International Journal of Social Psychiatry

The prevalence of depression is high in China especially among older adults. This study aimed to explore the gender differences in depression prevalence, influencing factors, network structure, and their relationship with life satisfaction among middle-aged and older adults in China.

This was a cross-sectional study based on the data from the fifth wave (2020) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). We performed network analyses and applied expected influence (EI) to identify the most central symptoms.

A total of 15,834 middle-aged and older adults were included in this study. The prevalence of depression among women was (45.5%, 95% CI [44.4%, 46.6%]), which was significantly higher than men (29.1%; 95% CI [28.1%, 30.1%]). In both women and men, older age (OR = 1.006), living in village areas (OR = 1.7), having a job (OR = 1.2), activities of daily living (ADL) limitations (OR = 2.2), and experiencing pain (OR = 1.8) were significantly associated with a higher risk for depression. Additionally, being married (OR = 0.7) and having better perceived health status (e.g. good vs. normal: OR = 0.5; poor vs. normal: OR = 2.2) were associated with a lower risk of depression across both genders. Moreover, network comparison of depressive symptoms by gender found that the most central symptom across gender groups was similar. Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD)-3 (“Feeling depressed”; corresponding to the item “I felt depressed” from the 10-item, CESD-10; EI value = 1.079) was the most central symptom in the depression network for both genders, while CESD-8 (“Lack of happiness”; corresponding to the item “I felt happy” from the CESD-10, reverse scored; average edge weight (AEW) = −0.15) had the strongest negative correlation with life satisfaction.

In this study of middle-aged and older adults, women were more likely to have depression than men. The results identified influential symptoms which should be prioritized to promote emotional well-being and enhance life satisfaction in this population. There is a critical need to develop gender-sensitive mental health strategies and public health interventions aimed at alleviating the burden of depression among older adults in China.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex mood disorder among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Internalized stigma refers to the awareness of negative stereotypes adopted by society and the agreement with these judgments, often associated with impaired functionality and social adaptation. Studies examining internalized stigma and related factors in BD are limited.

Our study aimed to evaluate the associations between internalized stigma and sociodemographic, marital, and clinical characteristics of individuals with BD.

One hundred and eighteen individuals with BD followed up at a specialized affective disorders unit were included. Participants’ data were collected via follow-up documents and clinical interviews. The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS) was administered to assess internalized stigma.

The mean ISMIS total score was 56.50. Being unemployed (p = .012, B = 0.208), shorter BD duration (p < .001, B = −0.302), presence of inter-episode residual symptoms (p = .004, B = 0.248), and higher depressive scores (p = .001, B = 0.275) predicted increased internalized stigma. Younger age (p = .002, B = −0.264), being female (p = .007, B = 0.226), absence of mania dominance (p = .019, B = 0.190), and higher depressive scores (p = .002, B = 0.260) predicted alienation scores. The presence of inter-episode residual symptoms predicted both stereotype endorsement (p < .001, B = 0.320) and perceived discrimination (p < .001, B= 0.358). Younger age (p = .001, B= −0.281) and a total number of depressive episodes (p = .015, B = 0.212) also predicted perceived discrimination. Shorter BD duration (p = .005, B = −0.238), absence of seasonality (p = .047, B = 0.169), and higher depressive scores (p < .001, B = 0.320) predicted social withdrawal, while a history of hospitalization (p = .033, B = 0.203) predicted stigma resistance.

Considering that internalized stigma is increased in earlier stages of BD, as well as in individuals with inter-episode residual symptoms, it might be important to implement effective psychosocial practices for internalized stigma, which might be modifiable through targeted interventions in the earlier periods. Therefore, a multidimensional and holistic approach toward internalized stigma may positively contribute to the functionality and quality of life of patients with BD.

Homelessness is a growing public health concern, particularly in developing countries, where individuals face severe physical and psychological challenges. Mental health among the homeless is often neglected due to stigma, limited access to care, and competing survival needs.

To assess the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and identify associated risk factors among the homeless population in urban slums.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2023 in the urban slums of Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. A total of 192 homeless individuals aged over 18 years were enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, including socio-demographic details and standardised psychiatric tools: the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I), International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0.

The mean age of participants was 36.4 ± 12 years, with 58.9% being male. Most were illiterate (43.2%) and unemployed (39.6%). Tobacco and alcohol use were reported by 73% and 48.5%, respectively. The overall prevalence of psychiatric morbidity was 46.4%, with depression (24.5%) and post-traumatic stress disorder (16.7%) being the most common. Psychiatric morbidity was significantly associated with unemployment, substance use, and living alone.

The high prevalence of psychiatric disorders among the homeless underscores the urgent need for integrated mental health services and social support systems tailored to this vulnerable population.

Forced migration due to war and conflict has profound psychological effects on children. Psychological resilience and self-compassion are essential for the well-being of migrant children; however, the role of social integration in shaping this relationship remains unclear. This study examines the mediating effect of social integration on the relationship between psychological resilience and self-compassion among Syrian migrant children.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 463 Syrian migrant children aged 11 to 18 years living in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Children and Youth Psychological Resilience Scale-12, the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, and the Social Integration Scale. Mediation analysis was performed using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.

The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between psychological resilience and self-compassion, as well as between psychological resilience and social integration. A weaker but significant relationship was observed between self-compassion and social integration. Mediation analysis showed that social integration fully mediates the effect of psychological resilience on self-compassion.

The results indicate that social integration plays a crucial role in enhancing the self-compassion of migrant children by strengthening psychological resilience. These findings highlight the importance of social policies and interventions aimed at fostering social integration to support the mental health of migrant children.

Despite the well-documented benefits of environmental enrichment (EE) in animal models of depression, the application of these findings to humans is complex due to individual variability and environmental constraints.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between EE and depression by comparing demographic features and EE levels between individuals with depression and controls.

A cross-sectional, comparative retrospective study was conducted in a specialized psychiatric facility in Mexico City. Ninety-six control subjects and 86 individuals with major depression (MD) were recruited. Participants with MD were diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria and scored a minimum of 13 on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Demographic information and EE were assessed using the Environmental Enrichment indicator (EEI), which includes cognitive, social, and physical activity dimensions. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression to identify associations between demographic variables, EE, and depression.

The findings indicated that individuals with MD had lower EE levels compared to controls. Significant predictors of depression included low EE, being unemployed or a housewife, and female gender, while higher education decreased depression risk. Low EE mediated the relationship between occupation and depression. Additionally, the impact of demographic factors on depression was also strongly influenced by the levels of EE.

Socio-demographic characteristics, such as female gender and occupation were associated with depression; additionally, a low level of EE was a predictor of depression. A higher education diminished the depression risk.

Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is a distinct psychopathological entity variously considered as a mental health disorder, eating disorder or circadian rhythm disorder. Medical students are faced with hectic schedules, sleep interruptions and high-stakes exams as they become healthcare providers. Such social factors coupled with poor dietary practices may impact their mental health and biological clocks, leading to NES amongst this population. However, the magnitude of its occurrence and the associated factors are still not well understood, especially in an Indian context. The present study was planned to determine the prevalence of NES and to explore the association between NES and selected psychosocial health profiles amongst undergraduates.

An observational, analytical cross-sectional study was undertaken in a tertiary care hospital in Central India. The study included a total of 414 medical students representing all academic years. The data collection tool comprises a structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic information, the Night Eating Diagnostic Questionnaire (NEDQ), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire (SLIQ) and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2).

The overall prevalence of Night Eating Syndrome is 13.8% and the majority are mild NES syndrome (mild: 10.1%, moderate: 1.7% and severe: 1.9%). Participants with depressive symptoms were 12.8%. In unadjusted analysis, participants having insomnia (OR = 3.16, 95% CI [1.7, 5.7]) and depression (OR = 2.05, 95% CI [1.0, 4.2]) were found to be predictors of night eating syndrome. After adjusting for age, presence of depression, personal history of chronic disease, insomnia and current year of education in medical school, insomnia (OR = 3.08, 95% CI [1.6, 5.7]) was the only predictor independently associated with NES among college-going students. BMI was not found to be a predictor of NES amongst the study participants.

Night Eating Syndrome has a significant association with insomnia when adjusted for concomitant depression implying the need to tackle sleep and mental health as lifestyle factors; which play a role in the development of NES and to elucidate further on this association, emphasising its circadian impact leading onto Non-Communicable Diseases.

The concept of family caregiving came into the limelight following the deinstitutionalization movement. The caregiver provides physical, emotional, and economic support, and in the process, they undergo considerable stress, like sleep deprivation, physical pain, emotional turmoil, financial issues, and social strains. Major chronic mental illnesses like Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder differ significantly in the symptomatology, course, outcome, response to medications, and degree of dependency, and thus impact the caregivers differently.

This study aimed to compare the caregiver burden among schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) and identify factors associated with higher caregiver strain.

It was a hospital-based cross-sectional study, with a total sample of 110 participants, with 55 each with schizophrenia and BPAD. The severity of symptoms and level of functioning were assessed in patients with schizophrenia and Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD). The caregiver burden was measured using the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI). A multivariate regression model was constructed to determine predictors of caregiver burden.

The baseline demographic data was comparable between the groups. The caregivers of schizophrenia and BPAD groups expressed similar burden. The patient factors contributed to about 64.5% of the burden, and the key factors were duration of illness and level of functioning. The caregiver factors accounted for 20.4%, and the key factors were the caregiver’s relationship with the patient and the duration of caregiving. The caregiver burden had a strong association with the severity of psychopathology with schizophrenia and the manic subgroup of BPAD.

The study brings out the major levels of burden experienced by the carers of chronic mental illness. This proves the necessity to provide adequate and routine screening for difficulties faced by caregivers to pick up early signs of burnout. Psychotherapy targeting the coping strategies and effective functioning of the caregivers is essential, along with patient management.

This study aimed to examine how family cohesion and adaptability are associated with mental health outcomes, including functionality, mood, stress, and well-being, in individuals with schizophrenia.

A total of 225 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders were included in the analysis. Participants were assessed using the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES-III), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS-6), Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI-10), Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS), Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-I), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptics Scale (SWN-20), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). K-means clustering was performed to classify participants into distinct groups based on FACES-III scores.

K-means clustering, based on FACES-III scores, classified participants into high cohesion and adaptability (HC-HA; N = 139) and low cohesion and adaptability (LC-LA; N = 86) groups. No significant differences were observed in symptom severity (PANSS-6), medication adherence (DAI-10), or functionality measured by SOFAS. However, overall psychosocial functioning (HoNOS) was better in the HC-HA group. The HC-HA group exhibited lower depressive symptoms (BDI-I) and stress levels (PSS-10), as well as higher subjective well-being (SWN-20) and mental well-being (WEMWBS) compared to the LC-LA group. Perceived social support (MSPSS) was significantly higher in the HC-HA group.

Family cohesion and adaptability are associated with improved psychosocial outcomes in individuals with schizophrenia. These findings suggest that enhancing family dynamics may support recovery and well-being.

This study investigated the central and bridge symptoms of the comorbidity between depression and anxiety in rural Chinese children with and without non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The aim was to utilize psychological network analysis to identify distinct symptom patterns across these two groups.

Data were collected from 1,731 rural Chinese children. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were analyzed using psychological network analysis to determine central and bridge symptoms, and to identify differences between children with and without NSSI.

The findings revealed that children with NSSI exhibited higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to those without NSSI. In the comorbidity network, “anhedonia” and “negative mood” emerged as central symptoms in both groups. Additionally, these two symptoms of depression were identified as bridge symptoms linking anxiety in both groups. Unique to children with NSSI, “negative self-esteem” was also a central symptom, while the central symptom for anxiety was “nervous”. For children without NSSI, the central symptom of anxiety was “afraid”. The bridge symptoms also differed: in children with NSSI, “nervous” and “irritable” linked depression and anxiety, whereas “afraid” served as the bridge symptom in children without NSSI.

This network analysis highlights critical differences in the comorbidity of depression and anxiety between children with and without NSSI. The findings provide valuable insights for developing targeted interventions to prevent mental health issues and NSSI in rural Chinese children.

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a major public health issue, exacerbated by public stigma that hinders treatment-seeking and social integration. This study aimed to adapt and validate a social-contact-based intervention to reduce public stigma against individuals with OUD in India, ensuring cultural relevance and feasibility.

The study followed a two-phase approach: adaptation and validation using the ADAPT framework and Delphi method with 14 multi-disciplinary experts and people with lived experience (PWLE), and pre-experimental, open-label pilot study assessing feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact on stigma. Participants (n = 30) attended a 60- to 90-min session combining an educational component with direct social contact with PWLE. Stigma was assessed using a validated questionnaire at baseline, 48 hr, and 3 months. Correlation analysis was done between total stigma and domain-wise scores.

The intervention achieved a 90% session completion rate, with 69.2% of approached individuals consenting to participate. Acceptability measures indicated high engagement, with 90% of participants rating the session as useful, although 36.6% found it challenging to reconcile with pre-existing beliefs. Stigma scores significantly improved at 48 hr post-intervention in the Attribution Blame domain (p = .002) and Attribution Exoneration domain (p = .079, trend toward significance). Partial attenuation of stigma reduction effects was observed at 3 months. The Total Stigma Score was significantly correlated with Punishment (r = .733, p < .001), Social Threat (r = .681, p < .001), and Attribution Blame (r = .609, p < .001). Attribution Exoneration negatively correlated with Punishment (r = −.373, p < .05).

This study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted, social-contact-based intervention for reducing public stigma against OUD. Shifting blame perceptions may help reduce punitive attitudes.

Adolescents who attend public schools are more prone to experience behavioral and socio-emotional issues. The main reasons are that most parents send children to public schools when they experience resource constraints, poverty, social upheavals like parental death, divorce, or poor parental literacy levels, as well as unfavorable physical and social conditions at home.

The study aim was to examine the prevalence of socio-emotional and behavioral difficulties and determinants among public school adolescents in Hawassa, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

Quantitative approach with cross-sectional survey design was applied in the study. Two hundred twenty-one adolescents on the ages of 14 were selected through multilevel probability sampling techniques. Questionnaires were employed as data-gathering instruments and were analyzed through one sample dichotomous procedure and multiple regression. Ethics approval was obtained from University of South Africa.

The prevalence rate of composite socio-emotional and behavioral difficulty was 43% (95% CI [36.60%, 49.50%]). Specifically, adolescents who attended classes in public schools tended to have higher prevalence rates of anxious-depressive problem 49.80% (95% CI [43.20%, 56.40%]); somatic complaints 45.30% (95% CI [38.70%, 51.90%); and hyperactivity-attention deficit disorder 44.30% (95% CI [37.70%, 50.95%). Moreover, the findings showed that positive interactions between guardian and adolescents accounted for R² = 4.90% of the variation in socio-emotional and behavioral wellbeing where β = −.222, p = .001. Additionally, the combined impact of guardian-adolescent interaction and parental life status was R² = 6.60% where R² = 4.90% for guardian-adolescent interaction and R² = 1.70% for parental life status, β = −.361, where β = −.230, p = .001 for positive guardian-adolescent interaction and β = −.131, p = .047 for parental life status.

The need of socio-emotional and behavioral support policies and practices in schools and community settings for the youth under the pressure of deprived interaction with their guardians and adolescent who lost their parents.

Depression in young people especially among college students is a growing concern. Both loneliness and Internet addiction are found to be linked to depression.

This study explored the dose-response relationship of loneliness and Internet addiction with depression, and examined how the severity of loneliness and Internet addiction influence the susceptibility to depression.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2023 in China. Depression was evaluated using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Loneliness and Internet addiction were assessed using the 20-item University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA-20) and Young’s 20-item Internet Addiction Test (IAT-20), respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore the correlates of depression. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was employed to examine the potential dose-response relationships between the continuous exposure variables (loneliness and Internet addiction) and depression.

Among 6,514 college students included in the study, the prevalence of depression was 18.2% (95% confidence intervals, CI [17.3%, 19.1%]). After adjusting for confounders, a positive linear relationship was observed between loneliness and the risk of depression; while a J-shaped nonlinear relationship was found with an inflection point of 41 between Internet addiction and the risk of depression. Poor health and economic status also increased the risk of depression for college students with Internet addiction.

Loneliness and Internet addiction both predicted the high risk of depression among college students. Mental health screening and interventions should be tailored to address loneliness and Internet addiction in this population to prevent the onset of depression among at-risk individuals.

Mental health issues among adolescents are a growing global concern, particularly in Southeast Asia. While the role of psychosocial factors in shaping mental health outcomes is widely acknowledged, there is limited understanding of the specific predictors and protective factors in Indonesia. This study applies Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to explore how individual, social, and environmental factors influence depression, anxiety, and stress among Indonesian adolescents.

To identify psychosocial predictors and protective factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress among Indonesian adolescents, to inform more targeted interventions.

A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted between July and October 2023, involving 2,984 adolescents from 19 public senior high schools in West Sumatra, Yogyakarta, and Central Kalimantan. Participants completed anonymous self-administered surveys, including eight validated instruments, including the PAQ-A, PPPS, IDASS-Y, RSES, MSPSS, ESSA, CYRM-R, and SIS. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to identify key factors.

Gender was a significant predictor, with females exhibiting higher levels of depressive symptoms (β = .083, p < .001), anxiety (β = .179, p < .001), and stress (β = .171, p < .001). Peer pressure and academic stress were significant predictors of psychological distress (all p < .05). Higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were strongly associated with increased suicidal ideation (all p < .001). Protective factors such as self-esteem, resilience, social support, and physical activity were associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress (all p < .05). The regression models explained 57.1% of the variance in depression, 42.8% in anxiety, and 46.3% in stress.

Gender, academic stress, and peer pressure were major predictors of mental distress, while self-esteem, resilience, and physical activity acted as protective factors. Interventions targeting these areas, grounded in SCT, are essential to improving adolescent mental health in Indonesia.

Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) involves excessive focus on physical symptoms that lack sufficient medical explanation, leading to frequent medical consultations and delays in psychiatric care. Cultural factors significantly influence the experience and reporting of somatic symptoms, yet little research has explored these factors in India, where cultural beliefs and healthcare systems largely shape illness perceptions.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate somatic symptom profiles, healthcare-seeking behaviors, and illness beliefs among 100 SSD patients visiting psychiatric department of a tertiary care hospital in India. The Bradford Somatic Inventory (BSI) assessed patients’ reported somatic symptoms, while the World Health Organization (WHO) encounter form was used to evaluate their pathways to care.

Results showed the average age of participants was 38.62 (±10.59) years, with a slight female predominance (51%). Most patients were from rural areas, and the average illness duration was 7.28 (±6.11) years. On average, patients consulted eight different healthcare providers before being referred to a psychiatrist, resulting in substantial financial costs (mean of 50,000 INR). Common symptoms included lack of energy (81%), neck and shoulder pain (79%), headaches (76%), and feeling of constriction of head (76%). Participants had an average of 21.95 (±6.82) symptoms. Most of the patients had moderate or severe degree of symptoms. The prevalence and number of somatic symptoms were not influenced by the socio-demographic variables. A major finding was the discrepancy between patients’ beliefs and psychiatric diagnoses. Only 10% believed their symptoms were psychiatric in origin, with most attributing them to medical conditions or stress. This led to indirect healthcare pathways, as 90% sought help from non-psychiatric providers, causing delays in appropriate care.

This study highlights the need for greater awareness regarding SSD and culturally sensitive interventions to reduce delays in psychiatric referrals, improve patient outcomes, and lower unnecessary healthcare costs in India.

Informal caregivers of individuals with psychosocial disabilities are at high risk of psychological distress, leading to depressive symptoms and reduced quality of life (QOL). The ongoing crisis in welfare systems, worsened by economic constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic, has further increased caregivers’ burdens, especially in countries like Italy, where community-based care models are underfunded. This study aims to assess how this welfare crisis impacts informal caregivers who lack external support.

A study was conducted in Sardinia, Italy, comparing the mental health and QOL of family caregivers with matched controls from the general population. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and health-related QOL was measured with the SF-12 scale. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and odds ratio calculations.

A sample of 70 caregivers showed a significantly higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (32.86%) compared to 280 controls (9.54%), with an odds ratio of 5.49. Their QOL scores were similar to those of individuals with severe chronic illnesses, reflecting substantial mental and emotional distress.

The findings highlight the severe impact of Italy’s welfare crisis on caregivers and underscore the urgent need for policy measures to support informal caregiving networks and alleviate their psychological burden.

Suicide and aggression are significant public health concerns, particularly in vulnerable populations such as migrants. Emotional dysregulation, compounded by acculturation stress and socio-cultural challenges, may underlie both suicidality and aggression in migrants. However, little is known about the clinical profiles and predictors of these behaviors in psychiatric inpatient settings.

We retrospectively analyzed 268 migrant patients admitted to a psychiatric unit in Italy between 2004 and 2019. Sociodemographic, cultural, and clinical information, including psychiatric diagnoses, acculturation stress, and clinical status, were collected. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of suicidality and aggression.

Suicide attempts were reported in 22.4% of patients and were associated with acculturation stress, with higher levels on suicidality and guilt at the BPRS, and with lower functioning. Aggressive behaviors were observed in 22.5% of patients and were linked to young age, low educational level, unstable legal status, low Italian proficiency, and high levels of hostility and motor hyperactivity. We found only a minimal overlap (3.7%) between suicidality and aggression. At the logistic regression analyses, suicidality was predicted by severe psychiatric symptoms and impaired psychosocial functioning, while aggression was predicted by hostility and low guilt.

This study demonstrates that, among migrant patients, both self-harm and aggressive behaviors are modifiable expressions of emotional dysregulation rather than inherent traits of migration. Our findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive, trauma-informed interventions addressing acculturation stress and emotional dysregulation. Tailored approaches can improve psychiatric outcomes and foster resilience in migrant populations.

There is a paucity of published research on the prevalence of specific traumatic events and disaster-related psychopathology in Yazidi survivors related to the 2014 ISIS genocide in Iraq.

The sample for this cross-sectional study was a large nationally-representative cohort of 488 adult Yazidi men and women who were members of the Duhok camps in Iraq. They were assessed 10 years after the ISIS attacks for their experience of various traumatic events and their association with posttraumatic stress, depression, and complicated grief (CG) symptoms related to the genocide. Participants completed the Life Events Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) (LEC-5), the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Hamilton Depression Scale, and the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG). Modified Poisson log-linear models provided prevalence ratios of posttraumatic stress symptoms by types of traumatic events and exposures and associations with the number of traumatic events.

The vast majority (94.67%) reported direct personal exposure to any traumatic event. Trauma prevalence by trauma type ranged from 6.4% for war/armed conflict-related events to 74.6% for sexual/physical assault by ISIS terrorists. Overall posttraumatic stress symptom threshold varied substantially across trauma types, being lowest for natural disaster (29/56, 4.21%) and highest for sexual assault (215/287, 31.3%), with 193/488, 39.4% exceeding PTSD threshold for any trauma. The proportions exceeding symptom thresholds for depression and CG were 28.9% and 66.6% respectively.

The extensive exposure to trauma by Yazidi people and the resulting psychological toll calls for a major community effort to prevent sexual and physical violence and provide desperately needed mental health services.

Little is known about the mental health of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in-transit to their intended destinations. Many Mexican IDPs travel to the Mexico-United States border to apply for asylum, and remain there for weeks or months.

To assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms among in-transit IDPs in the Mexico-United States border.

Cross-sectional, non-probability survey in shelters in Tijuana (September–October 2023). Participants were adult, Mexican IDPs. We evaluated depression and anxiety with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4), and post-traumatic stress symptoms with the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5). As independent variables, we considered social stratifiers, loss of social networks, time since displacement and in Tijuana, and direct experiences of violence.

Among 247 participants, 69% had mild-severe depression and anxiety (50% in heterosexual cis-men, 76% in heterosexual cis-women, and 64% in sex- and gender-diverse persons), and 50% post-traumatic stress symptoms (33% in heterosexual cis-men, 56% in heterosexual cis-women, and 33% in sexually- and gender-diverse persons). Heterosexual cis-women had higher scores than heterosexual cis-men (β = .67, p < .001 in the PHQ-4, and β = .59, p < .001 in the PC-PTSD-5). Having left a family member in the place of origin was associated with lower scores in the PHQ-4 (β = -.22, p = .057). Longer time since displacement was associated with lower scores in the PHQ-4 (β = -.09, p = .031). Longer time in Tijuana was associated with higher scores (β = .10, p = .050). Having experienced more types of direct violence was associated with higher scores in the PHQ-4 (β = .12, p = .037) and the PC-PTSD-5 (β = .16, p = .011).

over half of IDPs experienced mental health problems that required attention. Women, and those who spend longer time in interrupted transit, may be especially affected. Actions should be taken to provide care according to the needs of this population.

The 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes significantly impacted the mental health of adolescent survivors. This study examines the prevalence of elevated suicide risk and suicide attempt (SA) among these adolescents. It explores the roles of mental well-being and perceived social support in mitigating suicidality.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2023 and January 2024 at the child psychiatry clinics of Harran University and Inonu University Medical Schools. The sample comprised 1,417 adolescents aged 14 to 18 years who presented for initial psychiatric assessment. Data were collected on demographics, earthquake experiences, and mental health status using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS), and the Suicide Probability Scale (SPS).

The prevalence of elevated suicide risk was 47.1%, and SA was 9.4% among participants. Multiple traumas, including witnessing deaths and spending time under rubble, were associated with elevated suicide risk. Male gender, damage to one’s home, residing in temporary housing, and sleep disturbances were significant predictors of elevated suicide risk. Conversely, higher MSPSS and WE-MWBS scores were associated with reduced suicide risk, collectively explaining 59.9% of its variance.

The findings underscore the critical need for targeted interventions that enhance mental well-being and strengthen social support networks to mitigate suicidality among earthquake-affected adolescents. Future research should explore longitudinal effects and develop strategies to bolster resilience in this vulnerable population.

Eco-anxiety has become a prominent emotional response to the global climate crisis, yet there is a lack of empirical research examining its prevalence and correlates across diverse cultural and national contexts.

This study aimed to investigate levels of eco-anxiety and its associations with age, perceived knowledge, climate risk perception, and beliefs about governmental climate action across participants from six countries.

Data were collected from 2,206 participants across India, Italy, the Philippines, Türkiye, Trinidad and Tobago, and Hungary. Statistically significant cross-national differences were found in eco-anxiety, perceived knowledge, climate risk perception, and beliefs about government action. Italian participants reported the highest levels of eco-anxiety, while Hungarian participants reported the lowest. Correlational analyses showed that eco-anxiety was positively associated with climate risk perception and perceived knowledge, but negatively associated with age and beliefs in government action.

The findings reveal that eco-anxiety is shaped by both cognitive and sociopolitical factors. Risk perception and climate knowledge appear to intensify emotional responses, while belief in government action may serve as a mitigating factor. Age-related differences suggest that younger individuals are more emotionally impacted by climate concerns.

This study underscores the need for culturally sensitive public policy and mental health interventions to address the psychological dimensions of the climate crisis.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) contributes to the development and severity of mental health problems, and pre-existing mental disorders are also associated with victimization. IPV is rarely a single event, and the consequences of revictimization appear to be more severe. However, little is known about patterns of mental health service utilization among individuals exposed to IPV revictimization.

The study aims to estimate the associations between IPV revictimization and mental health service use over a 2-year period. Furthermore, we examine the association between pre-existing mental disorders and the risk of IPV revictimization.

We conducted a register-based study including IPV victims identified from police reports in Finland, aged 19 to 54 years (N = 10,195), comparing single (N = 7,547) and multiple reports (N = 2,648) between 2016 and 2018. We applied the difference-in-differences method to estimate the effects of revictimization on mental health service utilization 1 year before and after the IPV event. Risk factors for revictimization were assessed using logistic regression, adjusting for sociodemographic factors.

Compared to the single event group, IPV victims with multiple reports exhibited higher mental health service utilization throughout the 2-year study period. In both groups, mental health service use peaked sharply around the time of the IPV event. The increase in mental health service utilization for IPV revictimization was approximately 8.0%, with a 0.9 percentage point rise following the initial IPV event. Pre-existing substance use disorders were significant predictors of revictimization for both men and women.

Our main finding of higher mental health service use among IPV victims with multiple reports highlights the critical importance of early intervention. These results could reflect underlying poor socioeconomic conditions, pre-existing mental health conditions, and/or traumatic experience before the initial IPV report. Developing integrated services across mental health, social, and police services is crucial for providing preventative interventions to reduce further revictimization.

Climate change poses a serious threat to fundamental human needs, including access to water, air, food, and housing. It also contributes to a range of mental health risks. Among its psychological impacts, eco-anxiety, defined by the American Psychological Association as a chronic fear of environmental doom, is receiving increasing attention. Although awareness of eco-anxiety is growing, research on this phenomenon remains limited, especially in countries like Italy, which the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change identifies as especially vulnerable to the consequences of global warming.

This study investigated the prevalence of eco-anxiety in a sample of healthy Italian adults recruited among voluntary blood donors, focusing on its distribution across generational cohorts. In May 2024, an online questionnaire was administered via QR code to members of AVIS (Associazione Volontari Italiani Sangue) in Bologna. A total of 1,795 participants (1,060 males, 727 females, 8 non-binary) took part, ranging in age from 18 to 70 years (M = 46.6). Eco-anxiety was assessed using the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS).

The sample showed a median HEAS score of 4.0 (IQR = 8.0). Kruskal–Wallis tests revealed significant differences across generational cohorts (p < .001; ε² = 0.0603), with Generation Z (18–28 years) reporting the highest levels of eco-anxiety. Nearly half of Generation Z participants (48.4%) exhibited high levels of eco-anxiety (χ² = 81.3; p < .001; V = 0.213). Spearman’s correlation and linear regression analyses confirmed a strong association between younger age and elevated eco-anxiety scores. After adjusting for general anxiety and depressive symptoms, Generation Z participants were more than four times as likely as Baby Boomers to report high eco-anxiety (OR = 4.21; 95% CI [2.755, 6.421]).

These findings highlight a marked generational gap in climate-related distress, underscoring the need for targeted psychological interventions for younger populations and further research into the mechanisms underlying eco-anxiety.

Cognitive functions play a crucial role in children’s lives. This role is especially important during the transition from preschool to elementary school, as it assists children adapt to the new educational setting. Understanding factors that may exacerbate the development of cognitive functions during this transition can contribute to a successful transition to school. It also helps explain how the observed individual differences among children in schools are associated with varying levels of cognitive functions development.

The first aim of this study is to monitor changes in children’s cognitive functions over two consecutive years. The second aim is to examine the contributions of gender, sibling position, and family composition to the development of these cognitive functions over time. Method: We sampled a group of children (n = 333) from preschool and monitored them until the end of their first year of elementary school.

The results of a paired-samples t-test suggested that there is a significant difference in cognitive functions between preschool and school ages. Also, repeated measure analysis revealed that gender interacts with verbal working memory, indicating that boys exhibit greater increase in verbal working memory compared to girls. The same analysis suggested that sibling position interacts with visual working memory, with the oldest child showing greater overall growth in visual working memory than siblings in other positions.

The findings provide evidence that not only time is a key factor in the overall growth of cognitive functions from preschool to the school period, but depending on the type of cognitive function, gender, and sibling position can also amplify or accelerate this growth over time.