scholarly journals “What young people think matters; a qualitative approach to the study of protective factors for mental well-being”

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Trajectories Of Change ◽  
One Year ◽  
Mental Well Being

This blog shares findings from a new study comprising of two parts. Part one outlines a typology of profiles of adolescent reported protective factors in relation to mental well-being and the risk of mental disorder, using qualitative data. Part two applied the typology to identify trajectories of change in type membership occurring over one year, based on adolescent reports.

scholarly journals Mental Health of Young Australians during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Roles of Employment Precarity, Screen Time, and Contact with Nature

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5630
Author(s):  
Tassia K. Oswald ◽  
Alice R. Rumbold ◽  
Sophie G. E. Kedzior ◽  
Mark Kohler ◽  
Vivienne M. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Young People ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Core Beliefs ◽  
Health States ◽  
Precarious Employment ◽  
Mental Well Being

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is widely understood to have contributed to mental health problems. In Australia, young people (18–24 years) have been disproportionately affected. To date, research has predominantly focused on the presence or absence of mental illness symptoms, while aspects of mental well-being have been overlooked. We aimed to explore associations between potential risk and protective factors and mental health more comprehensively, using the Complete State Model of Mental Health. An online survey of 1004 young Australians (55% female; M age = 21.23) was undertaken. Assessment of both mental illness and mental well-being enabled participants to be cross-classified into four mental health states. Those with ‘Floundering’ (13%) or ‘Struggling’ (47.5%) mental health reported symptoms of mental illness; a ‘Languishing’ group (25.5%) did not report symptoms of mental illness but mental well-being was compromised relative to those who were ‘Flourishing’ (14%) with high mental well-being. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine associations, adjusting for socio-demographic confounders. Protective factors associated with Flourishing mental health included being in secure employment, using screen time to connect with others, and reporting high levels of hope. Both incidental and purposive contact with nature were also associated with Flourishing, while a lack of green/bluespace within walking distance was associated with Languishing, absence of outdoor residential space was associated with Floundering, and lower neighbourhood greenness was associated with all three suboptimal mental health states. Precarious employment, financial stress, living alone, reporting decreased screen time during lockdowns, lower levels of hope, and high disruption of core beliefs were also associated with Struggling and Floundering mental health. Those who were Languishing reported somewhat less hardship and little disruption to core beliefs, but lower levels of hope compared to young people who were Flourishing. This study highlights that young adults require dedicated mental health services to deal with current burden, but should also be supported through a range of preventive strategies which target mental health risk factors, like precarious employment, and enhance protective factors, such as urban green infrastructure.

scholarly journals Companion Animal Type and Level of Engagement Matter: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Links between Companion Animal Guardianship, Loneliness and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2349
Author(s):  
Heather Clements ◽  
Stephanie Valentin ◽  
Nicholas Jenkins ◽  
Jean Rankin ◽  
Nancy R. Gee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, countries worldwide placed limitations on social interaction, which is anticipated to have severe psychological consequences. Although findings are inconsistent, prior research has suggested that companion animals may positively influence human well-being and reduce loneliness. In the context of COVID-19, this has important implications, as companion animal guardians may be less negatively affected by the pandemic. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the influence of companion animals on mental well-being and loneliness during the pandemic, with specific interest in the role of ornamental fishes. A mixed-methods study was conducted, using an international sample. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey (n = 1199) and analysed using robust hierarchical multiple regression analyses; the influence of level of engagement with companion animals was examined for dogs, cats and ornamental fishes. There was no evidence that companion animal guardianship was associated with loneliness and mental well-being during the pandemic but spending more time engaging physically or socially with dogs (and to a lesser extent cats) was generally associated with poorer outcomes. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended survey responses (n = 757) and semi-structured interviews (n = 25) and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two themes were developed—one related to companion animals as providers of social and emotional support, and the other to companion animals as providers of purpose and perspective. Concerns regarding the impact of the pandemic on animal welfare were also identified. Compared to other animal types, more participants expressed indifference regarding the impact of their fishes on their well-being during the pandemic, possibly because fishes cannot provide comfort via physical touch. The findings of this study reflect the wider field of human–animal interaction; although qualitative data suggest guardians believe their companion animals are a positive influence in their lives, there is little convincing quantitative data to support these beliefs. This highlights the need to refine theories regarding which aspects of companion animal guardianship may influence human well-being; the findings from this research may be useful in the refinement of such theories.

Testing the interrelationship between mental well-being and mental distress in young people

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-324
Author(s):  
Leanne Hides ◽  
Catherine Quinn ◽  
Stoyan Stoyanov ◽  
Wendell Cockshaw ◽  
David J. Kavanagh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Well Being

scholarly journals Cigarette smoking dose-response and suicidal ideation among young people in Nepal: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 821-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brijesh Sathian ◽  
Ritesh G Menezes ◽  
Mohammad Asim ◽  
Ahammed Mekkodathil ◽  
Jayadevan Sreedharan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Young People ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Smoking Group ◽  
Mental Well Being

Background: Worldwide, tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for morbidity and early mortality among adult population. The present study aimed to find out the association between current smoking and suicidal ideation among young people in Nepal. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was carried out among 452 youths from Pokhara, Nepal. The present study included both genders (age 18-24 years) who were smokers as well as non-smokers. Results: Across the study period, 452 participants were identified after matching for age, and sex (226 in the smoking group and 226 in the non-smoking group). The mean age of participants was 21.6±1.2 years and 58.8% were males. The overall rate of suicidal ideation in our cohort was 8.9%. Smokers were slightly more likely to report suicidal ideation than non-smokers (aOR 1.12). The risk of developing suicidal ideation was 3.56 (95% CI 1.26-10.09) times more in individuals who smoked greater than 3.5 cigarettes per week (p=0.01). Conclusion: The rate of suicidal ideation was slightly higher among smokers and a dose-response relationship was identified with the number of cigarettes smoked per week. Being aware of the link between smoking and suicidal ideation may help health care professionals working with young people to address more effectively the issues of mental well-being and thoughts about suicide.

European Psychiatric Association (EPA) guidance on prevention of mental disorders

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Campion ◽  
K. Bhui ◽  
D. Bhugra
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Considerable Evidence ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Psychiatric Conditions ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Preparatory Work

AbstractThere is considerable evidence that various psychiatric conditions can be prevented through the implementation of effective evidence-based interventions. Since a large proportion of lifetime mental illness starts before adulthood, such interventions are particularly important during childhood and adolescence. Prevention is important for the sustainable reduction of the burden of mental disorder since once it has arisen, treatment can only reduce a relatively small proportion of such burden. The challenge for clinicians is to incorporate such interventions into non-clinical and clinical practice as well as engaging with a range of other service providers including public health. Similar strategies can be employed in both the European and global contexts. Promotion of mental well-being can prevent mental disorder but is also important in the recovery from mental disorder. This guidance should be read in conjunction with the EPA Guidance on Mental Health Promotion. This guidance draws on preparatory work for the development of England policy on prevention of mental disorder which used a wide range of sources.

scholarly journals Lifestyle and mental health 1 year into COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Nicola Barbieri ◽  
Osea Giuntella ◽  
Silvia Saccardo ◽  
Sally Sadoff
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sleep Time ◽  
The United States ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
One Year ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Roll Out

AbstractIn previous work, Giuntella et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci 118:e2016632118, 2021), we documented large disruptions to physical activity, sleep, time use and mental health among young adults at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020. This study explores the trends 1 year into COVID-19, as vaccines began to roll out, COVID-19 deaths declined, and social distancing measures eased in the United States. We combine biometric and survey data from multiple cohorts of college students spanning Spring 2019 through Spring 2021 (N = 1179). Our results show persistent impacts of the pandemic on physical activity and mental health. One year into the pandemic, daily steps averaged about 6300 per day compared to about 9800 per day prior to the pandemic, a 35% decline. Almost half of participants were at risk of clinical depression compared to a little over one-third prior to the pandemic, a 36% increase. The impacts on screen time, social interactions and sleep duration at the onset of COVID-19 largely dissipated over the course of the pandemic, though screen time remained significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. In contrast to the sharp changes in lifestyle and mental health documented as the pandemic emerged in March 2020, we do not find evidence of behavioral changes or improvements in mental well-being over the course of Spring 2021 as the pandemic eased.

scholarly journals The impact of the initial and 2nd national COVID-19 lockdown on mental health in young people with and without pre-existing depressive symptoms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Joensen ◽  
Stine Danielsen ◽  
Per Kragh Andersen ◽  
Jonathan Groot ◽  
Katrine Strandberg-Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Young People ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Linear Regressions

Background The evidence on mental well-being and loneliness among young people during the initial lockdown is mixed, and little is known about the long-lasting impact of the sequential lockdowns. We examine changes in young peoples mental health from before to during the initial and second more prolonged lockdown, and whether women and those with pre-existing depressive symptoms were disproportionally impacted. Methods Participants reported on mental health indicators in an ongoing 18-year data collection in the Danish National Birth Cohort and in a COVID-19 survey, including 8 data points: 7 in the initial lockdown, and 1 year post. Changes in quality of life (QoL), mental well-being, and loneliness were estimated with random effect linear regressions on longitudinal data (N=32,985), and linear regressions on repeated cross-sections (N=28,579). Findings Interim deterioration in mental well-being and loneliness was observed during the initial lockdown, and only in those without pre-existing depressive symptoms. During the second lockdown, a modest deterioration was again observed for mental well-being and loneliness. QoL likewise only declined among those without pre-existing symptoms, where women showed a greater decline than men. QoL did not normalise during the initial lockdown and remained at lower levels during the second lockdown. These findings were not replicated in the repeated cross-sections. Interpretation Except for an interim decrease in mental health during lockdown, and only in those without pre-existing depressive symptoms, this studys findings do not suggest a substantial detrimental impact of the lockdowns. Potential methodological differences in-between studies are a possible explanation for the mixed evidence. Funding The Velux Foundation

International comparative study on health condition of young people

2014 ◽  
Vol 155 (34) ◽  
pp. 1353-1360
Author(s):  
Brigitta Munkácsi ◽  
Beáta Erika Nagy
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Young People ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Physical Condition ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Public Health Programme ◽  
International Comparative ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Mental Well Being

Introduction: The connection between physical condition, coping strategies and emotional intelligence is widely studied in the international literature, but comparative research data collected among Transylvanian and Hungarian adolescents are not available in contemporary psychological literature. Aim: The aim of the authors was to study health indicators, emotional intelligence and coping strategies among adolescents and analyse connections between these factors and physical condition as part of an international research. Method: The physical condition, coping strategies and emotional intelligence of 390 individuals, aged between 13 and 19 years living in Debrecen (Hungary) and Érmihályfalva (Romania) were observed. Results: adaptive (i. e. problem-focused) coping strategies used in stressful situations resulted in lower depression rates, as well as better mental well-being than the maladaptive ones such as emotional clearing, self-punishment, distraction of attention. Adolescents showing higher emotional intelligence had lower depression levels and better mental well-being. Conclusions: Institutionally initiated emotional intelligence and coping strategy development for young people may prove to be an important preventive interventional public health programme. This may serve as a basis to assist health-consciousness and personality formatting. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(34), 1353–1360.

scholarly journals Public mental health: key challenges and opportunities

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 51-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Campion
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
High Income ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Needs Assessments ◽  
Implementation Gap ◽  
Mental Well Being

Public mental health involves a population approach to mental health, and includes treatment of mental disorder, prevention of associated impacts, prevention of mental disorder and promotion of mental well-being, including for those people recovering from mental disorder. Such interventions can result in a broad range of impacts and associated economic savings even in the short term. However, even in high-income countries only a minority of people with mental disorder receive any treatment, while provision is far less in low- and middle-income countries. Coverage of interventions to prevent mental disorder and promote mental well-being is far less even in high-income countries, despite such interventions being required for sustainable reduction in the burden of mental disorder. This implementation gap results in a broad set of impacts and associated economic costs. Mental health needs assessments represent an important framework and mechanism to address this implementation gap – in low- and middle-income as well as high-income countries. Training and support to perform mental health needs assessments is important, as is the use of information derived from such assessments to more effectively advocate for the required level of resources to address the implementation gap. Such a public health approach to mental health represents an opportunity for psychiatrists to advocate more effectively for resources at both the local and national level. This can improve the coverage and outcomes of a range of public mental health interventions that result in broad impacts and associated economic savings, which can be estimated.

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