Patricia Salazar-Ramírez, José Ramón Comas-Viñas, Angélica Torres-Díaz, Sofía Bernal-Silva, Andreu Comas-García, Carlos César Contreras-Ibáñez
To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide deaths in Mexico between 2020 and 2022. Data were obtained from the Mexican Ministry of Health website, covering national mortality data from 2015 to 2022. Suicide rates were analyzed across different age groups using time series data, and excess mortality during the pandemic years (2020–2022) was calculated. Using the endemic channels technique, we determined the expected number of suicides for the period 2014–2019. Subsequently, the number of observed deaths in each week is compared with the expected number. Between 2015 and 2019, Mexico reported an annual median of 6274 suicide deaths, with a rate of 5.12 per 100,000 inhabitants. During the pandemic years, 81.3% of suicide deaths occurred in men, and this proportion was similar before the pandemic. In general, suicide deaths increased by 26.1%, with significant variations across age groups. The age group 18–39 exhibited the highest excess mortality rate, followed by the 40–49 and 50–59 age groups. Weekly suicide deaths showed a continuous upward trend throughout the pandemic years. In performing a regional level analysis, the higher excess of suicides includes several Norteast and one Central states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosí (excess rate of 6.01). The COVID-19 pandemic increased the suicide mortality rates in Mexico, with notable increases observed across all studied age groups.
{"title":"Suicide Mortality Variations in Mexico During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Age, Sex and Regional Analysis","authors":"Patricia Salazar-Ramírez, José Ramón Comas-Viñas, Angélica Torres-Díaz, Sofía Bernal-Silva, Andreu Comas-García, Carlos César Contreras-Ibáñez","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70034","url":null,"abstract":"<p>To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide deaths in Mexico between 2020 and 2022. Data were obtained from the Mexican Ministry of Health website, covering national mortality data from 2015 to 2022. Suicide rates were analyzed across different age groups using time series data, and excess mortality during the pandemic years (2020–2022) was calculated. Using the endemic channels technique, we determined the expected number of suicides for the period 2014–2019. Subsequently, the number of observed deaths in each week is compared with the expected number. Between 2015 and 2019, Mexico reported an annual median of 6274 suicide deaths, with a rate of 5.12 per 100,000 inhabitants. During the pandemic years, 81.3% of suicide deaths occurred in men, and this proportion was similar before the pandemic. In general, suicide deaths increased by 26.1%, with significant variations across age groups. The age group 18–39 exhibited the highest excess mortality rate, followed by the 40–49 and 50–59 age groups. Weekly suicide deaths showed a continuous upward trend throughout the pandemic years. In performing a regional level analysis, the higher excess of suicides includes several Norteast and one Central states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosí (excess rate of 6.01). The COVID-19 pandemic increased the suicide mortality rates in Mexico, with notable increases observed across all studied age groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70034","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145366441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Patricia Salazar-Ramírez, José Ramón Comas-Viñas, Angélica Torres-Díaz, Sofía Bernal-Silva, Andreu Comas-García, Carlos César Contreras-Ibáñez
To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide deaths in Mexico between 2020 and 2022. Data were obtained from the Mexican Ministry of Health website, covering national mortality data from 2015 to 2022. Suicide rates were analyzed across different age groups using time series data, and excess mortality during the pandemic years (2020–2022) was calculated. Using the endemic channels technique, we determined the expected number of suicides for the period 2014–2019. Subsequently, the number of observed deaths in each week is compared with the expected number. Between 2015 and 2019, Mexico reported an annual median of 6274 suicide deaths, with a rate of 5.12 per 100,000 inhabitants. During the pandemic years, 81.3% of suicide deaths occurred in men, and this proportion was similar before the pandemic. In general, suicide deaths increased by 26.1%, with significant variations across age groups. The age group 18–39 exhibited the highest excess mortality rate, followed by the 40–49 and 50–59 age groups. Weekly suicide deaths showed a continuous upward trend throughout the pandemic years. In performing a regional level analysis, the higher excess of suicides includes several Norteast and one Central states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosí (excess rate of 6.01). The COVID-19 pandemic increased the suicide mortality rates in Mexico, with notable increases observed across all studied age groups.
{"title":"Suicide Mortality Variations in Mexico During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Age, Sex and Regional Analysis","authors":"Patricia Salazar-Ramírez, José Ramón Comas-Viñas, Angélica Torres-Díaz, Sofía Bernal-Silva, Andreu Comas-García, Carlos César Contreras-Ibáñez","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70034","url":null,"abstract":"<p>To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide deaths in Mexico between 2020 and 2022. Data were obtained from the Mexican Ministry of Health website, covering national mortality data from 2015 to 2022. Suicide rates were analyzed across different age groups using time series data, and excess mortality during the pandemic years (2020–2022) was calculated. Using the endemic channels technique, we determined the expected number of suicides for the period 2014–2019. Subsequently, the number of observed deaths in each week is compared with the expected number. Between 2015 and 2019, Mexico reported an annual median of 6274 suicide deaths, with a rate of 5.12 per 100,000 inhabitants. During the pandemic years, 81.3% of suicide deaths occurred in men, and this proportion was similar before the pandemic. In general, suicide deaths increased by 26.1%, with significant variations across age groups. The age group 18–39 exhibited the highest excess mortality rate, followed by the 40–49 and 50–59 age groups. Weekly suicide deaths showed a continuous upward trend throughout the pandemic years. In performing a regional level analysis, the higher excess of suicides includes several Norteast and one Central states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosí (excess rate of 6.01). The COVID-19 pandemic increased the suicide mortality rates in Mexico, with notable increases observed across all studied age groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70034","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145366442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Therapists with lived experience of mental ill health (MIH) bring unique insights and empathy to their practice. However, this dual identity creates significant challenges as they balance personal wellbeing with professional responsibilities. This systematic review explores coping strategies and resilience factors to support therapists with MIH. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and included studies using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Eligible studies focused on coping strategies and resilience mechanisms for therapists with MIH. Databases searched included Web of Science, MEDLINE, ASSIA, CINAHL, Embase, and APA PsycINFO, with additional forward and backward citation searches. Data synthesis employed a thematic narrative approach to identify recurring themes. The search and screening process resulted in 14 eligible studies of various designs. Key coping strategies identified were personal therapy, support systems, self-care practices, and reflective techniques. Personal therapy provided a safe space for therapists to process challenges and enhance their professional empathy. Support systems, including peer networks and nonjudgmental supervision, fostered resilience, although stigma and systemic barriers often reduced their accessibility. Reflective practices, such as journaling and supervision, were essential for promoting self-awareness and professional growth. Despite these strategies, therapists faced challenges in managing dual identities and navigating workplace stigma. The studies highlighted the professional value of lived experience in enhancing therapeutic relationships, but systemic support and organizational change were often lacking. This review emphasises the importance of systemic and institutional support in fostering resilience for therapists with MIH. Addressing stigma, providing resources for self-care and supervision, and integrating lived experiences into professional practice are critical. Future research should explore diverse populations and longitudinal perspectives to deepen understanding and inform inclusive practices. Enhancing support for therapists with MIH will ensure their sustained contributions to the mental health field.
具有精神疾病(MIH)生活经验的治疗师为他们的实践带来独特的见解和同理心。然而,这种双重身份给他们带来了巨大的挑战,因为他们要平衡个人幸福和职业责任。本系统综述探讨了支持MIH治疗师的应对策略和恢复力因素。该综述遵循PRISMA指南,包括使用定性、定量和混合方法的研究。合格的研究集中在MIH治疗师的应对策略和恢复机制上。检索的数据库包括Web of Science、MEDLINE、ASSIA、CINAHL、Embase和APA PsycINFO,并进行了额外的向前和向后引文检索。数据综合采用主题叙述方法来确定反复出现的主题。搜索和筛选过程产生了14个不同设计的合格研究。确定的关键应对策略包括个人治疗、支持系统、自我护理实践和反思技巧。个人治疗为治疗师提供了一个安全的空间来处理挑战,增强他们的专业同理心。支持系统,包括同伴网络和非评判性监督,促进了韧性,尽管污名化和系统性障碍往往降低了他们的可及性。反思的做法,如写日记和监督,对于促进自我意识和专业成长至关重要。尽管有这些策略,治疗师在管理双重身份和处理工作场所的耻辱方面仍面临挑战。这些研究强调了生活经验在增强治疗关系方面的专业价值,但往往缺乏系统支持和组织变革。本综述强调了系统和机构支持在培养MIH治疗师恢复力方面的重要性。解决耻辱感问题,为自我保健和监督提供资源,并将生活经验纳入专业实践至关重要。未来的研究应该探索不同的人群和纵向视角,以加深理解和为包容性实践提供信息。加强对患有MIH的治疗师的支持将确保他们对精神卫生领域的持续贡献。
{"title":"Resilience in Practice: A Systematic Review of Coping Factors for Therapists With Lived Experience of Mental Ill Health","authors":"Ana Dumitru, Laura Wijnberg, Caroline E. Brett","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70031","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70031","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Therapists with lived experience of mental ill health (MIH) bring unique insights and empathy to their practice. However, this dual identity creates significant challenges as they balance personal wellbeing with professional responsibilities. This systematic review explores coping strategies and resilience factors to support therapists with MIH. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and included studies using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Eligible studies focused on coping strategies and resilience mechanisms for therapists with MIH. Databases searched included Web of Science, MEDLINE, ASSIA, CINAHL, Embase, and APA PsycINFO, with additional forward and backward citation searches. Data synthesis employed a thematic narrative approach to identify recurring themes. The search and screening process resulted in 14 eligible studies of various designs. Key coping strategies identified were personal therapy, support systems, self-care practices, and reflective techniques. Personal therapy provided a safe space for therapists to process challenges and enhance their professional empathy. Support systems, including peer networks and nonjudgmental supervision, fostered resilience, although stigma and systemic barriers often reduced their accessibility. Reflective practices, such as journaling and supervision, were essential for promoting self-awareness and professional growth. Despite these strategies, therapists faced challenges in managing dual identities and navigating workplace stigma. The studies highlighted the professional value of lived experience in enhancing therapeutic relationships, but systemic support and organizational change were often lacking. This review emphasises the importance of systemic and institutional support in fostering resilience for therapists with MIH. Addressing stigma, providing resources for self-care and supervision, and integrating lived experiences into professional practice are critical. Future research should explore diverse populations and longitudinal perspectives to deepen understanding and inform inclusive practices. Enhancing support for therapists with MIH will ensure their sustained contributions to the mental health field.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70031","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145146734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Therapists with lived experience of mental ill health (MIH) bring unique insights and empathy to their practice. However, this dual identity creates significant challenges as they balance personal wellbeing with professional responsibilities. This systematic review explores coping strategies and resilience factors to support therapists with MIH. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and included studies using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Eligible studies focused on coping strategies and resilience mechanisms for therapists with MIH. Databases searched included Web of Science, MEDLINE, ASSIA, CINAHL, Embase, and APA PsycINFO, with additional forward and backward citation searches. Data synthesis employed a thematic narrative approach to identify recurring themes. The search and screening process resulted in 14 eligible studies of various designs. Key coping strategies identified were personal therapy, support systems, self-care practices, and reflective techniques. Personal therapy provided a safe space for therapists to process challenges and enhance their professional empathy. Support systems, including peer networks and nonjudgmental supervision, fostered resilience, although stigma and systemic barriers often reduced their accessibility. Reflective practices, such as journaling and supervision, were essential for promoting self-awareness and professional growth. Despite these strategies, therapists faced challenges in managing dual identities and navigating workplace stigma. The studies highlighted the professional value of lived experience in enhancing therapeutic relationships, but systemic support and organizational change were often lacking. This review emphasises the importance of systemic and institutional support in fostering resilience for therapists with MIH. Addressing stigma, providing resources for self-care and supervision, and integrating lived experiences into professional practice are critical. Future research should explore diverse populations and longitudinal perspectives to deepen understanding and inform inclusive practices. Enhancing support for therapists with MIH will ensure their sustained contributions to the mental health field.
具有精神疾病(MIH)生活经验的治疗师为他们的实践带来独特的见解和同理心。然而,这种双重身份给他们带来了巨大的挑战,因为他们要平衡个人幸福和职业责任。本系统综述探讨了支持MIH治疗师的应对策略和恢复力因素。该综述遵循PRISMA指南,包括使用定性、定量和混合方法的研究。合格的研究集中在MIH治疗师的应对策略和恢复机制上。检索的数据库包括Web of Science、MEDLINE、ASSIA、CINAHL、Embase和APA PsycINFO,并进行了额外的向前和向后引文检索。数据综合采用主题叙述方法来确定反复出现的主题。搜索和筛选过程产生了14个不同设计的合格研究。确定的关键应对策略包括个人治疗、支持系统、自我护理实践和反思技巧。个人治疗为治疗师提供了一个安全的空间来处理挑战,增强他们的专业同理心。支持系统,包括同伴网络和非评判性监督,促进了韧性,尽管污名化和系统性障碍往往降低了他们的可及性。反思的做法,如写日记和监督,对于促进自我意识和专业成长至关重要。尽管有这些策略,治疗师在管理双重身份和处理工作场所的耻辱方面仍面临挑战。这些研究强调了生活经验在增强治疗关系方面的专业价值,但往往缺乏系统支持和组织变革。本综述强调了系统和机构支持在培养MIH治疗师恢复力方面的重要性。解决耻辱感问题,为自我保健和监督提供资源,并将生活经验纳入专业实践至关重要。未来的研究应该探索不同的人群和纵向视角,以加深理解和为包容性实践提供信息。加强对患有MIH的治疗师的支持将确保他们对精神卫生领域的持续贡献。
{"title":"Resilience in Practice: A Systematic Review of Coping Factors for Therapists With Lived Experience of Mental Ill Health","authors":"Ana Dumitru, Laura Wijnberg, Caroline E. Brett","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70031","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70031","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Therapists with lived experience of mental ill health (MIH) bring unique insights and empathy to their practice. However, this dual identity creates significant challenges as they balance personal wellbeing with professional responsibilities. This systematic review explores coping strategies and resilience factors to support therapists with MIH. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and included studies using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Eligible studies focused on coping strategies and resilience mechanisms for therapists with MIH. Databases searched included Web of Science, MEDLINE, ASSIA, CINAHL, Embase, and APA PsycINFO, with additional forward and backward citation searches. Data synthesis employed a thematic narrative approach to identify recurring themes. The search and screening process resulted in 14 eligible studies of various designs. Key coping strategies identified were personal therapy, support systems, self-care practices, and reflective techniques. Personal therapy provided a safe space for therapists to process challenges and enhance their professional empathy. Support systems, including peer networks and nonjudgmental supervision, fostered resilience, although stigma and systemic barriers often reduced their accessibility. Reflective practices, such as journaling and supervision, were essential for promoting self-awareness and professional growth. Despite these strategies, therapists faced challenges in managing dual identities and navigating workplace stigma. The studies highlighted the professional value of lived experience in enhancing therapeutic relationships, but systemic support and organizational change were often lacking. This review emphasises the importance of systemic and institutional support in fostering resilience for therapists with MIH. Addressing stigma, providing resources for self-care and supervision, and integrating lived experiences into professional practice are critical. Future research should explore diverse populations and longitudinal perspectives to deepen understanding and inform inclusive practices. Enhancing support for therapists with MIH will ensure their sustained contributions to the mental health field.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70031","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145146646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah Ballif, Robert Oehler, Catherine Kelly, Ann Marie Camp, Skyler I. Revutin, Miriam Liss
Childhood emotional maltreatment is related to an increase in negative psychological outcomes in adulthood, such as psychopathology; however, less research has examined how emotional maltreatment leads to a decrease in positive outcomes, such as flourishing. This study examines psychological flexibility, which is operationalized as the ability to overcome negative emotions to accomplish valued goals, as a potential mediator and moderator in the relationship between emotional maltreatment in childhood and flourishing. College student participants (N = 262) were given the Personalized Psychological Flexibility Index (PPFI), the emotional abuse and neglect subscales of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and the Flourishing Scale (FS). Psychological flexibility was found to be a mediator and moderator in the relationship between emotional maltreatment and flourishing. The specific subscales of the PPFI were examined and acceptance and lack of avoidance were significant moderators in the relationship between emotional maltreatment and flourishing, while harnessing was not. Identified goals were examined but did not have a significant effect on flourishing. Therapies that emphasize psychological flexibility, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can be an effective treatment to reduce the effect of emotional maltreatment on an individual's ability to flourish.
{"title":"Psychological Flexibility as a Mediator and Moderator in the Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment and Flourishing","authors":"Sarah Ballif, Robert Oehler, Catherine Kelly, Ann Marie Camp, Skyler I. Revutin, Miriam Liss","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70032","DOIUrl":"10.1002/mhs2.70032","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Childhood emotional maltreatment is related to an increase in negative psychological outcomes in adulthood, such as psychopathology; however, less research has examined how emotional maltreatment leads to a decrease in positive outcomes, such as flourishing. This study examines psychological flexibility, which is operationalized as the ability to overcome negative emotions to accomplish valued goals, as a potential mediator and moderator in the relationship between emotional maltreatment in childhood and flourishing. College student participants (<i>N</i> = 262) were given the Personalized Psychological Flexibility Index (PPFI), the emotional abuse and neglect subscales of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and the Flourishing Scale (FS). Psychological flexibility was found to be a mediator and moderator in the relationship between emotional maltreatment and flourishing. The specific subscales of the PPFI were examined and acceptance and lack of avoidance were significant moderators in the relationship between emotional maltreatment and flourishing, while harnessing was not. Identified goals were examined but did not have a significant effect on flourishing. Therapies that emphasize psychological flexibility, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can be an effective treatment to reduce the effect of emotional maltreatment on an individual's ability to flourish.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70032","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145129317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Linzie S. Taylor, Tanja Jovanovic, Nathaniel G. Harnett, Negar Fani, Jennifer S. Stevens
Racial discrimination is a common and potentially chronic psychosocial stressor that influences affective processing. Prior research suggests experiences of discrimination (EOD) can enhance anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and amygdala reactivity to negative stimuli. It is unclear if frequent discrimination influences positive emotional processing especially during passive engagement with emotionally salient stimuli. This study explored EOD's influence on neural processing of positive stimuli, predicting a positive association with ACC response to rewarding images. 59 Black women, ages 18–65, from a community-based sample were enrolled in a study assessing trauma and its influence on mental health. Participants completed fMRI scans viewing positive, negative, and neutral images. They reported subjective emotional responses to the affective images. Participants completed the Experiences of Discrimination interview, measuring frequency of racial discrimination, as well as reporting on nondiscrimination-related traumatic events. EOD frequency was not associated with subjective ratings of emotional arousal or valence, nor amygdala, nucleus accumbens (NAc) or ACC responses to negative or positive stimuli. There was a significant positive association between EOD and the ventral lateral prefrontal cortex response to positive scenes, p = 0.04, but this did not withstand false discovery rate correction. Whole-brain analyses revealed EOD frequency predicted lower right fusiform gyrus responses to positive > neutral images (pFDR0.05). Findings suggest that greater racial discrimination frequency was associated with lower response in the fusiform gyrus- which is involved with processing of face stimuli and specifically sensitive to race- in response to positive images. Results indicate that past EOD influences visual sensitivity to positively valenced visual stimuli.
{"title":"Effects of Experiences of Racial Discrimination on the Processing of Positive and Negative Emotional Stimuli","authors":"Linzie S. Taylor, Tanja Jovanovic, Nathaniel G. Harnett, Negar Fani, Jennifer S. Stevens","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70030","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Racial discrimination is a common and potentially chronic psychosocial stressor that influences affective processing. Prior research suggests experiences of discrimination (EOD) can enhance anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and amygdala reactivity to negative stimuli. It is unclear if frequent discrimination influences positive emotional processing especially during passive engagement with emotionally salient stimuli. This study explored EOD's influence on neural processing of positive stimuli, predicting a positive association with ACC response to rewarding images. 59 Black women, ages 18–65, from a community-based sample were enrolled in a study assessing trauma and its influence on mental health. Participants completed fMRI scans viewing positive, negative, and neutral images. They reported subjective emotional responses to the affective images. Participants completed the Experiences of Discrimination interview, measuring frequency of racial discrimination, as well as reporting on nondiscrimination-related traumatic events. EOD frequency was not associated with subjective ratings of emotional arousal or valence, nor amygdala, nucleus accumbens (NAc) or ACC responses to negative or positive stimuli. There was a significant positive association between EOD and the ventral lateral prefrontal cortex response to positive scenes, <i>p</i> = 0.04, but this did not withstand false discovery rate correction. Whole-brain analyses revealed EOD frequency predicted lower right fusiform gyrus responses to positive > neutral images (p<sub>FDR</sub>0.05). Findings suggest that greater racial discrimination frequency was associated with lower response in the fusiform gyrus- which is involved with processing of face stimuli and specifically sensitive to race- in response to positive images. Results indicate that past EOD influences visual sensitivity to positively valenced visual stimuli.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70030","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144832566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kimberly J. Mitchell, Victoria Banyard, Michele L. Ybarra, Lisa M. Jones, Deirdre Colburn, Julie Cerel, Shira Dunsiger
Suicidal behavior is a critical mental health problem in the United States, and this is particularly true for youth with social identities that are historically minoritized and discriminated against. There is also a growing awareness of the influence of social determinants of health (SDOH) on mental health. The current study examines links between one's own thoughts of suicide and the dose of exposure to other people's suicidal thoughts, often labeled contagion, within the context of different minoritized identity groups and SDOH deficits. Project Lift Up is a national longitudinal study of youth aged 13–22 years designed to understand exposure to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in social networks. A cohort of 4981 adolescents and young adults was recruited online via social media between June 13, 2022, and October 30, 2023. Youth who knew one person with suicidal thoughts were 1.75 times (p = 0.002) more likely than those without such exposure to self-report recent thought of suicide and those who knew between 2 and 4 people were 1.81 times more likely (p < 0.001). These odds increased to 3.47 (p < 0.001) if the youth knew five or more people with thoughts of suicide. Youth who identified with a social identity group that experiences marginalization and systemic oppression (based on race, ethnicity, disability status, gender, and sexual identity) and exposure to suicidal thoughts had higher odds of recent thoughts of suicide compared to non-minoritized and non-exposed youth. SDOH also explained unique variance in self-reported ideation. Exposure to other people's suicidal thoughts is associated with one's own thoughts of suicide and the number of people exposed to amplifies this effect, especially for individuals also experiencing adversity burden from SDOH. Results add to the extant literature documenting the higher odds of suicidal ideation that minoritized youth face.
{"title":"Understanding Contagion of Suicidal Ideation: The Importance of Taking Into Account Social and Structural Determinants of Health","authors":"Kimberly J. Mitchell, Victoria Banyard, Michele L. Ybarra, Lisa M. Jones, Deirdre Colburn, Julie Cerel, Shira Dunsiger","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70029","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70029","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Suicidal behavior is a critical mental health problem in the United States, and this is particularly true for youth with social identities that are historically minoritized and discriminated against. There is also a growing awareness of the influence of social determinants of health (SDOH) on mental health. The current study examines links between one's own thoughts of suicide and the dose of exposure to other people's suicidal thoughts, often labeled contagion, within the context of different minoritized identity groups and SDOH deficits. <i>Project Lift Up</i> is a national longitudinal study of youth aged 13–22 years designed to understand exposure to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in social networks. A cohort of 4981 adolescents and young adults was recruited online via social media between June 13, 2022, and October 30, 2023. Youth who knew one person with suicidal thoughts were 1.75 times (<i>p</i> = 0.002) more likely than those without such exposure to self-report recent thought of suicide and those who knew between 2 and 4 people were 1.81 times more likely (<i>p</i> < 0.001). These odds increased to 3.47 (<i>p</i> < 0.001) if the youth knew five or more people with thoughts of suicide. Youth who identified with a social identity group that experiences marginalization and systemic oppression (based on race, ethnicity, disability status, gender, and sexual identity) and exposure to suicidal thoughts had higher odds of recent thoughts of suicide compared to non-minoritized and non-exposed youth. SDOH also explained unique variance in self-reported ideation. Exposure to other people's suicidal thoughts is associated with one's own thoughts of suicide and the number of people exposed to amplifies this effect, especially for individuals also experiencing adversity burden from SDOH. Results add to the extant literature documenting the higher odds of suicidal ideation that minoritized youth face.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70029","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144725713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tiet-Hanh Dao-Tran, Keith Townsend, Rebecca Loudoun, Adrian Wilkinson, Charrlotte Seib
This cross-sectional study aims to explore the exposure to sexual harassment and assaults, coping, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their associations among Australian ambulance personnel. The study was conducted on 492 stratified and randomly selected ambulance personnel across three Australian states in 2017. A telephone interview administered questionnaire was used to collect data on exposure to sexual harassment and assault (Life Event Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)), coping (Brief Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE)), and PTSD (PTSD checklist for DSM-5). Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used for data analysis. The study found that female ambulance personnel were more likely to be exposed to sexual harassment and assault directly and to sexual harassment as part of their jobs than their male colleagues. Female staff were more likely to use religious, emotional and instrumental support, and self-blame as their coping strategies. Frequent exposure to sexual harassment was significantly associated with an increased risk of PTSD. Greater use of maladaptive coping strategies was significantly associated with an increased risk of PTSD. Greater use of adaptive coping strategies was not significantly associated with a reduced risk of PTSD. Findings from this study suggest that strategies to manage frequent exposures to sexual harassment and its impacts, especially for female ambulance personnel, should be implemented to reduce the risk of PTSD. Further investigation into the effective use of adaptive coping strategies may provide explanations for the insignificant associations between a greater use of adaptive coping strategies and PTSD.
{"title":"Sexual Harassment and Assaults, Coping, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Australian Ambulance Personnel","authors":"Tiet-Hanh Dao-Tran, Keith Townsend, Rebecca Loudoun, Adrian Wilkinson, Charrlotte Seib","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70028","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This cross-sectional study aims to explore the exposure to sexual harassment and assaults, coping, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their associations among Australian ambulance personnel. The study was conducted on 492 stratified and randomly selected ambulance personnel across three Australian states in 2017. A telephone interview administered questionnaire was used to collect data on exposure to sexual harassment and assault (Life Event Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)), coping (Brief Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE)), and PTSD (PTSD checklist for DSM-5). Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used for data analysis. The study found that female ambulance personnel were more likely to be exposed to sexual harassment and assault directly and to sexual harassment as part of their jobs than their male colleagues. Female staff were more likely to use religious, emotional and instrumental support, and self-blame as their coping strategies. Frequent exposure to sexual harassment was significantly associated with an increased risk of PTSD. Greater use of maladaptive coping strategies was significantly associated with an increased risk of PTSD. Greater use of adaptive coping strategies was not significantly associated with a reduced risk of PTSD. Findings from this study suggest that strategies to manage frequent exposures to sexual harassment and its impacts, especially for female ambulance personnel, should be implemented to reduce the risk of PTSD. Further investigation into the effective use of adaptive coping strategies may provide explanations for the insignificant associations between a greater use of adaptive coping strategies and PTSD.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70028","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144581865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Acceptability is a vital component of psychosocial interventions, separate from (but related to) efficacy, and includes the attitudes, feelings, and thoughts of clients and therapists about the appropriateness of (and anticipated response to) an intervention. This systematic review summarized the evidence regarding acceptability of psychosocial interventions for people adults seeking refuge (i.e., refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced people who were at least 18 years old). We conducted a mixed-methods systematic review of acceptability, measured quantitatively (e.g., dropout, attendance) and qualitatively (e.g., client and therapist attitudes, cultural appropriateness). Cochrane procedures were utilized for conducting the systematic review, meta-analysis, and thematic analysis. The search strategy resulted in the identification of 102 studies (n > 8983 participants). Meta-analyses of quantitative data revealed a mean dropout rate of 16.9% and a mean attendance rate of 84.1% from a variety of psychosocial interventions. Thematic analysis of qualitative data generated seven themes; (a) openness and closeness, (b) presence and care, (c) somatic focus, (d) flexibility, (e) sensitivity towards gender and culture, (f) limiting discussion of trauma, and (g) conflicting priorities (i.e., relocation, work demands, transport difficulties, health issues, etc.). This review synthesized available data and highlighted important findings related to acceptability. These findings may be utilized in the provision of interventions for refugees and will aid in therapists adjusting their practice to improve its acceptability for this part of our population.
{"title":"Acceptability of Psychosocial Interventions for Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Systematic Literature Review","authors":"Joel R. Anderson","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70024","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Acceptability is a vital component of psychosocial interventions, separate from (but related to) efficacy, and includes the attitudes, feelings, and thoughts of clients and therapists about the appropriateness of (and anticipated response to) an intervention. This systematic review summarized the evidence regarding acceptability of psychosocial interventions for people adults seeking refuge (i.e., refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced people who were at least 18 years old). We conducted a mixed-methods systematic review of acceptability, measured quantitatively (e.g., dropout, attendance) and qualitatively (e.g., client and therapist attitudes, cultural appropriateness). Cochrane procedures were utilized for conducting the systematic review, meta-analysis, and thematic analysis. The search strategy resulted in the identification of 102 studies (<i>n</i> > 8983 participants). Meta-analyses of quantitative data revealed a mean dropout rate of 16.9% and a mean attendance rate of 84.1% from a variety of psychosocial interventions. Thematic analysis of qualitative data generated seven themes; (a) <i>openness and closeness</i>, (b) <i>presence and care</i>, (c) <i>somatic focus</i>, (d) <i>flexibility</i>, (e) <i>sensitivity towards gender and culture</i>, (f) <i>limiting discussion of trauma</i>, and (g) <i>conflicting priorities</i> (i.e., relocation, work demands, transport difficulties, health issues, etc.). This review synthesized available data and highlighted important findings related to acceptability. These findings may be utilized in the provision of interventions for refugees and will aid in therapists adjusting their practice to improve its acceptability for this part of our population.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70024","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144551189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}