Negative Emotional Symptoms Research Articles

Mindfulness Capability Mediates the Association Between Weight-Based Stigma and Negative Emotion Symptoms

A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine how mindfulness capability influences the relationship between weight-based stigma (i.e., weight stigma concerns and perceived weight discrimination) and negative emotion symptoms by using a sample of 293 with overweight and obesity (52.9% female; mean age of 22.5 years; standard deviation of 0.68). The questionnaires comprised a survey on weight-based stigma, the Short Inventory of Mindfulness Capability, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and the variables of interest were measured before data analysis. The analytical results support the hypotheses that mindfulness capability is negatively related to weight-based stigma and negative emotion symptoms, but it is positively related to negative emotion symptoms. Moreover, the results of the hierarchical regression analysis suggest additional effects of mindfulness capability on negative emotional symptoms when controlling for gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and weight-based stigma (B = − 0.31, p < .001, R2 = 0.32). Finally, the results of the mediation effect analysis verify the significant indirect effects of weight-based stigma on negative emotion through mindfulness capability (effect = 0.0160, 95% confidence interval [0.0059, 0.0302] in model 1; effect = 0.0272, 95% confidence interval [0.0106, 0.0497] in model 2). Our findings can contribute to the theoretical literature about the salutary effects of mindfulness on attenuating the negative impacts of weight-based stigma. The research on mindfulness-based interventions targeted at weight-based stigma is expected, and future directions to improve the current study are discussed.

Effect of pro-social behaviour and conduct problems on the relationship between limiting longstanding illness and negative emotional symptoms in children

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore direct and moderating effects of pro-social behaviour and conduct problems on the link between limiting longstanding illness (LL-I) and negative emotional symptoms in children.Design/methodology/approachThe Welsh Health Survey variables: LL-I, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, pro-social behaviour, gender, age and socio-economic status were entered into regression models to assess the relationships outlined above. Cross-sectional data from several years were combined.FindingsIn the cohort of 627 children aged 4–12 years who had LL-I, 601 (95.9 per cent) had complete data for analysis. Children with LL-I scored a mean of 1.8 points higher on negative emotional symptoms than children without LL-I, with LL-I accounting for 6 per cent of the variance in emotional symptoms in a regression model. In children with LL-I, highly pro-social children had lower levels of negative emotional symptoms compared to those with low pro-social levels (1.1 points on emotional symptoms scale, 95% CI=0.55–1.70;p&lt;0.001). In children with LL-I, high levels of conduct problems were associated with increased negative emotional symptoms compared to those with low levels of conduct disorder (2.1 points on emotional symptoms scale, 95% CI=1.3–2.5;p&lt;0.001).Research limitations/implicationsPotential improvements include a longitudinal design, and use of multi-informant Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire scores.Practical implicationsAssessment of children with LL-I could usefully include pro-social behaviours.Social implicationsNational policy could consider the value of promoting pro-social responses.Originality/valueEmotional symptoms in children with LL-I are associated with pro-social behaviour and conduct problems, primarily as a direct effect. Pro-social interventions could promote emotional wellbeing in children with LL-I.

Mindful attention moderating the effect of experiential avoidance in terms of mental health among Latinos in a federally qualified health center

The present study examined the moderating role of mindful attention in the relation between experiential avoidance and anxious arousal, social anxiety, depressive symptoms, and the number of mood and anxiety disorders among a sample of Latinos seeking health services at a primary care facility. Participants included 326 adult Latinos (Mage = 39.79 years, SD = 11.27; 88.9% female; 98.2% used Spanish as their first language). Results provided empirical evidence of an interaction between mindful attention and experiential avoidance for anxious arousal, social anxiety, depressive symptoms, and the number of mood and anxiety disorders in the studied sample. Specifically, among Latinos with lower (vs higher) levels of mindfulness, greater experiential avoidance was related to greater anxiety/depressive symptoms and number of mood and anxiety disorders. Together, these data provide novel empirical evidence of the clinically relevant interplay between mindful attention and experiential avoidance regarding a relatively wide array of negative emotional symptoms and disorders among Latino primary care patients. Limitations of the study include a largely female sample and cross-sectional data.

Examining Race/Ethnicity Differences in the Association Between the Experience of Workplace Racial Discrimination and Depression or Negative Emotions

This study examines associations and potential interactions between race/ethnicity, workplace racial discrimination, depression, and negative emotional symptoms experienced due to treatment based on race. Data for this study come from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an annual telephone survey of US residents, aged 18 and older. Respondents from MN and NM (n = 13,655) completed a module titled Reactions to Race, which contained items assessing workplace racial discrimination and negative emotions experienced based on treatment due to race, as well as standard BRFSS items assessing a diagnosis of depression. Results support previous research concluding that non-Hispanic White survey respondents are less likely to experience racial discrimination in the workplace than other race/ethnicity groups, but were more likely to report both depression and negative emotions. Analyses stratified by race/ethnic group suggest that, after controlling for gender, marital status, education, and income, there was an association between experiencing workplace racial discrimination and reporting negative emotions due to treatment based on race (all p values < 0.001). Of note, this association was strongest for non-Hispanic White respondents.

Examining the Mediating Roles of Strengths Knowledge and Strengths Use in a 1-Year Single-Session Character Strength-Based Cognitive Intervention

Character strength-based interventions are an effective positive psychology approach in increasing happiness and reducing depression. However, little is known about whether the character strength-based interventions remain effective over an extended time period of 1 year, and why these activities (e.g., Identifying signature strengths and Using signature strengths in a new way) work. To address these issues, a 1-year randomized controlled intervention was conducted to examine the serial mediating role of strengths knowledge and strengths use. A hundred first-year students were randomly assigned into the intervention and the waiting-list control groups. The intervention group participated in four activities within a 90-min course and was encouraged to continue self-practice of the strengths-related activities after the intervention period. Immediate, short-term (i.e., 1 week), and long-term (i.e., 1 year) effectiveness were examined. Participants in the intervention group showed significant increase in thriving and decrease in negative emotional symptoms in the short term, but no effect was found for the control group. The long-term effects of thriving and negative emotional symptoms were insignificant for two experimental groups. Strengths use partially mediated the effectiveness of the intervention, but strengths knowledge did not significantly predict the outcomes. In conclusion, the character strength-based intervention can be an effective approach to improve the mental health of the first-year students. More attention should be paid to strengths use when practitioners design a character strength-based intervention.

Latent profile analysis of the three-dimensional model of character strengths to distinguish at-strengths and at-risk populations

Studies that focus on the development of the typology of individual strength profiles are limited. Thus, this study aimed to determine strength profiles with different health outcomes based on the Three-Dimensional Inventory of Character Strengths (TICS). The TICS was used to measure three-dimensional strengths: caring, inquisitiveness, and self-control. A total of 3536 community participants (1322 males and 2214 females with ages ranging from 17 to 50, M = 23.96, SD = 5.13) completed the TICS. A subsample (n = 853; female = 68.2%, male = 31.8%) was further required to complete the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and Flourishing Scale. A latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted in the total sample to identify the latent strength profiles. Then, a three-step method was implemented to compare the mental health outcomes between strength profiles in the subsample. The LPA helped determine two subgroups based on the entire sample: the at-strengths group (high scores on all dimensions) and the at-risk group (low scores on all dimensions). As expected, the at-strengths group had less significant negative emotional symptoms (at-strengths group = 0.57, at-risk group = 0.83, χ2 = 33.54, p < .001) and had better psychological well-being (at-strengths group = 5.81, at-risk group = 4.64, χ2 = 276.64, p < .001). This study identified two character strength profiles with different health outcomes. Specifically, populations with low-character strengths (caring, inquisitiveness, and self-control) were more likely to demonstrate poor mental health outcomes. Our findings also showed that a particular trait subtype can be considered in identifying high-risk populations and further implementing targeted strength-based interventions.

Hello darkness my old friend: preferences for darkness vary by neuroticism and co-occur with negative affect

ABSTRACTMetaphors frequently link negative affect with darkness and associations of this type have been established in several experimental paradigms. Given the ubiquity and strength of these associations, people who prefer dark to light may be more prone to negative emotional experiences and symptoms. A five study investigation (total N = 605) couches these ideas in a new theoretical framework and then examines them. Across studies, 1 in 4 people preferred the perceptual concept of dark over the perceptual concept of light. These dark-preferring people scored higher in neuroticism (Studies 1 and 2) and experienced greater depressive feelings in daily life (Study 3). Moreover, dark preferences shared a robust relationship with depressive symptoms (Study 4) as well as generalised anxiety symptoms (Study 5). The results provide novel insights into negative affectivity and extend conceptual metaphor theory in a way that is capable of making individual difference predictions.

Dispositional mindfulness promotes public health of the obesity population by reducing perceived discrimination and weight stigma concerns

Perceived discrimination and weight stigma concerns are believed to induce negative emotional symptoms. In this article, we tested the mediation effect of perceived discrimination and weight stigma concerns on the association between dispositional mindfulness and negative emotional symptoms. A total of 254 recruited obesity participants who provided their height and weight and completed the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale were investigated along with their stigma-related variables (perceived discrimination and weight stigma concerns). The results indicated a negative association between dispositional mindfulness and perceived discrimination and between weight stigma concerns and negative emotional symptoms. Perceived discrimination, weight stigma concerns, and negative emotional symptoms were also positively correlated. The mediation analysis showed that perceived discrimination mediated the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and negative emotional symptoms rather than weight stigma concerns, which mediated the relationship between perceived discrimination and negative emotional symptoms. Mindfulness may benefit negative emotional symptoms of obese individuals by reducing the effect of perceived discrimination, which further reduces weight stigma concerns. The results shed light on mindfulness-based weight stigma reduction interventions.

Recent Genetics and Epigenetics Approaches to PTSD.

Following a life-threatening traumatic exposure, about 10% of those exposed are at considerable risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a severe and disabling syndrome characterized by uncontrollable intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, and hyperarousal in addition to impaired cognition and negative emotion symptoms. This review will explore recent genetic and epigenetic approaches to PTSD that explain some of the differential risk following trauma exposure. A substantial portion of the variance explaining differential risk responses to trauma exposure may be explained by differential inherited and acquired genetic and epigenetic risk. This biological risk is complemented by alterations in the functional regulation of genes via environmentally induced epigenetic changes, including prior childhood and adult trauma exposure. This review will cover recent findings from large-scale genome-wide association studies as well as newer epigenome-wide studies. We will also discuss future "phenome-wide" studies utilizing electronic medical records as well as targeted genetic studies focusing on mechanistic ways in which specific genetic or epigenetic alterations regulate the biological risk for PTSD.

Change in adolescent mental health between age 12 and 14 predicts sexual activity and sexual orientation at age 14

This study sought to explore whether change in mental health between age 12 and age 14 relates to self-identified sexual orientation and having become sexually active at age 14. In total, 3460 Australian adolescents (1748 boys, 1712 girls) provided information on sexual activity and sexual orientation at age 14. Parents provided information on facets of mental health when the adolescent was age 12 and again when the adolescent was age 14. Results showed that higher levels of mental health problems at age 12 (hyperactivity and conduct problems) and increases in mental health problems between age 12 and 14 (hyperactivity and conduct problems) were associated with an increased likelihood of being sexually active at age 14. Results also showed that higher levels of mental health problems at age 12 (hyperactivity and peer problems) and increases in mental health problems between age 12 and age 14 (negative emotional symptoms and peer problems) were associated with an increased likelihood of reported homosexual or bisexual orientation at age 14. There were no significant sex moderation effects. These findings provide evidence that change in mental health relates to sexual activity and sexual orientation in early adolescence. Findings might be used to improve prognostic capabilities that could be valuable to health care professionals working with adolescent clients.

Evaluating the construct validity of Stress Overload Scale-Short using exploratory structural equation modeling.

This study used exploratory structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis to examine the construct validity of the Chinese version of Stress Overload Scale-Short, which included personal vulnerability and event load. The participants included 629 community residents and 495 university students. The results indicated a better goodness-of-fit using exploratory structural equation modeling compared with confirmatory factor analysis. The Stress Overload Scale-Short performed well in distinguishing individuals with more negative emotion symptoms from the general population. A moderation analysis demonstrated that social support moderates the effect of personal vulnerability on negative emotion symptoms. These results facilitated the application of Stress Overload Scale-Short in the current population.

Prevalence and associated factors of alexithymia among adult prisoners in China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrison is an extremely stressful environment and prisoners have an increasing risk of suffering from alexithymia. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of alexithymia among prisoners in China.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in five main jails of the district of Zhejiang province in China, and a total of 1705 adult prisoners ultimately took part in the study. Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale and several short demographic questions were applied.ResultsOver 30% of prisoners were classified as alexithymics and as high as 96.2% of prisoners suffered from at least one traumatic experience in their childhood, meanwhile, 81.5%, 53.4% and 85.8% were found to be positive for depression, anxiety and hopelessness symptoms respectively. Education, childhood trauma, negative emotional symptoms including depression, anxiety and hopelessness of the respondents, were negatively or positively associated with alexithymia among prisoners.ConclusionsThe results indicated that high prevalence of alexithymia among prisoners is linked with their level of education, experience of childhood trauma and symptoms of negative emotions. Accordingly, the findings in our study can be used for prevention and intervention of alexithymia among prisoners.

Abstinence from prolonged ethanol exposure affects plasma corticosterone, glucocorticoid receptor signaling and stress-related behaviors

Alcohol dependence is linked to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Here, we investigated effects of repeated ethanol intoxication-withdrawal cycles (using chronic intermittent ethanol vapor inhalation; CIE) and abstinence from CIE on peak and nadir plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels. Irritability- and anxiety-like behaviors as well as glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) were assessed at various intervals (2h–28d) after cessation of CIE. Results show that peak CORT increased during CIE, transiently decreased during early abstinence (1–11d), and returned to pre-abstinence levels during protracted abstinence (17–27d). Acute withdrawal from CIE enhanced aggression- and anxiety-like behaviors. Early abstinence from CIE reduced anxiety-like behavior. mPFC-GR signaling (indexed by relative phosphorylation of GR at Ser211) was transiently decreased when measured at time points during early and protracted abstinence. Further, voluntary ethanol drinking in CIE (CIE-ED) and CIE-naïve (ED) rats, and effects of CIE-ED and ED on peak CORT levels and mPFC-GR were investigated during acute withdrawal (8h) and protracted abstinence (28d). CIE-ED and ED increased peak CORT during drinking. CIE-ED and ED decreased expression and signaling of mPFC-GR during acute withdrawal, an effect that was reversed by systemic mifepristone treatment. CIE-ED and ED demonstrate robust reinstatement of ethanol seeking during protracted abstinence and show increases in mPFC-GR expression. Collectively, the data demonstrate that acute withdrawal from CIE produces robust alterations in GR signaling, CORT and negative affect symptoms which could facilitate excessive drinking. The findings also show that CIE-ED and ED demonstrate enhanced relapse vulnerability triggered by ethanol cues and these changes are partially mediated by altered GR expression in the mPFC. Taken together, transition to alcohol dependence could be accompanied by alterations in mPFC stress-related pathways that may increase negative emotional symptoms and increase vulnerability to relapse.

Anxious Depression and Neurocognition among Middle-Aged and Older Hispanic/Latino Adults: Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Results

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between verbal learning, fluency, and processing speed with anxious depression symptomatology (ADS) among diverse Hispanics. We hypothesized an inverse association of anxious depression with neurocognition among Hispanics of different heritage. Data are from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. The sample included 9,311participants aged 45-74 years (mean: 56.5 years). A latent class analysis of items from the Center for Epidemiological Studies for Depression scale and the Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to derive an anxious depression construct. Neurocognitive measures included scores on the Brief Spanish English Verbal Learning Test (B-SEVLT, learning and recall trials), Word Fluency (WF), Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS) test, and a Global Cognitive Score (GCS). We fit survey linear regression models to test the associations between anxious depression symptomatology and cognitive function. We tested for effect modification by sex, Hispanic heritage, and age groups. Among men, 71.6% reported low, 23.3% moderate, and 5.1% high ADS. Among women, 55.1% reported low, 33.2% moderate, and 11.8% high ADS. After controlling for age, sex, sociodemographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors and disease, and antidepressant use, we found significant inverse associations between moderate and high anxious depression (ref:low) with B-SEVLT learning and recall, DSS and GCS. Moderate, but not high, anxious depression was inversely associated with WF. Associations were not modified by sex, Hispanic heritage, or age. Increased anxious depression symptomatology is associated with decreased neurocognitive function among Hispanics. Longitudinal studies are needed to establish temporality and infer if negative emotional symptoms precede cognitive deficits.

Screening for psychological distress among High School Graduates Accepted for Enrollment at Alexandria Faculty of Medicine: Academic year 2016/2017

BackgroundMental and psychological health of adolescents in general and prospective medical students in particular is a priority area to investigate as it affects wellbeing of the future doctors. ObjectivesThe current research was conducted to screen first year medical students accepted for enrollment at Alexandria Faculty of Medicine to identify those with a high probability of having psychological distress before the start of academic courses as well as explore the sources of stress among them.Methods.A cross sectional survey of 779 high school graduates accepted for admission to Alexandria Faculty of medicine was conducted. Participants were approached on the days of obligatory pre-enrollment medical examination. The translated Arabic version of DASS 21 questionnaire was used to screen students for three negative emotional symptoms namely depression, anxiety and stress. Inquiry about age, sex, residency and type of high school was added. ResultsMore than a tenth of studied medical students (12.6%) suffered from severe or profound stress and 29.1% of them had mild to moderate stress. Moreover, one fifth (20%) of studied students were severely anxious and less than one third (29.3%) had mild to moderate anxiety. Severe and profound depression was diagnosed among 14.3% of students whereas, 18.7% them were moderately depressed. No association was found between any of studied negative emotional symptoms and the students' educational background or their residency. ConclusionNearly half of the prospective medical students might have some sort of psychological distress before starting their study in the Faculty of Medicine. They should be investigated to verify diagnosis and start intervention to minimize its adverse effects on academic performance and advancement at the faculty. Stress management courses should be considered for all medical students.

Characterising the latent structure and organisation of self-reported thoughts, feelings and behaviours in adolescents and young adults.

Little is known about the underlying relationships between self-reported mental health items measuring both positive and negative emotional and behavioural symptoms at the population level in young people. Improved measurement of the full range of mental well-being and mental illness may aid in understanding the aetiological substrates underlying the development of both mental wellness as well as specific psychiatric diagnoses. A general population sample aged 14 to 24 years completed self-report questionnaires on anxiety, depression, psychotic-like symptoms, obsessionality and well-being. Exploratory and confirmatory factor models for categorical data and latent profile analyses were used to evaluate the structure of both mental wellness and illness items. First order, second order and bifactor structures were evaluated on 118 self-reported items obtained from 2228 participants. A bifactor solution was the best fitting latent variable model with one general latent factor termed ‘distress’ and five ‘distress independent’ specific factors defined as self-confidence, antisocial behaviour, worry, aberrant thinking, and mood. Next, six distinct subgroups were derived from a person-centred latent profile analysis of the factor scores. Finally, concurrent validity was assessed using information on hazardous behaviours (alcohol use, substance misuse, self-harm) and treatment for mental ill health: both discriminated between the latent traits and latent profile subgroups. The findings suggest a complex, multidimensional mental health structure in the youth population rather than the previously assumed first or second order factor structure. Additionally, the analysis revealed a low hazardous behaviour/low mental illness risk subgroup not previously described. Population sub-groups show greater validity over single variable factors in revealing mental illness risks. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the structure of self reported mental health is multidimensional in nature and uniquely finds improved prediction to mental illness risk within person-centred subgroups derived from the multidimensional latent traits.

Supporting emotional well-being in schools: a pilot study into the efficacy of a mindfulness-based group intervention on anxious and depressive symptoms in children

ABSTRACTObjective: This study examines the efficacy of a six week child mindfulness program (TRIPLE R) in teaching mindfulness skills and reducing negative emotional symptoms in a school setting.Method: Using a correlational within-subjects repeated measures design, the relationships between child self-reported mindfulness skills and negative emotional symptoms were explored. Mindfulness skills were measured using the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure, and emotional symptoms were measured using the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale. A sample of 57 Australian grade 5 children in three primary schools completed the measures pre and post intervention.Results: There was a small to moderate increase in mindfulness skills post intervention (Cohen’s d = 0.32), however negative emotional symptoms did not significantly improve. Increased mindfulness skills were significantly associated with decreased emotional symptoms, most notably for symptoms related to social phobia (R = −.61), separation anxiety (R = −.42) and generalised anxiety (R = −.32).Discussion: This study provides preliminary support for the TRIPLE R program and the potential benefits of school-based mindfulness interventions in improving children’s well-being. The limited improvement in negative emotional symptoms is likely related to the non-clinical sampling. The relationship between increased mindfulness skills and decreased emotional symptoms is discussed, and recommendations for further research are presented.

Distress intolerance in the parents of substance dependent patients

The purpose of this study was to determine levels of Distress Tolerance (DT) and to compare levels of DT, depression, and anxiety in the parents of substance dependent patients. This sample included 40 parents of inpatients undergoing treatment for substance dependence (SDPP) in the Balıklı Rum Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. A healthy control group was recruited of 40 individuals with no Axis I diagnoses that were counterbalanced with the SDPP group in terms of age and sex. All study participants completed a sociodemographic data form and the Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the State & Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Distress Tolerance Scale. DSM-IV-TR Axis I diagnoses were evaluated by psychiatrists through face to face interviews in which a Structured Clinical Interview (SCID I) was administered. We found a statistically significant lower level of distress tolerance (DT) in our SDPP group. A negative relationship was found between levels of DT, depression and anxiety. The results of our study suggested that negative emotional symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and distress tolerance were frequently seen in parents of substance dependent patients. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.

Emotional eating as a mediator between anxiety and cholesterol in population with overweight and hypertension

Although the relationship between cholesterol and mood states (especially anxiety) has been well studied, few researches have included the role of eating styles in this relationship. This study explored the associations among eating styles, negative emotional symptoms, and levels of cholesterol (and other medical variables) in a population with hypertension and overweight or obesity, analyzing the possible mediation mechanisms involved. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 68 adults with hypertension and overweight/obesity, and stepwise multiple regression analysis and mediation analyses were carried out to test the hypothesis that eating styles mediate the relationship between negative emotional symptoms and cholesterol. Several significant correlations among age, anthropometric, medical, and psychological variables (eating styles and negative emotional symptoms) were found. There was a significant indirect effect of anxiety on total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol through emotional eating. Results suggest that emotional eating has a relevant role in the rise in total and LDL cholesterol, acting as a mediator in the relationship between anxiety and cholesterol. This finding could have important implications, since it introduces a new variable in the relationship between emotions and cholesterol and, therefore, changes the way of understanding this relationship, and of treating high cholesterol in a hypertensive sample.

Predicting the Negative Emotional Symptoms in Relatives of Patients Residing in Intensive Care Unit

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Abstract&#x0D; Balanced emotions are essential for wellbeing. Having a relative admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) associated with negative emotional symptoms, and the severity of such symptoms is associated with patients' health status, patients and relatives' characteristics as well. Purposes: To assess the level of depression, anxiety and stress, as well as to identify the predictors of negative emotional symptoms among relatives of Jordanian ICU patients. Methods: Descriptive correlation design was used, and 140 first degree relatives were recruited through convenience sampling. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale was used to collect data about relatives’ negative emotional symptoms. Standard multiple regression was conducted to determine the extent to which variance in depression, anxiety and stress could be explained by patients' health status, patients' sociodemographics, and relatives' sociodemographics. Results: Approximately, 56%, 70%, and 76% of relatives are suffering from depression, anxiety and stress respectively. Relatives have been found suffering from mild depression plus moderate anxiety and stress. Patients' Glasgow Coma Scores is the most significant predictor for relatives' stress level. Patients' age and insurance are predictors of relatives' depression, anxiety and stress. Whereas, relatives' gender and age; are the most significant predictors for their negative emotional symptoms. Conclusions: Interestingly, variances in relatives' negative emotional symptoms were explained by patients' sociodemographics and relatives' sociodemographics, more than patients' health status. Therefore, patients' and relatives' sociodemographics should be considered in dealing with relatives' psychological status.This will help nurses to minimize the devastating impact of the negative emotional symptoms on relatives of ICU patients. Keywords: Emotional Symptoms, Intensive, Care Unit.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;