Predictors Of Psychological Distress Research Articles

Predictors of Psychological Distress in Women with Endometriosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Endometriosis is a multifaceted chronic pain condition that can have a negative impact on mental health. Patients suffering from chronic pain may face an additional psychological burden during adversity, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The main aim of this research was to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported depression and anxiety, the influence of demographic, endometriosis-specific, pandemic-specific factors, and resilience on mental health outcomes of patients with endometriosis. Methods: An online survey was conducted through patient support groups of women suffering from endometriosis during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PHQ-4 questionnaire, which combines two items of the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression (PHQ-2) and two items from the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2) was used to assess self-reported mental health. The Brief Resilience Score (BRS) was employed to evaluate resilience. Independent risk and protective factors for mental health were investigated by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: The PHQ-4 questionnaire was completed by 274 respondents. More than 40% reached depression (PHQ-2) and anxiety (GAD-2) scores of ≥3, and more than 20% achieved PHQ-2 and GAD-2 scores of ≥5. High resilience was found to be a reliable and strong independent protector for the probability of developing adverse psychological outcomes: OR 0.295, p < 0.001 for developing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-2 ≥ 3), and OR 0.467, p < 0.001 for having major depression (PHQ-2 ≥ 3). Conclusions: Pain-induced disability is an independent risk factor for developing major depression and anxiety, while resilience was identified as a potential protective parameter in terms of positive psychological outcomes in women with endometriosis. The results of this study may help to identify women at risk for adverse mental health outcomes and should encourage healthcare practitioners to establish strategies for the reduction of negative psychological and psychiatric impacts on patients with endometriosis.

A national study of the mental health status of Asian international students in the United States

AbstractThis study compared the mental health status of Asian international students (AIS) in the United States with American students and other international students by analyzing 4 years of data (2011–2014) from the American College Health Association‐National College Health Assessment. No significant differences were found in the ***AIS’ psychological distress, but their self‐reported self‐harm ideation and behavior were higher than the other two groups. Predictors of psychological distress were analyzed and implications for stakeholders are offered.

Patterns and predictors of depressive and anxiety symptoms in mothers affected by previous prenatal loss in the ALSPAC birth cohort

BackgroundStudies investigating the patterns or predictors of psychological distress in expecting and postpartum mothers affected by previous prenatal loss, are limited. The study objectives were to explore longitudinal trajectory patterns of depressive and anxiety symptoms in mothers affected by previous prenatal loss from early in a subsequent pregnancy up to pre-adolescence, and to identify early factors predictive of elevated symptom trajectory patterns. MethodsA total of 2854 mothers from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children self-identified as having experienced a previous prenatal loss. A latent class analysis identified trajectory patterns of symptoms across 10 timepoints from 18-weeks' gestation up to 134-months postpartum, multivariate regression analysis identified predictors of elevated symptom trajectories, and hierarchical regression analysis determined predictive accuracy between predictors and elevated trajectory patterns. ResultsThree distinct longitudinal trajectory patterns of depressive and anxiety symptoms reflected low (54%), sub-clinical (34%), and clinical symptoms (12%). Key factors that predicted elevated symptom trajectory patterns better than increased symptom scores early in subsequent pregnancy include history of severe depression or other psychiatric problem, experiencing three or more stressful events from mid-pregnancy, inadequate social support, history of induced abortion, and history of abuse. Predictive accuracy of elevated trajectories was 0.542 (depression) and 0.432 (anxiety). LimitationsGeneralizability may be compromised by attrition, under-reporting, and recall bias. ConclusionIncluding factors predictive of long-term sub-clinical or clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms in early assessments will improve clinician's ability to identify mothers who may benefit from immediate and/or ongoing monitoring, and psychotherapeutic intervention after prenatal loss.

The burden of food allergy on children and teens: A systematic review.

Over the last two decades, researchers have placed increasing attention on understanding how food allergy affects the health-related quality of life (HRQL) and psychosocial well-being of children and teens. In response, a number of reviews have been published that aim at synthesizing the literature. However, many of these papers focus narrowly on HRQL or suffer from methodological limitations. The current review aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of the burden of pediatric food allergy by synthesizing the quantitative and qualitative literature. Findings from the present review provide evidence of reduced HRQL among children and teens with food allergy, particularly older children and those with more severe manifestations of the condition. In comparison to HRQL, the link between food allergy and psychosocial functioning is less clear; however, some evidence can be cited linking food allergy to greater levels of psychological distress. Qualitative evidence suggests that the burden of pediatric food allergy largely stems from worries surrounding exposures outside of the home and the social consequences of the condition. The current review also highlights several gaps in the literature, including a paucity of longitudinal research, research focused on predictors of psychological distress among children and teens with food allergy as well as a dearth of studies comparing rates of bullying in food-allergic and non-food-allergic samples. More emphasis should be placed on not only alleviating the social and psychological consequences of food allergy, but also on identifying and assisting those most acutely burdened by the condition.

Psychological Distress, Fatigue and Quality of Life in Patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) represent 1% of all gastrointestinal tumors and are included in the list of rare diseases. 1) To evaluate levels of psychological distress, fatigue, and quality of life. 2) To identify the variables that most influence distress among Mexican patients with GIST. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a consecutive sample of 100 patients with GIST, who completed the following questionnaires online: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as a measure of distress, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), and Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ C30). Distress was present in 31% of patients. No association was found between distress and sociodemographic/clinical variables. The patients with distress demonstrated higher scores in all fatigue dimensions and, regarding quality of life, had more symptoms and were lower functioning. Distress was positively associated with all fatigue dimensions and with QLQ C30 symptoms. Negative associations were found between distress and QLQ C30 functioning dimensions. The predictors of psychological distress were general fatigue, reduced motivation, and emotional functioning. The percentage of patients with distress was akin to the levels found in patients with the most common types of cancer. Fatigue in patients with GIST should be evaluated and managed to improve distress levels.

Predictors of Psychological Distress Among People with and Without Pre-Existing Mental Health Problems During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Predictors of Psychological Distress Among People with and Without Pre-Existing Mental Health Problems During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Psychological Restorative Potential of a Pilot on-Campus Ecological Wetland in Malaysia

This study examines the perceptions and engagement tendencies of 788 university students, as well as their relationship with psychological distress, with respect to an on-campus ecological wetland. The students’ awareness, understanding, perceived importance, satisfaction level, and engagement tendency towards the ecological wetland were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. The psychological symptoms were assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem and depression, anxiety, and stress scales, and the predictors of psychological distress were determined. The majority of the students were actively engaged (62.3%), aware (88.3%), and satisfied (51.0%) with the ecological wetland. Gender, age, educational attainment, engagement, perceived importance, and satisfaction level towards the ecological wetland were the predictors of psychological distress. The results outlined the environmental and mental restorative values of the ecological wetland in mediating psychological distress among the university students. These findings shed light on the necessity of preserving the sustainability and integrity of the on-campus ecological wetland. Longitudinal investigations to explore the restorative values of built environments and psychological wellbeing among high-risk populations are warranted.

Family Function Associated with Psychological Symptoms in Pregnant Women during Pandemic of COVID-19

The study investigated the association of family functions with psychological problems and fear of COVID-19 during pregnancy. In a cross-sectional, 385 pregnant women completed three questionnaires including Family APGAR, Symptom Checklist-25 (SCL-25), and Fear of COVID-19. The family function was a significant negative predictor of psychological distress. The findings highlight the role of family function in mental health of pregnant women during pandemic of COVID-19. The results suggest that educating women, their family, and health care providers about the benefits of enhancing family function may facilitate reduction of psychological distress of pregnant women.

Dark Tetrad and psychological distress among male violent offenders and male community adults

The first aim of this study was to explore differences between male violent offenders and male community adults in Dark Tetrad traits and psychological distress. The second aim was to investigate moderation effects of dark traits in the prediction of psychological distress based on the membership of violent offenders or community adults. The sample included 142 male violent offenders (M = 40.73, SD = 11.43) convicted of murder, severe murder, or rape, and 573 men from the community population in Serbia without a history of criminal convictions (M = 41.71, SD = 15.11). Serbian adaptations of the Short Dark Triad (SD3), Comprehensive Assessment of Sadistic Tendencies (CAST), and Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) were used. Results showed that violent offenders had higher scores on psychopathy and problems in social and general functioning, while community adults had higher scores on narcissism. Furthermore, moderation analyses showed that physical sadism was significantly correlated with risk behaviors in the community adults, but not in violent offenders.

Predictors of Psychological Distress and Coronavirus Fears in the First Recovery Phase of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Germany.

Objectives: While previous research has mainly focused on the impact of the first acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, little empirical knowledge exists about depression, anxiety, and somatic symptom levels and possible predictors of symptom levels in the pandemic’s recovery phase. The present study aimed to analyze the mental burden of a convenience ample of the general German population during the first recovery phase of the pandemic and to identify significant predictors of symptom levels.Methods: Standardized measures of anxiety (GAD-2), depression (PHQ-2), somatic symptoms (PHQ-15), and health anxiety, as well as measures of COVID-19 fears and possible vulnerability factors, were administered through a national, cross-sectional online survey (n = 2160, mean age 42.7 years, 75% female), asking participants for their current symptom levels and their symptom levels prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: Our findings show significantly elevated levels of depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, and health anxiety in the recovery period compared to before the pandemic. The current prevalence rates based on self-reporting were 26.7% for depression, 24.5% for anxiety, and 29% for somatization. The strongest predictors of these symptom reports included domain-specific pre-existing symptom levels, neuroticism, biological COVID-19 risk factors, avoidance of illness information, and younger age. The most important predictors of COVID-19 fears were subjective COVID-19 risk perception, followed by pre-existing health anxiety, the number of biological COVID-19 risk factors, older age, neuroticism, avoidance of illness information and female gender.Discussion: These findings indicate the need for specific psychological programs to help individuals with enhanced psychological and biological vulnerability to cope better with the mental distress experienced during all phases of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

African-centered coping, resilience, and psychological distress in Black prostate cancer patients.

Blacks have the highest incidence and mortality rates for prostate cancer (PCa) in the U.S. Black PCa patients (PCaP) also report high psychological distress. Identifying culturally specific coping strategies that lower distress among Black PCaP could help improve psychological interventions for this group. African-centered coping (strategies unique to the structure of Black personality and the African-centered worldview) have been identified. We hypothesized that these coping strategies and resilience would be associated with lower psychological distress (anxiety and depression) in Black PCaP. Black PCaP (N=95) completed a survey assessing African-centered coping strategies, resilience, anxiety, and depression. Multiple regression was employed to examine African-centered coping strategies and resilience as predictors of psychological distress. Participants were aged M=67±9years and 52% had late-stage PCa. Twenty percent met criteria for clinically significant anxiety, and 17% for depression. African-centered coping strategies were not associated with lower anxiety or depression, while resilience was associated with decreased anxiety (r=-0.45, p<0.001) and depression (r=-0.54, p<0.001). Mediation analyses did not support an indirect association among African-centered coping strategies, resilience, and anxiety and depression. Contrary to hypotheses, African-centered coping strategies were not associated with psychological distress. However, as predicted, greater resilience was associated with lower anxiety and depression. These findings support the relevancy of resilience in Blacks' psychological adjustment to PCa. It might be worthwhile to explore African-centered coping strategies that help Black PCaP cope with distress.

Predictors of Psychological Distress and Resilience in the Post-COVID-19 Era.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 global pandemic has had profound effects on mental health and wellbeing. The present study examined trends in distress and recovery in the aftermath of COVID-19 in China. Predictors that might increase risks or provide protections again distress were explored.MethodParticipants were recruited using social media during the COVID-19 pandemic to complete a baseline and 6-week follow-up survey (N = 241). The change patterns of PTSD symptoms from baseline to follow-up were characterized using latent class growth analysis (LCGA). A repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted to explore the differences in the depressive symptoms across trajectory groups. Multinominal logistic regression was performed to investigate potential predictors of the outcome trajectories.ResultsFour longitudinal outcome trajectories were identified: chronic (PTSD symptoms remained high; 14.9%), resilient (symptoms remained low; 43.2%), recovered (symptoms decreased from symptomatic levels to asymptomatic; 19.5%), and delayed (symptoms increased from asymptomatic levels to symptomatic; 22.4%). Hopelessness and maladaptive coping strategies were unique predictors of distress and resilience as well as longer-term trajectories.ConclusionIndividuals evidenced four outcome trajectories of distress in the aftermath of COVID-19 in China. Despite the uncertainty and high levels of stress related to the pandemic, the majority of the sample demonstrated resilience and recovery. It is essential to identify individuals at risk for chronic and delayed distress in order to build resilience.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12529-021-10036-8.

A cross-sectional study of prevalence and predictors of psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic among the Indian population

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of psychological distress and identify the predictors and factors associated with the distress during the onset of COVID-19 pandemic among Indian population. Methods: An online cross-sectional study with a semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the psychological distress using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) among Indians. Descriptive statistics and prevalence of psychological distress were calculated. Chi-square test was done to find the association between the independent variables and psychological distress. Factors that are significantly associated with psychological distress were further analysed using multiple logistic regression analysis to identify the predictors.Results: 846 responses were obtained with mean age 32 years (32.45 ± 11.44). 35% (n=290) had significant psychological distress with mean GHQ-12 score of 2.37. Factors associated were age (p=0.002), family members having COVID symptoms (p=0.017), lockdown distress (p=0.0001), source of health information (p=0.041), perception that information by social media increased fear (p=0.0001), likelihood of family contracting COVID-19 (p=0.022), pattern of food consumption (p=0.0001) and worry about financial burden during lockdown (p=0.0001). By logistic regression analysis, we found increased odds of developing psychological distress among the participants aged less than 40 years (OR=1.49, C.I=1-2.249,p=0.050); people who felt distressed due to the lockdown situation (OR= 2.31, C.I=1.694-3.162, p=0.0001); individuals whose fear increased due to social media information (OR=1.55, C.I= 1.144-2.113, p=0.005) and participants whose food pattern increased during the lockdown period (OR=1.41, C.I=1.035-1.923, p=0.029).Conclusions: Nearly 1/3rd of the participants were in a state of psychological distress which transcended topographical barriers with factors such as being less than 40 years of age, accessing health information through social media, pattern of food consumption being increased and being in lockdown situation as predictors of psychological distress.

52 Is Working in the Emergency Department Hazardous to Your Health? Psychological and Physical Features of Emergency Staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Previous work has established that frontline health care workers (HCWs), such as emergency physicians and nurses, are vulnerable to the development of adverse behavioral, psychological, and physical sequelae, which may persist long after the disaster. we examine the prevalence and predictors of psychological distress in ED clinicians working during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined psychological and physiological (sleep, resting heart rate, blood pressure) of a sample of frontline providers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Perceived invalidation of emotion uniquely predicts affective distress: Implications for the role of interpersonal factors in emotional experience

Intrapersonal affective styles and emotion regulation strategies have been studied at length and identified as predictors of affective distress (i.e., depression and anxiety symptoms). Less research has evaluated the extent to which distress is predicted by interpersonal factors, like how others respond to people's emotions. Perceived emotion invalidation is one interpersonal factor that occurs when people feel others have negatively evaluated their emotions as unacceptable. Across three studies with both online and college student samples, the current research evaluated perceived invalidation as a predictor of psychological distress while controlling for intrapersonal styles and emotion regulation strategies known to predict distress. Results revealed that perceived emotion invalidation predicted greater affective distress above and beyond: emotional reactivity and expressivity, negative affect, and emotion dysregulation (Study 1); cognitive and behavioral emotion regulation strategies (Study 2); and self-compassion, emotional intelligence, and experiential avoidance (Study 3). These findings suggest that how people perceive others to respond to their emotions contributes to distress more so than simply how people respond to or regulate their own emotions.

Predictors of psychological distress in Syrian refugees with posttraumatic stress in Germany.

Syria has been the main country of citizenship of refugees in Germany since 2013. Syrians face numerous human rights violations in their country that can be accompanied by the experience of potentially traumatic events, loss and displacement. Along the migration process, refugees are exposed to various factors that can have an impact on mental health. The aim of this study is to investigate sociodemographic, war- and flight-related as well as post-migration factors as predictors of posttraumatic stress, depression, somatization and anxiety in Syrian refugees with posttraumatic stress symptoms based in Germany. Data were based on the baseline sample of the “Sanadak” randomized-controlled trial. A total of 133 adult Syrian refugees participated in the study. A questionnaire covered sociodemographic and flight-related questions as well as standardized instruments for symptoms of PTSD (PDS-5), depression (PHQ-9), somatization (PHQ-15), anxiety (GAD-7), generalized self-efficacy (GSE), religiousness (Z-Scale), social support (ESSI) and mental health stigma (SSMIS-SF). Linear regression models were executed to predict mental health outcomes. Sociodemographic predictors (i.e., female sex, higher education) and flight-related predicting factors (i.e., variability of traumatic events) have a negative impact on mental health in Syrian refugees with posttraumatic stress symptoms in Germany. Mental health stigma predicts worse mental health outcomes. Post-migration factors have a major impact on mental health, such as low income, lack of social support, low life satisfaction or a strongly felt connection to Syria. Somatization is an important manifestation of mental distress in Syrian refugees with posttraumatic stress symptoms. Our study showed a range of factors predicting the mental health of Syrian refugees with posttraumatic stress symptoms. Measures to foster mental health could be securing financial security, promoting gender equality and tailored psychosocial programs addressing mental health stigma, loss and social support networks.

6 Health Care Worker Psychological and Physiological Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Previous work has established that frontline health care workers (HCWs), such as emergency physicians and nurses, are vulnerable to the development of adverse behavioral, psychological, and physical sequelae, which may persist long after the disaster. We examine the prevalence and predictors of psychological distress in ED clinicians working during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined psychological and physiological (sleep, resting heart rate, blood pressure) of a sample of frontline providers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Navigating Still Waters of Infertility: Role of Goal Features in Coping with a Thwarted Goal.

The infertility experience is often surrounded by frustration and discouragement associated with the thwarted goal to have a child. Though research has identified commonly used strategies to cope with infertility, this study is the first to examine how different goal attributes and processes associated with the experience of infertility relate to coping strategy use and psychological distress. Women (N = 353) recruited from online support forums reported on the nature of their goal to have a child, their psychological distress, and their use of strategies to cope with the failure to achieve that goal. Women reported high striving toward a goal high in importance and commitment, coupled with high goal-related stress and feeling that achievement is blocked. Consistent with the notion that coping strategy use is specific to the features of the experience, no single goal attribute nor combination of attributes consistently accounted for coping strategy use, suggesting that the latter may be specific to the cognitions and processes of pursuit of the goal to have a child. With one exception, perceptions of impediment were better predictors of psychological distress than any level of perceived facilitators of goal pursuit, positing potential targets for future psychological interventions. Understanding how women cope with infertility may require a detailed conceptualization of their goal to have a child. In the present sample, dynamic processes and coping strategies that otherwise detract from success were generally beneficial by providing alternatives to the pursuit of a thwarted goal.

Social Support and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Psychological Distress among Students with Learning Disabilities in Accra, Ghana

Using a survey research design, this study examined the extent to which social support and self-esteem predict psychological distress among students with learning disabilities at Multi Kids Inclusive Academy in Accra, Ghana. The Simple Random Sampling technique was used to select 94 students. Survey questionnaires containing the Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale (Malecki &amp; Demaray, 2002), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (Lovibond &amp; Lovibond, 1995), and Adapted Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (Dagnan &amp; Sandhu, 1999) were used to collected data. Descriptive statistics, Reliability and Normality tests, Simple Linear Regression Analysis, and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient test within the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 application software were used to analyze data. Results indicated that Social Support from Teachers (β= .202, p = .033) and Social Support from Classmates (β= .548, p = .000) predicts psychological distress. Social Support from Parents Dimension subscale (β= -.024, p = .810), did not predict psychological distress. In addition, a significant negative relationship was found between self-concept and psychological distress. Also, differences in gender (β= -.238, p = .033) and age (β= .266, p = .017) predicts psychological distress.

Suicidal Ideation and Predictors of Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Eswatini: A Population-Based Household Telephone Survey.

The unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic can induce psychological distress in individuals. We investigated perceived stressors, prevalence of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, and predictors of psychological distress among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini. This study was a cross-sectional, population-based household telephone survey of 993 conveniently sampled adults (18+ years) from all the four administrative regions of Eswatini. Data were collected between 9 June and 18 July 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country was under a partial lockdown. COVID-19-related psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K6). We performed weighted modified Poisson regression analyses to identify significant predictors of moderate/severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥5). The weighted prevalences of moderate (K6 scores: 5–12) and severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥13) were 41.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Participants reported several perceived COVID-19-related stressors, including worries and fears of the contagion-specific death, serious need for food and money, and concerns about loss of income or business. The weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation was 1.5%. Statistically significant predictors of increased risk for moderate/severe psychological distress included living in the Hhohho and Manzini regions; feeling not well informed about COVID-19; feeling lonely; having received COVID-19 food or financial relief from the government; feeling burdened by the lockdown; being married; and being youth (18–24 years). The results call for the government to urgently augment the provision of mental health services during the pandemic. Mental health practitioners and programs may use several stressors and risk factors identified in this study to inform interventions and government policies aimed at reducing psychological distress induced by the pandemic.