Adult Psychological Well-being Research Articles

Effects of Gayatri Mantra Meditation on Psychological Capital and Well-Being of Young Adults

Effects of Gayatri Mantra Meditation on Psychological Capital and Well-Being of Young Adults

Effect of Exposure to 2D Video of Forest Environment with Natural Forest Sound on Psychological Well-Being of Healthy Young Adults

Background and Objectives: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in interest in the health benefits of contact with nature. The theoretical and practical aspects of this issue are constantly being investigated. It is worth noting, however, that there is a large group of people for whom the only available form of contact with nature can only be through images (the view outside the window, photos and films about nature), recorded sounds of nature or descriptions of nature. Research indicating how much exposure to nature in the dimension of virtual reality achieves improvements in well-being, mood and vitality is therefore urgently needed. Material and Methods: The main goal of the experiment was to examine whether watching a 20-min 2D video of forest environment or reading a textbook on forest knowledge for 20 min would bring any psychological benefits. The order of both exposures was intentionally changed (reversed) for every second participant in this study to reduce the order effect. A group of 16 volunteers, students of Warsaw University of Life Sciences, took part in the experiment. The psychological tests before and after each of the two parts of the experiment (viewing a picture with sound and reading a book) were established using five questionnaires: Profile of Mood State (POMS); Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS); Restorative Outcome Scale (ROS); Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: As a result of the analyses, a 20-min viewing of a 2D video of a forest with natural sounds of nature was shown to have a positive effect on the psychological relaxation of the subjects in the form of an increase in restorativeness and vitality in the participants of the experiment, as well as a greater decrease in negative feelings, tension and anger than when reading a forest-themed book. Watching a video of a landscape can reduce tension and anger levels significantly, which can be an important guideline in relation to the interior design of public spaces and the protection of employees from the adverse effects of psychosocial working conditions, as well as the desire to stabilize anger and maintain emotional stability in everyday life.

Enhancing health-related fitness, self-efficacy, and quality of life in adults with physical disabilities: A 9-week community-based structured exercise and mindfulness program

Adults with physical disabilities encounter multifaceted challenges, emphasizing the critical need to address both their physical and psychological well-being while overcoming barriers to physical active participation. Recognizing and addressing these issues is vital for creating inclusive interventions that cater to their specific needs, promoting active engagement, and enhancing overall well-being. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of integrating structured exercise and mindfulness techniques in a community-based exercise program tailored for adults with physical disabilities to enhance health-related fitness, self-efficacy, and overall quality of life. Fifteen participants, aged 25–55, with diverse mobility impairments, musculoskeletal conditions, and neurological disorders, participated in a 9-week individualized structured exercise program, involving 90-minute sessions two times weekly. The program focused on improving physical and psychological well-being through combined physical and psychological training. Measurements were assessed at baseline and program completion, covering health-related fitness, self-efficacy, and quality of life domains. Paired t-test and MANOVA revealed substantial improvements in health-related fitness markers, including grip strength and body composition, alongside heightened self-efficacy, and improvements across multiple quality of life domains compared to pretest measures. These improvements were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and demonstrated a moderate effect size on average (Cohen’s d = 0.5–0.8) across the assessed variables. Pearson correlation analysis indicated grip strength and fat mass had a significant correlation with quality of life (p < 0.05). Future research should include larger, controlled studies, as the lack of a control group and small sample size limit conclusions, yet the integration of structured exercise and mindfulness techniques in a community-based exercise program showed promising outcomes for enhancing the physical and psychological well-being of adults with physical disabilities, underscoring its potential significance in disability and rehabilitation studies.

The effectiveness of a Lactobacillus probiotic on measures of psychosocial health in adults diagnosed with subthreshold depression: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide(1). The microbiota-gut-brain axis may play a role in the aetiology of depression, and probiotics show promise for improving mood and depressive state(2). Further evidence is required to support mechanisms and in high-risk populations, such as those with sub-threshold depression (which may be 2-3 times more prevalent than diagnosed depression)(3). The aims were to assess the efficacy of a probiotic compared with placebo in reducing the severity of depressive symptoms in participants with subthreshold depression, and to investigate potential mechanistic markers of inflammatory, antioxidant status and stress response. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in participants meeting diagnosis of subthreshold depression (DSM-5); aged 18-65 years; ≥18.5 kg/m2 body mass index; not taking antidepressants, centrally acting medications, probiotics nor antibiotics for at least 6 weeks. The probiotic (4 × 109 AFU/CFU, 2.5 g freeze-dried powder containing Lactobacillus fermentum LF16 (DSM26956), L. rhamnosus LR06 (DSM21981), L. plantarum LP01 (LMG P-21021), Bifidobacterium longum BL04 (DSM 23233)) or placebo was taken daily for 3-months. Data was collected at 3 study visits (pre-, mid- (6 weeks), post-intervention). Self-reported questionnaires measured psychological symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI; Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, HADS) and quality of life. Blood and salivary samples were collected for biomarkers including cortisol awakening response (CAR). General linear models examined within-group and between-group differences across all time points. Thirty-nine participants completed the study (n = 19 probiotic; n = 20 placebo) using intention-to-treat analysis. The probiotic group decreased in BDI score by −6.5 (95% CI −12.3; −0.7) and −7.6 (95% CI −13.4; −1.8) at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. The HADS-A score decreased in the probiotic group by −2.8 (95% CI −5.2; −0.4) and −2.7 (95% CI −5.1; −0.3) at 6 and 12, respectively. The HADS-D score decreased in the probiotic group by −3.0 (95% CI −5.4; −0.7) and −2.5 (−4.9; −0.2) at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention, respectively. No between group differences were found. There were no changes in perceived stress or quality of life scores. The probiotic group had reduced hs-CRP levels (7286.2 ± 1205.8 ng/dL vs. 5976.4 ± 1408.3; P = 0.003) and increased total glutathione (14.2 ± 8.9 ng/dL vs. 9.3 ± 4.7; P = 0.049) compared to placebo, post intervention. Lower levels of CAR were found in the probiotic compared to placebo (−0.04 ± 0.17 μg/dL vs. 0.16 ± 0.25; P = 0.009). A significant reduction in depressive symptoms and anxiety was observed within the probiotic group only. These results were supported by improvements observed in biomarkers, suggesting probiotics may improve psychological wellbeing in adults experiencing sub-threshold depression, by potential pathways involved in central nervous system homeostasis and inflammation. Future analyses are required to understand changes within the intestinal microbiota and to clarify how their metabolites facilitate emotional processing.

Analysis of Nexus among Socioeconomic Status, Happiness, Gratitude, and Psychological Wellbeing in Adults

Pakistan's population faces heightened susceptibility to mental health disorders and overall psychological well-being concerns due to the country's myriad social and economic challenges. The present research explored the relationships among adults' socioeconomic status, gratitude, happiness, and psychological well-being. Utilizing a cross-sectional study design and quantitative research methodology, a sample of 350 adults was selected through purposive sampling techniques. The study utilized a self-developed demographic sheet in conjunction with standardized questionnaires, including the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) and the Ryff Scale of Psychological Well-Being (PWB). The SHS, comprising four self-report items, was crafted by psychologist Carol D. Ryff. Conversely, the PWB, a 42-item scale, was designed to gauge six dimensions of well-being and happiness: autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relationships with others, meaning in life, and self-acceptance. Additionally, the Gratitude Questionnaire-20, developed by Bernabe Valero and Jose Salvador Blasco Magraner, was employed. The study underscores a positive nexus between socioeconomic status, gratitude, happiness, and psychological well-being. Methodologically, it employs a Pearson product-moment correlation for descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions to forecast the relationship between psychological well-being and happiness, gratitude, and socioeconomic status (SES). Results illuminate a robust direct correlation among gratitude, happiness, SES, and psychological well-being, with all variables exhibiting strong positive associations. Notably, happiness and SES demonstrate a significant Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r=0.135*, p=0.032), underscoring their pivotal role. Furthermore, linear regression analysis, while controlling for GRT, SH, and SES, unveils the substantial predictive capacity of happiness and gratitude on adults' psychological well-being, elucidated by an R-squared value of 0.15. Collectively, these findings accentuate the salient influence of socioeconomic status, happiness, and gratitude on psychological well-being, fostering a deeper comprehension of their interconnectedness.

Personal Growth Initiative, Resilience and Psychological Wellbeing in Young Adults of Pakistan

This study determined the link between personal growth initiative, resilience, and psychological well-being among young adults in the uncertain social context of Pakistan. N= (300), aged between 19 and 30 years, were recruited from different universities in Lahore, Pakistan. A convenience sampling methodology was adopted for the survey. The results demonstrated that personal growth initiative and resilience predicted and positively correlated with psychological well-being. This study found no significant differences in the basis of gender between male and female adults in terms of personal growth initiative and resilience. Therefore, a difference of moderate practical significance was shown for psychological well-being between male and female students. This study contributes to the literature and body of knowledge on personal growth initiative, resilience, and psychological well-being through the lens of uncertainty posed by the social context of Pakistan. It has the potential to enrich the discourse on developmental studies. Furthermore, the findings inform the development of effective interventions that could address the needs of young adults in maintaining their psychological well-being.

The contribution of community service during the transition to adulthood to health in adulthood.

Prior studies have linked young people's community service to indicators of health, yet little research takes the long view by connecting youth's community service to health in the next decade of life. Using a lifespan developmental lens, this study examined community service over the transition to adulthood and uses change over time in community service to predict indicators of behavioral, physical, and psychological health at ages 35 and 40. Data were taken from Monitoring the Future U.S. national multi-cohort data spanning ages 18-40 in high school cohorts from 1976 to 1995 for age 40 (N = 4300) and 1976 to 2000 for age 35 (N = 5879). Models estimated a growth curve model for community service from ages 18 to 30 and found that the slope for community service was associated with alcohol use, binge drinking, marijuana use, healthy behaviors, and life satisfaction at ages 35 and 40, with cigarette use at age 35 only, and with self-esteem and depressive symptoms at age 40 only. Less decline in community service over the transition to adulthood was associated with lower substance use, more healthy behaviors, and higher psychological well-being in adulthood. This study contributes evidence that community service and health are linked across the lifespan and suggests the value of examining the long-term implications of developmental change across adolescence and the transition to adulthood.

Can Creativity and Cognitive Reserve Predict Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults? The Role of Divergent Thinking in Healthy Aging

The maintenance of psychological well-being (PWB) in the older adult population is a pivotal goal for our rapidly aging society. PWB is a multicomponent construct that can be influenced by several factors in the lifespan. The beneficial role of divergent thinking (DT) and cognitive reserve (CR) in sustaining older subjects’ PWB has been scarcely investigated so far. The present study aims to investigate the relationships between DT, CR, and PWB in a sample of 121 healthy older adults (61 females; M age: 73.39 ± 6.66 years; M education: 11.33 ± 4.81 years). The results highlight that better DT performance predicts higher CR, which mediates an indirect positive effect of DT on emotional competence, one of the PWB factors. It follows that DT and CR can be considered protective factors in aging, and their effects go beyond cognitive functioning, revealing a positive effect even on some PWB components. The practical implications regarding targeted health interventions for prevention in the older adult population to support well-being and promote healthy aging are discussed.

The importance of childhood social capitals in the future well-being of children.

Elucidating the enduring effects of childhood social capital is vital for shaping future well-being. Here, we investigate the impact of childhood social capital (SC) and parental engagement on adult psychological well-being and cognitive performance. Utilizing a cohort of 292 Japanese university students, we assessed the influences of SC and parental time during childhood on adult outcomes. Participants retrospectively reported their early childhood experiences, focusing on social interactions and parental involvement. Our findings reveal a significant positive correlation between childhood SC and adult subjective well-being, particularly in its positive dimensions. Additionally, maternal involvement during childhood is associated with cognitive abilities in adulthood, as measured by Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis highlights the substantial impact of childhood SC on adult well-being, elucidating the intricate interplay between social and parental contributions to developmental trajectories. These results highlight the crucial roles of both parental and non-parental figures in fostering social, emotional, and cognitive development from childhood to adulthood, underscoring the importance of nurturing supportive relationships throughout early life to promote positive developmental outcomes.

Healthy Lifestyle in Adolescence: Associations with Stress, Self-Esteem and the Roles of School Violence.

A healthy lifestyle is considered by young people as the adoption of positive behaviors, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, or the decreased consumption of harmful substances. Living a healthy lifestyle during adolescence promotes a better quality of life and psychological well-being in adulthood. The objective of this research is to identify how a healthy lifestyle is related to stress, self-esteem, and school violence roles. The sample is composed of a total of 743 adolescents aged between 14 and 19 years. The instruments used were the Healthy Lifestyles Questionnaire (CEVS-II), the Student Stress Inventory (SSI-SM), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and an ad hoc questionnaire to evaluate school violence roles. The results obtained indicate that there are negative correlations between healthy lifestyle and stress, but positive correlations between healthy lifestyle and self-esteem. Adolescents who participate in situations of school violence have a higher mean of substance use and stress. However, those who do not experience such situations have higher mean self-esteem and lead a healthy lifestyle. In addition, the fact of suffering stress increases the probability of being a victim or an aggressor. Living a healthy lifestyle can have significant implications for health promotion and positive adolescent development.

Forest Bathing Increases Adolescents' Mental Well-Being: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Previous research has demonstrated that practicing forest bathing has significant positive effects on adult psychological well-being. Considering the ongoing adolescents' mental health crisis of increasing anxiety and depression, determining whether forest bathing has similar effects on adolescents is an important expansion of forest bathing research. This study investigated the possibility that forest bathing could improve adolescents' mental well-being and sought to determine participants' experiences of forest bathing. It used a convergent, parallel, mixed-methods design that was partially co-created with 24 participants aged 16-18 as part of a youth participatory action research (YPAR) project in which participants practiced forest bathing three times over 3 weeks. As measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Survey, the mean participant mental well-being increased significantly after forest bathing, with moderate to large effect sizes. Participants described reduced stress and increased feelings of relaxation, peace, and happiness. These findings correlate with previous forest bathing research involving adult participants. It is recommended that educators and others who work with adolescents consider forest bathing as a simple, low-cost way to improve adolescents' mental well-being.

The mediating effect of forgiveness on the relationship between spirituality and psychological well-being in adults with history of childhood bullying

The long-term effects of childhood bullying on psychological well-being in adulthood have recently gained attention in research. This study examines the complex dynamics of the phenomenon by investigating the role of forgiveness as a mediator in the relationship between spirituality and psychological well-being among individuals who experienced bullying during their childhood. A purposive sample of 202 participants aged 19-40, who were bullied between the ages of 6-18, were recruited. The measurements used in the study included the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale (⍺ = .77) to measure psychological well-being; the Heartland Forgiveness Scale (⍺ = .82) to measure forgiveness; the Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale (⍺ = .94) to measure the spirituality of the participants; and the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire (⍺ = .71) as a screening tool to confirm participants' experiences of bullying. Through mediation regression analysis with 5000 bootstrap samples using Macro PROCESS by Hayes, forgiveness emerged as a significant full mediator (β = .318, p .05, 95% CI: .212, .438). The study provides evidence that forgiveness enhances psychological well-being, suggesting that implementing a forgiveness program could reduce the long-term effect of childhood bullying.

Adaptation of Coping Strategies to Reduce the Impact of Stress and Lonelines on the Psychological Well-Being of Adults

Objective: This comprehensive review investigates the intricacies of coping strategies employed by adults when dealing with stress. It delves into the multifaceted aspects of stress perception, exploring how individuals assess stressors as either threats or demands, and subsequently, how they react to them.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: To provide a well-rounded perspective, this review conducted an extensive search of relevant studies from the DOAJ and EBSCOhost databases, focusing on publications from the past decade. The analysis encompasses various facets of stress, including its perception, coping strategies, and the methods used to mitigate its effects.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Stress is a highly subjective experience, and its impact varies greatly among individuals. Some individuals perceive stressors as threats, leading to severe consequences, while others view them as challenges that can provoke positive emotional responses. Coping behaviors often stem from learned patterns, influenced by familial and past traumatic experiences. Recognizing and understanding predominant reactions to stress is pivotal in the development of effective coping strategies. Among the most successful coping mechanisms are those centered on problem-solving and seeking social support. Additionally, emotion regulation-oriented coping strategies enable individuals to manage their emotional responses to stressors. Conversely, non-adaptive coping strategies may provide temporary relief but often fail to address the root causes of stress.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusions: This review underscores the significance of coping strategies in the context of stress management among adults. Solution-oriented strategies, including active problem-solving and seeking social support, emerge as valuable tools for individuals in their efforts to cope with stress. It is essential to recognize that adults have the capacity to choose coping strategies that can effectively mitigate the adverse effects of stress. By comprehending and promoting these strategies, individuals can enhance their stress management skills, leading to improved mental health outcomes and overall well-being.

Self-Compassion as a Key Factor of Subjective Happiness and Psychological Well-Being among Greek Adults during COVID-19 Lockdowns.

The present study examined the association and complementary effect of self-compassion on the subjective happiness and psychological well-being of adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was based on a concurrent correlational design to examine relationships between self-compassion, subjective happiness, psychological well-being, resilience, and the meaning in life. Data were collected via a battery of questionnaires and analyzed, focusing on the above variables. The sample of this study (N = 526) consisted of Greek professionals in education and university students. The results showed that there is a strong positive relationship between self-compassion and subjective happiness, and between self-compassion and psychological well-being. The findings suggest that an attitude of self-compassion may well influence the development of psychological well-being and increase the subjective happiness of adults during the distressing era of a long-term pandemic. The results also indicated a positive relationship between self-compassion and meaning in life and showed that self-compassion is a prerequisite for resilience, which in turn may serve as a moderator of psychological well-being and subjective happiness.

Impact of the expanded child tax credit and its expiration on adult psychological well-being

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated stress and psychological distress among adults with children, with certain populations experiencing a greater mental health burden. The expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) under the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act provided temporary relief to families with children through monthly payments from July through December 2021, offering a unique opportunity to examine the impact of a near-universal cash transfer on adult psychological well-being in the United States. We use the Household Pulse Survey Waves 28–41 (April 14, 2021 to January 10, 2022) to analyze the CTC expansion and Waves 34–42 (July 21, 2021 to February 7, 2022) to examine the expiration of the expanded CTC to investigate the effects of the expanded CTC and its expiration on psychological distress of adults in households with children and its differential effects by gender, education, marital status, and race and ethnicity (N = 167,772). We employ a difference-in-difference methodology by leveraging the policy-induced variation in the additional credits that households are eligible for. Our results indicate that the expanded CTC led to a significant reduction in the percentage of having at least mild symptoms of psychological distress in the overall sample, especially among female, single, married, and Hispanic adults. No significant effects were found on the rate of moderate or severe psychological distress symptoms, suggesting that more severe forms of psychological distress may require more comprehensive and long-term interventions. We find that more adults experienced moderate to severe psychological distress after the monthly CTC payments ended. We discuss the role of the expanded CTC in buffering mental health crises during the pandemic and the implications of the heterogeneous policy effects by subgroups.

Appearance Related Commentary, Self-Objectification and Psychological Well-being in Young Adults

Appearance related comments and self-objectification seem very dominant in media and real life. Appearance related comments and self-objectification definitely influence psychological wellbeing of individuals especially adolescents and Young adults. The present study was designed to study the relationship between appearance-related comments, self-objectification and psychological well-being in young adults. Purposive sampling strategy was used to select a sample of students (N=120) from different colleges and universities of Lahore. A correlational research design with purposive sampling has been used. Physical Appearance Scale i.e., Verbal commentary on physical appearance scale (Herbozo &amp; Thompson, 2006), Self -Objectification Questionnaire (Noll &amp; Fredickson, 1998), and Psychological Well-being Scale (Ryff, 2007) are used as assessment measures. Results of the research indicated that verbal commentary on physical appearance, self-objectification and psychological well-being are significantly related to each other. Self-objectification is a significant predictor of psychological wellbeing in young adults. There are no significant gender differences in verbal commentary on physical appearance, self-objectification and psychological well-being in young adults.

Cognition and psychological well-being in adults with post COVID-19 condition and analyses of symptom sequelae

Objective As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic moves into its fourth year, gaining a better clinical understanding of individuals with post COVID-19 condition is paramount. The current study examined the neurocognitive and psychological status of adults with post COVID-19 condition, as well as explored the impact of high psychological burden on objective neurocognitive functioning and the relationship between subjective cognitive concerns and objective neurocognitive findings. Method Valid neuropsychological assessments were completed with 51 symptomatic adults who were 297.55 days, on average, following a confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Participants completed brief self-report depression, anxiety, and PTSD questionnaires, a questionnaire with subjective ratings of cognitive abilities, and standardized neurocognitive tests that examined performance validity, attention, processing speed, verbal learning and memory, naming, visual construction, and executive functioning. Results The participants were mostly Caucasian (80.39%), middle-aged (average 47.37 years), women (82.35%), who were never hospitalized (86.27%). Despite all individuals reporting cognitive problems in daily life, mean performances on objective testing did not reveal any neurocognitive deficits (at or below the 8th percentile) at a group level. Approximately half (49.02%) of the participants reported co-occurring mental health symptoms that were considered clinically elevated based on questionnaire results. High psychological symptom burden was associated with greater subjective cognitive difficulties but did not result in neurocognitive dysfunction on objective testing. Conclusions This study contributes to the literature regarding post COVID-19 condition in adults including the relationship between the cognitive and psychological symptoms. Results are summarized in key clinical learning points.

Effect of Fictive Kinship Interactions on the Physical Health and Psychological Well-Being of Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Shared Site Intergenerational Programs in China

ABSTRACT This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of fictive kin interaction on the physical health and psychological well-being of older adults living in a shared site nursing home in China. The results revealed that depression levels significantly decreased and self-efficacy and flourishing levels significantly increased among the participants who engaged in additional one-to-one pair activities with kindergartners, with the effect size ranging from medium to large. The research findings indicated that one-to-one fictive kinship interactions between older adults and young children can promote the self-perceived physical health and psychological well-being of older adults in a Chinese context.

A Randomized Controlled Trial for a Digital Peer Support Platform to Translate Online Peer Support for Emerging Adult Mental Well-being.

Emerging adulthood (ages 19 to 25) is a developmental phase that is marked by increased mental health conditions, especially depression and anxiety. A growing body of work indicates that digital peer emotional support has positive implications for the psychological functioning of emerging adults. These is burgeoning interest among healthcare professionals, educational stakeholders and policy makers in understanding the implementation and clinical effectiveness, as well as the associated mechanism of change, of digital peer support as an intervention. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined the effectiveness of digital peer support intervention over a digital platform-Acceset-for emerging adult psychological well-being with three primary aims. First, we evaluated the implementation effectiveness of digital peer support training for individuals providing support (befrienders), and digital platform for peer support. Second, we assessed the clinical outcomes of digital peer support, in terms of the intervening effect on emerging adult psychological well-being. Third, we investigated the mechanism of change linking digital peer support intervention to emerging adult psychological well-being. The RCT involving 100 emerging adults from the National University of Singapore follows the published protocol on this trial [29]. The RCT found effectiveness of digital peer support training-specifically, befrienders' peer support responses demonstrating significantly higher post- than pre-training scores in selfhood (post-training: M = 62.83, SE = 10.18; pre-training: M = 54.86, SE = 7.32), t(34) = 3.88, P < .0001. The digital peer support intervention demonstrated clinical effectiveness in enhancing selfhood, compassion and mindfulness, and in lowering depressive and anxiety symptoms among seekers in the intervention group at post intervention (M = 7.15, SE = 0.88) than seekers in the waitlist control group prior to intervention (M = 11.75, SE = 0.89), t(89) = 3.44, P = 0.0009. The effect of the intervention on seekers' psychological well-being was sustained beyond the period of the intervention. The mechanism of change revealed that seekers' engagement of the intervention had both immediate and prospective implications for their psychological well-being. This RCT on digital peer support intervention for emerging adult psychological well-being harnesses the interventional potential of four components of psychological well-being and elucidated a mechanism of change. By incorporating and validating the digital features and process of a peer support platform, our RCT provide the parameters and conditions in deploying effective and novel digital peer support intervention for emerging adult psychological well-being in real-world settings. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05083676.

Social Support and Strain from Different Relationship Sources: Their Additive and Buffering Effects on Psychological Well-Being in Adulthood

The present study examined the main and interactive effects of relationship-specific (i.e., spouses, friends, parents, and children) social support and strain on positive (happiness and well-being) and negative (loneliness and depressive symptoms) psychological well-being, and whether the associations varied by age and gender. A dataset was collected from 1033 adults (20–69 years; 50.1% female) from South Korea regarding social support and strain and indicators of psychological well-being. Results revealed that spousal and friend support was associated with enhanced happiness and well-being and reduced loneliness, whereas spousal and friend strain was associated with heightened depressive symptoms. Relationship-specific social support and strain showed interactive effects. Social support from parents and spouses buffered the adverse effects of social strain on psychological well-being, but their protective effects diminished when they experienced high levels of parental or spousal strain. These patterns were dependent on age and gender, with protective effects of friend support being greater for younger adults and women than for older adults and men.