Negative Affect Schedule Short Form Research Articles

Do acute mountain sickness and psychiatric disorders show overlapping symptoms?

The Lake Louise Score (LLS) is a common tool for diagnosing acute mountain sickness (AMS) after a recent gain in altitude. Required symptoms (headache, dizziness, fatigue or gastrointestinal symptoms) are unspecific, subjective and not detectable by physiological parameters. (Talks et al., 2022; Boos et al., 2018) This study aimed to enhance present knowledge concerning the impact of mental health on LLS. In a cross-sectional questionnaire study, we assessed 3 groups: 100 inpatients (Ward for psychosomatic medicine – Innsbruck, PSY), 73 mentally healthy individuals (Innsbruck, Austria at an altitude of 570 m, CO) and 223 mountaineers in Nepal (Pheriche 4,371 m and Dingboche 4,410 m, NEPAL). Beside social demographics and LLS 2018 (cutoff for LLS-positivity: LLS ≥ 3 including at least 1 point for headache), we examined symptoms of anxiety (Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale [SAS], General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire 7 [GAD-7]), affective states (International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short form [I-PANAS-SF]) and sleep (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]). In this preliminary analysis, the average age was 39 ± 16 years in PSY, 34 ± 16 years in CO and 40 ± 14 years in NEPAL. Gender distribution showed greater portion of women in PSY and CO (PSY: 72% female 24% male 3% non-binary, CO: 64% female 36% male) contrary to NEPAL (36% female 64% male). At sea level, 67% scored LLS-positive in PSY and 12% in CO (Fishers exact test, p < 0.001). In NEPAL 25% met AMS-criteria by LLS. CO and NEPAL score significantly lower in LLS than PSY (ANOVA: diff = -3.70, p < 0.0001; diff = -3.68, p < 0.0001, respectively). PSY and CO showed significant weak to moderate correlations (Spearman-Rho, p < 0.001) of anxiety (SAS, GAD), affective states (I-PANAS-SF) and sleep impairment (ISI) with LLS-sum. NEPAL showed significant very-weak to weak correlations of insomnia, anxiety and negative affect with LLS-sum. Using logistic regression analysis (Figure 1), higher odds of LLS-positivity are significantly associated with insomnia and anxiety (ISI, SAS) in PSY, with anxiety in CO (SAS) and insomnia and negative affect in NEPAL. While of course a recent gain in altitude is a prerequisite for the diagnosis of AMS this study shows that patients with pre-existing mental illness at low altitude score more frequently false-positive on the LLS than a mentally healthy cohort. Symptoms of anxiety, negative affect and sleep disturbance can affect the AMS-defining questionnaire of LLS both at sea level and at high altitude. There is still uncertainty on a possible common pathophysiological pathway of psychiatric diseases and AMS since there is no Gold Standard in diagnosing AMS. Concerning (well-)established risk-factors for AMS like speed of ascent (Berger et al., 2023) and female sex (Hou et al., 2019), we see no evident data. The data presented here suggest that strength of expression of negative affect can cause positive LLS scoring. Acute mountain sickness and psychiatric disorders show overlapping symptoms at sea level. At high altitudes, negative affect seems to be a possible cause for the development of AMS. Further research focus should be placed on mountaineers in high altitude with psychiatric disorders and their mental state.

Daily Associations Between Sleep Parameters and Depressive Symptoms in Individuals with Insomnia: Investigating Emotional Reactivity and Regulation as Mediators

ABSTRACT Objectives Previous research suggests that insomnia and depressive symptoms might be causally related. Emotional reactivity and regulation have been proposed to explain the potential causal relationship between insomnia and depression. However, longitudinal evaluations of their mediating effects are limited. Hence, the current study aimed to examine the mediating effects of emotional reactivity and regulation on the longitudinal associations between daily sleep parameters and depressive symptoms over 14 days in individuals with insomnia. Methods Participants were sixty adults aged 18–65 who had clinically significant insomnia. They filled out a survey each morning and evening and wore actigraphy watches for 14 consecutive days. The five sleep parameters were measured by sleep diary in the morning survey (subjective total sleep time, subjective sleep efficiency, and sleep quality) and actigraphy watches (objective total sleep time and objective sleep efficiency). Emotional reactivity and emotion regulation strategy use during the day were assessed in the evening survey using the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms of the day were evaluated in the evening survey with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results Results showed that sleep quality and depressive symptoms, as well as actigraphy-measured sleep efficiency and depressive symptoms, predicted each other in individuals with insomnia, mediated by negative reactivity but not emotion regulation. Conclusions The present findings support the mediating role of negative emotional reactivity in the bidirectional, daily relationship between sleep parameters and depression in individuals with insomnia.

Honey Added to Yogurt with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis DN-173 010/CNCM I-2494 Supports Probiotic Enrichment but Does Not Reduce Intestinal Transit Time in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial

BackgroundHoney improves probiotic survival in vitro. However, if this effect translates to humans has not been investigated. ObjectivesWe aimed to determine effects of honey plus yogurt containing the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis DN-173 010/CNCM I-2494 (B. animalis) on intestinal transit time, probiotic enrichment, digestive health, mood, and cognition in adults. MethodsSixty-six healthy adults (34 female; 33.6 ± 9.8 y; 24.6 ± 3.0 kg/m2) in a crossover trial were randomly assigned to 2-wk yogurt conditions in a counterbalanced order with ≥4-wk washout: 1) Honey (HON): yogurt plus honey and 2) Negative Control (NC): heat-treated yogurt plus sugar. Of the participants, n = 62 completed the trial, and n = 37 (17 female; 32.0 ± 8.3 y; 25.0 ± 2.9 kg/m2) elected to enroll in a third condition (a nonrandomized study extension) after ≥4-wk washout with a reference Positive Control (PC): yogurt plus sugar. At baseline and end of each of the 3 conditions, intestinal transit time was measured with dye capsules; probiotic abundance with fecal DNA 16S sequencing; digestive health with symptom/function records, Bristol stool consistency, Gastrointestinal Tolerability, and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index; mood with Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Short Form, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-42, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System questionnaires, and an emotional image task; and cognition with a spatial reconstruction task. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) with significance at P ≤ 0.05. Baseline and end data were included in the LMM, with fixed effects being treatment, time, treatment by time interaction, and baseline covariate, and the random effect being the participant. ResultsB. animalis was enriched in HON (d = 3.54; P = 0.0002) compared to controls with linear discriminant analysis effect size. Intestinal transit time, gastrointestinal health, mood, and cognition did not differ between conditions (LMM: Ps > 0.05). ConclusionsYogurt + honey enriched B. animalis but did not reduce intestinal transit time or have other functional gastrointestinal, mood, or cognitive effects in adults.This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04187950 and NCT04901390.

Effects of Trauma Cue Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on Affect and Cannabis Craving in Cannabis Users With Trauma Histories: Use of Expressive Writing as an Online Cue-Reactivity Paradigm: Effets de l'exposition aux signaux traumatiques et du SSPT sur l'affect et le besoin de cannabis chez les consommateurs de cannabis ayant des antécédents de traumatismes : utilisation de l'écriture

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cannabis use disorder (CUD) commonly co-occur. Conditioned associations between psychological trauma cues, distress, cannabis use, and desired relief outcomes may contribute to the comorbidity. These conditioned associations can be studied experimentally by manipulating trauma cue exposure in a cue-reactivity paradigm (CRP) and examining effects on affective and cognitive outcomes in participants with and without PTSD. However, traditional CRPs take place in-lab limiting recruitment/power. We aimed to examine the effects of CRP condition (trauma and neutral) and PTSD group (likely PTSD+ and PTSD-) on affective and craving outcomes using a stand-alone online expressive writing CRP. Participants (n = 202; 43.6% male; Mage = 42.94 years, SD = 14.71) with psychological trauma histories and past-month cannabis use completed a measure of PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist-5 for DSM-5 [PCL-5]) and were randomized to complete either a trauma or neutral expressive writing task. Then they completed validated measures of affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Short Form [PANAS-SF]) and cannabis craving (Marijuana Craving Questionnaire-Short Form [MCQ-SF]). Linear mixed models tested the hypothesized main and interactive effects of CRP condition (trauma and neutral) and PTSD group (likely PTSD+ and PTSD-) on negative and positive affect (PANAS-SF) and cannabis craving dimensions (MCQ-SF). The hypothesized main effects of trauma versus neutral expressive writing were found for negative affect and the expectancy dimension of cannabis craving and of PTSD group for negative affect and all cannabis craving dimensions; no interactions were observed. Expressive writing appears a useful online CRP. Interventions focused on reducing negative affect and expectancy craving to trauma cues may prevent/treat CUD among cannabis users with PTSD. The Use of an Online Expressive Writing as a Trauma Cue Exposure: Effects on Craving and Emotions.

Screening psychological symptoms in Filipino university students during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Translation and structural validation of the Filipino version of the DASS‐21

AbstractCulturally appropriate tools are necessary to aid in objective screening for psychological symptoms among students in university settings. This study aimed to translate and validate the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21). The instrument underwent forward translation and was reviewed by representatives from the target population, field experts, and an external auditor. The translated version of the DASS‐21, together with the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (I‐PANAS‐SF), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), was administered to 681 university students. Through confirmatory factor analysis, results supported the intercorrelated three‐factor model with correlated errors for the DASS‐21 Filipino. Results also demonstrated the criterion validity of the depression and anxiety subscales through significant correlations with PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7, respectively, and a stringent z‐score test to examine the difference between two dependent correlations with one variable in common. The convergent validity of all three subscales was established through significant correlations with I‐PANAS‐SF and SWLS. All DASS‐21 Filipino subscales which includes depression (α = .89), anxiety (α = .84), and stress (α = .85), showed high internal consistency. The current findings offer initial evidence on the structural validity of the DASS‐21 Filipino, which can be utilized as a tool to screen for depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Filipino speakers during a global health crisis. Implications for psychological assessment and school and clinical interventions are discussed.

Changes in Positive and Negative Affect during Acute Psychiatric Treatment in People with Social Anxiety Disorder

People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) experience less positive affect (PA) and more negative affect (NA) than the general population, a pattern more similar to depression than other anxiety disorders. There is a dearth of research assessing whether PA is targeted effectively during treatment, even though this is an important emotional aspect for quality of life. The primary aim of this study was to examine daily changes in self-report PA and NA among a sample of partial hospital program (PHP) patients with SAD. A secondary aim was to examine baseline depression severity as a moderator of daily PA and NA change. Patients were adults ( N = 241 ) diagnosed with SAD seeking treatment at a typically 1–2-week transdiagnostic behavioral health PHP from September 2017 to September 2019. Patients completed (1) the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Short Form (IPANAS-SF) each treatment day to assess affect and (2) the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Item Version (PHQ-9) at baseline to assess depressive symptoms. Data from the first nine days of treatment were included in analyses: two-level multilevel model (MLM) analyses were used to address study aim 1, and baseline depression severity was added as a moderator to address study aim 2. Patients reported significant decreases in NA but no significant changes in PA over the course of PHP treatment. Additionally, there was no significant evidence of depression moderating NA change; however, depression did moderate PA change. These findings suggest that patients with SAD report significant decreases in NA but no change in PA over transdiagnostic group treatment, with increases in PA being stronger among patients with more severe depressive symptoms. PA captures an important emotional experience for living a fulfilling life, yet CBT-based treatments may not be effectively improving these areas. Future studies targeting PA in SAD treatment can inform whether doing so ultimately improves treatment outcomes for SAD.

How gambling harms others: The influence of relationship-type and closeness on harm, health, and wellbeing.

Concerned significant others (CSOs) can experience gambling-related harm, impacting their health and wellbeing. However, this harm varies depending on the type and closeness of the relationship with the person who gambles. We sought to determine the type and closeness of relationships that are more likely to experience harm from another person's gambling, and examine which aspects of health and wellbeing are related to this harm. We examined survey data from 1,131 Australian adults who identified as being close to someone experiencing a gambling problem. The survey included information on relationship closeness, gambling-related harm (GHS-20-AO), and abroad range of health and wellbeing measures; including the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI), the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12), and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (PANAS-SF). CSOs in relationships where finances and responsibilities are shared were more likely to be harmed by another person's gambling problem, particularly partners (current and ex) and family members. This harm was most strongly associated with high levels of distress and negative emotions, impacting the CSO's ability to function properly at work or perform other responsibilities. Support and treatment services for CSOs should consider addressing the psychological distress and negative emotions commonly experienced by CSOs.

O.1.1-4 The relationships of mental well-being with physical activity during the COVID-19 in older adults

Abstract Purpose Negative mental well-being may hinder, and positive mental well-being facilitate physical activity (PA) when one’s daily routines are compromised. COVID-19 posed challenges to both mental well-being and PA, in Finland especially for those over 70, who faced the strictest restrictions. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the relationships of mental well-being with PA during the COVID-19 in two cohorts of different ages. Methods Data came from two population-based studies. Participants of the longitudinal TRAILS study (N = 162, 58% women, 60-61 years) were representative of their age cohort. Participants of the randomized controlled trial PASSWORD (N = 272, 60% women, 72-88 years) had attended a year-long multicomponent physical training intervention during 2017-2019. Self-reported changes in PA (increased vs. no change/decreased; decreased vs. no change/increased) and PA frequency (1-7; from “not at all” to “approximately daily”) during the COVID-19 were collected from April 2020 to June 2020 (PASSWORD) or July 2021 (TRAILS). Positive mental well-being was assessed by positive affect from the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (I-PANAS-SF, score 1-5). Negative mental well-being indicators were negative affect (I-PANAS-SF, score 1-5) and depressive symptoms (TRAILS: General Behavioral Inventory, score 0-3; PASSWORD: Geriatric Depression Scale, score 0-15). Relationships between mental well-being and PA were analyzed using logistic and linear regression models, adjusted by sex and, in PASSWORD, age. Results Positive affect was positively associated with increased PA (odds ratio (OR)=1.751-2.661, p = 0.013-0.034) and PA frequency (B = 0.489-0.550, p < 0.001-0.009) in both studies, and inversely with decreased PA in the PASSWORD (OR = 0.633, p = 0.024). Higher negative affect and depressive symptoms were associated with decreased PA in the PASSWORD (OR = 2.134, p = 0.004 and OR = 1.310, p < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, depressive symptoms were associated with lower PA frequency in both studies (TRAILS: B=-0.876, p = 0.004; PASSWORD: B=-0.105, p = 0.002). Conclusions Positive mental well-being was consistently and positively associated with PA during COVID-19 in older adults. Higher negative mental well-being was more clearly associated with poor PA behaviors in the older cohort facing stronger restrictions. Supporting positive mental well-being may be as important as reducing negative mental well-being to facilitate physically active lifestyle among older adults during exceptional circumstances. Funding The Academy of Finland (323541; 296843).

Positive and negative affect facilitate creativity motivation: Findings on the effects of habitual mood and experimentally induced emotion.

This research involved two investigations that examined the effects of two types of affect (i.e., mood and emotion) on creativity motivation. Study 1 examined the degree to which noninduced habitual mood impacted creativity motivation in the context of a group of junior secondary school students in Hong Kong (n = 588), while Study 2 examined the effect of the experimental manipulation of emotion induction on creativity motivation in the context of a group of undergraduate students in Hong Kong (n = 653). The Chinese version of the Creativity Motivation Scale, the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Short Form, and the Affect Grid were employed to assess creativity motivation, mood, and emotional states, respectively. Interesting findings were obtained. First, both studies consistently demonstrated a facilitating role of positive and negative affect in creativity motivation. Second, both studies consistently showed that the impact of positive affect on creativity motivation was stronger than that of negative affect. While previous affect-creativity research has focused predominantly on the role of affect in the cognitive components of creativity and yielded mixed results, this research adds to the literature by showing that students' motivation to engage in creativity-related behaviors can be influenced by a broad spectrum of affective experiences (i.e., positive and negative affect, stable and enduring moods, and momentary and mutable emotions). The theoretical and educational implications of the findings are highlighted.

Psychological and somatic symptoms among breast cancer patients in four European countries: A cross-lagged panel model.

Psychological and physical health among women with breast cancer are linked. However, more research is needed to test the interrelations between psychological and somatic symptoms, over time and throughout the different phases of breast cancer treatment, to determine when and which interventions should be prioritized. Six hundred and eighty nine women from four countries (Finland, Israel, Italy and Portugal) completed questionnaires during their first clinical consultation following diagnosis with breast cancer, and again after 3 and 6months. The questionnaires included self-reported measures of psychological symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form) and somatic symptoms [selected items from the International European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaires]. Psychological and somatic symptoms were relatively stable across the three time-points. Cross-lagged paths leading from somatic to psychological symptoms (beta coefficients of 0.08-0.10), as well as vice-versa (beta 0.11-0.12), were found to be significant. No evidence was found for cross-cultural differences in mutual effects of psychological and somatic symptoms. The findings of this study call for tailoring personal interventions for breast cancer patients-either from a somatic perspective or a psychological perspective-and adjust them to the specific experiences of the individual patient.

Subjective well-being among psychotherapists during the coronavirus disease pandemic: A cross-cultural survey from 12 european countries

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the amount of the total variance of the subjective well-being (SWB) of psychotherapists from 12 European countries explained by between-country vs. between-person differences regarding its cognitive (life satisfaction) and affective components (positive affect [PA] and negative affect [NA]). Second, we explored a link between the SWB and their personal (self-efficacy) and social resources (social support) after controlling for sociodemographics, work characteristics, and COVID-19-related distress. MethodsIn total, 2915 psychotherapists from 12 countries (Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland, Great Britain, Serbia, Spain, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and Switzerland) participated in this study. The participants completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (I-PANAS-SF), the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. ResultsCognitive well-being (CWB; satisfaction with life) was a more country-dependent component of SWB than affective well-being (AWB). Consequently, at the individual level, significant correlates were found only for AWB but not for CWB. Higher AWB was linked to being female, older age, higher weekly workload, and lower COVID-19-related distress. Self-efficacy and social support explained AWB only, including their main effects and the moderating effect of self-efficacy. ConclusionsThe results highlight more individual characteristics of AWB compared to CWB, with a more critical role of low self-efficacy for the link between social support and PA rather than NA. This finding suggests the need for greater self-care among psychotherapists regarding their AWB and the more complex conditions underlying their CWB.

Inducing and Recording Acute Stress Responses on a Large Scale With the Digital Stress Test (DST): Development and Evaluation Study.

BackgroundValuable insights into the pathophysiology and consequences of acute psychosocial stress have been gained using standardized stress induction experiments. However, most protocols are limited to laboratory settings, are labor-intensive, and cannot be scaled to larger cohorts or transferred to daily life scenarios.ObjectiveWe aimed to provide a scalable digital tool that enables the standardized induction and recording of acute stress responses in outside-the-laboratory settings without any experimenter contact.MethodsOn the basis of well-described stress protocols, we developed the Digital Stress Test (DST) and evaluated its feasibility and stress induction potential in a large web-based study. A total of 284 participants completed either the DST (n=103; 52/103, 50.5% women; mean age 31.34, SD 9.48 years) or an adapted control version (n=181; 96/181, 53% women; mean age 31.51, SD 11.18 years) with their smartphones via a web application. We compared their affective responses using the international Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form before and after stress induction. In addition, we assessed the participants’ stress-related feelings indicated in visual analogue scales before, during, and after the procedure, and further analyzed the implemented stress-inducing elements. Finally, we compared the DST participants’ stress reactivity with the results obtained in a classic stress test paradigm using data previously collected in 4 independent Trier Social Stress Test studies including 122 participants overall.ResultsParticipants in the DST manifested significantly higher perceived stress indexes than the Control-DST participants at all measurements after the baseline (P<.001). Furthermore, the effect size of the increase in DST participants’ negative affect (d=0.427) lay within the range of effect sizes for the increase in negative affect in the previously conducted Trier Social Stress Test experiments (0.281-1.015).ConclusionsWe present evidence that a digital stress paradigm administered by smartphone can be used for standardized stress induction and multimodal data collection on a large scale. Further development of the DST prototype and a subsequent validation study including physiological markers are outlined.

Children’s indoor and outdoor play as potential correlates of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran: a brief report on national survey

ABSTRACT Over the past 16 months, Iranian children have had their schools closed. Prolonged COVID-19-related restrictions and limited play activities can have significant mental health consequences in children. Using a cross-sectional design, a sample of Iranian parents (n = 1182) of children aged between 5 and 11 years completed an online survey including: Children's Play Scale (CPS), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (I-PANAS-SF), and the Strength and Difficulties Questionarie (SDQ). Parents reported that their child spent significantly longer time playing outside at home and inside at home than anywhere else. Children were also reported to spend the minimum number of hours at indoor play centres, near water, green spaces, and playgrounds. Compared to the pre-COVID-19 context, significant declines in outdoor play activities during the pandemic were reported for 83% of children. Findings revealed that there is a significant but small negative correlation between mental health difficulties and total CPS scores (r = −.427, p < .0001). Correlations of CPS scores with Positive and Negative affect were weak but significant (r = .211, and r = −.294, respectively; p < .0001). Results indicate that it is necessary to find strategies to increase children's outdoor play activities, especially when they return to their schools with wider-spread social and emotional needs than before.

Associations of physical performance and physical activity with mental well-being in middle-aged women

BackgroundTo investigate whether physical performance is independently of physical activity (PA) associated with positive and negative dimensions of mental well-being in middle-aged women.MethodsData were drawn from the Estrogenic Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis (ERMA) study in which women 47 to 55 years were randomly selected from the Finnish National Registry. They (n = 909) participated in measurements of physical performance (handgrip force, knee extension force, vertical jumping height, maximal walking speed, and six-minute walking distance). Both mental well-being (the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form and the Satisfaction with Life Scale) and PA were self-reported. Associations between variables were analysed using multivariate linear regression modelling adjusted for body height, fat mass %, menopausal status and symptoms, marital status, parity, employment status, self-reported mental disorders, and use of psycholeptics and psychoanaleptics. PA was then entered into a separate model to explore its role in the associations.ResultsIn the adjusted models, significant positive associations of six-minute walking distance with positive affectivity (B = 0.12, p = 0.002) and life satisfaction (B = 0.15, p = 0.033) were observed. No significant associations were observed between physical performance and depressive symptoms or negative affectivity. PA was positively associated with positive affectivity and life satisfaction and negatively with depressive symptoms across all the physical performance variables.ConclusionsOf the physical performance dimensions, aerobic component was associated with positive mental well-being independently of PA level. In relation to other physical performance components, the results point to the benefits of physical activity for mental well-being.

Study Protocol-Coping With the Pandemics: What Works Best to Reduce Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and lockdown might increase anxiety and depressive symptoms in most individuals. Health bodies recommend several coping behaviors to protect against such symptoms, but evidence on the relationship between these behaviors and symptoms mostly comes from cross-sectional studies in convenience samples. We will conduct a prospective longitudinal study of the associations between coping behaviors and subsequent anxiety and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in a representative sample of the Spanish general adult population.Methods: We will recruit 1,000 adult participants from all autonomous communities of Spain and with sex, age, and urbanicity distributions similar to those of their populations and assess anxiety and depressive symptoms and coping behaviors using fortnightly questionnaires and real-time methods (ecological momentary assessments) for 1 year. The fortnightly questionnaires will inquire about anxiety and depressive symptoms [General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)] and the frequency of 10 potential coping behaviors (e.g., follow a routine) during the past 2 weeks. In addition, we will collect several variables that could confound or moderate these associations. These will include subjective well-being [International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (I-PANAS-SF) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)], obsessive-compulsive symptoms [Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R)], personality and emotional intelligence [International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) and Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire Short Form (TEIQue-SF)], sociodemographic factors (e.g., work status, housing-built environment), and COVID-19 pandemic-related variables (e.g., hospitalizations or limitations in social gatherings). Finally, to analyze the primary relationship between coping behaviors and subsequent anxiety and depressive symptoms, we will use autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models.Discussion: Based on the study results, we will develop evidence-based, clear, and specific recommendations on coping behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. Such suggestions might eventually help health bodies or individuals to manage current or future pandemics.

The Eating Disorders Recovery Questionnaire: psychometric properties and validity.

There is no standardized measurement of recovery from an eating disorder (ED). We examined the psychometric properties and construct validity of the "Eating Disorders Recovery Questionnaire" (EDRQ), which defines recovery beyond symptoms to include self-acceptance, social emotional and physical health. Twenty-eight recovery-related items were administered to 978 people (9.5% men) aged 18-76. 172 participants had a current ED diagnosis (AN, BN or BED), 104 had a past ED diagnosis (AN, BN, BED or > one diagnosis), 105 had another past or present ED, and 579 had no lifetime ED. Participants also completed the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire, Dresden Body Image Questionnaire-35, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Short Form, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Positive Eating Scale. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded four factors (CFI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.07): lack of symptomatic behavior, acceptance of self and body, social and emotional connection, and physical health. Group comparisons showed that currently ill women scored lower on EDRQ and positive indices and higher on negative indices than controls and previously ill women. Previously ill women scored similarly to controls on ED symptomatology, positive body experiences, depression, and positive and negative affect but had lower BMI, life satisfaction and positive eating. The EDRQ-EDEQ correlation was r = 0.67, indicating both overlap and distinct variance. The EDRQ is a valid, reliable measure of ED recovery, defined more broadly than symptom remission. We recommend its incorporation into a standardized operationalization of recovery and its use by consumers, carers and service providers to monitor ED recovery status. Level III, case-control analytic study.

Chinese version of the international positive and negative affect schedule short form: factor structure and measurement invariance

BackgroundThis study translated the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (I-PANAS-SF) into Chinese and examined its factor structure and measurement invariance in Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong.MethodsA sample of 4136 Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong was invited to complete a set of questionnaires. The factor structure of the I-PANA-SF was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equational modeling (ESEM). Internal consistency reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, and nomological validity was assessed using bivariate correlations between positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) subscales with effort, worry and lack of concentration. Finally, measurement invariance across genders and grades was examined to evaluate the invariance of the I-PANAS-SF.ResultsFactor structure analysis suggested that the ESEM model outperformed the CFA model. The results of ESEM analysis indicated that one item (“alert”) was problematic and a 9-item two-factor measurement model with that item removed was a better fit for the data. The Cronbach’s alpha values were above 0.70 (0.81 and 0.83), revealing excellent internal consistency reliability. The PA subscale was positively associated with effort and negatively associated with worry and lack of concentration. The NA subscale was negatively associated effort and positively associated with lack of concentration and worry, indicating nomological validity. Finally, measurement invariance analysis revealed strict invariance across genders and grades.ConclusionsThe results of the study provide preliminary support for validity and reliability of the 9-item Chinese version of the I-PANAS-SF and suggest that it is suitable for use among Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong.

Feasibility of the Internet Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy in the General Population: Protocol for an Open-Label Uncontrolled Pilot Trial.

BackgroundCompassion-based interventions delivered over the internet are showing promising results for the promotion of psychological health and well-being. Several studies have highlighted their feasibility, acceptance, and preliminary efficacy. However, this is an incipient field of research, and to the best of our knowledge, there are no data available from Spanish-speaking countries.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility, acceptance, and preliminary efficacy of the Internet Attachment–Based Compassion Therapy (iABCT), a web-based version of the Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy, in Spanish speakers from the general population.MethodsThis feasibility study features a single-arm, uncontrolled, within-group design with an embedded qualitative and quantitative process evaluation at baseline, immediately after the intervention and at the 3-month follow-up. A minimum of 35 participants from the general population will be allocated to iABCT. Feasibility measures will include attrition rate, patterns of use of the web-based system, and participants’ acceptability, usability, and opinion. The primary outcome was measured using the Pemberton Happiness Index. Secondary outcomes were measured using the Compassion Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, Forms of Self-Criticizing/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale-Short form, Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire, Relationships Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire, Non-Attachment Scale, International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form, Purpose-In-Life Test, and difficulties regarding the practice of compassion (Compassion Practice Quality Questionnaire). Mixed models will be used to evaluate primary and secondary outcome measures. A qualitative content analysis of the participants’ qualitative responses will also be performed.ResultsEnrollment started in February 2020 and will be finished in April 2020. Data analysis will start in October 2020.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this study will, for the first time, show data on the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of web-based compassion (and self-compassion) training—that is, the adapted iABCT—in Spanish speakers from the general population. Further aspects of their implementation (ie, facilitators, barriers, and unwanted effects) and mechanisms of change will be investigated. This study will allow the revision and fine-tuning of the developed intervention, study design, and planning procedures, as well as the initiation of a future randomized controlled trial.Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov: NCT03918746. Registered on April 17, 2019. Protocol version 1, 6 March 2019.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/16717

Kindness as an Intervention for Student Social Interaction Anxiety, Affect, and Mood: The KISS of Kindness Study

This study assessed the incremental impact of performing acts of kindness, beyond the benefits seen from providing a resource booklet on stress management (that is available to all students at the host institution) with regard to the affect, social interaction anxiety, and mood of undergraduate students. This repeated-measures mixed methods study involved 69 full-time undergraduate students allocated to the intervention (kindness + stress booklet; n = 35) or comparator (stress booklet; n = 34) condition. The Brief Mood Introspection Scale, the International-Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Short Form, and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale-Straightforward were administered at pre- and immediate post-intervention. Inductive content analysis was performed on open-ended questions exploring participants’ experiences with the study. No statistically significant results were found. Several themes highlighted self-perceived improvements in the wellbeing of intervention group participants. This study was perceived as a positive experience by many participants and demonstrated promise for a larger-scale university-based intervention.

The role of physical activity in the link between menopausal status and mental well-being.

Objective:To examine the relationship between menopausal status and mental well-being, and whether this relationship varies as a function of physical activity (PA).Methods:Based on a hormonal analysis and bleeding diary, women aged 47 to 55 were categorized as pre (n = 304), early peri (n = 198), late peri (n = 209), or postmenopausal (n = 387). Mental well-being was assessed using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. PA was self-reported and categorized as low, medium, and high. Associations between variables were analyzed using multivariate linear regression adjusted for age, marital and employment status, parity, self-reported mental disorder, use of psycholeptics and psychoanaleptics, and menopausal symptoms.Results:Depressive symptoms were lower amongst the pre than postmenopausal women (B = 0.07, confidence interval 0.01-0.13). Menopausal symptoms attenuated these associations. Menopausal status showed no associations with life satisfaction, or with positive or negative affectivity.Women with high PA scored higher on positive affectivity, and the pre, early peri, and postmenopausal women scored higher on life satisfaction (B = 0.79, P < 0.001; B = 0.63, P = 0.009; B = 0.42, P = 0.009, respectively) and scored lower on depressive symptoms (B = −0.13, P = 0.039; B = −0.18, P = 0.034; and B = −0.20, P < 0.001, respectively) than their low PA counterparts. The pre and postmenopausal women with medium PA scored higher on life satisfaction (B = 0.54, P = 0.001; B = 0.038, P = 0.004, respectively) than those with low PA.Conclusions:Postmenopausal women reported marginally higher depressive symptoms scores compared with premenopausal women, but menopause was not associated with positive mental well-being. However, this association varies with the level of PA.Video Summary: