Psychological Distress Research Articles

Resilience and Religious Coping in Libyan Survivors of Hurricane Daniele.

The aim of the study was to investigate the mediating roles of resilience, posttraumatic growth (PTG) and religiosity between the impact of hurricane trauma and psychological distress. Using a cross-sectional design, the study involved 101 Libyan participants with an average age of 30.43 years (SD = 9.59), of whom 72% were women. Participants completed validated tests, including the Impact of Event Scale (IES), Brief Resilience Scale, Muslim Religiosity Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). The results indicated that posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) were not associated with PTG (r = 0.04, p > 0.05) or religiosity (r = 0.02, p > 0.05) but were negatively associated with resilience (r = -0.39, p < 0.001) and positively associated with psychological distress including anxiety (r = 0.72, p < 0.001) and depression (r = 0.69, p < 0.001). Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that only resilience positively mediated the association between PTSS and anxiety (indirect effect = 0.04, p = 0.031), while PTSS positively predicted psychological distress (β = 0.037, p < 0.001). Network analysis identified parent loss is strongly connected with intrusion (r = 0.121), as most central node, while partner loss was associated with hyperarousal (r = 0.063), irritability (r = 0.036) and both share the same connection with numbing, while interestingly partner and friends loss share connection with resilience (r = 0.177). The study concludes that urgent clinical interventions, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy, are required for the affected individuals, with a focus on enhancing resilience as a protective factor against PTSS.

Assessing the Psychometric Properties of the French-Canadian Version of the Psychological Safety Climate Questionnaire (PSC-12)

BackgroundPsychosocial safety climate (PSC) refers to the collective belief among workers regarding the protection and support of their psychological health and safety by senior management. Despite the recognized importance of PSC in mitigating exposure to detrimental psychosocial risk factors at work, a validated instrument in French is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the French-Canadian version of the Psychosocial Safety Climate (PSC)-12 and its associations with job satisfaction and psychological distress. MethodA cross-sectional validation study was conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PSC-12. Using cross-sectional data from an online survey of adults in a French-Canadian university (n = 1,784), the psychometric properties of the PSC-12, a 12-item questionnaire, were assessed. Internal consistency, validity, and factor structure were examined through exploratory factor analysis conducted using SAS v.9.4 software. ResultsConfirming the original four-factor structure, the French-Canadian version of the PSC-12 demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α of 0.95) and validity indices. Its convergent and divergent validity were evidenced by a positive association with job satisfaction (r = 0.34, p < 0.05) and the negative association with psychological distress (r = -0.50, p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe French-Canadian adaptation of the PSC-12 maintains cross-cultural validity, providing a validated and concise tool for assessment within the French-Canadian community. Practical Applications: By facilitating the prevention of mental health problems among workers, this questionnaire has the potential to contribute to alleviating burdens for individuals, workplaces, and society.

Developing an explanatory model of alcohol misuse among South Sudanese refugees in northern Uganda: A qualitative study

BackgroundAlcohol misuse is a significant health problem among forcibly displaced populations including male South Sudanese refugees in northern Uganda, yet interventions are sorely lacking. Developing an explanatory model of alcohol misuse in this population is the first step to designing appropriate and effective interventions. The aim of the current study was to examine alcohol misuse in this setting and to conceptualize an explanatory model of alcohol misuse. MethodA total of 57 interviews were conducted with male refugees (18+ years) with alcohol misuse (n=17), their family members (n=15), community and religious leaders (n=15), and mental health and psychosocial support providers (n=10) in Rhino Camp settlement in northern Uganda. A thematic analysis approach was used to inductively analyze the data. ResultsAlcohol misuse was identified as a significant psychosocial problem among men in this setting. The adversity (e.g. trauma, loss, poverty), psychological distress (e.g. demoralization), perpetuators (e.g. ease of availability of alcohol, family conflict), and consequences of alcohol use (e.g. interpartner violence, exacerbated poverty) were identified. An explanatory model emerged from the data showing a reinforcing relationship in which adversity causes psychological distress, which leads to increased alcohol use via a number of personal, interpersonal, community and societal perpetuators, and over time increased alcohol use amplifies psychological distress which further increases alcohol misuse. ConclusionsGiven the need to address alcohol misuse in this population, this explanatory model of alcohol misuse can be used to inform prevention and treatment interventions for alcohol misuse. These interventions should endeavor to address the identified determinants of alcohol misuse while being cognizant of the social and cultural considerations specific to males in this population.

The role of feared possible selves in the relationship between inferential confusion and obsessive-compulsive symptoms: A replication and extension in a clinical sample.

The feared possible self refers to an imagined version of self that one is afraid of being or becoming. Previous evidence has shown that dysfunctional reasoning (i.e., inferential confusion) is associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms, which is partially mediated by a feared self. However, the evidence is reliant on non-clinical samples and a general measure of the feared self. Using a cross-sectional design, the current study attempted to replicate and extend this literature in a sample clinically diagnosed with OCD (n = 350) to assess the pathway from inferential confusion to OCD symptoms when feared self is accounted for as a mediator, particularly the individual dimensions of feared self (i.e., corrupted, culpable, and malformed feared selves). Participants completed a structured clinical interview for DSM-5, as well as measures of inferential confusion (Dysfunctional Reasoning Processes Task), obsessive beliefs, feared self, OCD symptoms, and psychological distress. Inferential confusion directly, and indirectly through the feared corrupted self, affected OCD symptoms, even after adjusting for obsessive beliefs, psychological distress, and comorbidity. However, the feared culpable and malformed selves did not play a role in this pathway. The study underscores that the feared corrupted self links inferential confusion to OCD symptoms, translating to the need to consider both dysfunctional reasoning processes and this specific feared self in clinical settings when treating OCD. Furthermore, the study provides more support for the inference-based approach (IBA) to OCD.

Feasibility and acceptability of the Problem Management for Moms programme for improving maternal mental health in Zambia: an open-label trial

Psychological distress is common among mothers in low-income and middle-income countries, limiting their capacity to care for themselves and their children. This study aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted psychosocial intervention for distressed mothers in low-resource settings. In this open-label trial, we enrolled women living in Lusaka, Zambia, with high mental distress (>7 score on the 20-item Self-Reporting Questionnaire [SRQ-20]) and children younger than 2 years, who had previously enrolled in the ZamCharts early childhood nutrition trial. We randomly assigned participants (1:1) to the intervention or control group using a random number draw. The intervention was a newly developed Problem Management for Moms (PM4M) programme: a ten-session treatment adapted from Problem Management Plus, which was offered by phone or in person. After randomisation, participants in the intervention group underwent pre-intervention screening, a post-intervention assessment, and a final follow-up assessment 9 months after treatment initiation (ie, final follow-up visit). The control group was assessed at the baseline of ZamCharts and at the final follow-up assessment, and these participants did not receive any intervention. The primary study outcomes were feasibility, acceptability, and participant mental distress measured using the SRQ-20. All primary and secondary outcomes were estimated in the intention-to-treat population, which included all participants who were randomised to the intervention group and attended the final follow-up assessment. Data on ethnicity were not collected. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05627206, and has been completed. Women with lived experience of mental health symptoms were involved in this study. Between April 26, and July 14, 2021, 790 women were interviewed in the ZamCharts trial, of whom 265 had high mental distress and were randomly assigned to treatment groups in this trial (134 to the intervention group and 131 to the control group). Of the 134 women in the intervention group, 61 (46%) received the PM4M intervention and 73 (55%) were excluded; 103 in the intervention group and 106 in the control group were successfully interviewed at the final follow-up assessment. The mean age of participants was 27·6 years (SD 7·6) at ZamCharts baseline. PM4M sessions were conducted between Dec 16, 2022, and May 6, 2023. The 61 participants deemed eligible after pre-intervention screening who started the intervention completed a mean of 7·9 (SD 2·9) of ten sessions. 55 (77%) of these 61 participants were somewhat or very satisfied with the intervention. In adjusted intention-to-treat models, the intervention reduced mean SRQ-20 scores by 2·11 points (95% CI -3·50 to -0·63) at the final follow-up, and the adjusted odds ratio of having an SRQ-20 of more than 7 was 0·50 (95% CI 0·27 to 0·93). No serious adverse events were reported. The results presented here suggest that the PM4M mental health intervention is feasible and has high rates of acceptability. Further research is needed to assess the long-term efficacy of this intervention on women and their children, and its suitability for integration into routine care. The Eckenstein-Geigy Professorship.

Agency, life satisfaction, hope, potentially traumatic events, trauma symptoms, and psychological signs. A two waves study with a sample of Palestinian children living in different geographical areas

We sought to examine the changes over time regarding children’s agency, life satisfaction, hope, psychological problems, trauma symptoms and potentially traumatic events in areas where warfare, military presence and settler-colonial violence are affecting children’s lives. 965 Palestinian children, 494 males and 471 females, were assessed with the Traumatic Check List, Children Impact of events scale-Revised, Strength and difficulties scale, Children Hope Scale, Brief Multilevel Children Life satisfaction scale, and War Child Agency assessment Scale-Palestinian version. MANOVA and t-tests were run to detect differences between groups and in the two waves of data collection. Findings showed variations that suggested Palestinian children were potentially in danger of not having the capacity to take charge of their lives and losing hope. In contrast, life satisfaction, contrary to our expectations, remained stable. While the number of potentially traumatic events decreased, psychological distress and trauma symptoms among the participants increased. Girls were more hopeful than boys, and the most satisfied children were found in the West Bank. The younger children had more significant trauma symptoms, while the older children were exposed to more potentially traumatic events such as those with fewer siblings. Gaza, Jerusalem, and Bedouin areas had the highest risk of potentially traumatizing events, and children in these areas were the most exposed. Our research study revealed a worrisome decrease in agentic resources and an increase in trauma symptoms because of the widespread armed conflict, impeding their healthy development, life satisfaction and hope for the future.

Psychological distress in active-duty U.S. service members who utilized mental health services: Data from a 2018 DoD survey

Psychological distress in active-duty U.S. service members who utilized mental health services: Data from a 2018 DoD survey

Spatial and temporal analysis of vulnerability disparity of minorities to wildfires in California

Wildfires typically have devastating impacts on communities, both in urban and rural areas, resulting in property loss, psychological distress, physical injuries, and loss of life. A notable gap in the literature is the spatial and temporal disproportionate impact of wildfires on underrepresented communities. This lack of attention is concerning, as these underrepresented populations are likely to be more vulnerable to the devastating consequences of wildfire disasters, exacerbating pre-existing social, economic, and environmental disparities. This study aims to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive spatial and temporal analysis of the vulnerability of underrepresented communities such as the Black, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, among others, in the State of California. We deploy methodological tools such as Getis-Ord Gi∗ to identify areas exhibiting heightened vulnerability across diverse minority groups. Additionally, disparity degrees are measured using Location Amplitude Index among these minority populations. Our findings reveal significant spatial and temporal shifts in vulnerability disparities for Native American communities in Los Angeles County, the Black communities in Orange County, and all minority groups in San Diego County. Shedding light on the underrepresented communities' vulnerabilities to wildfires, this research contributes to the development of targeted and equitable strategies for wildfire preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Furthermore, this study highlights the urgent need for addressing the environmental justice implications of wildfire disasters and considering minorities’ disparity in wildfire risk management and climate change adaptation planning.

Breaking the cycle between caregiver mental health and child behavioral issues: Does food insecurity matter?

Food insecurity is a key determinant of not only caregiver’s mental health but also children’s emotional problems and hyperactivity symptoms. Although substantial studies have explored such a relationship, it is unclear to us whether this relation would vary when considering that caregiver’s mental health and aforementioned children’s behavioral issues can be the cause and effect of each other. Addressing this research gap is a key to advancing our understanding of how to promote a healthier family dynamic, especially for those facing material needs. This research applies the family stress model to explore how food insecurity affects caregiver psychological distress and child emotional problems and hyperactivity symptoms, while considering the reciprocal relationships between caregiver mental health and these child behavioral issues. Utilizing data from the 2019 Panel Study of Income Dynamic and 2019-2020 Child Development Supplements, this study conducts path analyses applied with propensity score weighting to support causal inference. Results support the family stress model framework, where food insecurity significantly predicts an increase in psychological distress in caregivers, which in turn leads to more severe child emotional problems and hyperactivity symptoms. This study also shows that food insecurity is a risk factor resulting in a reciprocal association between caregiver psychological distress and child emotional problems, where the strength of both directions is similarly harmful to each other. These findings underscore the need to address food insecurity, not only to meet material needs but also to break the harmful cycle of mental health and behavioral issues within families

Mediators that matter: Psychological distress, developmental assets, and educational outcomes among Black youth.

Mediators that matter: Psychological distress, developmental assets, and educational outcomes among Black youth.

Psychological distress among nurses: Exploring the role of support in the work-place in Morocco.

This study aimed to assess the psychological distress, specifically anxiety and depression, among nurses employed at University Hospital Center of Rabat in Morocco and tested the associations between support in the workplace and nurses' psychological well-being. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at University Hospital Center of Rabat in Morocco, based on a prospective data collection employing an ad-hoc self-report questionnaire. 223 nurses were enrolled with a minimum of 1 year of practice in any care unit. Socio-demographic and professional characteristics of each participant were included. A validated tool was utilized to measure the support from superiors and colleagues in the workplace, while the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was employed to evaluate anxiety and depression. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore the relationships between different independent and dependent variables. Significant socio-demographic and professional factors associated with increased anxiety included female gender, age over 41 years old, Baccalaureate level of education, intention to leave the hospital, and less support from superiors. Regarding the levels of depression, the Baccalaureate level of education was significantly associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms (β 2.444; CI [1.203, 3.686]). Our findings suggested that ensuring support from superiors was crucial for safeguarding the psychological well-being of nurses. Therefore, hospital managers should prioritize addressing the workplace support for professionals, and the organizational enhancement.

An online mindfulness-based intervention for adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease &amp; psychological distress: A feasibility randomized controlled trial of the Mind4IBD program

An online mindfulness-based intervention for adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease &amp; psychological distress: A feasibility randomized controlled trial of the Mind4IBD program

Participation and Well-Being of Chinese Mothers Who Have Children With Disabilities.

High stress and compromised mental health are well-documented among mothers of children with disabilities, but less is known about the factors that influence their participation and well-being, especially among Chinese mothers. Identifying these factors could lead to strategies to mitigate potential risks to maternal well-being. To explore the relationships among participation in health-promoting activities, perceived stigma, perceived support, and well-being of ethnic Chinese mothers who have children with disabilities. Cross-sectional survey. Community. Ethnic Chinese mothers (N = 261) with children with disabilities of any age residing in Australia, Singapore, or Taiwan. Health Promoting Activities Scale, Personal Wellbeing Index, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale; Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Parental Perceptions of Public Attitudes Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Moderate to strong correlations were found between mental well-being and all measures. The frequency of participation in health-promoting activities was a predictor of mental well-being (β = .21, p = .001). Perceived support was the strongest predictor of participation in health-promoting activities (β = .25, p = .005), mental well-being (β = .39, p < .001), and personal well-being (β = .45, p < .001). Perceived stigma predicted psychological distress (β = .32, p < .001) and mental well-being (β = -0.29, p < .001). Perceived support and stigma affected mothers' participation in health-promoting activities and well-being. Therapists can facilitate mothers' engagement in health-promoting activities and develop strategies to address stigma and enhance support. Plain-Language Summary: This research highlights factors that affect the well-being of ethnic Chinese mothers who have children with disabilities and provides cultural insights for occupational therapists who work with Chinese families. The article also encourages pediatric occupational therapists to address the occupational needs and well-being of mothers in parallel with therapy for their children. We discuss occupation-focused strategies, family-centered perspectives, and health promotion approaches in relation to improving the participation and well-being of ethnic Chinese mothers in their cultural context.

Protocol for a pilot study: Feasibility of a web-based platform to improve nutrition, mindfulness, and physical function in people living with Post COVID-19 condition (BLEND)

Individuals with Post COVID-19 condition (PCC), or long COVID, experience symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders that persist after recovery from COVID-19. These ongoing symptoms significantly compromise quality of life and diminish functional capacity and independence. Multimodal digital interventions targeting behavioural factors such as nutrition and mindfulness have shown promise in improving health outcomes of people with chronic health conditions and may be beneficial for those with PCC. The BLEND study (weB-based pLatform to improve nutrition, mindfulnEss, and physical function, in patients with loNg COVID) study is an 8-week pilot randomized controlled trial evaluating the feasibility of a digital wellness platform compared to usual care among individuals with PCC. The web-based wellness platform employed in this study, My Viva Plan (MVP)®, integrates a holistic, multicomponent approach to promote wellness. The intervention group receives access to the digital health platform for 8 weeks with encouragement for frequent interactions to improve dietary intake and mindfulness. The control group receives general content focusing on improvements in dietary intake and mindfulness. Assessments are conducted at baseline and week 8. The primary outcome is the feasibility of platform use. Secondary and exploratory outcomes include a between-group comparison of changes in body composition, nutritional status, quality of life, mindfulness, physical activity, and physical performance after 8 weeks. Findings of this study will inform the development of effective web-based wellness programs tailored for individuals with PCC to promote sustainable behavioural changes and improved health outcomes.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of a yoga program for alleviating cancer-related fatigue and psychological distress in women with gynecological cancer

A pilot randomized controlled trial of a yoga program for alleviating cancer-related fatigue and psychological distress in women with gynecological cancer

Secondhand racism: What we know and where to go regarding the relationship between vicarious racism and mental and physical health

AbstractRacism has long been established to be a significant determinant of racial inequalities in health among racially minoritized individuals. Most of this research, however, has been focused on individuals' direct perceived experiences of racism, and far less has been conducted on the relationship between indirect, vicarious experiences of racism and mental and physical health outcomes and behaviors. In this review, racism and vicarious racism are defined, and what is known about the relationship between vicarious experiences of racism and psychological and physical well‐being and health behaviors is documented. Like direct experiences of racism, research on vicarious experiences of racism suggests it is also adversely related to anxiety, depression, general psychological distress, and physiological health (e.g., allostatic load, cardiometabolic risk). Lastly, future directions for research and clinical practice are discussed. Understanding the intricate interplay between vicarious racism and overall mental and physical wellbeing is crucial for informing interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse mental health outcomes associated with experiences with racism.

Developing and validating the Sierra Leone Perinatal Psychological Distress scale through an emic-etic approach

Developing and validating the Sierra Leone Perinatal Psychological Distress scale through an emic-etic approach

Anxiety, depression, and fear of cancer recurrence in head and neck cancer.

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) report some of the highest levels of psychological distress amid managing their disease as well as debilitating and disfiguring treatment side effects. Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a top unmet need and concern of patients with HNC. Prior research suggests elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression are potential antecedents to FCR, but findings have been limited in HNC populations. The aim of the present study was to examine the early level and change in symptoms of anxiety and depression in relation to later change in FCR among patients with HNC. The study is a secondary analysis of data collected from 2011 to 2014 through the Head and Neck 5000 Study in the United Kingdom. A sample of 4,891 patients completed self-report longitudinal assessments of anxiety and depression symptoms at baseline, 4, and 12 months and FCR at 4 and 12 months. Utilizing multiple indicator latent change score modeling, results revealed baseline anxiety and increases in anxiety from baseline to 4 months were both positively associated with increases in FCR from 4 to 12 months. Neither baseline depression nor change in depression from baseline to 4 months were significantly associated with FCR change. Findings indicate that early level and increases in symptoms of anxiety were markers of increased FCR in patients with HNC. Future research may consider anxiety as a unique antecedent and maintaining factor of FCR and targeting anxiety early in the cancer trajectory may have downstream effects on FCR development. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

THE IMPACT OF STIGMA ON THE WELLBEING OF CHILDREN IN KADUNA ORPHANAGES

Background: Orphans in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria, face increasing challenges due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, terrorism, and natural disasters, leading to a growing orphan population. In addition to the material hardships experienced by orphans, stigmatization remains a profound issue, exacerbating their medical, social, and psychological well-being. Stigma affects children’s self-esteem, mental health, social relationships, and access to opportunities, making it a critical area of concern for orphaned children in institutional care. This study investigates the impact of stigma on the well-being of children in orphanages in Kaduna, Nigeria, focusing on medical, social, and psychosocial aspects of their lives. Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 100 children living in orphanages across Kaduna. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires designed to capture socio-demographic data, medical conditions, behavioural patterns, stigma levels, and psychosocial status. The study also explored how these children cope with the stigma associated with being orphans. Results: The findings revealed a significant presence of stigma among the orphan population, with 9% of children reporting being stigmatized by peers. Although 83.3% of respondents indicated positive peer relationships, bullying affected 11.4% of the children. Medical issues were prevalent, with 53.7% of the children underweight and 46.7% not fully immunized. Behavioural disorders such as hyperactivity (27%) and enuresis (22.3%) were also common. Despite these challenges, 89.2% reported good self-esteem, although many employed maladaptive coping mechanisms, with 46.8% adjusting their goals to cope with their circumstances. Conclusion: The study highlights the pervasive impact of stigma on the well-being of orphans in Kaduna, contributing to psychological distress and health challenges. Addressing the stigma and its effects requires comprehensive intervention strategies that integrate medical, psychosocial, and educational support.

When connecting with LGBTQ+ communities helps and why it does: A meta-analysis of the relationship between connectedness and health-related outcomes.

We conducted a multilevel meta-analysis of 390 effect sizes from 167 studies with 157,923 participants examining the relationship between connectedness with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) communities and health-related outcomes, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We conducted our initial search in January 2023 in APA PsycInfo, ERIC, Medline, and Open Dissertations, selecting studies that (a) measured LGBTQ+ community connectedness, (b) measured health, and (c) provided an estimate of the relationship between LGBTQ+ community connectedness and health. We found that connectedness with LGBTQ+ communities promotes mental health (r = .11), well-being (r = .17), and physical health (r = .09). Conversely, we found that connectedness with LGBTQ+ communities promotes substance use among younger participants, likely through behavioral engagement with LGBTQ+ others. We found that connectedness with LGBTQ+ communities was related to less mental health and more suicidality for younger people, likely because younger LGBTQ+ people seek out connectedness in response to this psychological distress. We also found that connectedness was not as health-promoting for LGBTQ+ individuals with multiple marginalized identities and that psychological feelings of belongingness with LGBTQ+ communities are generally more health-promoting than behavioral community engagement. Results from a narrative review and moderation meta-analyses suggested that, contrary to predictions made by minority stress theory, connectedness with LGBTQ+ communities does not buffer the relationship between minority stressors and health. Rather, meta-analytic mediation analyses suggested that proximal minority stressors negatively impact health-related outcomes by reducing connectedness with LGBTQ+ communities and that distal minority stressors are often less impactful on health-related outcomes because they promote connectedness with LGBTQ+ communities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).