labor force participation and depression in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data come from the nationally-representative EPICOV cohort study set up in France, and were collected in 2020 and 2021 (3 waves of online or telephone interviews: 02/05/2020-12/06/2020; 26/10/2020-14/12/2020; 24/06/2021-09/08/2021) among 2,217 participants aged 18-30 years. Participants with prior mental health disorder (n = 50) were excluded from the statistical analyses. Using Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) models controlled for participants' socio-demographic and health characteristics and weighted to be nationally-representative, we found that compared to young adults who were employed, those who were studying or unemployed were significantly more likely to experience depression assessed using the PHQ-9 (multivariable ORs, respectively: OR: 1.29, 95% CI 1.05-1.60 and OR: 1.50, 1.13-1.99). Stratifying the analyses by age, we observed that unemployment was more strongly associated with depression among participants 25-30 years than among those who were 18-24 years (multivariable ORs, respectively, 1.78, 95% CI 1.17-2.71 and 1.41, 95% CI 0.96-2.09). Being out of the labor force was, to the contrary, more significantly associated with depression among participants 18-24 years (multivariable OR: 1.71, 95% CI 1.04-2.82, vs. 1.00, 95% CI 0.53-1.87 among participants 25-30 years). Stratifying the analyses by sex, we found no significant differences in the relationships between labor market characteristics and depression (compared to participants who were employed, multivariable ORs associated with being a student: men: 1.33, 95% CI 1.01-1.76; women: 1.19, 95% CI 0.85-1.67, multivariable ORs associated with being unemployed: men: 1.60, 95% CI 1.04-2.45; women: 1.47, 95% CI 1.01-2.15). Our study shows that in addition to students, young adults who are unemployed also experience elevated levels of depression in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. These two groups should be the focus of specific attention in terms of prevention and mental health treatment. Supporting employment could also be a propitious way of reducing the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of young adults.

Circadian preference in young adults: Associations with sleep and mental health outcomes from a national survey of Norwegian university students

ABSTRACT Individual preferred timing of sleep and activity patterns, known as circadian preference, ranges from definitely morning types to definitely evening types. Being an evening type has been linked to adverse sleep and mental health outcomes. This study aimed to explore the associations between circadian preference and self-reported sleep, depression, anxiety, quality of life, loneliness, and self-harm/suicidal thoughts. Data stem from a national survey of students in higher education in Norway (the SHoT-study). All 169,572 students in Norway were invited to participate, and 59,554 students (66.5% women) accepted (response rate = 35.1%). Circadian preference was associated with sleep and mental health outcomes in a dose–response manner. For both genders, being an evening type (either definitely evening or more evening than morning) was associated with an increase in age-adjusted relative risk (RR-adjusted; range = 1.44 to 2.52 vs. 1.15 to 1.90, respectively) across all outcomes compared with definitely morning types. Overall, the present study provides further evidence that evening circadian preference is associated with adverse sleep and mental health outcomes in young adults. As such, future efforts to improve sleep and mental health in young adults should consider their circadian preferences.

Effects of Personal Relationships on Physical and Mental Health among Young Adults- A Scoping Review

Introduction: This scoping review explores the association between young adults’ personal relationships and their physical and mental health. We reviewed studies that examined the nature and the quality of interaction in personal relationships and its effect on physical and mental health among young adults. We excluded studies conducted on the population with psychiatric conditions or who are differently abled. Methods: We used the following network databases to find relevant research: Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EBSCO, PubMed, ERIC, Science Direct and JSTOR from August 2021 to December 2021. We obtained 64 studies following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Results and Discussion: Thematic analysis of the selected studies indicates that personal relationships have the potency to either foster or hinder young adults’ physical and psychological functioning and well-being. Quality of relationships with family members such as parents, siblings, and extended family members are significantly associated with mental health and well-being Furthermore, studies showed that romantic relationship status and psychosocial characteristics within relationship contexts affect the mental health of young adults. In addition, our review showed that support from friendships, friendship features, and quality could support young adults’ self-esteem, mental health, and well-being. Although we find mixed results on personal relationships’ effect on physical health, few studies show that personal relationships affect cortisol levels, multiple areas of biological regulation, and women’s level of dysmenorrhea among young adults. The results justify the need to apply preventive intervention in the community to eliminate risk factors and enhance protective factors by imparting empirically validated knowledge, attitudes, and skills for relationships among young people. Investments in community-wide preventive interventions, interpersonal skill development agendas in counseling and psychotherapies, are recommended. Conclusion: The present review highlighted the underlying cultural influences on relationships and the necessity to promote relationship research in non-western cultures, given the underrepresentation of non-western cultures in research., we have highlighted the underlying cultural influences on relationships and the necessity to promote relationship research in non-western cultures, given the underrepresentation of non-western cultures in research.

Promoting Mental Health in Young Adults: A Brief Gratitude-Writing Intervention Reduced Brooding in People Who Ruminate

Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) have the potential to bypass barriers to seeking mental health services by promoting well-being without the cost and stigma. Research on PPIs thus far has focused on depressed individuals as well individuals who sought out PPIs on their own. It is less clear, however, whether the promising findings on PPIs could extend to PPIs effectively reducing levels of vulnerability factors in individuals at risk for depression. Rumination is a perseverative cognitive process and named as a transdiagnostic risk factor for psychopathology. The current study tested the efficacy of a gratitude-writing intervention in college students who had high scores of rumination. Participants completed either the gratitude-writing or distraction task for 4 days. The gratitude-writing exercise was significantly more effective than the distraction exercise in reducing the brooding subtype of rumination and in increasing positive affect. Implications for the use of this intervention include its potential to increase confidence in PPIs and to serve as a stepping stone for young adults to seek mental health resources.

Behavioral and Emotional Outcomes in a Cohort of Healthy Young Adults Before and After the COVID-19-related Lockdown

BACKGROUND AND AIM The COVID-19 related lockdowns and social restrictions aiming to curb disease transmission negatively impacted mental health. This longitudinal study aims to examine the impact of covid-related lockdowns on the mental health of young adults residing in the Brescia province, Northern Italy, one of the first epicenters of the pandemic in Europe. METHODS. The Public Health Impact of Metals Exposure (PHIME)study is an ongoing environmental health study of adolescents and young adults living in Northern Italy. 167 PHIME participants completed the Adult Behavioral Checklist (ABCL) by email or phone interview between April 2017-January 2020 (pre-pandemic). We repeated the ABCL in June-July 2020, following the first COVID-19 lockdown in Italy (March-May 2020). 65 subjects (38.5% male) completed pre- and post-ABCL. We used sign test and multiple linear regression models to examine changes in pre- and post-COVID lockdown ABCL scores adjusting for sex, age, IQ, and time (weeks) in lockdown and social restrictions. We also examined differences by sex including an interaction term between time and gender. RESULTS. Time in lockdown and social restriction until the day of the second interview ranged from 12 to 18 weeks. Overall, thought problems increased between pre- and post-lockdown (median difference: 1.0; 1st, 3rd quartile: -1.0, 4.0; p=0.049).Among males, a longer time in lockdown and social restrictions (&amp;#x3e; 14 weeks) was associated with increased rule-breaking behaviors (β = 2.8, 95%CI 0.08, 5.5). CONCLUSIONS. This survey was carried out on a particularly significant sample: the survey participants had already answered previously to the same questionnaire proposed even after the lock-down.These results confirm a negative impact of the pandemic-related lockdown on behavior of young adults with greater impacts on males.These results may inform interventions aimed at minimizing or eliminating the consequences of social isolation experience in youth. KEYWORDS Mental Health, COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown, Young Adults

Duration of Keeping an Exercise Habit and Mental Illness and Life Attitude among University Students.

Physical exercise has beneficial effects on human health, and several studies have examined the association between exercise and mental health. However, most of these studies focused on exercise intensity, duration, or frequency. Evidence for the association between the duration of maintaining an exercise habit and mental illness is lacking, especially in young adulthood—a crucial period that bridges adolescence and adulthood. This study investigated the association between the duration of keeping an exercise habit and mental illness and life attitude among Chinese university students. A total of 11,392 university students participated in this study (6866 men and 4526 women). The duration of keeping an exercise habit was evaluated using a questionnaire with relevant questions. Exercise habit was defined as exercising for longer than 30 min per session and more than twice a week. Mental illness consisted of two elements: depressive symptoms—assessed using the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale, and anxiety symptoms—assessed using the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. Life attitude was assessed using a questionnaire with relevant questions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis examined the adjusted association between the duration of keeping an exercise habit and mental illness and life attitude. In the final adjusted model, compared to the no exercise category, the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of depressive symptoms were 0.80 (0.70, 0.91) for those with an exercise habit of 1–4 months, and 0.72 (0.63, 0.83) for those with one of >4 months (p for trend <0.001). Additionally, when compared to participants with no exercise habit, the adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) for anxiety symptoms were 1.01 (0.90, 1.14) for those with a habit of 1–4 months and 0.78 (0.69, 0.88) for those with one of >4 months (p for trend =0.001). A longer duration of keeping an exercise habit was also significantly associated with positive life attitudes. Our results showed that a long duration of keeping an exercise habit was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of mental illness among university students. Further, maintaining a more prolonged exercise habit may benefit individuals’ mental health in young adulthood.

A META-ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNGER GENERATIONS FROM 2004-PRESENT DAY IN ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES

Mental health has not been historically considered a matter of health and wellness, even so far as people suffering from mental illness being called insane (Geller 2006). More recently, mental health as a topic of discussion and priority within the medical community has risen, and results finding severe issues involving the mental health of young adults and teenagers are continually released (Padín 2021). In similar regard to the study of mental health, social media has become an immensely popular and impactful part of modern life, specifically: it has changed the way of interacting, working, and living. Apps like Tik Tok, Instagram, and Snapchat are among the most popular social networking sites allowing users to participate in the raging new trends in different communities.

Earlier Bedtime and Effective Coping Skills Predict a Return to Low-Risk of Depression in Young Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

To determine the persistent effects of the pandemic on mental health in young adults, we categorized depressive symptom trajectories and sought factors that promoted a reduction in depressive symptoms in high-risk individuals. Specifically, longitudinal analysis investigated changes in the risk for depression before and during the pandemic until December 2021 in 399 young adults (57% female; age range: 22.8 ± 2.6 years) in the United States (U.S.) participating in the National Consortium on Alcohol and NeuroDevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA) study. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) was administered multiple times before and during the pandemic. A score ≥10 identified individuals at high-risk for depression. Self-reported sleep behavior, substance use, and coping skills at the start of the pandemic were assessed as predictors for returning to low-risk levels while controlling for demographic factors. The analysis identified four trajectory groups regarding depression risk, with 38% being at low-risk pre-pandemic through 2021, 14% showing persistent high-risk pre-pandemic through 2021, and the remainder converting to high-risk either in June 2020 (30%) or later (18%). Of those who became high-risk in June 2020, 51% were no longer at high-risk in 2021. Logistic regression revealed that earlier bedtime and, for the older participants (mid to late twenties), better coping skills were associated with this declining risk. Results indicate divergence in trajectories of depressive symptoms, with a considerable number of young adults developing persistent depressive symptoms. Healthy sleep behavior and specific coping skills have the potential to promote remittance from depressive symptoms in the context of the pandemic.

Scoping review to evaluate the effects of peer support on the mental health of young adults

ObjectivesYoung adults report disproportionality greater mental health problems compared with the rest of the population with numerous barriers preventing them from seeking help. Peer support, defined as a form of...

Mental health in young adults born extremely preterm or extremely low birthweight with contemporary neonatal intensive care.

For infants born in the contemporary era of neonatal care, little is known about adult mental health outcomes of extremely preterm birth (EP; <28 weeks' gestation) or extremely low birthweight (ELBW; <1000 g). This study aimed to compare attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, mood, and substance use disorder prevalence in young adults born EP/ELBW and normal birthweight (NBW; >2499 g) controls, and to compare change in prevalence of mental health symptoms and disorders from 18 to 25 years. Participants were a prospective geographical cohort of 297 consecutive survivors born EP/ELBW during 1991-1992 and 260 NBW controls. At age 25 years, 174 EP/ELBW and 139 NBW participants completed the Adult ADHD Rating Scale, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised. Data from follow-up at 18 years were also utilized. Multiple imputation was used to account for attrition. Mental health outcomes at 25 years were similar between groups: prevalence rates were ADHD 7% v. 5%; anxiety 32% v. 27%; mood 38% v. 35%; substance use 12% v. 14% in the EP/ELBW and NBW groups, respectively. In both groups, ADHD declined between 18 and 25 years [odds ratio (OR) per year = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79-0.95], and generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive episode became more common (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10-1.35 per year; OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10-1.30 respectively). This contemporary EP/ELBW cohort has comparable young adult mental health outcomes to controls, and similar patterns of change in mental health from late adolescence.

Online Mindfulness Intervention, Mental Health and Attentional Abilities: A Randomized Controlled Trial in University Students During COVID-19 Lockdown.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to worldwide restrictive measures, raising concerns about mental health in young adults who were not particularly vulnerable to the virus itself. This study investigated the impact of these restrictions on mental and cognitive health of university students, and tested the efficacy of a brief online mindfulness meditation intervention in countering psychological distress and improving attentional abilities. Ninety-six university students forced into remote learning due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and with no experience in meditation were randomly assigned to either a passive control group (n = 48) or to an experimental group (n = 48) following daily, for 17 days, an online mindfulness intervention (10–20 min per day). Due to drop-out, 38 participants in each group were finally analyzed. Pre- and post-tests assessed participants’ mental health (psychological well-being, depression, anxiety, stress) and attentional abilities. The analysis of baseline data in comparison with normative scores and pre-pandemic statistics confirmed the expected psychological distress, but it did not reveal any attentional deficits in our participants. Pre-post change scores analyses showed a reduction in stress (p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.10), anxiety (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.13), and depression (p = 0.025, ηp2 = 0.07), and an improvement in well-being (p = 0.013, ηp2 = 0.12) in the experimental group, but not in the control group. In both groups, no significant effect was found on attentional abilities. Our results confirmed the psychological vulnerability of higher education students in the midst of the remote learning period during the second COVID-19 lockdown in France, while suggesting preservation of attentional functioning. Although the tested mindfulness intervention did not enhance the attentional abilities in already good performing students, it did promote their mental health. This study offers additional evidence on the feasibility and efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in students during psychologically straining periods, like the COVID-19 pandemic.

The consequences of a year of the COVID-19 pandemic for the mental health of young adult twins in England and Wales.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all our lives, not only through the infection itself but also through the measures taken to control the spread of the virus (e.g. lockdown). Here, we investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented lockdown affected the mental health of young adults in England and Wales. We compared the mental health symptoms of up to 4773 twins in their mid-20s in 2018 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (T1) and during four-wave longitudinal data collection during the pandemic in April, July and October 2020, and in March 2021 (T2-T5) using phenotypic and genetic longitudinal designs. The average changes in mental health were small to medium and mainly occurred from T1 to T2 (average Cohen d = 0.14). Despite the expectation of catastrophic effects of the pandemic on mental health, we did not observe trends in worsening mental health during the pandemic (T3-T5). Young people with pre-existing mental health problems were disproportionately affected at the beginning of the pandemic, but their increased problems largely subsided as the pandemic persisted. Twin analyses indicated that the aetiology of individual differences in mental health symptoms did not change during the lockdown (average heritability 33%); the average genetic correlation between T1 and T2-T5 was 0.95, indicating that genetic effects before the pandemic were substantially correlated with genetic effects up to a year later. We conclude that on average the mental health of young adults in England and Wales has been remarkably resilient to the effects of the pandemic and associated lockdown.