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PloS One 2021Preterm birth(<37 gestational weeks) is associated with numerous adversities, however, data on positive developmental outcomes remain limited. We examined if preterm and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
Preterm birth(<37 gestational weeks) is associated with numerous adversities, however, data on positive developmental outcomes remain limited. We examined if preterm and term born(≥37 gestational weeks) adults differ in dispositional optimism/pessimism, a personality trait associated with health and wellbeing. We assessed if birth weight z-score, neurosensory impairments and parental education modified the outcome.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science for cohort or case-control studies(born ≥ 1970) with data on gestational age and optimism/pessimism reported using the Life-Orientation-Test-Revised in adulthood(≥18 years). The three identified studies(Helsinki Study of Very Low Birth Weight Adults; Arvo Ylppö Longitudinal Study; Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) provided data for the two-step random-effects linear regression Individual-Participant-Data meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Preterm and term borns did not differ on optimism(p = 0.76). Preterms scored higher on pessimism than term borns(Mean difference = 0.35, 95%Confidence Interval 0.36, 0.60, p = 0.007), although not after full adjustment. Preterm born participants, but not term born participants, with higher birth weight z-score, had higher optimism scores (0.30 raw score units per standard deviation increase, 95% CI 0.10, 0.49, p = 0.003); preterm vs term x birth weight z-score interaction p = 0.004).
CONCLUSIONS
Preterm and term born adults display similar optimism. In preterms, higher birth weight may foster developmental trajectories promoting more optimistic life orientations.
Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Male; Optimism; Pessimism; Premature Birth
PubMed: 34793498
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259463 -
Journal of Korean Medical Science Jan 2023Biogenetic causal explanations of mental disorders are commonly used for public education and campaigns. However, the influence of biogenetic explanations on the ideas... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Biogenetic causal explanations of mental disorders are commonly used for public education and campaigns. However, the influence of biogenetic explanations on the ideas about and attitudes toward mental illness is unclear. We examined the influence of biogenetic explanations on attitudes toward mental disorders using a meta-analytic method accompanied by subgroup analyses.
METHODS
The protocol for this meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020158656) in March 2020. Experimental and correlational studies were analyzed separately. Five outcome measures related to attitudes toward mental disorders were included: 'attitude toward help-seeking,' 'blame,' 'perceived dangerousness,' 'prognostic pessimism,' and 'social distance.' Subgroup analyses were performed for the type of mental disorder, population, and geographic region for which a biogenetic explanation was provided.
RESULTS
A total of 44 studies were included, of which 24 were experimental and 20 were correlational. A positive attitude toward help-seeking was associated with having a biogenetic concept (d = 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18 to 0.67; < 0.001) in general population and in Eastern countries in particular. Although a biogenetic explanation was associated with a decreased level of blame (d = -0.20; 95% CI, -0.38 to -0.02; = 0.029) in the general population, it was also associated with significantly higher levels of perceived dangerousness (d = 0.13; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.23; = 0.008). A tendency toward a higher level of prognostic pessimism and social distance was associated with a biogenetic concept of mental disorders although there was no statistical significance.
CONCLUSION
Having a biogenetic concept of the cause of mental disorders was related with a positive attitude toward help-seeking, particularly in the general population and individuals living in Eastern countries. Providing a biogenetic explanation decreased blame toward individuals with mental illness but was associated with increased perceived dangerousness and prognostic pessimism. Therefore, although a biogenetic explanation promotes public use of mental health services, it should be carefully applied to avoid an increase in negative thoughts, such as that mental illness is biologically irreversible and untreatable.
Topics: Humans; Stereotyping; Help-Seeking Behavior; Attitude to Health; Social Stigma; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 36647220
DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e25 -
JAMA Network Open Sep 2019Optimism and pessimism can be easily measured and are potentially modifiable mindsets that may be associated with cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Optimism and pessimism can be easily measured and are potentially modifiable mindsets that may be associated with cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review of the association between optimism and risk for future cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.
DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION
PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO electronic databases were systematically searched from inception through July 2, 2019, to identify all cohort studies investigating the association between optimism and pessimism and cardiovascular events and/or all-cause mortality by using the following Medical Subject Heading terms: optimism, optimistic explanatory style, pessimism, outcomes, endpoint, mortality, death, cardiovascular events, stroke, coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease, ischemic heart disease, and cardiovascular disease.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data were screened and extracted independently by 2 investigators (A.R. and C.B.). Adjusted effect estimates were used, and pooled analysis was performed using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman random-effects model. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the findings. The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guideline was followed.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Cardiovascular events included a composite of fatal cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and/or new-onset angina. All-cause mortality was assessed as a separate outcome.
RESULTS
The search yielded 15 studies comprising 229 391 participants of which 10 studies reported data on cardiovascular events and 9 studies reported data on all-cause mortality. The mean follow-up period was 13.8 years (range, 2-40 years). On pooled analysis, optimism was significantly associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular events (relative risk, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.51-0.78; P < .001), with high heterogeneity in the analysis (I2 = 87.4%). Similarly, optimism was significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (relative risk, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80-0.92; P < .001), with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 73.2%). Subgroup analyses by methods for assessment, follow-up duration, sex, and adjustment for depression and other potential confounders yielded similar results.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The findings suggest that optimism is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Future studies should seek to better define the biobehavioral mechanisms underlying this association and evaluate the potential benefit of interventions designed to promote optimism or reduce pessimism.
Topics: Cause of Death; Coronary Artery Disease; Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Optimism; Stroke
PubMed: 31560385
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.12200 -
Psychiatry Research. Neuroimaging Oct 2021Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is a cognitive process characterised by intrusive, repetitive, and difficult-to-disengage-from negative thoughts. Heightened RNT... (Review)
Review
Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is a cognitive process characterised by intrusive, repetitive, and difficult-to-disengage-from negative thoughts. Heightened RNT levels are prevalent across clinical disorders and have been associated with ill-health (e.g. cardiovascular disease), even at lower, non-clinical levels. Identifying the neuroanatomical correlates of RNT could help characterise structural alterations that transcend diagnostic boundaries and further understanding of the pathogenesis of clinical disorders. We therefore conducted a systematic review to investigate associations between RNT and brain morphology. Following title/abstract and full-text screening, 24 studies were included. We found evidence that RNT severity is associated with grey and white matter volumes/microstructure, particularly in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex and superior longitudinal fasciculus, regions heavily implicated in cognitive control, and emotional processing and regulation. However, inconsistent associations, potentially due to the heterogeneity of included studies (e.g. methodological differences, type of RNT assessed), preclude specific conclusions being reached regarding any one region's association with RNT. Further, given the defuse nature of thoughts, it may be that RNT is associated with distributed brain regions operating within large-scale networks, rather than with a single structure. High quality longitudinal studies, investigating structural networks, are required to confirm the neuroanatomical basis of RNT and elucidate the direction of relationships.
Topics: Brain; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Pessimism; Prefrontal Cortex; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34390952
DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2021.111353 -
Sleep Medicine Reviews Feb 2021Repetitive negative thinking (RNT), i.e., worry, rumination, and transdiagnostic repetitive thinking, is thought to exacerbate and perpetuate insomnia in cognitive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Repetitive negative thinking (RNT), i.e., worry, rumination, and transdiagnostic repetitive thinking, is thought to exacerbate and perpetuate insomnia in cognitive models. Moreover, RNT is a longitudinal precursor of depression and anxiety, which are often co-present alongside insomnia. Whilst accumulating evidence supports the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms, the literature on the effects of CBT-I on RNT has never been systematically appraised. Importantly, preliminary evidence suggests that reduction of RNT following CBT-I may be associated with reduction of depression and anxiety. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of CBT-I on RNT. Seven databases were searched, and 15 randomised controlled trials were included. Results showed moderate-to-large effects of CBT-I on worry (Hedge's g range: -0.41 to g = -0.71) but small and non-reliable effects on rumination (g = -0.13). No clear evidence was found for an association between post-treatment reduction in RNT and post-treatment reduction in depression and anxiety. Although the literature is small and still developing, CBT-I seems to have a stronger impact on sleep-related versus general measures of RNT. We discuss a research agenda aimed at advancing the study of RNT in CBT-I trials.
Topics: Anxiety; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Humans; Pessimism; Sleep; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
PubMed: 32992228
DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101378 -
Clinical Psychology Review Aug 2021Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) and executive functioning (EF) deficits are each characteristic of many forms of youth psychopathology. Extensive work has examined... (Review)
Review
Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) and executive functioning (EF) deficits are each characteristic of many forms of youth psychopathology. Extensive work has examined the relationship between rumination, a form of RNT, and EF in adults. However, less is known about the relationship between RNT more broadly and EF in youth, for whom these constructs are developing and emerging. Here, we systematically and qualitatively reviewed 27 studies on the associations between EF (e.g., shifting, inhibition, working memory) and RNT (e.g., rumination, worry, obsessions) in youth. All forms of RNT were more commonly positively associated with questionnaire-reported EF problems in daily life, most frequently in the domain of shifting. Task-based assessments of EF were less consistently associated with RNT in youth, with no strong pattern of presence vs. absence of associations. Further, limited longitudinal work has been conducted on this topic to date. This review integrates initial work with regard to RNT and EF deficits in a still-developing population, and discusses clear future need for longitudinal, multi-method assessments of the relationship between RNT and EF subtypes in youth.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Executive Function; Humans; Memory, Short-Term; Pessimism
PubMed: 34144296
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102050 -
The American Journal of Sports Medicine May 2020An athlete's preexisting psychological factors may influence the incidence and/or severity of sports-related concussions (SRCs).
BACKGROUND
An athlete's preexisting psychological factors may influence the incidence and/or severity of sports-related concussions (SRCs).
PURPOSE
To determine if emotional states, personality traits, temperament, life stressors, and explanatory styles (optimism vs pessimism) influence the incidence and severity of SRCs in athletes.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
METHODS
A systematic literature search of multiple major medical reference databases was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies were included that evaluated the effect of preexisting psychological factors on the incidence and severity of SRCs in male and female athletes participating in all sports.
RESULTS
The initial search identified 1195 articles. Ten studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. Factors such as meanness, aggression, and psychoticism were associated with an increased incidence of SRCs. Baseline traits of irritability, sadness, nervousness, and depressive symptoms were associated with worse symptomatology after SRCs. In young athletes, preexisting psychiatric illnesses, family history of psychiatric illness, and significant life stressors were associated with an increased risk of developing postconcussion syndrome after SRCs.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review demonstrated a potential relationship between an athlete's preexisting psychological factors and the incidence and severity of SRCs. These associations are not entirely clear owing to the heterogeneity across included studies and the low-to-moderate certainty of evidence. Future studies should attempt to evaluate men and women independently, use well-validated psychological questionnaires, and limit the usage of self-reported SRCs, when possible. Furthermore, the potential efficacy of baseline psychological factor and/or symptom reports on the prevention and management of SRCs should be explored.
Topics: Athletes; Athletic Injuries; Brain Concussion; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Sports
PubMed: 31702943
DOI: 10.1177/0363546519882626 -
Tumori 2015Research on the topic of hope began a long time ago but, more recently, interest in this construct has focused mainly on the development of psychometric tools for its... (Review)
Review
AIMS AND BACKGROUND
Research on the topic of hope began a long time ago but, more recently, interest in this construct has focused mainly on the development of psychometric tools for its assessment. The 2 steps of the present article are defining the construct of hope by completing a preliminary review of the literature and analyzing the tools used to assess hope in the setting of oncologic medicine, conducting a systematic review of the existing scientific literature.
METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN
Our study was conducted in 2 stages. The first stage involved a nonsystematic preliminary review of the literature, the second a systematic search in all the medical journals contained in the Medline database as of 2012. The literature identified at the first stage was divided according to several topical categories, i.e., theoretical, empirical, and clinical works on the construct of hope. In the second systematic search, we identified the main psychometric tools used to measure hope in the field of clinical oncology and assessed their validity.
RESULTS
A total of 22 articles were identified. What emerged when we pooled the findings of our 2 lines of research was that, despite its broad theoretical definitions, the construct of hope can be broken down to a few constituent elements when hope is studied using currently available psychometric tools. In particular, these identified constituent elements were coping, spiritual well-being, quality of life, distress, and depression.
CONCLUSIONS
The factors contained in the construct of hope include temporality, future, expectancy, motivation, and interconnectedness. The review of the scientific literature does not reveal a clear definition of hope. Multidisciplinary studies are needed to communicate different perspectives (medical, psychological, spiritual, theological) among each other for better definition of the constituent elements of hope in order to support the hope with specific interventions.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Concept Formation; Hope; Humans; Interdisciplinary Communication; Medical Oncology; Neoplasms; Optimism; Pessimism; Prognosis; Psychometrics; Qualitative Research; Quality of Life; Reproducibility of Results; Research Design; Self Concept; Self Report; Severity of Illness Index; Spirituality; Stress, Psychological; Truth Disclosure; Uncertainty
PubMed: 25953443
DOI: 10.5301/tj.5000349 -
Psycho-oncology Apr 2018A growing number of children and adolescents are experiencing and surviving cancer. This review aims to identify the demographic, medical, and psychosocial correlates of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
A growing number of children and adolescents are experiencing and surviving cancer. This review aims to identify the demographic, medical, and psychosocial correlates of perceived post-traumatic growth in individuals of any age who were affected by paediatric cancer. Findings will highlight protective factors that may facilitate post-traumatic growth, allowing for directed social support, intervention, and follow-up care.
METHODS
A systematic search based on the key concepts "post-traumatic growth," "neoplasms," and "paediatric" retrieved 905 records from online databases: Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PILOTS: Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Eligible studies were appraised as excellent quality with a high level of interrater reliability. The results of 18 studies were synthesised.
RESULTS
After the removal of outliers, post-traumatic growth shared small, negative associations with time since diagnosis (r = -0.14) and time since treatment completion (r = -0.19), and small, positive associations with age at diagnosis (r = 0.20), age at survey (r = 0.17), post-traumatic stress symptoms (r = 0.11), and social support (r = 0.25). Post-traumatic growth was positively and moderately associated with optimism (r = 0.31).
CONCLUSIONS
Several findings were consistent with a comparable meta-analysis in adult oncology populations. Targeted social support, clinical intervention, and education may facilitate post-traumatic growth. Longitudinal research in individuals affected by childhood and adolescent cancer would allow an examination of the effects of predictive variables on post-traumatic growth over time.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Adult; Age of Onset; Cancer Survivors; Child; Correlation of Data; Humans; Male; Optimism; Pessimism; Posttraumatic Growth, Psychological; Reproducibility of Results; Social Support; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 29096418
DOI: 10.1002/pon.4577 -
BMC Psychology Nov 2022Conspiracy theories can have particularly harmful effects by negatively shaping health-related behaviours. A significant number of COVID-19 specific conspiracy theories...
Conspiracy theories can have particularly harmful effects by negatively shaping health-related behaviours. A significant number of COVID-19 specific conspiracy theories emerged in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic outbreak. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 during the first year of the pandemic (2020), to identify their prevalence, their determinants and their public health consequences. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in PubMed and PsycINFO to detect all studies examining any conspiracy theory related to COVID-19 between January 1st 2020, and January 10th 2021. Forty-three studies were included with a total of 61,809 participants. Between 0.4 and 82.7% of participants agreed with at least one conspiracy belief. Certain sociodemographic factors (young age, female gender, being non-white, lower socioeconomic status), psychological aspects (pessimism, blaming others, anger) and other qualities (political conservatism, religiosity, mistrust in science and using social media as source of information) were associated with increased acceptance of conspiracy theories. Conspiracy beliefs led to harmful health-related behaviours and posed a serious public health threat. Large-scale collaborations between governments and healthcare organizations are needed to curb the spread of conspiracy theories and their adverse consequences.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pandemics; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Social Media; Public Health
PubMed: 36320071
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00959-6