Socioeconomic status, loneliness, and depression among older adults: a cross-sectional study in Spain.

BACKGROUND: The association between socioeconomic status and depression is weaker in older adults than in younger populations. Loneliness may play a significant role in this relationship, explaining (at least partially) the attenuation of the social gradient in depression. The current study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status and depression and whether the association was affected by loneliness. METHODS: A cross-sectional design involving dwelling and nursing homes residents was used. A total of 887 Spanish residents aged over 64 years took part in the study. Measures of Depression (GDS-5 Scale), Loneliness (De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale), Socioeconomic Status (Education and Economic Hardship), and sociodemographic parameters were used. The study employed bivariate association tests (chi-square and Pearson's r) and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The percentage of participants at risk of suffering depression was significantly higher among those who had not completed primary education (45.5%) and significantly lower among those with university qualifications (16.4%) (X2 = 40.25;p <.001), and respondents who could not make ends meet in financial terms faced a higher risk of depression (X2 = 23.62;p <.001). In terms of the respondents who experienced loneliness, 57.5% were at risk of depression, compared to 19% of those who did not report loneliness (X2 = 120.04;p <.001). The logistic regression analyses showed that having university qualifications meant a 47% reduction in the risk of depression. This risk was 86% higher among respondents experiencing financial difficulties. However, when scores for the loneliness measure were incorporated, the coefficients relating to education and economic hardships ceased to be significant or were significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: Loneliness can contribute to explaining the role played by socioeconomic inequalities in depression among older adults.

The Relationship between Subjective Aging and Cognition in Elderly People: A Systematic Review.

There is a growing body of evidence on the effects of subjective aging on health, well-being and quality of life. This review aims to synthesize findings about the link between subjective aging and cognition and cognitive decline. Furthermore, it provides an examination of variation sources such as subjective aging construct, cognitive domains, measures employed, age and moderator variables. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, PsychInfo and Web of Science, as well as grey literature searches in Google Scholar, OpenGrey, WorldCat and NDLTD, which resulted in 59 reports being included. Subjective aging is a relevant construct in the explanation and prediction of cognitive aging and cognitive decline in elderly adults. More positive views about own aging and self-perceptions of aging, as well as a younger subjective age, were consistently related to better cognition and lower risk of cognitive decline. However, there were differences due to subjective aging subdimensions and cognitive domains, as well as an effect of age. Additionally, there were concerns about the content validity of some measures employed, such as the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale for subjective aging and the Mini Mental State Examination for global cognition. Further studies should employ longitudinal designs with a process-based approach to cognition and precise subjective aging measures.

Exploring daily patterns of work engagement among teachers: a latent growth modeling approach / Explorando patrones diarios de engagement en docentes: una aproximación mediante modelos de crecimiento latente

BACKGROUND: Starting from the Demands-Resources model, our aims through this diary research were to explore daily diary fluctuations in work engagement in a sample of teachers and to look for the effects of that on affect and satisfaction at home. METHOD: Several Latent Growth Curve (LCGA) models were run on two dimensions of work engagement (vigor and dedication) with an exploratory focus, to look for different grouped oscillation patterns. Then, several repeated measures MANCOVA explored whether those patterns were related to affect and satisfaction at night. RESULTS: Two distinct latent trajectories were found for work engagement dimensions. However, neither of them showed any notable development over time. Furthermore, our latent classes were found to be related to inter-individual differences in positive and negative affect, and the satisfaction at home domain, but no interesting within-subjects (overall time) effects were found. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to our expectations, we provide some evidence of the stability of work engagement over the working week. In addition, following previous results, work engagement levels across the working week were found to be related to levels of affect and satisfaction at home, adding evidence to the spillover potential of work engagement on individuals' key personal resources

ANTECEDENTES: partiendo del modelo de demandas y recursos, este estudio pretende explorar distintos patrones semanales de oscilación en el compromiso laboral de una muestra de maestros, y observar cómo dichos patrones se relacionan con los niveles de afecto y satisfacción en su ámbito extralaboral. MÉTODO: las trayectorias se fijaron mediante varios modelos de curva latente (LCGA) en dos dimensiones del compromiso laboral (vigor y dedicación). Luego, una serie de MANCOVA de medidas repetidas exploraron la relación entre dichas trayectorias y los niveles de afecto y satisfacción extra laboral. RESULTADOS: se localizaron dos trayectorias distintas para ambas dimensiones. No obstante, no se observaron grandes oscilaciones temporales. Asimismo, las trayectorias se relacionaron con diferencias individuales en los niveles de afecto y satisfacción en contexto extralaboral. No se apreciaron efectos intra-sujeto (tiempo) reseñables. CONCLUSIONES: a pesar de evidencias previas, los análisis parecen indicar que el compromiso laboral se comporta de forma estable. Por otro lado, se observó un efecto de contagio entre el nivel de compromiso laboral, el afecto y la satisfacción en el contexto extralaboral, añadiendo evidencia a la relación entre el compromiso y los recursos personales de los trabajadores

Exploring daily patterns of work engagement among teachers: A Latent growth modeling approach.

BACKGROUND: Starting from the Demands-Resources model, our aims through this diary research were to explore daily diary fluctuations in work engagement in a sample of teachers and to look for the effects of that on affect and satisfaction at home. METHOD: Several Latent Growth Curve (LCGA) models were run on two dimensions of work engagement (vigor and dedication) with an exploratory focus, to look for different grouped oscillation patterns. Then, several repeated measures MANCOVA explored whether those patterns were related to affect and satisfaction at night. RESULTS: Two distinct latent trajectories were found for work engagement dimensions. However, neither of them showed any notable development over time. Furthermore, our latent classes were found to be related to inter-individual differences in positive and negative affect, and the satisfaction at home domain, but no interesting within-subjects (overall time) effects were found. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to our expectations, we provide some evidence of the stability of work engagement over the working week. In addition, following previous results, work engagement levels across the working week were found to be related to levels of affect and satisfaction at home, adding evidence to the spillover potential of work engagement on individuals' key personal resources.

Influencia de los factores psicosociales en la enfermedad de Crohn / Influence of psychosocial factors in Crohn's disease / Influência de fatores psicossociais na doença de Crohn

OBJETIVO: Conocer la influencia de los factores psicosociales en la enfermedad de Crohn. METODOLOGÍA: Se utilizó la Escala de Estrés Percibido, la Escala de Apoyo Social Percibido y la Escala Multidimensional de Locus de Control. Se recopilaron los datos de pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn - en fase de brote y quiescencia - y sanos. Los niveles de estos factores se compararon para conocer su impacto en la enfermedad de Crohn. RESULTADOS: Diferencias estadísticamente significativas se encontraron en las tres variables en los grupos. Los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn en fase de brote percibieron los niveles de estrés más altos. Los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn que estaban en fase de recidiva presentaron los mayores niveles de apoyo social, identificándose el efecto modulador que tiene esta variable sobre el estrés. Y, por último, los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn con brote presentaron mayor nivel de locus de control externo. CONCLUSIÓN: Son necesarias intervenciones enfermeras en la enfermedad de Crohn relacionadas con mayor manejo del estrés, aumento del apoyo social y disminución del locus de control externo

OBJECTIVE: To know the influence of psychosocial factors in the Crohn ́s disease. METHODOLOGY: The Perceived Stress Scale, Scale of Social Support Perceived and Multidimensional Scale of Locus of Control was used. Data was collected from patients with Crohn ́s disease -in outbreak and quiescence phase- and healthy. The levels ofthese factors were compared to know its impact in the Crohn ́s disease. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences found in the three variables in the groups. Patients with Crohn's disease outbreak phase perceived the highest stress levels. Patients with Crohn's disease who were in the relapse phase had the highest levels of social support, identifying the modulating effect that this variable has on stress. And finally, patients with Crohn's disease with outbreak had a higher level of external control locus. CONCLUSIONS:Nurse interventions are necessary in the Crohn ́s disease therapy in order to better manage the stress, increase the social support network and change the locus of control, decreasing the external locus of control

OBJETIVO: Conhecer a influência de fatores psicossociais na doença de Crohn. METODOLOGIA: Utilizou-se a Escala de Estresse Percebido, Escala de Apoio Social Percebido e Escala Multidimensional de Lócus de Controle. Os dados foram coletados de pacientes com doença de Crohn - em fase de cessação e quiescência - e saudáveis. Os níveis desses fatores foram comparados para conhecer seu impacto na doença de Crohn. RESULTADOS: Diferenças estatisticamente significantes foram encontradas nas três variáveis nos grupos. Pacientes com doença de Crohn na fase de exacerbação perceberam os maiores níveis de estresse. Pacientes com doença de Crohn em fase de remissão apresentaram os maiores níveis de suporte social, identificando o efeito modulador dessa variável no estresse. E finalmente, os pacientes com doença de Crohn exacerbaçao tinham um nível mais alto de locus de controle externo. CONCLUSÃO: As intervenções do enfermeiro são necessárias na terapia da doença de Crohn para melhor manejo do estresse, aumento da rede de apoio social e mudança do locus de controle, diminuindo o locus de controle externo

La influencia de la pareja en el ajuste a la enfermedad cardiaca / The influence of the couple in coping with heart disease

Resumen El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la influencia del apoyo social de la pareja en el ajuste a la enfermedad cardiaca, así como su influencia en la adhesión a las pautas clínicas. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 109 pacientes con sus parejas. Se llevaron a cabo las mediciones mientras realizaban el Programa de Rehabilitación Cardiaca del Hospital Ramón y Cajal de Madrid. Los resultados indican que la pareja no es una fuente de apoyo relevante para el ajuste a la enfermedad del paciente (apoyo recibido [p = 0.46] y satisfacción con el apoyo recibido [p = 0.41]. Sin embargo, el apoyo de la pareja sí resulta especialmente importante de cara al cumplimiento de hábitos cardiosaludables, sobre todo en el seguimiento realizado a los 8 y a los 12 meses (p < 0.001), lo que conduce a analizar la posibilidad de que la pareja no sea importante para el ajuste a la enfermedad debido posiblemente a que la muestra está pasando por una intervención clínica y, por tanto, es posible que otras fuentes como profesionales de la salud u otros pacientes estén ejerciendo un papel predominante de apoyo. En el momento en que esta supervisión clínica desaparece, el apoyo de la pareja es de vital importancia para la adhesión a las pautas recomendadas, las cuales tienen relación con cambios en el estilo de vida y, por tanto, en la prevención de recaídas.

Abstract The main aim of our study is to analyze the influence of social support on cardiac illness adjustment and on health recommendations adherence. The sample was 109 patients and their partners, all of them included in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program of the Ramon y Cajal Hospital in Madrid. Our results show that partner support has not a significant impact on patients¿ adjustment (received support [P = .46] and satisfaction with received support [P = .041]). However, partner support has a significant effect on adherence to health recommendations (food, physical exercise, smoking, etc), most of all in the 8 and 12 months' follow-up (P < .001). Perhaps, in the first stages of illness, support provided for other sources (health professionals, other patients, etc.) could be more important than partner support, most of all taking into account that patients were included in a clinical intervention. As supervision decreases, the effect of partner support on adherence increases. The implications of our results for future interventions and research are discussed.

Support groups and cardiac rehabilitation: effects of partner participation on anxiety and depression

This study analyzes the effect on levels of patient anxiety and depression of a partner joining a cardiac rehabilitation program support group, also taking into account the sex of the patient. The study was undertaken using a two-group comparison design with pre-and post-test measures in non-equivalent groups. The sample comprised patients in the cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) at the Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid (Spain). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed direct effects of sex and partner participation in support groups on the anxiety trait. Similarly, interaction effects were observed between the sex variable and partner participation. These results indicate the pertinence of designing separate groups for patients and partners (AU)

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Estrés y enfermedad de Crohn: diferencias entre enfermos de Crohn con brote, sin brote y personas sanas / Stress and Crohn’s disease: differences among outbrake and quiescence patients and healthy persons

Distintas investigaciones han puesto de manifiesto la relación entre estrés y numerosas patologías. Este estudio pretende explorar su relación con la enfermedad de Crohn. Se compararon los niveles de estrés, medidos mediante la escala de estrés percibido, de 37 pacientes en brote con 27 en fase de quiescencia y 40 personas sanas. De los resultados obtenidos parece derivarse que los enfermos de Crohn en fase de brote poseen mayores niveles de estrés que las personas sanas, además se constatan diferencias significativas en dicha variable entre enfermos de Crohn con brote y sin brote y enfermos de Crohn con brote y personas sanas. No se observan diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre enfermos de Crohn sin brote y personas sanas. El trabajo concluye planteando algunas explicaciones plausibles a dichos resultados y, en particular, que el estrés pueda entenderse más como una de las consecuencias que como uno de los antecedentes de la enfermedad de Crohn (AU)

Research has shown the relationship between stress and many diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate its effect on Crohn’s disease. Using the Perceived Stress Scale we compared the stress levels of three different groups: 37 patients in the outbreak phase, 27 in quiescence, and 40 healthy controls. Results show that Crohn’s sufferers in outbreak phase have higher stress levels than both quiescence patients and healthy persons. However, no significant differences were observed between those in quiescence and healthy persons. The paper concludes by suggesting plausible explanations for these results, particularly that stress may be better understood as a consequence rather than a cause/precursor of Crohn’s disease (AU)

El apoyo social en la predicción a corto y medio plazo de la permanencia del voluntariado socioasistencial / Social support in the short- and middle-term prediction of welfare volunteers’ permanence

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo explorar la significación de diferentes tipos y fuentes de apoyo social para predecir la permanencia a corto (6 meses) y medio plazo (12 meses) del voluntariado que colabora con entidades de carácter socioasistencial. Para ello, se ha suministrado un cuestionario entre voluntarios (N= 1.362) pertenecientes a 109 organizaciones sociales españolas, mediante el que, además de los datos relativos al apoyo social, se ha recogido información sobre diferentes variables tradicionalmente asociadas con la predicción de la continuidad de la actividad voluntaria. Si bien se han encontrado diferencias significativas en el grado de apoyo social experimentado entre los voluntarios que permanecen y los que abandonan, los análisis de regresión logística realizados indican que a corto plazo (6 meses) las variables relacionadas con el apoyo social no parecen relevantes para realizar este tipo de predicción, pues en el modelo multivariante obtenido los factores estudiados que se asocian con la permanencia son el tiempo previo en la organización, la intención de continuar en la misma, el sexo y las actitudes religiosas. A medio plazo (12 meses), en cambio, el apoyo social y, en concreto, el de carácter informativo y proveniente de otros voluntarios, sí resulta significativo, pues entra a formar parte del modelo junto a los otros factores mencionados salvo el sexo (AU)

This work explores the significance of different types and sources of social support in the short- and middle-term prediction of volunteer permanence. Volunteers (N= 1362) belonging to 109 different Spanish organizations were surveyed to gather social support data and other information related to factors traditionally associated with sustained volunteerism prediction. In spite of the fact that a relationship between social support and permanence was found, logistic regression analysis showed that social support variables did not appear to be relevant to make this kind of prediction at short term, because the only factors associated with volunteers’ permanence in the multivariate model obtained were the volunteers’ previous time in the organization, their intention of remaining in service, and their sex and religious attitudes. In contrast, at middle term, social support and, in particular, informational social support from other volunteers was significant, integrating the multivariate model with the other aforementioned factors, except for sex (AU)

[Social support in the short- and middle-term prediction of welfare volunteers' permanence]. / El apoyo social en la predicción a corto y medio plazo de la permanencia del voluntariado socioasistencial.

This work explores the significance of different types and sources of social support in the short- and middle-term prediction of volunteer permanence. Volunteers ( N = 1362) belonging to 109 different Spanish organizations were surveyed to gather social support data and other information related to factors traditionally associated with sustained volunteerism prediction. In spite of the fact that a relationship between social support and permanence was found, logistic regression analysis showed that social support variables did not appear to be relevant to make this kind of prediction at short term, because the only factors associated with volunteers' permanence in the multivariate model obtained were the volunteers' previous time in the organization, their intention of remaining in service, and their sex and religious attitudes. In contrast, at middle term, social support and, in particular, informational social support from other volunteers was significant, integrating the multivariate model with the other aforementioned factors, except for sex.

Social risk factors in Spanish youth and their impact on self-concept construction.

This paper presents evidence from a psychosocial framework about the relationship among youth, work, and identity construction. The aims of this research were twofold. The first one was to analyze the working conditions of Spanish youth and their impact on individuals' biographies. The second one was to examine the effect of labor-related variables on construction/change of identity elements in Spanish youth. For this purpose, two research techniques were used: the Delphi method (103 experts sample from several entities and organizations closely related to our topic) and deep interviews (15 interviews with youths classified according to their relationship with the work market).

Social risk factors in Spanish youth and their impact on self-concept construction

This paper presents evidence from a psychosocial framework about the relationship among youth, work, and identity construction. The aims of this research were twofold. The first one was to analyze the working conditions of Spanish youth and their impact on individuals' biographies. The second one was to examine the effect of labor-related variables on construction / change of identity elements in Spanish youth. For this purpose, two research techniques were used: theDelphi method (103 experts sample from several entities and organizations closely related to our topic) and deep interviews (15 interviews with youths classified according to their relationship with the work market) (AU)

El presente artículo aborda la relación existente entre juventud, trabajo y construcción de la identidad, desde perspectiva psicosocial. Los objetivos de la presente investigación fueron dos. En primer lugar, analizar la situación laboral de los jóvenes españoles y su impacto en la biografía de éstos. En segundo lugar, evaluar el papel de las variables laborales en la construcción /modificación de determinados aspectos de la identidad de los jóvenes españoles. Para ello se utilizaron dos técnicas de recogida de información: la técnica Delphi (muestra de 103 expertos pertenecientes a distintas entidades y organizaciones con experiencia directa con el colectivo objeto de estudio) y entrevistas en profundidad (quince entrevistas distribuidas a lo largo de tres colectivos de jóvenes categorizados en función de su relación con el mercado laboral) (AU)

Social psychology of mental health: the social structure and personality perspective.

Previous research has revealed a persistent association between social structure and mental health. However, most researchers have focused only on the psychological and psychosocial aspects of that relationship. The present paper indicates the need to include the social and structural bases of distress in our theoretical models. Starting from a general social and psychological model, our research considered the role of several social, environmental, and structural variables (social position, social stressors, and social integration), psychological factors (self-esteem), and psychosocial variables (perceived social support). The theoretical model was tested working with a group of Spanish participants (N = 401) that covered a range of social positions. The results obtained using structural equation modeling support our model, showing the relevant role played by psychosocial, psychological and social, and structural factors. Implications for theory and intervention are discussed.

Estructura social y salud mental / Social structure, social support and mental health

La investigación previa ha mostrado la existencia de una persistente asociación positiva entre apoyo social y salud mental. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los investigadores se ha centrado en los aspectos sociales y psicológicos del apoyo social. Este artículo señala la necesidad de incluir los fundamentos sociales y estructurales del deterioro psicológico en nuestros modelos teóricos. A partir de un modelo general, nuestra investigación consideró el papel de varios factores sociales y estructurales (posición e integración sociales). El modelo teórico fue empíricamente contrastado en una muestra de 401 personas, la cual incluía diferentes posiciones sociales. Los resultados obtenidos utilizando modelos de ecuaciones estructurales. Finalmente, se discuten algunas implicaciones teóricas y para la intervención. (AU)

Previous research has revealed a persistent positive association between social support and mental health. However, most researchers have focused on the psychological and psychosocial aspects of social support. The present paper points out the need of including the social and structural basis of distress in our theoretical models. Starting from a general social and psychological model, our research considered the role of several social, environmental and structural variables (social position, social stressors, and social integration). The theoretical model was tested working on a sample of 401 subjects, which includes different social positions. The results obtained using structural equation modelling support our model, showing the relevant role played both by social support and social and structural factors. Implications for theory and intervention are discussed (AU)