Psychological Distress Variables Research Articles

Good Together Makes it Better?

Abstract: Introduction: Informal caregiving can lead to burnout. The relationship between burnout and negative states has been the subject of extensive research. This study analyzes the mediation role of a positive psychological variable – the quality of the carer-patient relationship – between psychological distress and informal carers’ burnout. Methods: We recruited Portuguese informal carers of adult cancer patients online ( N = 92) to answer the Quality of Carer-Patient Relationship Scale gauging relationship quality, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales assessing psychological distress, and the Maslach Burnout Interview-Human Services Survey evaluating the dimensions of burnout, depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and reduced personal accomplishment. The cross-sectional data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlations, multiple regressions, and simple mediation analysis. Results: Our results show that psychological distress variables directly affect burnout dimensions, and that relationship quality has a significant indirect effect on each burnout dimension, suggesting that relationship quality partially mediates the association between each distress dimension – depression, anxiety, and stress – and each of the burnout components – depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and personal accomplishment. Discussion/Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of intervening in informal caregiver mental health and patient-caregiver relationships and encourages further investigation into the dynamics of the studied variables.

Wellbeing after finalisation of a workers’ compensation claim: a cross-sectional survey

ABSTRACT Objective Injured workers can be disadvantaged after a workers’ compensation claims ends. This study investigated the association of a range of variables with wellbeing in injured workers who had finalised a workers’ compensation claim >3 months prior. Methods On-line, cross-sectional survey (n = 129, 55.81% female). Wellbeing was measured using the Psychological Wellbeing 18-item (PWB) and the Personal Wellbeing Score (PWS). Results Multivariable quantile regression analysis controlling for education level demonstrated associations between the PWB and levels of psychological distress -1.53 (95% CI -2.11 to -0.94), p < 0.001 and resilience 6.51 (95% CI 2.65 to 10.37), p = 0.001, and between the PWS and levels of psychological distress -0.04 (95% CI -0.51 to -0.29), p < 0.001 and resilience 1.2 (95% CI 0.47 to 1.93), p = 0.001. Conclusions Contemporaneous variables of resilience and psychological distress were stronger correlates with wellbeing than historic claim-related variables.

First-year domestic and international university students’ knowledge and use of mental health services and self-care practices in Australia

ABSTRACT Objective Transitioning to university brings challenges and stress that could be mitigated through self-care practices and knowledge and use of mental health services. This study examined these variables in first-year students at an Australian university, exploring any differences between international and domestic students and whether demographic variables and psychological distress influence knowledge and use of mental health services and self-care practices. Method Participants were 821 first-year students (77.6% female, 25.2% international, Mage = 20.7, SDage = 5.54 years). Measures included the Mental Health Literacy Scale, purpose-written questions about awareness, confidence, and engagement with mental health services, self-care knowledge and use, and PsyCheck. T-tests examined differences between domestic and international students. Hierarchical regression analysis assessed relationships between demographic factors, psychological distress, and mental health-related variables. Results Compared with international students, domestic students had greater awareness, confidence, and engagement in mental health services, and better self-care knowledge. Demographic variables were associated with mental health outcomes, with limited model strength. Psychological distress was associated with less knowledge and confidence in accessing mental health services yet higher engagement with services, and lower self-care knowledge and use. Conclusions The findings underscore the need for targeted mental health resources, particularly for international students and those experiencing higher psychological distress.

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

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

Comparing the Incremental Predictive Validity of Self-as-Context-Related Measures.

The comparative incremental validity of five self-as-context measures in predicting psychological distress and satisfaction with life, after controlling for relevant demographic variables and other psychological flexibility processes, was evaluated in a college student sample (N = 315). All of the measures except the self-as-context subscale of the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (Rolffs et al., 2018) separately accounted for a significant increase in variability in psychological distress. The centering subscale of the Self-as-Context Scale (Zettle et al., 2018) was the only measure to also display incremental predictive validity in accounting for significant variance in life satisfaction. The conceptual and clinical implications of the findings in the context of study limitations are discussed.

Ableist microaggressions and psychological distress among adults with disabilities: The role of disability visibility.

Experiences of disability-based discrimination among adults with disabilities (AWD) span individual, interpersonal, and structural domains that are implicated in mental health disparities. Ableist microaggressions, a subtle and contemporary form of disability-based discrimination, are positively associated with psychological distress. Additionally, disability characteristics may impact mental health outcomes differently. This study investigated (a) the association between lifetime experiences of ableist microaggressions and psychological distress and (b) the moderating effect of disability visibility. A cross-sectional survey-based online study through Amazon's Mechanical Turk was conducted among 995 AWD whose ages ranged from 18 to 70 (M = 34.73, SD = 9.45). After adjusting for confounds linear regression analyses revealed a significant, positive relationship between ableist microaggressions and depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Models explained approximately 18%-23% of the variance in psychological distress. Moderation analyses indicated that associations were stronger among participants with less visible disabilities. Findings underscore disability visibility as an important correlate in AWD mental health disparities. Results should be interpreted within the scope of the sampling procedures and sample demographics. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Maladaptive daydreaming as emotion regulation strategy: exploring the association with emotion regulation, psychological symptoms, and negative problem-solving orientation

Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is a dysfunctional mental activity characterized by an excessive immersion in fantasy, whose function is being increasingly discussed and investigated. Accordingly, this study aims to examine its function as an emotion regulation strategy among MDers by evaluating the pattern of associations among MD, emotion regulation (ER) difficulties, anxiety, depression, stress symptoms, and negative problem-solving orientation. The mediating role of MD level in the association between difficulties in ER and both the psychological distress variables and negative problem-solving orientation was evaluated. N = 252 MDers, aged 18–70 years (Mage = 30.63, SD = 11.40, 84.1% females), participated in the study and completed self-report measures. Some unexpected results emerged: among difficulties in ER’s dimensions, only lack of emotional self-awareness negatively and significantly associated with all symptom variables; solely difficulty pursuing goals when experiencing negative emotions and reduced trust in one’s capacity to self-regulate positively and significantly correlated with MD. MD negatively correlated with depression, anxiety, and negative problem-solving orientation. Three mediation models showed the mediating role of MD in reducing the negative effect of difficulty pursuing goals when experiencing negative emotions on both anxiety and negative problem-solving orientation and of trust in one’s capacity to self-regulate on negative problem-solving orientation. Overall, findings seem to point to functional peculiarities among MDers and support the view of MD as an emotion regulation strategy allowing the management and reduction of negative emotions and negative perceptions of problem situations. Notwithstanding, further research evaluating the potential moderating role of MD-specific fantasies is warranted. Unexpected findings are discussed.

Psychometric examination of the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory Short Form (MPFI-24) and the Psy-Flex Spanish versions in individuals with chronic pain.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been found to be beneficial for individuals dealing with chronic pain. The theoretical mechanisms of change proposed by ACT are based on the Hexaflex model. To comprehensively reflect this model, the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI) and Psy-Flex have been developed. The study aimed to adapt the MPFI-24 and the Psy-Flex for Spanish-speaking populations with chronic pain and to examine their dimensionality, internal consistency, convergent validity and incremental validity. This cross-sectional study involved 309 Spanish-speaking adults with chronic pain who completed an online survey. The majority of the participants were women (88.3%). The ages ranged from 18 to 79 years. Factor analysis showed that the Spanish version of the MPFI-24 has 12 factors, consisting of six flexibility and six inflexibility factors, similar to the original version, but lacking second-order general factors. The Psy-Flex demonstrated a single-factor structure, maintaining the general factor of psychological flexibility seen in the original version. The MPFI-24 showed good internal consistency and adequate convergent validity, with the exception of the Acceptance and Experiential Avoidance subscales. The Psy-Flex showed good internal consistency and convergent validity. Notably, both the MPFI-24 and Psy-Flex scores significantly explained additional variance in psychological distress beyond other ACT-related measures of Hexaflex processes; however, only the Psy-Flex explained pain interference. The Spanish adaptations of the MPFI-24 and Psy-Flex are valid and reliable instruments for assessing the Hexaflex model processes in Spanish-speaking adults with chronic pain. Practitioners and researchers in chronic pain will find the Spanish versions of the MPFI-24 and the Psy-Flex here, along with recommendations for their use and scoring based on a robust psychometric rationale. It should be noted that these measures surpass the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ) and the Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale (PIPS), which are considered gold standards in chronic pain assessment.

Cognitive distortions as a mediator of the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and psychological distress among college students

Objective This study examined the mediating role of cognitive distortions (CDs) in the relationship between dispositional mindfulness (DM) and psychological distress, and considered gender as a potential moderator of these mediation models. Participants Four hundred and forty-six college students (63.9% female; M = 20.52 years; 87.4% undergraduate, 12.6% graduate level) participated. Methods Self-report measures of DM, CDs, anxiety, depression, and perceived stress were completed with data collected from April to October of 2020. Results Females scored significantly higher than males on anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and CDs. CDs partially mediated the relationship between DM and all psychological distress variables. Gender moderated the mediation model predicting anxiety, with the indirect effect of DM on anxiety via CDs being stronger for females than males. Conclusion Results support CDs as a possible mechanism underlying the association between DM and psychological distress with implications for targeting cognitive patterns in mindfulness-based interventions with college students.

Psychological distress and alcohol use disorder in college students of color: Social support’s moderating properties

Alcohol use is prevalent among college students. Research has found that psychological distress in the form of depression, anxiety, or loneliness has been consistently associated with greater alcohol use. Because Students of Color (SoC) disproportionately experience greater psychological distress than White students, it is critical to determine buffers against psychological distress and subsequent alcohol use consequences. Previous literature found that social support can protect against the effects of psychological distress and weaken its link with alcohol use. This study aimed to determine the moderating effect of social support in the relation between psychological distress and alcohol use among SoC. College Students of Color from across the U.S. (n = 211, M age = 27.51, SD = 9.63) were recruited via Prolific to answer an online survey through Qualtrics. Linear regression analyses showed that psychological distress variables (i.e., depression, anxiety, and loneliness) were positively associated with alcohol use. However, moderation analysis did not find any form of social support to moderate the relation between psychological distress variables and alcohol use. Future research needs to identify other protective factors against alcohol use to support SoC in their academic journey.

Selfitis Behaviour as Predictor of Psychological Distress among Students of Dhaka City

Selfie is an interesting self-portrait phenomenon that has changed young people's communication and leisure time. Instead of living in the present moment, people are busy clicking selfies and uploading them on social media, adversely impacting their psychological health. Thus, the present study was designed to explore the impact of selfitis behavior on psychological distress among students at various educational levels (i.e., schools, colleges, and universities). Data were collected purposively from 400 participants at different educational institutions situated in Dhaka city. A package of Bangla-adapted versions (Zaman and Konica, 2019) of measuring tools (i.e., selfitis behavior scale and psychological distress scale) and a personal information form were used to collect the necessary information regarding the study. Results revealed that selfitis behavior was positively correlated with psychological distress. The individual effect of selfitis behavior construct identified two significant predictors (i.e., environmental enhancement and attention seeking), which jointly explained 12.6% of the variance in psychological distress. Here, the strongest predictor of psychological distress was attention-seeking, which alone explained 10.3% of the variance in psychological distress. Further, results also revealed that the three significant demographic predictors (i.e., socioeconomic status, daily selfie-taking, and educational qualification) jointly explained 16.1% of the variance in psychological distress. These results suggest valuable insights for researchers, educators, and educational counselors dealing with these concerns. Additionally, the findings would aid psychologists, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders in comprehending the factors contributing to psychological distress. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 9(2): 133-146, 2023 (December)

Positive Emotions in Family Caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease Patients: Factors Associated with Gain in Caregiving from a Gender Perspective.

Background/Objectives: Gender differences in the variables of burden, anxiety, depression, and others associated with psychological distress have been found in studies on caregivers caring for a dependent relative, but a gender perspective is seldom used when analysing the positive aspects of caregiving. This study contributes to filling this gap by analysing gender differences in caregivers in a specific positive variable: gain. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used in a sample of 44 male and 96 female caregivers from Family Alzheimer Associations. Gender differences were analysed in demographic and psychological variables associated with the caregiving situation. Results: Female caregivers showed higher psychological distress than male caregivers, but gender differences in gain were only obvious when a deeper analysis of the GAIN scale responses was performed. The mediational role of psychological distress and other predictive variables showed a different pattern in male and female caregivers. The important predictive and mediating role that psychological distress plays in the greater perception of gains in caregiving and the result showing that female caregivers are the ones with poorer mental health support the need for preventive and therapeutic programs specifically targeting the positive aspects of caregiving in female caregivers. Conclusions: Three aspects could be highlighted in this study: family caregivers of AD patients perceived gain in the caregiving situation; gender plays a differential role in the perception of gain; and, finally, psychological distress should be the target when interventions are planned, not only to alleviate negative aspects but also to increase the positive aspects of caregiving.

ASSOCIATION OF RELIGIOUS ORIENTATION WITH DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS AMONG MALE PATIENTS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER IN PAKISTAN

OBJECTIVES Religion has been discussed in numerous research studies with reference to its significance in mental health outcomes. It has gained its attention of researchers due to its pivotal role in the lives of human kind. Present study aims to investigate the predictive relationship of religious orientation on psychological constructs including depression, anxiety & stress) in male patients with substance use disorder (SUD). STUDY DESIGN This study was conducted by using a Cross-sectional study design. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Study was carried out from April- July, 2018 in Karachi Pakistan. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS The sample included 200 Muslim male patients with SUD. The age ranges between 18 to 45 years (M =28.14; SD =6.55) were taken from substance use treatment and rehabilitation centers located in Karachi, Pakistan using purposive sampling. Personal Information Form and Urdu translations of the scales including Muslim Attitude towards Religion Scale (MARS) and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used to conduct this study. RESULTS Results revealed a significant association of religious orientation with the variables of psychological distress, i.e., depression (adj R2=.994, F (4, 196) =5424.24, P < .01(, anxiety (adj R2=.97, F (4,196) =1309.5, P < .01(, and stress (adj R2 =.991, F (4,196) =3854.2, .00 P < .01(. CONCLUSION Religion has significant role in wellbeing of its believers in general, and specifically among patients with SUD. Present findings also show that religious orientation has significant contribution in psychological distress such as, “depression”, “anxiety” and “stress” in male patients with SUD. Substance use treatment practitioners may develop interventions by considering the cultural and religion aspect for better treatment outcome and to improve their wellbeing. Further, religious orientation may serve an important variable to have better treatment outcome, and to address mental health issues which may also improve their wellbeing.

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic among Healthcare Personnel in United Arab Emirates

Given the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic, adverse psychological outcomes are expected to occur among healthcare personnel (HCPs). However, little is known about these outcomes within Ras al Khaimah, UAE. This study aims to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare personnel from different hospitals and clinics in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE. An online questionnaire was distributed to healthcare personnel within Ras al Khaimah, UAE, through an institutional email that enabled them to enroll in the study after giving informed consent. Likert scale was used to calculate the relation between demographic factors and 13 variables of psychological distress. An unpaired t-test was applied. This study shows that 31.7% of HCPs in RAK report moderate to high levels of anxiety due to concerns of potential workplace exposure, 41.6% are afraid of infecting their families and 13.1% find themselves feeling isolated from their families. Those who were younger than 45 years old, unmarried people and having more than two children were more likely to experience psychological distress than their counterparts. While the adverse psychological impact within this population is not as severe as what was noted in different populations in other countries, they must be addressed. It is important to ensure that HCPs have the appropriate physical and mental resources to persevere through similar stressful periods in the future.

Mental health and quality of life among Norwegian child welfare service workers

ABSTRACT Social workers in child welfare services play an important role in preventing crises and identifying the need for and implementing relevant measures among children and families of different ages and circumstances, often with little recognition. The main aim of this study was to examine mental health and overall- and professional quality of life of 978 Norwegian child welfare (CW) service workers. The design was cross-sectional and quantitative analyses showed that several demographic and job-related factors were associated with poorer mental health and quality of life. Approximately half of the respondents showed levels of psychological distress that warranted professional support and moderate or high levels of burnout and secondary stress (professional quality of life). Professional quality of life explained most of the variance in psychological distress and overall quality of life, respectively, after controlling for demographic and job-related variables. The findings of this study can lay the foundation for preventing mental health and quality of life issues among CW workers, as it indicates the focus areas for schools of social work in terms of the mental health of students and future CW workers.

Psychological distress among South African healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed immense pressure on healthcare workers (HCWs). This study sought to find the prevalence and factors associated with psychological distress among HCWs in South Africa during the beginning phases of COVID-19 and make relevant recommendations. The survey was administered online through a data-free platform. Data were benchmarked to the national population of over 500 000 healthcare professionals in South Africa. Multiple logistic regressions were used to determine association between psychological distress and potential explanatory variables. A total of 7607 healthcare professionals participated in the study (1760 nurses, 2843 medical practitioners and 3004 other healthcare professionals). Half of the nurses, 41% of medical practitioners and 47% of other healthcare professionals were classified as psychologically distressed. Those who were of older age, provided with well-being support services and having a positive outlook on the healthcare system were significantly less likely to be distressed. Being female medical practitioners and female other healthcare professions, requesting routine counselling, being concerned about not having enough leave and that their life insurance policy did not cover COVID-19 were more likely to be distressed. Psychological well-being of HCWs in South Africa is at risk. We recommend that psychological distress of HCWs be routinely assessed and that routine counselling, well-being support services, appropriate hazardous leave and insurance be provided to all HCWs.Contribution: This study adds to the literature on the psychological distress faced by HCWs in South Africa during COVID-19.

The moderating effect of psychological distress in the association between temperaments and dark future among young adults

ObjectiveThe aim of the current study is to evaluate the moderating effect of psychological distress variables, depression, anxiety and stress on the relationship between affective temperaments and future anxiety, assessed with the Dark Future scale.MethodsLebanese adults from all districts/governorates of Lebanon participated in this cross-sectional study. The data was collected through a questionnaire including: a section about sociodemographic characteristics, the Dark Future scale (DFS), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-8) and the Affective Temperament Scale (TEMPS-M).ResultsThe interaction irritable temperament by psychological distress (p = .007) was significantly associated with dark future; at low levels of psychological distress, more irritable temperament (Beta = 0.16) was significantly associated with more dark future. The interaction anxious temperament by psychological distress (p = .010) was significantly associated with dark future; at low (Beta = 0.34), moderate (Beta = 0.25) and high (Beta = 0.15) levels of psychological distress, more anxious temperament was significantly associated with more dark future.ConclusionThe nature of the associations among depression, anxiety and stress, specific temperaments and anxiety towards the future in a sample of Lebanese individuals was clarified. This is especially significant as Lebanese people live in circumstances that promote psychological distress and future anxiety such as dramatic economic and political crises, instability and lack of security in different aspects of life.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Transdiagnostic Treatment on Psychological Distress and Mindfulness in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Transdiagnostic Treatment on psychological distress and mindfulness in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Methods and Materials: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest and follow-up design, including a control group. The study population consisted of all women aged 20 to 40 with MS who were members of the Amol MS Society during the first six months of 2023. The research sample included 48 individuals with MS, who were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. The research instruments included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (Kessler, 2002) and the Baer et al. Mindfulness Questionnaire (Baer et al., 2006). Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc tests, with the aid of SPSS software version 24. Findings: The results indicated that there were significant differences between the effects of ACT, Transdiagnostic Treatment, and the control group on the variables of psychological distress and mindfulness (P < 0.05). Moreover, the post hoc test results suggested that Transdiagnostic Treatment had a more substantial therapeutic effect on improving mindfulness in patients with MS compared to ACT. The two-month follow-up demonstrated the stability of the study results. Conclusion: The effectiveness of both approaches suggests that clinicians and treatment teams can mitigate the severity of psychological and emotional symptoms associated with chronic illnesses by integrating psychological treatment approaches alongside biological therapies, thereby facilitating the treatment process.

Mindfulness, Social Support, and Psychological Distress Among Jordanian Burn Patients.

Burn is associated with psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. Social support and mindfulness are considered a strength source for postburn survivors to resume their daily living activities. There is a lack of literature that supported the direct impact of mindfulness on social support and psychological distress among burn survivors. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of mindfulness and social support in enhancing the psychological well-being of burn survivors in Jordan. A cross-sectional descriptive design and convenience sampling technique were utilized to meet the study goal. A self-reported questionnaire was completed by a sample of 212 burn survivors. The questionnaire consists of 3 tools to measure psychological distress, social support, and mindfulness. A significant correlation was found between social support and psychological distress among the Jordanian burn survivors. Mindfulness revealed a distinctive variance in psychological distress among the study participants. In addition, some sociodemographic and clinical data have a relationship with psychological distress. Several factors among burn survivors have influenced their psychological and social support status. Also, mindfulness is important for enhancing psychological well-being and affecting the social support among burn patients.

COULD PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY PLAY A BUFFERING ROLE AGAINST THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF DEPRESSION, STRESS, AND ANXIETY IN GENERAL POPULATION:

The main purpose of the current study was to explore possible unique links between overall psychological flexibility (PF), its six processes (acceptance, defusion, present moment awareness, self as context, values and committed action) and psychological distress (depression, anxiety and stress). The data were collected from 331 participants from various universities in Turkey and canonical correlation analysis was utilized to test interrelationships between the variable sets. According to the findings psychological flexibility and psychological distress variable sets share a moderate variance of 40% and 15% of variance PF variate was explained by psychological distress variables, while 30% of variance in psychological distress variate was explained by PF variables. Findings also showed the negative connectivity of defusion, present moment awareness, and values, and committed action and total PF with all psychological distress variables. But, although at the bivariate level acceptance and self-as-context were inversely related with anxiety and stress, not with depression, these links were not observed in canonical correlation analysis. As a result our findings collectively reaffirms the importance and protective role of overall PF and its processes for understanding the onset and maintenance of depression, anxiety, and stress.