Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 19 de 19
Filter
1.
J Psychopathol Clin Sci ; 133(2): 208-222, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38095972

ABSTRACT

We lack knowledge about the short-term predictors of suicide attempts (SAs) among treatment-seeking individuals. The current study evaluated whether (a) interpersonal difficulties, hopelessness, and affective states are associated with an increased risk of SAs on the same and the next day; (b) these daily states are interconnected differently over time among inpatients who attempt suicide compared to those who do not. In total, 110 psychiatric inpatients who attempted suicide during their stay at a psychiatric hospital self-reported their suicidal ideation, negative affect, positive affect, wish to live, interpersonal needs, and hopelessness each day (3,018 daily reports). Multilevel structural equation modeling was used to examine same-day and next-day predictors of SAs. Multilevel temporal network models assessed interconnectedness between daily predictors and were compared to network models from a matched sample of 110 psychiatric inpatients who did not attempt suicide. In multivariate models, increases in perceived burdensomeness were significantly associated with same-day SAs, whereas increased hopelessness was associated with next-day SAs. Network models for patients who attempted suicide indicated that hopelessness and suicidal ideation were central to change, leading to next-day deteriorations in mental health. In subsequent models, feeling calm and relaxed, and feeling fresh and rested were centrally connected to other variables. The centrality of these metrics tended to be higher than in the network models for patients who did not attempt suicide, suggesting differences in the interplay between risk and protective factors. This study suggests routinely monitoring interpersonal factors and hopelessness may help identify increased short-term risk of SAs among psychiatric inpatients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).


Subject(s)
Inpatients , Suicide, Attempted , Humans , Suicide, Attempted/psychology , Inpatients/psychology , Interpersonal Relations , Risk Factors , Suicidal Ideation
2.
Clin Psychol Sci ; 11(5): 841-862, 2023 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37771501

ABSTRACT

Decentering is thought to be protective against a range of psychological symptoms, but little is known about the outcomes of decentering as a momentary state in daily life. We used ecological momentary assessment (42 reports across one week) to examine the temporal ordering of the associations of decentering with affect, dysphoria, participant-specific idiographic symptoms, and wellbeing. We also hypothesized that greater decentering predicts less inertia (persistence) of each variable, and weakens the association of affect with dysphoria, idiographic symptoms, and wellbeing. Results in 345 community participants indicated that decentering and these variables were mutually reinforcing over time, and that greater decentering was associated with less inertia of negative affect and dysphoria. Decentering generally predicted reduced impact of positive and negative affect on dysphoria symptoms, but results were mixed when predicting idiographic symptoms or wellbeing. Clinical implications and refinements for theory on decentering are discussed.

3.
J Consult Clin Psychol ; 91(6): 323-336, 2023 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37166834

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a major public health issue. Despite increased research efforts in clinical samples, we still have little understanding of the short-term correlates, predictors, and targets of NSSI among treatment-seeking individuals. The present study was designed to (a) evaluate how suicidal thoughts, interpersonal difficulties, hopelessness, and affective states are associated with same-day and next-day NSSI; (b) identify which factors may be effective targets in treatment through network modeling. METHOD: Data from 1,265 psychiatric inpatients who self-injured throughout their visit to a psychiatric hospital self-reported their suicidal ideation, negative affect, and positive affect on a daily basis (in total 36,345 prospective reports). An additional 632 patients were also surveyed regarding feelings of hopelessness, wish to live, and interpersonal difficulties. Using multilevel structural equation modeling, we examined contemporaneous and time-lagged associations with NSSI. Multilevel network analyses assessed interconnectedness of daily predictors and were compared with a matched sample of 1,265 patients who did not self-injure during their stay. RESULTS: Increases in suicidal ideation were associated with increased probability of same-day and next-day self-injury, and an inverse relationship was observed for wish to live. Increases in positive affect were also significantly associated with decreased probability of next-day self-injury. Perceived burdensomeness had high centrality in network models, particularly among patients who self-injured, indicating it is susceptible to activation and directly associated with all predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Routine monitoring may improve prediction of when a patient is at short-term risk to self-injure and provides person-specific data that can assist in targeting risk and protective factors during treatment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).


Subject(s)
Self-Injurious Behavior , Suicidal Ideation , Humans , Inpatients/psychology , Prospective Studies , Self-Injurious Behavior/psychology , Affect , Risk Factors
4.
Behav Res Ther ; 161: 104253, 2023 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36669272

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Improving the delivery of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD) requires an in-depth understanding of which cognitive and behavioural mechanisms drive change in social anxiety symptoms (i.e., social interaction anxiety) during and after treatment. The current study explores the dynamic temporal associations between theory-driven cognitive and behavioural mechanisms of symptom change both during and following group CBT. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial of imagery-enhanced CBT (n = 51) versus traditional verbal CBT (n = 54) for social anxiety was completed in a community mental health clinic setting. This study included data collected from 12-weekly sessions and a 1-month follow-up session. Mixed models were used to assess magnitude of change over the course of treatment. Cross-lagged panel models were fit to the data to examine temporal relationships between mechanisms (social-evaluative beliefs, safety behaviours) and social interaction anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: Participants in both CBT groups experienced significant improvements across all cognitive, behavioural, and symptom measures, with no significant differences in the magnitude of changes between treatments. During treatment, greater social-evaluative beliefs (fear of negative evaluation, negative self-portrayals) at one time point (T) were predictive of more severe SAD symptoms and safety behaviours at T+1. Social-evaluative beliefs (fear of negative evaluation, probability and cost of social failure) and safety behaviours measured at post-treatment were positively associated with SAD symptoms at the 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The current study identifies social-evaluative beliefs that may be important targets for symptom and avoidance reduction during and following CBT. Assessment of these social-evaluative beliefs throughout treatment may be useful for predicting future SAD symptoms and avoidance, and for adapting treatment to promote optimal change for patients.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Phobia, Social , Psychotherapy, Group , Humans , Phobia, Social/therapy , Anxiety Disorders/psychology , Anxiety , Cognition
5.
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev ; 54(6): 1760-1770, 2023 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35622303

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to produce a short-form measure of loneliness and assesses its prediction of depressive symptoms relative to a comprehensive measure. Western Australian adolescents completed the Friendship Related Loneliness and Isolation subscales of the Perth Aloneness Scale (PALs) three times over 18 months (T 1 n = 1538; T 2, n = 1683; T 3, n = 1406). Items were reduced while preserving predictability. Follow-up confirmatory factor analyses and predictive models with the reduced and full PALs were then tested. A reduced six-item scale (PALs-6) preserved the two-factor structure of the PALs and showed strong prediction of very elevated depressive symptoms (Sensitivity = 0.70, Specificity = 0.78, AUC = 0.81); it was less successful in predicting future symptoms (Sensitivity = 0.67, Specificity = 0.64, AUC = 0.74). The PALs-6 provides a brief measure of adolescent loneliness for clinicians and researchers that also predicts very elevated levels of depression.


Subject(s)
Depression , Loneliness , Humans , Adolescent , Depression/diagnosis , Australia , Friends
6.
Behav Res Ther ; 155: 104131, 2022 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35696837

ABSTRACT

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is associated with marked physiological reactivity in social-evaluative situations. However, objective measurement of biomarkers is rarely evaluated in treatment trials, despite potential utility in clarifying disorder-specific physiological correlates. This randomized controlled trial sought to examine the differential impact of imagery-enhanced vs. verbal-based cognitive behavioral group therapy (IE-CBGT, n = 53; VB-CBGT, n = 54) on biomarkers of emotion regulation and arousal during social stress in people with SAD (pre- and post-treatment differences in heart rate variability (HRV) and skin conductance). We acquired psychophysiological data from randomized participants across four social stress test phases (baseline, speech preparation, speech, interaction) at pre-treatment, and 1- and 6-months post-treatment. Analyses revealed that IE-CBGT selectively attenuated heart rate as indexed by increases in median heart rate interval (median-RR) compared to VB-CBGT at post-treatment, whereas one HRV index showed a larger increase in the VB-CBGT condition before but not after controlling for median-RR. Other psychophysiological indices did not differ between conditions. Lower sympathetic arousal in the IE-CBGT condition may have obviated the need for parasympathetic downregulation, whereas the opposite was true for VB-CBGT. These findings provide preliminary insights into the impact of imagery-enhanced and verbally-based psychotherapy for SAD on emotion regulation biomarkers.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Phobia, Social , Psychotherapy, Group , Cognition , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods , Humans , Phobia, Social/psychology , Phobia, Social/therapy , Psychotherapy, Group/methods , Treatment Outcome
7.
Psychol Trauma ; 14(7): 1124-1133, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31789534

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Police and emergency services personnel are at an increased risk of developing mental health issues. We sought to compare patterns of exposure to work-related and nonwork stressors and associations with posttraumatic stress symptoms and psychological distress among police and emergency services employees. METHOD: A total of 14,868 employees from 33 ambulance, fire and rescue, police, and state emergency service agencies around Australia participated in a survey to assess the prevalence of exposure to work-related and nonwork stressors, and the prevalence of mental health conditions. Associations between work and nonwork stressors and mental health problems were estimated using logistic regression models and population attributable risk (PAR) percentages. RESULTS: Traumatic events experienced while working in the police and emergency services sector were the most frequently reported stressor (51%). Stressful events experienced at work in the sector were associated with significantly higher levels of suspected posttraumatic stress symptoms (odds ratio = 4.5, PAR = 65%) and high psychological distress (odds ratio = 2.5, PAR = 40%) compared to stressors experienced away from the sector. CONCLUSIONS: Stressors experienced at work are a risk factor for developing posttraumatic stress symptoms and distress in the sector. Organizations should have comprehensive policies and programs to help prevent the development of mental health problems and to support personnel who develop mental health problems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).


Subject(s)
Psychological Distress , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic , Australia/epidemiology , Humans , Police/psychology , Prevalence , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/psychology , Stress, Psychological/epidemiology , Stress, Psychological/etiology
8.
Psychol Med ; 52(7): 1277-1286, 2022 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32912351

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is effective for most patients with a social anxiety disorder (SAD) but a substantial proportion fails to remit. Experimental and clinical research suggests that enhancing CBT using imagery-based techniques could improve outcomes. It was hypothesized that imagery-enhanced CBT (IE-CBT) would be superior to verbally-based CBT (VB-CBT) on pre-registered outcomes. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial of IE-CBT v. VB-CBT for social anxiety was completed in a community mental health clinic setting. Participants were randomized to IE (n = 53) or VB (n = 54) CBT, with 1-month (primary end point) and 6-month follow-up assessments. Participants completed 12, 2-hour, weekly sessions of IE-CBT or VB-CBT plus 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: Intention to treat analyses showed very large within-treatment effect sizes on the social interaction anxiety at all time points (ds = 2.09-2.62), with no between-treatment differences on this outcome or clinician-rated severity [1-month OR = 1.45 (0.45, 4.62), p = 0.53; 6-month OR = 1.31 (0.42, 4.08), p = 0.65], SAD remission (1-month: IE = 61.04%, VB = 55.09%, p = 0.59); 6-month: IE = 58.73%, VB = 61.89%, p = 0.77), or secondary outcomes. Three adverse events were noted (substance abuse, n = 1 in IE-CBT; temporary increase in suicide risk, n = 1 in each condition, with one being withdrawn at 1-month follow-up). CONCLUSIONS: Group IE-CBT and VB-CBT were safe and there were no significant differences in outcomes. Both treatments were associated with very large within-group effect sizes and the majority of patients remitted following treatment.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Phobia, Social , Anxiety , Anxiety Disorders/therapy , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods , Humans , Phobia, Social/psychology , Phobia, Social/therapy
9.
Arch Environ Occup Health ; 77(4): 282-292, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33653231

ABSTRACT

Answering the Call, the Australian National Police and Emergency Services Mental Health and Wellbeing Study, surveyed 14,868 Australian ambulance, fire and rescue, police, and state emergency service employees. Emergency services personnel had lower rates of mental wellbeing and higher rates of psychological distress and probable PTSD than the general adult population. Overall 30% had low wellbeing, 21% had high and 9% had very high psychological distress, and 10% had probable PTSD. An estimated 5% had suicidal ideation and 2% had a suicide plan in the past 12 months, while 16% binge drink at least weekly. Only one in five of those with very high psychological distress or probable PTSD felt they received adequate support for their condition. These findings highlight the risk of mental health conditions associated with work in the emergency services sector.


Subject(s)
Mental Disorders , Mental Health , Adult , Australia/epidemiology , Humans , Police , Surveys and Questionnaires
10.
Suicide Life Threat Behav ; 52(1): 159-170, 2022 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34741322

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Identifying the interaction between dispositional and dynamic risk factors is necessary in understanding, predicting, and managing suicide risk. Interpersonal factors have consistently been linked to suicidal ideation over short-term periods. Additionally, distress tolerance may be a relevant dispositional protective factor against stressful events. METHODS: Seven hundred and seventeen psychiatric inpatients (Male = 30.31%, Average Age = 40.71 years, Min = 14, Max = 82) self-reported their distress tolerance at hospital admission, and interpersonal needs and suicidal ideation on a daily basis. Dynamic structural equation modelling was used to examine whether within-level dynamics were moderated by distress tolerance. RESULTS: Both perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness were significantly associated with same-day suicidal ideation. Higher distress tolerance was associated with weaker daily associations between suicidal ideation and both perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Distress tolerance was also associated with lower variability in suicidal ideation. Moderating effects were also evident when lifetime suicide attempts were added as a covariate, which was associated with stronger associations between interpersonal dysfunction and suicidal ideation, and higher variability in ideation. CONCLUSIONS: Distress tolerance may be important to consider when examining the dynamic relationships between suicidal ideation and proximal factors. Psychotherapy that specifically targets distress tolerance may be effective in reducing reactivity to interpersonal stressors.


Subject(s)
Interpersonal Relations , Suicidal Ideation , Adult , Humans , Male , Psychological Theory , Risk Factors
11.
J Affect Disord ; 287: 240-246, 2021 05 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33799043

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: LGBQ+ people (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer) are at-risk of discrimination and developing mental health issues within general populations. Limited research has assessed their mental health in emergency services occupations, a population which are known to experience poorer mental health. The current study explores the extent to which sexual orientation is associated with higher rates of mental health issues among emergency personnel. METHODS: A stratified random sample of employees from twenty-nine police (N = 8,088), ambulance (N = 3,473), and fire and rescue (N = 2,975) agencies from around Australia participated in a cross-sectional mental health survey (N = 14,536, male = 64.2%, 42.7% over 45 years of age, heterosexual = 92.7%). RESULTS: Employees with a bisexual/pansexual orientation or those who were not sure about their sexual orientation were significantly more likely to report suicidal thoughts, suicide plans, psychological distress, and illicit drug use when compared with heterosexual employees. LGBQ+ employees reported significantly higher rates of lifetime suicide plans and attempts. Specifically, LGBQ+ fire and rescue personnel were roughly six times more likely to report lifetime suicide attempts, and approximately five times more likely to use illicit drugs weekly than their heterosexual colleagues in the fire and rescue sector. Female LGBQ+ personnel were significantly less likely to consume illicit drugs weekly and monthly than male LGBQ+ personnel. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency services personnel are already at-risk of developing pervasive mental health difficulties. It is important that organisations foster positive working environments, particularly for LGBQ+ people who may be more marginalized within organisations.


Subject(s)
Mental Health , Sexual Behavior , Australia/epidemiology , Bisexuality , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Prevalence
12.
J Affect Disord ; 281: 517-532, 2021 02 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33388463

ABSTRACT

Emergency services personnel have an elevated risk of developing mental health conditions. Most research in this area is cross-sectional, which precludes inferences about temporal and potentially causal relationships between risk and protective factors and mental health outcomes. The current study systematically reviewed prospective studies of risk and protective factors for mental health outcomes in civilian emergency services personnel (firefighters, paramedics, police) assessed at pre-operational and operational stages. Out of 66 eligible prospective studies identified, several core groups of risk and protective factors emerged: (1) cognitive abilities; (2) coping tendencies; (3) personality factors; (4) peritraumatic reactions and post-trauma symptoms; (5) workplace factors; (6) interpersonal factors; (7) events away from work. Although there was insufficient evidence for many associations, social support was consistently found to protect against the development of mental health conditions, and peritraumatic dissociation, prior mental health issues, and prior trauma exposure were risk factors for future mental health conditions. Among operational studies, neuroticism was significantly associated with future PTSD symptoms, burnout, and general poor mental health, and avoidance and intrusion symptoms of PTSD were associated with future PTSD and depression symptoms. The current review results provide important targets for future research and interventions designed to improve the mental health of emergency services personnel.


Subject(s)
Psychopathology , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Mental Health , Prospective Studies , Protective Factors , Risk Factors , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology
13.
Aust N Z J Psychiatry ; 55(2): 180-195, 2021 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32615800

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study presents rates of suicide thoughts and behaviours of police and emergency services personnel around Australia. In addition, it examines personal (i.e. mental health, substance use) and working environment risk and protective factors. METHOD: A stratified random sample of personnel from 33 Australian emergency services organisations were invited to participate in a mental health and wellbeing survey. In total, 14,868 Australian ambulance, fire and rescue, police and state emergency services employees participated and self-reported any suicidal thoughts, plans and/or attempts in the 12 months prior to the survey or at any stage in their life. Logistic regressions assessed factors associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours. RESULTS: Employees reported notably higher rates of suicidal thoughts and plans than the general Australian adult population, but not attempts. Male, single/divorced, non-heterosexual or longer-serving employees reported higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviours across each sector. Perceptions of stigma regarding mental health conditions from others in the workplace, negative impact of work on one's private life and low meaning of work were associated with suicidal thoughts, while bullying significantly differentiated who planned and attempted suicide from those who reported suicidal thoughts only. Higher resilience and social support were associated with lower suicidal thoughts, while intermittent explosive anger and illegal drug use were associated with higher rates of suicidal thoughts. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms significantly differentiated who planned suicide, while misuse of prescription drugs and psychological distress differentiated who attempted suicide from those who only reported suicidal thoughts. CONCLUSION: Amid inherently stressful occupations, it is important that workplaces function in a way that supports their personnel. Access to mental health services should be promoted and readily available to personnel.


Subject(s)
Police , Suicidal Ideation , Australia/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Prevalence , Suicide, Attempted
14.
J Occup Rehabil ; 31(1): 197-206, 2021 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32617784

ABSTRACT

Purpose To assess employees' experiences of the workers' compensation claim process for psychological trauma, stress or a mental health condition sustained during the course of work in the police and emergency services sector. Methods 14,868 employees (69.4% male, response rate = 22%) from around Australia participated in Answering the Call: the Beyond Blue National Mental Health and Wellbeing Study of Police and Emergency Services, and were asked questions regarding their workers' compensation experiences for mental health reasons. Results 14% of all employees in police and emergency services organisations had made a workers' compensation claim for mental health reasons. Only 8.2% of employees making a claim had a positive experience (95% CI 6.6-9.8) while 70.3% had a poor experience (95% CI 67.6-73.0). Two-thirds of employees who had made a claim reported that the process was unsupportive and stressful, and over half reported that it had an overall negative impact on their recovery. Employees with poor overall support from their managers and those who perceived negative stigma about mental health in their workplace were more likely to report poor experiences. Conclusions The workers' compensation process is perceived negatively by most police and emergency services employees who have experience with it, and a majority found that it negatively impacted on their recovery. Ways to reform the system to better support employees experiencing significant functional impairments related to mental health issues should be urgently considered.


Subject(s)
Police , Workers' Compensation , Australia , Female , Humans , Male , Mental Health , Workplace
15.
Psychol Med ; 51(12): 1992-2002, 2021 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32264978

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Self-harm is a significant public health issue, and both our understanding and ability to predict adverse outcomes are currently inadequate. The current study explores how preventative efforts could be aided through short-term prediction and modelling of risk factors for self-harm. METHODS: Patients (72% female, Mage = 40.3 years) within an inpatient psychiatric facility self-reported their psychological distress, interpersonal circumstances, and wish to live and die on a daily basis during 3690 unique admissions. Hierarchical logistic regressions assessed whether daily changes in self-report and history of self-harm could predict self-harm, with machine learning used to train and test the model. To assess interrelationships between predictors, network and cross-lagged panel models were performed. RESULTS: Increases in a wish to die (ß = 1.34) and psychological distress (ß = 1.07) on a daily basis were associated with increased rates of self-harm, while a wish to die on the day prior [odds ratio (OR) 3.02] and a history of self-harm (OR 3.02) was also associated with self-harm. The model detected 77.7% of self-harm incidents (positive predictive value = 26.6%, specificity = 79.1%). Psychological distress, wish to live and die, and interpersonal factors were reciprocally related over the prior day. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term fluctuations in self-reported mental health may provide an indication of when an individual is at-risk of self-harm. Routine monitoring may provide useful feedback to clinical staff to reduce risk of self-harm. Modifiable risk factors identified in the current study may be targeted during interventions to minimise risk of self-harm.


Subject(s)
Self-Injurious Behavior , Suicidal Ideation , Humans , Female , Adult , Male , Self Report , Self-Injurious Behavior/epidemiology , Self-Injurious Behavior/psychology , Risk Factors , Mental Health
16.
Depress Anxiety ; 37(12): 1253-1260, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33001532

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Bivalent Fear of Evaluation Model proposes that the fears of positive and negative evaluation each uniquely contribute to social anxiety severity. However, the debate continues as to whether these are distinct constructs, and, if so, the degree of influence each has on social anxiety severity. This study used a longitudinal evaluation of these relationships in a clinical sample to identify whether the two fears differentially change over time and differentially relate to social anxiety severity. METHODS: Individuals with a social anxiety disorder (N = 105) completed measures of fears of negative and positive evaluation weekly, and social interaction anxiety monthly, for 12 weeks. Temporal relationships were assessed using residual dynamic structural equation modeling. RESULTS: Fears of positive and negative evaluation both predicted the future status of the other (ϕ = 0.18, 95% credibility interval [0.10-0.28] and ϕ = 0.22 [0.12-0.35], respectively). Fear of negative evaluation (ϕ = 0.16 [0.05-0.28]) but not positive evaluation (ϕ < 0.01 [-0.09 to 0.10]) directly predicted future social anxiety severity. Fear of positive evaluation only indirectly predicted anxiety severity via fear of negative evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Previous fears of negative evaluation could not fully explain future fears of positive evaluation (or vice-versa), which is consistent with the two constructs being likely distinct in social anxiety disorder. Given its more direct relationship with social anxiety severity, fear of negative evaluation should be targeted in treatment, as this could both directly reduce social anxiety severity and minimize the indirect impact of fear of positive evaluation.


Subject(s)
Phobia, Social , Anxiety/epidemiology , Fear , Humans , Models, Psychological , Phobia, Social/epidemiology , Social Interaction
17.
Psychol Assess ; 32(12): 1106-1117, 2020 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33030937

ABSTRACT

Suicide is a leading cause of morbidity, yet a significant challenge to receiving adequate support is an unwillingness to disclose mental health issues. The current study explores reasons for nondisclosure among emergency personnel, a population at risk of developing mental health problems. Twenty-nine police, ambulance, and fire and rescue agencies from around Australia participated in a mental health and wellbeing survey (N = 14,536, male = 60.5%, 52.0% over 45 years of age, heterosexual = 92.5%). Rates of mental health issues and perceptions of stigma were compared between participants who answered suicide-related questions and those who preferred not to say. Participants who preferred not to answer suicide-related questions (n = 1,098) reported higher rates of psychological distress (symptoms of depression and anxiety), and lower wellbeing and social support, than those who reported suicidal thoughts (n = 1,966) or no suicidal thoughts (n = 11,472). Perceptions of mental health stigma within the workplace, and regarding one's own mental health, also tended to be higher among nonresponders. Imputing their responses based on this survey information resulted in notably higher rates of estimated suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts. Allowing for nondisclosure in self-report measures of suicide may provide more accurate prevalence estimates and facilitate identification of individuals most at risk of suicide. Addressing stigma in the workplace and also regarding one's own mental health issues may act to improve disclosure of suicidal thoughts and adaptive help-seeking behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).


Subject(s)
Emergency Responders/psychology , Self Disclosure , Suicidal Ideation , Suicide, Attempted , Adult , Anxiety , Australia/epidemiology , Emergency Medical Services , Female , Humans , Male , Mental Health , Mental Health Services , Middle Aged , Self Report , Social Stigma , Social Support , Suicide/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires
18.
J Affect Disord ; 252: 315-324, 2019 06 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30999088

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A limited amount of research has assessed how suicide risk changes over time, and how changes can be predicted. The current study assessed suicidal ideation and risk factors throughout inpatient visits to a psychiatric facility to refine prediction of suicide risk. METHOD: In total, 491 patients (73% Female; mean age = 39.21) at a psychiatric inpatient facility self-reported the frequency of their suicidal thoughts, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, hopelessness, depression, and anxiety in the prior 24 h on a daily basis. Levels of suicidal ideation and risk factors at each quarter of an inpatient's stay were identified, and latent class growth analysis used to identify common patterns of change over time. RESULTS: Changes in mood and interpersonal factors were associated with changes in suicidal ideation over days and weeks. Further, they contributed to the prediction of future levels of suicidal ideation. Thwarted belongingness at admission predicted whether patients had pervasively high suicidal thoughts over the course of inpatient visits or showed marked improvements, while perceived burdensomeness predicted which patients would develop suicidal thoughts during their visit. LIMITATIONS: The use of single item measures may limit specificity of measurement of suicide risk factors. Hourly, rather than daily measurement used in the current study, may more accurately identify suicide risk. CONCLUSIONS: Change in suicidal ideation is associated with changes in a number of psychological risk factors. Regular assessment of interpersonal risk factors may identify warning signs and aid clinical interventions in reducing suicidal thoughts and associated self-injurious behaviours.


Subject(s)
Affect , Inpatients/psychology , Interpersonal Relations , Suicidal Ideation , Time Factors , Adult , Depression/psychology , Female , Hospitals, Psychiatric , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Self Concept
19.
J Consult Clin Psychol ; 86(6): 556-567, 2018 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29781653

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The study assessed suicidal ideation and interpersonal variables to explore the extent to which (a) changes in interpersonal factors predicted future suicidal ideation and (b) changes in either predicted nonsuicidal self-injury. METHOD: In total, 1,044 patients (72.3% Female; mean age = 41.95) at a psychiatric inpatient facility were assessed daily for suicidal thoughts. If patients indicated suicidal thinking (n = 417), their feelings of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness were assessed. RESULTS: There was a reciprocal relationship between suicidal ideation and interpersonal factors, with both predicting each other on the next day. Changes in suicidal ideation, but not interpersonal factors, over two days were a significant predictor of 22.6% of nonsuicidal self-injury cases (n = 67). CONCLUSIONS: The findings reinforce the need for more intensive assessment of suicidal ideation (i.e., days, hours) to determine complex relationships with risk factors. This acts to enhance prediction and prevention of suicidal ideation and nonsuicidal self-injury. (PsycINFO Database Record


Subject(s)
Inpatients/psychology , Interpersonal Relations , Self-Injurious Behavior/psychology , Suicidal Ideation , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...