Levels Of Psychological Distress Research Articles

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Psychological Distress in Patients With Early-Stage Lung Cancer During Preoperative Period: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of significant psychological distress and identify risk factors associated with it among early-stage lung cancer patients in the preoperative period. Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with low survival rates and significant psychological distress. While much research has focused on distress in advanced-stage patients, less is known about the prevalence and risk factors of psychological distress in early-stage lung cancer patients before surgery. A cross-sectional study. The study included 427 early-stage lung cancer patients preparing for surgery. Researchers used a study-specific questionnaire to gather general information and employed the Distress Management Screening Measurement, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 to assess personal situations and psychological distress levels. Statistical analyses investigated distress across various patient characteristics and examined correlations with anxiety and depression. Binary logistic regression identified significant predictors of psychological distress. The study found that 41.9% of early-stage lung cancer patients experienced significant psychological distress preoperatively, with an average score of 3.31 ± 2.18. Psychological distress was significantly positively correlated with depression (r = 0.474, p < 0.001) and anxiety (r = 0.591, p < 0.001). Significant risk factors for psychological distress included pulmonary nodules (OR = 2.884, 95% CI: 1.496-5.559), smoking history (OR = 2.092, 95% CI: 1.016-4.306) and chronic diseases (OR = 2.013, 95% CI: 1.073-3.776). Early-stage lung cancer patients often experience a high incidence of clinically significant psychological distress during the preoperative period, strongly associated with depression and anxiety. Adverse factors contributing to psychological distress include multiple indeterminate pulmonary nodules, smoking history and concurrent chronic diseases. Routine screening for psychological distress in these patients is recommended, along with personalised interventions and self-management strategies to help alleviate their distress during the perioperative period.

Occupational Stress, Psychological Distress, and Coping Strategies of First-Level Judges in the Philippines: Examining the Influence of Demographics and Caseloads

Judges worldwide face intense pressure from heavy workloads, emotionally charged cases, and limited resources, leading to burnout and decreased public trust in the justice system. While individual coping is important, systemic change is crucial. This descriptive-correlational study investigated occupational stress, psychological distress, and coping strategies among 357 first-level judges in the Philippines. The study employed three standardized instruments: the Occupational Stress Scale, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and the Filipino Coping Strategies Scale (FCSS). This study revealed that first-level judges in the Philippines experience high levels of occupational stress and psychological distress. However, they also utilize a range of coping strategies to manage these challenges. The study found no significant relationship between occupational stress, psychological distress, and coping strategies and the demographic profile of the first-level judges. This suggests that these challenges are inherent to the judicial role itself rather than influenced by individual differences. The study concludes that interventions and support systems tailored to the specific demands of the profession are needed to address these challenges. The findings served as the basis for the Wellness Program for the first-level court judges in the Philippines.

Gender Nonconformity, Minority Stress, and Psychological Distress Among Sexual Minority Adolescents.

Purpose: Sexual minority adolescents (SMAs) have disproportionate experiences of mental health symptoms during adolescence, and minority stress contributes to mental health inequities among SMAs. Gender nonconformity (GNC) could place SMAs at higher risk for minority stress and subsequent mental health symptoms. The current study was designed to examine associations between GNC, minority stress, and psychological distress among SMAs. Method: SMAs ages 12-17 years (n = 455; mean age = 15.52 years) in the United States completed a cross-sectional online survey from February to July 2022, including measures of GNC, peer victimization, family rejection, negative expectations, negative disclosure experiences, internalized homonegativity, and psychological distress. We conducted path analysis to examine associations between GNC, minority stressors, and psychological distress, including indirect effects of GNC on psychological distress via minority stress. Results: In multivariable path analysis adjusted for demographic characteristics, GNC was associated with higher levels of peer victimization and negative expectations and lower internalized homonegativity among SMAs. Higher levels of peer victimization and negative expectations were associated with higher psychological distress. GNC was indirectly related to higher levels of psychological distress via higher peer victimization. Conclusions: The current study is the first to document associations between GNC and multiple minority stress experiences among SMAs, and GNC was indirectly related to psychological distress among SMAs via peer victimization. Although all SMAs would benefit from interventions designed to reduce peer victimization and increase their capacity to cope with minority stress, such interventions may be particularly beneficial for SMAs who are gender nonconforming.

Vitamin C intake, psychological distress and health outcomes in patients with heart failure

Abstract Background Patients with heart failure (HF) have lower dietary vitamin C intake than healthy adults, which may increase oxidative stress and worsen important patient-reported health outcomes (functional status and quality of life [QOL]). Patients with HF are more likely to have higher levels of psychological distress (anxiety and depressive symptoms). However, it is not known whether psychological distress is a link in the association of dietary vitamin C with health outcomes. Objective To examine the inter-relationships among dietary vitamin C intake, psychological distress (anxiety and depressive symptoms), and health outcomes (functional status and QOL) in patients with HF. Method We performed a secondary analysis of baseline data from 206 adults with HF (female: 33%, age: 61±12, NYHA class III/IV: 44%) with complete data on dietary vitamin C intake, anxiety, depressive symptoms, functional status, and QOL. Dietary vitamin C intake was assessed using a 4-day food diary and analyzed using the Nutrition Data System for Research software program. Low dietary vitamin C intake was defined as averaged daily intake below the estimated average requirement (EAR) from the Institute of Medicine of 75 mg/day for men and 60 mg/day for women. Anxiety was assessed using the Brief Symptom Inventory Anxiety subscale. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory II. Functional status was measured using the Duke Activity Status Index. Quality of life was measured using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. Linear regression was conducted using the PROCESS macro in SPSS. Results Eighty-four patients (41%) had low dietary vitamin C intake based on the EAR standard. In bivariate analyses, patients with low dietary vitamin C intake had higher levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms, poorer functional status, and worse QOL (all p &amp;lt;.005). In the mediation regression model, low dietary vitamin C intake was directly associated with higher levels of anxiety, but not with depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were directly associated with functional status and QOL. Dietary vitamin C intake was not directly associated with functional status or QOL. Low dietary vitamin C intake was indirectly associated with poor functional status through higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms (Figure 1). Similarly, low dietary vitamin C intake was indirectly associated with worse QOL (Figure 2). Conclusion Anxiety and depressive symptoms link the relationship between dietary vitamin C intake and functional status and between dietary vitamin C intake and QOL. Our findings highlight the importance of including interventions to enhance diet quality and psychological well-being as part of HF treatment to improve health outcomes.Vitamin C and functional statusVitamin C and quality of life

Psychological Distress and Quality of Life Among Military Trauma Patients.

Military trauma has a significant impact on soldiers, affecting many aspects of their lives, with the highest impact on their quality of life and psychological wellness. This study aimed to measure psychological distress and its relationship with the quality of life among Jordanian military trauma patients. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in The Hashemite Protection Departments for military causalities in Amman, Irbid, and Al-Karuk. The authors used the WHO Quality of Life Scale-Brief and Trauma Symptoms Checklist-40 scales for assessing the quality of life and psychological distress among Jordanian military trauma patients. A total of 145 trauma survivors participated in the study and responded to all questionnaires out of 173 distributed. The study was approved by the institutional review board of Al-Zaytoonah University. The result of this study revealed that military trauma survivors had high levels of psychological distress with a mean of 85.66 (SD = 19.418). The subscale of "Dissociation symptoms" had the highest rating (M = 19.92, SD = 5.096), while the "sleep disorders" subscale had the lowest rating (M = 10.000, SD = 3.501). On the quality of life scale, a moderate level of quality of life resulted among the participants with a mean of 61.620 (SD = 17.190). The "general health" subscale scored the highest among the other domains (M = 18.241, SD = 5.434), while the "physical health" domain scored the lowest (M = 4.910, SD = 2.078). Furthermore, a statistically significant negative relationship between psychological distress and quality of life was reported (r =-0.178, P < .05). Jordanian injured military persons had a moderate quality of life level and high level of psychological distress. A structured follow-up program is required to be developed to improve those patients' health and quality of life. Furthermore, additional research is needed to investigate the impact of military trauma and services on soldiers in Jordan and the Middle East.

Trauma-informed acceptance and commitment therapy with peer coaching for college students: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

The current pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a mental health promotion intervention for college students based on trauma-focused acceptance and commitment therapy (Harris, 2021). This hybrid intervention combined web-based modules with peer coaching in a research lab setting. Seventy-eight students were randomized to either the intervention group, "Present and Open for Values" training, or an active control group, "Crash Course" training. Psychological distress and life satisfaction levels were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 3 months postintervention. Open-ended feedback, rating scales, and completion rates suggested that both conditions were well-received and feasible. Longitudinal mixed-effects regression models with subject-specific intercepts were used to examine intervention effects. Participants in the Present and Open for Values condition reported significantly greater reductions in psychological distress levels compared to the control group, both at the end of the intervention and 3-month follow-up. Additionally, they reported significantly greater improvements in life satisfaction levels at these same intervals compared to baseline measurements. No significant changes in these outcomes were observed for the control condition. These findings suggest that the Present and Open for Values intervention with peer coaching is a promising approach for addressing mental health issues among college students, with the potential to be scaled up for broader implementation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Socio-demographic, psychosocial, and suicidal behavior correlates of stigma among people with physical disabilities in Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundPeople with physical disability may experience stigma in various ways, including social avoidance, negative attitudes and discrimination. Stigma among people with physical disability can vary based on study participants’ socio-demographic, behavioral and psychosocial factors. Therefore, identifying the socio-demographic, behavioral and psychosocial correlates of stigma is important because the findings of the study can help inform future interventions aimed at reducing stigma among individuals with a physical disability.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the psychosocial, suicidal behavior, and socio-demographic correlates of stigma among people with physical disabilities in the University of Gondar communities, northwest Ethiopia.MethodData collection was conducted among 269 participants who had a physical disability within University of Gondar communities in Northwest Ethiopia. The participants, who included students and employees at the University completed the stigma scale for chronic illness (SSCI-8), which was used to measure stigma. The participants also completed four other questionnaires, including the perceived social support, the Kessler − 10, and the WHODAS. We used independent sample t-tests and ANOVA to examine group differences in stigma, while Pearson correlation analysis identified the correlates of stigma with other continuous variables.ResultThe overall mean stigma score among people with a physical disability was 14.68 with 95% CI (13.98, 15.38). About 90.71% of people with physical disability had stigma. Stigma varied along socio-demographic variables, including marital status (single) with a mean (SD) score of 15.17 ± 5.64, educational level (diploma and above) with a mean (SD) score of 14.99 ± 5.89, and occupational status with a mean (SD) score of 15.54 ± 5.79 (p < 0.001). In addition, stigma varied among participants with suicidal ideation with a mean (SD) score of 16.93 ± 7.43 and attempt (18.74 ± 8.41), levels of psychological distress (severe) with a mean (SD) score of 20.88 ± 6.94 (p < 0.001), low perceived social support with a mean (SD) score of 18.60 ± 7.54 (p < 0.001), and moderate/severe level of functional impairment with a mean (SD) score of 21.76 ± 7.34 (p < 0.001). Moreover, stigma was positively correlated with psychological distress (r = 0.42, p < 0.001) and WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (r = 0.5, p < 0.001). Conversely, it was negatively correlated with perceived social support (r=-0.31, p < 0.001).ConclusionOur findings indicate that stigma is prevalent among people with physical disabilities, with variations observed based on marital status, occupation, and education level. Additionally, stigma showed significant correlations with functional impairment, psychological distress, perceived social support, and health related quality of life. Therefore, addressing stigma, promoting social support and providing appropriate interventions can help improve the psychological well-being and quality of life of individuals with physical disabilities.

Prevalence of psychological distress: a scientific approach towards the mental health and wellbeing of population during the SARS-COV-2 outbreak

Background The global challenge of the novel coronavirus has led to an unprecedented downturn, adversely affecting the health and mental wellbeing of communities worldwide. The objective of this study is to assess mental health and psychological distress levels within the general population of Peshawar, Pakistan amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Method A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 715 residents of Peshawar, Pakistan. The questionnaire collected data on demographics, socioeconomic status, and residential area. The Modified K10 Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to measure mental well-being. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations, were calculated, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (IBM, USA, version 22). Results A total of 715 responses were collected. The comprehensive psychological distress score was identified as 25.55, signifying moderate stress levels. Among the respondents, 53.3% were females, 46.7% had completed a bachelor’s degree, 41% were employed, 78.7% were single, 93.1% were non-smokers, and 69.4% resided in urban areas. The study revealed that both gender (p=0.001) employment status (p=0.018) were linked to a more pronounced psychological impact of the outbreak. Conclusions This study highlights age, gender, employment status, and urbanization as influential factors contributing to psychological distress during the COVID-19 outbreak. As we face the challenges of the new normal, it is essential for policymakers to address these mental health concerns through targeted support and interventions, ensuring that mental health resources are accessible and responsive to the needs of affected populations.

Comparative efficacy of PsyPills and OCAT mobile psychological interventions in reducing depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms: A blinded randomized clinical trial

BackgroundDigital applications, such as in smartphone apps format, have shown high suggestive evidence for their efficacy in reducing general distress, but rigorous studies of their efficacy in symptom change and the mechanisms involved are still needed. MethodsIn the current multi-arm parallel-group randomized trial, participants aged 18–65 with smartphone access were recruited through social media. They were randomly assigned to two app interventions (PsyPills and OCAT) or an active placebo group (shamOCAT). The primary outcome was psychological distress measured up to one month. ResultsA total of 229 participants from diverse regional and demographic groups of the general population of Romania were randomly allocated into the three groups (PsyPills n = 80; OCAT n = 70; shamOCAT n = 79) and included in intention-to-treat analyses. Both the PsyPills (MD = −522; 95%CI = −10.00 to −0.44; d = 0.48) and OCAT (MD = −6.30; 95%CI = −11.39 to −1.21; d = 0.58) reduced significantly, with medium effect sizes, the psychological distress levels compared with the control group at follow-up. For the separate outcomes, only PsyPills showed significant medium reduction effects for anxiety symptoms (MD = −2.17; 95%CI = −3.83 to −0.50; d = −0.60), while OCAT showed reduction effects of small size for depression (MD = −1.50 (95%CI = −3.53 to 0.54, d = −0.34), that was however statistically nonsignificant. LimitationsWe registered high attrition and low adherence rates. Also, lower-than-planned effects might have been statistically underpowered to detect. ConclusionThe results support the high potential of both apps as scalable tools to provide low-intensity self-guided interventions for common psychological problems in the general population and expand opportunities for further research (e.g., confirm and capitulate on the differential effects).

Impact of Pemphigus on Sleep Quality: A Prospective Observational Single-Center Case-Control Study.

Pemphigus, an autoimmune disorder, significantly impacts the quality of life for those affected. This study examined the sleep quality in patients with pemphigus, a domain for which the existing literature provides limited data without a focused analysis. A total of 156 individuals, 52 in the case and 104 in the control group, completed several questionnaires (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], General Health Questionnaire-12 [GHQ-12], and ABQOL [Autoimmune Bullous Disease Quality of Life]). Disease severity was evaluated using the Pemphigus disease area index (PDAI index). The case group exhibited significantly higher levels of psychological distress, reflected in GHQ-12 scores (P = 0.00), and notably poorer sleep quality compared to controls across various parameters (sleep latency [SL], disturbances [SDi], medication [SM], daytime sleep dysfunction [DSD]), and the global PSQI score (GS)] (P = 0.00)). Significant correlations were observed between PDAI scores and sleep duration (SDu) (P = 0.01), SM (P=0.03), SL (P =0.03), and GS (P=0.00). An association was found between the equivalent steroid intake and SDu (P=0.00) as well as GS (P=0.02). No statistically significant correlation emerged between disease duration and PSQI scores. Our findings indicated a correlation between poor sleep quality and cutaneous rather than mucosal manifestations (p=0.01). Pemphigus affects sleep quality. Severe disease showed heightened SDi, correlating with higher steroid doses, and in the chronic phase, the impact seems to have been more influenced by the pro-inflammatory stage of the disease. Patients with cutaneous pemphigus exhibited reduced sleep quality compared to those with oral pemphigus. Understanding that pemphigus worsens sleep quality can be beneficial for the holistic management of individuals with this condition.

The Role of Family in the Life Satisfaction of Young Adults: An Ecological-Systemic Perspective.

The support provided by parents plays a relevant role in the life satisfaction (LS) of young people, as well as in their level of psychological distress (PD), which are among the important mediators of their well-being. Family structure has also been identified as a protective or risk factor. Hence, the present study provides a more complex analysis of young people's LS, considering the type of family cohabitation (based on parental presence), the personal conditions of the young people (PS), and their perception of the context (social support; SP). A cross-sectional design was used, and 557 young people, with a mean age of 20.68 (SD = 2.23), 50.8% women, 60.7% students, participated. Their levels of psychological distress, perceived social support, life satisfaction, and parental cohabitation were assessed. A mediation and a moderated-mediation model were used. Young people living in a biparental family reveal higher levels of LS and lower levels of PS. A partial mediation was found in the effect of SP on the relation between PS and LS. The moderated-mediation model tested showed that the indirect effects on the paths PS-SP and SP-LS were not significant by the type of parental family cohabitation. Several implications regarding family structure on young people's LS are discussed.

Substance Use and Adverse Mental Health Disparities Between Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Service Members in the U.S. Military.

Nationally representative studies have shown that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults have higher levels of substance use than heterosexual adults. In the military, substance use is often associated with adverse mental health outcomes and is often comorbid with other mental health conditions and adverse or harmful behaviors. Few military studies to date have comprehensively examined the relationship between sexual orientation, mental health, and substance use. Data from the 2018 Health-Related Behaviors Survey (n = 17,166) were used. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between sexual orientation and substance use. Regression models were also used to examine whether measures of mental health moderate the relationship between sexual orientation and substance use. Compared to heterosexual individuals, lesbian and gay individuals were more likely to engage in illicit drug use (adjusted odds ratio = 3.27; 95% CI, 1.45 to 7.36). Bisexual individuals were more likely to binge drink (adjusted odds ratio = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.74). Individuals with moderate or serious psychological distress were more likely to report binge drinking or smoking tobacco. Individuals with serious psychological distress were more likely to use illicit drugs. None of the interactions tested in this study were statistically significant. Substance use in the military was more likely among sexual minority individuals compared to heterosexual individuals. These findings reflect the patterns of substance use seen in the general population. Increased levels of psychological distress were associated with both the lesbian, gay, and bisexual population in this study and self-reported substance use behaviors. Further investigation of health disparities by sexual orientation may inform more efficacious treatment and prevention programs.

Psychological distress and trajectories of sleep duration among Australian adolescents: a prospective cohort study

ObjectivesThis study investigated the association between indicators of psychological distress and well-being and trajectories of sleep duration among a cohort of Australian adolescents.DesignA prospective cohort of adolescents was followed over...

Cyberbullying victimisation and its association with depression, anxiety and stress among female adolescents in Deumai Municipality, Nepal: a cross-sectional survey

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of cyberbullying and its association with depression, anxiety and stress among female adolescents attending higher secondary schools in Deumai Municipality, Nepal.DesignCross-sectional survey study.SettingThe survey was conducted...

Impact of the asylum determination process on mental health in the UK and EU+: a systematic review and thematic synthesis

IntroductionPeople seeking asylum are at increased risk of mental health difficulties due to premigration and postmigration experiences. The objective of this review was to understand how asylum determination process in...

The Effect of Emotional Techniques in Reducing Psychological Distress among Orphan Female Secondary School Students

The current research aims to verify the ineffective effects in removing psychological distress among orphan female secondary school students in schools in Basrah Governorate. In order to apply these goals to the field of study and application, and to achieve the objectives of this study, the two researchers built a scale of psychological distress based on the definition of Pearlin (1983) and built a counseling program based on emotional techniques to reduce psychological distress, taking into account the scientific steps to build measurement tools and verify the face validity and construct validity as well as the validity of the confirmatory factor analysis and extracting psychometric properties and calculating reliability in two ways. It was found that the value of the Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was (0.72) and by the retest method was (0.84).After applying the scale to the final sample of (267) and analyzing the data using the statistical package (SPSS), the results of the study showed that there was high psychological distress among the research sample. Based on this result, a purposive sample of (20) female students who obtained the highest scores on the scale was drawn. And according to the type of experimental design adopted in the research, the experiment sample was distributed into two groups, experimental and control, in a random manner, with (10) female students in each group. The experimental group was then subjected to treatment using emotional techniques, and the treatment was withheld from the control group. After the end of the experiment period, (14) sessions were provided, two sessions per week. The researchers processed the pre- and post-measurement data for the two groups by adopting the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for two correlated samples and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The results of the post-measurement for the experimental group showed a noticeable decline compared to the results of the pre-measurement for the same group and the results of the post-measurement for the control group whereas the control group maintained a high level of psychological distress in the pre- and post-measurements. The results of the scientific experiment demonstrated the effect of emotional techniques in making change in reducing psychological distress among the experimental group, achieving the general goal of the program. In light of these results, the research concluded with a set of recommendations and suggestions.

Dental anxiety and dental care - a comparison between Albania and Germany

BackgroundThe present study is the first in Albania on dental fear and dental anxiety and also in the field of psychosocial medicine. The purpose of this study was to find out whether there are differences in dental anxiety using the Dental Anxiety Scale, their level of psychological distress using the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 and the evaluation of oral health among Albanian and German patients.MethodsThis study was conducted in the period from December 2019 to July 2020, a sample of N = 263 patients (133 Germans, 130 Albanians) using the Dental Anxiety Scale questionnaires to determine anxiety before dental treatment and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 to evaluate psychological distress. Moreover, the patients answered questions regarding their oral health and dental care. In Germany, there were four refusals to entrance in the study due to various reasons, in contrast to Albania, where there were no refusals at all For the purposes of this study, data on both populations aged 14 years and older were used.ResultsThe questionnaires results were calculated for all participants. The current subjective health status of Albanian patients was assessed to be significantly worse than that of German patients (p < 0,000). Germans were more susceptible to signs of Anxiety (p < 0,000), Depression and Somatization and scored higher on the Dental Anxiety Scale and the Global Severity Index (p < 0,000) than Albanian patients. Additionally Albanian patients scored significantly lower on the preventive care index (p < 0,000). Despite an elevated DAS anxiety level, German patients reported going to the dentist more frequently than Albanian patients.ConclusionThe results showed that between both populations differences in dental anxiety, psychological distress and oral health exists. Patients from Germany report more psychological distress and described more dental anxiety compared to Albanian patients. Albanian patients reported not utilization on oral health care.The implementation of educational programs and preventive measures, would contribute to raising awareness about the importance of oral health and increased use of dental services.

Abstract B158: Sources of support and strain in Latino patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers

Abstract Background: Latino patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers are an understudied and underserved population that experiences high levels of psychological distress and impaired quality of life. As part of a larger effort to culturally adapt a mindfulness intervention for this population, this study qualitatively explored sources of support and strain, with a particular focus on the social context, among Latino patient-caregiver dyads undergoing cancer treatment. Methods: Twenty Latino patients undergoing treatment for a metastatic solid malignancy and their family caregivers were recruited from a county hospital and participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted by a trained, bilingual and bicultural staff member and explored participants’ cancer-related experiences, psychosocial needs, and sources of support. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim by a professional external vendor, and translated into English, where applicable. Atlas.ti was used to conduct a thematic descriptive analysis. Results: Patients (55% male) and caregivers (60% female) were predominantly born outside the U.S. (93%) and reported low levels of education (59% &amp;lt; high school graduate) and income (63% household income &amp;lt; $30,000). Preliminary analyses revealed how family can be both an important source of support and strain. Many participants described how the cancer diagnosis brought the family closer while others shared negative experiences including discrimination and distancing by family members. Participants’ religious faith, their church community, friends, work colleagues, and other cancer patients were highlighted as additional sources of support. Reported strains included financial stress (e.g., loss of income, healthcare costs, transportation costs), changes in household dynamics and family roles, and challenges navigating healthcare. In particular, caregivers reported strains managing work, family responsibilities, and caregiving tasks with limited resources. Ongoing analyses are examining differences between caregivers and patients and men and women. Male patients in particular expressed despair over the inability to work and the impact this had on their self-identity and perceived burden to others. Conclusion: Participants emphasized the important role of family and religion as a way of coping with the cancer diagnosis and related challenges. Stress associated with economic challenges and changes in family roles was prevalent and appeared to contribute to depression and anxiety. In conclusion, study findings highlight key sources of support and strain among Latino patient-caregiver dyads that can inform culturally relevant and equity-based cancer-related interventions. Citation Format: Larkin L. Strong, Josheili Llavona-Ortiz, Hilary Ma, Maria E. Fernandez, Elizabeth Dominguez, Rosangela Silva, Jaquelin Hernandez, Kathrin Milbury. Sources of support and strain in Latino patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B158.

“May all be well”: The links between compassion, psychological distress, and mindfulness in teaching in early years

AbstractThis study investigated the relationship between compassion and mindfulness in teaching among early years practitioners, with low levels of psychological distress as a mediator. A total of 81 early years practitioners were recruited from the United Kingdom via mass emails and announcements on social media platforms. Findings based on path analysis indicated that lower psychological distress mediated the positive relation between compassion and intrapersonal mindfulness in teaching, after controlling for level of education, years of practice, and role of practitioner. More specifically, compassion was related to psychological distress, intrapersonal mindfulness, and interpersonal mindfulness in teaching, whereas psychological distress was related to intrapersonal mindfulness, but not interpersonal mindfulness in teaching. The present findings inform early years practitioners and researchers of a differential chain of processes between compassion, psychological distress, and mindfulness in teaching.

Predictive relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and psychological distress in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 was a novel stressor that gave rise to pandemic related anxiety and increased the risk of mental health issues, particularly in youth. It is important to understand how such events contribute to psychological distress in young people to adequately intervene in the aftermath and to plan for future similar events. Using cross-sectional data from the CoSPACE Ireland study dataset this paper reports on the predictive relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and psychological distress for Irish adolescents (N = 314, M = 14.05, SD = 2.7, 11-18 years), while controlling for other influencing factors across multiple levels of a bioecological systems approach. Covariates were age, gender, ethnicity, social economic status, Peer Support, School Support and Parent-Child Closeness. Findings indicate that COVID-19 anxiety was a significant predictor of adolescents' psychological distress. Specifically, Consequence Anxiety (worries about the indirect consequences of COVID-19) was found to be a predictor of adolescents' psychological distress rather than Disease Anxiety (worries about the COVID-19 virus itself). Individual factors (e.g., age, ethnicity, special educational needs) and microsystem factors (e.g., parent child closeness, peer support) were also found to impact on adolescents' levels of psychological distress. A significant moderation analysis revealed that greater parent-child closeness reduced the strength of the positive association between Consequence Anxiety and psychological distress. These findings suggest that strategies to alleviate adolescents' psychological distress during pandemics should focus on reducing pandemic-related anxiety, specifically Consequence Anxiety. A multisystemic approach is also recommended to reduce the negative mental health impacts of the pandemic on adolescents.