Well-being Of Young Adults Research Articles

A Web-Based Intervention to Support a Growth Mindset and Well-Being in Unemployed Young Adults: Development Study.

Engaging young adults in the labor market is vital for economic growth and well-being. However, the path to employment often presents setbacks that impact motivation and psychological functioning. Research suggests exploring positive psychology interventions in job-seeking and scaling the delivery of these using technology. However, dropout rates are high for self-administered psychological interventions on digital platforms. This challenge needs to be addressed for such platforms to be effective conveyors of psychological interventions. This study addresses this challenge by exploring user-oriented methods and proposes persuasive features for the design and development of a new web-based intervention targeting young unemployed adults. This study aims to provide an overview of a new positive psychology wise intervention, including its theoretical underpinnings and human-centered design methodology, targeting young, unemployed adults. Researchers collaborated with designers, developers, and stakeholders to design a web-based positive psychology intervention that leverages evidence-based wise interventions. Key improvements and adaptations were explored through formative usability testing with 13 unemployed young adults aged between 18 and 25 years (the target population). Qualitative usability testing data were collected, analyzed, and integrated into the ongoing design process as iterative improvements. The result of this study is a modular intervention web application named RØST, designed to align with the user needs and the preferences of the specific end-user group of unemployed young adults. During the project, this application evolved from early concept sketches and prototypes into a developed solution ready for further testing and use. Insights from both end-user feedback and rich user observation gained in the study were used to refine the content and the design. To increase targeted end users' motivation, persuasive design features including praise, rewards, and reminders were added. The web application was designed primarily to be used on mobile phones using text messaging for reminders. The development process included technical and data protection considerations. This study offers valuable insights into developing psychological or behavioral interventions to support unemployed young adults by documenting the design process and the adaptation and combination of diverse theoretical and empirical foundations. Involving stakeholders and end users in the development enabled relatable content development and resolved potential usability problems. An essential implication is the finding that end-user feedback and insights are crucial in shaping interventions. However, we experienced tensions between the evidence-based interventions and the human-centered design approaches. These tensions were not resolved and highlighted a need for ongoing user motivation support through monetary rewards, which were incorporated into the final web app design.

Promoting Resilience and Well-Being of Young Adults with Diabetes Through Digital Storytelling in Arts-Based Research

ABSTRACT This arts-based research explores the role and impact of digital storytelling in supporting young adults with diabetes in China to face diabetes-related stigma and promote resilience and well-being. Twenty participants with diabetes recounted their experiences across three workshops and shared their perspectives on digital storytelling through semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that digital storytelling, as a health intervention, facilitates a comfortable environment for participants to articulate the traumatic impact of diabetes stigma. It encourages collective support and fosters a reinterpretation of the diabetes experience, enhancing participants’ capacity for future health management. The results also highlight the limitations of digital storytelling, particularly concerning its accessibility and transparency. Participants’ experiences underscore the need for careful consideration of these challenges to maximize the therapeutic potential of digital storytelling in the context of chronic illness management.

Childhood Maltreatment, School Social Bonds, and Dating Violence Victimization: Mediational Model Differences by Disability Status

Abstract Purpose Childhood maltreatment (CM) and dating violence victimization (DVV) are significant social concerns with far-reaching consequences for the well-being and development of young adults. The purpose of this study is to understand the role of school social bonds (SSB) in the association between CM and DVV during young adulthood and to compare these relationships between young adults with and without disabilities. Methods Using a weighted sample consisting of 21.1% youth with disabilities and 78.9% youth without disabilities from the National Longitudinal Study for Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), Structural equation models (SEM) were tested for both the non-disabled and disabled groups. Results Results from SEM indicated a direct relationship between CM and DVV for both groups with significant path coefficients. CM had a negative influence on SSB for the disabled group. Mediation analyses underscored the significance of SSB, demonstrating that higher CM levels were associated with increased rates of DVV, while stronger SSB was correlated with a reduced risk of DVV. The indirect effect of CM on DVV through SSB was statistically significant only for young adults with disabilities. Conclusions This study emphasizes the importance of evidence-based policies, practices, and interventions aimed at breaking the pathways from CM to DVV by establishing positive SSB and promoting the well-being of young adults, particularly those with disabilities.

More than fun and games: Problematic sports betting and its adverse impact on mental health and well-being in young adults

BackgroundThe rapid rise in sports betting, especially among young adults (age 18–29), necessitates identifying health correlates of this addictive behavior. The present study examined associations between problem sports betting symptoms and mental health and well-being, which represents a timely literature gap. MethodThe sample was 221 young adult sport bettors from 36 different states (Mage = 24.4, 77.7% male). Regression models estimated associations between problem sports betting severity (PGSI-SB) and symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychological distress, loneliness, and stress, as well as indices of well-being, including satisfaction with life, optimism, connectedness, and social functioning. ResultsYoung adults with greater problem sports betting severity had significantly higher scores on each index of mental health symptomology and had poorer indices of well-being. The strongest relative effect size was the association between problem sports betting severity and stress (a 1SD increase in PGSI-SB score corresponded to 48% of a standard deviation increase in stress). ConclusionsThis study provides novel and timely evidence for associations between problem sports betting and various indices of mental health and well-being; thus, highlighting the need for rapid development of holistic prevention/intervention strategies aimed at the intersection of problem sports betting and mental health.

Mood, Quality of Life, and Immune Fitness During the COVID-19 Pandemic of Young Adults in Germany.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected young adults' lives globally, including those in Germany. This study investigated mental health and quality of life during the pandemic, with a particular focus on mood. Immune fitness, the body's capacity to respond to health challenges (such as infections) by activating an appropriate immune response, was assessed as a physical health indicator. Methods: Data were collected from 317 participants, aged 18 to 35, via an online survey conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. Participants included 103 men (32.5%) and 214 women (67.5%), with a mean age of 25.5 years (SD = 4.1). Results: Compared to pre-pandemic levels, significant declines in mood, quality of life, immune fitness, and sleep quality were observed during the lockdown periods of the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.0125). The most pronounced effects were observed during the second lockdown, with declines extending into the second no-lockdown period for fatigue, depression, happiness, optimism, and immune fitness (p < 0.0125). Significant sex differences were found for the magnitude of mood effects (anxiety, depression, stress). No significant differences were found according to age or occupational status (student vs. work). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown periods had a significant negative effect on the mood, immune fitness, and well-being of young adults living in Germany.

Can self-guided colouring improve university student wellbeing, mental health, and mindfulness?

ABSTRACT Background Mindfulness-based interventions can successfully improve wellbeing in young adults. Mindful colouring is an applied mindfulness practice and improves short-term wellbeing. Less evidence is available about the effectiveness of regular, self-guided colouring. We investigated a self-guided two-week colouring intervention for university student wellbeing. Methods One-hundred and forty university students completed a minimum of 10-min self-guided colouring, six times over two weeks. Participants were assessed at baseline and two-week follow-up using self-report measures of wellbeing, relating to quality of life, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and mindfulness. Results Colouring significantly improved all measures of mental health, wellbeing and mindfulness in students who completed at least six sessions of self-guided colouring. Conclusion Colouring is an accessible activity that can improve student wellbeing when carried out regularly over two weeks. Future research should investigate the impact of longer-term colouring practice on wellbeing, and the effect of this intervention in the general adult population.

Role of Spiritual Well-Being, Resilience and Affective State on Psychological Well-Being of Young Adults

Role of Spiritual Well-Being, Resilience and Affective State on Psychological Well-Being of Young Adults

Effect of Guided Imagery, Sports Activity &amp; Composite Training in the Management of Nomophobia

Nomophobia, the fear of being without a mobile phone, has become a prevalent issue in modern society. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of three intervention approaches in managing nomophobia: guided imagery, sports activity, and composite training. For data Self-made nomophobia questionnaires were applied on 200 college student samples aged 18-24, out of which 80 nomophobic students were selected. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups or a control group. The guided imagery group engaged in relaxation techniques and visualization exercises, while the sports activity group participated in physical activities. The composite training group received a combination of guided imagery and sports activities. The control group did not receive any intervention. Nomophobia levels were assessed using the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) before and after the interventions. Results showed that all three intervention groups experienced a significant reduction in nomophobia levels compared to the control group. The sports activity group demonstrated the most substantial decrease in nomophobia scores. The findings suggest that a combined approach of guided imagery and sports activity may be the most effective in managing nomophobia among college students aged 18-24. These insights contribute to developing targeted strategies to address the growing concern of nomophobia and its potential negative impacts on the mental health and well-being of young adults.

Music Evoked Nostalgia and Wellbeing in Autistic and Non-Autistic Young Adults

Nostalgia is known to boost state wellbeing and authenticity for people in the general population. However, little research has explored nostalgia’s benefits outside of the general population. This study had two: (1) to explore music evoked nostalgia and its effects on mood, state wellbeing and authenticity in autistic individuals, a group of people who tend to experience reduced wellbeing, compared to non-autistic individuals and (2) to examine the influence of dispositional rumination and reflection on any benefits gained from nostalgic recollection. 146 autistic (69 diagnosed and 77 who self-identified as autistic) and 174 non-autistic people aged 18–25 took part in an online survey. Participants completed scales measuring autistic traits, rumination and reflection. They also reported their mood before, and their mood, state wellbeing and authenticity after a nostalgia manipulation, in which they either listened to and reflected on a nostalgic or a non-nostalgic song. Music evoked nostalgia (versus control) boosted state wellbeing and authenticity in autistic as well as non-autistic individuals. Results also indicated that people who were prone to reflection versus rumination were more likely to reap wellbeing benefits of engaging in nostalgia. This study is the first to show that music evoked nostalgia boosts state wellbeing and authenticity in autistic as well as in non-autistic individuals. Findings suggest that, depending on individual tendencies towards rumination and/or reflection, nostalgia could be viewed as a positive activity that autistic people could use to support wellbeing, aiding their day to day living in the non-autistic social world.

Adolescent close friendships, self-perceived social acceptance, and peer-rated likeability as predictors of wellbeing in young adulthood

IntroductionLinks between interpersonal relationships and physical and psychological functioning have been well-established in the literature. During adolescence, success or distress in peer relationships may have distinct effects on different aspects of wellbeing. The present study aims to examine the ways in which different adolescent peer relationship contexts (i.e., close friendship quality, social acceptance, and likability from peers) can predict outcomes relevant to adult wellbeing (i.e., social anxiety, depression, aggression, social integration, romantic insecurity, job satisfaction, and physical health). Further, the study considers how different developmental stages of adolescence may impact links between peer relationships and wellbeing outcomes.MethodPeer relationship contexts were assessed in early (ages 13–14) and late (ages 17–18) adolescence. Markers of wellbeing were measured in young adulthood (ages 28–30). A path analysis was used to examine whether the developmental timing of adolescent peer relationship contexts could predict wellbeing in young adulthood.ResultsResults suggest that, across adolescence, broader perceived social acceptance may be a more robust predictor of adult wellbeing compared to close friendship quality and peer likability. When examined at early and late adolescence separately, early adolescent social acceptance and late adolescent close friendship quality best predicted outcomes of adult wellbeing.DiscussionImplications and considerations for future research are discussed.

Parental Financial Socialization, Financial Learning and Financial Well-being of Young Adults: A Serial Mediation Analysis via Financial Behavior and Financial Self-efficacy

Parental Financial Socialization, Financial Learning and Financial Well-being of Young Adults: A Serial Mediation Analysis via Financial Behavior and Financial Self-efficacy

Perceived cognitive loss, symptomology, and psychological well-being with bipolar disorder

BackgroundAdults with bipolar disorder (BD) commonly present with cognitive deficits. Many also report subjective or perceived cognitive failures. For this study, we identified four distinct clusters of adults with BD on the basis of both BD symptoms (depression and hypo/mania) and perceived cognitive errors (i.e., forgetfulness, distractibility, false triggering). We hypothesized that participants reporting more BD symptoms and cognitive errors would report lower psychological well-being (i.e., self-efficacy, life scheme, life satisfaction). A second objective was to determine if and how clusters differed in terms of BD related factors (e.g., subtypes, sleep, medications) and sociodemographic differences such as age of participants. From the BADAS (Bipolar Affective Disorder and older Adults) Study, we identified 281adults with BD (M = 44.27 years of age, range 19–81), recruited via social media. ResultsAll clusters significantly differed across all grouping variables except symptoms of hypo/mania due to low frequency. Across clusters, perceived cognitive failures and BD symptoms increased in lockstep; that is, those reporting more cognitive errors also reported significantly higher symptoms of both depression and hypo/mania. As hypothesized, they also reported significantly lower psychological well-being.ConclusionsAge did not significantly differ across clusters in contrast to existing research in which cognitive loss is objectively measured. That is, perceived cognitive errors are significantly associated with lower psychological well-being for both young and older adults with BD.

Emotional competence self-help mobile phone app versus cognitive behavioural self-help app versus self-monitoring app to promote mental wellbeing in healthy young adults (ECoWeB PROMOTE): an international, multicentre, parallel, open-label, randomised controlled trial.

Based on evidence that mental health is more than an absence of mental disorders, there have been calls to find ways to promote flourishing at a population level, especially in young people, which requires effective and scalable interventions. Despite their potential for scalability, few mental wellbeing apps have been rigorously tested in high-powered trials, derived from models of healthy emotional functioning, or tailored to individual profiles. We aimed to test a personalised emotional competence self-help app versus a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) self-help app versus a self-monitoring app to promote mental wellbeing in healthy young people. This international, multicentre, parallel, open-label, randomised controlled trial within a cohort multiple randomised trial (including a parallel trial of depression prevention) was done at four university trial sites in four countries (the UK, Germany, Spain, and Belgium). Participants were recruited from schools and universities and via social media from the four respective countries. Eligible participants were aged 16-22 years with well adjusted emotional competence profiles and no current or past diagnosis of major depression. Participants were randomised (1:1:1) to usual practice plus either the emotional competence app, the CBT app or the self-monitoring app, by an independent computerised system, minimised by country, age, and self-reported gender, and followed up for 12 months post-randomisation. The primary outcome was mental wellbeing (indexed by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well Being Scale [WEMWBS]) at 3-month follow-up, analysed in participants who completed the 3-month follow-up assessment. Outcome assessors were masked to group allocation. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04148508, and is closed. Between Oct 15, 2020, and Aug 3, 2021, 2532 participants were enrolled, and 847 were randomly assigned to the emotional competence app, 841 to the CBT app, and 844 to the self-monitoring app. Mean age was 19·2 years (SD 1·8). Of 2532 participants self-reporting gender, 1896 (74·9%) were female, 613 (24·2%) were male, 16 (0·6%) were neither, and seven (0·3%) were both. 425 participants in the emotional competence app group, 443 in the CT app group, and 447 in the self-monitoring app group completed the follow-up assessment at 3 months. There was no difference in mental wellbeing between the groups at 3 months (global p=0·47). The emotional competence app did not differ from the CBT app (mean difference in WEMWBS -0·21 [95% CI -1·08 to 0·66]) or the self-monitoring app (0·32 [-0·54 to 1·19]) and the CBT app did not differ from the self-monitoring app (0·53 [-0·33 to 1·39]). 14 of 1315 participants were admitted to or treated in hospital (or both) for mental health-related reasons, which were considered unrelated to the interventions (five participants in the emotional competence app group, eight in the CBT app group, and one in the self-monitoring app group). No deaths occurred. The emotional competence app and the CBT app provided limited benefit in promoting mental wellbeing in healthy young people. This finding might reflect the low intensity of these interventions and the difficulty improving mental wellbeing via universal digital interventions implemented in low-risk populations. European Commission.

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

Dealing with Overparenting: Developmental Outcomes in Emerging Adults Exposed to Overprotection and Overcontrol

AbstractOverparenting is defined as a parenting style characterized by overprotection, overcontrol, and an excess of involvement in the life of one’s offspring. These types of parenting practices turn out to be particularly intrusive during the period of emerging adults in which the need for autonomy is the element that most characterizes this stage of development. The current review aimed at summarizing studies that considered the repercussions of overparenting’s dysfunctional behaviors on offspring during the developmental phase of emerging adulthood and was carried out using the new Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Articles were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases. After having initially considered 832 papers, 31 studies were deemed eligible to be included in this review. The analysis of these studies showed that individuals subjected to overparenting are prone to developing various internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Internalizing symptoms are more prevalent and are often associated with conditions such as depression, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety. Pivotal recommendations have been suggested to reduce the impact of overparenting practices on the well-being of young adults. These include the development of coping strategies and the development of trust, resilience, and open communication within the supportive context of clinical intervention.

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.

Exploring Gender Differences, Perceptions, and Behaviors: The Interplay Between Social Media Addiction and Social Appearance Anxiety Among Young Adults

The pervasive influence of social media has significantly impacted the mental health and well-being of young adults, particularly through increased social media addiction (SMA) and social appearance anxiety (SAA). Our study investigates the relationship between social media addiction and social appearance anxiety among young adults, highlighting the interplay between compulsive social media use and concerns about physical appearance. A sample of 549 undergraduate students from Turkey, including 339 females and 210 males, completed the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS) and the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS). Data were analyzed using correlation, independent t-tests, and linear regression to explore the relationships and differences between variables. Our study found significant relationships between SMA and SAA, with higher levels of addiction linked to increased appearance anxiety. Social comparison tendencies and photo-editing behaviors were also associated with higher SMA and SAA. No significant gender differences were observed, suggesting a universal impact of social media on these psychological issues. The findings underscore the intertwined nature of SMA and SAA, emphasizing the need for comprehensive interventions that address both aspects to improve mental health outcomes. Promoting positive self-comparisons and reducing photo-editing behaviors online can help mitigate the negative effects of social media use on young adults’ mental well-being.

Information seeking and subsequent affective well-being in Chinese young adults: the mediating effects of worry.

This study aimed to unravel micro-processes that link information seeking to subsequent affective well-being (i.e., positive and negative affect) at the within-person level, as well as the role of worry as a mediator in this relationship. Within the initial weeks following the Chinese government's relaxation of its epidemic control measures, 184 participants completed experience sampling methods on information seeking, COVID-related worry, and affective well-being three times a day for 14 days. According to dynamic structural equation models, information seeking was associated with high negative affect but not with low positive affect. COVID-related worry acted as a full mediator between information seeking at the previous time point (approximately 5 h ago) and the current negative affect, but not in positive affect. These findings suggested that the impact of information seeking on affective well-being was different for the two dimensions of affect. Furthermore, the persistent impact of information seeking on negative affect was attributed to the indirect effect of worry, suggesting that worry should be a point of focus for intervention to mitigate the potentially negative effects of information seeking within the context of the public health crises.

Is Selfie Taking Behavior Beneficial for the Mental Wellbeing of Young Adults?

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether selfie taking behavior is beneficial for the mental well-being of young adults and to investigate the difference in psychological issues among people who like to take selfies and those who don’t. Two hundred participants were recruited in this study following convenience sampling technique. The Depression scale, Bangla version of the Self- Esteem scale, and Bangla version of the General Health Questionnaire -12 were used as instruments in this study. This study used t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation for analyzing data. Results showed that selfie taking behavior is negatively correlated with depression score which means more selfie taking leads to fewer depressive symptoms. It was also found that people who like to take selfies and post selfies more on social media have shown less depressive symptoms, better self-esteem and less psychological distress than the people who don’t like to take and post selfies. The results can be taken to indicate that people who like to take or post selfies more exhibit a better state of mental well-being and less psychological issues. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(2): 77-86, 2024 (July)

A cross-sectional study to assess the addiction towards digital gadgets using digital addiction scale among young adults

Introduction: In today's hyper-connected world, digital gadgets have become an integral part of everyday life, particularly among young adults. From smartphones, laptops to tablets and gaming consoles, these devices offer a multitude of functionalities that enhance communication, entertainment, and productivity. However, alongside the benefits, there's a growing concern about the addictive nature of these gadgets and their potential impact on the well-being of young adults. Aim:To evaluate the addiction towards digital gadgets among young adults. Methods: Non experimental research design andPurposive Sampling technique were used; 1100 people who meet the inclusion criteria make up the study's sample size. Quantitative research strategies using Digital Addiction Scale (DAS) questionnaire. The DAS is scored (1–5), the mean score is (3), and &gt;3 is considered high risk of digital addiction; &lt;3 is considered low risk of digital addiction. Results: The majority of participants (74%) were between the age group of 18-26 years, with UG persue (96%). The most commonly used gadgets was smart phone (96%). The maximum hours of use are 2-5 hours (97%), with the primary objective being socialmedia (79%). The study found; the level of addiction was mild (7%), Moderate (51%), severe (34%) and Very severe (8%). It illustrates the severity of addiction; the number of severe and very severely addicted participants (42%) as severity rate. Mild and moderate are removed to focus on severity of the prevalence. Conclusion: The study concluded that 42% of individuals are significantly addicted towards digital gadgets.