scholarly journals Religion and Medicine II: Religion, Mental Health, and Related Behaviors

2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harold G. Koenig

In this second in a series of articles on religion and medicine, I focus on the relationship between religion and mental health. This discussion is based on a comprehensive and systematic review of a century of research examining religion's relationship to mental health, social support, substance abuse, and other behaviors affecting mental or social functioning. This review includes over 630 separate data-based reports that focus on religion and well-being, hope and optimism, meaning and purpose, depression, suicide, anxiety, psychosis, social support and marital stability, alcohol and drug abuse, cigarette smoking, extra-marital sexual behaviors, and delinquency. Reasons for the associations found are discussed and conclusions drawn in light of the findings.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jillian Minahan ◽  
Francesca Falzarano ◽  
Neshat Yazdani ◽  
Karen L Siedlecki

Abstract Background and Objectives The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the measures implemented to curb its spread may have deleterious effects on mental health. Older adults may be at increased risk for adverse psychosocial outcomes since opportunities to remain socially connected have diminished. Research is needed to better understand the impact of pandemic-related stress on mental health. The purpose of this study is three-fold: 1) to examine the influences of COVID-19 pandemic-related stress on depression, anxiety, and loneliness, 2) to assess the mediating role of coping style and social support, and 3) to investigate whether these relationships vary across age. Research Design and Methods Participants (N = 1,318) aged 18-92 years completed an online survey assessing pandemic-related stress, mental health, social support, coping, and their experiences with social distancing, during the initial implementation of social distancing measures in the United States. Results Social support and coping style were found to relate to psychosocial outcomes. Avoidant coping was the strongest mediator of the relationship between pandemic-related stress and psychosocial outcomes, particularly depression. Avoidant coping more strongly mediated the relationship between stress and depression in younger adults compared to older adults. Discussion and Implications Results were consistent with the stress and coping framework and recent work highlighting older adults’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the associations between positive coping behaviors and psychosocial well-being and indicate that older adults may use unique adaptive mechanisms to preserve well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Fritz ◽  
Anne de Graaff ◽  
Helen Caisley ◽  
Anne-Laura Van Harmelen ◽  
Paul O. Wilkinson

THIS IS A PRE-PRINT OF AN ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN "FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY - SPECIAL ISSUE: RESILIENCE, LIFE EVENTS, TRAJECTORIES AND THE BRAIN (9: 230)". THE FINAL AUTHENTICATED VERSION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00230Background: Up to half of Western children and adolescents experience at least one type of childhood adversity. Individuals with a history of childhood adversity have an increased risk of psychopathology. Resilience enhancing factors reduce the risk of psychopathology following childhood adversity. A comprehensive overview of empirically supported resilience factors is critically important for interventions aimed to increase resilience in young people. Moreover, such an overview may aid the development of novel resilience theories. Therefore, we conducted the first systematic review of social, emotional, cognitive and/ or behavioural resilience factors after childhood adversity.Methods: We systematically searched Web of Science, PsycINFO and Scopus (e.g. including MEDLINE) for English, Dutch and German literature. We included cohort studies that examined whether a resilience factor was a moderator and/ or a mediator for the relationship between childhood adversity and psychopathology in young people (mean age 13-24). Therefore, studies were included if the resilience factor was assessed prior to psychopathology, and childhood adversity was assessed no later than the resilience factor. Study data extraction was based on the STROBE report and study quality was assessed with an adapted version of Downs and Black’s scale. The preregistered protocol can be found at: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42016051978.Results: The search identified 1969 studies, of which 22 were included (eight nationalities, study sample n range: 59-6780). We found empirical support for 13 of 25 individual-level (e.g. high self-esteem, low rumination), six of 12 family-level (e.g. high family cohesion, high parental involvement), and one of five community-level resilience factors (i.e. high social support), to benefit mental health in young people exposed to childhood adversity. Single versus multiple resilience factor models supported the notion that resilience factors should not be studied in isolation, and that interrelations between resilience factors should be taken into account when predicting psychopathology after childhood adversity.Conclusions: Interventions that improve individual, family, and/ or social support resilience factors may reduce the risk of psychopathology following childhood adversity. Future research should scrutinize whether resilience factors function as a complex interrelated system that benefits mental health resilience after childhood adversity.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0260221
Author(s):  
Siti Idayu Hasan ◽  
Anne Yee ◽  
Ariyani Rinaldi ◽  
Adlina Aisya Azham ◽  
Farizah Mohd Hairi ◽  
...  

Previous literature has shown that migrant workers manifested higher common mental issues (especially depressive symptom) compared to local workers due to stressors such as financial constraint and lack of access to healthcare. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the current body of evidence for the prevalence of depression and anxiety among migrant workers as well as exploring the risk factors and the availability of social support for migrant workers. Seven electronic databases, grey literature and Google Scholar were searched for studies from 2015 to 2021 related to mental health, social support and migrant workers. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI). Study heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistics. Random effects meta-analysis results were presented given heterogeneity among studies. The search returned 27 articles and only seven studies were included in meta-analysis, involving 44 365 migrant workers in 17 different countries. The overall prevalence of depression and anxiety among migrant workers was 38.99% (95% CI = 0.27, 0.51) and 27.31% (95% CI = 0.06, 0.58), respectively. Factors such as age, biological (health issue, family history of psychiatric disorder), individual (poor coping skills), occupational (workplace psychosocial stressors, poor working condition, salary and benefits issue, abuse), environmental (limited access towards healthcare, duration of residence, living condition) and social factor (limited social support) were associated with a mental health outcome in migrant workers. The availability of social support for migrant workers was mainly concentrated in emotional type of support. A high prevalence of depression and anxiety was found among migrant workers across the globe. This finding warrants a collective effort by different parties in providing assistance for migrant workers to promote their mental well-being.


2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482092108
Author(s):  
Maureen Canavan ◽  
William T. Gallo ◽  
Gillian L. Marshall

Background: Job loss is a stressful life event that is associated with changes in somatic, behavioral, and affective well-being. This cohort study investigates whether social support and social integration moderate the relationship between job loss and mental health. Methods: Data from four waves of the Americans’ Changing Lives data set were collapsed into three wave-pairs. Our sample comprised 1,474 observations, from which we identified 120 job losses. We applied longitudinal regression models in benchmark moderation analysis; finite mixture modeling was then applied to investigate complex heterogeneity. Results: Our findings suggest that social support, and not social integration, buffered the involuntary job loss–depressive symptoms relationship among a subgroup of individuals who were more likely to be White, higher educated, and have higher social support prior to job loss. Conclusion: Policies that incentivize education, promote financial and health literacy, and strengthen families may reduce vulnerability to the mental health effects of job loss.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leodoro J. Labrague

AbstractBackgroundA wide range of evidence has shown that healthcare workers, currently on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19, are not spared from the psychological and mental health-related consequences of the pandemic. Studies synthesizing the role of coping behaviours, psychological resilience, and social support in safeguarding the mental health of HCWs during the pandemic is largely unknown.Aim (s)To appraise and synthesize studies examining psychological resilience, coping behaviours, and social support among healthcare workers (HWCs) during the coronavirus pandemic.DesignThis is a systematic review with a narrative synthesis.MethodUsing articles from PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, MEDLINE and PsychINFO, a total of 31 articles were included in the review. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta□Analyses statement guidelines.ResultsHealthcare workers were found to have moderate to high levels of psychological resilience and utilized both problem-centred coping (e.g., use of social support, praying) and emotion-centred coping (e.g., use of diversionary activities) to manage the stress-associated with the coronavirus pandemic. Coping behaviours, psychological resilience, and social support were associated with positive mental and psychological health outcomes.ConclusionSubstantial evidence supports the effectiveness of coping behaviours, psychological resilience, and social support to preserve psychological and mental health among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic.Relevance to PracticeIn order to safeguard the mental health and well-being of HCWs during the pandemic, hospital and nursing administrators should focus on building coping skills, psychological resilience, and social support in HWCs through innovative and theory-based interventions, supportive leadership, and fostering a resilient work environment.


Author(s):  
Vanessa Teixeira da Solidade ◽  
Victor Matheus Santos do Nascimento ◽  
Davi Pereira Monte Oliveira ◽  
Michele Caroline de Souza Ribas ◽  
Ricardo Aurélio Carvalho Sampaio ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to identify evidence regarding associations between School Physical Activity (PA) and Mental Health (MH) in Brazilian school-aged adolescents. This is a systematic review study. Studies were selected in Portuguese and English and identified by a systematic search in six electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus / Ebsco, ScIELO, ERIC, and LILACS, which comprised publications until 2019. Inclusion criteria were: studies with cohort, descriptive, cross-sectional or qualitative design; performed with children and adolescents; studies that analyzed the relationship between PA and MH; studies that investigated adolescents who practiced PA in schools; studies carried out in Brazil; and studies that reached minimum of 60% of methodological quality criteria according to STROBE. Physical education, as curricular activity in basic education, has protective effect on MH in the school setting. In addition, more than 300 min/week of PA was positively associated with MH; while associations between PA and excessive TV time; social isolation; and body weight dissatisfaction were negatively associated. School PA is positively associated with MH as it promotes physical and psychological well-being, impacting on the reduction of insomnia rates, attenuating loneliness and improving physical appearance.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 874-881 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muzi Na ◽  
Meghan Miller ◽  
Terri Ballard ◽  
Diane C Mitchell ◽  
Yuen Wai Hung ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to determine the relationship among food insecurity, social support and mental well-being in sub-Saharan Africa, a region presenting the highest prevalence of severe food insecurity and a critical scarcity of mental health care.DesignFood insecurity was measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). Social support was assessed using dichotomous indicators of perceived, foreign perceived, received, given, integrative and emotional support. The Negative and Positive Experience Indices (NEI and PEI) were used as indicators of mental well-being. Multilevel mixed-effect linear models were applied to examine the associations between mental well-being and food security status, social support and their interaction, respectively, accounting for random effects at country level and covariates.ParticipantsNationally representative adults surveyed through Gallup World Poll between 2014 and 2016 in thirty-nine sub-Saharan African countries (n 102 235).ResultsThe prevalence of severe food insecurity was 39 %. The prevalence of social support ranged from 30 to 72 % by type. In the pooled analysis using the adjusted model, food insecurity was dose-responsively associated with increased NEI and decreased PEI. Perceived, integrative and emotional support were associated with lower NEI and higher PEI. The differences in NEI and PEI between people with and without social support were the greatest among the most severely food insecure.ConclusionsBoth food insecurity and lack of social support constitute sources of vulnerability to poor mental well-being. Social support appears to modify the relationship between food security and mental well-being among those most affected by food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 944-945
Author(s):  
Jillian Minahan ◽  
Francesca Falzarano ◽  
Neshat Yazdani ◽  
Karen Siedlecki

Abstract The emergence of COVID-19 and the measures implemented to curb its spread are anticipated to have long-term implications for mental health. Older adults may be at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes as opportunities to remain socially connected have diminished. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of pandemic-related stress on mental health. Utilizing the stress and coping framework, the purpose of this study is three-fold: 1) to examine the influences of COVID-19-related stress on depression, anxiety, and loneliness, 2) to assess the mediating role of coping style and social support, and 3) to investigate whether these relationships vary across age. Participants (N = 1,318) between the ages of 18-92 years completed an online survey, assessing pandemic-related stress, mental health, social support, coping, and their experiences with social distancing, during the initial implementation of social distancing measures in the United States. Stress, social support, and coping style were related to psychosocial outcomes. Results suggested that avoidant coping mediated the relationship between pandemic-related stress and psychosocial outcomes, particularly depression. Avoidant coping more strongly mediated the relationship between stress and depression in younger adults compared to older adults. Results were consistent with the stress and coping framework and recent work highlighting the older adults’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the associations between positive coping behaviors and psychosocial well-being and indicate that older adults may use unique adaptive mechanisms to preserve well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asres Bedaso ◽  
Jon Adams ◽  
Wenbo Peng ◽  
David Sibbritt

Abstract Background Pregnancy is a time of profound physical and emotional change as well as an increased risk of mental illness. While strengthening social support is a common recommendation to reduce such mental health risk, no systematic review or meta-analysis has yet examined the relationship between social support and mental problems during pregnancy. Methods The PRISMA checklist was used as a guide to systematically review relevant peer-reviewed literature reporting primary data analyses. PubMed, Psych Info, MIDIRS, SCOPUS, and CINAHL database searches were conducted to retrieve research articles published between the years 2000 to 2019. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale tool was used for quality appraisal and the meta-analysis was conducted using STATA. The Q and the I2 statistics were used to evaluate heterogeneity. A random-effects model was used to pool estimates. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger’s regression test and adjusted using trim and Fill analysis. Result From the identified 3760 articles, 67 articles with 64,449 pregnant women were part of the current systematic review and meta-analysis. From the total 67 articles, 22 and 45 articles included in the narrative analysis and meta-analysis, respectively. From the total articles included in the narrative analysis, 20 articles reported a significant relationship between low social support and the risk of developing mental health problems (i.e. depression, anxiety, and self-harm) during pregnancy. After adjusting for publication bias, based on the results of the random-effect model, the pooled odds ratio (POR) of low social support was AOR: 1.18 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.41) for studies examining the relationship between low social support and antenatal depression and AOR: 1.97 (95% CI: 1.34, 2.92) for studies examining the relationship between low social support and antenatal anxiety. Conclusion Low social support shows significant associations with the risk of depression, anxiety, and self-harm during pregnancy. Policy-makers and those working on maternity care should consider the development of targeted social support programs with a view to helping reduce mental health problems amongst pregnant women.


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