RACIAL DISCRIMINATION AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG CAMBODIAN AMERICAN ADOLESCENTS: THE ROLE OF GENDER

Despite the considerable growth of research examining discrimination's contribution to adolescent development and well‐being, relatively few studies to date have explored gendered patterns in the experience and effect of discrimination among youth. Applying intersectionality as a guiding theoretical framework, this study investigates gender differences in the reporting of racial discrimination and its relation with depressive symptoms. Data come from a survey of Cambodian American adolescents between 13 and 19 years of age (n = 466). Discrimination was considered across the domains of school and peers, from police, and overall. Results indicated that males were more likely than females to report racial discrimination overall and across specific contexts. Racial discrimination overall as well as discrimination from police and peers were related to increased depressive symptoms. However, although males reported more discrimination from police than females, the association between police discrimination and depressive symptoms was stronger among females than males.     

Associations of domain‐specific physical activities with insomnia symptoms among 0.5 million Chinese adults

Previous studies have demonstrated the association between physical activity and sleep quality. However, there is little evidence regarding different domains of physical activity. This study aimed to examine the associations between domain‐specific physical activities and insomnia symptoms among Chinese men and women. Data of 452 024 Chinese adults aged 30–79 years from the China Kadoorie Biobank Study were analysed. Insomnia symptoms were assessed with self‐reported difficulties in initiating or maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, daytime dysfunction and any insomnia symptoms. Physical activity assessed by questionnaire consisted of four domains, including occupational, commuting‐related, household and leisure‐time activities. Gender‐specific multiple logistic regression models were employed to estimate independent associations of overall and domain‐specific physical activities with insomnia symptoms. Overall, 12.9% of men and 17.8% of women participants reported having insomnia symptoms. After adjustment for potential confounders, a moderate to high level of overall activity was associated with reduced risks of difficulties in initiating or maintaining sleep and daytime dysfunction in both sexes (odds ratios range: 0.87–0.94, P < 0.05). As to each domain of physical activity, similar associations were identified for occupational, household and leisure‐time activities in women but not men (odds ratios range: 0.84–0.94, P < 0.05). Commuting‐related activity, however, was associated with increased risks of difficulties in initiating or maintaining sleep and any insomnia symptoms in both sexes (odds ratios range: 1.07–1.17, P < 0.05). In conclusion, a moderate to high level of physical activity was associated with lower risks of insomnia symptoms among Chinese adults. However, such associations varied hugely in different domains of physical activity and with gender differences, which could help with better policy‐making and clinical practice.     

Family‐ and community‐level predictors of parent support seeking

The influences of community‐ and family‐level socio‐demographic factors on parent formal and informal support‐seeking activities were examined. Data analyzed were collected from 1,260 parents of sixth graders from 26 rural Iowa communities. Hierarchical linear modeling results indicated that both family‐ and community‐level factors were significant predictors of parent support seeking. Findings at the family level indicated that household income, parent gender, and number of children were significantly predictive of informal support seeking; parent education and parent gender were significantly predictive of formal support seeking. In addition, significant community population size effects on informal parent support seeking were found. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Intrapersonal and social–contextual factors related to psychological well‐being among youth experiencing homelessness

Homeless youth are adolescents and young adults who do not have stable dwellings but instead live on the streets, in shelters, or in other unstable situations. Although researchers have begun examining well‐being among this population, little is known about components of well‐being that are relevant to homeless youth or which factors predict differences in well‐being. This study examined psychological well‐being and its associations with demographic characteristics, intrapersonal factors (mental health, optimism, and self‐esteem), and social–contextual factors (social support, sense of community, and empowerment) among 100 youth experiencing homelessness. All of the intrapersonal and social–contextual variables were associated with well‐being at the bivariate level. In the full regression model, only self‐esteem and psychological distress remained significant. Findings inform future research and program development at homeless service centers.     

Between‐therapist and within‐therapist differences in the quality of the therapeutic relationship: effects on maladjustment and self‐critical perfectionism

The relationship between therapeutic outcome and a patient‐reported measure of the Rogerian conditions of positive regard, empathy, and genuineness was decomposed into between‐therapist effects and within‐therapist effects using multilevel modeling. Data were available for 157 depressed outpatients treated by 27 therapists in the cognitive‐behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, or placebo with clinical management conditions of the Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program (Elkin, 1994 ). Consistent with prior findings of significant between‐therapist variability in outcome (e.g., Baldwin, Wampold, & Imel, 2007 ), patients whose therapists provided high average levels of the perceived Rogerian conditions across the patients in their caseloads experienced more rapid reductions in both overall maladjustment and depressive vulnerability (self‐critical perfectionism). Within each therapist's caseload, differences between patients in perceived Rogerian conditions had weaker effects. The results underline the importance of differences between therapists as determinants of outcome in the treatment of depression. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: 66:1–17, 2010.     

Between a rock and a hard place: Associations between Mentzos' “dilemma”, self‐reported interpersonal problems,and psychosocial functioning in individuals with non‐affective psychoses

Primary aim of this study was to determine the extent and type of self‐reported interpersonal problems in patients with non‐affective psychoses and their impact on psychosocial functioning. Furthermore, we aimed to explore potential links with the psychodynamic construct of Stavros Mentzos' “psychotic dilemma”, which describes an insufferable inner tension caused by an individual's struggle of being torn between “self‐oriented” and “object‐oriented” tendencies. In a cross‐sectional study among 129 patients with non‐affective psychoses, measures of cognition, symptom load and social functioning as well as a tentative, psychodynamic assessment of Mentzos' “dilemma” were obtained during a clinical research visit. Self‐report data on interpersonal problems were gathered using the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP‐64D) and compared with a German representative standard sample. Second, IIP‐64D scores were compared between groups with or without Mentzos' “dilemma”. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed to test for the impact of interpersonal problems on psychosocial functioning, while controlling for cognitive deficits and psychopathology. Results showed that IIP‐64D scores differed significantly from healthy controls, except for “self‐centred” and “intrusive” interpersonal styles. Participants with a potential “psychotic dilemma” scored significantly higher on the subscales: “domineering”, “self‐centred”, “cold”, and “socially avoidant” than the group without a “psychotic dilemma”. The total amount of interpersonal problems, and particularly high scores on the IIP‐64D “socially avoidant” subscale, predicted psychosocial dysfunction, whereas a “cold” interpersonal style had an opposite effect. In conclusion, specific interpersonal problems may predict psychotherapeutic outcome measures like psychosocial functioning and are partly compatible with the psychodynamic construct of Stavros Mentzos' “psychotic dilemma”.     

Spousal relations and well‐being: A comparative analysis of Jewish and Arab dual‐earner families in Israel

The study examined differences in division of household tasks and spousal support among a sample of educated dual‐earner families from two national groups in Israel: Jews (n = 116), and Arabs (n = 163). The contribution of the spousal interaction variables (household roles and spousal support) toward explaining two dimensions of psychological well‐being (burnout and life satisfaction) was also examined. The research findings indicate that in general, the Arabs maintain a more traditional orientation toward gender roles than their Jewish counterparts. Arab men showed a greater tendency to perform outside tasks than their Jewish counterparts who participate more in domestic chores. By contrast, no differences were found between the two groups with regard to the mutual support provided by spouses. Gender role attitudes were found to be a key predictor of the two psychological well‐being dimensions in both national groups. Regarding sex differences, men of both nationalities were more likely than women to report that they perform all types of household tasks. Concomitantly, the women reported higher levels of burnout, while no differences between the sexes were found with respect to life satisfaction. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Maturity‐related differences in physical activity among 10‐ to 12‐year‐old girls

Besides environmental and psycho‐social factors explaining the variation in physical activity levels during adolescence, some evidence suggests that biological processes are involved in regulating habitual daily physical activity and energy expenditure. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of biological maturity status on physical activity. Chronological age, standing height, sitting height, and body mass were measured cross‐sectionally in 268 girls, aged 9.5 to 11.5 years. Biological maturity groups (Early, Average, Late) were created according to estimated age at peak‐height‐velocity (estAPHV). Habitual physical activity was determined with a pedometer (Yamax Digiwalker SW‐200) over a 7‐day period. Differences in steps/day across maturity groups were examined by ANCOVA, controlling separately for time the pedometer was worn, leg length, and body mass. Mean pedometer steps/day was 10,822 ± 2,639. As expected, body size varied by maturity status (e.g., early > average > late). Significant maturity group differences were found with early maturing girls showing lower activity levels compared to average or late maturers. These differences remained after controlling for time the pedometer was worn and leg length; however, the differences were no longer significant when controlling for body mass. The results suggest that biological maturity status influences physical activity levels in girls between 10 and 12 years of age but the relationship is not independent of body mass. Further research is needed to establish the complex inter‐relationships among adiposity, biological maturation, and energy expenditure during puberty. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Remembered parenting style and psychological well‐being in young adults whose parents had experienced early child loss

Background. Pre‐, peri‐, or postnatal childloss can have devastating consequences for bereaved families. This study explored the long‐term sequelae of these experiences for the young adult siblings' psychological well‐being and the perceived quality of parenting received during participants' first 16 years of life. Methods. A bereaved group of young adult sibilings was compared to a non‐bereaved group on the Parent Bonding Instrument, the Rosenberg Self‐esteem Scale and the Mental Health Index‐5. Results. The loss group reported their mothers, but not their fathers, to have been more protective/controlling than non‐bereaved participants. No differences between the loss group and the comparison group were found for parental care, their own mental health or self‐esteem. Those participants whose siblings died during the peri/post‐natal period perceived their parents as more controlling than the miscarriage group as well as the non‐bereaved group. Higher protection scores were evident among those born subsequent to the loss than those who were born before. Lower levels of protection were associated with better mental health across all groups. In the non‐bereaved group lower levels of protection were associated with better self‐esteem, but in the bereaved group a different even opposite pattern was shown. Conclusions. Young adults who lost a sibling when they themselves were under 5 recall their mothers as more protective/controlling than non‐bereaved groups, although they do not report less care nor differ in mental health nor self‐esteem. Higher levels of parental protection/control were found where the child was born subsequent to loss and for peri/post‐natal loss rather than miscarriage. While high protection was associated with poorer mental health regardless of loss this may not be necessarily disadvantageous to the child's self‐esteem. Differences with regard to parent gender were found.     

THE RELATIONSHIP OF INDIVIDUAL‐ AND COMMUNITY‐LEVEL SOCIOCULTURAL AND NEIGHBORHOOD FACTORS TO THE MENTAL HEALTH OF ETHNIC GROUPS IN TWO LARGE U.S. CITIES

Using multilevel modeling, the present study examines psychological well‐being as a function of sociocultural factors, neighborhood disadvantage, neighborhood fragmentation, and neighborhood integration, along with individual factors among a sample of 1,306 African and Latino/a Americans living in New York City and Chicago neighborhoods. Neighborhood blocks were prestratified based on racial/ethnic and economic characteristics and then randomly selected within predefined strata, resulting in a total of 140 block (neighborhood) groups. A means‐as‐outcome and slopes‐as‐outcome model was fit to the data. Intraclass correlation coefficients for psychological well‐being for the fully unconditional model revealed that 15% of the variance in psychological well‐being is between neighborhoods. Results from subsequent model building revealed differences in mean levels of psychological well‐being as well as heterogeneity between neighborhoods through varying predictor effects on psychological well‐being (i.e., certain predictor effects varied across neighborhoods). Sociocultural variables such as cultural identity, religious/spiritual coping, and family obligation were significantly associated with psychological well‐being, generally beneficial, and sometimes varying with generation status and across neighborhoods. Different dimensions of neighborhood disadvantage and fragmentation emerged as important factors, although neighborhood integration did not. Our final models explained a substantial proportion of the variance in psychological well‐being within and between neighborhoods. They also revealed the contextual and conditional nature of sociocultural factors.     

Psychological distress and visual functioning in relation to vision‐related disability in older individuals with cataracts

Objective. To determine whether demographic, health status and psychological functioning measures, in addition to impaired visual acuity, are related to vision‐related disability. Methods. Participants were 105 individuals (mean age = 73.7 years) with cataracts requiring surgery and corrected visual acuity in the better eye of 6/24 to 6/36 were recruited from waiting lists at three public out‐patient ophthalmology clinics. Visual disability was measured with the Visual Functioning‐14 survey. Visual acuity was assessed using better and worse eye logMAR scores and the Melbourne Edge Test (MET) for edge contrast sensitivity. Data relating to demographic information, depression, anxiety and stress, health care and medication use and numbers of co‐morbid conditions were obtained. Results. Principal component analysis revealed four meaningful factors that accounted for 75% of the variance in visual disability: recreational activities, reading and fine work, activities of daily living and driving behaviour. Multiple regression analyses determined that visual acuity variables were the only significant predictors of overall vision‐related functioning and difficulties with reading and fine work. For the remaining visual disability domains, non‐visual factors were also significant predictors. Difficulties with recreational activities were predicted by stress, as well as worse eye visual acuity, and difficulties with activities of daily living were associated with self‐reported health status, age and depression as well as MET contrast scores. Driving behaviour was associated with sex (with fewer women driving), depression, anxiety and stress scores, and MET contrast scores. Conclusion. Vision‐related disability is common in older individuals with cataracts. In addition to visual acuity, demographic, psychological and health status factors influence the severity of vision‐related disability, affecting recreational activities, activities of daily living and driving.     

EFFECTS OF AN OUT‐OF‐SCHOOL PROGRAM ON URBAN HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH'S ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Research strongly indicates that low‐income youth, particularly those of color who are overrepresented in poverty, have lower levels of academic performance than their higher‐income peers. It has been suggested that community‐based out‐of‐school programs can play an important role in reducing these academic differences. This study examined the effect of the YMCA High School Youth Institute on the grades, test scores, and school attendance of urban high school youth using a randomly selected matched comparison group. Those involved in the program had significantly higher English‐language art and math standardized test scores and somewhat fewer absences than the comparison group. Active program participants had significantly higher academic grade‐point averages (GPAs) and math test scores as well as somewhat higher total GPA. The findings suggest that high‐quality out‐of‐school programs can positively influence the academic performance of low‐income youth. Implications for practice are discussed.     

Construct validity of the Schwartz outcome scale‐10: comparisons to interpersonal distress,adult attachment,alexithymia, the five‐factor model,romantic relationship length and ratings of childhood memories

The Schwartz Outcome Scale‐10 (SOS‐10) is a 10‐item questionnaire that measures the broad domain of psychological well‐being and quality of life. The SOS‐10 is easy to administer and score. Past research has shown its utility, reliability and validity in different clinical settings (i.e., inpatient, outpatient and non‐psychiatry medical settings) and with diverse clinical populations in measuring treatment outcome. The present study looks to extend the construct validity of the SOS‐10 to assessing quality of life and psychological health in non‐clinical samples as well. The results reveal that the SOS‐10 is associated in predicted ways with established measures of attachment, interpersonal distress, alexithymia and the big five model whose construct validity and psychometric soundness has been well documented. The SOS‐10 was also associated in predicted ways with ratings of childhood memories and the length of the participants' longest romantic relationship. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message: ? The Schwartz Outcome Scale‐10 is a measure of overall psychological health and well‐being which is cost effective, short, easy to administer and score, and evidences strong psychometric properties. It can be utilized with a number of different populations and in diverse settings.     

Stress and the graduate psychology student

One hundred seventy-one students from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology completed the Psychology Student Stress Questionnaire (Cahir & Morris, 1991) and a data sheet that requested gender, year in school, income level, relationship status, age, number of children, and number of hours spent working per week. No significant differences were found between these life situation variables and the amount of stress that the student was reporting. Significant differences in student stress levels were found across the following variables: (1) number of children a student has and relationship status; (2) number of hours a student spends on the job; (3) student's relationship status with a significant other; and (4) student's gender. Implications for training programs and future research were discussed.     

SAME‐SEX PARTNERSHIPS AND THE HEALTH OF OLDER ADULTS

While extensive research has examined associations between marriage, cohabitation, and the health of heterosexual adults, it remains unclear whether similar patterns of health are associated with same‐sex partnerships for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older adults. This article examines whether having a same‐sex partner is associated with general self‐reported health and depressive symptoms for LGB older adults. Based on survey data collected from LGB adults 50 years of age and older, having a same‐sex partner was associated with better self‐reported health and fewer depressive symptoms when compared with single LGB older adults, controlling for gender, age, education, income, sexuality, and relationship duration. Relationship duration did not significantly impact the association between partnership status and health. In light of recent public debates and changes in policies regarding same‐sex partnerships, more socially integrated relationship statuses appear to play a role in better health for LGB older adults.     

Sleep‐deprivation and autobiographical memory: evidence from sleep‐deprived nurses

Negative effects of sleep deprivation on different types of memory are well documented, but the specific effects on autobiographical memory performance are not well studied. In this study, we investigated performance on the autobiographical memory test in a group of sleep‐deprived and well‐rested nurses. One‐hundred participants divided into sleep‐deprived (N = 50, 25 females) and well‐rested (N = 50, 25 females) groups took part in the study. The sleep‐deprived group included night‐shift nurses with 8–12 hr sleep deprivation, while the well‐rested group had the usual night sleep before performance assessment. All participants were matched for gender, age, education and employment status. They completed depression and anxiety inventories, and underwent the autobiographical memory test, which included 18 cue words with positive, negative and neutral valence. The sleep‐deprived group scored significantly higher in depression scores. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) results showed that sleep‐deprived participants had a significantly poorer autobiographical memory compared with the well‐rested group. Additionally, specific memories were significantly declined in the sleep‐deprived group. This group remembered significantly less positive and more negative memories. Findings implicate that sleep deprivation has detrimental effects on autobiographical memory specificity and valence, and is associated with mood dysregulation.     

A measure to assess the workplace well‐being of psychological practitioners

The well‐being of psychological practitioners is a key factor in the effective delivery of psychological therapies and the effectiveness of mental health services. Despite this, there are no measures of well‐being for this professional group. The 26‐item psychological practitioner workplace well‐being measure (PPWWM) measures psychological well‐being for psychological practitioners and was informed by a qualitative study. Items were generated and then verified by groups of practitioners using sorting tasks. The items reflect a broad range of issues relevant to the workplace well‐being of psychological practitioners. The PPWWM was validated with a sample of 400 psychological practitioners recruited through professional networks. Internal consistency (α = .92) and test–retest reliability (r = .94) were high. Construct validity was indicated by positive correlations with the Health and Safety Executive Management Standards Indicator Tool and Satisfaction with Life Scale and negative correlation with the General Health Questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis produced six factors, explaining 61.2% of the variance: professional and organizational; support and flexibility; professional role; physical environment; clinical supervision; and external personal. PPWWM scores were not significantly associated with a range of demographic variables (gender, health/disability, profession, and type of organization), but it did correlate significantly and negatively with age. The PPWWM has potential application as a brief measure, suitable for large‐scale surveys that specifically measures workplace well‐being in psychological practitioners. Future research could include cross validation with new samples and validation with subgroups of psychological practitioners.     

EMPIRICAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE PAST IN ASSESSING MULTIDIMENSIONAL WELL‐BEING

The purpose of this brief report was to provide a preliminary evaluation of the empirical contributions of an individual's perceptions of the past in the practical assessment of multidimensional well‐being. Dimensions of well‐being assessed with the I COPPE Scale were interpersonal, community, occupational, physical, psychological, economic, and overall. Four hundred twenty‐six participants provided responses to the I COPPE Scale and several comparison instruments. Two practical methods for creating I COPPE composite scores were compared and differed by only the inclusion (i.e., Method 1) or exclusion (i.e., Method 2) of an indicator of past well‐being. Multiple‐group structural equation modeling framework was used and method (i.e., Method 1 and Method 2) was the grouping variable. An individual's perceptions of the past offered negligible empirical contributions over and above an individual's perceptions of the present and future in the practical assessment of multidimensional well‐being. Method 2 performed as well as Method 1.     

Self‐image and treatment drop‐out in eating disorders

Introduction . Drop‐out from treatment is a serious problem in eating disorders which remains poorly understood. The present study investigated whether self‐image and interpersonal theory could help to explain why eating disorder patients drop out of treatment. Method . Intake data on eating disorder patients who terminated treatment prematurely (N=54) were compared with patients who had completed treatment (N=54) and those who were still in treatment after 12 months (N=54). Self‐image was assessed using the structural analysis of social behaviour (SASB), and comparisons were made on demographic and clinical variables. Results . Patients who dropped out had initially presented with less negative self‐image and fewer psychological problems compared with remainers. Low levels of SASB self‐blame discriminated drop‐outs from completers and remainers and significantly predicted treatment drop‐out. Discussion . Drop‐out in eating disorders appears to be a complex phenomenon, not necessarily as pathological as often assumed. There may be important differences in the treatment goals of drop‐outs and therapists; patients who drop out may be choosing to disengage at a time when symptom improvement creates space for closer examination of interpersonal issues.