Search Results (440)

Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, is increasingly recognized as a significant mental health concern with psychiatric implications. This cross-sectional study explored variables associated with current burnout levels among 2004 teachers in 19 Latin American countries and Spain, drawing on retrospective perceptions of COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in work conditions and student behavior. Using a comprehensive survey, researchers gathered demographic information, work-related characteristics, and burnout levels measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Participants were recruited through social media platforms and teacher groups. Participants reported high emotional exhaustion, with 45.9% exceeding the clinical threshold. Moderate depersonalization levels were observed, with 30.2% scoring above the clinical cutoff. Hierarchical regressions indicated that emotional exhaustion was significantly predicted by individual (e.g., gender, age, socioeconomic status, pre-existing mental and chronic illnesses), school (e.g., school level, sector, and workload), and student factors (e.g., behavior and social adjustment problems), accounting for 17.4% of the variance. Depersonalization was similarly associated with individual (e.g., gender, age, education, and pre-existing mental illness), school (e.g., workload and school level), and student characteristics (e.g., educational, behavioral, and family adjustment problems), explaining 6.5% of the variance. These findings contribute to psychiatric and psychological research by identifying specific risk profiles for chronic stress syndromes in educators—an occupational group facing long-term psychological impacts from the COVID-19 crisis. This study underscores the need for interdisciplinary psychiatric approaches to diagnose and prevent burnout and promote teacher well-being through clinical and policy-level interventions. Full article

Vaccines played a crucial role in the COVID-19 pandemic, but their long-term biological effects and efficacy in vulnerable populations remain under intensive investigation. This study assessed clinical outcomes, comorbidities, and systemic biomarker and proteomic profiles in 366 multimorbid patients, stratified into four groups based on SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination status (COV+ vac+, COV+ vac−, COV− vac+, COV− vac−). Clinical and laboratory data, including comorbidities and relevant biomarkers, were collected. Proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry was performed to identify molecular changes associated with infection and vaccination. Statistical analyses examined associations between clinical status, biomarkers, and patient outcomes. As most participants received mRNA-based vaccines, the results primarily reflect responses to spike protein-expressing platforms. Biomarkers of cardiac and renal stress—namely proBNP and carbamide—were elevated in vaccinated individuals. Five deaths occurred in the COV+ vac+ group and two in the COV+ vac− group, most of which were attributed to exacerbations of pre-existing chronic diseases rather than to COVID-19 pneumonia. Protection against breakthrough infections waned over time, particularly beyond 200 days post-vaccination. Mass spectrometry identified proteins such as actin, fibrinogen chains, and SAA2 as potential diagnostic targets. Although the cross-sectional observational design limits the ability to draw causal inferences, the observed waning immunity and potential systemic alterations in vaccinated multimorbid patients highlight the importance of longitudinal follow-up to guide tailored immunization strategies and post-vaccination monitoring in high-risk groups. Full article

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic placed substantial mental and physical burdens on healthcare workers, particularly nurses. In the post-pandemic period, sustained stress, elevated mental workload and disturbed sleep may continue to affect well-being and job performance. This study aimed to assess perceived stress levels, occupational stress, and sleep quality among Hungarian nurses, while identifying key demographic, occupational, and behavioral predictors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted from April to July 2022 among nurses employed in Hungarian general hospitals (N = 418). Data were collected via an online self-administered questionnaire. Stress and sleep quality were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS), and Groningen Sleep Quality Scale (GSQS). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, post hoc tests, t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation (p < 0.05). Results: The mean PSS-14 score was 27.82 (SD = 7.82), indicating moderate stress. Sleep quality was poor (mean GSQS = 7.29, SD = 4.28), with significant positive correlation with perceived stress (r = 0.442, p < 0.001). Low income, lower education, and high coffee or alcohol consumption, and multiple night shifts were significantly associated with higher stress and poorer sleep quality. Occupational stress and mental workload, as measured by ENSS, was highest in internal medicine (mean = 122.16, SD = 37.09; p = 0.033). The most burdensome ENSS subscale was “workload” (mean = 2.30, SD = 0.92), with “not enough staff to adequately cover the unit” identified as the most stressful item. Additional cognitive and emotional workload components included dealing with violent patients and a lack of emotional preparedness in supporting families. Conclusions: Post-COVID nurses in Hungary experience moderate stress and impaired sleep. Excessive workload, emotional demands, and shift patterns significantly contribute to psychological and cognitive strain. Institutional and policy-level interventions are needed to reduce occupational stress and promote workforce resilience. Full article

Background/Objectives: Young families experiencing high levels of psychosocial stress should be addressed at an early stage to counteract potential negative effects on the parents’ and child’s wellbeing. This became particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic when especially families have been strained by restriction measures. Early Childhood Intervention services (ECI) can provide low-threshold support, to which access should be encouraged. Methods: The randomized controlled trial of the CoronabaBY study with N = 1384 participants focuses on the effects of a newly developed app-based intervention on the awareness and usage of ECI services by young families with infants and toddlers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. The analysis compares knowledge and usage rates of an intervention group (IG) and a waitlist control group (WCG) at three survey stages (pre-test, post-test and follow-up). Results: There was a significant increase in awareness of ECI services from pre-test to post-test in both the IG (15.2%) and WCG (10.7%) (p < 0.001), but the difference between the two groups was not significant. In contrast, the usage rate of further ECI services at post-test was significantly higher in the IG (12.1%) compared to the WCG (8.2%) (V = 0.060, p = 0.012), especially in a subgroup of highly stressed parents. Conclusions: Digital applications show potential to improve access to ECI services and should be continuously developed and evaluated to appropriately address young families and their needs. Full article

Background: Dental professionals face high levels of occupational stress, which intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to increased burnout, diminished well-being, and signs of accelerated biological aging. This systematic review explores the role of physical activity as a protective factor for mental and physical health, with a focus on promoting resilience and long-term occupational sustainability in a post-pandemic volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies published between 2000 and 2024 were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library using MeSH terms related to dentistry, physical activity, stress management, and occupational health. Of 850 records screened, 28 studies were included: 24 cross-sectional, 2 systematic reviews, 1 retrospective, and 1 case–control study. Inclusion and quality appraisal followed standardized criteria. Results: The included studies consistently showed that physical activity was associated with reduced burnout, improved psychological well-being, enhanced postural function, and potential markers of slowed biological aging in dental professionals. Several studies reported moderate-to-strong associations, with effect sizes ranging from small improvements in perceived stress scores to substantial reductions in MSD prevalence. Interventions combining exercise with ergonomic education, stress management, and institutional support demonstrated the stronger and more consistent benefits for professional sustainability. Conclusions: Physical activity, when integrated into comprehensive workplace wellness frameworks, significantly enhances the mental and physical resilience of dental professionals. Embedding movement, ergonomics, and psychosocial support into practice environments offers a promising strategy for safeguarding long-term workforce sustainability and improving public health outcomes. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on nurses’ mental health and overall wellness, both during and after the crisis. Objectives: This study aims to explore overall wellness during and after the pandemic, and the long-term psychological effects of the relationship between psychological distress and the eight dimensions of well-being among nurses in the post-pandemic era. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used to conduct the study among 288 nurses from two regional hospitals in Albania. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling, selecting nurses based on availability and relevance to the study criteria. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires using the DASS-21 scale and the Personal Assessment of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness. Descriptive statistics and Kendall’s Tau-b correlation were used to assess associations, followed by ordinal regression to explore the influence of demographic and professional variables. Results: Findings revealed persistent levels of psychological distress among nurses, especially related to anxiety and stress. Significant negative correlations were found between wellness dimensions particularly emotional and occupational wellness and psychological distress. Age and department assignment emerged as predictors of post-pandemic stress and depression. Conclusions: The study highlights the need for institutional strategies to support mental health and promote comprehensive well-being among nurses in the post-COVID-19 period. Investing in long-term psychological support and wellness training is essential for building a resilient nursing workforce. Full article

The increase in school violence, especially post-pandemic, has been widely addressed in various research studies. This pilot study, carried out in the Araucanía Region (Chile), aims to explore the relationship between negative emotional self-regulation of stress and perceptions of school violence. A cross-sectional and descriptive methodology was used, with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the validity of the scales applied, and a structural equation model (SEM) to analyze the influence of self-regulation on the perception of types of school violence. The participants were 239 students between the ages of 9 and 15 (M = 11.45; SD = 1.47). The results showed a positive and statistically significant relationship between negative stress self-regulation and the perception of school violence, indicating that those with a greater tendency to avoid negative emotions perceived or experienced more violence. The findings suggest that emotional self-regulation, particularly avoidance, can be a relevant factor in the perception and management of school violence, highlighting the importance of educational interventions and policies that promote adaptive emotional skills within the school context. Full article

Early-career teachers (ECTs) entered the profession during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that introduced unique stressors to an already-demanding career phase. This systematic review examines empirical studies published between 2020 and February 2025 to explore how the pandemic influenced ECT wellbeing, with particular attention to stressors and protective factors impacting long-term retention and professional sustainability. Guided by PRISMA protocols, databases including Web of Science, ERIC, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched, screening 470 records and identifying 30 studies that met inclusion criteria: peer-reviewed, empirical, focused on early-career teachers (within the first five years), and situated in or explicitly addressing the pandemic and its ongoing impacts. The results of Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis (2006) revealed that pandemic-related challenges such as increased workload, professional isolation, disrupted induction processes, and emotional strain have persisted into the post-pandemic era, contributing to sustained risks of burnout and attrition. Regardless, protective factors identified during the pandemic—including high-quality mentoring, structured induction programmes, collegial support, professional autonomy, and effective individual coping strategies—continue to offer essential support, enhancing resilience and professional wellbeing. These findings underscore the necessity of institutionalising targeted supports to address the enduring effects of pandemic-related stressors on ECT wellbeing. By prioritising sustained mental health initiatives and structural supports, education systems can effectively mitigate long-term impacts and improve retention outcomes for early-career teachers in a post-pandemic educational landscape. Full article

The mental and physical health of college students, especially in urban environments like Shanghai, is crucial given the high academic and urban stressors, which were intensified by the COVID-19 lockdown. Prior research has shown gender differences in health impacts during public health crises, with females often more vulnerable to mental health issues. Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the physical and psychological health of Chinese college students post-lockdown, focusing on the relationship between stress, anxiety, depression, sleep patterns, and physical health, with a particular emphasis on gender differences. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 116 students in Shanghai, utilizing psychological scales (HAMA, IPAQ, PSQI, SDS, FS 14, PSS, SF-36) and physical fitness tests (resting heart rate, blood pressure, hand grip, forced vital capacity, standing long jump, sit-and-reach, one-minute sit-up test and the one-minute squat test, single-leg stand test with eyes closed), to analyze health and behavior during the pandemic lockdown. All students have undergone the same life habits during the pandemic. Results: The HAMA scores indicated no significant levels of physical or mental anxiety. The PSS results (42.45 ± 8.93) reflected a high overall stress level. Furthermore, the PSQI scores (5.4 ± 2.91) suggested that the participants experienced mild insomnia. The IPAQ scores indicated higher levels of job-related activity (1261.49 ± 2144.58), transportation activity (1253.65 ± 987.57), walking intensity (1580.78 ± 1412.20), and moderate-intensity activity (1353.03 ± 1675.27) among college students following the lockdown. Hand grip strength (right) (p = 0.001), sit-and-reach test (p = 0.001), standing long jump (p = 0.001), and HAMA total score (p = 0.033) showed significant differences between males and females. Three principal components were identified in males: HAMA, FS14, and PSQI, explaining a total variance of 70.473%. Similarly, three principal components were extracted in females: HAMA, PSQI, and FS14, explaining a total variance of 69.100%. Conclusions: Our study underscores the complex interplay between physical activity (PA), mental health, and quality of life, emphasizing the need for gender-specific interventions. The persistent high stress, poor sleep quality, and reduced PA levels call for a reorganized teaching schedule to enhance student well-being without increasing academic pressure. Full article

Background: International migration is a growing global phenomenon involving diverse groups, such as labor migrants, international marriage migrants, refugees, and international students. International migrants face unique mental health challenges influenced by adversities such as social isolation and limited access to mental health services. This study employs bibliometric methods to systematically analyze the global body of literature on international migrants’ mental health. Methods: The literature on the mental health of international migrants published until October 2024 was searched using the Web of Science database. The search terms included (‘International migrants’ OR ‘migrant workers’ OR ‘international students’ OR ‘refugees’ OR ‘asylum seekers’ OR ‘smuggled migrants’) AND ‘mental health’. VOSviewer was used to conduct bibliometric analysis, focusing on co-authorship patterns, keyword co-occurrence, and citation networks. Results: Over the past four decades, research on the mental health of international migrants has grown substantially, with major migration destinations such as the United States, Europe, and Australia playing prominent roles in this field. ‘Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)’ was the most frequent keyword in publications, with strong links to ‘trauma’ and ‘depression’. In recent years, with the impact of global socioenvironmental changes and emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the research focus has gradually shifted towards social support, service accessibility, and cultural adaptation. Conclusions: International migration is a far-reaching global phenomenon, and addressing the mental health of migrant populations is essential for advancing public health, social cohesion, and sustainable development. This study provides the first bibliometric overview of research in this domain, mapping its thematic evolution and collaborative structure. The findings offer valuable insights into the field’s development and may support future interdisciplinary collaboration and the formulation of culturally informed, evidence-based approaches in migrant mental health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Given the heterogeneous nature of long COVID, its treatment and management remain challenging. This study aimed to investigate whether poor pre-pandemic sleep quality, its deterioration during the peak of the pandemic, and circadian preference increase the risk of long COVID symptoms. Methods: An online survey was conducted between 9 October and 12 December 2022, with 384 participants who had recovered from COVID-19 at least three months prior to data collection. Participants were categorized based on the presence of at least one long COVID symptom. Logistic regression models assessed associations between sleep-related variables and long COVID symptoms. Results: Participants with long COVID symptoms reported significantly poorer sleep quality, higher perceived stress, greater somatic and cognitive pre-sleep arousal, and elevated levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, depression, and aggression. Fatigue (39.8%) and memory problems (37.0%) were the most common long COVID symptoms. Sleep deterioration during the pandemic peak was reported by 34.6% of respondents. Pre-pandemic poor sleep quality, its deterioration during the pandemic, and poor sleep at the time of the survey were all significantly associated with long COVID. An extreme morning chronotype consistently predicted long COVID symptoms across all models, while an extreme evening chronotype was predictive only when accounting for sleep quality changes during the pandemic. COVID-19 frequency, severity, financial impact, and somatic pre-sleep arousal were significant predictors in all models. Conclusions: Poor sleep quality before the pandemic and its worsening during the pandemic peak are associated with a higher likelihood of long COVID symptoms. These findings underscore the need to monitor sleep health during pandemics and similar global events to help identify at-risk individuals and mitigate long-term health consequences, with important clinical and societal implications. Full article

(1) Background: Physical activity (PA) plays a crucial role in preserving and enhancing mental health, particularly in the aftermath of major health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the specific levels and domains of physical activity that have the greatest impact on alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress in the post-COVID-19 period remain unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of different levels and domains of PA on mental health parameters, specifically symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, in individuals who had recovered from COVID-19. (2) Methods: The study included initial measurements (2–4 weeks post-recovery) and final measurements (14–16 weeks post-recovery). The sample comprised 288 participants aged 20 to 60 years (M = 47.06; SD = 12.41), with 95 men and 193 women. PA was assessed using the long version of the IPAQ questionnaire, while mental health was evaluated using the long version of the DASS scale. (3) Results: Stepwise regression analysis revealed that low- (p = 0.010) and moderate-intensity (p = 0.022) PA was significantly associated with reductions in anxiety symptoms as well as lower stress levels (low PA: p = 0.014; moderate PA: p = 0.042). Total PA (p < 0.001) and vigorous-intensity PA (p = 0.008) emerged as significant predictors of reduced depression levels. Among the domains of PA, home-based activities had a statistically significant impact on all three mental health components: anxiety (p = 0.005), depression (p = 0.002), and stress (p = 0.041). Transport-related PA was significantly associated with anxiety (p = 0.011) and stress (p = 0.022), but not with depression. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that a combined model incorporating different levels and domains of PA may represent an effective approach to improving mental health in individuals recovering from COVID-19. Further longitudinal studies are needed to establish more precise causal relationships. Full article

The transition to hybrid work has become a defining feature of the post-pandemic IT sector, yet organizations lack empirical benchmarks for balancing flexibility with performance and well-being. This study addresses this gap by identifying an optimal hybrid work structure and exposing systematic perception gaps between employees and managers. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory and the Job Demands–Resources model, our research analyses survey data from 1003 employees and 252 managers across 46 countries. The findings identify a hybrid “sweet spot” of 6–10 office days per month. Employees in this window report significantly higher perceived efficiency (Odds Ratio (OR) ≈ 2.12) and marginally lower office-related stress. Critically, the study uncovers a significant perception gap: contrary to the initial hypothesis, managers are nearly twice as likely as employees to rate hybrid work as most efficient (OR ≈ 1.95) and consistently evaluate remote-work resources more favourably (OR ≈ 2.64). This “supervisor-optimism bias” suggests a disconnect between policy design and frontline experience. The study concludes that while a light-to-moderate hybrid model offers clear benefits, organizations must actively address this perceptual divide and remedy resource shortages to realize the potential of hybrid work fully. This research provides data-driven guidelines for creating sustainable, high-performance work environments in the IT sector. Full article

In higher education, the emotional intelligence (EI) of university professors, defined as the ability to perceive, understand, manage and utilize emotions effectively, is increasingly recognized as a pivotal factor in enhancing students’ academic achievement and psychological well-being. However, the scarcity of studies directly linking professors’ EI to students’ well-being highlights a critical research gap. This systematic review investigates how professors’ emotional competencies influence student outcomes—such as academic performance, engagement, motivation, and mental health—and identifies the factors that mediate or moderate these effects. Findings indicate that professors’ EI, particularly empathy, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills, significantly enhances student engagement, motivation, and academic satisfaction, with indirect effects on psychological well-being. Cultural context, teaching modality (e.g., online vs. in-person), and professors’ age and experience moderate these effects and influence effect sizes. Qualitative synthesis further highlighted contextual gaps in the literature. The limited focus on well-being and outcomes and reliance on self-report measures underscore the need for longitudinal, culturally diverse studies and performance-based EI assessments. The value of this research lies in its potential to inform evidence-based educational practices and institutional policies. By elucidating the role of professors’ EI, the review lays the groundwork for developing faculty training programs aimed at strengthening emotional competencies and fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments that promote student growth and resilience. This is especially relevant given the growing prevalence of stress, anxiety, and disengagement among university students, exacerbated by post-pandemic challenges and academic pressures. Understanding the impact of EI can inform culturally responsive interventions, improve student retention, and enhance institutional effectiveness, thereby addressing a pressing need in contemporary higher education. In today’s rapidly evolving technological, social, and cultural landscape, universities have both the opportunity and the responsibility to act as catalysts for the creation of an educational culture that promotes social well-being. This requires adopting educational and organizational models that prioritize human care and the quality of interpersonal relationships. To be effective, these priorities must be integrated into all university operations, from governance to student support and talent development. Full article

Background: Hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic has been linked with increased psychological distress, cognitive impairment, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and rumination may significantly influence QoL outcomes, yet the mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly understood. Based on the Cognitive Aging Model, this study examines the mediating effects of cognitive and emotional functioning, loneliness, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) on the connection between PTSS/rumination and QoL among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, including the moderator effect of sex, time since discharge, and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A cohort of 258 patients previously hospitalized with COVID-19 as the primary or secondary diagnosis was assessed 6 to 24 months post-discharge. Participants completed validated self-report and neuropsychological assessments of PTSS, rumination, cognitive function, psychological morbidity (depression and anxiety), loneliness, PTG, and QoL. Path analysis and multigroup analysis were employed to assess mediating and moderating effects. Results: PTSS and rumination were associated with reduced physical and mental QoL, primarily via increased psychological morbidity, impaired cognitive functioning, loneliness, and reduced PTG. Rumination showed strong direct and indirect effects on multiple mediators. Only sex and time since discharge significantly moderated pathways, with women showing a strong association between rumination and cognitive impairment/loneliness, while the association between loneliness and mental QoL was significant only in men and in recently discharged patients. Conclusions: PTSS and rumination contribute negatively to QoL in post-discharged patients with COVID-19 through emotional, cognitive, and social pathways, influenced by sex and duration since discharge. The findings underscore the significance of comprehensive long-term care methods focused on cognitive rehabilitation, psychosocial sT, and social reintegration for COVID-19 survivors. Full article