Greek Young Adults Research Articles

Domesticity and the construction of intimacy: Producing the erotic body and self within ‘the love nest’

Following recent academic attention on the neoliebral self, in this article, we situate the construction of the sexual self and body as part of an ongoing, neoliberal ‘aesthetic entrepreneurship’ and argue that people draw on various material and cultural resources in order to put these entrepreneurial selves together. Drawing on 40 open-ended interviews with young Greek adults aged between 20 and 33, conducted between 2018 and 2019, we explore the cultural and material resources people use in order to create the intimate self. We situate our work within an analytical framework about the ‘aesthetic labour’ people invest themselves into within neoliberalism and argue that such work contributes to the growing body of work on self-surveillance and the articulation of an ethical self.

‘Religion is the Opium of the People’: An FDA Analysis on the Construction of Religion by Young Greek Adults

This study examines the discourses constructed around religion in Greek society, focusing on the transition from conservative religious beliefs prevailing in micro societies to a more accepting discourse at the macro societal level. The research employs a qualitative approach, specifically utilizing Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA) on 7 interviews of young Greek adults, to explore the evolving landscape in Greece and the power dynamics of religion influenced by education, social interaction, and relevant discourses, resulting in a diminished influence of religion over time. The findings reveal the presence of tolerance towards religious diversity, challenging the traditional conservative discourse, which is characterized by strict adherence to Orthodox religious practices and resistance to religious pluralism, while also highlighting the declining power of religion. The study demonstrates how individuals aligning with the acceptive discourse value their own religious beliefs while fostering co-existence with individuals of different religious groups, without being heavily influenced by the church. Notably, younger generations, shaped by an era emphasizing social interaction, exhibit a stronger alignment with this discourse. By illuminating the shaping of identities and orienting actions within these discourses, this research contributes to the understanding of religion in Greek society. It underscores the significance of religion as a subject warranting ongoing scholarly attention and highlights the need for future research to explore the complexities of religious beliefs and discourses across the country using varied methodological approaches. Keywords: Greek society, Greek Orthodox church, discourse analysis, conservative beliefs, religious tolerance, social interaction, power dynamics

A Repeated Cross-Sectional Pilot Study of Physical Activity, Levels of Depression and Anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Young Greek Adults.

Regular physical activity (PA) and, more specifically, exercise, is associated with lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. The aim of this repeated cross-sectional pilot study was to investigate the impact of participating in PA on the mental health of young adults in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out during two quarantine periods: Survey I on 5 May 2020, and Survey II on 30 April 2021. The Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scales and the level of PA were used to assess a sample of individuals aged between 18 and 26 years old. In 2020 and 2021, a total of 268 (33.9% males) and 380 (37.1% females) subjects participated in the studies, respectively. According to the findings, the vast majority of the participants in both samples reported that they are physically active (p = 0.86), while they consider exercise as a significant health factor (p = 0.10). Moreover, anxiety levels statistically significant increased (p = 0.001), while depression levels remained relatively stable with a slight increase of approximately (p > 0.05). Additionally, in both surveys, individuals who engaged in a PA program exhibited reduced levels of depression and anxiety (p = 0.001). Also, gender appears to influence anxiety and depression levels, while a lack of exercise exacerbates these measures in both genders when compared to physically active individuals. Concludingly, it is crucial for public health strategies to include interventions that promote safe PA in the event of future lockdowns or similar emergencies.

Association between screen-time use and cardiometabolic-related lifestyle characteristics, in Greek young adults

Background: studies evaluating screen time with a variety of lifestyle determinants have been focused, mostly on children and adolescents. To the best of our knowledge, very few studies have been conducted in adult populations, worldwide. Aim: to investigate the association between time spent on screen, for work or and entertainment, with fast food consumption, and certain lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, smoking, dietary habits), in Greek young adults. Methods: a cross-sectional, observational study with convenience sampling of 687 Greek adults, 18-30 years old, was conducted in May, 2023, using a structured web-based questionnaire. Participants were asked regarding time spent on screens (i.e., cellphone/tablet, television, computer/laptop), separately for work and entertainment, as well as various sociodemographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics, including adherence to Mediterranean diet (through MedDietScore, ranged 0-55). Results: mean daily screen time was 5±4 hours for work and 6±3.5 hours for entertainment. Screen time for entertainment was inversely associated with a participant’s adherence to the Mediterranean diet (OR per 1 h, 0.93, 95%CI 0.89, 0.97, p=0.002). A positive association was found between fast food, sweet and salty snacks consumption with overall screen time (all p-values<0.05), while recreational screen time was inversely associated with the likelihood of a person being physically active (OR per 1 h, 0.90, 95%CI 0.85, 0.95,p=0.001). Body mass index was also positively associated with remote work screen time (rho=0.27, p=0.027). No associations were observed regarding smoking habits. Conclusion: a potential link between screen time and devaluation of the quality of life was revealed, which, in the long-term, can impact human health status.

The ‘Normalization’ of Young Protestors in Greece

During the last decades, the number of demonstrations as well as of demonstrators has significantly increased in most Western European countries. Some scholars support that protesting has become so widespread leading to the ‘normalization’ of the demonstrators. Overall research examining the ‘normalization thesis’ of street youth protest by analyzing representative datasets is extremely scarce. The chapter by analyzing youth-over-sampled survey data collected as part of the EURYKA project examines key socioeconomic determinants in participating in demonstrations among Greek young adults aged 18-34 years old. Greece is an exceptionally interesting case study to examine the ‘normalization thesis’ of youth protesting as the recent recession and its severe socioeconomic impacts triggered an exceptional wave of protest mobilization where Greek youth was one of the main protest claimants. The findings indicate that the socioeconomic determinants under study, such as gender, educational attainment, income, and occupational class, do not play a significant role in predicting youth demonstrating in Greece. Such preliminary evidence provides empirical support to the ‘normalization thesis’ and accords with related studies underscoring that during the massive anti-austerity protests Greek citizens from a broad range of social strata were mobilized in protest activities.

Why Don’t Young People Seek Help for Mental Illness? A Cross-Sectional Study in Greece

Young adults are less likely to seek professional help even though they are most likely to experience mental health problems. The aim of the present study was to investigate young adults’ attitudes towards mental illness and self-stigma of help-seeking, identify possible determinants of attitudes and self-stigma, and examine the association between attitudes towards mental illness and self-stigma of help-seeking. The sample consisted of 485 Greek young adults (24.5% men, 75.5% women) aged 18–25 years (M = 19.54, SD = 1.83) who completed the Attitudes towards Severe Mental Illness (ASMI) and the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH). The results indicated that Greek young adults hold mostly positive attitudes towards severe mental illness and help-seeking, while their unfavorable attitudes are mainly related to difficulties with viewing people with a severe mental disorder as similar to other people, and fear that by seeking professional help a person’s worth will be diminished. Gender, age, familiarity with mental health difficulties, education, and relationship status were found to be associated with young adults’ attitudes towards severe mental illness and self-stigma of help-seeking. Finally, stereotyping, pessimistic beliefs, and negative beliefs about coping with mental illness were identified as key determinants of self-stigma of help-seeking. These findings suggest a need for age- and gender-sensitive psychoeducational interventions specifically designed to promote young adults’ mental health literacy and to ameliorate unfavorable attitudes towards mental illness in order to increase help-seeking behavior.

Perceptions, Knowledge and Attitudes among Young Adults about Prevention of HPV Infection and Immunization.

Introduction: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and is widely known as the main causative agent for cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of young Greek adults concerning prevention of HPV infection and HPV immunization. Material and Methods: This constitutes a cross-sectional online survey. A convenience sample of young Greek adults (n = 883) residing in Greece, aged 17 to more than 35 years was surveyed from December 2020 to March 2021. Two validated questionnaires were used to collect data. Results: Participants demonstrated moderate knowledge about HPV infection and vaccination, with a mean knowledge score of 53.26 (SD ± 20.65) and 38.92 (SD ± 17.58), respectively. Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.77 and 0.80. Female participants were better informed than males. Approximately 52.3% of respondents had been vaccinated and 65.5% were willing to get vaccinated in the future. Vaccination rate was significantly associated with gender (OR = 11.99; 99% CI = 6.59–21.84), knowledge about the HPV vaccine (OR = 1.04; 99% CI = 1.03–1.04) and age (OR = 0.07; 99% CI = 0.03–0.15). Reasons for vaccine refusal were insufficient information (36.8%) and fear of side effects (19%). Correlates of positive vaccination intention were knowledge about HPV (OR = 1.02; 99% CI = 1.01–1.02). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the Greek government’s continuing HPV promotion efforts and education on the risks of HPV infection among young people are likely to increase vaccination acceptance among this group.

YUNANISTAN'DA DEMOKRATIK DÜŞÜNCE VE VATANDAŞLIK EĞITIMI: SIRADAN BIR LOJISTIK REGRESYON MODELI

This paper presents a research that was carried out in autumn of 2021in Thessaloniki, Greece. Main purpose was to find out the link between democratic behavior of Greek young adults and the civic education that is obtained in public secondary education. For this reason, 524 students of the department of political sciences were asked questions regarding their points of view on civic education in public schools. This sample was chosen due to the political sensitization they have, because of their main field of studies. The results showed the emphasis they pose on public schools as far as the political education is concerned. Moreover, views that politicization is connected with peer groups and watching TV were refuted.Keywords: Democratic Behavior, Greek Educational System, Secondary Education, Civic Education, Students, Ordinal Regression.

Social Media Use and Mental Health in Young Adults of Greece: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Social media use has vastly increased during the past few years, especially among young adults. Studies examining the relationship of social media use with mental health have yielded mixed findings. Additionally, such studies are extremely limited in Greece. The present study aimed to investigate the association between social media use, depressive symptoms and self-esteem among Greek young adults. A total of 654 individuals (50.5% male) aged 18-30 years (Μ = 23.62, SD = 2.71) completed self-reported questionnaires regarding social media use, depressive symptoms and self-esteem. Increased daily use of YouTube (more than five hours) showed a significant association with higher depressive symptomatology, b = 2.99, 95% CI [.78, 5.20], p = .008, while daily use of Facebook between two and five hours was related to significantly higher self-esteem, b = 1.61, 95% CI [.78, 2.44], p < .001, after adjusting for participants' gender, age, educational level and employment status. The association of increased daily use of YouTube with depressive symptoms was more pronounced in males than in females. Moreover, self-reported active use of Facebook and Instagram were linked with significantly lower depressive symptoms and higher self-esteem compared to passive involvement. The results suggest that social media use is closely related to self-esteem and depressive symptomatology in young adults. These findings may contribute to a deeper clinical understanding of the association between electronic social networking and mental health.

The impact of social media on dietary choices, emotions around food consumption and body image in Greek adolescents and young adults

The impact of social media on dietary choices, emotions around food consumption and body image in Greek adolescents and young adults

Awareness, Knowledge and Risky Behaviors of Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Young People in Greece.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect mainly young individuals and cause health, social, and economic problems worldwide. The present study used a web questionnaire to assess the awareness, knowledge, sexual behaviors, and common practices regarding STDs in young Greek adults. The 1833 individuals, aged 18–30 years, who responded to the study seem to be particularly knowledgeable regarding STDs such as AIDS (97.7%), warts (97%), Chlamydia (92.2%), genital herpes (89.9%), syphilis (81.9%), and gonorrhea (72.1%), whereas lower percentages were noted for trichomoniasis (39.3%), Molluscum contagiosum (12.9%), mycoplasmosis (11.6%), and amoebiasis (7.4%). Regarding oral STD transmission, participants replied correctly for genital herpes (45%), warts (35.8%), and AIDS (HIV; 33.8%), whereas 30.2% were unfamiliar with oral sexual transmission. Of the participants, 52% were not aware that STDs might cause infertility. Only 40.4% of the respondents reported always using condoms during sexual intercourse, and 48.6% had never been tested for STDs. The majority of the young population (55%) presented a moderate knowledge STD score (41–60%) and was associated with demographic parameters such as age, gender, sexual preference, number of sexual partners, and residence (p < 0.05). These findings provide important information regarding the prevention of STDs and highlight the significance of developing more effective sex education programs for young people in Greece.

The brief self-control scale: Dimensionality and psychometric properties in Greek young adults

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Greek version of Brief Self-control Scale (BSCS). This scale is used for the assessing of self-control, which is the ability to control one’s emotions and desires – especially in demanding situations-in order to have more important long-term benefits. Data were collected from a sample of Greek-speaking university students from two different universities (N = 251, M age = 19.86, SD = 2.58, 47% female). A series of CFAs were conducted to compare different potential factor structures that have been proposed in the literature. The results indicate that the revised shortened 7-items BSCS in Greek, as indicated in previous research too, displays a two-factor structure (impulse-control and self-discipline) and these factors show acceptable internal reliability. Also, item factor loadings, thresholds, and intercepts were invariant across females and males (strong measurement invariance). Means of bivariate latent correlations of the BSCS with depression, anxiety, stress, conscientiousness and satisfaction with life were investigated. This study shows that the Greek BSCS is a promising short tool for research on youth’s self-control.

A Randomised Controlled CBT Intervention for Maladaptive Perfectionism: Outcome and Predictors

Maladaptive perfectionism has been associated with certain mental health problems. Moreover, studies suggest that the development of perfectionism can be attributed to childhood experiences and, more specifically, to parenting styles. (1) Background: The aims of the present study were first to examine the relationship of perfectionism to perceived parenting and current symptoms of depression and anxiety and, secondly, to study the effectiveness of a group CBT intervention program for high perfectionism; (2) Methods: Participants were 81 young Greek adults with relatively high scores in perfectionism. They were randomly allocated to two conditions: either the intervention group (IG; n = 40) or a non-active control group (CG; n = 41). The intervention group received a CBT intervention of 10 weekly sessions, while assessments were made in two time points for both groups; (3) Results: There was significant correlation of perfectionism with perceived parental indifference, abuse, and overcontrol as well as measures of anxiety and depression. Results showed significant decrease in perfectionism and other symptoms in the IG. Although perceived paternal indifference and abuse could predict perfectionism at pre-intervention, no pre-intervention variable could predict the perfectionism intervention outcome; (4) Conclusions: Overall, the study suggests that maladaptive perfectionism is associated with perceived negative parenting and current anxiety and depression and that a group CBT intervention can address specific dimensions of maladaptive perfectionism.

Measuring Impulsivity in Greek Adults: Psychometric Properties of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and Impulsive Behavior Scale (Short Version of UPPS-P)

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to validate the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11th version) scale as well as the short version of the Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-P) in a population of Greek young adults. Secondly, we aimed at validating the BIS-11 in older adults. Methods: 167 (Group 1) university students completed the Greek version of the BIS-11 (BIS-11-G) and the UPPS (UPPS-P-G) scales. Additionally, BIS-11-G was also administered to 167 (Group 2) cognitively intact older adults, to identify whether it could be used to measure impulsivity in an older adult population. Results: Both scales had satisfactory internal reliability and test–retest reliability, as well as convergent validity in the young adult population. In regard to the factor structure, a principal component analysis (PCA) extracted two factors for the BIS-11-G in the young adult population and three factors in older adults, as well as three factors for the short UPPS-P-G in young adults. Conclusions: The BIS-11-G and the UPPS-P-G scales can be used to measure different aspects of impulsivity in the Greek population of different ages in research and clinical practice.

The psychological effect of COVID-19 quarantine on Greek young adults: Risk factors and the protective role of daily routine and altruism.

To save lives and slow the spread of COVID‐19 Greece imposed a country‐wide, 6‐week lockdown and a stay‐at‐home order at an early stage. This study examines the effect of quarantine on young adults by assessing depression, anxiety, stress and the experience of positive and negative affect. The role of potential risk factors such as disruption of normal life, perceived threat of the disease, acquaintance with someone infected and gender; and protective factors, such as adherence to a daily routine and altruism was evaluated. An online questionnaire entailing demographics, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS‐21), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), measures of life disruption, perceived threat and adherence to a daily routine and an altruism scale was completed by 1018 undergraduates. Increased levels of depression, anxiety, stress and negative affect were found. Life disruption and perceived threat of the disease were risk factors in all psychological distress measures, while a stable, satisfying daily routine and altruism mitigated the negative consequences. Gender was a moderator. Acknowledging the psychological effect of quarantine on young adults should be the starting point for interventions. Helping people build a new routine and assign an altruistic meaning to the confinement can protect psychological health.

Prevalance and clinical characteristics of gingival recession in Greek young adults: A cross-sectional study.

ObjectiveThe current cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of gingival recession (REC) in a sample of young individuals. In addition, the association with several risk factors was examined.Materials & methodsA 104 subjects, aged 18–30 years old, were randomly enrolled in the study. Participants were requested to fill in a simple structured questionnaire in order to provide information on dental hygiene habits, educational level, smoking and history of orthodontic treatment. Afterwards, all the included individuals were subjected to a thorough clinical periodontal examination including gingival recession (REC), gingival biotype, plaque levels and gingival bleeding index (GBI) assessment.ResultsThe mean prevalence of REC in the studied population surpassed 50% with an equal distribution among females and males. The most common teeth associated with REC were the lower left canine and left 1st premolar. Among the examined variables, only the bleeding index was found to be associated with the presence of REC.ConclusionsGingival recession was a prevalent condition among young individuals. Gingival inflammation was found to be the most significant factor affecting the incidence of REC.

Condom use in greek young adults’ dating relationships: The role of sexual debut condom use and relationship characteristics

We examined whether individual and relationship characteristics predicted condom use in Greek young adults’ ongoing relationships. Participants were 277 university students with ongoing dating relationships who provided their demographics and information on their sexual profiles, partners, and relationships. Participants rated their relationships in terms of matrimonial and hedonistic (passionate) characteristics, and indicated whether they had used a condomat first intercourse, at latest intercourse, and consistently during the relationship. Condoms were more likely to be used at first intercourse, at latest intercourse and during the relationship when they had been used at sexual debut (first-time-in-life sexual intercourse). However, they were less likely to be used at latest intercourse, the longer and the more hedonistic the relationship. In addition, increased frequency of coital sex during the relationship was associated with less consistent condom use. It appears that condom use at sexual debut establishes a resilient habit of condom use in future relationships. However, relationship duration, sexual passion, and frequency of coital sex appear to undermine condom use. Condom use promotion should address young audiences at an early age, emphasizing that relationship length, frequency of coital sex, and passion may work against protective behavior in a relationship.

Greek university students’ attitudes towards refugees: The role of contact with refugees in a common context since the beginning of refugees’ arrival

Introduction: The massive migration flow that arrived into Europe since 2015 was a new challenge which gained prominent attention. Despite the vast literature on migration processes, research on refugees’ arrival in Greece is still limited. The aim of this study was to examine Greek university students’ attitudes towards refugees and to explore factors that are possibly related to the academic context where participants studied or to their contact with refugees.Method: A self-report questionnaire was administered to 437 Greek young adults with a mean age of 22.63 years (SD=4.72).Results: Factorial ANOVA showed a significant interaction effect among gender, year of study and academic discipline on attitudes towards refugees. A multiple linear regression analysis also showed that the interaction effect of seeing a refugee, meeting a refugee and discussing with a refugee explained a small but a significant proportion of variance in attitudes towards refugees.Discussion: Findings have important implications for the better integration of refugees in Greece.

Polish and Greek young adults’ experience of low quality meals when eating out

The objective of the study was a comparative analysis of the experience and behaviour of young adults (aged 19–29) in Poland and Greece in situations where, when eating out, they had been served low quality meals i.e. low degree to which a set of meals characteristics fulfils consumers' requirements. Nearly 1/5 of the Greeks and none of Poles had been served low quality meals ‘very often’. Subsquently Greeks made complaints more readily than Poles. The most common factors that discouraged Polish consumers from using a particular gastronomic establishment were occurrences of vomiting or diarrhoea or abdominal after pain a meal. For Greeks they were: strange taste or smell of the meal and hot meals being served at a too low temperature. The analysis presented in this paper indicates a practical method of verifying the quality and safety of meals from the consumer perspective.

Development and relative validity of a self-administered semi-quantitative drinks frequency questionnaire, validated in a population of university students.

Drinks can contribute to energy as well as micro- and macro-nutrient intake. Drink-specific, validated, quick and easy to administer questionnaires are needed to monitor secular trends in beverage consumption for different populations. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to develop and validate a drink-specific questionnaire for the Greek population. A 41-item semi-quantitative drinks frequency questionnaire (DFQ) was developed and validated against 7-day weighed food records, among young Greek adults. Wilcoxon ranks tests, Kendall tau-b correlations and Bland-Altman plot were used to compare the two methods. Fifty-nine Greek University students (28 males, 31 females) completed both methods. No difference was observed in total drinks intake between the two methods. The Bland-Altman plot showed that the two methods are likely to agree concerning the total drinks intake. Wilcoxon's rank test showed no significant differences between the two methods, except for the 'whiskey/vodka/gin' intake (P < 0.001). 'Good' agreement (tau-b > 0.61) was observed for most DFQ items, including low-fat and chocolate milk, hot chocolate, Greek/espresso coffee, commercial tea, packaged fruit juices, wine, alcohol-free beer, light cola-type drinks and water (tap/bottled/sparkling). 'Low' agreement (<0.30) was noted for filtered/instant/iced coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice and some alcoholic drinks (beer/whiskey/vodka/gin). The DFQ appears to be an overall valid means of estimating the habitual intake of drinks in large-scale epidemiological surveys. The study supports the use of DFQ for assessing drinks consumption patterns and secular trends.