How do social networks, perception of social isolation, and loneliness affect depressive symptoms among Japanese adults?

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate the complex relationship among social isolation, loneliness, and perception of social isolation and its influence on depressive symptoms by evaluating a hypothetical model. This understanding is essential for the formulation of effective intervention strategies. METHODS: We conducted an online survey on Japanese adults (N = 3,315) and used the six-item Lubben Social Network Scale to assess the size of their social networks. We employed a single question to gauge their perception of social isolation. Loneliness was assessed using the three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, and depressive symptoms were examined using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypothesized model. RESULTS: The final model demonstrated satisfactory fit with data (χ2 (1) = 3.73; not significant; RMSEA = 0.03; CFI = 1.00; TLI = 1.00). The size of social network demonstrated a weak negative path to loneliness and depressive symptoms (ß = -.13 to -.04). Notably, a strong positive association existed between perception of social isolation and loneliness (ß = .66) and depressive symptoms (ß = .27). Additionally, a significant positive relationship was found between loneliness and depressive symptoms (ß = .40). Mediation analysis indicated that perception of social isolation and loneliness significantly intensified the relationships between social networks and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that interventions of psychological approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, are effective in reducing the perception of social isolation and loneliness, which may lead to the prevention of depressive symptoms. Future longitudinal studies are expected to refine and strengthen the proposed model.

Synthesis, optical properties and crystal structure of (E,E)-1,3-(3,4:9,10-dibenzododeca-1,11-diene-5,7-diyne-1,12-di-yl)benzene.

The de-hydro-benzannulene (E,E)-1,3-(3,4:9,10-dibenzododeca-1,11-diene-5,7-diyne-1,12-di-yl)benzene, C26H16, was successfully synthesized via photocatalyst-assisted stereoselective reductive de-sulfonyl-ation of 1,3-bis-{1-phenyl-sulfonyl-2-[2-(tri-methyl-silylethyn-yl)phen-yl]ethen-yl}benzene, C44H42O4S2Si2, and subsequent desilylative cyclization of the resulting (E,E)-bis-silyl-protected dienyne, C32H34Si2. The structure of the de-hydro-benzannulene thus obtained was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis; three benzene rings are connected to one another by a 1,3-butadiynylene and a pair of ethenylene arrays. Although the π-system expanded efficiently in the de-hydro-benzannulene, it was observed that the butadiynylene and ethenylene arrays were strained, showing smaller [171.3 (2)-172.6 (2) °] and larger bond angles [122.5 (2)-131.9 (2)°] than the conventional bond angles, respectively. In CHCl3, the de-hydro-benzannulene showed the longest absorption band at 377 nm. When irradiated by UV light, it emitted fluorescence at 468 nm (ΦF = 0.26) and 504 nm (ΦF = 0.24) in CHCl3 and in the powdered state, respectively.

Role of innate and acquired resilience in behavioral system, mental health, and internet addiction among Japanese adolescents in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: This study examines mediation models in which behavioral inhibition and activation systems (BIS/BAS) impact internet addiction through mental health and the moderating roles of innate and acquired resilience in the models. Methods: The data set used in this study was a cross-sectional survey among 952 adolescents in July 2021. Internet Addiction Test, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, BIS/BAS scales, and Depression Self-Rating Scale were used for analysis. After controlling for gender, the mediation and moderated mediation models were examined. Results: The results revealed that depressive symptoms partially mediated the relationship between BIS and internet addiction and between BAS-fun-seeking (BAS-FS) and internet addiction. Innate and acquired resilience moderated the relationship between depressive symptoms and internet addiction. The indirect effect of innate and acquired resilience on internet addiction via depressive symptoms was statistically significant in both low and high innate and acquired resilience. The results of conditional indirect effect analysis indicated that the depressive symptoms-internet addiction association decreased with the increase of innate or acquired resilience level. Discussion: Our results suggested that depression symptoms played a significant mediation role in the relationships between BIS/BAS and internet addiction, and higher innate and acquired resilience was associated with a reduced risk of internet addiction. BIS/BAS may be a risk for internet dependence via mental health, and innate and acquired resilience appears to serve as a protective factor.

The mediating role of hope in relation with fear of COVID-19 and mental health: A study on tertiary level students of Rajshahi District.

Background and Aims: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is influential in all parts of people's lives, specifically psychological states due to the fear related to the pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the mediating role of hope in the connection between the fear of COVID-19 and mental health among tertiary college students of Rajshahi district during the COVID-19 disease. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among tertiary college students a sample of 498 participants (53.4% females and 46.6% males) ranged between ages 19 and 31 (M = 22.03 ± 1.92) and participants filled out the fear of COVID-19 Scale, Trait Hope Scale, and General Health Questionnaire. Result: In the case of correlation analysis, fear of COVID-19 is reversely correlated with mental health, while lower but positive correlations were found with hope. Findings from the process macro v3.5 by Hayes analysis for the study model indicated that hope mediated in the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and mental health controlling for gender, and socioeconomic status, and the hypothesized model explained approximately 27% of the variance in mental health. Conclusion: Overall, the findings suggest that a high level of mental health is impacted by a low level of fear of COVID-19. Additionally, a low level of fear of COVID-19 contributes to increasing levels of hope, which enhances mental health.

The Big Five personality traits and the fear of COVID-19 in predicting depression and anxiety among Japanese nurses caring for COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional study in Wakayama prefecture.

Recent studies have found a relationship between fear of COVID-19 and mental health problems. Medical workers caring for COVID-19 patients tend to suffer from mental health problems; however, the impact of their personality traits, in the form of mental problems like depression and anxiety in Japan is unclear. In this study, we investigated the risk of nurses' depression and anxiety, predicted by the fear of COVID-19 and the Big Five personality traits. A total of 417 nurses working in hospitals providing care to COVID-19 patients in Wakayama prefecture of the Kansai region participated in this study. The questionnaires comprised items on nurses' basic characteristics and three scales: the Fear of COVID-19 Scale 2020, the Big-Five Scale, and the Japanese version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Depression and anxiety in the HADS were set as dependent variables, and basic attributes, fear, and personality traits as independent variables; multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. The questionnaire, with no missing items was distributed from February to March 2021. Neuroticism (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.03-1.09) was the only significant factor associated with the depression symptom, and both FCV-19S scores (OR = 1.16, 95%CI = 1.09-1.23) and neuroticism (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.06-1.13) were the significant factors associated with anxiety. The Nagelkerke's R squared was 0.171 in the depression model and 0.366 in the anxiety model. Thus, it was found that it is necessary to support nurses' mental health by developing methods suitable to their personalities.

Observation of Spin-Splitter Torque in Collinear Antiferromagnetic RuO_{2}.

The spin-splitter effect is theoretically predicted to generate an unconventional spin current with x- and z- spin polarization via the spin-split band in antiferromagnets. The generated torque, namely, spin-splitter torque, is effective for the manipulation of magnetization in an adjacent magnetic layer without an external magnetic field for spintronic devices such as MRAM. Here, we study the generation of torque in collinear antiferromagnetic RuO_{2} with (100), (101), and (001) crystal planes. Next we find all x-, y-, and z-polarized spin currents depending on the Néel vector direction in RuO_{2}(101). For RuO_{2}(100) and (001), only y-polarized spin current was present, which is independent of the Néel vector. Using the z-polarized spin currents, we demonstrate field-free switching of the perpendicular magnetized ferromagnet at room temperature. The spin-splitter torque generated from RuO_{2} is verified to be useful for the switching phenomenon and paves the way for a further understanding of the detailed mechanism of the spin-splitter effect and for developing antiferromagnetic spin-orbitronics.

The roles of trait and process resilience in relation of BIS/BAS and depressive symptoms among adolescents.

Background: Extensive literature revealed the relations of depression with behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system (BAS) as vulnerability and with resilience separately. Besides, the concept of resilience is still broad and ambiguous. Thus, this study aimed to reveal the mediation of two aspects of resilience: trait and process, in the relations of BIS and BAS to depression among adolescents. Methods: The data set used in this study was a cross-sectional survey among 965 adolescents. The obtained data from the self-reported questionnaires used in this study were as below: Depression Serf-Rating Scale for Children (DSRS-C), Behavioral Inhibition and Behavioral Activation System Scale (BIS/BASS), and Bidimensional Resilience Scale (BRS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to verify the hypothesized relations among BIS/BAS, trait and behavior resilience, and depressive symptoms. Results: The obtained indices of fit from SEM were good or sufficient (χ 2 = 562.911, df = 96, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.925; NFI = 0.913; RMSEA = 0.073, 90% CI [0.067, 0.079]; SRMR = 0.066). And the modeling showed that both BIS/BAS directly and indirectly influenced to depression. The indirect effects of BIS/BAS were mediated only trait resilience except the indirect effect of BIS via behavioral resilience. Discussion: Our results suggested that trait resilience played a significant mediation role in the relationships between BIS/BAS and depression. Trait but not process resilience could be considered suitable as an intervention target in line with decreasing depression.

Supportive evidence for the State Self-Compassion Scale using Japanese samples.

Self-compassion (SC) is a trait of having a compassionate attitude toward oneself when experiencing a difficult situation. Recent studies focused on its temporal fluctuation; moreover, Neff et al. (2021) developed a scale to assess the state level of SC. Although its psychometric reliability and validity were confirmed, it was unclear whether it could be adopted in diverse samples. Therefore, we aimed to provide additional evidence using Japanese samples that are recognized as having a high propensity for self-criticism. Study 1 (preregistered) and Study 2 compared several factor models of the scale and demonstrated that the bifactor model using exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was the best solution. Moreover, the state scale performed better in predicting affect than the trait SC, supporting the incremental validity. Most of the correlations with the trait SC and the positive/negative affect were nearly as expected. In Study 3, an experimental induction of SC indicated that those in the SC condition experienced an improved state SC after the writing tasks, whereas those in the control condition did not. Study 4 replicated these results and revealed that state SC was more easily improved by the writing manipulation than trait SC. Most of the previous research's results were replicated; furthermore, additional supportive evidence was established across the four studies. We suggest the utility of the State Self-Compassion Scale and discuss some different findings obtained from the Western samples from a cultural perspective. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

High quantum yield photochemical water oxidation using a water-soluble cobalt phthalocyanine as a homogenous catalyst.

We demonstrated high catalytic activity (TON = 670, TOFmax = 2.7 s-1) of a water-soluble cobalt phthalocyanine complex (CoPcTS, PcTS = phthalocyaninetetrasulfonate) for visible light-driven photochemical water oxidation and investigated its reaction mechanism by electrochemical and spectroscopic measurements.

Mental health and psychological resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-cultural comparison of Japan, Malaysia, China, and the U.S.

BACKGROUND: The current study examined how psychological resilience acted as a buffer against mental health deterioration during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We conducted an online survey in four countries (Japan, Malaysia, China, and the U.S.) to examine how psychological resilience functions toward the maintenance of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We collected data from 1583 citizens from four countries via an online survey between October 14 and November 2, 2020. We gathered demographic data and measured mental distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) and fear of COVID-19. Data on sense of control, ego-resilience, grit, self-compassion, and resilience indicators were also collected. RESULTS: Sense of control was negatively associated with mental distress in all four countries. Self-compassion was negatively associated with mental distress in the samples from Japan, China, and the U.S. We also found an interaction effect for sense of control: the lower the sense of control, the stronger the deterioration of mental distress when the fear of COVID-19 was high. LIMITATIONS: This study's cross-sectional design precludes causal inferences. Further, lack of data from people who were actually infected with the virus limits comparisons of people who were and were not infected. Finally, as this study only compared data from four countries, comparisons with more countries are needed. CONCLUSIONS: A sense of control and self-compassion may help buffer against mental health deterioration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sense of control was consistently associated with mental health across cultures.

Impact of a single school-based intervention for COVID-19 on improving mental health among Japanese children.

An underlying concern about the COVID-19 pandemic is the decline of children's mental health. The present study is aimed to investigate whether a single school-based intervention, including self-monitoring and psychoeducation for COVID-19, effectively achieved its aim to promote children's mental health. The study was conducted in a junior high school. We assigned the third grade as the intervention group, the second grade as the announcement group, and the first grade as the control group. We hypothesized that the intervention group would experience improved mental health and reduced fear of COVID-19 compared to the announcement and control groups. Interaction effects were observed only for depression, indicating a significant effect in the intervention group. These findings suggest that a single school-based intervention that includes self-monitoring and psychoeducation for COVID-19 can help improve children's mental health. It is suggested that school-based interventions that intend to raise children's awareness of COVID-19 promote their healthy development and adaptation to crises within the school.

Long-Term Limitation Effects of Se(VI), Zn(II), and Ni(II) on Start-Up of the Anammox Process Using Gel Carrier.

Anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) bacteria are inhibited by heavy metals at high concentrations but require trace amounts of some heavy-metal elements for growth and activity maintenance. The present study evaluates the long-term limitation effects of Se(VI), Zn(II), and Ni(II) on the start-up period of an anammox reactor. To strictly limit the levels of heavy metals in the reactor, all tests used ultrapure water as the influent synthetic wastewater and all reactors were installed in a clean booth. The anammox biomass was maintained through the gel entrapment technique. In the absence of Se(VI) and Ni(II), the anammox reactor start-up was 18.9 kg-N (m3-carrier d)-1 (nitrogen conversion rate (NCR) per gel carriers), indicating that Se(VI) and Ni(II) are not required or need not be continuously added to maintain the anammox process. Under Zn(II) limitation, the anammox process failed to start-up and the NCR tended to decrease rapidly. After readdition of 0.005 mg L-1 of Zn(II), the NCR did not decline further and instead partially recovered at a very slow rate. The NCR was completely recovered after adding 0.020 mg L-1 of Zn(II). These results reveal that Zn(II) limitation seriously affects the start-up of the anammox process while Se(VI) and Ni(II) are not required or need not be continuously added to the anammox process.

Proposed Cut-Off Score for the Japanese Version of the Fear of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Scale (FCV-19S): Evidence from a Large-Scale National Survey in Japan.

The Fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Scale (FCV-19S) is a seven-item self-administered psychological scale for measuring the fear of this disease. The scale has been widely adapted and validated worldwide. This study aimed to propose a cut-off score for the validated Japanese version of the FCV-19S. We conducted a nationwide online survey and included 26,286 respondents in the analysis. Respondents answered questions on their sociodemographic characteristics, and using the FCV-19S and six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, we measured psychological distress and assessed whether the fear of COVID-19 interfered with their daily lives. A total score of ≥21 points was considered adequate to identify those with psychological distress or difficulties in daily living because of the fear of COVID-19. This cut-off score will contribute to mental health assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interest Consistency Can Buffer the Effect of COVID-19 Fear on Psychological Distress.

In the context of a recent outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the present study investigated the buffering effect of grit on the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and psychological distress. The data were collected from 224 Japanese participants (98 females; mean age = 46.56, SD = 13.41) in July 2020. The measures used in this study included the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), Short Grit Scale, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21 (DASS). The results of mediation analyses revealed significant indirect effects of consistency of interest, a major component of grit, on psychological distress (depression: estimate = .042; 95% CI: [.008, .088], anxiety: estimate = .021; 95% CI: [.001, .050], and stress: estimate = .030; 95% CI: [.004, .066]); we also found non-significant indirect effects of perseverance of effort, another major component of grit, on psychological distress. These results suggest that consistency of interest buffers the psychological distress induced by fear of COVID-19. Based on these results, it can be concluded that individuals with higher consistency of interest are less likely to experience worsening of their mental health, even if they experience fear of COVID-19 during the pandemic.

The effect of passion for activities on fear of COVID-19 and mental health among the Japanese population.

As the ongoing pandemic limited the lives of the general population, people engaged in their favorite activities; either in alternative ways or while disregarding the restrictions. These activities and people's engagement in such activities are considered to have a significant impact on mental health. Thus, this study aimed to examine the relationship between two types of passion (harmonious passion and obsessive passion), fear of COVID-19, and mental distress. Thus, a total of 322 Japanese participants completed an online questionnaire. The results showed that harmonious passion (HP) was negatively related to mental distress. Conversely, obsessive passion (OP) was positively related to fear of COVID-19 and mental distress. The fear of COVID-19 had a positive relationship with mental distress. This study evidenced that HP is a protective factor against pandemics as it improves mental health during a pandemic. However, OP is a risk factor as it amplifies fear of COVID-19. Focusing on distinct types of passion may prove effective in improving mental health amidst the pandemic.

Socioeconomic Impacts of the COVID-19 Lockdown on the Mental Health and Life Satisfaction of the Japanese Population.

COVID-19 has been a global challenge ever since its emergence, with reports suggesting negative effects on the mental health and well-being of people. We investigated the associations of the socioeconomic changes driven by the pandemic, illness, well-being, and fear of COVID-19 in Japan. Totally, 565 Japanese individuals completed an online survey, including questions on their self-restraint and changing incomes, and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale; Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale; and present, past, and future life satisfaction scale. Analysis using structural equation models revealed that refraining from going out was a predictor of illness due to the fear of COVID-19. Decreased income predicted increased illness, but was not due to fear of COVID-19. These results suggested that the interaction between decreased time outside and increased fear of COVID-19 could affect illness. Our study suggests the role of fear of COVID-19 during pandemic and the socioeconomic impacts on mental health.

RE-COVER project: A survey on resilience, mental health, and fear of Covid-19 in four countries.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of people worldwide. Psychological resilience has been shown to buffer against the threat of the pandemic (i.e., COVID-19 fear) and sustain mental health. The extent to which psychological resilience factors impact mental health maintenance, however, is unclear, given broad differences in infection rates, prevention approaches, government interventions across different cultures and contexts. Our study examines resilience factors and how they protect individuals from COVID-19-related fear and sustain their mental health. DATA DESCRIPTION: Data were collected from 1583 (Mage = 32.22, SD = 12.90, Range = 19-82) respondents from Japan, China, the United States, and Malaysia between October to November 2020. We collected data across age and sex, marital status, number of children, and occupations. We also accounted for stay-at-home measures, change in income, COVID-19 infection status, place of residence, and subjective social status in the study. Our variables included mental health-related and resilience constructs, namely (i) fear of COVID-19, (ii) depression, anxiety, and stress; (iii) present, past, and future life satisfaction, (iv) sense of control, (v) positive emotions, (vi) ego-resilience, (vii) grit, (viii) self-compassion, (ix) passion, and (x) relational mobility. All questionnaires were assessed for their suitability across the four countries with the necessary translation checks. Results from this study can be instrumental in examining the impact of multiple resilience factors and their interaction with demographic variables in shaping mental health outcomes.

Correction to: Interest Consistency Can Buffer the Effect of COVID-19 Fear on Psychological Distress.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00564-5.].