Adverse experiences,mental health,and substance use disorders as social determinants of incarceration

This study describes how incarcerated people understand: (a) Adverse experiences, mental health, and substance use disorders as determinants of incarceration, (b) the role of gender in impacting this understanding, and (c) strategies to prevent incarceration. Ecosocial theory provides a theoretical framework. Open-ended interviews were conducted (December 2016–January 2017) with recently incarcerated adults in Massachusetts state prisons. Participants described determinants of incarceration and incarceration prevention strategies. Interviews were coded thematically using inductive and deductive approaches. Thirty participants, evenly split by gender, reported themes across four levels: Society (lacking basic needs, discrimination), community (neighborhood factors), interpersonal (trauma), and individual (social isolation, mental health, substance use). However, there were variations in themes by gender. Proposed prevention strategies included early access to quality individualized cross-system services. In conclusion, findings highlight how investing in social and community building services could prevent incarceration. Policies can support these services by redirecting funding.     

Body image and children's mental health related behaviors: results from the healthy passages study

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationship between body image discrepancy (BID) scores for actual versus ideal body image for children and indicators of child mental health. METHODS: Data were collected from 650 5th graders and their parents who participated in the Healthy Passages Phase I study. Participants were recruited through schools in Alabama, California, and Texas. Measures included the Collins Body Image to produce child- and parent-reported child BID scores, respectively, body mass index (BMI) for child and parent, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale for Children (PANAS-C). RESULTS: After controlling for potential confounders, children's internalizing problems as rated by parents and negative affect as rated by children were significantly associated with discrepancies based on child- and parent-reported child BID scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, higher child- and parent-reported child BID scores were significantly associated with more internalizing problems and negative affect among children. There were some inconsistencies in the associations between other mental health behaviors and child BID scores contingent on parent or child ratings. Early intervention may be indicated to prevent possible adverse consequences, especially for internalizing problems, from the effects of child- and parent-reported child BID scores on adolescent and adult mental health and well-being.     

Social comparisons,social media addiction,and social interaction: An examination of specific social media behaviors related to major depressive disorder in a millennial population

Although studies have shown that increases in the frequency of social media use may be associated with increases in depressive symptoms of individuals with depression, the current study aimed to identify specific social media behaviors related to major depressive disorder (MDD). Millennials (N = 504) who actively use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or Snapchat participated in an online survey assessing major depression and specific social media behaviors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify specific social media behaviors associated with the presence of MDD. The results identified five key social media factors associated with MDD. Individuals who were more likely to compare themselves to others better off than they were (p = 0.005), those who indicated that they would be more bothered by being tagged in unflattering pictures (p = 0.011), and those less likely to post pictures of themselves along with other people (p = 0.015) were more likely to meet the criteria for MDD. Participants following 300 + Twitter accounts were less likely to have MDD (p = 0.041), and those with higher scores on the Social Media Addiction scale were significantly more likely to meet the criteria for MDD (p = 0.031). Participating in negative social media behaviors is associated with a higher likelihood of having MDD. Research and clinical implications are considered.     

社会比较在媒体对女大学生身体意象影响中的作用

目的:研究媒体对女大学生身体意象的影响,以及社会比较在其中的作用。方法:受试来自于两所大学。实验一的受试为高、低社会比较特质的女生各63人。其中,高社会比较特质的受试有31人在模特意象组,30人在产品意象组。低社会比较特质的受试有30人在模特意象组,32人在产品意象组。实验二的受试为高社会比较特质的女生61人,其中采用相似性社会比较的受试30人,采用差异性社会比较的受试31人。用身体意象状态量表、身体外貌比较问卷和顾客反应问卷进行测量。结果:方差分析显示,在模特意象水平下,高社会比较组的身体意象状态量表得分高于低社会比较组[(5.54±1.05)vs.(4.73±0.92),P0.001]。回归分析进一步证明,社会比较在媒体对女性身体意象的影响中起调节作用(ΔR2=0.035,P0.01)。不同的社会比较方式对女大学生身体意象的影响不同(F=4.41,P0.05),差异性社会比较组的身体意象状态量表得分高于相似性社会比较组[(5.55±0.82)vs.(4.56±0.86)]。结论:本研究提示可利用社会比较来预防女大学生的消极身体意象。     

Public health interventions: reaching Latino adolescents via short message service and social media

Background

Adolescents are substantial users of short message service (SMS) and social media. The public health community now has more opportunities to reach this population with positive youth development and health messages through these media. Latinos are a growing and youthful population with significant health risks and needs. This population may benefit from SMS and social media health interventions.

Objective

To examine (1) SMS and social media utilization and behavior among Latino youth, and (2) how SMS and social media can be effectively used as a component of public health interventions focused on decreasing sexual risk taking among Latino youth.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach, using both quantitative survey data and qualitative interview data, was used to provide a robust understanding of SMS and social media use and behavior for public health interventions. We recruited 428 ninth and tenth grade, self-identifying Latino adolescents to participate in a quantitative survey. Additionally, we conducted five key informant interviews with staff and 15 youth.

Results

We found that 90.8% (355/391) of respondents had access to a mobile phone either through having their own or through borrowing or sharing one. Of those who had access to a mobile phone, 94.1% (334/355) used SMS, with 41.1% (113/275) sending and receiving more than 100 text messages per day. Of 395 respondents, 384 (97.2%) had at least one social media account, and the mean number of accounts was 3.0 (range 0–8). A total of 75.8% (291/384) of adolescents logged in to their account daily. Of those with a social media account, 89.1% (342/384) had a Facebook account. Youth who took the survey in English were significantly more likely than those who took it in Spanish to have access to a mobile phone (χ² ₁ = 5.3; 93.3% vs 86.3%; P = .02); to be high-volume texters (χ² ₂ = 16.8; 49.4% vs 25.3%; P < .001); to use the Internet daily (χ² ₁ = 5.0; 76.6% vs 66.0%; P = .03); to have a Facebook account (χ² ₁ = 9.9; 90.9% vs 79.7%; P = .002); and to have a greater mean number of social media accounts (t ₃₈₇ = 7.9; 3.41 vs 2.07; P < .001).

Conclusions

SMS and social media are pervasive among Latino youth. Program staff and youth perceive these as credible and essential methods of communication in the context of public health programs. Public health interventions must continue to innovate and maximize new ways to reach young people to reinforce public health messages and education.     

Understanding and improving the experience of claiming social security for mental health problems in the west of Scotland: A participatory social welfare study

A growing body of literature links claimant interactions with the UK social security system and negative psychological consequences. Psychologists for social change developed a framework to outline proposed mechanisms of psychological impact from austerity. This codesigned study aimed to make an informed comment on areas of dis(agreement) between the Austerity Ailments framework and how people claiming for mental health problems describe their own experiences. In line with the participatory social welfare design of the study, qualitative analysis was performed by both claimants and academics. The overall findings indicate that existing framework mostly captured claimant experiences. However, some aspects of the claimant experience (particularly social aspects) were not well captured. Claimants were keen to utilise this study as an opportunity to gather claimant ideas on how to improve the system. Therefore, we report their suggestions that may be useful for those designing and improving social welfare systems     

Mental health change in the transition to permanent supportive housing: The role of housing and social networks

Aims: Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) may improve homeless adults’ mental health via housing stabilization and/or improved relational factors, however, the role of housing and social networks on PSH residents' mental health change is minimally understood. Methods: Interviews were conducted with a baseline sample of adults experiencing homelessness ( N = 421), across their initial year in PSH (3‐months, 6‐months, and 12‐months). Generalized linear mixed models assessed changes in positive past‐month psychiatric disability screenings (Modified‐Colorado Symptom Index [MCSI]) and probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PC‐PTSD) in controlled models, and between and within‐subject effects of time‐varying social network correlates on mental health changes. Results: Compared with baseline, positive MCSI screens continuously decreased over time (56%, 54%, and 50%) while PC‐PTSD screens declined initially (40%) with marginal decreases at remaining follow‐ups (39% and 38%). These differences remained significant in controlled models. Gaining a romantic partner was associated with a longitudinal increase in a positive MCSI screening. Between subjects, emotional health counselors and conflicting network members were associated with an increased likelihood in positive screenings, while doctors and case managers were protective. Conclusion: Housing may facilitate positive changes in PSH residents' mental health, yet positive screenings remain high. Social network interventions that increase residents’ positive interpersonal exchanges and prosocial relationships are warranted.     

Muslims and mental health concerns: A social ecological model perspective

Muslims in the United States experience many psychosocial issues and underutilize mental health services. This study sought to systematically identify the common issues and strengths of the Muslims affiliated with a college in the Southeast region of the United States and address them accordingly. A survey comprising 33 items and 2 open‐ended questions regarding common issues and strengths was constructed. A total of 116 participants completed the survey. The overall rating for items was quite high, whereas the satisfaction rating was very low. The most important item was, “You have prayer places/rugs, ablution stations, and water in restrooms,” with an importance rating of 94.52% and a satisfaction rating of 20.50%. Four items regarding mental health were rated as the least important, and participants reported lack of knowledge regarding mental health services. This is the first study that includes a list of common concerns and strengths of the Muslim communities affiliated with colleges in the United States.     

服刑人员留守未成年子女的心理健康状况与社会支持

目的:探讨服刑人员留守未成年子女心理健康与社会支持的基本状况及两者关系。方法:采用方便取样,从某监狱选取服刑人员(已服刑3年以上)留守未成年子女20名为研究组;另外,从本地区一所农村小学、初中和一所城镇小学、初中抽取学生406人,采用最大限度配对法(考虑到城镇和农村、年龄、性别等),选取父亲或父母均在外地工作的学生(留守时间3年以上)20人为对照组。采用心理健康诊断测验(Mental Health Diagnosis,MHT)和社会支持评定量表(Social support scale,SSRS)对两组学生进行测查。结果:研究组在MHT对人焦虑和身体症状维度上的平均秩次均高于对照组[10.23vs.4.70,11.50vs.5.50,均P<0.05],在SSRS各维度得分上两组间差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05);支持利用度对服刑人员留守未成年子女心理健康状况具有负向预测作用(β=-0.51,P=0.021)。结论:服刑人员留守未成年子女对人焦虑和躯体症状方面的心理问题突出,提高服刑人员留守未成年子女对社会支持利用度有利于改善其心理健康状况。     

关于利他行为与心理健康的研究

本文对大学生利他行为与心理健康进行研究，结果表明，利他行为与心理健康存在相关，高利他行为的人而心理健康水平也高，低利他行为的人在人际关系，焦虑，抑郁等项目上与高利他行为的人存在显著性差异；高利他行为的人在敌对性因子上得分低于低利他行为的人，存在显著性差异。     

农村中学生精神卫生状况影响因素分析

目前，青少年心理健康问题日益受到重视，有关大、中学生的心理卫生调查研来已有不少报道’－‘。为了解农村中学生的精神卫生状况，寻找影响其心理健康的相关因素．并为预防心理疾病提供参考依据．我们对劲利县第七中学的中学生进行了调查。1资料及方法1．1对象选择我校高一至高三的学生，采取分层整群抽样方法，每年级抽取一个班共156人，男94人、女62人；一年级52人、二年级46人、三年级58人；年龄15～20岁·平均164士25岁。1·2方法采用症状自评量表（SCI，－90）［‘j和修订的艾森克个性问卷（EPQ）［’：；按指导语对每个学生进行…     

发展上海市精神病防治工作设想的调查分析

来自基层的精神科住院医46人,在他们晋升考试中对如何进一步发展上海市精神卫生模式提出建议,每人要求三条,共得151条(超过预期的138条),可分为16类,按前四类每类有20人以上提出者看。建议为(1)加强现有三级服务网;(2)开展精神卫生宣传,普及有关知识;(3)开展社会康复服务;(4)领导进一步重视、社会各界支待。     

青少年手淫行为及其对心身健康影响的性别差异

采用ＳＣＬ－９０和自编手淫行为调查表所进行的对照研究发现：与男生（Ｎ＝７０）相比，虽然女生（Ｎ＝３３）手淫行为的发生率较低，开始的年龄稍晚，手淫的频度也较低，但统计学分析发现，她们更多地认为手淫属下流行为，并倾向采用被动克制的方法来应付手淫冲动，而且手淫后的自责后悔等负性情绪也较男生普遍。女生组ＳＣＬ－９０各因子分值均高于男生组，其中人际关系敏感、忧郁、恐怖因子分值的增高具有显著意义。提示不同性别青少年的手淫行为及其对心身健康的影响也有所不同，这可能反映了两性在认知、情感及接受社会传统影响等方面的差异。     

Uptake of Medicare Benefits Schedule items by psychologists and other mental health practitioners

This paper provides a background to the mental health policy changes introduced by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 2006. It then considers a major Australian Government COAG reform, the revision of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), by analysing the month‐by‐month utilisation of the available time‐series data for the 17‐month period (1 November 2006–31 March 2008) when new items for psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists were introduced. There are a number of unique problems associated with monthly time‐series data. Essentially, there is a problem of heterogeneity that arises from the non‐uniformity of the temporal unit of a ‘month’. Second, there is an issue of the population covered by Medicare altering through time. Both of these problems are addressed in the present analysis of the time‐series data. The two groups of psychologists created by the MBS changes dominate the provision of the new services, providing 96.4% of the new services. Psychologists, who are not deemed clinical psychologists in the MBS changes, are the group providing most of the services. Virtually all services are individual, not group, and are provided in a consulting room. The temporal adoption of the new items was continuing to grow by March 2008. Implications of this analysis for psychologists are discussed.     

Reconsidering interactive resilience processes in mental health: Implications for child and youth services

Research consistently demonstrates resilience as an interactive process, drawing on personal assets together with relational and contextual resources, to support improved outcomes in contexts of nonnormative adversity. What remains unclear are the dynamics of this process and what drives it. This article draws on a prior scoping review of the literature to conceptually explore the positioning of the individual within this dynamic interplay of risks, resilience, and sociocultural context as it pertains to child and youth mental health. The paper begins by summarizing findings from this scoping review, highlighting core resilience elements and processes. These are then considered in relational to the global meaning theory, situating meaning-making as a key mechanism that mediates the interaction between individuals and their ecologies. Drawing on the literature, this article considers how this interaction shapes the particular ways in which resilience then manifests itself in the lives of individuals and becomes available as a resource to assist in the promotion of mental health.