Self-reported Psychological Problems Research Articles

Self-reported psychological problems and coping strategies: a web-based study in Peruvian population during COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted health systems across the world and led to major shifts in individual behavior by forcing people into isolation in home settings. Its rapid spread has overwhelmed populations in all corners of Latin-American countries resulting in individual psychological reactions that may aggravate the health crisis. This study reports on demographics, self-reported psychological disturbances and associated coping styles during the COVID-19 pandemic for the Peruvian population.MethodsThis cross-sectional study uses an online survey with snowball sampling that was conducted after the state of emergency was declared in Perú (on April 2nd). The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used to identify somatic symptoms, incidence of anxiety/ insomnia, social dysfunction and depression and the Coping Strategy Questionnaire (COPE-28) mapped personal strategies to address recent stress.Results434 self-selected participants ranging in age from 18 to 68 years old (Mean age = 33.87) completed the survey. The majority of participants were women (61.30%), aged between 18 and 28 (41.70%), well-educated (> = 85.00%), Peruvian (94.20%), employed (57.40%) and single (71.20%). 40.8% reported psychological distress, expressing fear of coronavirus infection (71.43%). Regression analysis shows that men had lower somatic-related symptom (β = − 1.87, 95%, CI: − 2.75 to −.99) and anxiety/insomnia symptom (β = − 1.91, 95% CI: − 2.98 to 0.84) compared to women. The risk for depression and social dysfunction are less likely with increasing age. Educational status was protective against developing psychological conditions (p < 0.05). While active responses (acceptance and social support) are scarcely used by individuals with psychological distress; passive strategies (such as denial, self-distraction, self-blame, disconnection, and venting) are more commonly reported.ConclusionThis study provides a better understanding of the psychological health impact occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic on the Peruvian population. About half of the respondents reported psychological distress and poor coping responses. This evidence informs the need for broader promotional health policies focused on strengthening individual’s active strategies aiming at improving emotional health and preventing psychiatric conditions, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Orientación sexual y salud mental en jóvenes universitarios españoles

Las minorías sexuales tienen una peor percepción de su estado de salud mental y solicitan más ayuda psicológica. Los estudios demuestran que presentan una mayor prevalencia de problemas psicológicos, principalmente ansiedad, depresión, ideación suicida o abuso de sustancias. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar la relación entre diferentes parámetros de salud mental y la orientación sexual. Se administró un Cuestionario de Estilo de Vida y Salud (Giménez-García Ballester-Arnal, 2017) a 600 estudiantes de la Universitat Jaume I de Castellón. Un 67,5% de los participantes se identificaban como exclusivamente heterosexuales (75,3% de hombres y 59,7% de las mujeres) y un 32,5% como no exclusivamente heterosexuales (24,7% de hombres y 40,3% de las mujeres). Los resultados muestran que existe una relación estadísticamente significativa entre orientación sexual y nivel de salud mental percibida (Chi 2=19.018; p= .001; V: 0.178), problemas psicológicos informados (Chi2=11.392; p=.001; OR: 3.194) y ansiedad (Chi 2=12.917; p=.005; V: 0.147). Las personas no exclusivamente heterosexuales valoran peor su salud mental, han informado de más problemas psicológicos y se sienten más ansiosas. En función del género, aparecen relaciones estadísticamente significativas en salud mental percibida (Chi 2=17.860; p= .001; V: 0.244) y problemas psicológicos (Chi 2=9.520; p= .002; OR: 5.886) en los hombres, y en ansiedad percibida en las mujeres (Chi 2=13.091; p= .004; V: .210). En ambos casos, es el grupo no exclusivamente heterosexual el que obtiene peores resultados. Las personas con una orientación sexual diferente a la heterosexual son un colectivo en riesgo psicosocial, quizá por el malestar psicológico asociado a la vivencia de experiencias vitales estresantes y de discriminación asociada a la homofobia y bifobia. Se debaten las implicaciones para las universidades.

Self-reported psychological problems amongst undergraduate dental students: A pilot study in seven European countries.

To map psychological problems amongst undergraduate dental students with a focus on different time points in clinical work in seven Eastern European and Scandinavian countries. A total of 1063 3rd- and 5th-year dental students (response rate 70%) participated in this pilot study and completed a pre-tested, structured questionnaire, which collected information on sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported psychological problems. Data were analysed by bivariate and multivariate methods. The majority of participants were female and were younger than male participants. Most participants, though more females than males, agreed that the clinical work of dentistry was psychologically difficult. Almost half of participants felt nervous before working with patients (N=506, 48%) and experienced a lot of stress whilst working with patients (N=488, 46%); almost one-third (N=287, 27%) felt anxious/worried after working with patients. Being a 3rd- and 4th-year student (vs 5th-year) reduced the odds for anxiety after working with patients; being a 3rd-year student (vs 5th-year) increased the odds for stress whilst working with patients. Studying in countries other than Norway reduced the odds for stress whilst working with patients. Less than good self-perceived health, presence of psychological health complaints before starting dental education, female gender and lack of physical activity increased the odds for psychological problems. A high number of undergraduate dental students reported psychological problems in connection with clinical work. It is unlikely that "one size fits all"; therefore, further qualitative investigations on stressors in clinical learning environments should be done in order to design tailor-made supportive strategies.

The effect of a career choice guidance on self-reported psychological problems.

Late adolescents with career choice problems often have psychological problems as well. The starting point of this study was the question of career choice counselors whether potential clients with career choice problems and psychological problems could be accepted in career choice intervention, or whether it was better to advise them to seek help for their psychological problems. We investigated whether a successful career choice intervention reduced psychological problems, and whether this program was equally effective in participants with low and with high levels of psychological problems. Participants were 45 Dutch students (age 17–24) with career choice problems. They had above average levels of self-reported psychological problems before the start of the intervention. These problems decreased significantly following the intervention. With regard to vocational commitment development, the intervention was equally effective for participants with low or average and with (very) high levels of psychological problems before the start of the intervention.

Women with substance abuse problems exposed to men’s violence – A public mental health challenge

To explore self-rated physical and psychological health in women with substance misuse problems, subjected to male violence. Examination of the health situation in terms of PTSD symptoms (IES-R), personality (SSP), and physical and psychological problems (ASI) for 79 Swedish substance dependent women, 35 women with housing (WwH) and 44 homeless women (HW), 91% had been exposed to male violence (WwH 29; HW 43). The WwH had physical health problems but compared to the HW, significantly less frequent. Both groups were suffering from self-reported psychological problems, in variables measuring stress susceptibility and embitterment, where both WwH and HW had scores markedly above norm mean scores. The HW had overall a poorer health profile compared to the WwH. We suggest underlying factors for physical and psychological health/ill-health, such as experiences of violence, continuously to be addressed in the treatment of women with substance abuse problems.

Poor Sleep as a Risk Factor for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Adolescent Girls

The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between poor sleep and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), and to test the hypothesis that poor sleep is a risk factor for the development of NSSI in young adolescents. Questionnaire data were used from a 2-wave longitudinal study of a community sample of 881 young Swedish adolescents. The results showed that 7 % of the girls reported poor sleep (never or seldom sleeping well), and 20–26 % of the girls reported repeated NSSI (at least 5 instances). Poor sleep was associated prospectively with NSSI among girls, but not among boys. Of girls who responded that they seldom or never slept well at T1, 77 % reported repeated NSSI 1 year later. Poor sleep at T1 was found to predict the incidence of new cases of repeated NSSI in girls at T2, independently of their degree of psychopathology. No similar relationship between poor sleep and NSSI was found in boys. The present results suggest that screening for poor sleep in adolescents may serve to identify a subgroup of girls at risk for developing NSSI. It is concluded that poor sleep in young girls should be taken seriously, even in the absence of other self-reported psychological problems, and that interventions targeted at sleep disturbances may be important for prevention.

Medical, psychiatric and demographic factors associated with suicidal behavior in homeless veterans

This study assessed potential for suicidal behaviors associated with sociodemographic, predisposing physical and mental health factors and self-reported psychological problems among homeless veterans in a large northeastern region. Data were obtained from a demographic and clinical history interview conducted with 3595 homeless veterans. Odds-ratio (OR) statistics were used to assess potential for suicidal behavior. Statistically significant ratios were similar for ideation and attempts. The highest ratios were for self-report of depression and difficulty controlling violence, but statistically significant ratios were found for reporting sleeping in a treatment facility the night before the interview, receiving VA support for a psychiatric condition, and the diagnoses of Alcoholism, Mood Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Low but statistically significant odds-ratios were obtained for most of the physical health items. A negative odds-ratio was obtained for African–American ethnicity. Logistic regression results indicated that for ideation and attempts items entered first involved subjective report of trouble controlling violent behavior and experiencing depression. High odds ratios for the interview items concerning experiencing serious depression and having difficulties controlling violence may have strong implications for treatment and management of homeless veterans. There may be up to 14–1 odds that an individual who reports being seriously depressed or having difficulty inhibiting aggression may have a serious potential for suicidal behaviors.

Screen time, physical activity and mental health among urban adolescents in China

ObjectiveTo test the association between screen time (ST), physical activity (PA) and self-reported psychological problems among urban adolescents aged 11 to 16years. MethodsIn 2010, total 5003 boys and girls were analyzed from 4 junior high schools in Bengbu city of China. The Depression Self-rating Scale for Children, Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders and School Life Satisfaction Rating Questionnaire were administered to obtain information on current mental health. Self-reported ST, PA and dietary intake were also assessed. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the effects of ST and PA on psychological problems. ResultsApproximately 26.1% of adolescents were exposed to ST for more than 2h/day. High ST was a risk factor for depressive symptoms (odds ratio (OR)=1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31–1.76), anxiety symptoms (OR=1.36, 95%CI: 1.18–1.57) and school life dissatisfaction (OR=2.07, 95%CI: 1.79–2.38). Sufficient vigorous PA (VPA) was a protective factor for depressive symptoms (OR=0.78, 95%CI: 0.67–0.91) and school life dissatisfaction (OR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.62–0.85). The combination of high ST and insufficient VPA was associated with the highest prevalence of various psychological problems. ConclusionsHigh ST and insufficient VPA interact to increase depressive, anxiety symptoms and school life dissatisfaction among Chinese adolescents.

Use of mental health services among disaster survivors: predisposing factors

BackgroundGiven the high prevalence of mental health problems after disasters it is important to study health services utilization. This study examines predictors for mental health services (MHS) utilization among survivors of a man-made disaster in the Netherlands (May 2000).MethodsElectronic records of survivors (n = 339; over 18 years and older) registered in a mental health service (MHS) were linked with general practice based electronic medical records (EMRs) of survivors and data obtained in surveys. EMR data were available from 16 months pre-disaster until 3 years post-disaster. Symptoms and diagnoses in the EMRs were coded according to the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC). Surveys were carried out 2–3 weeks and 18 months post-disaster, and included validated questionnaires on psychological distress, post-traumatic stress reactions and social functioning. Demographic and disaster-related variables were available. Predisposing factors for MHS utilization 0–18 months and 18–36 months post-disaster were examined using multiple logistic regression models.ResultsIn multiple logistic models, adjusting for demographic and disaster related variables, MHS utilization was predicted by demographic variables (young age, immigrant, public health insurance, unemployment), disaster-related exposure (relocation and injuries), self-reported psychological problems and pre- and post-disaster physician diagnosed health problems (chronic diseases, musculoskeletal problems). After controlling for all health variables, disaster intrusions and avoidance reactions (OR:2.86; CI:1.48–5.53), hostility (OR:2.04; CI:1.28–3.25), pre-disaster chronic diseases (OR:1.82; CI:1.25–2.65), injuries as a result of the disaster (OR:1.80;CI:1.13–2.86), social functioning problems (OR:1.61;CI:1.05–2.44) and younger age (OR:0.98;CI:0.96–0.99) predicted MHS utilization within 18 months post-disaster. Furthermore, disaster intrusions and avoidance reactions (OR:2.29;CI:1.04–5.07) and hostility (OR:3.77;CI:1.51–9.40) predicted MHS utilization following 18 months post-disaster.ConclusionThis study showed that several demographic and disaster-related variables and self-reported and physician diagnosed health problems predicted post-disaster MHS-use. The most important factors to predict post-disaster MHS utilization were disaster intrusions and avoidance reactions and symptoms of hostility (which can be identified as symptoms of PTSD) and pre-disaster chronic diseases.

Stress in children: how fifth‐year pupils experience stress in everyday life

In many cases, stress in children takes the form of psychosomatic symptoms. The prevalence of headache in children has increased, as has stomach pain and self-reported psychological problems. Many children also experience stress without exhibiting any symptoms, as children perceive, understand and evaluate stress in a variety of different ways. The aim of this study was to describe how fifth-year pupils experience stress in everyday life. An explorative and descriptive design based on phenomenology was chosen to investigate children's lifeworld and lived experience of the phenomenon of stress. The data analysis was based on Giorgi's method. The study comprised 29 children, who were interviewed regarding their experience of stress in everyday life. The results revealed five key constituents: 'fear of being late', 'not having sufficient time', 'physical and mental consequences', 'both a negative and a positive feeling' and 'experiencing significant others' stress'. Together, these key constituents form the overall result. This study demonstrates that stress is a part of children's everyday life. The children described stress that was often acute and linked to situations that occur in everyday life. The results can assist in identifying the factors behind the stress experienced by children. This in turn will facilitate observation and intervention when a child exhibits stress symptoms.

Healing by gentle touch ameliorates stress and other symptoms in people suffering with mental health disorders or psychological stress.

Previous studies on healing by gentle touch in clients with various illnesses indicated substantial improvements in psychological well-being, suggesting that this form of treatment might be helpful for people with impaired quality of mental health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of healing by gentle touch in subjects with self-reported impairments in their psychological well-being or mental health. One hundred and forty-seven clients who identified themselves as having psychological problems received four treatment sessions. Pre- to post-treatment changes in psychological and physical functioning were assessed by self-completed questionnaires which included visual analogue scales (VAS) and the EuroQoL (EQ-5D). Participants recorded reductions in stress, anxiety and depression scores and increases in relaxation and ability to cope scores (all P < 0.0004). Improvements were greatest in those with the most severe symptoms initially. This open study provides strong circumstantial evidence that healing by gentle touch is safe and effective in improving psychological well-being in participants with self-reported psychological problems, and also that it safely complements standard medical treatment. Controlled trials are warranted.

Childhood abuse in Swedish female users of psychiatric services

The aims of this study were to investigate: (1) the prevalence of childhood abuse in women admitted to psychiatric services in a county in the south of Sweden; (2) who the perpetrators were; and (3) the women's self-reported consequences of childhood abuse. The study had a cross-sectional design and was a part of a more comprehensive study. An anonymous self-reported questionnaire was used which included both closed and open-ended questions. The data material were analysed by means of descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U-test and manifest content analysis. The total number of women who participated in the study was 259, 51% of whom reported experiences of abuse during childhood, with 53% of these having been exposed to more than one type of abuse. The most frequent perpetrator was the woman's parents; mainly the fathers but also the mothers turned out to be frequent perpetrators of abuse. Some 75% of the women reported current psychological problems in adulthood related to abuse in childhood. According to a manifest content analysis, five themes of self-reported psychological problems emerged: psychiatric problems, shortcomings in social relations, poor self-confidence, fears and bad memories.

Traumatic stress in late pregnancy

Traumatic stress has traditionally been studied in the aftermath of traumatic events. In contrast, this study aimed to explore if traumatic stress can occur before an event that is perceived as threatening or feared. Traumatic stress, as related to the forthcoming delivery, was studied in 1224 women. Background data and psychological characteristics were assessed in early pregnancy and traumatic stress and fear of childbirth in late pregnancy. Of all subjects, 2.3% met all DSM-IV criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 5.8% fulfilled criteria B, C, and D in late pregnancy. Traumatic stress and fear of childbirth correlated significantly. High trait anxiety, depressive symptomatology, psychological/psychiatric counseling related to childbirth, and self-reported psychological problems, measured in early pregnancy, were risk factors for traumatic stress and fear of childbirth in late pregnancy. Results suggest the occurrence of “pre”traumatic stress (i.e., a threatening forthcoming event provoking symptoms similar to those after a traumatic event).

Psychological problems and client engagement in methadone treatment.

Client attendance at individual counseling sessions in community-based methadone treatment programs was more frequent among clients with self-reported psychological problems at intake. These problems included anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and other symptoms suggesting psychopathology (hallucinations, difficulty controlling violence, etc.). The sample consisted of 462 clients in treatment at least 90 days, divided into two groups of no psychological problems reported at intake (no problems group, N = 341) and two or more problems reported (high problems group, N = 121). The high problems group was twice as likely to attend the treatment program's recommended minimum number of individual counseling sessions (two per month) than was the no problems group, and was more likely to discuss psychological issues in their individual counseling sessions. The high problems group showed significant decreases in drug use and illegal activity in the first 3 months after admission and did not differ significantly from the no problems group on drug-positive urines or illicit activity at month 3. Within the high problems group, clients who attended at least two individual sessions per month reported less cocaine and speedball use during treatment than those who attended fewer sessions.