Research

Open AccessArticle

Translation and Validation of the Mindful Self-Care Scale—Chinese Version: A Pilot Study

by

Psych 2020, 2(4), 338-346; https://doi.org/10.3390/psych2040025 - 01 Dec 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2596

(1) Background: Numerous research studies have investigated and identified the high prevalence of poor mental health status among the Chinese population, for example suffering from a high level of anxiety and depression. Moreover, the Chinese population are shown to have a conservative attitude [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Numerous research studies have investigated and identified the high prevalence of poor mental health status among the Chinese population, for example suffering from a high level of anxiety and depression. Moreover, the Chinese population are shown to have a conservative attitude towards mental health problems and a passive help-seeking behaviour when suffering from psychological distress. Therefore, it is important to assess the levels of self-care among the Chinese population, which is considered as the basis for tackling psychological well-being issues by the World Health Organization (WHO). Self-care was conceptualised and measured by the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS), but without being translated and adapted to the Chinese population. The purpose of this study is to translate the scale into Chinese and to conduct a pilot test to validate the scale among the Chinese population. (2) Methods: Participants (N = 161), with 96 females and 65 males, with an age range from 18 to 62, mage = 26.1 (SD = 6.64), were recruited from Hong Kong (n = 63), Taiwan (n = 44), and mainland China (n = 54) using convenience sampling. (3) Results: The results show a satisfying internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.915) without items that need to be deleted as well as an adequate validity, with Kaiser–Mayer–Olkin (KMO) value of 0.856 and significant correlation between self-care and the two variables: self-compassion and well-being (r = 0.403, r = 0.172, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The results preliminarily indicate that the Chinese version of MSCS is reliable and valid. However, test–retest reliability and confirmatory factor analysis should be performed with a larger sample size for further validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Health, Social Psychology and Psychiatry)

Open AccessArticle

Gender Difference in Social Capital, Common Mental Disorders and Depression: ELSA-Brasil Study

by

Ester Paiva Souto

,

Arlinda B. Moreno

,

Dóra Chor

,

Enirtes Caetano Prates Melo

,

,

,

and

Psych 2020, 2(1), 85-96; https://doi.org/10.3390/psych2010009 - 13 Mar 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2625

Abstract

Association studies between social capital and health point out that a high level of social capital can act as a protector for mental health. The growing interest in social risk factors for mental health coincides with the development of social capital research. Higher [...] Read more.

Association studies between social capital and health point out that a high level of social capital can act as a protector for mental health. The growing interest in social risk factors for mental health coincides with the development of social capital research. Higher levels of social capital available through social networks can act as a protector for mental health. This study investigates gender differences in the association between social capital and common mental disorders (CMD) and depression. We analyzed 15,052 participants in the baseline of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). CMD and depression were assessed by Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R) and social capital by the Resource Generator scale. We used Logistic regression models stratified by sex. Women with lower social capital in the social support dimension had a greater chance of presenting CMD (OR = 1.36; CI 95%: 1.16–1.60) and depression (OR = 2.07; CI 95%: 1.57–2.72) when compared to women with higher social capital. No association was identified among men, or among women in the “prestige and education” dimension. The differences found between the dimensions of social capital support its multidimensionality, as well as the differences found between sexes, confirm the need to approach gender in its association with mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Health, Social Psychology and Psychiatry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

A Relational Model for Stress: A Systematic Review of the Risk and Protective Factors for Stress-Related Diseases in Firefighters

by

Joana Proença Becker

,

Rui Paixão

and

Manuel João Quartilho

Psych 2020, 2(1), 74-84; https://doi.org/10.3390/psych2010008 - 28 Feb 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4638

Abstract

Firefighters are considered a high-risk group for the development of PTSD and other stress-related diseases. More than the exposure to potentially traumatic events, personal and occupational characteristics have been pointed out as interfering in the perception of stress, which may lead to the [...] Read more.

Firefighters are considered a high-risk group for the development of PTSD and other stress-related diseases. More than the exposure to potentially traumatic events, personal and occupational characteristics have been pointed out as interfering in the perception of stress, which may lead to the emergence of mental and physical symptoms. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the main factors that contribute to stress-related diseases in firefighters. A systematic review was conducted in order to identify original articles focusing on risk and protective factors for stress in this population. Personality traits, training, experience in extreme situations and social and organizational support influence the perception of stress and, consequently, the choice of coping strategies, which may protect against or potentiate the stress reactions. The findings of this study allow us to draw a relational model that represents the dynamics among the factors related to stress in firefighters. The development of PTSD and other stress-related diseases depends on a host of pre-trauma and post-trauma factors and, although training is an important protective factor, being prepared to face extreme situations does not mean being immune to traumatic stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Health, Social Psychology and Psychiatry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Self-Reported Food Insecurity and Depression among the Older Population in South Africa

by

,

,

and

Psych 2020, 2(1), 34-43; https://doi.org/10.3390/psych2010004 - 27 Dec 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2627

Abstract

South Africa represents one of the most rapidly aging countries in sub-Saharan Africa with a rising burden of age-related psychological morbidities. Despite having one of the highest human development scores in the region, the country faces serious poverty and food insecurity related challenges. [...] Read more.

South Africa represents one of the most rapidly aging countries in sub-Saharan Africa with a rising burden of age-related psychological morbidities. Despite having one of the highest human development scores in the region, the country faces serious poverty and food insecurity related challenges. Previous studies have shown a positive association between food insecurity and poor mental health among the adult population, however there is no systematic evidence on this association among the elderly population in an African setting. In the present study, we aimed to address this research gap by analyzing cross-sectional data (n = 931) on the over-50 population (>50 years) from the SAGE (Study on global AGEing and adult health) Well-Being of Older People Study (WOPS) of the World Health Organization, conducted between 2010 and 2013. The outcome variable was perceived depression and the explanatory variables included several sociodemographic factors including self-reported food insecurity. The independent associations between the outcome and explanatory variables were measured using multivariable regression analysis. Results showed that close to a quarter of the population (22.6%, 95% CI = 21.4, 24.7) reported having depression in the last 12 months, with the percentage being markedly higher among women (71.4%). In the multivariable regression analysis, self-reported food insecurity was found to be the strongest predictor of depression among both sexes. For instance, severe food insecurity increased the odds of depression by 4.805 [3.325, 7.911] times among men and by 4.115 [2.030, 8.341] times among women. Based on the present findings, it is suggested that national food security programs focus on promoting food security among the elderly population in an effort to improve their mental health status. Nonetheless, the data were cross-sectional and the associations can’t imply causality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Health, Social Psychology and Psychiatry)

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Patterns and Depression: First Results in a Cross-Sectional Study from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

by

,

,

,

,

and

Psych 2020, 2(1), 11-24; https://doi.org/10.3390/psych2010002 - 20 Dec 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2899

Abstract

Background: Relations between diet and mental health continue to be a subject for controversy and an increasing numbers of studies. Recent literature is represented by papers that examine overall diet by way of dietary patterns and its association with depression, replacing previous studies [...] Read more.

Background: Relations between diet and mental health continue to be a subject for controversy and an increasing numbers of studies. Recent literature is represented by papers that examine overall diet by way of dietary patterns and its association with depression, replacing previous studies about nutrients. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate the relation between dietary patterns and depressive episode in the baseline (2008–2010) population of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). We analyzed 14,798 participants of ELSA-Brasil. Methods: We constructed dietary patterns based on the Food Frequency Questionnaire using multiple correspondence and cluster analysis; to evaluate depressive episodes, we used the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R). As an independent variable, we used the patterns: Traditional, Low-Sugar/Low-Fat, Fruit-Vegetables, and Bakery Products. We used multiple logistic regression models to evaluate relations between the dietary patterns and depressive episodes. Results: The Traditional pattern showed the highest percentages of consumption. After adjusting, the Bakery Products (OR = 1.33; 95%CI 1.05–1.70) was associated positively and significantly with depressive episodes only for women. Conclusions: International studies corroborated this finding, suggesting that the Bakery Products pattern could be a marker of a specific population group in which depressive episodes are frequent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Health, Social Psychology and Psychiatry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Intelligence, Income and Their Relation to Nutrition

by

Rodrigo Focosi Mazzei

,

Mayra Antonelli-Ponti

,

Sebastião de Sousa Almeida

,

Tania Regina Riul

and

José Aparecido Da Silva

Psych 2020, 2(1), 1-10; https://doi.org/10.3390/psych2010001 - 20 Dec 2019

Viewed by 2368

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intelligence and income on nutrition in Brazil, by means of large-scale secondary data. The cognitive abilities of students were used as a measure of intelligence. In order to evaluate the nutritional quality [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intelligence and income on nutrition in Brazil, by means of large-scale secondary data. The cognitive abilities of students were used as a measure of intelligence. In order to evaluate the nutritional quality of the population, the state hunger and undernutrition index (SHUI) was created. The intelligence explained 34% of the SHUI variation in the country. The development of the population’s intelligence influences the decrease in the rates of hunger and undernutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Health, Social Psychology and Psychiatry)

Open AccessArticle

Polypharmacy and Depressive Symptoms in U.S.-Born Mexican American Older Adults

by

,

,

,

and

Psych 2019, 1(1), 491-503; https://doi.org/10.3390/psych1010038 - 01 Nov 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2351

Abstract

Background: Although some studies have suggested a link between polypharmacy and poor mental health, less is known about the association between polypharmacy and depressive symptomology among U.S.-born older Mexican Americans. Aim: This study aimed to test the association between polypharmacy and depressive symptoms [...] Read more.

Background: Although some studies have suggested a link between polypharmacy and poor mental health, less is known about the association between polypharmacy and depressive symptomology among U.S.-born older Mexican Americans. Aim: This study aimed to test the association between polypharmacy and depressive symptoms in U.S.-born older Latino Americans. Materials and methods: Data came from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (SALSA 2008). A total of 691 U.S.-born older (age >= 65) Mexican Americans entered this analysis. Polypharmacy was the independent variable. Level of depressive symptoms was the outcome. Age, gender, socioeconomic status (education, income, and employment), retirement status, health (chronic medical conditions, self-rated health, and activities of daily living), language, acculturation, and smoking were the covariates. A linear regression model was used to analyze the data. Results: We found a positive association between polypharmacy and depressive symptoms, which was above and beyond demographic factors, socioeconomic status, physical health, health behaviors, language, acculturation, and health insurance. Conclusion: Polypharmacy is linked to depressive symptoms in U.S.-born older Mexican Americans. More research is needed to test the effects of reducing inappropriate polypharmacy on mental well-being of first and second generation older Mexican Americans. There is also a need to study the role of drug-drug interaction in explaining the observed link between polypharmacy and depressive symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Health, Social Psychology and Psychiatry)

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of Acculturation Status and Healthcare Coverage for the Needs of Mental Health Service Utilization among Latinos in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama

by

Azad R. Bhuiyan

,

Gerri A. Cannon-Smith

,

,

,

and

Psych 2019, 1(1), 460-468; https://doi.org/10.3390/psych1010035 - 30 Aug 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2622

Abstract

Background: The use of mental health services by Latinos is only 7.3%, despite the high prevalence of depression rates of between 27.0% and 38.0% in the United States. Research is limited concerning Latinos’ acculturation status and healthcare coverage on mental healthcare service utilization [...] Read more.

Background: The use of mental health services by Latinos is only 7.3%, despite the high prevalence of depression rates of between 27.0% and 38.0% in the United States. Research is limited concerning Latinos’ acculturation status and healthcare coverage on mental healthcare service utilization in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the association of acculturation status and healthcare coverage with mental health service utilization in the Latino population. Methods: During 2011–2012, a Latino Community Health Needs Assessment was administered by a trained bilingual interviewer using participants’ preferred language. Four hundred and eleven community members and leaders participated in the study. Acculturation status and self-reported mental health service utilization were retrieved from the survey instrument. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: In multivariate logistic regression that included gender, education level, healthcare coverage, depression, and acculturation status, individuals with a high acculturation score (3–5) were 1.53 times more likely to utilize mental health services compared to those with a low acculturation score (0–2). Individuals with healthcare coverage were 2.75 times more likely to utilize mental health services compared to those with not having healthcare coverage. Healthcare coverage is only a significant determinant of mental health service utilization. Conclusions: This result underscores the importance of having healthcare coverage for the need of mental health service utilization. Future research should consider the impact of acculturation and healthcare coverage on mental health service utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Health, Social Psychology and Psychiatry)

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Special Issue "Advances in Health, Social Psychology and Psychiatry"

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI