International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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14 pages, 1165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predictors of Youth Accessibility for a Mobile Phone-Based Life Skills Training Program for Addiction Prevention

by Severin Haug, Nikolaos Boumparis, Andreas Wenger, Michael Patrick Schaub and Nikolai Kiselev

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(14), 6379; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20146379 - 17 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1691

Abstract

Background: Digital interventions are an emerging and promising avenue for addiction prevention and mental health promotion, but their reach and use are often limited, and little is known about the factors associated with youth accessibility. SmartCoach is a life skills training program for [...] Read more.

Background: Digital interventions are an emerging and promising avenue for addiction prevention and mental health promotion, but their reach and use are often limited, and little is known about the factors associated with youth accessibility. SmartCoach is a life skills training program for addiction prevention where adolescents are proactively invited for program participation in secondary school classes. The mobile phone-based program provides individualized coaching for a period of 4 months and addresses self-management skills, social skills, and substance use resistance skills. This study examined sociodemographic and other predictors of program participation and program use. Methods: A total of 476 adolescents in 28 secondary and upper secondary school classes in the German-speaking part of Switzerland were proactively invited for participation in the SmartCoach program. Using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs), we examined predictors of both program participation and program use at the individual and school class levels. Results: In total, 315 (66.2%) of the present 476 adolescents gave their active consent and provided the necessary information to be included in the program. None of the individual sociodemographic characteristics significantly predicted program participation, however, the participation rate was significantly higher in upper secondary school classes (84%) than secondary school classes (59%). The mean number of interactions with the program was 15.9, i.e., participants took part in almost half of the 34 possible interactions with the SmartCoach program. None of the baseline characteristics on the level of the school class significantly predicted program use. On the level of the individual, the univariate models showed that, compared to the reference category of 14-year-old students, program use was significantly lower for students who were 16 or older. Furthermore, participants with a migration background or an origin from a non-German-speaking country showed significantly lower program use. Finally, students with a medium level of perceived stress showed higher program use compared to those with a low level of stress. Within the final multivariate model for program use, only the variable “origin from a non-German-speaking country” remained significant. Conclusions: SmartCoach is an attractive offer for young people, in which two out of three young people who are invited in the classroom to participate do so. Among the program participants, the use of the program is acceptable, with an average of almost half of the content being worked on. There is potential for improvement in terms of recruitment, especially in school classes with a lower level of education. The most important starting point for improving program use lies in taking greater account of needs and wishes of students with non-German-speaking countries of origin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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14 pages, 420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alcohol Use, Anxiety and Depression among French Grandes Écoles Engineering Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Marion Pitel, Olivier Phan, Céline Bonnaire and Tristan Hamonniere

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(8), 5590; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20085590 - 20 Apr 2023

Viewed by 2245

Abstract

In French Grandes Écoles, heavy alcohol consumption seems to be generalized and largely tolerated, leading to particular concerns about Alcohol Use Disorder and harmful alcohol practices among students. The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased psychological difficulties, and two coexisting scenarios seemed to [...] Read more.

In French Grandes Écoles, heavy alcohol consumption seems to be generalized and largely tolerated, leading to particular concerns about Alcohol Use Disorder and harmful alcohol practices among students. The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased psychological difficulties, and two coexisting scenarios seemed to emerge regarding alcohol consumption: A decrease in alcohol consumption linked to the absence of festive events, and an increase in solitary alcohol consumption to cope with lockdowns. The aim of this exploratory study is to investigate the evolution of alcohol consumption, consumption motives and the relationship of these factors to the anxiety and the depression of French Grandes Écoles students during the COVID-19 pandemic, depending on their residential status. After the last lockdown, 353 students completed a questionnaire measuring alcohol consumption, motivation to drink, anxiety and depression during and after the COVID-19 period. Although students confined to campus were more likely to increase their alcohol use, they also presented higher well-being scores than those who lived off campus. A significant proportion of students were aware of their increased alcohol use due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the motives attributed to their increased consumption highlight the need for vigilance and specialized support facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

12 pages, 948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Concept Clarity and Learning Engagement: The Sequence-Mediating Role of the Sense of Life Meaning and Future Orientation

by Yafei Liu, Siyu Di, Yixianzhi Zhang and Chao Ma

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 4808; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064808 - 9 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2936

Abstract

In this study, we systematically examined the effects of self-concept clarity on high school students’ learning engagement and the mediating role of sense of life meaning and future orientation between self-concept clarity and learning engagement in order to provide guidance to enhance students’ [...] Read more.

In this study, we systematically examined the effects of self-concept clarity on high school students’ learning engagement and the mediating role of sense of life meaning and future orientation between self-concept clarity and learning engagement in order to provide guidance to enhance students’ learning engagement. A total of 997 students from freshmen to seniors were selected for the study using a cluster random sampling method. The following tools were used: the Self-Concept Clarity Scale, the Learning Engagement Scale, the Sense of Life Meaning Scale, and the Future Orientation Questionnaire. The results indicated that the clarity of self-concept positively predicted the level of learning engagement of high school students. Sense of life meaning and future orientation partially mediated the effect between self-concept clarity and learning engagement, and sense of life meaning and future orientation had sequence-mediated effects between self-concept clarity and learning engagement among high school students. This study suggests that high levels of self-concept clarity can help high school students actively seek a sense of life meaning and make more optimistic future orientations, thereby increasing their level of learning engagement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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10 pages, 359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strong Correlations between Social Appearance Anxiety, Use of Social Media, and Feelings of Loneliness in Adolescents and Young Adults

by Triada Konstantina Papapanou, Christina Darviri, Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein, Xanthi Tigani, Maria Michou, Dimitrios Vlachakis, George P. Chrousos and Flora Bacopoulou

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4296; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054296 - 28 Feb 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 10962

Abstract

Social appearance anxiety is a type of social anxiety that is associated with body image perception and exacerbated by the use of social media, leading to feelings of loneliness. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relations between social appearance [...] Read more.

Social appearance anxiety is a type of social anxiety that is associated with body image perception and exacerbated by the use of social media, leading to feelings of loneliness. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relations between social appearance anxiety, use of social media, and feelings of loneliness in Greek adolescents and young adults. The sample of the research consisted of 632 participants, 439 women (69.5%) and 193 men (30.5%), aged 18–35 years. The Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMDS), and the UCLA Loneliness Scale were the instruments used. Data collection was performed online, via Google forms. Multiple regression analyses were performed and demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale and the UCLA Loneliness Scale scores. The feeling of loneliness was predicted by the social appearance anxiety score (p < 0.0001). On the other hand, there was a significant negative correlation between the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale and the Social Media Disorder Scale scores (p = 0.002), suggesting that social media use may exacerbate appearance anxiety and, hence, loneliness. The findings suggest that there may be a complex, vicious reverberatory cycle between appearance anxiety, use of social media, and feelings of loneliness in some young people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

11 pages, 1220 KiB

Open AccessArticle

More Competition in Mind, Better Sleep at Night? The Mediating Role of Anxiety between Competitive Attitude and Sleep Quality

by Kaitong Ou and Ning Ma

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3495; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043495 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4409

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that individuals with hypercompetitive attitude and interpersonal insecurity would have a high level of anxiety, and anxiety has been found to strongly impact on sleep quality. However, the associations between competitive attitudes and sleep quality have not been studied [...] Read more.

Previous studies have suggested that individuals with hypercompetitive attitude and interpersonal insecurity would have a high level of anxiety, and anxiety has been found to strongly impact on sleep quality. However, the associations between competitive attitudes and sleep quality have not been studied until now. The present study aimed to examine whether anxiety mediates the relationship between competitive attitudes and interpersonal relationships with sleep quality. This was a cross-sectional study with a total of 713 college students (age = 20.18 ± 2.16 years old; 78.8% female) recruited online to measure hypercompetitive attitude, personal development competitive attitude, interpersonal security, state anxiety and sleep quality. Path analysis models were conducted in this study. The path analysis models showed that both hypercompetitive attitude and interpersonal security had direct and indirect significant effects on poor sleep quality due to the mediating effect of state anxiety (β = 0.023, 95% bootstrapped CI: 0.005 to 0.047; β = −0.051, 95% bootstrapped CI: −0.099 to −0.010, respectively). However, personal development competitive attitude had only an indirect significant effect, but it had a negative role on poor sleep quality via state anxiety (β = −0.021, 95% bootstrapped CI: −0.042 to −0.008). The current study provided evidence that college students’ competitive attitudes would impact sleep quality and highlighted the mediating role of state anxiety. The current findings suggested that individuals shifting their hypercompetitive thinking to concentrate on ability development would benefit their mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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9 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“We Want to See Youth That Would Be Better People Than Us”: A Case Report on Addressing Adolescent Substance Use in Rural South Africa

by Ifeolu David, Lisa Wegner and Wilson Majee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3493; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043493 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2157

Abstract

Research suggests that substance use, particularly among adolescents may lead to increased illegal activities as well as physical and social health consequences. Around the world, communities, overburdened with adolescent and youth substance use, are finding ways to address this public health threat. Using [...] Read more.

Research suggests that substance use, particularly among adolescents may lead to increased illegal activities as well as physical and social health consequences. Around the world, communities, overburdened with adolescent and youth substance use, are finding ways to address this public health threat. Using a case study based on a focus group discussion with nine founding members, this paper reports on the case of Sibanye—a rural community coalition whose mission is to reduce the burden of adolescent substance use on families in rural South Africa. The focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Nvivo 12. This work highlights the power of an engaged collective effort in addressing key community issues, even in rural areas of emerging economies where health and community infrastructure may be limited. The Sibanye coalition taps into its collective wealth of community knowledge to provide social contributions and aesthetics to help adolescents abstain from substance use and sexual risk behaviors. These activities offer adolescents safe places to meet each other, health education, and the ability to structure their free time meaningfully. Engaging community residents, particularly disadvantaged groups, should be central to any local and national strategies for promoting health and well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

14 pages, 377 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Problematic Internet Use among Polish Students: Prevalence, Relationship to Sociodemographic Data and Internet Usage Patterns

by Marta Kożybska, Iwona Radlińska, Marcin Kolwitz and Beata Karakiewicz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2434; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032434 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2434

Abstract

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is a broad term that covers problems with Internet use that result in psychological, social, academic or professional difficulties. The aim of our study was to identify individuals particularly vulnerable to developing PIU among Polish students, taking into account [...] Read more.

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is a broad term that covers problems with Internet use that result in psychological, social, academic or professional difficulties. The aim of our study was to identify individuals particularly vulnerable to developing PIU among Polish students, taking into account sociodemographic characteristics and Internet use patterns. A total of 1008 students of Polish universities took part in the survey. The research tool was The Problematic Internet Use Test—the Polish version of the Internet Addiction Test. Among the respondents, 10.2% showed signs of PIU—high or very high risk of addiction. Significantly higher levels of PIU were found in males than females, science students than medical and humanities students, and Internet users using a computer, as opposed to students using only a phone/tablet. A decrease in PIU was observed as students improved their assessment of their material situation. The severity of PIU increased significantly as the importance of Internet use for entertainment increased. Our research indicates that it is worth implementing measures to prevent the development of PIU in Poland, e.g., screening educational campaigns, especially for science students. It is also necessary to offer students at lower levels of education, especially the less affluent, forms of leisure time other than computer activity with the use of the Internet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

14 pages, 338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Theoretical Basis for a Group Intervention Aimed at Preventing High School Dropout: The Case of ‘Guttas Campus’

by Gro Hilde Ramsdal and Rolf Wynn

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 17025; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192417025 - 18 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1897

Abstract

School dropout may have important negative consequences for the individual as well as for society. It is therefore important to help students stay in school. Group interventions have been developed to reduce dropout, but the theoretical underpinnings of such programs are not always [...] Read more.

School dropout may have important negative consequences for the individual as well as for society. It is therefore important to help students stay in school. Group interventions have been developed to reduce dropout, but the theoretical underpinnings of such programs are not always obvious. This study focuses on the Norwegian dropout-prevention program named ‘Guttas Campus’ (The Boys’ Camp). We draw on published and unpublished research, other sources of written information, discussions with stakeholders, and direct observation of the intervention, to identify central theories that form the basis of the intervention. These theories are briefly presented, and the impact of the ideas on the intervention is analysed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

10 pages, 356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Big Five Personality Traits as Predictors of Negative Emotional States in University Students in Taiwan

by Shih-Wei Yang and Malcolm Koo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16468; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416468 - 8 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4193

Abstract

Negative emotional states, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, are prevalent in university students. Personality traits have been shown to be associated with a wide range of behaviors in students, such as academic motivation, achievement, and social well-being. The aim of this study [...] Read more.

Negative emotional states, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, are prevalent in university students. Personality traits have been shown to be associated with a wide range of behaviors in students, such as academic motivation, achievement, and social well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the Big Five personality traits and negative emotion states in university students in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 580 university students in Taiwan. Negative emotional states were evaluated using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Big Five personality traits were measured using the 48-item Big Five Inventory. A hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to assess the factors associated with DASS-21 scores. Neuroticism (standardized beta [std. β] = 0.45, p < 0.001) and openness (std. β = 0.12, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with DASS-21 scores, while agreeableness (std. β = −0.10, p = 0.007) was significantly and inversely associated with DASS-21 scores. Personality traits could be used to identify students at risk of negative emotional states and to undertake appropriate preventive strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

19 pages, 587 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Factors Contributing to the Subjective Wellbeing of Undergraduate Engineering Students: An Exploratory Study

by Muhammad Asghar, Angela Minichiello and Assad Iqbal

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 16284; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192316284 - 5 Dec 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3048

Abstract

Engineering education is perceived to be a tough field of study with detrimental effects on the mental health of undergraduate engineering students. High levels of anxiety and depression are reported among this population. Overall, mental health research is often biased toward looking at [...] Read more.

Engineering education is perceived to be a tough field of study with detrimental effects on the mental health of undergraduate engineering students. High levels of anxiety and depression are reported among this population. Overall, mental health research is often biased toward looking at mental health from a deficit perspective and investigating mental health as a negative phenomenon. This trend also persists in engineering education research. The purpose of this exploratory study, therefore, is to investigate the condition of subjective wellbeing (SWB) of undergraduate engineering students to understand the factors that they perceive as positively contributing to their overall wellbeing in an engineering college environment. Qualitative data from eight undergraduate engineering students interviewed in fall 2021 in the college of engineering at a land grant public institution in the western USA were thematically analyzed. The resulting 11 themes were then re-grouped and conceptualized into 7 factors (faculty support, learning experiences, support environment, financial support, engineering practice opportunities, task organization, and task orientation) for clear mapping, understanding, and explanation. The outcomes from this research have positive implications for the SWB of undergraduate engineering students, with support from their educational institutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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13 pages, 988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anxiety Assessment in Polish Students during the Russian–Ukrainian War

by Edyta Skwirczyńska, Mateusz Kozłowski, Katarzyna Nowak, Oskar Wróblewski, Agnieszka Sompolska-Rzechuła, Sebastian Kwiatkowski and Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13284; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013284 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3049

Abstract

Anxiety is described as a feeling of fear that appears in stressful or threatening situations. A terrorist attack is one such situation. The aim of this study was to assess anxiety levels among students using the STAI questionnaire. The study group consisted of [...] Read more.

Anxiety is described as a feeling of fear that appears in stressful or threatening situations. A terrorist attack is one such situation. The aim of this study was to assess anxiety levels among students using the STAI questionnaire. The study group consisted of 510 participants. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica software. Anxiety levels, correlations between STAI scores, and individual variables were assessed. Logit models were performed for the study variables. Higher levels of anxiety were found in females compared to males (p = 0.0000). The highest level of anxiety overall was found in year 1 students, the lowest in year 5 students (p = 0.0005). The highest level of anxiety overall was found in pharmacy students, the lowest in midwifery students. We concluded that there was a relatively strong relationship between anxiety and gender. Gender and fear of an armed attack on Poland had a significant impact on anxiety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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10 pages, 356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Grief and Somatic Complaints in Bereaved University and College Students

by Lauren Sillis, Laurence Claes and Karl Andriessen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12108; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912108 - 24 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3026

Abstract

Many emerging adults experience the death of a loved one while they are enrolled as a student in higher education. Bereavement increases the risk of long-term adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Still, as most studies have focused on psychological aspects of grief, [...] Read more.

Many emerging adults experience the death of a loved one while they are enrolled as a student in higher education. Bereavement increases the risk of long-term adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Still, as most studies have focused on psychological aspects of grief, little is known about the impact of grief on somatic complaints in students, leaving them vulnerable to health deteriorations. This study aimed to address this gap, and we hypothesized that there is a positive association between grief and somatic complaints in bereaved students. Participants (N = 688) were students enrolled at Flemish universities and colleges in Belgium. Participants filled out an online survey with sociodemographic questions, two scales assessing grief, and somatic grief reactions, and two additional questions inquiring whether participants had experienced other somatic reactions, and whether they had taken any steps to remedy their somatic complaints. Regression analyses revealed that less social support, type of relationship (first-degree relative), and the level of grief were positively associated with somatic complaints, and bereaved students reported various complaints such as feeling pain and strains, thus confirming the hypothesis. As bereaved students may be reluctant to seek support for somatic complaints, the findings indicate that information and psychoeducation for bereaved students and their social environment must address somatic grief reactions and encourage timely help seeking. In addition, staff members at psychosocial and medical services for students should be trained to recognize somatic as well as psychological grief reactions. Appropriately skilled, they can inquire about such complaints and provide adequate support to prevent long-term health ramifications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

14 pages, 638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Targeted Primary and Secondary Preventive Strategies for Depression among Malaysian Pharmacy Students

by Izyan A. Wahab, Khang Wen Goh, Zainol Akbar Zainal, Najlaa Siham Mohamed Yusof, Hasniza Zaman Huri, Sabrina Anne Jacob, Muhammad Najib Mohamad Alwi, Rosnani Hashim, Shairyzah Ahmad Hisham and Nurdiana Jamil

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9629; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159629 - 5 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3019

Abstract

The global depression burden has remained a challenge throughout the pre- and post-pandemic era. The pandemic effect has led to the spiraling of mental disorders among young people who will be the next generation of leaders. This study aims to identify university students’ [...] Read more.

The global depression burden has remained a challenge throughout the pre- and post-pandemic era. The pandemic effect has led to the spiraling of mental disorders among young people who will be the next generation of leaders. This study aims to identify university students’ sociodemographic, psychosocial and academic backgrounds and performance associated with depression symptoms for the development of primary and secondary preventive strategies for mental health. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to 19 institutions in Malaysia offering a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree program. The self-rated Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-42) was used to assess depression symptoms. Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to assess the investigated variables with depression symptoms. Independent T-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare means of depression score across variables. Binary logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between the investigated variables and depression symptoms. A total of 610 pharmacy students participated, of which 47% (n = 289/610) were having depression symptoms. Students who smoke nicotine and those who have separated parents, family history of mental illness, and poor academic performance were associated with depression symptoms (p < 0.05). Differences in geographical areas, race and religion also showed significant associations with depression symptoms. Parental marital status, poor academic performance, history of mental illness and comorbidities were statistically predicting depression symptoms (p < 0.05). Primary preventive strategies allowing students to harness healthy coping skills for stress, nicotine-free campaigns and a holistic curriculum are warranted. Secondary measures on mindfulness and compassion skills activities to benefit students who experienced early life crises are highly recommended. Enforcing these targeted strategies in collaboration with health and social sectors should be the primary agenda of universities to ensure their uptake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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19 pages, 988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adolescents’ Characteristics and Peer Relationships in Class: A Population Study

by Elisa Cavicchiolo, Fabio Lucidi, Pierluigi Diotaiuti, Andrea Chirico, Federica Galli, Sara Manganelli, Monica D’Amico, Flavia Albarello, Laura Girelli, Mauro Cozzolino, Maurizio Sibilio, Arnaldo Zelli, Luca Mallia, Sara Germani, Tommaso Palombi, Dario Fegatelli, Marianna Liparoti, Laura Mandolesi and Fabio Alivernini

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 8907; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19158907 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3910

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate differences in adolescents’ social relationships with classmates of diverse gender, socioeconomic status, immigrant background, and academic achievement. Methods: A population of 10th-grade students (N = 406,783; males = 50.3%; M_age = 15.57 years, SD_age = [...] Read more.

Background: This study aimed to investigate differences in adolescents’ social relationships with classmates of diverse gender, socioeconomic status, immigrant background, and academic achievement. Methods: A population of 10th-grade students (N = 406,783; males = 50.3%; M_age = 15.57 years, SD_age = 0.75) completed the Classmates Social Isolation Questionnaire (CSIQ), an instrument specifically designed to measure two distinct but correlated types of peer relationships in class: peer acceptance and peer friendship. To obtain reliable comparisons across diverse adolescent characteristics, the measurement invariance of the CSIQ was established by means of CFAs and then latent mean differences tests were performed. Results: Immigrant background, academic achievement, and socioeconomic status all proved to be important factors influencing relationships with classmates, while being a male or a female was less relevant. Being a first-generation immigrant adolescent appears to be the foremost risk factor for being less accepted by classmates, while having a low academic achievement is the greatest hindrance for having friends in the group of classmates, a finding that diverges from previous studies. Conclusions: This population study suggests that adolescent characteristics (especially immigrant background, socioeconomic status, and academic achievement) seem to affect social relationships with classmates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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14 pages, 1294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Marriage Intention among Korean Young Adults: Trends and Influencing Factors

by Doyeon An, Sang-Lim Lee and Hyekyung Woo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8557; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148557 - 13 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3706

Abstract

The recent increase in the tendency of people to marry late or to opt out of marriage entirely is among the key contributors to Korea’s low fertility rate. One possible cause of this tendency may be a change in how marriage is valued [...] Read more.

The recent increase in the tendency of people to marry late or to opt out of marriage entirely is among the key contributors to Korea’s low fertility rate. One possible cause of this tendency may be a change in how marriage is valued among Korea’s youth. The marriage intentions of young adults can be classified into “positive”, “negative”, and “neutral”. Over time, positive marriage intentions have declined across all age groups (2010: 61% → 2020: 39%; ages 25–29), with no significant change in negative marriage intentions. In contrast, neutral marriage intentions have increased significantly (2010: 36% → 2020: 53%; ages 25–29). This phenomenon may be attributable to the increase in the number of young adults who prioritize survival over thinking about the future. However, neutral marriage values can be changed into positive values at any time. A holistic overview of Korean society is necessary to determine how the values of young adults might be influenced to align with a traditional life process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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16 pages, 941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Cultural Intelligence and Imposter Syndrome on School Belonging through Academic Resilience among University Students with Vocational Backgrounds

by Shiyong Wu, Wenxin Chen, Wei Chen and Wen Zheng

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7944; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137944 - 28 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5336

Abstract

Background: University students with vocational qualifications encounter more severe cultural, academic, and self-evaluated challenges in the transitional process than their peers with an academic pathway. This study investigated the predictive effect of cultural intelligence (CI), imposter syndrome (IS), and academic resilience (AR) on [...] Read more.

Background: University students with vocational qualifications encounter more severe cultural, academic, and self-evaluated challenges in the transitional process than their peers with an academic pathway. This study investigated the predictive effect of cultural intelligence (CI), imposter syndrome (IS), and academic resilience (AR) on school belonging (SB) and their interplay mechanism from a positive and negative perspective. Method: We recruited 326 Chinese university students with a vocational route as the research subjects and designed a parallel mediation model to assess the hypothesized construct. Result: The participants had scores above the median in CI, AR, and SB, but they also obtained scores exceeding the median in moderate IS. CI positively and significantly predicted SB both directly and indirectly through AR, while IS negatively and significantly predicted AR. AR both partly mediated the effect of CI on SB and entirely mediated the impact of IS on SB. Conclusion: CI was the most crucial factor impacting SB, followed by AR and IS among Chinese university students with a vocational education and training (VET) pathway. Strategic interventions should be adopted to enhance their abilities to cope with diverse cultures, promote their resilience in facing academic difficulties, boost their self-achievement, and foster their sense of SB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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8 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Emotional Intelligence and Stress Coping Strategies According to Sex in Mexican General Population

by Fabiola Macías-Espinoza, Aniel Jessica Leticia Brambila-Tapia, Yesica Arlae Reyes-Domínguez and María Luisa Ramírez-García

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7318; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127318 - 14 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2143

Abstract

Emotional intelligence has been associated with adaptive coping in the adolescent and young population; however, the association of specific dimensions of emotional intelligence with each coping strategy has not been associated in general nor by each sex separately. Therefore, the aim of the [...] Read more.

Emotional intelligence has been associated with adaptive coping in the adolescent and young population; however, the association of specific dimensions of emotional intelligence with each coping strategy has not been associated in general nor by each sex separately. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine such an association. The general population was invited to perform an electronic questionnaire via social networks. A sample of 984 individuals were included, from which 62.1% were women, in whom we detected higher levels of emotional attention, and lower levels of emotional clarity and emotional repair, as well as increased levels of stress, depression and anxiety than men. In the bivariate correlations we observed significant positive correlations between emotional attention with stress, depression and anxiety, and significant negative correlations between emotional clarity and emotional repair with the three negative psychological variables, in both sexes. Adaptive coping strategies (mainly active coping and planning) showed positive correlations with emotional attention, emotional clarity and repair, being higher for emotional clarity and repair in both sexes. In addition, these two subscales also showed low negative correlations between some maladaptive strategies in both sexes, which suggests that interventions addressed to increase these emotional abilities could be useful in increasing adaptive coping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

17 pages, 387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Subjective Wellbeing among University Students and Recent Graduates: Evidence from the United Kingdom

by William E. Donald and Denise Jackson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6911; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116911 - 5 Jun 2022

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5079

Abstract

This study compares students’ and recent graduates’ perceptions of their subjective wellbeing and offers support mechanisms and resources to enhance wellbeing in higher education. Survey data were collected in September 2021 from 414 UK-based higher education students and recent graduates on their self-perceived [...] Read more.

This study compares students’ and recent graduates’ perceptions of their subjective wellbeing and offers support mechanisms and resources to enhance wellbeing in higher education. Survey data were collected in September 2021 from 414 UK-based higher education students and recent graduates on their self-perceived subjective wellbeing in March 2020 (before COVID-19 regulations restrictions) and September 2021 (18 months later). Findings showed that subjective wellbeing scores fell for almost three-quarters of university students and recent graduates between March 2020 and September 2021. Interestingly, around one-fifth of participants reported increased subjective wellbeing scores whilst the remaining participants reported no impact. Positive impacts of the pandemic included opportunities for self-improvement with more free time for focusing on health and relationships. Adverse outcomes included feelings of isolation, reduced mental and physical health, difficulties undertaking degree studies and work, travel restrictions, and concerns for labour market competitiveness. The study advances the application of the conservation of resources theory and identifies strategies for higher education institutions to better support and improve their students’ and future graduates’ subjective wellbeing. Strategies include access to counselling, mindfulness, opportunities for participation in hobbies, interaction with peers, flexible work and study options, and guidance on career and finances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

13 pages, 1363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Suicidal Ideation among University Students: A Moderated Mediation Model Considering Attachment, Personality, and Sex

by Antonella Granieri, Silvia Casale, Maria Domenica Sauta and Isabella Giulia Franzoi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6167; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106167 - 19 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3392

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the link between attachment, personality traits, and suicidal ideation with consideration of the potential moderating role of age and sex. The Suicidal History Self-Rating Screening Scale, the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Brief Form, and the Attachment Style Questionnaire [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to examine the link between attachment, personality traits, and suicidal ideation with consideration of the potential moderating role of age and sex. The Suicidal History Self-Rating Screening Scale, the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Brief Form, and the Attachment Style Questionnaire were administered to 183 students. There was a significant indirect effect of need for approval on suicidal ideation via detachment. Moreover, the moderated mediation models of need for approval and preoccupation with relationships on suicidality via negative affectivity were significant in men, but not women, whereas the moderated mediation model of need for approval on suicidality via detachment was significant in women, but not men. Young men and women seem at risk for increased suicidal ideation based on specific attachment and personality characteristics, which should be considered for the development of prevention and therapeutic interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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19 pages, 982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Student Loyalty in Higher Education: A Structural Equation Approach for the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania

by Steluta Todea, Adriana AnaMaria Davidescu, Nicolae Al. Pop and Tanase Stamule

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5527; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095527 - 2 May 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3800

Abstract

In today’s world, the higher education system represents a means of developing the national and global economy by providing individual and collective benefits. Student loyalty is a critical measure in the success of higher education institutions that aim at retaining students until graduation [...] Read more.

In today’s world, the higher education system represents a means of developing the national and global economy by providing individual and collective benefits. Student loyalty is a critical measure in the success of higher education institutions that aim at retaining students until graduation and then attracting them back. As they fuel the knowledge economy, universities create a more educated labor market, providing employment and higher salaries. Having this major significance, it is vital to study the key determinants that persuade stakeholders to form long-term relationships with universities, revealing high loyalty. Aiming to stay competitive and survive the drastic, ongoing changes, successful universities thrive on building loyalty among all stakeholder groups, especially students. Despite the importance of the higher education institutions (HEIs), little research has been conducted on student loyalty. Therefore, the main objectives of this study are to empirically examine the key factors influencing student loyalty by testing two models, namely perceived quality, brand associations, satisfaction, trust, and commitment, and to test the relationships among them. To analyze the data, a confirmatory factor analysis was applied where it explored the associations between items and constructs and, then, utilized a structural equation model (SEM) to investigate the relationships existing between constructs with the application of the STATA program. A structured questionnaire comprising of 66 questions was developed, using a five Likert scale. A total of 682 students from the Bucharest University of Economic Studies filled in the questionnaire. In both cases, the findings reveal that commitment has the most significant direct impact on loyalty. The other factors have an indirect effect, satisfaction having the most significant total effect, followed by trust and commitment. Therefore, universities must focus on improving service quality to develop positive brand associations, student satisfaction, trust, and commitment in developing student loyalty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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14 pages, 431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Body-Esteem, Self-Esteem and Loneliness among Social Media Young Users

by Lavinia Maria Pop, Magdalena Iorga and Raluca Iurcov

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5064; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095064 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 23024

Abstract

The use of social networking sites for socializing, having fun, solving academic tasks or even getting counselling for health-related problems is now inevitable. Methods: A total of 427 medical students, who are users of social media sites, were included in the research. Data [...] Read more.

The use of social networking sites for socializing, having fun, solving academic tasks or even getting counselling for health-related problems is now inevitable. Methods: A total of 427 medical students, who are users of social media sites, were included in the research. Data about socio-demographic, anthropometric, and self-rated items regarding satisfaction with physical and mental health were collected. Three psychological tools were also used to measure self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), body-esteem (Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults) and loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale). Collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Students use these networks for socialization (49.0%), entertainment (31.1%) and academic tasks (19.9%), spending 3.38 ± 0.80 h per day on SNSs. Less than half of them (47.5%) compared themselves to other SNS profiles. The use of Snapchat was found to be strongly positively correlated with self-esteem, and weight status was negatively correlated with the use of TikTok. More than three-quarters declared that they exercised to lose weight or to prevent weight gain. Participants were found to have a high level of body esteem. Almost half of the students proved to have a moderate to a high level of loneliness. Age and gender were found to be important: the younger the user, the higher the scores for loneliness and feeling depressed, and the greater the number of hours on SNSs. The total score for self-esteem was significantly higher in men than in women, and male students appreciated themselves as being in a better state of mental health than women. Conclusions: The results prove a relationship between the use of SNSs and the presence of loneliness, self-esteem and body-esteem, with gender differences. However, the use of SNSs should not be neglected in clinical settings, and are a good means of reaching patients and providing medical and psychological intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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9 pages, 1002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anxiety, Motives, and Intention for Physical Activity during the Italian COVID-19 Lockdown: An Observational Longitudinal Study

by Federica Galli, Francesco Giancamilli, Tommaso Palombi, Jacopo Antonino Vitale, Stefano Borghi, Alessandra De Maria, Elisa Cavicchiolo, Pierluigi Diotaiuti, Antonio La Torre, Arnaldo Zelli, Fabio Lucidi, Roberto Codella and Andrea Chirico

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4689; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084689 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 2549

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led governments to adopt strict containment measures to avoid spreading the virus. These essential measures led to home confinement that influenced both the physical and mental health of populations. Physical activity plays a key role in preventing chronic [...] Read more.

Background: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led governments to adopt strict containment measures to avoid spreading the virus. These essential measures led to home confinement that influenced both the physical and mental health of populations. Physical activity plays a key role in preventing chronic diseases and promoting protective psychological factors. In the context of a lockdown, understanding the motives that guide people to enact physical activity is an important issue for public health. The present study aimed to evaluate the relation between autonomous motivation and physical activity, considering the role of behavioral intention and anxiety in a longitudinal moderated mediation model. Methods: Italian participants (N = 86; mean_age = 29.74, standard deviation = 9.74; female = 53.5%) completed a booklet composed of different questionnaires (motivation, intention, anxiety, and physical activity) 3 weeks apart. Results: The hypothesized model is supported by the evidence; both autonomous motivation and intention are direct predictors of physical activity. The results also show that the direct effect of autonomous motivation on physical activity is stronger in participants with low anxiety, while high levels of anxiety are a significant moderator of the intention–behavior relation. Conclusions: In conclusion, a multidisciplinary approach should be promoting methods and infrastructures to permit people to adhere to physical activity, as a front line against any health emergency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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16 pages, 593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Bicultural Identity Integration, Self-Esteem, Academic Resilience, Interaction Anxiousness, and School Belonging among University Students with Vocational Qualifications

by Wenxin Chen, Yi Lin, Xiaoyan Yu, Wen Zheng, Shiyong Wu, Mingxi Huang, Wei Chen and Shuyi Zhou

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3632; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063632 - 18 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5051

Abstract

Background: University students with a vocational pathway face greater cultural, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral challenges during the transition process than their counterparts with an academic route. Method: This study examined the predictive effect of bicultural identity integration, self-esteem, academic resilience, and interaction anxiousness [...] Read more.

Background: University students with a vocational pathway face greater cultural, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral challenges during the transition process than their counterparts with an academic route. Method: This study examined the predictive effect of bicultural identity integration, self-esteem, academic resilience, and interaction anxiousness on school belonging using a quantitative approach with 326 Chinese vocational pathway university student participants. Result: The participants had high levels of cultural adaptability, self-esteem, academic resilience, and school belonging, but they also displayed moderate interaction anxiousness. Bicultural identity integration (B = 0.24; p < 0.001), self-esteem (B = 0.35; p < 0.001), and academic resilience (B = 0.25; p < 0.001) significantly positively predicted school belonging, while interaction anxiousness (B = −0.17; p < 0.01) negatively predicted school belonging. Conclusions: Bicultural identity integration, self-esteem, academic resilience, and interaction anxiousness were crucial determinants of school belonging among Chinese university students with vocational qualifications. Effective measures should be initiated to boost their feelings of being recognized, respected, and connected to the university community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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11 pages, 1241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Growth Mindset on Mental Health Two Years Later: The Role of Smartphone Use

by Xiaoxiong Lai, Chang Nie, Shunsen Huang, Yajun Li, Tao Xin, Cai Zhang and Yun Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3355; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063355 - 12 Mar 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6388

Abstract

The negative association between the growth mindset and mental health problems suggests that prevention and intervention programs to improve mental health by targeting mindset may have potential clinical value. However, research on the longitudinal effect of mindset on adolescent mental health and its [...] Read more.

The negative association between the growth mindset and mental health problems suggests that prevention and intervention programs to improve mental health by targeting mindset may have potential clinical value. However, research on the longitudinal effect of mindset on adolescent mental health and its underlying mechanisms is lacking. Using a three-wave longitudinal design, we obtained data from a diverse sample of Chinese adolescents (n = 2543). Longitudinal multiple mediation models were constructed to examine the effects of the growth mindset on levels of anxiety and depression two years later. In addition, the mediating effects of smartphone use for entertainment and problematic smartphone use (PSU) were examined. After controlling for various covariates and the autoregressive effects of mental health problems, the growth mindset had significant negative effects on anxiety (β = −0.053, p = 0.004) and depression (β = −0.074, p < 0.001). Smartphone use had a significant mediating role in the effect of mindset on anxiety (β = −0.016, p < 0.001) and depression (β = −0.016, p < 0.001). The growth mindset has long-lasting positive effects on adolescent mental health. Smartphone use for entertainment and PSU mediate the effect of mindset on adolescent mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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11 pages, 860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived COVID-19 Threat and Reactions to Noncompliant Health-Protective Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Desired Cultural Tightness and the Moderating Role of Age

by Conrad Baldner, Daniela Di Santo, Marta Viola and Antonio Pierro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2364; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042364 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2322

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is a health crisis that requires individuals to comply with many health-protective behaviors. Following the previous literature, cultural tightness has been found to be a key mechanism to increase coordination in order to mitigate collective threats (e.g., COVID-19). In this [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a health crisis that requires individuals to comply with many health-protective behaviors. Following the previous literature, cultural tightness has been found to be a key mechanism to increase coordination in order to mitigate collective threats (e.g., COVID-19). In this study, we test a moderated mediation model to examine whether the perceived COVID-19 threat could intensify the extent of desired tightness (i.e., a personal desire for cultural tightness), moderated by age. Subsequently, we test whether this could intensify individuals’ emotional reactions to non-compliance with COVID-19 health protective behaviors. The study relies on a cross-sectional design, with a sample of 624 participants residing in central Italy (i.e., Lazio). The data were collected from February to October 2021. Questionnaires contained self-reporting measures of the perceived COVID-19 threat, desired tightness, and personal emotional reactions to non-compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures (e.g., wearing a mask). The results confirm that the perceived COVID-19 threat is associated with an increase in the desire for cultural tightness—and that this relationship was moderated by age—and, consequently, with intolerance for noncompliance with preventive behaviors. Additionally, both direct and indirect effects of the perceived COVID-19 threat on negative emotional reactions to noncompliance were significant; this indirect effect was larger at high (+1 SD) age than at low (−1 SD) age. Overall, this research provides some insight into how people can respond to the current pandemic threat, and how this may have implications for violating rules and regulations to keep contagion under control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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12 pages, 1369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Supplementary Approach for Effective Anti-Doping Education: A Pilot Study Applying Refutation Texts to Modify Misperception of the Whereabouts System

by Zhangyan Deng, Jinyang Guo, Dong Wang and Zuosong Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2097; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042097 - 13 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2202

Abstract

Background: Over the past twenty years, a multifaceted anti-doping system was established to detect, deter, and prevent doping among athletes. However, perception of the whereabouts system has been a controversial issue. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of refutation text intervention [...] Read more.

Background: Over the past twenty years, a multifaceted anti-doping system was established to detect, deter, and prevent doping among athletes. However, perception of the whereabouts system has been a controversial issue. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of refutation text intervention on the perception of the whereabouts system. Methods: In two studies, we tested whether (1) detailed refutation texts are perceived as more effective than simply refuting with a true or false claim among 132 athletes (47.73% female, mean age = 20.99 ± 2.11), and if (2) refutation text intervention can alter the perception of the whereabouts system among 177 athletes (53.11% female, mean age = 21.17 ± 2.27). Descriptive statistics were calculated, followed by a one-sample T-test, independent T-test, chi-square test, and a repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: The results demonstrate that five true/false statements were developed as refutation texts, and the mean accuracy of the true/false test is less than the probability of guess (p < 0.05, d = −0.18). In addition, detailed refutation texts evoked significantly greater perceived effectiveness than the simple refutation texts (p < 0.01, d = 0.66). Furthermore, the refutation text intervention enhanced the positive perception of the whereabouts system (p < 0.01, η² = 0.15). Conclusions: Our findings support the efficacy of refutation texts to improve the misperception of anti-doping regimes among athletes and have implications for future education prevention initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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14 pages, 768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Psychometric Properties of the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3): Factorial Structure, Invariance and Validity in the Italian Context

by Elisa Cavicchiolo, Maurizio Sibilio, Fabio Lucidi, Mauro Cozzolino, Andrea Chirico, Laura Girelli, Sara Manganelli, Francesco Giancamilli, Federica Galli, Pierluigi Diotaiuti, Arnaldo Zelli, Luca Mallia, Tommaso Palombi, Dario Fegatelli, Flavia Albarello and Fabio Alivernini

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 1937; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19041937 - 9 Feb 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4623

Abstract

Background: Motivation to engage in physical activity plays a central role in ensuring the health of the population. The present study investigated the psychometric properties and validity in Italy of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3), a widely used instrument for assessing [...] Read more.

Background: Motivation to engage in physical activity plays a central role in ensuring the health of the population. The present study investigated the psychometric properties and validity in Italy of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3), a widely used instrument for assessing individuals’ motivation to exercise based on self-determination theory (SDT). Methods: A large sample (N = 2222; females = 55.4%; M_age = 36.4 years, SD_age = 13.9, min = 20, max = 69) of young people, and middle aged and older adults completed the Italian translation of the BREQ-3, also indicating their intentions to exercise in the following weeks. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the posited six-factor structure of the BREQ-3 fitted the data well (CFI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.05; SRMR = 0.04) and provided evidence for full measurement invariance across gender and different age groups. The construct validity of the BREQ-3 was supported by the latent correlations among the subscales, which were consistent with the quasi-simplex pattern theorized by SDT. The overall level of self-determination and the intention to exercise were positively correlated, providing evidence for the criterion validity of the scale. Conclusions: The Italian version of the BREQ-3 has proved to be a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the behavioral regulation of exercise in individuals with different demographic characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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17 pages, 858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotional Suppression and Psychological Well-Being in Marriage: The Role of Regulatory Focus and Spousal Behavior

by Unji An, Haeyoung Gideon Park, Da Eun Han and Young-Hoon Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020973 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4054

Abstract

Emotional suppression has been considered a critical factor in determining one’s mental health and psychological well-being in intimate relationships such as marriage. The present study aimed to delineate the nuanced association between emotional suppression and psychological well-being in marriage by considering two critical [...] Read more.

Emotional suppression has been considered a critical factor in determining one’s mental health and psychological well-being in intimate relationships such as marriage. The present study aimed to delineate the nuanced association between emotional suppression and psychological well-being in marriage by considering two critical factors: (a) individual differences in motivational orientation and (b) the perceived level of a partner’s emotional suppression. A set of two online survey studies were conducted on a large sample of married participants. The participants were asked to indicate (a) their own level of emotional suppression, (b) the perceived level of their spouse’s emotional suppression, (c) relationship motivation, and (d) satisfaction with marital life. The results consistently indicated that for prevention-focused individuals being emotionally suppressive was associated with greater marital satisfaction, but only for those who perceived their spouses as also emotionally suppressive. Conversely, for promotion-focused individuals, being less emotionally suppressive was associated with greater marital satisfaction, but again, only for those who perceived their spouses as also being less emotionally suppressive. These findings provide insights into research on emotion regulation and self-regulatory strategies in influencing psychological well-being and mental health in an intimate relationship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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15 pages, 354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Student-, Study- and COVID-19-Related Predictors of Students’ Smoking, Binge Drinking and Cannabis Use before and during the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown in The Netherlands

by Kirsten J. M. van Hooijdonk, Milagros Rubio, Sterre S. H. Simons, Tirza H. J. van Noorden, Maartje Luijten, Sabine A. E. Geurts and Jacqueline M. Vink

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020812 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3974

Abstract

Tobacco, alcohol and cannabis are commonly used among university students. However, student lives and their substance use have changed dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on (trends in) weekly smoking, weekly binge drinking and [...] Read more.

Tobacco, alcohol and cannabis are commonly used among university students. However, student lives and their substance use have changed dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on (trends in) weekly smoking, weekly binge drinking and weekly cannabis use in Dutch university students and investigated associated student-, study- and COVID-19-related characteristics. Between April and June 2020, several Dutch higher educational institutes invited their students to participate in an online survey. Data of 9967 students (M_age = 22.0 (SD = 2.6); N_female = 7008 (70.3%)) were available for analyses. Overall, weekly smoking remained stable (±11.5%), weekly binge drinking decreased (from 27.8% to 13.9%) and weekly cannabis use increased (from 6.7% to 8.6%). Male gender, not living with parents, being a bachelor student, having less financial resources and less adherence to the COVID-19 measures were found to increase the risk of substance use (before/during the first COVID-19 lockdown). Additionally, male gender, not living with parents, being a bachelor student, not being born in the Netherlands and having a student loan contributed to the likelihood of increased substance use during COVID-19. Patterns of characteristics contributing to the likelihood of decreased weekly substance use during COVID-19 were less clear. The risk factors male gender, not living with parents and being a bachelor student do not only contribute to the likelihood of using substances but also contribute to the likelihood of increased use during a lockdown. Prevention and intervention programs should especially target these risk groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

13 pages, 1110 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Vocational Value Profiles of Students with Preferential Vocational Interest in Sport and Their Relationship with Personal and Academic Wellbeing

by Evelia Franco, Carmen Ocete and Vicente Hernández-Franco

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 11872; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211872 - 12 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2086

Abstract

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of students who choose to pursue university studies related to the field of sports. However, there are no studies that have investigated the existence of differentiated profiles within students whose preferred [...] Read more.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of students who choose to pursue university studies related to the field of sports. However, there are no studies that have investigated the existence of differentiated profiles within students whose preferred vocational area is sport. The main objective of this study was to establish the profiles of students in the second year of Spain Bachillerato whose preferred vocational interest is sport, according to the two representative vocational values: (a) “to have a fun professional activity”; and (b) “to have a professional activity whose schedule makes it possible to reconcile personal and professional life”. In addition, the resulting groups were compared according to their perception of general and academic wellbeing and their identification with the other vocational values. Two hundred and thirty participants (MAge = 17.47; DTAge = 0.669; N = 171; 74.3% male and N = 59; 25.7% female) completed some validated measures. Three clusters emerged which did not differ in terms of general and academic wellbeing. Differences were found though in terms of some vocational values such “to help people”, “to develop one’s entrepreneurial initiative” or “to be self-employed”. The findings invite us to rethink the differences in the specific profiles of vocational values and their impact on employability opportunities, and to consider these approaches in the orientation of students who have among their priority options to study sport sciences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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21 pages, 373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can We Build ‘Somewhere That You Want to Go’? Conducting Collaborative Mental Health Service Design with New Zealand’s Young People

by Jessica Stubbing and Kerry Gibson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 9983; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18199983 - 23 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4688

Abstract

Globally, young people are at high risk of mental health problems, but have poor engagement with services. Several international models have emerged seeking to address this gap by providing youth-specific care designed in collaboration with young people. In this study, 94 young people [...] Read more.

Globally, young people are at high risk of mental health problems, but have poor engagement with services. Several international models have emerged seeking to address this gap by providing youth-specific care designed in collaboration with young people. In this study, 94 young people in New Zealand participated in collaborative workshops exploring their vision of an ideal mental health service. Participants were aged 16–25. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify seven themes. These describe the ideal mental health service for these young people as comfortable, accessible, welcoming, embedded in the community, holistic, adaptable, and youth-focused. In addition to describing how services might better serve the needs of youth, this article outlines a method for adapting international principles for youth-friendly care to the specific needs of a population of young people. This article provides supporting evidence that services should consider how to improve their engagement with youth through collaboration with local populations of young people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

9 pages, 537 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Reciprocal Longitudinal Relationship between Executive Dysfunction and Happiness in Korean Children

by Yoonhee Sung and Eunsil Choi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7764; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157764 - 22 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2558

Abstract

The goal of this study was to examine the reciprocal longitudinal relationships between executive dysfunction and happiness for Korean children. We used data from the Panel Study of Korean Children (PSKC) conducted by the Korean Institute of Child Care and Education. A total [...] Read more.

The goal of this study was to examine the reciprocal longitudinal relationships between executive dysfunction and happiness for Korean children. We used data from the Panel Study of Korean Children (PSKC) conducted by the Korean Institute of Child Care and Education. A total of 1240 valid responses from the first to third grade in elementary school were analyzed using autoregressive crossed-lagged modeling. As a result, executive dysfunction and happiness were found to have reciprocal influences over the three time points. We also found that the cross-lagged effects of executive dysfunction and happiness were stronger than those of happiness on executive dysfunction. Clinical implications and limitations were discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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20 pages, 390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Teachers’ Self-Efficacy and School Leaders’ Transformational Leadership Practices on Teachers’ Innovative Behaviour

by Mohammed Afandi Zainal and Mohd Effendi Ewan Mohd Matore

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6423; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126423 - 14 Jun 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 7463

Abstract

Background: The current rapid development demands educators to possess innovative behaviour. Presently, in the environment of rapid technological growth and borderless global communication, teachers with innovative behaviour are capable of facing each painful challenge that confronts the education system; therefore, it is essential [...] Read more.

Background: The current rapid development demands educators to possess innovative behaviour. Presently, in the environment of rapid technological growth and borderless global communication, teachers with innovative behaviour are capable of facing each painful challenge that confronts the education system; therefore, it is essential to understand the factors influencing the innovative behaviour of teachers. Purpose: To identify the influence of teachers’ self-efficacy and school administrators’ transformational leadership practices on teachers’ innovative behaviour. Method: A quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design with a sample of 1415 teachers from four states in Malaysia, and the data were statistically analysed using SPSS^® version 26.0 for Windows™ (IBM Corporation, New York, NY, USA). Result: Multiple Regression Analysis found that teachers’ self-efficacy and school administrators’ transformational leadership practices both had a significant influence on teachers’ innovative behaviour by contributing 47.0% of the variance in teachers’ innovative behaviour. Conclusion: The findings suggested that teachers’ self-efficacy and school administrators’ transformational leadership practices both play a role in influencing teachers’ innovative behaviour. Therefore, the stakeholders need to consider the aspects of self-efficacy and transformational leadership practices of school administrators in drafting policies and related programmes to improve teachers’ innovative behaviour. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

20 pages, 3046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotional Creativity in Art Education: An Exploratory Analysis and Research Trends

by Mariana-Daniela González-Zamar and Emilio Abad-Segura

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6209; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126209 - 8 Jun 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8210

Abstract

The emotions that human beings experience have a key role in the environments in which they operate. In art education, creative processes are influenced by the emotions and experiences lived by the individual, enabling a more emotional and creative design to make life [...] Read more.

The emotions that human beings experience have a key role in the environments in which they operate. In art education, creative processes are influenced by the emotions and experiences lived by the individual, enabling a more emotional and creative design to make life more pleasant. The aim was to examine the research during the period 1917–2020 on the development of emotional creativity in art education. Mathematical and statistical techniques were applied to 984 articles carried from Elsevier’s Scopus database. The findings yielded data on the scientific productivity of the journal, authors, research institutions, and countries/territories that promoted this field. The data showed an exponential trend, mostly in the last decade. Five lines of research stand out: emotion, higher education, education, art, and leadership. Moreover, five future research directions related to visual art education, affective paradigm, metacompetency, expressive arts therapy group, and cognitive empathy were detected. This study establishes the link between psychology, neuroscience, and artistic education to constitute the decision-making of the promoters of this topic of research. The analysis of international research allowed us to focus the future publications of academics and researchers, in addition to guaranteeing an adequate approach to the objectives of the institutions and funding centers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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8 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Promoting Media Literacy Online: An Intervention on Performance and Appearance Enhancement Substances with Sport High School Students

by Federica Galli, Tommaso Palombi, Luca Mallia, Andrea Chirico, Thomas Zandonai, Fabio Alivernini, Alessandra De Maria, Arnaldo Zelli and Fabio Lucidi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5596; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115596 - 24 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2959

Abstract

The outbreak of coronavirus required adjustment regarding the delivery of interventions. Media literacy interventions are necessary to help people acquire relevant skills to navigate the complexities of media communications, and to encourage health-promoting behaviors. The present study aimed to promote a media literacy [...] Read more.

The outbreak of coronavirus required adjustment regarding the delivery of interventions. Media literacy interventions are necessary to help people acquire relevant skills to navigate the complexities of media communications, and to encourage health-promoting behaviors. The present study aimed to promote a media literacy intervention regarding performance and appearance enhancement substances use in sports high school students. The COVID-19 contingency allowed us to evaluate whether online sessions can effectively promote greater awareness of media influence, a stronger sense of confidence in persuading others to deal with media messages, and healthier attitudes about PAES use among high school students. The study relied on an “intervention group” comprising 162 students (31.5% female) and a “control group” comprising 158 students (42% female). Data were analyzed through repeated measures of Group X Time MANOVA and ANOVA, demonstrating some degree of efficacy of the media literacy intervention. The “intervention group” reported higher awareness of potential newspapers’ influence and a significant increase in their sense of confidence in dealing with media influence compared to the “control group”. Findings support the efficacy of online media literacy programs to prevent doping consumption in adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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13 pages, 1007 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Motivational Underpinnings of Intentions to Use Doping in Sport: A Sample of Young Non-Professional Athletes

by Andrea Chirico, Fabio Lucidi, Gennaro Pica, Daniela Di Santo, Federica Galli, Fabio Alivernini, Luca Mallia, Arnaldo Zelli, Arie W. Kruglanski and Antonio Pierro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5411; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105411 - 19 May 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3705

Abstract

Doping use is considered as a deviant behavior in sport contexts, and it is necessary to recognize preventive factors to shut down the negative consequences. We proposed that athletes experiencing loss of personal significance would be more prone to doping use intentions. This [...] Read more.

Doping use is considered as a deviant behavior in sport contexts, and it is necessary to recognize preventive factors to shut down the negative consequences. We proposed that athletes experiencing loss of personal significance would be more prone to doping use intentions. This pathway should occur through the effect of the enhanced predominance of obsessive (vs. harmonious) passion that such athletes experience concerning their sport activity, which, in turn, facilitates the adoption of moral disengagement strategies to find justifications for it, when they perceive that significant others approve their intention. The study relied on a cross-over design, with a convenience sample of 437 athletes recruited at four sports sciences Universities evenly distributed in Italy. Questionnaires administered contained a validated tool based on Kruglanski’s theorizing on radical and deviant behavior (e.g., Loss of Significance, Obsessive, and Harmonious passion) and deriving from social cognitive theory (e.g., Moral disengagement). Results of the study tested a serial mediation moderated model, which links the different variables to explain the influence they have on the intentions to use doping. Overall, this research suggests a motivational dynamic that may be at the heart of illicit behaviors in sport, such as using drugs-enhancing performance potentially among athletes of all kinds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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18 pages, 901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Dog-Assisted Interventions in Higher Education: Students’ Attitudes and Perceived Effects on Well-Being

by Cathrin Rothkopf and Silke Schworm

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4492; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094492 - 23 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4729

Abstract

Both, in the transition to university and during it, students experience a multitude of different changes. Thus, it is no surprise that many students in higher education report suffering from mental health problems. To address their concerns, animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) have gained more [...] Read more.

Both, in the transition to university and during it, students experience a multitude of different changes. Thus, it is no surprise that many students in higher education report suffering from mental health problems. To address their concerns, animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) have gained more and more attention over the past few years. Nonetheless, AAIs have neither yet been used nor researched at German universities. Two studies were carried out to address this issue. In Study I, 709 university students answered a questionnaire evaluating their attitude towards dogs, AAIs and interest in its use at their home university. In Study II, 27 students participated in a dog-assisted intervention (DAI) in which they were allowed to interact with a qualified dog for 15 min. To gain information about their well-being, blood pressure was measured and the Basler Befindlichkeitsskala had to be answered before and after the intervention. Results showed a positive attitude among German students toward dogs, AAIs, and the use of DAIs at their home university. Although an effect on physical well-being could not be found, results showed that a 15-min DAI can improve students’ psychological well-being. Thus, higher education administrators should consider using DAIs as a way to improve student well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

22 pages, 2503 KiB

Open AccessReview

Teacher Mobility: What Is It, How Is It Measured and What Factors Determine It? A Scoping Review

by Claudia Palma-Vasquez, Diego Carrasco and Mónica Tapia-Ladino

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2313; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042313 - 17 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6425

Abstract

Teacher mobility represents a serious problem due to the instability of the teaching force that has persisted over time in many countries. Therefore, retaining qualified teachers represents a challenge given the difficulty of having the necessary workforce to face the educational challenges of [...] Read more.

Teacher mobility represents a serious problem due to the instability of the teaching force that has persisted over time in many countries. Therefore, retaining qualified teachers represents a challenge given the difficulty of having the necessary workforce to face the educational challenges of each year. Our objective was trying to identify how mobility is understood and measured, that is, teacher turnover and attrition, and to identify the results of the related factors according to the different perspectives. The PRISMA-Scr protocol was used, which establishes the information that should be included in a systematic review. The following key phrases were used: “teacher rotation” or “teacher mobility” or “teacher desertion” or teacher leavers or teacher stayers. The databases used were Web of Science, Scielo Citation Index and Google Scholar, which yielded an initial total of 760 documents published between 2008 and 2018, that after identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion processes, were reduced to 213. The selection of articles was carried out independently by two researchers using a structured and recursive hierarchical strategy. The existence of multiple ways of defining and measuring teacher mobility was identified and a definition based on two perspectives was proposed that summarizes the conceptual and operational findings, which are indirect and direct mobility. The first refers to the intention to leave and the second to leave. We have identified more evidence related to direct studies of a quantitative approach and focused on teachers with medium or short experience. The factors associated with mobility were identified based on the approaches used and a key element was identified when distinguishing teacher mobility, which is voluntary and involuntary mobility. We identified multiple factors associated with teacher mobility, among which the precarious working environment, poor organizational conditions such as lack of leadership and support among colleagues, excessive workload and low self-efficacy stand out. The limitations of this study are discussed. The findings of this study are highly relevant since they allow proposing medium or short-term policies, such as improving the organizational conditions of the school to promote the retention of the teaching workforce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

19 pages, 734 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Underlying Familial Factors for Aggressive Behavior in Romantic Relationships: A Systematic Review

by Shalini Munusamy, Sobana Jeyagobi, Isa Naina Mohamed, Jaya Kumar Murthy, Sheau Tsuey Chong, Hilwa Abdullah and Mohamamad Rahim Kamaluddin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4485; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084485 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3528

Abstract

Aggressive behavior in romantic relationship has serious effects, including both intra- and inter-personal issues. Aggressive behaviors in romantic relationships have been linked to underlying familial problems. While there have been previous reviews that studied on many interpersonal and dyadic implications of aggressive behavior [...] Read more.

Aggressive behavior in romantic relationship has serious effects, including both intra- and inter-personal issues. Aggressive behaviors in romantic relationships have been linked to underlying familial problems. While there have been previous reviews that studied on many interpersonal and dyadic implications of aggressive behavior in romantic relationships, there is nonetheless a lack of studies on the various components of familial factors for aggressive behavior in romantic relationships. The databases Scopus, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and SAGE Journals were used to search for terms that are related to familial factors (family factor, family support, family relationship) as well as terms related to aggressive behavior in romantic relationships (aggression in romantic relationship, violence in intimate relationship). The articles considered for this review were original studies, samples, or subsamples of males or females who reported any underlying familial factors in childhood or adulthood that contributed to aggressive behavior in romantic relationship, and the studies must be written in English. This review has 27 papers that met the inclusion criteria. The findings from this review revealed the presence of inconsistent conclusions between familial factors and aggressive behavior in romantic relationships, with some studies failing to establish such links. These findings are reviewed with regards to the existing gaps in the literature as well as potential research options. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students and Young People)

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