Negative Mental Health Outcomes Research Articles

The Roots of Social Trauma: Collective, Cultural Pain and Its Consequences

Since Kai Erikson’s landmark study of the devastation of five communities in West Virginia, sociology has leveraged the concept of trauma to describe certain social phenomena. Collective trauma came to refer to the destruction of social infrastructure and the ensuing negative mental health outcomes, while cultural trauma has come to describe the imposition of historical and ongoing attacks by a dominant group on the culture (broadly defined) of a group of people sharing a collective identity. The following article sketches out a theory of social trauma designed to bring these two types of sociological trauma together, highlight their similarities and differences, and unite them by grounding them in the neuroscience of (social) pain. The term trauma, borrowed from medical and psychological study, implies pain, but the sociological version of trauma is best understood as the collectivization and enculturation of social pain, or the evolved negative affective response to separation, rejection, exclusion, and isolation from cherished social objects including statuses. The article concludes by modeling the process by which an event transforms individual social pain into collective social trauma as well as the pathways through which social trauma becomes enculturated in a collective identity. Implications for the sociology of mental health follow.

Mental Health Status Of Lecturers In Federal University Gusau Amidst Banditry In Zamfara State: Implications For Counselling And Psychotherapy

In the context of ongoing banditry incidents in Zamfara State, Nigeria, this study aimed to assess the mental health status of lecturers in Federal University Gusau (FUGUS). The purpose was to examine whether banditry prevalence has negatively or positively impacted on the psychological well-being of the university teachers. Employing a descriptive survey design, data was collected from 86 lecturers using a Self-Reporting Mental Health Inventory (SMHI). The inventory demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89) and comprised dimensions reflecting positive mental health attributes. Data analysis involved the utilization of mean scores, one-sample and independent sample t-tests. The results of the analyses revealed that the mean scores for various dimensions of mental health were consistently below 3.0, suggesting a significant level of negative mental health experienced by the participants. This observation underscores concerns about the overall mental well-being of lecturers in the face of banditry-related challenges. Furthermore, an independent sample t-test indicated that gender did not exert a significant influence on the observed negative mental health outcomes. The lack of significant gender differences in mental health status suggests that both male and female lecturers are equally affected by the adverse impact of banditry on their psychological well-being. In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of the mental health challenges faced by university lecturers in the context of banditry in Zamfara State. The findings underscore the need for targeted counselling interventions and support strategies to address negative mental health outcomes among lecturers, irrespective of gender, and to cultivate a conducive academic environment that promotes their psychological well-being.

The relationship between physical activity and mental health: Is more always better?

The current study was designed to examine the relationship between physical activity and mental health. We investigated whether individuals who perceive themselves as physically inactive, recreationists, or active athletes differ in positive (positive affect, subjective well-being, unconditional self-acceptance) and negative mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, stress, negative affect, conditional self-acceptance). Furthermore, we investigated whether the total level of leisure-time physical activity predicted different mental health indicators. Analysis revealed that physically active respondents (recreationists and active athletes) seem to have better overall mental health status than physically inactive ones. Precisely, physically inactive individuals scored higher on all measures of negative mental health indicators, and lower on all measures of positive mental health indicators, compared with the participants from the two other groups. At the same time, there were no significant differences in these measures between recreationists and active athletes. Besides, a positive association was found between the weekly frequency of leisure-time activity and only two positive indicators of mental health (positive affect and subjective well-being)of all tested. The obtained results suggest that it is often more relevant for mental health whether someone is physically active or not, in general, than how frequently they exercise.

Mental Health in Emerging Adults With ADHD and/or Specific Learning Disabilities: A Scoping Review

The transition to adulthood, including mental health, has been a focus of research; however, little is known about the mental health outcomes of emerging adults with high incidence diagnoses including ADHD and specific learning disabilities (SLD). This scoping review describes the current state of the research on our understanding of both positive and negative mental health outcomes in these populations. Results of this scoping found an emphasis on emerging adults with ADHD (78%) over those with SLD (12%) or with ADHD and SLD (10%), and over half focused on those who attended postsecondary institutions despite low percentages of these populations going on to postsecondary education. Studies included frequently provided limited information on race or ethnicity, sex or gender, or ADHD or SLD subtypes. Additionally, there was greater focus on negative mental health outcomes (e.g., anxiety, depression) than positive mental health outcomes (e.g., wellbeing, flourishing). We end by discussing implications for future research.0020.

Through the Survivor’s Lens: A Photovoice Inquiry and Grounded Theory of Child Sex Trafficking

ABSTRACT Survivors of child sex trafficking are at increased risk for negative physical and mental health outcomes. However, there is a paucity of systematic research examining the lived experiences of commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC). Notably absent from the discourse are the voices of CSEC. This study explored the experiences of CSEC using a participatory, qualitative, and arts-based methodology. Fifteen survivors of domestic child sex trafficking, located in the southern continental United States, participated in a Photovoice project to establish a comprehensive understanding of their life experiences before, during, and after exploitation. These themes were included in a larger grounded theory analysis to produce The CSEC Model of Exploitation, a substantive theory of recovery from childhood commercial sexual exploitation, co-created by survivors of child sex trafficking, that describes risk and resiliency factors. This study provides information that is relevant to the prevention of child sexual exploitation, the clinical treatment of survivors, and advocacy initiatives.

The mental health toll of service: an examination of self-reported impacts of public safety personnel careers in a treatment-seeking population

ABSTRACT Introduction: Public safety personnel (PSP), including firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, are exposed to traumatic events as part of their day-to-day jobs. These traumatic events often result in significant stress and increase the likelihood of negative mental health outcomes, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study sought to develop an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of PSPs as related to the mental health toll of their service. Through a series of targeted focus groups, Canadian PSP were asked to provide their perspectives on the PTSD-related symptoms that resulted as a by-product of their occupational service. The DSM-5-TR PSTD criteria (A-E) provided a thematic lens to map the self-described symptomatic expression of PSP’s lived experiences. Methods: The present study employed a phenomenological focus-group approach with a treatment-seeking inpatient population of PSP. Participants included PSP from a variety of occupational backgrounds. Using semi-structured focus groups, fifty-one participants were interviewed. These focus groups were audio recorded, with consent, and transcribed verbatim. Using an interpretive phenomenological approach, emergent themes within the data were inductively developed, examined, and connected across individual cases. Results: Utilizing the primary criteria of PTSD (Criteria A-E) outlined by the DSM-5-TR, we identified qualitative themes that included exposure to a traumatic event, intrusion symptoms, avoidance symptoms, negative alterations in mood and cognition, and marked alterations in arousal and reactivity. Conclusion: PSP are exposed to extreme stressors as a daily part of their occupation and are at elevated risk of developing mental health difficulties, including PTSD. In the present study, focus groups were conducted with PSP about the mental health toll of their occupations. Their experiences mapped onto the five primary criteria of PTSD, as outlined by the DSM-5-TR. This study provides crucial descriptive information to guide mental health research aims and treatment goals for PSTD in PSP populations.

Cannabis Use in Adolescent and Young Adult Athletes: A Clinical Review.

Cannabis use among the general population has increased over time, in part due to decriminalization of use and greater social acceptance of cannabis use. These changes have contributed to increased availability of cannabis products, thus raising the likelihood that a subset of adolescent and young adult athletes will use cannabis. Therefore, it is imperative that clinicians and other providers working with young athletes have a thorough understanding of the impact cannabis can have on the athletic performance and overall health of a young athlete. PubMed (Medline), CINAHL, PsycINFO, and SportDiscus databases were used to perform a literature search of articles published between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2022. Additional articles were reviewed based on references obtained from initial articles. Clinical review. Level 4. Survey studies suggest that up to 1 in 4 athletes have used cannabis at least once in the last year. Age, sex, race, sexual orientation, level of competition, and country of residence of an athlete all contribute to differing rates of cannabis use among athletes. The scientific literature does not support using cannabis for athletic performance, and multiple studies have demonstrated notable impairments in objective athletic performance measures. Cannabis use can also negatively impact an athlete's overall health via cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and mental health symptoms and disorders. Cannabis use among adolescent and young adult athletes is common, and rates of use are influenced by many different factors. Current evidence suggests that cannabis use can worsen sport performance, negatively impact an athlete's general health, and contribute to negative mental health outcomes.

Black Fathers’ Perspectives About Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress: Results From Focus Groups

Black children in the United States disproportionately experience early childhood adversity and toxic stress, which can lead to long-term negative physical and mental health outcomes. Mothers are traditionally enrolled in intervention programs to help address this while fathers typically are not. This study assessed Black fathers’ perspectives about early childhood adversity and toxic stress to begin to understand this public health concern through their lens. Sixteen self-identified Black fathers watched a six-minute animation about toxic stress, neurodevelopment, and resilience, and engaged in focus group discussions. Fathers identified unique and culture-specific contributors to early childhood adversity and toxic stress, as well as their inherent strengths and needs to help protect children. Implications for social work practice, particularly related to Black father engagement in early childhood prevention and intervention programs, are discussed.

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Preadolescents.

There is a dearth of literature on the prevalence and predictors of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) history and onset among preadolescent youth. This gap in the literature is significant given evidence suggesting that NSSI is a robust predictor of negative mental health outcomes, and that early onset NSSI may be associated with a more severe course of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric disorders, and suicidal ideation (SI) in relation to NSSI onset and history in preadolescents. Data were drawn from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, which recruited a diverse sample of 11 875 youth aged 9 to 10 years. The primary outcome measures were lifetime history and recent onset of NSSI. Measures included sociodemographics and the K-SADS diagnostic interview assessing psychopathology and SI. Female sex and identifying as Black were associated with lower odds of lifetime NSSI. Identifying as a sexual minority, having unmarried parents, and a low family income were associated with higher odds of lifetime NSSI. Although depression was most predictive of NSSI history and onset, a range of internalizing and externalizing disorders, greater comorbidity, and SI also were predictive. Given that NSSI was associated with a range of mental health disorders and comorbidity, it may be best conceptualized as a transdiagnostic phenomenon. Findings highlight key sociodemographic and diagnostic factors that may help to direct screening efforts in preadolescents, particularly sexual minority status and depression.

Moral Injury as a Transdiagnostic Risk Factor for Mental Health Problems in Detained Youth

Youth who become involved in the juvenile justice system are at highly elevated risk for many emotional and behavioral problems. Past research has often focused on trauma exposure as a transdiagnostic risk factor in this population. However, distress resulting from perpetrating or witnessing acts that conflict with one’s deeply held moral beliefs, termed moral injury, may also play a role in predisposing these youth toward negative mental health outcomes. This study utilized a sample of 96 youth housed in secure detention centers and tested associations between exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) and mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). After controlling for trauma exposure and demographic variables, PMIEs were significantly and positively associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as engagement in NSSI. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.

Risk and protective factors of mental health in children in residential care: A nationwide study from Luxembourg

BackgroundChildren who grow up in residential care are at high risk for mental health problems. Existing studies have focused on negative mental health indicators and risk factors. There has been less emphasis on identifying protective factors, particularly those associated with positive mental health outcomes. ObjectiveThis study explores positive and negative dimensions of mental health and their links to risk and protective factors in children who have experienced early adversity and trauma and have been placed in residential care. Participants and settingsChildren aged 11 to 18 (N = 264) were recruited from residential care homes in Luxembourg, a small, high-income European country. MethodsThe children completed self-report questionnaires on mental health, perceived stress, school pressure, and participation. Residential care workers provided information on demographic factors, developmental and care history, and pre-care experiences of early adversity and trauma. ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis indicated that subjective well-being, internalising problems, and externalising problems are separate yet interconnected components of mental health. Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes models showed that individual, contextual, and psychosocial predictors contribute differentially to positive and negative mental health outcomes. ConclusionsUsing a national sample of children in residential care in Luxembourg, this research indicates that subjective well-being, internalising problems, and externalising problems are distinct but related aspects of mental health. ‘Child participation’ and ‘school pressure’ displayed strong links with positive mental health outcomes and may serve as a potential path for improving public health interventions for children in care.

12 The Effect of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form Symptom Reporting Among Adult Neuropsychological Referrals

Objective:Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is a broad construct that refers to negative events one may experience during childhood, including, but not limited to, childhood maltreatment, household dysfunction, and trauma. ACEs have consistently shown to be associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes. Although researchers have investigated the effects of trauma and abuse on personality measures, few studies have examined differences between those with high ACEs, low ACEs, and no ACEs on measures of personality in the context of neuropsychological evaluations.Participants and Methods:The current study included 128 consecutive adult patients referred for outpatient neuropsychological evaluation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The sample was 39.8% non-Hispanic White, 21.9% non-Hispanic Black, 16.4% Hispanic, 10.9% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 10.9% other race/ethnicity, with a mean age of 27.9 years (SD=6.3) and mean education of 16.1 years (SD=2.2). Multivariate analyses of variance were performed to evaluate differences on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) between individuals who experienced high levels of ACEs (>4/10 on the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire), low levels of ACEs (1-3/10), and no ACEs (0/10).Results:When analyzing Higher-Order (H-O) scales, there was a significant group difference in mean elevation on the Behavioral/Externalizing Dysfunction (BXD) scale, F(2,113)=3.124, p < .05, such that individuals in the high ACEs group evidenced higher scores than those in the low ACEs group (p < .05). Additionally, there were significant differences on several Restructured Clinical (RC) scales. Specifically, there were group differences on the Low Positive Emotions (RC2) scale, F(2,113)=3.427, p < .05, such that those in the low ACEs group evidenced higher scores than those in the no ACEs group (p < .05). The Antisocial Behavior (RC4) scale also had significant differences, F(2,113)=13.703, p < .001, such that those in the high ACEs group had higher scores than those in the low and no ACEs groups (p < .001). Finally, the Ideas of Persecution (RC6) scale yielded significant group differences, F(2,113)=4.793, p < .05, such that those in the high ACEs group evidenced higher scores than those in the low and no ACEs groups (p < .05).Conclusions:In sum, this study demonstrated that ACEs, particularly high levels of ACEs, are related to higher difficulties with problems with under-controlled and rule-breaking behaviors, low positive emotional responses, and beliefs that others pose a threat. As such, assessment of ACEs may serve an important role in characterizing patients’ psychological status as part of a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.

Role of Institutional Support for Evidence-Based Psychotherapy in Satisfaction and Burnout Among Veterans Affairs Therapists.

Burnout is widespread among psychotherapists and leads to negative mental and other health outcomes, absenteeism, and turnover. Job resources, including institutional support for evidence-based practices, can buffer against burnout and may improve satisfaction among therapists. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the nation's largest integrated health system and employs 23,000 therapists, including psychologists, social workers, and counselors. The authors assessed associations between perceived institutional support for evidence-based treatment and satisfaction and burnout among VHA therapists. This analysis used data from the VHA's national 2018 Mental Health Provider Survey. Responding therapists (N=5,341) answered questions about the quality of mental health care and job satisfaction. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to predict burnout and satisfaction. The authors tested availability of evidence-based treatment and measurement-based care (MBC) as predictors; analyses were adjusted for therapist workload, demographic characteristics, and potential clustering by facility. VHA therapists had less burnout and more job satisfaction when they perceived receiving institutional support for evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) and MBC, irrespective of whether the analyses were adjusted for workload. Less difficulty in scheduling EBP was significantly associated with decreased likelihood of burnout (OR=0.83, p<0.001) and increased satisfaction (OR=1.09, p=0.008). Less difficulty ending psychotherapy was significantly associated with decreased likelihood of burnout (OR=0.89, p=0.002) and increased satisfaction (OR=1.12, p=0.004). Support for evidence-based practices, including EBP and MBC, was closely linked to VHA therapists' satisfaction and burnout. Expanding support for therapists to provide evidence-based treatment may benefit therapists, patients, and the health care system.

Assessing Stigma towards Mental Illness in Relation to Demographics Attitudes and Past Experiences among Pharmacy Students in a Jordanian University Sample.

Stigma towards mental illness poses a significant risk for negative mental health outcomes. Efforts have been undertaken to mitigate self-stigma and stigmatizing behaviors among the public; however, few have considered stigma among healthcare providers, including pharmacists. This study aimed to assess the level of stigma towards mental illness, using the 15-item version of the Opening Minds Scale for Health Care Providers (OMS-HC), and associated factors among pharmacy students and was conducted via a printed questionnaire. A total of 125 students participated and the mean total stigma score was 47.9 with 58.4% of the participants scoring above 45, the midpoint of the possible range of scores. The stigma score was independent of participant demographics, except for grade point average. Higher total stigma scores were observed among subjects who have been prescribed a neuropsychiatric drug before, those who believe that pharmacists should have a role in mental healthcare, those who believe that pharmacists are qualified enough to provide mental health support, and those who are willing to seek help from a pharmacist. The results indicate an overall high stigma score among pharmacy students, which highlights the importance of enhancing pharmacy students' awareness and knowledge regarding mental healthcare through incorporating additional courses and/or training programs in pharmacy education curricula.

Self-reported general health/psychological status of Ukrainian female refugees in the Czech Republic

Abstract 533 490 refugees from Ukraine received ‘temporary protection’ from the Czech government. The data for the cross-sectional study (919 females) were obtained via an online survey which recorded self-reported physical health and psychological status, specific aspects of mental health, coping strategies and demographic characteristics. The average age of participants was about 38 years old and more than 70% had children. Most respondents have a university education (71%), came from cities and towns (88.7 %), and had employment in Ukraine (73.8 %). As regards, self-reported health, 43% of females reported their general health as good, 46.8% as fair, and 10.2% as bad and very bad. In addition, 27.9% reported that their health has worsened during the last month and 4.5% that their health had worsened or that they had sustained injury due to the war. Also, 52.7% self-reported their psychological status as fair, 26% as bad, and 7.7% as having very bad status. Preliminary results showed that refugees more often used problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies and less avoidant coping strategies. Ineffective coping strategies of self-blame and behavioural disengagement were associated with poorly reported physical health/psychological status. Effective coping strategies were positively associated with better-reported psychological status. The majority of Ukrainian female refugees (75.2%) have a moderate level of perceived stress, and 20.3% have a high level. Total stress score was moderately positively correlated with the avoidant coping strategy (r = .48), so the higher the perceived stress the higher the possibility for respondents to employ avoidant coping strategy. Moreover, there were strong positive correlations between perceived stress and self-reported emotional and psychological status (r = .61) and positive correlations with self-reported physical health (r = .29). The higher level of perceived stress related to the worst self-reported physical and mental health. Key messages • The research outcomes could be used in the social policy of the Czech government to help Ukrainian female refugees to better adapt to the country and avoid worsening physical and mental health status. • Social policies can reduce the negative physical and mental health outcomes associated with refugees’ resettlement.

Socioeconomic Status and Students' Mental Health during the COVID-19 University Closure: Mediating Roles of Perceived Social Support and Self-Efficacy.

Despite the need for urgent actions in response to the exacerbated inequalities in mental health resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains a significant gap in research into the relationships and underlying mechanisms between socioeconomic status (SES) and various mental health outcomes among students during the COVID-19 university closure. With a sample of 839 students from a university in Lanzhou, the capital city of China's Gansu Province, which was closed during the 2022 autumn semester due to the COVID-19 outbreak, this study examined the relationships between SES and both the negative and positive mental health outcomes, with a particular inquiry into the mediating roles of perceived social support and self-efficacy. The results show that SES had significant and negative total associations with psychological distress (β = -0.119, p < 0.001) and loneliness (β = -0.132, p < 0.001), while having significant and positive total associations with life satisfaction (β = 0.90, p < 0.01) and affective well-being (β = 0.108, p < 0.01). Moreover, perceived social support and self-efficacy independently and sequentially mediated the associations between SES and various mental health outcomes. Research implications for the design and improvement of university measures to reduce the socioeconomic inequalities in students' mental health are also discussed.

The Associations between Obsessive Compulsive Personality Traits, Self-Efficacy, and Exercise Addiction.

Exercise addiction refers to maladaptive exercise patterns involving compulsivity and addiction-like behaviors. Exercise addiction has been found to relate to negative physical and mental health outcomes such as heart abnormalities, physical injuries, and interpersonal conflicts. Based on the social cognitive theory, this study investigated the extent to which the interplay of obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) traits and self-efficacy beliefs would influence the development and maintenance of exercise addiction. A total of 1228 college students in the United States responded to an online survey. Based on cut-off scores of the Revised Exercise Addiction Inventory, the prevalence estimates of exercise addiction were 4.0% for males and 1.8% for females. Results showed that males are more prone to exercise addiction than females. Also, OCPD traits and self-efficacy significantly predicted exercise addiction after controlling for age and sex. Self-efficacy acted as a moderator in influencing the relationship between OCPD traits and exercise addiction, especially for females. At high levels of self-efficacy, more OCPD traits were significantly associated with a higher risk of exercise addiction. However, at low levels of self-efficacy, there was no association between OCPD traits and exercise addiction. The findings suggest that public education and intervention for exercise addiction should attend to the interplay between personality factors and sex.

Generative Artificial Intelligence and the Emergence of Creative Displacement Anxiety

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), a subset of AI that can generate novel content such as images, text, and music, has the unique transformative potential of augmenting human creativity, offering tools that can enhance creative expression and open unprecedented avenues for innovation. However, alongside its remarkable capabilities, the inevitable pervasive integration of this technology in every aspect of human life, including creative fields, involves the risk of giving rise to unforeseen psychological challenges for our society. This article discusses the potential emergence of a novel psychological phenomenon consisting in the multifaceted response to the perceived overshadowing of human creativity by AI-driven tools. Specifically, the article introduces the term “Creative Displacement Anxiety” (CDA), describe its foundation, and discuss its relationships with established psychological and psychosocial models, theories, constructs, and diagnoses such as technostress, impostor syndrome, cognitive dissonance, and economic anxiety. The article conceptualizes and elucidates the potential root causes, symptoms, and implications of CDA. Additionally, it discusses how some of the possible negative mental health outcomes could potentially be mitigated. Our work emphasizes the need for interventions that raise awareness on generative AI, support individuals in accepting and incorporating AI as a creative tool and companion and helps them navigate this new landscape. Finally, by offering a view of the interplay between AI advancements and the human creative psyche, our research aims at fostering the discussion around embracing the positive contribution of generative AI to our society.

Loneliness and Its Predictors in Rare Versus Common Chronic Illnesses.

Loneliness is a growing public health concern associated with substantial negative mental and physical health outcomes. Loneliness is especially relevant for individuals with a chronic illness, perhaps more so if their illness is rare. Little is known about the psychosocial experience of individuals with a rare chronic illness, and whether and how it may differ from the experience of individuals with common chronic illnesses. We compared the magnitude of loneliness in persons with a rare or common chronic illness and examined theoretically guided predictors of loneliness as follows: stigma, illness intrusiveness, social comparison, social support, support from healthcare providers, and self-efficacy. Individuals with a chronic illness (common or rare) completed an anonymous online survey (N = 952). Individuals with common chronic illnesses were as lonely as those with a rare chronic illness. Loneliness in both groups was higher than that in population norms. Regression analyses reveal that independent of other predictors, loneliness was especially high among people who feel stigmatized by others, those who have less social support available, and people whose functioning is more disrupted by their illness (all p values < 0.01). The similarity of loneliness in these groups reinforces the value of further systematic research to identify the needs of individuals with any type of chronic illness. Study findings highlight the importance of examining internalized stigma and social support as possible targets of intervention to reduce loneliness among individuals with a chronic illness, recognizing some of the unique features and challenges of their disorders, whether common or rare.

Meaning in Life and Loneliness as Mediators between COVID-19 Anxiety and Life Satisfaction in the Post-Pandemic among the General Population in Turkey: A Serial Mediation Model.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted global society, leading to negative well-being and mental health outcomes. However, little is known about how COVID-19-related anxiety affects life satisfaction through psychological factors. This study examined the mediating roles of meaning in life and loneliness in the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and life satisfaction in 333 Turkish general population (59.2% females; Mage = 33.9 ± 7.8). Participants completed measures of COVID-19 anxiety, life satisfaction, meaning in life, and loneliness. The results showed that COVID-19 anxiety predicted meaning in life, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Meaning in life predicted loneliness and life satisfaction, while loneliness predicted life satisfaction. Serial mediation analysis revealed that COVID-19 anxiety predicts life satisfaction through meaning in life and loneliness, even after controlling for age and gender. These findings contribute to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms between COVID-19 anxiety and life satisfaction, with implications for future research and practice.