Search Results (707)

Hope and loneliness are significant psychosocial factors that greatly influence the quality of life (QoL) among older adults. However, few studies have examined these constructs simultaneously in rural aging populations in Southeast Asia. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between hope, loneliness, and QoL among community-dwelling older adults in northeastern Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 250 participants aged 60 years and older, recruited through convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, while hierarchical regression identified QoL predictors. The participants (mean age = 70.41 years; 52.8% female) reported a high level of hope (M = 33.35), a moderate level of loneliness (M = 8.81), and a good level of QoL (M = 99.13). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that age, occupation, monthly income, income source, education, health insurance, comorbidities, hope, and loneliness were significant predictors of QoL. Together, these factors accounted for 55.1% of the variance in QoL. Both hope and loneliness have a significant impact on QoL in older adults. Interventions designed to reduce loneliness and foster hope may prove effective in enhancing the well-being of aging populations. These findings underscore the importance of integrating psychosocial and community-based approaches into geriatric care and public health planning. Full article

Digital hoarding (DH) is an emerging behavior with potential implications for psychological well-being and daily functioning. While traditionally associated with physical hoarding disorder, DH presents unique challenges in digital environments, particularly among university students increasingly immersed in technology. This study examines the relationship between DH and academic performance, proposing a theoretical model in which academic engagement and academic burnout act as mediating mechanisms. Drawing on the Job Demands–Resources Theory, we provide evidence that DH contributes to a health impairment process that negatively affects student outcomes. Our findings reveal DH as a novel predictor of academic burnout, highlighting its detrimental impact on academic performance. These results carry significant theoretical and practical implications, offering new insights into the role of technology-related anxiety disorders in educational settings. From a practical perspective, our study underscores the need for higher education institutions to implement targeted interventions focused on emotional regulation and learning strategies to mitigate the negative effects of DH. Despite limitations related to sample specificity and cross-sectional data, this research opens avenues for future longitudinal studies and interventions aimed at addressing DH in both academic and professional contexts. By linking digital behaviors to mental health and performance, this work aligns with public health interests in understanding technology’s impact on youth well-being. Full article

Suicide is a growing public health concern in Brazil, with significant increases in mortality rates over the last decade and disparities among vulnerable populations. This study aimed to systematically synthesize the recent literature reviews on suicidality and suicide prevention in Brazil, providing an overview of key findings, research gaps, and implications for future studies. This systematic review of reviews follows a pre-registered PROSPERO protocol (CRD42024561892). Searches across five databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, SciELO and LILACS) identified 10 eligible reviews, published between 2019 and 2024, including systematic, integrative, narrative reviews, and meta-analyses. The reviews examined populations such as Indigenous peoples, adolescents, university students, older adults, and healthcare professionals. Findings showed that the risk of suicidal behavior was associated with mental health conditions, social vulnerability, and limited access to mental health services. Particularly high suicide rates were observed among Indigenous populations and adolescents. Across reviews, a lack of interventional studies, limited geographical coverage, and the inadequate training of health professionals were recurrent themes. This review highlights the urgent need for culturally sensitive suicide prevention strategies, greater research investment in underserved populations, and improved healthcare training and coordination. These findings aim to support the development of more effective national suicide prevention policies. Full article

Agricultural workers—individuals employed for labor in agriculture—are at high risk of various negative health outcomes, with many impacted by both the existence of health disparities and stress. While the issue of farm stress and associated psychosocial health outcomes has been studied in the general agricultural population, research investigating these issues specifically within the agricultural worker population is sparse. This study presents data from the United States Western Region Agricultural Worker Stress Survey (N = 354), which gauged workers’ perceived stress levels, sources of stress, desired stress management topics, and preferred methods of receiving information and support services. Long working hours, working in extreme temperatures, and a lack of time emerged as the top three stressors. On average, workers across the Western region of the U.S. are experiencing a moderate level of stress, with younger workers reporting greater stressor pileup than their older counterparts. Retirement planning was cited as the most preferred stress management topic, regardless of demographic. Lastly, workers chose in-person counseling as the support modality that they would most likely utilize. This research provides a variety of stress management recommendations such as working with farm owners to increase the safety of their operation, investing in face-to-face counseling services, and utilizing community health workers as sources of support. Full article

People with severe mental disorders (SMD) face long-term functional impairments requiring integrated, community-based, recovery-oriented care. Italy provides two main housing models for people with SMD: private accommodation (PA) and supported accommodation (SA). This exploratory study investigated differences in recovery outcomes across these settings using the Mental Health Recovery Star (MHRS). A six-month longitudinal study was conducted within the South Verona Community Mental Health Service. Nineteen trained mental health professionals assessed 25 people with SMD (14 in PA, 11 in SA) at baseline (BL) and follow-up (FU) using standardized tools for recovery (MHRS), functioning, psychopathology, functional autonomy, and needs. Group comparisons and within-group changes were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests. At BL, people with SMD in PA showed better functioning (p = 0.040) and fewer needs than those in SA (p = 0.008). Recovery goals differed, with people with SMD in PA focusing on health and networks, while people with SMD in SA emphasized functioning. At FU, people with SMD in PA improved across all MHRS domains (p < 0.001), with significant reductions in symptom severity and unmet needs. People with SMD in SA showed targeted improvements in functioning, autonomy, and MHRS social networks (p < 0.001), with increases in met needs but non-significant changes in unmet needs. When comparing PA and SA at FU, the differences were relatively modest. Recovery is achievable in both housing settings, although outcomes differ. People with SMD in PA experienced broader improvements, while people with SMD in SA progressed in their prioritized areas, likely reflecting more complex initial needs. These findings underscore the value of aligning recovery-oriented care with the specific needs and contexts of different residential settings. Further research is needed to confirm and expand these results. Full article

This narrative review examines the effects of caffeine on brain health in older adults, with particular attention to its potential for dependence—an often-overlooked issue in geriatric care. Caffeine acts on central adenosine, dopamine, and glutamate systems, producing both stimulating and rewarding effects that can foster tolerance and habitual use. Age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes prolong caffeine’s half-life and increase physiological sensitivity in the elderly. While moderate consumption may enhance alertness, attention, and possibly offer neuroprotective effects—especially in Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia—excessive or prolonged use may lead to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cognitive or motor impairment. Chronic exposure induces neuroadaptive changes, such as adenosine receptor down-regulation, resulting in tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, including headache, irritability, and fatigue. These symptoms, often mistaken for typical aging complaints, may reflect a substance use disorder yet remain under-recognized due to caffeine’s cultural acceptance. The review explores caffeine’s mixed role in neurological disorders, being beneficial in some and potentially harmful in others, such as restless legs syndrome and frontotemporal dementia. Given the variability in individual responses and the underestimated risk of dependence, personalized caffeine intake guidelines are warranted. Future research should focus on the long-term cognitive effects and the clinical significance of caffeine use disorder in older populations. Full article

Pregnancy-related discrimination at work is a concern for many employees who navigate the pregnancy and postpartum stages of parenthood while working in the early-to-middle stages of their careers. Although there is legislation prohibiting pregnancy-related discrimination and ensuring accommodations postpartum, empirical evidence indicates many pregnant and postpartum employees still experience such behaviors. In this narrative review, we focus on describing the range of behaviors assessed in studies on pregnancy-related discrimination in several cultures, situating the occurrence of discrimination within theoretical frameworks related to stereotypes and gendered expectations. We also review evidence of employees’ postpartum experiences with a focus on the transition back to work, along with breastfeeding challenges related to pumping and storing milk at work. Regarding coping with pregnancy-related workplace discrimination and postpartum challenges during a return to work, we review the importance of social support, including instrumental and emotional support from allies and role models. Full article

A vast majority of survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) experience economic abuse, including but not limited to, employment sabotage. The purpose of this study is to further understand IPV by testing a technology-inclusive abuser-initiated workplace disruption measurement in an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) so that future researchers can better examine and address economic abuse. Using a sample of survivors (N = 312) employed in the nursing profession in the United States, who may be uniquely impacted by technology, we used complete data to examine experiences of abuser-initiated workplace disruptions, including those that utilized cellphones (e.g., excessive texting, harassment of coworkers, preventing educational advancement). The results revealed a two-factor structure: one containing a variety of direct and indirect workplace disruptions relevant to the nursing profession (73% of variance) and a second containing only cell-phone related harassment (9% of variance). Implications for healthcare employers seeking to protect employees from IPV, as well as policymakers, are included. Full article

In the Hexaflex model of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychological flexibility refers to the ability to openly embrace difficult thoughts and emotions while acting in alignment with personal values. In contrast, psychological inflexibility involves rigid avoidance and control strategies that hinder adaptive functioning. Although previously studied, more culturally relevant evidence is needed to inform interventions that promote well-being and mental health among Latin American students. This study explored manifestations of psychological flexibility and inflexibility in 15 undergraduate students from the University of Magdalena in Colombia (mean age = 20.13 years; 53.33% female) through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews (~45 min each). Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), focusing on how participants described and made sense of their experiences. A total of 25 emergent themes were identified and grouped into 12 subordinate themes, mapped onto the 6 core ACT processes. The participants reported efforts to control or avoid distressing internal experiences, often resulting in difficulty acting in accordance with their values. The findings highlight a recurring ambivalence between avoidance and acceptance, and barriers to committed action, underscoring the dynamic interplay between flexibility and inflexibility. These results support the relevance of ACT-based interventions, such as structured group sessions that foster acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based behavior. Integrating this training into counseling and academic support services could enhance students’ well-being and performance. Future research should examine these dynamics longitudinally and across diverse contexts. Full article

As mental health disorders in the U.S. increase at an alarming rate, schools are looking for prevention and mitigation interventions for their students. This study reports teachers’ perspectives on the effectiveness of a school program situated at the intersection of self-care and nature-based interventions at a vocational technical high school. Eight classes received between one and four “Intro to Well-Being” sessions, designed to take students outside and develop self-awareness, sense of connection, and reduce stress. Upon the conclusion of the program, classroom teachers were interviewed to identify the perceptions of the sessions and their impact on student and classroom outcomes. Teachers described the sessions as beneficial to students’ expression of emotions, mindfulness skills, personal/social connections, and classroom atmosphere. Teachers also reflected on challenges and provided recommendations for future implementation. Outdoor-based self-care programs, administered at schools, may be a promising program model to support the social and emotional health of students. Full article

Accurately screening fathers for perinatal mental health problems requires well-validated screening instruments that assess the expression of paternal perinatal mental distress. This study aimed to identify and describe the psychometric properties of perinatal mental health screening instruments administered to paternal cohorts within the past two decades. A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework and is reported in line with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search of Embase, PsycINFO, Medline, and ProQuest databases identified peer-reviewed literature published within the past 20 years that implemented a screening instrument for fathers’ perinatal mental health within the first 12 months of their child’s birth. Twenty-eight instruments used to screen fathers’ perinatal mental health were identified across 36 studies. The instruments most frequently assessed symptoms of depression. Only five were explicitly developed for fathers and while these instruments produced promising results, further evaluation is necessary before they can be considered a superior screening method compared to existing instruments. Full article

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who inject drugs face persistent health inequities, highlighting the need for programs that meet the needs of these groups. This study explored how intersectional stigma and discrimination affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s access to quality healthcare. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants aged ≥18 years who had injected drugs within the past 12 months were recruited from two regional needle and syringe programs (NSPs) and a major city NSP in Queensland, Australia. Participants completed a structured survey and yarned with an Aboriginal researcher and non-Indigenous research assistant about their healthcare experiences. Through a process of reflexive and thematic analysis, three major qualitative themes emerged: participants’ social circumstances and mental health challenges made help-seeking difficult and complex; enacted stigma and racism diminished access to health services and the quality of care received; and injecting drug use was associated with disconnection from culture and community. Privileging the expertise and voices of those with lived/living experience is essential for the creation of culturally safe, inclusive, and destigmatising healthcare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who inject drugs. Full article

Emotion recognition is an essential social ability that continues to develop across adolescence, a period of critical socio-emotional changes. In the present study, we examine how signals from different sensory modalities, specifically touch and facial expressions, are integrated into a holistic understanding of another’s feelings. Adolescents (n = 30) and young adults (n = 30) were presented with dynamic faces displaying either a positive (happy) or a negative (sad) expression. Crucially, facial expressions were anticipated by a tactile stimulation, either positive or negative. Across two experiments, we use different tactile primes, both in first-person experience (experiment 1) and in the vicarious experience of touch (experiment 2). We measured accuracy and reaction times to investigate whether tactile stimuli affect facial emotional processing. In both experiments, results indicate that adolescents were more sensitive than adults to the influence of tactile primes, suggesting that sensory cues modulate adolescents’ accuracy and velocity in evaluating emotion facial expression. The present findings offer valuable insights into how tactile experiences might shape and support emotional development and interpersonal social interactions. Full article

Dating applications (DAs) are widely used to establish social and sexual connections among men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly in urban areas. In this study, we aimed to examine the associations between DA use and mental health among Thai MSM. An online cross-sectional survey was completed by 442 MSM residing in Bangkok and urban municipalities across all regions of Thailand. Psychological distress (PD) and probable depression were assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. Of the participants, 62.7% were current users, with 33.2% experiencing PD and 33.9% having depression. A logistic regression analysis showed that PD was significantly associated with late-night use (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.08–3.78), matching failure (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.12–3.38), rejection (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.18–3.62), and ghosting (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.02–3.11). Simultaneously, depression was significantly associated with using DAs with the motivation of hooking up (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.05–4.93), privacy violations (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.42–5.38), unsolicited sexual images (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.11–3.74), physical assault (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.57–5.61), harassment (AOR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.37–4.70), scams (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.41–4.77), and extreme disappointment from DA use (AOR = 5.98, 95% CI: 1.84–19.41). These findings highlight how DA usage patterns and negative experiences may contribute to the poorer mental health among MSM in urban areas. Full article

Despite initial concerns about the severe negative impact of COVID-19 on individuals with a history of mental health problems and suicide attempts, its effects remain unclear. This study examined the pandemic’s impact on individuals with and without lived experience of suicide attempts. An online nationwide sample of 1351 adults from the United States completed questionnaires from 26 May to 25 June 2021. A history of suicide attempt(s) (n = 159; 12%) was associated with significantly higher odds of utilizing mental health services, hospitalization for psychiatric reasons, and contacting hotlines. This history predicted worse outcomes in functioning, optimism, despair, and impairment. Notably, 57.6% of these individuals believed surviving a suicide attempt made them more resilient, while 21.9% expressed uncertainty about its impact on their resilience. In sum, participants with a history of suicide attempt(s) reported more depressive symptoms, worse daily functioning, more despair, less optimism, and greater service utilization during the pandemic, yet many also cited increased resilience due to their suicide history. Full article