Psychological General Well-Being Research Articles

Fitness and psychological effects of tele-exercise in healthy populations. Preliminary study.

The study investigates the impact of tele-exercise on physical fitness and psychological well-being in healthy individuals. Tele-exercise, facilitated by technology, offers a flexible and accessible alternative to traditional exercise, particularly beneficial during restricted in-person interactions. In this study, 52 participants were divided into three groups: athletes, women, and young adults. They took part in an eight-week tele-exercise program, either synchronously or asynchronously. Physical fitness was evaluated using tests such as the 2-Minute Step and Curl Up Test, while psychological well-being was assessed using the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Significant improvements in physical fitness and psychological well-being were observed in post-intervention across all groups, regardless of training mode. In the fitness tests, a significant improvement was obtained in the 2-Minute-Step (p = 0.004), in the curls up (p = 0.017), and in squats test (p = 0.004). In the forward bending test, the increment was very close to the significance (p = 0.051). In the psychological well-being tests, both PGWBI and WHO-5 scores increased after the training (p = 0.024 and p = 0.001 respectively) with no significant change in the PSS-10 score. The study found that tele-exercise can effectively introduce physical activity to previously inactive individuals and motivate them to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors. The TELEexe4ALL project demonstrates the potential of tele-exercise to improve physical fitness and psychological well-being. The study suggests that tele-exercise is a feasible and well-accepted approach for enhancing overall wellness in healthy populations.

Can health communication improve newly settled refugees’ health literacy? A quasi-experimental study

Abstract Structural and contextual factors such as limited work opportunities, inadequate housing options and discrimination negatively affect the health and well-being of newly settled refugee migrants in European countries. In Sweden, health promotion initiatives aiming at strengthening health, resilience and integration have been tried out within the Introduction Program for refugee migrants. The main component of these interventions has been educational activities in the form of health communication. Generally evaluated from the perspectives of participants and course leaders, longitudinal evaluations remain rare. The current study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a regular and an extended civic orientation course with added health communication and examine whether the latter would improve self-rated health and psychological well-being, health literacy and social capital among newly settled refugee migrants in Sweden. Pre- and post-assessment questionnaires were collected from the intervention group receiving the extended course (n = 143) and a control group receiving the regular course (n = 173). Linear mixed models and chi-square analyses showed a significant increase with a small effect size (0.21) in health literacy in the intervention group. However, there were no significant changes in general self-rated health, psychological well-being or emotional and practical support. The findings indicate that added health communication embedded in the civic orientation course can increase health literacy. However, further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the sustainability of the observed change in health literacy and its translation into long-term advances in health and integration. Key messages • Added health communication provided within the Introduction Program for refugee migrants can increase health literacy. • Increased health literacy may be beneficial for newly settled refugees as it is linked to improved health-seeking behavior, better health outcomes and empowerment.

Psychological conditions of caregivers of adult subjects with Prader-Willi syndrome

BackgroundPrader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder. Individuals with PWS face a range of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional challenges that require comprehensive and lifelong care, posing significant demands on their caregivers. The study is not only aimed to assess the psychological conditions of caregivers of adult subjects with PWS focusing on psychological distress and coping, but also to shed light on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of healthcare. This study aims to compare the psychological well-being of individuals with PWS and their caregivers, providing valuable insights that can potentially improve the quality of care for these individuals. The sample recruited at the Division of Auxology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, was composed of 30 adult subjects with PWS (11 men and 19 women; mean age ± SD: 36.4 ± 10.31 years; mean Body Mass Index (BMI): 35.7 ± 8.92: kg/m2) and their caregivers (10 men and 20 women). To assess the psychological condition of caregivers, the Italian-validated versions of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Coping Orientation to the Problems Experiences (COPE) were used, while to assess the psychological well-being of individuals with PWS and their caregivers, the Italian validated version of the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) was used.ResultsDepression (p < 0.001), Stress (p = 0.050), and Total score (p = 0.009) of DASS 21 were higher in the caregivers of subjects with PWS than in the general population. PGWBI scores of caregivers were significantly lower than in individuals with PWS in Positive Well-being (p < 0.001), General Health (p = 0.006), Vitality (p = 0.004), and the total score (p = 0.006). The depression subscale of PGWBI was higher in caregivers than in subjects with PWS. Correlations between the subscales of COPE and the total score of PGWBI in caregivers revealed that the Avoidance subscale of COPE had a negative significant correlation with the total score of PGWBI (p = 0.003).ConclusionsOur results highlighted several critical insights into the profound emotional and psychological challenges faced by the caregivers of individuals with PWS.

Racial Discrimination, Social Support, and Psychological Distress Among Black Pregnant Women.

Black pregnant women who experience racial discrimination are at an increased risk of psychological distress. Studies have not adequately addressed if social support may moderate the association between experiences of racial discrimination and psychological distress among Black pregnant women. We sought to examine the moderating effect of social support on the association between experiences of racial discrimination and psychological distress among Black pregnant women. We report findings based on cross-sectional data collected from 599 Black pregnant women enrolled in a prospective cohort study prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Women completed questionnaires about experiences of racial discrimination (Experiences of Discrimination), social support (MOS Social Support Survey), and psychological distress (Psychological General Wellbeing Index). Women had an average age of 26 ± 5 years and gestational age at data collection of 17 ± 6 weeks. Approximately 53% of women reported ever experiencing racial discrimination in at least one situation, and 54% reported psychological distress. After adjustment for covariates, racial discrimination was associated with a 2.2-fold increase in psychological distress (odds ratio [OR] = 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35-3.70; P = .002). Low social support (scores below the median) was associated with a 3.8-fold higher likelihood of psychological distress (OR = 3.84, 95% CI 2.27-6.48, P < .001). Social support did not moderate the association of lifetime experiences of racial discrimination with psychological distress. Findings of the study contribute to evidence that lifetime experiences of racial discrimination and low levels of social support relate to psychological distress among Black pregnant women.

Job satisfaction as a condition for teachers’ psychological well-being: An empirical study

Introduction. The article examines the problem of the correlations between teachers’ psychological well-being and job satisfaction. The purpose of the study is to identify the components of teachers’ psychological well-being and compare the level of psychological well-being of teachers with different attitudes towards the profession. Materials and Methods. The methodological basis of the study includes research articles by Russian and international scholars in the field of psychological well-being as a general scientific phenomenon and psychological well-being of teachers in particular. In order to collect empirical data, surveys were conducted in three municipalities of the Sverdlovsk region (N=1484 teachers) in 2021-2022 using the five-factor questionnaire TIPI-RU, the Meaning-in-Life Orientations test, the Muddy’s Resilience test, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and the Life Satisfaction Scale (E. Diener). Methods of mathematical statistics were used to process the results obtained. Results. The main results of the study consist in identification of several regularities that influence the state of teachers’ psychological well-being in the surveyed municipalities. The authors found that the use of various sets of techniques gives comparable results on the phenomenon under study, and the key component of the psychological well-being of respondents is their attitude towards their work. The identified set of personal qualities is decisive for the analysis of the relationship between attitude towards the profession and the level of satisfaction with it. It is also shown that satisfaction with the teaching profession increases in proportion to the length of teaching experience. Conclusions. The article concludes about the correlation between the status of teachers’ psychological well-being and their job satisfaction. The presented results can be used in the development of measures aimed at professional burnout prevention and increasing meaningful attitudes towards teaching profession at both regional and federal levels.

Long-term quality of life outcomes from a phase 4 study of tildrakizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in a real-world setting

Background Tildrakizumab is an anti-interleukin-23 p19 monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. This report describes final primary results of a 64-week real-world study of the effect of tildrakizumab on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Materials and methods In this open-label phase 4 study (NCT03718299), patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis received tildrakizumab 100 mg at week 0, week 4, and every 12 weeks thereafter through week 52. The primary endpoint was improvement from baseline in HRQoL measured by Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) total score at weeks 28 and 52. Secondary HRQoL endpoints included change from baseline in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score through week 64. Missing data were not imputed. Results Of 55 patients enrolled, 45 were assessed at week 64. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) total PGWBI score improved from 78.1 ± 14.1 at baseline to 85.2 ± 12.0 at week 52 (p < .001). Mean ± SD DLQI score improved from 9.4 ± 5.2 at baseline to 2.0 ± 2.6 (p < .001) at week 64 with 62.2% of patients having a DLQI score of 0 or 1 at week 64. Conclusions Tildrakizumab improved long-term HRQoL in patients with psoriasis in a real-world setting.

Symptom Distress Before and After Heart Transplantation - A Longitudinal 5-Year Follow-Up.

Symptom distress after heart transplantation (HTx) is a significant problem causing uncertainty, low self-efficacy, and psychological distress. Few studies have addressed self-reported symptoms. The aim was to explore self-reported symptom distress from time on the waiting list to 5years after HTx and its association with self-reported psychological well-being, chronic pain, and fatigue in order to identify possible predictors of psychological or transplant specific well-being. This multicenter, longitudinal cohort study includes 48 heart recipients (HTRs), 12 women, and 36 men, with a median age of 57years followed from pretransplant to 5years post-transplant. Symptom distress was explored by means of four instruments measuring psychological general wellbeing, transplant specific wellbeing, pain, and fatigue. Transplant specific well-being for the whole improved in a stepwise manner during the first 5years compared to pretransplant. Heart transplant recipients with poor psychological wellbeing were significantly more burdened by symptom distress, in particular sleep problems and fatigue, for up to 5years after HTx, and their transplant-specific well-being never improved compared to baseline. The prevalence of pain varied from 40% to 60% and explained a significant proportion of the variance in transplant-specific well-being, while psychological general well-being was mainly predicted by overall symptom distress. The presence of distressing symptoms explains a significant proportion of poor psychological wellbeing both among HTRs reporting chronic pain and those without pain.

Operational Stress and Psychological Well-Being Among Police Officers in Benue State Police Command: The Mediating Role of Coping Strategies

Psychological Well-being is an important concept used in behaviour sciences to evaluate the state of an individual in terms of perception, feelings, cognition and internal experience. This study investigated Operational Stress and Psychological Well-being among Police Officers in Benue State Police Command: The Mediating Role of Coping Strategies. The study employed a Cross-Sectional Survey Design, where three hundred and fifty seven (357) Police Officers consisting of 219 (61.3%) Males and 134 (37.5%) Females were used for the study. Their ages ranged from 19 to 59 years with the Mean of 38.13 (SD=9.54128). The Operational Police Stress Questionnaire (PSQ-Op), Brief-COPE Inventory and Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWB) were used for data collection. Statistical analysis involved the use of Multiple Regression and PROCESS Mediation Analyses. Findings from the hypotheses indicated that, Operational Stress has made an independent significant contribution to Psychological Wellbeing of Police Officers in Benue State Police Command. Coping Strategies significantly influenced Psychological Well-being among Police Officers in Benue State Police Command. The result further showed that, Operational Stress and Coping Strategies jointly influenced Psychological Well-being of Police Officers in Benue State Police Command. Finally, Selfdistraction, Denial, Active Coping, Substance Use, Instrumental Support, Venting, Planning, Acceptance and Religion did not significantly mediate the relationship between Operational Stress and Psychological Well-being among Police Officers; while Emotional Support, Behavioral Disengagement, Positive Reframing, Humor, and Self-blame significantly mediated the relationship between Operational Stress and Psychological Well-being among Police Officers in Benue State Police Command. Based on the findings, it was recommended that, Police Officers should be enlightened on how to manage Operational Stress and develop good coping strategies. On policy basis, it was recommended that, Government should evolve policies that are aimed at training and retraining Police Officers on appropriate Coping Strategies; which will help in reducing Operational Stress and on the other hand increase high level of Psychological Well-being among Police Officers. Also, Non-governmental organizations with caring mind should support Police with logistics that will help reduce Operational Stress. This will help to achieve high state of Psychological Well-being and enhance better policing among Police Officers. Finally, more researches should be encouraged on the subject matter for further identification of long term solutions to problems affecting Psychological Well-being of Police Officers in Benue State Police Command in particular, and Nigeria at large.

Psychological General Well-being, Cognitive Failure, and Inflammation Biomarkers Among Workers 4 Months After a Mild/Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

To investigate the relationship between cognitive complaints, systemic inflammatory biomarkers, and psychological general well-being (PGWB) after mild/asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to the presence of long COVID and work tasks. University employees and metal workers were recruited in a cross-sectional study 4 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection to assess cognitive impairment, individual PGWB index, inflammatory biomarkers, namely platelet-lymphocyte, neutrophil-lymphocyte, and lymphocyte-monocyte ratios, and the presence of long COVID symptoms. A significant increase in the levels of inflammatory biomarkers was observed in subjects with long COVID. Furthermore, the PGWB index was influenced by long COVID symptoms and subjective cognitive and depressive symptoms, but not by work activity. In occupational settings, it is crucial to detect the presence of long COVID symptoms and systemic inflammation early, as they may be associated with lower PGWB.

Updating the Montreal walking exoskeleton satisfaction and perspectives questionnaire (MWESP-Q) following a 16-week walking program with the use of a wearable robotic exoskeleton

BACKGROUND: Physical activity as one of the major lifestyle-related health determinants is partially addressed by the Montreal Walking Exoskeleton Satisfaction and Perspectives-Questionnaire (MWESP-Q). OBJECTIVE: To document satisfaction of people with chronic spinal cord injury after the completion of a 10 to 16 weeks of the wearable robotic exoskeleton-assisted walking program, with the MWESP-Q updated to a context of health promotion. METHODS: Following a walking program (10–16 weeks), wheelchair users with chronic SCI completed the MWESP-Q online. Modification of the original questionnaire was conducted with 4 experts to ensure its content validity with a human framework to promote physical activity for health. RESULTS: Ten wheelchair users completed the questionnaire (men = 6; 45.8 ± 13.4 years, SCI duration: 10.1 ± 5.8 years). Participants strongly agreed to be satisfied with the overall program; agreed to be satisfied towards exoskeleton, motivation to engage in physical activity, learnability and program attributes; rated “medium effort” for physical and cognitive exertion during training; reported light improvements for health benefit domain, but light to moderate improvements for general endurance (mean 5.5 /7, SD 1.4) and psychological well-being (mean 5.7 /7, SD 1.3). CONCLUSIONS: The updated MWESP-Q is now better equipped to measure physical and cognitive efforts in physical activity and changes in body and organic systems and in capabilities (health promotion). The updated MWESP-Q has 54 statements (14 additional statements and 1 deleted) organized around seven domains. The original measure was replaced by three 7-point Likert scales, one regarding agreement level (40 statements), level of effort (12 statements), and level of change (2 statements).

The effectiveness of social prescribing in the management of long-term conditions in community-based adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of social prescribing interventions in the management of long-term conditions in adults. Data sources Eleven electronic databases were searched for randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials. Review Methods Outcomes of interest were quality of life, physical activity, psychological well-being and disease-specific measures. Bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. A narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were performed. Results Twelve studies (n = 3566) were included in this review. Social prescribing interventions were heterogeneous and the most common risks of bias were poor blinding and high attrition. Social prescribing interventions designed to target specific long-term conditions i.e., cancer and diabetes demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life (n = 2 studies) and disease-specific psychological outcomes respectively (n = 3 studies). There was some evidence for improvement in physical activity (n = 2 studies) but most changes were within group only (n = 4 studies). Social prescribing interventions did not demonstrate any significant changes in general psychological well-being. Conclusion Social prescribing interventions demonstrated some improvements across a range of outcomes although the quality of evidence remains poor.

Integrating Mind-Body Techniques in Physiotherapy Rehabilitation: A Review of Literature

Aim- This study aimed to examine the usefulness of various mind-body interventions in physiotherapy rehabilitation. Methods- Through a comprehensive review of the literature on topics such as yoga, mind-body exercise, Tai Chi, pain neuroscience education, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, the researchers identified the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating these interventions into clinical practice. Result- These results indicate that combining mind-body therapies with physiotherapy rehabilitation may lead to positive outcomes for patients in terms of their recovery and overall well-being. Conclusion- The integration of mind-body techniques in physiotherapy rehabilitation holds significant promise for improving recovery and fostering general psychological well-being in individuals with musculoskeletal, neurological, and other conditions.

Effects of a brief intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy versus usual care for cardiac rehabilitation patients with coronary heart disease (ACTonHEART): a randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesThe main objective of the study is to investigate the short-term efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on the simultaneous modification of biological indicators of risk and psychological well-being...

The impact of distance education on the socialization of college students in the Covid-19 era: problems in communication and impact on mental health

BackgroundThe problems of students’ social interaction and psychological well-being associated with online learning dependent on self-directed learning have become an important topic of research in recent years worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting their Social Emotional Learning. This paper aimed to compare the students’ loneliness, social anxiety, social interaction, and general psychological well-being at different stages of online learning (at the beginning and the height of the pandemic), considering their criteria (presence/absence of a job and own family).MethodsFor this, the researchers conducted an electronic survey of students (n = 320) twice, in February and May 2020, using four questionnaires: UCLA loneliness scale-3, Social Anxiety Scale for E-Learning Environments, Social Interaction Scale, and Brief Adjustment Scale. The responses at different stages of online learning were compared using Student’s t-test. Differences between employed and unemployed students with or without their own families were determined using the analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsThe findings showed that unemployed students without their families suffered the most from loneliness. Social interaction online was rated higher by students with their own families; psychological well-being at the beginning of the distance period and social anxiety at the height of the distance period were higher among unemployed students.ConclusionsThis research can become a theoretical basis for a phase-by-phase study of social predictors for the psychological well-being of higher education students and is of practical value for teachers and administrators of online learning aimed at students’ socialization. In addition, it provides education officials with information about how students perceive psychological well-being, anxiety, social interaction, and loneliness during distance learning, which can help officials direct their decisions and reforms to improve interaction in the online environment.

Sarcopenia Prevalence among Hospitalized Patients with Severe Obesity: An Observational Study.

Background: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is the combination of excess fat, skeletal muscle and muscular strength/function deficit. The ESPEN/EASO have proposed new diagnostic criteria, but the SO prevalence in patients with severe obesity remains to be established. The aim of this study was to establish the SO prevalence in a large cohort of inpatients with obesity, considering sex, age, BMI, type, and number of concomitant diseases. Methods: Patient data of both genders aged between 18 and 90 years with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2 underwent hospital evaluation including bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and handgrip strength (HS). QoL scores were obtained by the Psychological General Well-Being Index questionnaire. The study was approved by the institutional Ethic Committee. Results: Among the 3858 patients, 444 (11.51%) exhibited a strength deficit, while 3847 (99.71%) had skeletal muscle mass deficit. The prevalence of SO was then 11.48%, with higher rates in women (12.39%), in individuals aged >70 years (27%), and in those reporting a 'poor' QoL (12.6%). No significant difference in SO prevalence was found when stratifying by BMI (30-40 kg/m2 vs. >40 kg/m2, p = 0.1710). In SO patients, osteoarticular diseases (57%), hypertension/heart failure (38%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (34%), and obstructive sleep apnea (32%) were the more frequent comorbidities. Conclusions: The application of ESPEN/EASO-SO criteria in a cohort of inpatients with severe obesity revealed 11.48% SO prevalence, which was associated with age (particularly > 70 years), gender (women), but not BMI, as determinants. Disease staging and QoL screening may improve the identification of SO high-risk patients.

Post-COVIDmental health of librarians in Vietnam

This study aims to measure the mental well-being levels of librarians in Vietnamin the new normal context after the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings are expected to advocate for future policy interventions regarding mental health carefor staffin Vietnam’s librariesand information centerssince the pandemic has made coping with crises recognised globally as an integral part of life. On this ground, a survey was designed and administered online for librarians across Vietnam to self-rate their 5 dimensions of psychological generalwell-being using the WHO-5 [1]together with the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) [2],and Strahan-Gerbasi’s 1972 short version of the Marlow‐Crowne Social Desirability Scale [3].The survey shows despite the low mid-COVID mental health, there was a statisticallysignificant increase in mental health scores in the new normal. There are abouttwo-thirds of the surveyed librarians areinfected with COVID-19. For either the mid-or post-COVIDmental health, there was a statistically significant difference in scores between the infected and uninfected ones. Threeindependent-samplet-tests on genders, marital and parenthood statuses only found statistically significant differences in mid-and post-COVIDmental health scores between different marital and parenthood statuses, with the unmarried and the ones with no children scoring higher on both mid-and post-COVIDmental health over their counterparts. Eight one-way between-groups ANOVA tests conducted on a wide range of demographics (geographical area, library type, library size, age, seniority, position, specialization, and qualification) only showed statistically significant differences in mid- 2and post-COVIDmental health scores between different age groups, seniority levels, and types of position.

USING THE METHOD OF PSYCHOCONSTITUTIONAL THERAPY IN THE EARLY ACUTE PERIOD OF POST-TRAUMATIC DISORDER

In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of psychoconstitutional therapy (PCT) in the early acute phase of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) within a biopsychosocial framework, considering individual psychological and constitutional differences. Participants were categorized into "Flowers," "Pots," and "Gardeners" based on their stress response behaviours and received tailored interventions aimed at modulating amygdala activity and revising maladaptive stress responses. The results showed statistically significant improvements in stress response behaviours, PTSD symptomatology across various clusters, and overall psychological well-being, as measured by the Psychological General Well-Being Index. This study highlights the potential of psychoconstitutional therapy not only to reduce PTSD symptoms but also to enhance general mental health. It supports the inclusion of this therapy in current psychiatric practices and aligns with the growing trend towards personalized treatment approaches, offering new hope for effective PTSD management

A cross-sectional study of stressful life events and quality of life among FGID and non-FGID patients.

Gastrointestinal disorders, both non-functional and functional, are prevalent among the general population, and understanding these in relation to psychological factors is crucial for clinicians to design effective management strategies. Psycho-social factors, including stressful life events, significantly impact disease outcomes and quality of life (QOL). Limited research has explored these factors in the context of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and non-functional gastrointestinal disorders (non-FGIDs), especially in culturally diverse populations. To investigate the relationship between QOL and stressful life events in patients with FGID and non-FGID. This study involved 200 participants diagnosed with FGID using ROME IV criteria and non-FGID clinically. The research utilized a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Psychological General Well-Being Index (QOL), and the Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale (PSLES). Among FGID patients, functional dyspepsia was the common diagnosis, while erosive gastritis was more prevalent among non-FGID patients. A significant association in QOL was observed between FGID and non-FGID (P < 0.001), with FGID patients exhibiting lower scores. Overall, a mild negative correlation was found between QOL and PSLES (r = -0.20, P = 0.003). Stressful life events contributed to 13% variance of QOL in non-FGID patients. This study highlights the impact of stressful life events on QOL in both FGID and non-FGID patients. While FGID patients experienced poorer QOL, non-FGID also showed QOL reductions with recent life events. Understanding these associations can aid clinicians in comprehensive patient care, emphasizing the importance of addressing psycho-social factors alongside clinical symptoms. Cultural nuances influencing stress perception and its relation to gastrointestinal disorders merit further investigation.

Is mental regulation related to self-esteem? Testing a basic metacognitive model

Individual differences in global self-esteem are associated with general psychological functioning and well-being, and lower self-esteem could be a target for prevention and treatment interventions. Traditionally, self-esteem is assumed to be influenced by the content of self-beliefs, but the metacognitive model of psychological disorders presents an alternative. It emphasizes mental regulation over the content in self-beliefs and suggests a role for metacognitive beliefs and corresponding metacognitive strategies. Thus, the metacognitive model has the potential to advance our understanding of self-esteem and provide new treatment interventions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test a basic metacognitive model of self-esteem. In a cross-sectional design, 522 participants from a convenience sample completed a battery of self-report questionnaires. A metacognitive model where metacognitive strategies mediated the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and self-esteem was tested using structural equation modelling. Stronger endorsements of dysfunctional metacognitions were associated with more use of unhelpful metacognitive strategies, which further was significantly related to lower self-esteem. These relationships held even when controlling gender, age, anxiety, and personality traits as covariates. The results suggests that there is a role for dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and strategies in self-esteem of which metacognitive strategies are the most proximal influence. This observation indicates that individual differences in mental regulation are relevant to understanding and possibly improving self-esteem. Interventions which effectively lead to metacognitive change are likely to have a positive effect on self-esteem.

Psychometric Properties of the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) in a Portuguese Sample during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionThe COVID-19 global crisis has resulted in significant disruptions in the lives of students in higher education, leading to negative consequences for their academic achievements and general psychological well-being.ObjectivesIn this study, we sought to examine the psychometric properties of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) among students in Portuguese higher education institutions during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and its efficacy in capturing mental health symptoms due to a global health crisis.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a convenience sampling method was used to enlist a total of 1522 participants. The sample consisted of 75.1% women and 79.2% undergraduate students. Participants completed an electronic survey that was designed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) — a self-report instrument measuring anxiety, depression, and stress.ResultsThe findings of the study indicated a significant occurrence of depressive symptoms [≥10] (N = 434, 28.5%), anxiety symptoms [≥7] (N = 551, 36.2%), and stress symptoms [≥11] (N = 544, 35.7%). Based on the collected data, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted in order to examine the factor structure of the scale. The analysis revealed a three-factor solution that corresponded to the three subscales of the DASS-21. The Heterotrait-Monotrait (HTMT) correlation ratio was then used to assess the discriminant validity, with good results. Results showed that the DASS21 has satisfactory reliability indexes (Cronbach’s α &gt; 0.90).ConclusionsIn light of the notable changes in living conditions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the present study has shown that the DASS-21 instrument has maintained its reliability and validity. Consequently, this finding supports the appropriateness of using the DASS-21 as a screening tool for assessing mental health among students in Portugal. Moreover, it is recommended that academics and healthcare practitioners use the DASS-21 as a tool for assessing the levels of psychological distress experienced by students. Additional validation studies of this scale are required, using bigger and more representative populations.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared