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A systematic review of risk and protective factors of mental health in unaccompanied minor refugees.European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Aug 2022In recent years, there has been a rising interest in the mental health of unaccompanied minor refugees (UMR), who are a high-risk group for mental disorders. Especially... (Review)
Review
In recent years, there has been a rising interest in the mental health of unaccompanied minor refugees (UMR), who are a high-risk group for mental disorders. Especially the investigation of predictive factors of the mental health of young refugees has received increasing attention. However, there has been no review on this current issue for the specific group of UMR so far. We aimed to summarize and evaluate the existing findings of specific risk and protective factors to identify the most verified influences on the mental health of UMR. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature search. Study designs were limited to quantitative cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. Eight databases were searched in four different languages and article reference lists of relevant papers were screened. 27 studies were included (N = 4753). Qualitative synthesis revealed the number of stressful life events to be the most evaluated and verified risk factor for mental health of UMR. A stable environment and social support, on the other hand, can protect UMR from developing poor mental health. Besides that, several other influencing factors could be pointed out, such as type of accommodation, family contact, gender and cultural competences. Because of the large heterogeneity of outcome measures, quantitative synthesis was not possible. This review helps to improve our understanding of determinants of UMRs mental health and thus to provide more targeted treatment. Furthermore, it provides information on how to prevent the development of mental health problems by specifying factors that can be modified by different health and immigration sectors in advance. Further research is needed focusing on the interaction between the various predictive factors.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Protective Factors; Refugees
PubMed: 33169230
DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01678-2 -
Psychological Medicine Jun 2020A multitude of risk/protective factors for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders have been proposed. We conducted an umbrella review to summarize the evidence of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A multitude of risk/protective factors for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders have been proposed. We conducted an umbrella review to summarize the evidence of the associations between risk/protective factors and each of the following disorders: specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and to assess the strength of this evidence whilst controlling for several biases.
METHODS
Publication databases were searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining associations between potential risk/protective factors and each of the disorders investigated. The evidence of the association between each factor and disorder was graded into convincing, highly suggestive, suggestive, weak, or non-significant according to a standardized classification based on: number of cases (>1000), random-effects p-values, 95% prediction intervals, confidence interval of the largest study, heterogeneity between studies, study effects, and excess of significance.
RESULTS
Nineteen systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included, corresponding to 216 individual studies covering 427 potential risk/protective factors. Only one factor association (early physical trauma as a risk factor for social anxiety disorder, OR 2.59, 95% CI 2.17-3.1) met all the criteria for convincing evidence. When excluding the requirement for more than 1000 cases, five factor associations met the other criteria for convincing evidence and 22 met the remaining criteria for highly suggestive evidence.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the amount and quality of the evidence for most risk/protective factors for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders is limited, a number of factors significantly increase the risk for these disorders, may have potential prognostic ability and inform prevention.
Topics: Anxiety Disorders; Humans; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Protective Factors; Risk Factors
PubMed: 31172897
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291719001247 -
Journal of Interpersonal Violence May 2022This prospective longitudinal study from birth to late adolescence investigated how early risk predicted subsequent aggression in middle childhood and bullying...
This prospective longitudinal study from birth to late adolescence investigated how early risk predicted subsequent aggression in middle childhood and bullying perpetration, bullying victimization, and violence victimization in adolescence. In addition, the moderating role of protective factors (i.e., maternal sensitivity, positive peers, and school connectedness) on these associations were examined. Caregiver-infant dyads (N = 216; 72% Black/African American) were recruited as part of a longitudinal study on substance exposed youth. Data using multiple methods and informants (observations, interviews, caregiver, and child/youth self-reports) were collected from dyads in early childhood (EC, birth to 48 months), middle childhood (MC, i.e., 84 months), early adolescence (EA, M = 13.26 years, SD = .83) and later adolescence (LA, M = 15.08 years, SD = .83). A developmental cascading path model was tested. There were direct associations between EC maternal harsh parenting and aggression in MC. In turn, MC aggression was associated with higher violence victimization and bullying in EA. Finally, EA violence victimization was then associated with higher levels of bullying as well as victimization from bullying in LA. Consistent with predictions, there was also evidence that protective factors (i.e., maternal sensitivity and positive peers) moderated the impact of predictor variables on aggression and bullying outcomes. Specifically, maternal sensitivity moderated the link between EC and MC aggression, such that those with moderately high levels of maternal sensitivity showed a negative relation between EC and MC aggression, whereas those with low levels of maternal sensitivity showed continuity in aggression. Positive peer influence moderated the link between violence victimization in EA and bullying in LA, such that children high on both violence victimization and positive peers had the highest levels of bullying victimization.
Topics: Adolescent; Aggression; Bullying; Child; Child, Preschool; Crime Victims; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Peer Group; Prospective Studies; Protective Factors
PubMed: 35259304
DOI: 10.1177/08862605211067026 -
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs Jul 2023Research has identified many factors associated with past-30-day (P30D) marijuana use among youth but has not assessed factors that may differentiate youth who use...
OBJECTIVE
Research has identified many factors associated with past-30-day (P30D) marijuana use among youth but has not assessed factors that may differentiate youth who use frequently from youth who do not. We took a multilevel approach to identify and compare risk and protective factors associated with frequent and nonfrequent P30D marijuana use among high school students.
METHOD
Individual-level data were obtained from the 2019 Nevada Youth Risk Behavior Survey (completed by 4,980 high school youth from 99 schools); school-level data were obtained from the state's Department of Education. A multinomial, multilevel model was used to estimate the association between risk and protective factors at the individual and school levels and a three-level frequency of use outcome: no P30D use (0 times), nonfrequent P30D use (1-19 times), and frequent P30D use (≥20 times).
RESULTS
At the individual level, other P30D substance use, exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), perceived ease of access, and perceived risk were associated with both frequent and nonfrequent use, but the relationships were generally stronger for frequent use. P30D nonprescription drug use and school connectedness were associated with frequent use only. At the school level, number of students with individualized education programs, number of incidents involving possession of controlled substances, and school type were associated with frequent use only.
CONCLUSIONS
Individual and school-based interventions designed to address the factors uniquely or strongly associated with frequent marijuana use may prevent escalation from occasional use to more frequent use among high school youth.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Marijuana Use; Protective Factors; Substance-Related Disorders; Marijuana Smoking; Schools; Adolescent Behavior
PubMed: 36971761
DOI: 10.15288/jsad.22-00240 -
The American Psychologist Sep 2019Economic hardship during childhood is associated with worse mental and physical health across the life span. Over the past decade, interdisciplinary research has started... (Review)
Review
Economic hardship during childhood is associated with worse mental and physical health across the life span. Over the past decade, interdisciplinary research has started to elucidate the behavioral and biological pathways that underlie these disparities and identify protective factors that mitigate against their occurrence. In this integrative review we describe these advances, highlight remaining gaps in knowledge, and outline a research agenda for psychologists. This article has 3 aims. First, we consider the evolving psychobiological literature on protective factors and conclude that supportive relationships can mitigate against the physical health problems often associated with economic hardship. Second, we discuss recent empirical developments in health psychology, public health, and the biological sciences, which reveal trade-offs associated with adaptation and challenge the conception of what it means to be resilient. Finally, we outline a research agenda that attempts to integrate existing knowledge on health disparities with these newer challenges to inform both policy and practice for youth experiencing economic hardship. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Child; Health Status; Health Status Disparities; Humans; Mental Health; Poverty; Protective Factors; Resilience, Psychological; Social Class
PubMed: 31545638
DOI: 10.1037/amp0000520 -
Addictive Behaviors Apr 2023This large-scale meta-analysis aimed to provide the most comprehensive synthesis to date of the available evidence from the pre-COVID period on risk and protective... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This large-scale meta-analysis aimed to provide the most comprehensive synthesis to date of the available evidence from the pre-COVID period on risk and protective factors for (internet) gaming disorder (as defined in the DSM-5 or ICD-11) across all studied populations. The risk/protective factors included demographic characteristics, psychological, psychopathological, social, and gaming-related factors. In total, we have included 1,586 effects from 253 different studies, summarizing data from 210,557 participants. Apart from estimating these predictive associations and relevant moderating effects, we implemented state-of-the-art adjustments for publication bias, psychometric artifacts, and other forms of bias arising from the publication process. Additionally, we carried out an in-depth assessment of the quality of underlying evidence by examining indications of selective reporting, statistical inconsistencies, the typical power of utilized study designs to detect theoretically relevant effects, and performed various sensitivity analyses. The available evidence suggests the existence of numerous moderately strong and highly heterogeneous risk factors (e.g., male gender, depression, impulsivity, anxiety, stress, gaming time, escape motivation, or excessive use of social networks) but only a few empirically robust protective factors (self-esteem, intelligence, life satisfaction, and education; all having markedly smaller effect sizes). We discuss the theoretical implications of our results for prominent theoretical models of gaming disorder and for the existing and future prevention strategies. The impact of various examined biasing factors on the available evidence seemed to be modest, yet we identified shortcomings in the measurement and reporting practices.
Topics: Humans; Male; Protective Factors; Behavior, Addictive; Video Games; COVID-19; Internet
PubMed: 36571943
DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107590 -
BMC Psychiatry Sep 2022Several risk factors for anxious-depressive symptomatology during the COVID-19 pandemic have been established. However, few studies have examined the relationship...
BACKGROUND
Several risk factors for anxious-depressive symptomatology during the COVID-19 pandemic have been established. However, few studies have examined the relationship between personality traits, hardiness, and such symptomatology during the pandemic. These constructs might serve as risk- and/or protective factors for such mental distress through the pandemic.
METHODS
A sample of 5783 Norwegians responded to a survey at two time points within the first year of the pandemic. The first data collection was in April 2020 (T1) and the second in December 2020 (T2). Measures included the Ten-Item Personality-Inventory, the Revised Norwegian Dispositional Resilience Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale. Analyses were performed using Pearson's correlations, multiple linear regression, and a moderation analysis.
RESULTS
Anxious-depressive symptomatology in early phases (T1) of the pandemic was the strongest predictor for the presence of such symptomatology 9 months after the outbreak (T2). Personality and hardiness correlated significantly with mental distress at T1 and T2. Personality traits explained 5% variance in symptoms when controlling for age, gender, solitary living, negative economic impact, and mental distress at baseline. Higher neuroticism predicted higher mental distress, whereas higher conscientiousness and extraversion predicted less mental distress. Hardiness did not explain variance in outcome beyond personality traits. Hardiness did not significantly moderate the relationship between neuroticism and mental distress.
CONCLUSION
Individuals with high levels of neuroticism had greater difficulties adapting to the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and were more prone to mental distress. Contrastingly, higher conscientiousness and extraversion may have served as protective factors for mental distress during the pandemic. The current findings might aid identification of vulnerable individuals and groups. Consequently, preventive interventions could be offered to those who need it the most.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Norway; Pandemics; Personality; Protective Factors
PubMed: 36109737
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04237-y -
American Journal of Public Health Mar 2022To describe the prevalence of sex trading by gender and by associations with mental health concerns and protective factors. We used data from 9th and 11th graders who...
To describe the prevalence of sex trading by gender and by associations with mental health concerns and protective factors. We used data from 9th and 11th graders who completed the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey. The analytic sample (n = 67 806) included transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youths and cisgender youths who reported trading sex. Data on 7 mental health measures and 4 school-related and health care-related protective factors were collected. The prevalence of sex trading (5.9%) was 5 times higher among TGD students than cisgender students (1.2%). In addition, the prevalence of all mental health concerns was high among TGD students who traded sex (e.g., 75.9% reported a lifetime suicide attempt, as compared with 45.9% of cisgender students who traded sex). Fewer statistical differences were found across protective factors. When TGD students who traded sex were compared according to sex assigned at birth, no statistically significant differences were found. Our findings support strong calls for increased competence regarding gender and sex trading or exploitation in clinical and school-based settings to decrease health disparities among TGD youths. In this study, we have presented unique prevalence estimates of mental health disparities among TGD students in the United States who trade sex. Our results indicate that TGD students who trade sex are at risk for mental health symptoms and that sensitivity to both gender and sex trading or exploitation will be critical to meeting the needs of this group in clinical as well as school-based settings.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Minnesota; Protective Factors; Sex Workers; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 35196032
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2021.306623 -
Psychiatry Research Jul 2022The rates of posttraumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) are high among refugee populations. At the same time, evidence is emerging of intergenerational transmission of... (Review)
Review
The rates of posttraumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) are high among refugee populations. At the same time, evidence is emerging of intergenerational transmission of psychopathology. The objective of this study was to examine the current knowledge on risk and protective factors for adverse mental health outcomes in the non-exposed offspring of trauma-affected refugees. A systematic search was undertaken from 1 January 1981 to 5 February 2021 (PubMed, Embase, PSYCInfo). Studies were included if they reported on families of trauma-exposed refugee parents and mental health outcomes in their non-exposed children. The search yielded 1415 results and twelve articles met inclusion criteria. The majority of studies emphasized the negative effects of parental mental health symptoms. There was substantial evidence of an association between parental PTSD and increased risk of psychological problems in offspring. Parenting style was identified as both a potential risk and protective factor. Risk/protective factors at the individual and family level were identified, but findings were inconclusive due to sample sizes and study designs. There is a need for evidence-based interventions aimed at improving child outcomes, especially by improving parental mental health and reinforcing parenting skills. Future research should aim to incorporate broader aspects of child development.
Topics: Child; Humans; Parenting; Parents; Protective Factors; Refugees; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 35580432
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114604 -
International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2022While the prevalence of young people's conventional cigarette use has decreased in many countries, the use of e-cigarettes has risen. To effectively counteract the... (Review)
Review
While the prevalence of young people's conventional cigarette use has decreased in many countries, the use of e-cigarettes has risen. To effectively counteract the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among young people internationally, researchers should know the exact prevalence as well as the protective and risk factors associated with vaping. Based on five eligibility criteria, 53 articles were chosen and analyzed by general characteristics, prevalence, sample characteristics, gender difference, protective factors, and risk factors. In this study, the international pooled prevalence of young people's lifetime e-cigarette use was 15.3%, the current use was 7.7%, and dual use was 4.0%. While the highest lifetime, current, and dual prevalence were found in Sweden, Canada, and the United Kingdom, respectively, the lowest prevalence was found in Germany, followed by South Korea and Sweden. Some protective and risk factors include perceived cost and danger of vaping, parental monitoring, internal developmental assets, cigarette use, family and peer smoking, exposure to online advertisements, and the presence of nearby retail stores. Based on this review, researchers and practitioners can develop different intervention programs and strategies for young smokers.
Topics: Adolescent; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Humans; Prevalence; Protective Factors; Smoking; Vaping
PubMed: 36141845
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811570