Predictors Of Psychological Distress Research Articles

Associations and predictors of psychological distress among students following disruption of academic activities by strikes embarked by university workers in Nigeria public universities

Objective Psychological distress is experienced to be heightened among students during health distress and the disruption of academic activities by strikes. This study sought to determine the associating and predicting factors of anxiety and depression among university students following the disruption of academic activities by strikes. Material-Method This cross-sectional face-to-face and online study conveniently recruited a total of 317 students aged 15-51 years. The student's socio-demographic, socioeconomic, physical characteristics, and psychological distress were assessed using a structured questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and General Anxiety Disorder–7 (GAD-7). Data analysis consists of descriptive statistics, Pearson's Chi-square test, and Logistic regression, at a significant level of p

Body image perception and social support as predictors of psychological distress among third trimester pregnant women in Nigeria

BackgroundBody image perception and social support during pregnancy can impact the psychological distress levels experienced by pregnant women. As a result, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between various components of social support and body image perception on psychological distress levels among pregnant women in their third trimester in Nigeria.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 pregnant women who were in the third trimester and attending selected health care facilities in Ogbomoso, a semiurban city in Oyo State, Nigeria. Body image perception, social support, and psychological distress scales were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed and summarized using descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA and multiple regression), with significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsRegression analysis showed that 44% of the variation in psychological distress among pregnant women was explained by the background variables, marital status, body image perception, appraisal support, tangible support, belonging support, interaction between body image perception and appraisal support, belong support and tangible support.ConclusionIntervention programs focusing on bolstering tangible support, belonging support and appraisal support are recommended at reducing the psychological distress due to body image perception among pregnant women at third trimester.

Social Media Utilization, Fear of Missing Out, Upward Social Comparison, and Self-Compassion as Predictors of Psychological Distress and Life Satisfaction Among Individuals with Mental Health Concerns

Social Media Utilization, Fear of Missing Out, Upward Social Comparison, and Self-Compassion as Predictors of Psychological Distress and Life Satisfaction Among Individuals with Mental Health Concerns

Correlates of mental disorder and harmful substance use in an indigenous Australian urban sample: an analysis of data from the Queensland Urban Indigenous Mental Health Survey.

Limited data exists on the relationship between sociodemographic and cultural variables and the prevalence of specific mental and substance use disorders (MSDs) among Indigenous Australians, using diagnostic prevalence data. This paper utilises data from the Queensland Urban Indigenous Mental Health Survey (QUIMHS), a population-level diagnostic mental health survey, to identify socioeconomic and cultural correlates of psychological distress and specific MSDs in an urban Indigenous Australian sample. Using a mixture of household sampling (door-knocking) and snowball sampling (promotion of the survey in the community), 406 participants aged 18 to 89 were recruited across key locations in Southeast Queensland. The study investigated various demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors as predictors of psychological distress (measured by the Kessler-5) and MSD diagnoses (utilising the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, CIDI 3.0) using a series of univariate logistic regressions. Individuals in unstable housing (homeless, sleeping rough) and those reporting financial distress were more likely to experience an MSD in the past 12 months and throughout their lifetime. Individuals reporting lower levels of connection and belonging, limited participation in cultural events, and lower empowerment were more likely to have a lifetime mental disorder. This data emphasises the importance of addressing systemic and social determinants of health when designing and delivering community mental health services and underscores the need for holistic approaches when working with Indigenous communities.

Indirect effects of health-related quality of life on suicidal ideation through psychological distress among cancer patients.

The interrelationships of suicidal ideation, psychological distress, and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in cancer patients are complex and multifaceted. Limited empirical evidence exists on the indirect effects of impaired HRQoL on suicidal ideation through psychological distress among cancer patients. To fill this research gap, 250 cancer patients were recruited through a cross-sectional hospital-based research design. Structural equation model (SEM) results indicated that impaired HRQoL is a predictor of psychological distress (β = 0.153; p < 0.05), and psychological distress positively predicts suicidal ideation (β = 0.647; p < 0.000). The study found no direct effects of impaired HRQoL on suicidal ideation (β = -0.05; p = 0.223). Indirect effects of HRQoL on suicidal ideation was confirmed, showing a full-mediation effect β = 0.099 (SE = 0.048, CI = [0.030, 0.189], p < 0.05) (i.e. the pathway impaired HRQoL predict suicidal ideation is through psychological distress). Cognitive-behavioral therapy and other emotional support programs should be considered for cancer patients to mitigate psychological vulnerabilities linking impaired HRQoL to suicidal ideation.

Perceived Parental Rejection as a Predictor of Psychological Distress in LGBQ + Adults and the Moderating Effects of Self-Acceptance of Sexuality

As a marginalized group, individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer (LGBQ+) may be particularly at risk for experiencing parental rejection and related negative outcomes. Few studies have focused on parental rejection as experienced in adulthood. Investigators used the Perceived Parental Reactions Scale (PPRS), the Self-Acceptance of Sexuality Inventory (SASI), and the short-form Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to examine the relationship between present-day perceived parental rejection of sexual identity, self-acceptance of sexuality, and psychological distress in a sample of LGBQ+ adults aged 18–60+ (n = 309). Results found that perceived parental rejection was positively correlated with levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and inversely correlated with self-acceptance of sexuality. Self-acceptance of sexuality also was found to be inversely correlated with psychological distress. Moreover, study results revealed that self-acceptance of sexuality moderated the relationship between present-day perceived parental rejection and psychological distress in LGBQ+ adults. Future directions and clinical implications for these findings are discussed, including expanding diversity in future studies and incorporating considerations for the entire family system, including multigenerational homes.

Predictors of Psychological Distress Among Rural Family/Friend Caregivers of People Living With Dementia in the United States: Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Caregivers of persons living with dementia in rural United States are a vulnerable population. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, rural communities experienced heightened disparities in social services, healthcare, suicides, and mortality. Guided by the Caregiving Stress Process Model, this study examines the relationship between the stressors and resources of rural caregivers of persons living with dementia and their experience of depression, stress, and COVID-19. One hundred and fifty-two rural caregivers of persons living with dementia completed an online survey, March 1, 2021-April 30, 2022. Analyses used baseline responses to validated scales and an open-ended question, "How has COVID impacted your life as a caregiver?" Dependent variables were depressive symptoms and stress. Bivariate and hierarchical linear regression analyses examined associations of stressors and resources with depressive symptoms and stress. Thematic analysis examined open-ended question responses. Among examined stressors, high care burden (b = 1.94, p < .05) and loneliness (b = 0.76, p < .0001) were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Loneliness (b = 0.24, p < .05) and ≥41 hr spent caregiving per week (reference 10-20 hr; b = 0.99, p < .05) were associated with stress. Among examined resources, self-efficacy for caregiving (b = -0.21, p < .05) was inversely associated with stress. Qualitative results confirmed quantitative results and identified additional pandemic-related themes in stressors and resources. We found that caregiver burden, loneliness, and caregiving hours were associated with greater psychological distress among rural caregivers of persons living with dementia during the pandemic, whereas self-efficacy for caregiving was protective. Rural caregivers need increased support to address care burdens and enhance psychological resources for caregiving. NCT04428112.

Predictors of Psychological Distress among Post-Operative Cardiac Patients: A Narrative Review.

Following surgery, over 50% of cardiac surgery patients report anxiety, stress and/or depression, with at least 10% meeting clinical diagnoses, which can persist for more than a year. Psychological distress predicts post-surgery health outcomes for cardiac patients. Therefore, post-operative distress represents a critical recovery challenge affecting both physical and psychological health. Despite some research identifying key personal, social, and health service correlates of patient distress, a review or synthesis of this evidence remains unavailable. Understanding these factors can facilitate the identification of high-risk patients, develop tailored support resources and interventions to support optimum recovery. This narrative review synthesises evidence from 39 studies that investigate personal, social, and health service predictors of post-surgery psychological distress among cardiac patients. The following factors predicted lower post-operative distress: participation in pre-operative education, cardiac rehabilitation, having a partner, happier marriages, increased physical activity, and greater social interaction. Conversely, increased pain and functional impairment predicted greater distress. The role of age, and sex in predicting distress is inconclusive. Understanding several factors is limited by the inability to carry out experimental manipulations for ethical reasons (e.g., pain). Future research would profit from addressing key methodological limitations and exploring the role of self-efficacy, pre-operative distress, and pre-operative physical activity. It is recommended that cardiac patients be educated pre-surgery and attend cardiac rehabilitation to decrease distress.

Concern about COVID-19 infection and workload as predictors of psychological distress during the health emergency in Peruvian healthcare personnel

IntroductionDuring the health emergency, there is concern about the mental health repercussions that Peruvian health workers, who represent the front line of care for COVID-19, may be experiencing. ObjectiveTo determine whether concern about COVID-19 and workloads predict psychological distress in healthcare workers. MethodsPredictive study in which 367 workers (nurses, doctors, nursing assistants, obstetricians, dentists, psychologists, nutritionists, among others) from 12 health networks in the Puno region participated, selected through intentional non-probabilistic sampling. The data were collected via the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the COVID-19 Scale of Concern and the Workload Scale. ResultsIt was found that there are no significant differences between men and women in psychological discomfort and concern about COVID-19 infection and workload. Furthermore, highly significant correlations were found between the study variables (P < .01). Multiple regression analysis showed an adequate adjustment for the model (F = 94.834; P < .001), where concern about COVID-19 (β = –0.436; P < .01) and workload (β = 0.239; P < .01) are variables that significantly predict psychological discomfort (adjusted R2 = 0.33). ConclusionsConcern about COVID-19 and work overload predict psychological distress in health personnel in the Puno region.

PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS, COVID-19 FEAR, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG GENERAL POPULATION DURING THE POST- LOCKDOWN PERIOD OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN MALAYSIA

This study examined the prevalence and predictors of psychological distress among the general population of Malaysia after nationwide lockdown restrictions were lifted, querying if psychosocial factors including quality of life, COVID-19 fears, and coping strategies affected levels of psychological distress beyond sociodemographic predictors. A total of 4,904 (male = 798, female = 4106) Malaysian adults participated in an online survey conducted in August- December 2021, just after the gradual release of lockdown restrictions. Psychological distress was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-12; quality of life was measured by the WHOQOL-BREF. The Fear of COVID-19 scale and Brief COPE tool measured the level of COVID-19 fear and coping mechanisms, respectively. The prevalence of psychological distress among respondents was 37.6%, 95% confidence interval (36%—39%). Results suggested demographic indicators of higher psychological distress, specifically younger adults, childless adults, and adults with lower income. Prior medical diagnoses and COVID-19-related stressful events increased psychological distress. Results demonstrated an association between lower quality of life across all domains and higher psychological distress. Fear of COVID-19 and avoidant coping amplified distress while problem-focused and emotional coping mechanisms played protective roles. Pronounced and prolonged mental health deterioration was observed after the nationwide lockdown was relaxed; cost-effective interventions are needed to prevent new mental health issues and promote well-being and resilience.

Social determinants of health, psychological distress, and caregiver burden among informal cancer caregivers of cancer survivors during treatment.

This study compared three ethnic/racial groups of informal cancer caregivers on social determinants of health and tested social determinants of health as predictors of psychological distress and caregiver burden. This study was a secondary analysis of baseline data of a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) testing symptom management interventions with caregiver-survivor dyads. Caregivers completed baseline measures of social determinants of health (SDoH), functional limitations, psychological distress, and caregiver burden. Hispanic, non-Hispanic White, and non-Hispanic other races caregivers were compared on these variables. Multivariate tests of associations between SDoH and caregiver burden and psychological distress were conducted in structural equation modeling with caregiver burden and psychological distress as latent variables. Hispanic caregivers reported significantly higher caregiver burden, specifically for finances, family, and schedules. Caregiver burden was significantly predicted by having income barely or not meeting needs, being female, socially isolated, married, Hispanic, and having poor physical functioning. Significant predictors of caregivers' psychological distress: being female, being socially isolated, and having poor physical functioning. Hispanic caregivers experience significant challenges associated with caregiver burden, especially if they are female, socially isolated, and have poor physical functioning. Assessment of these SDoH is important in caregiver health to provide supportive care during caregiving. NCT03743415 www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Sense of Coherence or resilience as predictors of psychological distress in nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic lead to the occurrence of numerous psychological distress among students. This study aimed to determine the level of psychological distress as well as the predictive role of Sense of Coherence (SOC) and resilience in nursing students. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 310 nursing students in Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The data of the study was collected through the demographic information questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the Academic Resilience Inventory (ARI), and the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13). Students' mean scores for the GHQ, ARI, and SOC were 5.81 ± 1.37, 102.88 ± 11.91, and 54.54 ± 6.46, respectively. Regression models showed that two domains of SOC [meaningfulness (β = -0.28, p < 0.001), manageability (β = -0.19, p = 0.001)], female gender (β = 0.12, p = 0.015), and overall ARI (β = -0.12, p = 0.037), were significantly associated with the GH of nursing students. SOC domains [meaningfulness (β = -0.19, p = 0.002), manageability (β = -0.15, p = 0.006)], problem-oriented/positive thinking domain of ARI (β = -0.15, p = 0.011), sex (β = 0.12, p = 0.015), and history of death in first-degree relatives (β = 0.12, p = 0.021) were significantly associated with social dysfunction domain of GH. Three domains of SOC [meaningfulness (β = -0.26, p < 0.001), manageability (β = -0.13, p = 0.032), and comprehensibility (β = -0.13, p = 0.039)], were significantly associated with psychological distress domain of GH. Our results indicated that low SOC and resilience were predictors of psychological distress in nursing students. Accordingly, interventions such as teaching stress management skills, the skills of using positive coping methods in dealing with stressful situations, and self-management skills are necessary to improve the level of resilience and SOC in nursing students.

Weight discrimination, BMI, or weight bias internalization? Testing the best predictor of psychological distress and body dissatisfaction.

This study aimed: (1) to compare psychological distress (PD) and body dissatisfaction (BD) in terms of BMI, weight bias internalization (WBI), and weight discrimination (current and past); (2) to assess the best predictor of PD and BD and assess the relationships with weight discrimination, BD, and WBI. The sample consisted of 1283 participants across all BMI categories, recruited through the internet voluntarily. People with obesity were the most predominant (26.1%). Experiences of weight-based discrimination were reported by participants across all BMI categories, and they were more prevalent in people with obesity. People with obesity, those with WBI, and those who faced current and past weight discrimination reported higher PD and higher BD. However, WBI was the best predictor after controlling for BMI, WBI, and current and past weight discrimination. Mediation analyses revealed that the relationship between weight discrimination and BD through WBI was significant, as was the relationship between weight discrimination and WBI through BD. These results stressed the importance of WBI in PD and the role of weight discrimination in WBI and BD. Hence, there is a need to better understand how WBI is formed and to design effective interventions to reduce it.

Predictors of psychological distress among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in California

ABSTRACT This study explores factors contributing to California healthcare workers’ stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective data from the 2021 UCLA California Health Interview Survey was retrieved to analyze responses from 918 healthcare workers. Results showed that healthcare workers with single parents had the highest stress, followed by Hispanics, single persons without children, and women. Healthcare workers experiencing racial discrimination and difficulty paying for basic needs during COVID-19 had the highest average stress. Being women, having COVID-19 difficulties, being younger, and being married explained 12.4% of the variance in the psychological distress of healthcare workers from California when linear regression was run. Implications on the necessity for Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and creating policies that support the mental health of healthcare workers are elaborated.

MMPI-2 Domain and Psychological Distress in Clinical Medical Students

Introduction: The clinical rotation is a stage of medical education that provides a stressful environment for medical students. Psychological distress in medical students affects the learning output and achievement of clinical competencies. MMPI-2 is a screening tool for mental disorders in clinical medical student admission protocols. Nevertheless, the domain for predicting psychological distress during clinical rotation has not been considered before. The aim of the study is to determine the MMPI-2 domain as a predictor of future psychological distress in clinical rotation students.&#x0D; Methods: This study used a cross-sectional and retrospective design using the MMPI-2 data derived from admission protocols and the SRQ (self-reporting questionnaire-29) questionnaire measuring the psychological distress in first-year clinical rotation students. &#x0D; Results: 87 data showed that not all MMPI-2 domains were statistically associated with psychological distress in clinical medical students. Domains of psychasthenia (Pt), psychopathic deviated (Pd), neurotic personality (NEGE), introverted personality (Intr), and lower stress resistance (ES) were the best predictors of psychological distress during the clinical process.&#x0D; Conclusion: The psychological distress of clinical medical students can be predicted by Pd, Pt, Nege, Intr, and Es scores of MMPI-2 with cut-off points 40T and 50T.

Prevalence and predictors of psychological distress and common mental health concerns among Filipino university teachers amid the COVID‐19 pandemic

AbstractThe current pandemic has drastically changed the academic landscape, causing distressing experiences among students and teachers. While there are increasing studies demonstrating the psychological experiences of students during the pandemic, only a few have examined the mental health conditions of university teachers. The present study sought to address this gap by investigating the prevalence of psychological distress and common mental health disorders and their pandemic‐related risk factors among Filipino university teachers. A total of 1110 university teachers self‐reported their psychological distress, generalized anxiety, and major depression symptoms through an online assessment. Findings of the study revealed the overall prevalence of psychological distress at 55.6%, and anxiety and depression were 17.0% and 28.4%, respectively. Younger teachers (i.e., aged ≤31 years old) and those who have less than a year of teaching experience are more likely to reach the cut‐off scores for all outcomes. Further, teachers who have experienced pandemic‐related adversities are highly vulnerable to psychological distress, generalized anxiety, and depression. These results offer important implications for creating psychosocial interventions that will help teachers manage their distresses amid the pandemic situation.

Predictors of psychological distress in frontline journalists: Common denominators across three decades of conflicts.

Predictors of psychological distress in frontline journalists: Common denominators across three decades of conflicts.

Child abuse and wellbeing: Examining the roles of self-compassion and fear of self

IntroductionChildhood abuse is linked to poorer well-being, yet some survivors show no prolonged effect, suggesting multifinality. Men and women also differ in the experience and sequelae of abuse supporting gender-specific analyses. To assist in circumventing poor outcomes associated with child abuse, this study examined fear of self (FoS) and self-compassion (SC) as risk and protective factors between child abuse and well-being. MethodAustralian women (N = 1302, Mage = 47.28 [13.63]) completed an online assessment of childhood abuse, psychological distress, perceived quality of life, SC, FoS. Moderated-moderation examined the different abuses as predictors of psychological distress and quality of life (QoL) and FoS and SC as primary and secondary moderators, respectively. ResultsPhysical abuse did not predict psychological distress or QoL. FoS and SC were independent predictors of distress and QoL. Similarly, childhood sexual abuse was not found to predict distress or QoL. FoS and SC were independent predictors of distress and QoL. There was also an interaction between childhood sexual abuse and SC in predicting QoL. A moderated-moderation was found for the relationship between child sexual abuse and distress. Psychological abuse predicted distress and QoL, and FoS and SC both moderated this relationship. Moreover, a moderated-moderation was observed for the relationship between psychological abuse and QoL. ConclusionsGreater FoS is associated with poorer outcomes for child abuse survivors; SC may mitigate this impact. Psychological abuse was the strongest predictor of well-being. Interventions that increase SC and raise awareness of psychological abuse and its impacts are needed.

Predictors of Psychological Distress among Patients with Colorectal Cancer-Related Enterostomy: A Cross-sectional Study.

To identify variables that may predict psychological distress in patients with an enterostomy. Investigators recruited 77 patients with a stoma from a stoma clinic according to the inclusion criteria. Patients' psychological distress was assessed with the Distress Thermometer (DT) tool, and their personality type was determined by the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. Researchers also collected demographic and disease-related data. Predictive values were estimated using multiple regression analyses. The mean DT score of all patients was 5.94 (SD, 1.81), and approximately 85.7% consistently suffered from psychological distress. Being unmarried and having peristomal complications were associated with higher psychological distress, whereas having a monthly income 5,000 ¥ or more was associated with lower levels of distress. Moreover, patients with a melancholic personality type tended to have higher DT scores, which could act as a strong independent predictor for psychological distress. The majority of patients with a stoma endured moderate to severe psychological distress during follow-up care. Exploring the related factors that predict the levels of psychological distress could enable clinicians to identify at-risk patients as early as possible and thus provide optimal care for improving patients' quality of life.

Personal growth initiative as a predictor of psychological distress in college students during the covid-19 pandemic

This study aims to determine the role of personal growth initiatives (PGI) in psychological distress among undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study hypothesizes that there is a role of PGI in psychological distress among undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents in this study were 200 active undergraduate students in Indonesia. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The measuring instruments were the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and the PGI scale. The results show that PGI had a significant role in psychological distress, with F(1.198) = 13.784, p= 0.000, R2 = 0.065, and R2 adjusted = 0.060. The regression coefficient (β = -0.175) indicated that an increase in PGI, on average, could decrease the psychological distress score by 0.175. Thus, the hypothesis proposed in this study can be accepted.