Psychology Research and Behavior Management最新文献

Background: Patients with chronic illnesses frequently exhibit symptoms including self-stigma, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. While previous research has primarily focused on the effects of individual symptoms, a comprehensive analysis of the complex interactions among these symptoms remains lacking. The present study investigates these interactions using network analysis.

Methods: The study collected data on the psychological status of 406 patients using self-assessment scales (sleep/anxiety/depression scales). We conducted network analyses with the R packages botnet and qgraph to evaluate the bridging relationships between symptom networks and the strength of these networks. Additionally, we analyzed the interrelationships among the various symptoms of self-stigma, insomnia, depression, and anxiety, and explored the core and bridging symptoms within the symptom networks.

Results: Network analyses identified self-stigma emotions and daytime conditions as the core symptoms of self-stigma and insomnia within the dimensional network models of self-stigma, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. The most significant bridging symptoms in these models were anxiety, depression, self-stigma, emotions, and daytime conditions. In contrast, the prominent bridging symptoms in the self-stigma, depression, anxiety, and insomnia dimensional network models were SD6 (Bad mood or unstable mood during the day), AN2 (Unable to stop or control worrying), DP2 (Feeling down, depressed, hopeless), and SS1 (Patient identity is burdens). Additionally, SS9 (Illness-concealed social avoidance) and SD7 (Poor or unstable mental state during daytime physical activities) emerged as the core symptoms of self-stigma and insomnia symptoms, respectively.

Conclusion: This network analysis identified self-stigma cognition and sleep quality as central symptoms within the self-stigma-insomnia network structure. It pinpointed a lack of interest and pleasure in activities, along with the inability to stop or control worrying, as bridge symptoms in the self-stigma-insomnia-depression and self-stigma-insomnia-anxiety network structures.

Background: Recent studies have indicated a possible connection between impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Tourette's syndrome (TS). The precise causal relationship between them is yet uncertain. This study utilized bidirectional dual-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal relationship between Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy quantity, an indicator of mitochondrial malfunction, and NDDs.

Methods: The study utilized data from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) and IEU OpenGWAS Project database to investigate the relationship between mtDNA copy number and NDDs using MR method. The accuracy and confidence of our results were evaluated using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method along with sensitivity analyses such as weighted median, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO. Additionally, we conducted the same procedure in the reverse manner with instruments for NDDs.

Results: A notable correlation was discovered between mtDNA copy number and ASD (OR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.65-0.94, P=0.0077). Furthermore, confirmatory GWAS data analysis yielded similar results, which were even more significant (OR=0.80, 95% CI: 0.68-0.93, P=0.0047). However, bidirectional two-sample MR analysis did not reveal significant correlations between mtDNA copy number and ADHD or TS.

Conclusion: This study has uncovered a significant genetic causal relationship between mtDNA copy number and ASD. No associations were discovered between ADHD and TS during the investigation. Due to the inherent constraints of MR investigations, additional study is needed to definitively clarify these genetic causal links.

Purpose: Youth in Saudi Arabia increasingly face mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. These issues are compounded by stigma, academic pressure, and limited access to mental health education. Mental health literacy (MHL) remains low, delaying recognition of symptoms and help-seeking. This study aimed to develop and validate a bilingual Reusable Learning Object (RLO) to enhance youth's understanding of mental health, with a focus on the neuroendocrine system's role in mood regulation.

Methodology: The RLO was developed in English using the open-source Xerte software, guided by the ASPIRE framework (Aims, Storyboarding, Production, Implementation, Release, Evaluation). The 11-page interactive module covers key topics including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, stress response, symptoms of common mental disorders, misconceptions, and self-help strategies. Multimedia and interactive elements such as animations, flash cards, hotspot images were used to enhance engagement. During RLO development, a panel of experts conducted iterative reviews to ensure the content accuracy and instructional quality. A 2-page of built-in Mental Health literacy instrument using a validated questionnaire was used for evaluation.The module was forward- and back-translated to produce an Arabic version, followed by content validation from six bilingual subject matter experts in Mental Health topics.

Results: Expert reviewers were able to capture the RLO's clarity, educational value, and suitability for youth. Strengths included interactivity, visual appeal, and a manageable completion time (10-15 minutes). Recommendations included reducing cognitive load, improving conceptual flow, and enhancing feedback on quiz items. Minor technical and linguistic issues were also addressed. For content validation of the Mental Health literacy instrument, a score of S-VA/Ave was 0.761, indicating that most items were considered relevant by most experts. The low UA of 0.188 was addressed by modifying the RLO content and to preserve the English validated questionnaire integrity.

Conclusion: This study presents a rigorously developed and validated bilingual RLO aimed at improving MHL among youth in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: The present study reports the prevalence of acute post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (2 months post-injury) and chronic PTSD symptoms (6 and 12 months post-injury) among road trauma survivors. We also examine baseline factors as potential predictors of acute and chronic PTSD symptoms post-injury.

Methods: This study followed a prospective cohort, enrolling 1480 survivors in Canada, between July 2018 and March 2020. PTSD symptoms were measured with the Post-traumatic Check-List Scale (PCL-S) at 2, 6, and 12 months post-injury. Baseline sociodemographic, psychological, medical, and injury-related factors were examined as predictors of acute and long-term PTSD symptoms using multivariable logistic regression.

Results: PTSD symptoms were reported by 241 of 1074 participants (22.4%) at 2 months, 167 of 935 (17.9%) at 6 months, and 141 of 872 (16.2%) at 12 months. Female sex, Asian ethnicity, more retrospectively reported pre-injury somatic symptoms, greater pre-injury psychological distress, and being a pedestrian (vs a driver) were consistently linked to higher odds of PTSD symptoms at 2 and 6 months. At 2 months, younger age, greater pre-injury pain catastrophizing, uncertain recovery expectations, and head or spine/back injuries were additional significant predictors, while by 6 months, having neck injury remained significant. By 12 months, chronic PTSD symptoms was associated with greater pre-injury pain catastrophizing, lower pre-injury health-related quality of life, and spine/back injury. Injury pain remained a predictor across all follow-ups.

Conclusion: PTSD symptom prevalence among survivors decreased between 2 and 6 months post-injury, but recovery rate slowed thereafter, with reduction between 6 and 12 months being much smaller than the earlier decrease. Furthermore, as some significant factors are modifiable, early interventions-such as effective pain management, psychological support, and coping strategy training-may help mitigate PTSD symptoms. Brief screening for psychological distress and pain catastrophizing could further support timely identification and referral of high-risk patients.

Introduction: Inadequate sleep is linked to increased mental distress, and mental disorders often impair sleep quality, suggesting a bidirectional relationship. University students are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues due to academic pressures and related personal experiences. This study assesses sleep quality among university students in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, and its association with depression, anxiety, and stress levels.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in online settings. The questionnaire collected demographic data, assessed anxiety, depression, and stress using the DASS-21, and measured sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical significance was tested using either Chi-squared tests or Fisher's exact tests and followed up by logistic regression to calculate the odds of poor sleep quality among the students according to the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Results: Of 508 participating students, 74% reported poor sleep quality. A statistically significant association was found between poor sleep quality and the presence of anxiety, depression, and stress (all P<0.001). Abnormal stress levels were associated with higher odds of poor sleep 4.68 [2.8-7.7], followed by higher odds of poor sleep quality among students with anxiety 3.62 [2.38-5.52] and higher odds of poor sleep quality among students with depression 3.31 [2.1-4.99]. All seven PSQI components were significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and stress (P<0.05), except for sleep duration and stress, as well as sleep duration and depression, which had a marginally significant association (P=0.065). Depression showed a higher association with subjective sleep quality, daytime dysfunction, and sleep disturbances compared to stress and anxiety.

Conclusion: The majority of university students in this study experienced poor sleep quality, which was significantly associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The study highlights the critical importance of addressing poor mental health in university students and its strong correlation with sleep quality.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2147/PRBM.S532794.].

Background: Eating behavior is essential to school-age children's physical and psychological well-being. Parenting style plays a critical role in shaping these behaviors, and social anxiety may be an underlying mechanism linking the two.

Objective: This study aimed to examine whether social anxiety mediates the association between parenting style and eating behavior among school-age children.

Materials and methods: Between August 2022 and February 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1016 children aged 6 to 12 and their parents. Participants completed the Parenting Style Scale, the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and the Social Anxiety Scale for Children. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess associations between variables. Structural equation modeling and the Bootstrap method were used to test mediation effects.

Results: Children's eating behavior was positively correlated with maternal negative parenting style and negatively correlated with maternal warmth and understanding. Social anxiety partially mediated the effect of maternal negative parenting on eating behavior, accounting for 15.1% of the total effect.

Conclusion: Maternal negative parenting may increase children's social anxiety, which in turn contributes to poor eating behavior. Interventions promoting positive parenting and greater paternal involvement could reduce children's anxiety and foster healthier dietary habits.

Purpose: Childhood depression is a significant global public health concern, and family dynamics are a primary context for its development. While the link between family life, attachment, and depression is established, the field lacks a coherent framework that systematically integrates the core, measurable dimensions from major family systems theories to explain the specific pathways to depression. This review aims to develop and propose such a framework by synthesizing these foundational theories through the lens of attachment theory.

Patients and methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted. Major English- and Chinese-language databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, were searched for seminal theoretical papers, meta-analyses, and empirical studies on family dynamics, parenting, attachment, and childhood depression published up to August 2025. A narrative synthesis methodology was employed to facilitate theory integration and development.

Results: The proposed integrative framework maps the core dimensions from four foundational models of family systems (Olson, Beavers, McMaster, Skinner)-such as communication, cohesion, affective involvement, and role performance-onto the mechanisms of attachment security. The framework posits that these dimensions of family dynamics collectively shape the quality of the parent-child attachment relationship, which serves as the central mediating pathway to childhood depression. Parental rejection and hostility are identified as particularly potent mechanisms within this pathway. The framework's utility is illustrated using the case of China's "left-behind children", where systemic family disruption predictably elevates depression risk.

Conclusion: Dysfunctional family dynamics contribute to childhood depression primarily by undermining the security of the parent-child attachment bond. This integrative, attachment-centered model provides a robust theoretical foundation for research and clinical practice. It suggests that interventions such as Attachment-Based Family Therapy, which directly target the repair of attachment ruptures, represent a theoretically sound and evidence-informed strategy for preventing and treating childhood depression.

Background: Depression represents a major public health challenge worldwide, especially in middle-aged and older adult populations. Although intergenerational support plays an established role in promoting psychological well-being, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain inadequately understood. A crucial and frequently neglected element in this dynamic is functional deprivation-defined as the decline in the capacity to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/IADL). This loss substantially undermines autonomy and increases vulnerability to depression. The present study introduces the first-introduced construct of Intergenerational Psychological Capital (IPC) as a protective factor that may mitigate the detrimental mental health effects of functional deprivation.

Objective: This study examines the protective influence of Intergenerational Psychological Capital (IPC) on depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults. We test a moderated mediation model in which functional autonomy deprivation serves as a mediator, and disability operates as a moderator affecting the pathway between IPC functional autonomy deprivation and depression.

Methods: We analyzed five waves of CHARLS data (2011-2020) comprising 33,369 valid observations using Stata 17.0. A moderated mediation analysis was conducted through hierarchical regression modeling, testing the relationships among intergenerational psychological capital, functional autonomy deprivation, disability, and depression with adjusted standard errors and sociodemographic controls.

Results: IPC was significantly associated with reduced depressive symptoms (β=-0.088, p<0.001. Functional autonomy deprivation partially mediated this relationship (IPC →mediator: β =-0.019, p< 0.001; mediator →depression: β = 0.809, p< 0.001). Furthermore, disability significantly moderated this mediated pathway: the buffering effect of IPC on functional autonomy deprivation was more pronounced among adults with disabilities, though its overall protective effect on depression was partially attenuated in this group.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that IPC alleviates depression both directly and indirectly through reducing functional autonomy deprivation. However, the presence of disability constrains the full benefits of IPC, highlighting the need for inclusive mental health interventions that address both functional capacity and intergenerational psychological resources.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the structure, developmental characteristics and influencing factors of psychological positive energy (PPE) in medical students as well as its relationship with mental health. Psychological positive energy refers to a positive mindset comprising optimism, emotional resilience and proactive behaviours, which contribute to overall well-being.

Methods: A mixed-methods design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews (n=650, stratified by year/gender/speciality) were analysed via grounded theory to construct a PPE framework (theoretical saturation reached). A cross-sectional survey (n=650, 562 valid) used a self-developed PPE scale (Cronbach's α=0.89, good fit) and three validated scales. Data were analysed via SPSS 26.0 with Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression.

Results: Qualitative analysis identified a four-dimensional PPE framework: positive cognitive orientation (tendency to interpret life events optimistically), emotional feelings (experience of stable positive emotions such as hope), behavioural patterns (proactive engagement in problem-solving) and self-development (intrinsic motivation for professional/personal growth). This framework was confirmed after reaching data saturation The quantitative results showed the following: (1) Medical students' PPE levels were high (M = 5.5-6.0/7-point scale), with significant demographic patterns (higher in men than in women; increasing with academic seniority). (2) Perceived social support, family care and trait self-control were key predictors of PPE, collectively explaining 72.1% of its variance (with social support as the strongest predictor). (3) Psychological positive energy was positively associated with adaptive psychological outcomes (meaning in life, cognitive reappraisal) and negatively associated with mental health risks (anxiety, depression, aggression) (all p < 0.001), indicating the protective role of PPE.

Conclusion: This study clarifies the four-dimensional structure of PPE in medical students and confirms its critical protective role in mental health (eg reducing anxiety/depression). Key influencing factors - perceived social support (strongest predictor), family care and trait self-control - provide actionable targets for universities to design targeted interventions.