The associations between cognitive function and depressive symptoms among older Chinese population: A cohort study.

With the rapid development of society, population aging has emerged as a significant global challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of baseline cognitive performance, current cognitive function, and cognitive decline on subsequent depressive symptoms. Data were obtained from participants aged 65 years and older in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), Wave 2014-2018. Of the 7,192 participants in Wave 2014, 1,627 were included in the analysis. Multivariate regressions were conducted to estimate the associations between cognitive measures and depressive symptoms. Our results indicated that baseline cognitive function was not associated with subsequent depressive symptoms, but current cognitive function was. Furthermore, participants who experienced significant cognitive decline were more likely to develop depressive symptoms. Covariates, including marital status, economic status, physical activity, and recreational activity, were also associated with subsequent depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that slowing cognitive decline is an effective strategy for preventing depressive symptoms in older adults, promoting their health and wellbeing.

Network analysis of COVID-19-related PTSD and depressive symptoms among Chinese general population and comorbidity subgroup.

OBJECTIVE: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms are prevalent and highly correlated mental health outcomes of traumatic events, but their comorbidity in the COVID-19 pandemic has not been examined with evidence from Chinese culture. METHOD: With information from 2,858 Chinese adults, this study used a network analysis to investigate the relationship between PTSD and depressive symptoms along with their symptoms-structure associations. RESULTS: Results indicated similar positive connections among similar cluster symptoms (i.e., positive affect) in both general and comorbidity-reported populations. Self-destructive/reckless behaviors were core symptoms in the general population, and interpersonal difficulties were core symptoms in the comorbidity subgroup. Finally, the very strong communication seen between "arousal and reactivity alterations" and "depressed affect" deserves more attention. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated interpersonal symptoms can be important targets when intervening or treating PTSD and depressive symptoms related to COVID-19 in the clinical population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The associations of pandemic-related difficulties with depressive symptoms and psychological growth among American older adults: Social support as moderators.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought social, health-related, and financial risks to older adults, yet their associations with depressive symptoms and posttraumatic growth (PTG) were not systematically examined. With 3504 respondents aged 60 and over from Health and Retirement Survey, this study found pandemic-related healthcare delay and financial hardship associated with elevated depressive symptoms and decreased PTG, whereas social disruption predicted greater PTG. When confronted with multidimensional difficulties, a higher level of social support buffered depressive symptoms and enhanced PTG following healthcare delay, while those from immediate family members carried the weighing of moderation. Additionally, the moderation effect varied between support types, as exclusive instrumental support engendered more depressive symptoms and squeezed PTG by stimulating a sense of incompetence for older adults. Inversely, receiving both instrumental and emotional support helped individuals of older age against financial-related depressive symptoms. These findings shed light on older adults' mental health promotion in a pandemic context.

Relationship among Child Maltreatment, Parental Conflict, and Mental Health of Children during the COVID-19 Lockdown in China.

Children are more likely to experience maltreatment and parental conflict in a pandemic context, which can exacerbate their vulnerability to psychological disorders. The purpose of the present study was to examine mental health symptoms in children aged 0 to 10 years and consider related factors from the perspectives of maltreatment and parental conflict during the COVID-19 lockdown. Participants were 1286 parents aged 18 years and over with children aged 0 to 10 years were included. Several multivariable linear regressions were used to analyze the data. The largest variance in child mental health was explained by child maltreatment, as more maltreatment predicted higher reported psychological problems (standardized beta = 0.49, P < 0.001). Comparatively, parental conflict predicted less variance in mental health problems than maltreatment (standardized beta = 0.18, P < 0.001). Children who experienced more maltreatment experience and exposure to COVID-19 showed elevated levels of mental health symptoms (standardized beta = 0.06, p < 0.05), as did those who experienced parental conflict and pandemic exposure (standardized beta = 0.06, p < 0.05). The findings highlight that tailored programs that focus on a healthy family environment and strategic parental support services may be particularly effective in reducing children's mental health problems due to COVID-19 exposure.

Associations of youth mental health, parental psychological distress, and family relationships during the COVID-19 outbreak in China.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes in society and family life, which could be particularly difficult for parents. The present study examines the relationship between youth mental health and parental psychological distress after the first peak of the COVID-19 Outbreak in China. The parent-child and marital relationships were examined as moderators of the above relationship. METHODS: Parents and their children aged 10 to 18 years were recruited for this study. The parents completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and a subset of items from the questionnaire of the COVID-19 Supporting Parents, Adolescents, and Children in Epidemics (Co-SPACE) survey of parental mental health, child's psychological symptoms, parent-child, and marital relationship. Several multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The largest variance in parental mental health was explained by the child's psychological symptoms (effect size beta = 0.27). Parent-child (effect size beta = -0.13) and marital relationship (effect size beta = -0.21) were negatively associated with parental mental health. The relationship between child's psychological symptoms and parental mental health was moderated by marital relationship (effect size beta = -0.07). Both parent-child and marital relationships presented with a significant interaction with impact scores, while only parent-child relationships with burden scores. CONCLUSIONS: Youth mental health problems were significantly associated with parental psychological symptoms during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic The parent-child and marital relationship moderated the association between youth psychological symptoms and parental mental health. Interventions for alleviating parenting stress and support services that improve family relationships may be particularly effective in reducing parental psychological distress associated with future COVID-19 or related crises.

The Associations Between Parental Burnout and Mental Health Symptoms Among Chinese Parents With Young Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused numerous unexpected changes for families and societies, which have likely contributed to higher amounts of stress for most parents. This study aimed to examine the relationship between burnout and mental health among parents during the COVID-19. Pandemic exposure and household factors (e.g., family structure, family function) were examined as moderators. An online cross-sectional survey recruiting 1,209 adults was conducted from April 21st to April 28th, 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown in China. The multivariable linear regression analysis was employed to test the association between burnout, household factors, and mental health among parents. Findings suggested that for parents with a young child, poorer mental health was related to a higher level of burnout (ß = 0.220, P < 0.001) and greater exposure to the pandemic. Mothers of a single and/or young child had considerably poorer mental health. Moreover, the relationship between mental health and burnout among parents was significantly moderated by epidemic exposure (ß = 2.561, P < 0.001), family structure (number of children: ß = -1.257, P < 0.001; first child age: ß=-1.116, P < 0.001) and family function (ß = -0.574, P < 0.05). This study indicated that burnout symptoms were significantly associated with worse mental health among parents in China. Besides, exposure to the pandemic, family structure, and family function was found to moderate the association between burnout and mental health among parents. Therefore, the present study stressed enhanced access to mental health resources and emotional supports for parents during a public crisis to reduce the deleterious effects of burnout.

American Older Adults in COVID-19 Times: Vulnerability Types, Aging Attitudes, and Emotional Responses

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID) pandemic has aroused challenges to emotional well-being of the individuals. With 1,582 respondents from the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS), this study investigates the heterogeneity in older adults' vulnerability and examines the relationship between vulnerability types, aging attitudes, and emotional responses. International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short-form (I-PANAS-SF) and Attitudes toward own aging (ATOT) were used to assess the emotional experiences and aging attitudes, and 14 kinds of pandemic-related deprivations evaluated vulnerability of individuals. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to explore the vulnerability types, and weighted linear regressions examined the relationship between vulnerability, aging attitudes, and emotional responses. The results showed that the proportion for individuals with mild vulnerability (MV), healthcare use vulnerability (HV), and dual vulnerability in healthcare use and financial sustainment (DVs) was 67, 22, and 11%, respectively. Older adults aged below 65, Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks, and those not eligible for Medicaid were more likely to have HV or DVs. The relationship between vulnerability and positive emotions (PAs) was non-significant, yet individuals with HV (beta = 0.10, standard error [SE] = 0.16) or DVs (beta = 0.09, SE = 0.28) were likely to have more negative emotions (NAs) than their mildly vulnerable counterparts. Furthermore, aging attitudes moderated the relationship between vulnerability and emotions. The salutary effect of positive aging attitudes on emotional well-being was more significant among people with DVs than those with MV (beta = 0.20, SE = 0.04 for positive responses;beta = −0.15, SE = 0.04 for negative responses). Thus, we urge more attention for vulnerable older adults in a pandemic context. Meanwhile, encouraging positive aging attitudes might be helpful for older adults to have better emotional well-being, especially for those with DVs.

Network analysis of COVID-19-related PTSD symptoms in China: the similarities and differences between the general population and PTSD sub-population Analisis de redes de los sintomas de TEPT relacionados con COVID-19 en China: similitudes y diferencias entre la poblacion general y la subpoblacion con TEPT 新冠疫情相关创伤后应激症状的网状结构分析: 基于中国普通人群和症状人群的对比研究

Background and Objectives Prevalent Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) negatively affected individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using network analyses, this study explored the construct of PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in China to identify similarities and differences in PTSD symptom network connectivity between the general Chinese population and individuals reporting PTSD. Methods We conducted an online survey recruiting 2858 Chinese adults. PTSD symptoms were measured using the PCL-5 and PTSD was determined according to the DSM-5 criteria. Results In the general population, self-destructive/reckless behaviours were on average the most strongly connected to other PTSD symptoms in the network. The five strongest positive connections were found between 1) avoidance of thoughts and avoidance of reminders, 2) concentration difficulties and sleep disturbance, 3) negative beliefs and negative trauma-related emotions, 4) irritability/anger and self-destructive/reckless behaviours, and 5) hypervigilance and exaggerated startle responses. Besides, negative connections were found between intrusive thoughts and trauma-related amnesia and between intrusive thoughts and self-destructive/reckless behaviours. Among individuals reporting PTSD, symptoms such as flashbacks and self-destructive/reckless behaviours were on average most strongly connected to other PTSD symptoms in the network. The five strongest positive connections were found between 1) concentration difficulty and sleep disturbance, 2) intrusive thoughts and emotional cue reactivity, 3) negative beliefs and negative trauma-related emotions, 4) irritability/anger and self-destructive/reckless behaviour, and 5) detachment and restricted affect. In addition, a negative connection was found between intrusive thoughts and self-destructive/reckless behaviours. Conclusion Our results indicate similarly positive connections between concentration difficulty and sleep disturbance, negative beliefs and negative trauma-related emotions, and irritability/anger and self-destructive/reckless behaviours in the general and PTSD-reported populations. We argue that self-destructive/reckless behaviours are a core symptom of COVID-19 related PTSD, worthy of more attention in future psychiatric programmers. HIGHLIGHTS The most central symptom for the general group was self-destructive/reckless behaviours and for the PTSD subgroup was flashbacks. Results matched the hybrid model of PTSD and were important for prevention and intervention for PTSD related to COVID-19.

Network analysis of COVID-19-related PTSD symptoms in China: the similarities and differences between the general population and PTSD sub-population.

Background and Objectives: Prevalent Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) negatively affected individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using network analyses, this study explored the construct of PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in China to identify similarities and differences in PTSD symptom network connectivity between the general Chinese population and individuals reporting PTSD. Methods: We conducted an online survey recruiting 2858 Chinese adults. PTSD symptoms were measured using the PCL-5 and PTSD was determined according to the DSM-5 criteria. Results: In the general population, self-destructive/reckless behaviours were on average the most strongly connected to other PTSD symptoms in the network. The five strongest positive connections were found between 1) avoidance of thoughts and avoidance of reminders, 2) concentration difficulties and sleep disturbance, 3) negative beliefs and negative trauma-related emotions, 4) irritability/anger and self-destructive/reckless behaviours, and 5) hypervigilance and exaggerated startle responses. Besides, negative connections were found between intrusive thoughts and trauma-related amnesia and between intrusive thoughts and self-destructive/reckless behaviours. Among individuals reporting PTSD, symptoms such as flashbacks and self-destructive/reckless behaviours were on average most strongly connected to other PTSD symptoms in the network. The five strongest positive connections were found between 1) concentration difficulty and sleep disturbance, 2) intrusive thoughts and emotional cue reactivity, 3) negative beliefs and negative trauma-related emotions, 4) irritability/anger and self-destructive/reckless behaviour, and 5) detachment and restricted affect. In addition, a negative connection was found between intrusive thoughts and self-destructive/reckless behaviours. Conclusion: Our results indicate similarly positive connections between concentration difficulty and sleep disturbance, negative beliefs and negative trauma-related emotions, and irritability/anger and self-destructive/reckless behaviours in the general and PTSD-reported populations. We argue that self-destructive/reckless behaviours are a core symptom of COVID-19 related PTSD, worthy of more attention in future psychiatric programmers.

Antecedentes y Objetivos: El Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático (TEPT) prevalente afectó negativamente a los individuos durante la pandemia del COVID-19. Usando análisis de redes, este estudio exploró el constructo de síntomas de TEPT durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en China para identificar las similitudes y diferencias en la conectividad de red de síntomas de TEPT entre la población general china y los individuos que reportan TEPT.Métodos: Realizamos una encuesta en línea que reclutó 2.858 adultos chinos. Los síntomas de TEPT se midieron usando el PCL-5 y el TEPT se determinó de acuerdo a los criterios del DSM-5.Resultados: En la población general, las conductas autodestructivas/ imprudentes fueron, en promedio, las más fuertemente conectadas con otros síntomas de TEPT en la red. Las cinco conexiones positivas más fuertes se encontraron entre 1) evitación de pensamientos y evitación de recordatorios, 2) dificultades en la concentración y trastornos del sueño, 3) creencias negativas y emociones negativas relacionadas con el trauma, 4) irritabilidad/ ira y conductas autodestructivas/ imprudentes y 5) hipervigilancia y respuestas de sobresalto exageradas. Además, se encontraron conexiones negativas entre pensamientos intrusivos y amnesia relacionada con el trauma y entre pensamientos intrusivos y conductas autodestructivas/ imprudentes. Entre los individuos que reportaron TEPT, los síntomas como flashbacks y conductas autodestructivas/ imprudentes estuvieron, en promedio, más fuertemente conectadas con otros síntomas de TEPT en la red. Las cinco conexiones positivas más fuertes se encontraron entre 1) dificultades en la concentración y trastornos del sueño, 2) pensamientos intrusivos y reactividad emocional a ciertas señales, 3) creencias negativas y emociones negativas relacionadas con el trauma, 4) irritabilidad/ ira y conductas autodestructivas/ imprudentes, y 5) desapego y afecto restringido. Además, se encontró una conexión negativa entre pensamientos intrusivos y conductas autodestructivas/ imprudentes.Conclusión: Nuestros resultados indican conexiones igualmente positivas entre dificultades en la concentración y trastornos del sueño, creencias negativas y emociones negativas relacionadas con el trauma, e irritabilidad/ ira y conductas autodestructivas/ imprudentes en la población general y la que reporto TEPT. Argumentamos que las conductas autodestructivas/imprudentes son un síntoma central de TEPT relacionado con COVID-19, que merece más atención en futuros programas psiquiátricos.

Does the attribution of responsibilities modify the relationship between coping styles and mental health? A survey of Chinese adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) and self-reported Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) in the general population. This study used linear regressions for analyses, based on an online survey conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown among 2441 Chinese adults in February 2020. The results showed negative coping and attributing responsibilities to individuals were associated with more PTSS, while both positive and negative coping, as well as attributing responsibilities to individuals were related to more PTG. Moreover, attribution of responsibilities modified the association between coping and PTSS, but not PTG. These findings shed light on mental health interventions in a pandemic context.

Relationship Between Risk Perception, Social Support, and Mental Health Among General Chinese Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus Diseases (COVID-19) pandemic is a global public health challenge and provides an opportunity to investigate the unclear relationship between risk perception, social support, and mental health. This study aims to examine the association between risk perception and mental health while taking social support as a moderator. METHODS: An online cross-sectional study recruiting 2993 participants was conducted in China, from 1st to 10th, February 2020. The relationship between risk perception, social support, and mental health was examined using multivariate linear regression analyses. RESULTS: This study indicated that risk perception was associated with a higher level of mental health symptoms. The subscale "Perceived uncontrollability" seemed to present a stronger correlation with depressive symptoms (Beta=0.306) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (Beta=0.318) than the subscale "Perceived Severity" did. Moreover, social support moderated the relationship between perceived uncontrollability and mental health symptoms. CONCLUSION: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to design mental health strategies and programs from a risk perception perspective (more mental health strategies should be delivered to build reasonable risk perception), while social support from family and friends may be protective to against depressive symptoms and PTSD symptoms. There is a demand for mental health intervention from a risk perception perspective.

The Combined Impact of Gender and Age on Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms, Depression, and Insomnia During COVID-19 Outbreak in China.

The mental health problems might have been increased owing to the COVID-19 pandemic with the commencement of the year 2020, therefore, an epidemiological survey appraising the burden of mental health issues among the general population is imperative. This cross-sectional study attempts to reveal the underlying mental health conditions, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS), depression, and insomnia, relating to the pandemic situation, and to further examine the combined effects of gender and age on the COVID-19 related mental health consequences. An online survey was conducted among 2,992 adults in China from February 1st 2020 to February 10th 2020. The study uses binary logistic regression to analyze the potential factors associated with PTSD, depression, and insomnia. The results indicate that the prevalence of PTSS, depression, and insomnia are 19.5, 26.9, and 19.6% respectively during the COVID-19. Men and women show different rates of PTSS and depression, whereas no insomnia is found in both males and females. The females above 50 years of age have a lower level of depressive symptoms (OR = 0.448, 95%CI: 0.220-0.911, Cohen's d = -0.443) as compared with females aged 18-25; while the highest effect sizes for PTSS (OR = 2.846, 95%CI: 1.725-4.695, Cohen's d = 0.537) and the depression (OR = 2.024, 95%CI: 1.317-3.111, Cohen's d = 0.314) are seen in males aged 26 to 30. Besides gender, education, living conditions, direct exposure to COVID-19, the post mental and the physical health condition is related to PTSS, depression, and insomnia. Our study suggests that high-risk groups, especially those having two or more related factors and young men, should be the focus of mental health intervention.

Is the psychological impact of exposure to COVID-19 stronger in adolescents with pre-pandemic maltreatment experiences? A survey of rural Chinese adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Since the COVID-19 outbreak at the end of 2019, it has evolved into a global pandemic with tremendous mental health impact besides the threats to people's physical health. OBJECTIVE: The aims were to examine whether exposure to COVID-19 predicts elevated levels of anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms and whether pre-pandemic maltreatment experiences exacerbate this impact on mental health in adolescents. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: The survey was conducted online from February 8 st to February 27th, 2020, and the questionnaires were distributed and retrieved through a web-based platform. This study includes a total of 6196 subjects, aged range from 11 to 18 years old. METHODS: Several multivariable linear regressions were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: The largest variance in PTSS and anxiety problems was explained by ACEs, with more pre-pandemic maltreatment experiences predicting more PTSS (effect size beta = 0.16∼0.27), and more anxiety (effect size beta = 0.32∼0.47). Experienced or subjective fear of exposure to COVID-19 predicted statistically significant variance in PTSS and anxiety, and standardized betas ranged from 0.04 to 0.09. Participants who had adverse childhood experiences and had experienced exposure to COVID-19 showed elevated PTSS. CONCLUSIONS: After pre-pandemic maltreatment experiences the impact of exposure to COVID-19 on mental health may be stronger. Scars from the past seem to be vulnerabilities during societal upheaval. We therefore suggest that when exposed to COVID-19 rural adolescents should get prioritized professional family support and mental health counseling in particular when they have experienced family abuse and neglect in childhood, even though such support is more difficult to organize in rural areas.