ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4121-2320
Current Organisation
Charles Sturt University
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-02-2007
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 30-12-2010
DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2011.533629
Abstract: Research has indicated that gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) adolescents are at an increased risk of mental health problems. Research has also indicated that experiencing a sense of belonging is important for one's mental health. This study investigated sense of belonging to the general community and sense of belonging to a GLB specific youth group (Minus18) as predictors of depressive symptoms among self-identified GLB adolescents (N = 99). Participants completed the Sense of Belonging Instrument and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results showed that although sense of belonging to the general community and sense of belonging to the Minus18 community were both directly related to depression, only sense of belonging to the general community contributed significantly to the prediction of depression when they were entered simultaneously in a regression analysis. Results also showed that sense of belonging to the general community mediated the relation between sense of belonging to the Minus18 community and depression. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at increasing sense of belonging to a GLB-specific community are likely to be of indirect benefit to the mental health of GLB adolescents, whereas interventions aimed at increasing sense of belonging to the general community are likely to be of direct benefit to the mental health of GLB adolescents.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2011
DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2011.558004
Abstract: This study examined the applicability of the compensatory, risk-protective, and protective-protective models of resiliency to explain the association of depressive symptoms (outcome factor) with rumination (potential risk factor) and social support and sense of belonging (protective factors). A community s le of 179 Australian women between the ages of 18-64 participated. Results supported the compensatory models for both protective factors. Results did not support the risk-protective or protective-protective models. The results of this study indicate that interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms among women who ruminate should be focused on increasing either protective factor, and that little value is accrued in attempting to increase both protective factors.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-11-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-10-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S10899-015-9575-5
Abstract: Problem gambling rates in older adults have risen dramatically in recent years and require further investigation. Limited available research has suggested that social needs may motivate gambling and hence problem gambling in older adults. Un-partnered older adults may be at greater risk of problem gambling than those with a partner. The current study explored whether loneliness mediated the marital status-problem gambling relationship, and whether gender moderated the mediation model. It was hypothesised that the relationship between being un-partnered and higher levels of loneliness would be stronger for older men than older women. A community s le of Australian men (n = 92) and women (n = 91) gamblers aged from 60 to 90 years (M = 69.75, SD = 7.28) completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Problem Gambling Severity Index. The results supported the moderated mediation model, with loneliness mediating the relationship between marital status and problem gambling for older men but not for older women. It appears that felt loneliness is an important predictor of problem gambling in older adults, and that meeting the social and emotional needs of un-partnered men is important.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-08-2017
DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2017.1359206
Abstract: Insomnia and depression are two of the most common mental health problems that negatively impact older adults. The burden associated with these highly comorbid conditions requires an innovative approach to treatment. There have been significant advancements in the field of cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) over recent years. CBT-I has evolved from targeting homogenous insomnia s les to now showing promising results for comorbid insomnia. CBT-I is not only effective at treating comorbid insomnia, but can also have a positive impact on depression severity. Despite these important clinical developments, limited research has explored whether modifying CBT-I programmes to specifically target comorbid depression could improve outcomes for older populations. This paper reviews recent literature and provides therapeutic recommendations to advance CBT-I for older adults with comorbid insomnia and depression.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 24-05-2018
DOI: 10.1093/SLEEP/ZSY104
Abstract: To investigate whether cognitive behavior therapy was effective for older adults with comorbid insomnia and depression in a community mental health setting, and explore whether an advanced form of cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia produced better outcomes compared to a standard form of cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia. An 8-week randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted within community mental health services, Victoria, Australia. Seventy-two older adults (56% female, M age 75 ± 7 years) with diagnosed comorbid insomnia and depression participated. Three conditions were tested using a group therapy format: cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I, standard), cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia plus positive mood strategies (CBT-I+, advanced), psychoeducation control group (PCG, control). The primary outcomes were insomnia severity (Insomnia Severity Index) and depression severity (Geriatric Depression Scale). Primary and secondary measures were collected at pre (week 0), post (week 8), and follow-up (week 20). CBT-I and CBT-I+ both generated significantly greater reductions in insomnia and depression severity compared to PCG from pre to post (p < .001), which were maintained at follow-up. Although the differences between outcomes of the two treatment conditions were not statistically significant, the study was not sufficiently powered to detect either superiority of one treatment or equivalence of the two treatment conditions. CBT-I and CBT-I+ were both effective at reducing insomnia and depression severity for older adults. Mental health services that deliver treatment for comorbid insomnia with cognitive behavior therapy may improve recovery outcomes for older adults with depression. Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) URL: www.anzctr.org.au Trial ID: ACTRN12615000067572 Date Registered: December 12, 2014.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2013
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2013.805402
Abstract: Higher levels of depression have been documented among older adults who reside in an assisted living facility, compared with those who remain in their own homes. The aims of the current study were to test whether the relationship between housing type and depressive symptoms was mediated by a sense of belonging and whether housing type and sense of belonging interact to influence the depressive symptoms among older adults (moderation model). A s le of 257 older adults who lived in their own homes and 166 older adults who lived in an assisted living facility completed the psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results showed that a sense of belonging partially mediated the relationship between housing type and depressive symptoms, such that living in a nursing home was associated with lower levels of belonging, and lower levels of belonging were, in turn, associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. Residing in an assisted living facility was associated with depressive symptoms at low and average levels of belonging. Results highlight the need for more research on the role of sense of belonging as an influencing factor on depressive symptoms among institutionalised older adults for both theoretical and treatment goals.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2013
DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2013.774866
Abstract: Body image dissatisfaction has been linked to belonging to the gay community and poor self-esteem among gay men. This study was designed to explore the applicability of a moderation model and a mediation model in explaining the relations between sense of belonging to the gay community, body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem among 90 self-identified Australian gay men. Participants completed the psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument, the Body Satisfaction Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results supported the moderation model the relation between body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem was found to be statistically significant only at average and high levels of belonging to the gay community. The mediation model was also supported body image dissatisfaction partially mediated the sense of belonging-self-esteem relation. Educating gay men and health professionals about the possible negative outcomes of "belonging" to an appearance-oriented community is important.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-05-2023
DOI: 10.1002/CAPR.12667
Abstract: This qualitative study investigated therapist training experiences, elements of skill acquisition, and barriers and facilitators associated with conducting assessments, and the delivery of low‐ and high‐intensity therapist assistance delivered via video chat technology, adjunctive to a transdiagnostic digital mental health intervention programme for anxiety and depression. In total, 34 semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 therapists. Twenty interviews explored experiences of training to administer a clinical assessment tool, and 14 additional interviews explored training experiences of delivering low‐ and high‐intensity therapist assistance via video chat technology. Reflexive thematic analysis identified three themes: video chat skill acquisition, competencies transferrable to video chat and video chat service quality. Training and supervision were identified as important to scaffold skill development, and therapists described surprise that their skill set was transferrable to video chat. The most cited barrier to the adoption of video chat was the management of risk and distress, along with environmental suitability. Frequently cited facilitators to the adoption of video chat included stable Internet connection, protocols and resources. The benefits of video chat technology and digital mental health interventions can be maximised through the expansion and integration of training into existing teaching curricula. If therapists are familiarised and competent to deliver mental health services via the Internet, as well as in person, the future adoption of blended and stepped‐care models is likely to be increased.
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 03-2021
DOI: 10.1037/SGD0000435
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 09-01-2023
DOI: 10.3389/FPUBH.2022.992884
Abstract: Vulnerability to suicidality is a concern among older adults, particularly as this proportion of the population is growing. Determining what factors contribute to suicidality will help to create a framework for understanding and assessing suicidal risk among older adults and developing effective treatments. This study examined suicidality among older Australian adults. This study forms part of a larger study to trial a survey to collect cross-sectional data on the mental and physical health of older Australian adults across time. One hundred and fourteen Australian residents aged 65 years and over completed an anonymous survey online or by returning a paper-and-pencil version of the survey by post. The survey took approximately 25 min to complete and comprised of (1) sociodemographic questions (e.g., age, gender, education), (2) validated questionnaires measuring depression, general anxiety, psychological distress, insomnia, substance dependence, problem gambling, and stress, and (3) mental and physical health and wellbeing items (e.g., religiosity, assistance with daily tasks, and mental health service usage in the last 12-months). The dependent variable, suicidality, was measured by asking participants whether they had ever seriously thought about committing suicide. Associations with suicidality were analyzed using Chi-squares and independent s les t -tests. The results found suicidality to be significantly associated with lower levels of satisfaction with the frequency of seeing and/or communicating with friends, and inadequate levels of community engagement. The results of this survey reinforce the importance of social connectedness as a central and significant protective factor against suicidality among older adults.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-08-2015
DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2015.1083779
Abstract: Internalized homophobia has been linked to depression among gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals. Relatively little research has investigated the link between internalized homophobia and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The current research investigated the interrelations among internalized homophobia, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation by testing additive, mediation, and moderation models. Self-identified Australian gay men (n = 360), lesbians (n = 444), and bisexual women (n = 114) completed the Internalized Homophobia Scale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the suicide subscale of the General Health Questionnaire. Results supported the additive and partial mediation models for gay men and the mediation and moderation models for lesbians. None of the models were supported for bisexual women. The findings imply that clinicians should focus on reducing internalized homophobia and depressive symptoms among gay men and lesbians, and depressive symptoms among bisexual women, to reduce suicidal ideation.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-04-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-09-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-09-2022
DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2020.1813511
Abstract: Living alone is a risk factor for depressive symptoms among older gay men. It is likely this relationship strengthens as gay men age, due to social isolation and fewer family supports. This study investigated whether the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms was moderated by age among older gay men. A community s le of 270 Australian gay men aged 60 to 91 years (
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 06-04-2023
DOI: 10.1037/SGD0000634
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 09-08-2016
DOI: 10.1017/S1041610216001241
Abstract: Living alone is a risk factor for depressive symptoms among older adults, although it is unclear if it is a risk factor for older gay men. A sense of belonging to the gay community is protective and might compensate for living alone. This research investigated whether a sense of belonging with gay friends weakened the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms among older gay men. A community s le of 160 Australian gay men aged 65–92 years completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and two visual analogue scales assessing a sense of belonging with gay friends. Results supported the moderation model, with increasing levels of belonging with gay friends weakening the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms. Results imply that enhancing a sense of belonging with gay friends among older gay men who live alone is likely to be a protective factor in relation to depressive symptoms.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-02-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2023
Publisher: Men's Studies Press, LLC
Date: 05-2011
DOI: 10.3149/JMH.1002.163
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 15-11-2016
DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2016.1190215
Abstract: Internalized homonegativity has been directly linked to depression among gay men. The aim of the study was to test whether internalized homonegativity is indirectly related to depressive symptoms via a sense of belonging to the broad gay community, gay groups, gay friends, and the general community. A s le of 246 self-identified Australian gay men, aged 18-82 years, completed the Internalized Homophobia Scale, the Psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument, the Sense of Belonging Within Gay Communities Scale, and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Results indicated that the final model was an excellent fit to the data. Internalized homonegativity was indirectly related to depressive symptoms via sense of belonging to gay groups, with gay friends, and to the general community. Interventions aimed at reducing internalized homonegativity among gay men have the potential to enhance sense of belonging and, in turn, decrease depressive symptoms.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-2002
DOI: 10.1046/J.1440-1614.2002.01047.X
Abstract: Objective: The suicide rate in Australia is cause for concern, especially the increase in attempted and completed suicides in rural and regional locations. The present study examined reasons for choosing not to commit suicide as a function of residential location. Method: The study involved 655 Victorian residents from four population-based strata urban, regional city, regional town, and rural. Results: Results from the Reasons for Living Inventory revealed significant differences as a function of residential location. Overall, residents in rural locations reported having significantly more to live for than their urban counterparts. Further analysis of six reasons for living (child, family, moral, social, coping and death-related concerns) showed a pattern whereby residents in rural locations reported having the most to live for, followed by regional residents, and urban residents who reported having the least to live for. Conclusions: These findings are in contrast to increase of suicide rates in rural areas, and highlight the need for a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying suicidal behaviour.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-12-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-04-2023
DOI: 10.1111/AJAG.13201
Abstract: The aim of this paper was to report on qualitative survey responses provided by older Australian adults regarding their preferences for Internet‐based services and content. Two qualitative questions (‘What type of Internet‐based mental health and well‐being (1) services, and (2) content would be of most interest to you?’) from a broader survey investigating the mental and physical health of older Australians were thematically analysed for commonly occurring themes. Eighty‐nine participants aged 65 years or older (mean age = 71 years, SD = 5.30) responded to at least one qualitative question. Participants were primarily female (60%, n = 53), born in Australia (65%, n = 58), in a relationship (58%, n = 52), living in the community (79%, n = 70) and relatively well educated, with the majority having completed a university degree (38%, n = 34). Themes indicated that participants were most interested in Facebook‐style services ( n = 17), chat groups ( n = 16) and email‐based services ( n = 4) designed specifically for older adults ( n = 14). However, some concerns were raised regarding the trustworthiness of Internet‐based services, with the largest proportion of participants ( n = 22) noting that they were unlikely to use Internet‐ or social media‐based services. The primary content‐related themes were mental fitness ( n = 34), grief and loss ( n = 20), health information ( n = 13), socialisation ( n = 11) and physical fitness ( n = 10). Participants indicated interest in tailor‐made Facebook‐style services for older adults that allow them to communicate with their peers and create new social networks and incorporate content relating to strategies for working on mental and physical fitness, information on coping with grief and loss, as well as health information. These findings can be used by organisations to develop Internet‐based services and content for older Australian adults.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-12-2014
DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2014.999491
Abstract: Sense of belonging to the general and broader gay communities has been shown to be beneficial for gay men's mental health. This research investigated the interrelations between sense of belonging to three forms of gay community (the broader gay community, gay groups, and gay friends), sense of belonging to the general community, and depressive symptoms by examining a path model. A community s le of 177 gay men, aged 18 to 79 years, completed the Sense of Belonging Instrument-Psychological subscale, the Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, and the Sense of Belonging within Gay Communities Scale. The model provided excellent fit to the data in which sense of belonging to the general community mediated the relationships between a sense of belonging to gay groups and with gay friends and depressive symptoms. Results imply that enhancing gay men's sense of belonging to gay groups and with gay friends is likely to be associated with fewer depressive symptoms, by virtue of their enhanced sense of belonging to the general community.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 14-06-2017
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2017.1334191
Abstract: Depression is a significant mental health issue among older Australian adults. Research has indicated that insomnia is a key risk factor for the development of depressive symptoms in older adults, and that dispositional hope may be protective against the development of depressive symptoms in this population. This study examined whether dispositional hope and its dimensions, agency and pathways, moderated the relationship between insomnia symptoms and depressive symptoms among older Australian adults. A community s le of 88 men (M After controlling for gender, age, relationship status, education level, method of participation, and perceived physical health, results supported the moderation models. The insomnia-depressive symptoms relation was significant for older adults with low and average (but not high) levels of dispositional hope, agency, and pathways. The Johnson-Neyman analyses indicated that the insomnia-depressive symptoms relation was significant for older adults who scored below 27.10 on dispositional hope, below 13.73 on agency, and below 13.49 and above 15.64 on pathways. The results of this study imply that interventions aimed at increasing dispositional hope, agency, and pathways among older adults who experience symptoms of insomnia may reduce their depressive symptoms. A cautionary note, however, is that very high scores on pathways among older adults who experience insomnia symptoms may be detrimental to their mental health.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 30-07-2015
DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2015.1078207
Abstract: Research indicates belonging to a gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) support group is indirectly associated with fewer depressive symptoms, via higher levels of sense of belonging to the general community. The current study extended this research by testing a path model to determine whether school, teacher, and peer connectedness are influenced by sense of belonging to a community GLB youth group. A s le of 82 Australian GLB adolescents aged 14 to 18 years who currently attend high school completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Psychological Subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument, and the Social Questionnaire for Secondary Students. Results indicated very good model fit. Higher levels of belonging to a community GLB youth group were associated with higher levels of school, teacher, and peer connectedness, but only peer connectedness was directly associated with depressive symptoms. Higher levels of school and teacher connectedness were associated with higher levels of peer connectedness. Interventions aimed at increasing belonging to a community GLB youth group may have indirect benefits for the mental health of GLB adolescents, via higher levels of school, teacher, and peer connectedness.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-2007
DOI: 10.1521/SULI.2007.37.1.89
Abstract: Suicide among older people, especially men, is a significant problem. In this study the applicability of the compensatory, the risk-protective, the challenge, and the protective-protective models of resiliency for the prediction of suicidal ideation from depression (the risk factor) and sense of belonging to the community (the protective factor) was investigated. A total of 351 retired Australians (130 males and 221 females), with a mean age of 71.31 years (SD = 7.99), completed the Zung Depression Scale, the suicide subscale of the General Health Questionnaire, and the Sense of Belonging Instrument. When sense of belonging (psychological) was the protective factor, results indicated support for the risk-protective model for men and women, and for the compensatory model for women only. In contrast, when sense of belonging (antecedents) was the protective factor, support was evident for the compensatory model for men and women, and for the challenge model for women only. Results indicate that interventions should be developed to enhance sense of belonging among aging adults.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2009
DOI: 10.1521/SULI.2009.39.2.161
Abstract: The high rates of suicide among older men are cause for concern, and have prompted the investigation of factors that might explain these elevated rates. The current research examined whether the gender role construct agency was associated with depression and suicidal ideation among older adults. The results, based on self-report data from a s le of older Australian men (n = 69) and women (n = 90), indicated that depression mediated the relation between agency and suicidal ideation. In addition, for older men only, agency moderated the depression-suicidal ideation relation. The results suggest that older adults, and particularly men, with low levels of agency should be the targets for interventions aimed at increasing levels of agency and improving mental health.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-12-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-02-2016
DOI: 10.3390/ANI6020012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-11-2015
Publisher: Men's Studies Press, LLC
Date: 20-03-2008
DOI: 10.3149/JMH.0701.90
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 04-2016
DOI: 10.1037/PAS0000352
Abstract: The present study examined measurement invariance of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) in community groups of Australian heterosexual men (N = 1106), heterosexual women (N = 2111), gay men (N = 527), and lesbians (N = 712). Confirmatory factor analysis of CES-D item scores supported the theorized oblique 4-factor model. There was support for full measurement invariance across the 4 groups, based on differences in approximate fit indices. In contrast there was support for only partial invariance when the chi-square difference test was applied. Lack of invariance was mostly for depressed affect and somatic symptom items, with noninvariant somatic symptom items showing consistently high factor loadings and thresholds among lesbians compared with the other groups. The findings are discussed in relation to the use of the CES-D, the relevance of different depression symptoms to how depressions is experienced by the different gender and sexual orientation groups, and gender role socialization and minority sexual orientation theories. (PsycINFO Database Record
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2006
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.1080/13607860512331334031
Abstract: A high sense of belonging to the community and physical activity are associated with improved mental health in older people. The present study tested a model incorporating physical activities performed alone and with others as predictors of sense of belonging, depression and suicide ideation. One hundred and ninety four retired adults (87 males, 107 females, mean age 68 years) completed the Yale Physical Activity Survey, the Sense of Belonging Instrument, the Suicide Subscale of the General Health Questionnaire and the Zung Depression Inventory. Within the context of the model, neither participating in physical activities alone, nor with at least one other person, predicted sense of belonging, depression or suicide ideation. Having the abilities and motivation to belong was a predictor of participating in physical activities with others and actual feelings of belonging and contributed to predicting mental health in retirees. It was concluded that simply performing activities with others was not associated with a sense of belonging or mental health. Rather, sense of belonging may need to be facilitated in order for mental health to be enhanced.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 14-09-2006
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-01-2009
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1876787
Abstract: Trans and gender erse adults are at increased suicide risk. Optimism protects against suicide across multiple populations. Applying the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS), we examined both factors among 237 adults recruited via social media and online platforms, 79.3% of whom reported serious suicide ideation. Dispositional optimism predicted suicidal ideation and behaviors (SIB), but did not moderate the relationship between the IPTS components and SIB. After controlling for depressive symptoms, hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery did not predict SIB. Promoting dispositional optimism within a therapeutic framework may reduce SIB in this vulnerable population.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-11-2004
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 30-05-2023
DOI: 10.2196/43385
Abstract: Anxiety disorders and depression are prevalent disorders with high comorbidity, leading to greater chronicity and severity of symptoms. Given the accessibility to treatment issues, more evaluation is needed to assess the potential benefits of fully automated self-help transdiagnostic digital interventions. Innovating beyond the current transdiagnostic one-size-fits-all shared mechanistic approach may also lead to further improvements. The primary objective of this study was to explore the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of a new fully automated self-help biopsychosocial transdiagnostic digital intervention (Life Flex) aimed at treating anxiety and/or depression, as well as improving emotional regulation emotional, social, and psychological well-being optimism and health-related quality of life. This was a real-world pre-during-post-follow-up feasibility trial design evaluation of Life Flex. Participants were assessed at the preintervention time point (week 0), during intervention (weeks 3 and 5), at the postintervention time point (week 8), and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups (weeks 12 and 20, respectively). The results provided early support for the Life Flex program in reducing anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9), psychological distress (Kessler 6), and emotional dysregulation (Difficulties in Emotional Regulation 36) and increasing emotional, social, and psychological well-being (Mental Health Continuum—Short Form) optimism (Revised Life Orientation Test) and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-3L Utility Index and Health Rating all false discovery rate [FDR] .001). Large within-group treatment effect sizes (range |d|=0.82 to 1.33) were found for most variables from pre- to postintervention assessments and at the 1- and 3-month follow-up. The exceptions were medium treatment effect sizes for EQ-5D-3L Utility Index (range Cohen d=−0.50 to −0.63) and optimism (range Cohen d=−0.72 to −0.79) and small-to-medium treatment effect size change for EQ-5D-3L Health Rating (range Cohen d=−0.34 to −0.58). Changes across all outcome variables were generally strongest for participants with preintervention clinical comorbid anxiety and depression presentations (range |d|=0.58 to 2.01) and weakest for participants presenting with nonclinical anxiety and/or depressive symptoms (|d|=0.05 to 0.84). Life Flex was rated as acceptable at the postintervention time point, and participants indicated that they enjoyed the transdiagnostic program and biological, wellness, and lifestyle-focused content and strategies. Given the paucity of evidence on fully automated self-help transdiagnostic digital interventions for anxiety and/or depressive symptomatology and general treatment accessibility issues, this study provides preliminary support for biopsychosocial transdiagnostic interventions, such as Life Flex, as a promising future mental health service delivery gap filler. Following large-scale, randomized controlled trials, the potential benefits of fully automated self-help digital health programs, such as Life Flex, could be considerable. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12615000480583 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=368007
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-1997
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 31-07-2015
Abstract: Objectives: For the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) ratings, the study examined support for a bifactor model, and also the internal consistency reliability and external validity of the factors in this model. Method: Participants ( N = 1,178) were older adults from the general community who completed the CES-D. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis of their ratings indicated support for the bifactor model. For this model, the general factor explained most of the covariance in the scores of the CES-D items for Depressed Affect, Somatic Symptoms and Retarded Activity, and Interpersonal Difficulties items. Most of the covariance in the scores of the Positive Affect (PA) scale was explained by its own specific factor. Additional analyses showed support for internal consistencies and external validities of general factors based on all the CES-D items, and when PA items were excluded, and also the PA-specific factor. Discussion: The findings support the use of a total CES-D score without the PA items and also the concurrent use of the PA scale score.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 13-05-2013
DOI: 10.1017/S1041610213000616
Abstract: Background: Higher levels of insomnia predict greater depression severity among older adults however, the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear. This study tested a path model that explored whether dysfunctional beliefs about sleep and hopelessness mediated the relationship from insomnia to depression. It was hypothesized that insomnia would predict depression, both directly and indirectly, via dysfunctional beliefs about sleep and hopelessness. Methods: A community s le of 218 independent-living Australian older adults aged from 65 to 96 years completed a self-report questionnaire package. From the initial 218 participants, 171 completed a measure of depression three months later. Results: Path analysis demonstrated that maladaptive sleep beliefs and hopelessness partly explained how insomnia influenced depression, irrespective of the presence of obstructive sleep apnea and/or restless legs syndrome. Conclusions: An older adult's beliefs about sleep and sense of hopelessness were important psychological factors that helped explain how insomnia related to depression.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1002/AB.20181
Abstract: This study examined three models depicting the relations between mother and father attachment, self-esteem and aggression. A total of 385 participants (173 males and 212 females), aged from 18 to 20 years, completed self-rating questionnaires covering mother and father attachment, self-esteem and aggression. Results showed that self-esteem had additive and mediation effects on both the father attachment-aggression and mother attachment-aggression relationships, and also moderated the mother attachment-aggression relation. These findings are discussed in terms of different models for the inter-relations of mother and father attachment, self-esteem and aggression in late adolescence.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 02-10-2014
DOI: 10.1017/S1041610214002166
Abstract: The authors regret errors in the reporting of the confidence intervals in the Results section. In relation to the first simple mediation model, the sentence “In this analysis, the β (95% CI) values of the direct effect and indirect effect of marital status on sense of belonging were 1.32 (−2.70, −0.05) and 0.72 (−1.43, −0.01), respectively.” Should read: “In this analysis, the β (95% CI) values of the direct effect and indirect effect of marital status on sense of belonging were 1.32 (−2.70, 0.05) and 0.72 (−1.43, 0.01), respectively.” In relation to the hypothesized mediation model, the sentence “The β (95% CI) values of the direct effect and indirect effect of marital status on suicidal ideation were 0.19 (−0.06, −0.43) and 0.22 (0.11, −0.35), respectively” should read: “The β (95% CI) values of the direct effect and indirect effect of marital status on suicidal ideation were 0.19 (−0.06, 0.43) and 0.22 (0.11, 0.35), respectively.” In relation to the moderated mediation model, the text “The relation between marital status and sense of belonging was significant for men as its bootstrapped 95% CI did not include zero (0.20, −0.67). In contrast, this relation was not significant for women as its bootstrapped 95% CI included zero (−0.03, −0.25)” should read: “The relation between marital status and sense of belonging was significant for men as its bootstrapped 95% CI did not include zero (0.20, 0.67). In contrast, this relation was not significant for women as its bootstrapped 95% CI included zero (−0.03, 0.25).”
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-01-2009
DOI: 10.1080/00918360802551365
Abstract: Research has indicated that a sense of belonging is important for mental health. This study investigated sense of belonging to the general community and sense of belonging to the lesbian community as predictors of depression among self-identified lesbians (n = 178). Participants completed the Psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument and the Depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Results showed that although sense of belonging to the general community and sense of belonging to the lesbian community were directly related to depression, only sense of belonging to the general community contributed significantly to the prediction of depression when they were entered together in a regression analysis. Sense of belonging to the general community and sense of belonging to the lesbian community interacted in the prediction of depression. Low sense of belonging to the general community buffered the association between sense of belonging to the lesbian community and depression, while high sense of belonging to the general community exacerbated the association between sense of belonging to the lesbian community and depression. Results also showed that sense of belonging to the general community mediated the relation between sense of belonging to the lesbian community and depression. Results imply that enhancing a sense of belonging to the general community should be a priority for lesbians who do not feel that they belong to the lesbian community.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-09-2023
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 28-04-2023
DOI: 10.2196/45040
Abstract: Anxiety and depression are leading causes of disease worldwide, requiring timely access to evidence-based treatment. Digital mental health (dMH) interventions increase accessibility to evidence-based psychological services delivered in a variety of web-based formats (eg, self-help and therapist-assisted interventions). Robust and rigorous studies of adaptive web-based intervention designs are scarce. No identified randomized clinical trial has investigated the efficacy of a 2-stage adaptive design, whereby the program-only condition or no support dMH treatment program is augmented by either low or high therapist assistance, if a participant does not improve or engage in the program-only condition. The primary objective is to assess whether low or high therapist-assisted support delivered via video chat is more effective in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms compared with a dMH program–only condition. The secondary objective is to evaluate the role of motivation self-efficacy and preferences in participant engagement, adherence, and clinical outcomes (anxiety and depression symptoms) among the 3 treatment conditions (program only, low-intensity therapist assistance, and high-intensity therapist assistance). A mixed methods analysis of factors affecting participant attrition, participant reasons for nonengagement and withdrawal, and therapist training and implementation of dMH interventions will be completed. Qualitative data regarding participant and therapist experiences and satisfaction with video chat assessment and treatment will also be analyzed. Australian adults (N=137) with symptoms or a diagnosis of anxiety or depression will be screened for eligibility and given access to the 8-module Life Flex dMH treatment program. On day 15, participants who meet the augmentation criteria will be stepped up via block randomization to receive therapist assistance delivered via video chat for either 10 minutes (low intensity) or 50 minutes (high intensity) per week. This adaptive trial will implement a mixed methods design, with outcomes assessed before the intervention (week 0), during the intervention (weeks 3 and 6), after the intervention (week 9), and at the 3-month follow-up (week 21). The primary outcome measures are for anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7) and depression severity (Patient Health Questionnaire–9). Measures of working alliance, health status, health resources, preferences, self-efficacy, and motivation will be used for secondary outcomes. Qualitative methods will be used to explore participant and therapist experiences of video chat assessment and treatment, participant reasons for withdrawal and nonengagement, and therapist training and implementation experiences. Data collection commenced in November 2020 and was completed at the end of March 2022. This is the first mixed methods adaptive trial to explore the comparative efficacy of different intensity levels of self-help and a therapist-assisted dMH intervention program delivered via video chat for adults with anxiety or depression. Anticipated results may have implications for the implementation of dMH interventions. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry 12620000422921 9cyu372 RR1-10.2196/45040
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-09-2015
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 10-2019
DOI: 10.1037/MEN0000197
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 23-02-2022
DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2022.2039827
Abstract: The current study investigated whether hope and its two components (agency and pathways) acted as protective factors by weakening the relations between perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and acquired capability for suicide and suicide risk among older adults. A community s le of 594 older Australians aged from 60 to 95 years ( After controlling for depressive symptoms and sociodemographic variables, hope and agency moderated the thwarted belongingness-suicide risk relation, and hope, agency, and pathways moderated the acquired capability for suicide-risk relation. Hope may play an important role in reducing suicide risk among older adults experiencing thwarted belongingness and who have acquired the capability for suicide. Research is required to identify ways of reducing suicide risk among older adults who experience perceived burdensomeness. Increasing hope may reduce suicide risk among older adults experiencing thwarted belongingness and who have acquired the capability for suicide.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 13-12-2022
Abstract: nxiety and depression are leading causes of disease worldwide, requiring timely access to evidence-based treatment. Digital mental health (dMH) interventions increase accessibility to evidence-based psychological services delivered in a variety of web-based formats (eg, self-help and therapist-assisted interventions). Robust and rigorous studies of adaptive web-based intervention designs are scarce. No identified randomized clinical trial has investigated the efficacy of a 2-stage adaptive design, whereby the program-only condition or i no support /i dMH treatment program is augmented by either low or high therapist assistance, if a participant does not improve or engage in the program-only condition. he primary objective is to assess whether low or high therapist-assisted support delivered via video chat is more effective in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms compared with a dMH program–only condition. The secondary objective is to evaluate the role of motivation self-efficacy and preferences in participant engagement, adherence, and clinical outcomes (anxiety and depression symptoms) among the 3 treatment conditions (program only, low-intensity therapist assistance, and high-intensity therapist assistance). A mixed methods analysis of factors affecting participant attrition, participant reasons for nonengagement and withdrawal, and therapist training and implementation of dMH interventions will be completed. Qualitative data regarding participant and therapist experiences and satisfaction with video chat assessment and treatment will also be analyzed. ustralian adults (N=137) with symptoms or a diagnosis of anxiety or depression will be screened for eligibility and given access to the 8-module Life Flex dMH treatment program. On day 15, participants who meet the augmentation criteria will be i stepped up /i via block randomization to receive therapist assistance delivered via video chat for either 10 minutes (low intensity) or 50 minutes (high intensity) per week. This adaptive trial will implement a mixed methods design, with outcomes assessed before the intervention (week 0), during the intervention (weeks 3 and 6), after the intervention (week 9), and at the 3-month follow-up (week 21). he primary outcome measures are for anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7) and depression severity (Patient Health Questionnaire–9). Measures of working alliance, health status, health resources, preferences, self-efficacy, and motivation will be used for secondary outcomes. Qualitative methods will be used to explore participant and therapist experiences of video chat assessment and treatment, participant reasons for withdrawal and nonengagement, and therapist training and implementation experiences. Data collection commenced in November 2020 and was completed at the end of March 2022. his is the first mixed methods adaptive trial to explore the comparative efficacy of different intensity levels of self-help and a therapist-assisted dMH intervention program delivered via video chat for adults with anxiety or depression. Anticipated results may have implications for the implementation of dMH interventions. ustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry 12620000422921 9cyu372 R1-10.2196/45040
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-03-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-04-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2006
DOI: 10.1080/07481180500493401
Abstract: In response to the high rate of suicide among aging people, this study investigated sense of belonging as a predictor of reasons for living in an aged s le. A community s le of 104 Australians aged 61 to 95 years completed The Reasons for Living Inventory and The Sense of Belonging Instrument. Results indicated that a higher sense of belonging predicted more reasons to live overall, and child-related concerns, responsibility to family, and survival and coping beliefs, specifically. Future research should investigate if the enhancement of a sense of belonging among older adults is associated with an increase in reasons for living.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2006
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-08-2014
DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2014.938158
Abstract: The Dispositional Hope Scale (DHS Snyder et al., 1991) is composed of items assessing an in idual's perception of his or her agency and pathways. This study examined support for the bifactor structure and relation of the factors in this model with depressive symptoms. It also examined cross-gender measurement invariance for the bifactor model. A community s le of 413 women and 257 men completed the DHS. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated more support for the bifactor model than the 1- and 2-factor models. Results also indicated full measurement invariance across gender for the bifactor and the 2-factor models. The general and the specific agency factors, but not the specific pathways factor, correlated with depressive symptoms. The better support for the bifactor model suggests that ideally hope has to be measured and examined by factors reflecting high covariance for agency and pathways, and also factors reflecting unique variances for agency and pathways. The support for full cross-gender measurement invariance indicated that there are no differences in measurement and scaling properties for the DHS across ratings provided by women and men, and therefore the DHS ratings can be scored in the same way for women and men.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 17-10-2022
Abstract: nxiety disorders and depression are prevalent disorders with high comorbidity, leading to greater chronicity and severity of symptoms. Given the accessibility to treatment issues, more evaluation is needed to assess the potential benefits of fully automated self-help transdiagnostic digital interventions. Innovating beyond the current transdiagnostic one-size-fits-all shared mechanistic approach may also lead to further improvements. he primary objective of this study was to explore the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of a new fully automated self-help biopsychosocial transdiagnostic digital intervention (Life Flex) aimed at treating anxiety and/or depression, as well as improving emotional regulation emotional, social, and psychological well-being optimism and health-related quality of life. his was a real-world pre-during-post-follow-up feasibility trial design evaluation of Life Flex. Participants were assessed at the preintervention time point (week 0), during intervention (weeks 3 and 5), at the postintervention time point (week 8), and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups (weeks 12 and 20, respectively). he results provided early support for the Life Flex program in reducing anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9), psychological distress (Kessler 6), and emotional dysregulation (Difficulties in Emotional Regulation 36) and increasing emotional, social, and psychological well-being (Mental Health Continuum—Short Form) optimism (Revised Life Orientation Test) and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-3L Utility Index and Health Rating all false discovery rate [FDR]& .001). Large within-group treatment effect sizes (range | i d /i |=0.82 to 1.33) were found for most variables from pre- to postintervention assessments and at the 1- and 3-month follow-up. The exceptions were medium treatment effect sizes for EQ-5D-3L Utility Index (range Cohen i d /i =−0.50 to −0.63) and optimism (range Cohen i d /i =−0.72 to −0.79) and small-to-medium treatment effect size change for EQ-5D-3L Health Rating (range Cohen i d /i =−0.34 to −0.58). Changes across all outcome variables were generally strongest for participants with preintervention clinical comorbid anxiety and depression presentations (range | i d /i |=0.58 to 2.01) and weakest for participants presenting with nonclinical anxiety and/or depressive symptoms (| i d /i |=0.05 to 0.84). Life Flex was rated as acceptable at the postintervention time point, and participants indicated that they enjoyed the transdiagnostic program and biological, wellness, and lifestyle-focused content and strategies. iven the paucity of evidence on fully automated self-help transdiagnostic digital interventions for anxiety and/or depressive symptomatology and general treatment accessibility issues, this study provides preliminary support for biopsychosocial transdiagnostic interventions, such as Life Flex, as a promising future mental health service delivery gap filler. Following large-scale, randomized controlled trials, the potential benefits of fully automated self-help digital health programs, such as Life Flex, could be considerable. ustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12615000480583 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=368007
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-1998
DOI: 10.2466/PR0.1998.82.3.794
Abstract: The study compared the perceived stress of 54 male police officers, 99 ambulance officers, and 51 correctional officers. Scores on the Perceived Stress Scale were not high and did not differ among groups.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-07-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1440-1584.2011.01210.X
Abstract: The current study examined how sociodemographic, psychological, physical and social support variables predict participation in formal support services. Cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited from oncology clinics, cancer specialist clinics and cancer support groups. Seventy-six men living outside major Australian cities, the majority with prostate cancer (n=55). Participants completed the Brief Symptom Inventory, the List of Physical Complaints, the Social Support Subscale of the Coping Resources Inventory and questionnaires related to levels of awareness of, and participation in support services. Most (82%) of the men were aware of at least one formal service offering emotional support, and 49% of the men had used such a service. Telephone- and Internet-based services were the most used type of support. The only predictor of participation in a formal service was lower age. Use of a support service was not predicted by psychological or physical symptoms, levels of social support or distance from service centres. Attitudes to different types of services, and support services in general, might be more predictive of actual use. The current findings point to the potential of telephone- and Internet-based support as an acceptable means of formal support for rural and regional men who experience cancer-related distress.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2013.735933
Abstract: Researchers have demonstrated that age is related to depression among gay men and lesbians, with younger adults experiencing more depression than older adults. Other researchers have indicated that a sense of belonging is related to lower levels of depression. This study investigated whether sense of belonging to the gay and lesbian community moderates and mediates the relationship between age and depressive symptoms among gay men and lesbians. An Australian s le of self-identified gay men (n = 346) and lesbians (n = 270) completed the Psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results indicated that age and sense of belonging were directly and independently related to depressive symptoms for gay men and lesbians. In addition, for lesbians only, sense of belonging moderated the age-depressive symptom relation. For lesbians with low levels of sense belonging to the lesbian community, age was not associated with depressive symptoms. In contrast, for lesbians with high levels of sense of belonging to the lesbian community, the association between sense of belonging and depressive symptoms decreased with increasing age. Encouraging gay men and lesbians (especially younger lesbians) to become involved in the gay and lesbian community is likely to be beneficial for their mental health.
Publisher: Men's Studies Press, LLC
Date: 09-2007
DOI: 10.3149/JMH.0603.259
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-11-2019
DOI: 10.1111/SLTB.12532
Abstract: Levels of suicidal behavior among gay men are a significant concern. The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide proposes that being unpartnered is a risk factor for suicidal behavior due to thwarted belongingness however, this has yet to be tested empirically. Recent studies also indicate that the two components of hope, agency and pathways, may be protective against suicidal behavior. The first aim of the current study was to investigate whether thwarted belongingness mediates the relationship between relationship status and suicidal behavior in gay men. The study also examined whether agency and pathways weaken the association between relationship status and thwarted belongingness, and whether agency weakens the relation between thwarted belongingness and suicidal behavior. A s le of 370 self-identified gay men aged from 18 to 66 years old (M = 26.13, SD = 8.02) completed the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire-Revised, and the Adult Dispositional Hope Scale. Results showed that thwarted belongingness mediated the relationship between relationship status and suicidal behavior. The hypothesized moderated-mediation models were not supported. These findings have implications for the development of interventions that aim to reduce suicidal behaviors in gay men.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 24-09-2021
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 12-06-2023
DOI: 10.2196/45135
Abstract: Digital mental health (DMH) interventions incorporating elements that adapt to the evolving needs of consumers have the potential to further our understanding of the optimal intensity of therapist assistance and inform stepped-care models. The primary objective was to compare the efficacy of a transdiagnostic biopsychosocial DMH program, with or without therapist assistance for adults with subthreshold symptoms or a diagnosis of anxiety or depression. In a randomized adaptive clinical trial design, all participants had access to the DMH program, with eligibility to have their program augmented with therapist assistance determined by program engagement or symptom severity. Participants who met stepped-care criteria were randomized to have their treatment program augmented with either low-intensity (10 min/week of video chat support for 7 weeks) or high-intensity (50 min/week of video chat support for 7 weeks) therapist assistance. A total of 103 participants (mean age 34.17, SD 10.50 years) were assessed before (week 0), during (weeks 3 and 6), and after the intervention (week 9) and at the 3-month follow-up (week 21). The effects of 3 treatment conditions (DMH program only, DMH program+low-intensity therapist assistance, and DMH program+high-intensity therapist assistance) on changes in the 2 primary outcomes of anxiety (7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale [GAD-7]) and depression (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]) were assessed using the Cohen d, reliable change index, and mixed-effects linear regression analyses. There were no substantial differences in the outcome measures among intervention conditions. However, there were significant time effect changes in most outcomes over time. All 3 intervention conditions demonstrated strong and significant treatment effect changes in GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores, with absolute Cohen d values ranging from 0.82 to 1.79 (all P .05). The mixed-effects models revealed that, in the Life Flex program–only condition at week 3, mean GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores significantly decreased from baseline by 3.54 and 4.38 (all P .001), respectively. At weeks 6, 9, and 21, GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores significantly decreased from baseline by at least 6 and 7 points (all P .001), respectively. Nonresponders at week 3 who were stepped up to therapist assistance increased program engagement and treatment response. At the postintervention time point and 3-month follow-up, 67% (44/65) and 69% (34/49) of the participants, respectively, no longer met diagnostic criteria for anxiety or depression. The findings highlight that early detection of low engagement and non–treatment response presents an opportunity to effectively intervene by incorporating an adaptive design. Although the study findings indicate that therapist assistance was no more effective than the DMH intervention program alone for reducing symptoms of anxiety or depression, the data highlight the potential influence of participant selection bias and participant preferences within stepped-care treatment models. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620000422921 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=378317& isReview=true RR2-10.2196/45040
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 07-08-2014
DOI: 10.1017/S1041610214001501
Abstract: Marriage has been identified as a protective factor in relation to suicide among older adults. The current study aimed to investigate whether sense of belonging mediated the marital status–suicidal ideation relationship, and whether gender moderated the mediation model. It was hypothesized that the relationship between being widowed and lower levels of sense of belonging, and between lower levels of belonging and higher levels of suicidal ideation, would be stronger for older men than older women. A community s le of Australian men ( n = 286) and women ( n = 383) aged from 65 to 98 years completed the psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument and the suicide subscale of the General Health Questionnaire. The results supported the moderated mediation model, with gender influencing the marital status–sense of belonging relation. For men, widowhood was associated with lower levels of belongingness, whereas for women, marital status was unrelated to sense of belonging. It would appear crucial to develop and implement interventions which assist older men to find new ways to feel important and valued after the death of their spouse.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-10-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-06-2023
DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2092806
Abstract: Rural Australians with erse sexualities (queer) are at higher risk of poor mental health outcomes and suicidal ideation than their heterosexual and urban peers. This is particularly the case for young people aged 18-29 years experiencing a developmental period known as emerging adulthood marked by significant volatility and change. A sense of belonging is a fundamental human need and has been found to function as a protective factor against depression and suicidality in rural, queer, and emerging adult populations. However, studies have not explored how queer emerging adults experience belongingness in rural communities. This paper presents a qualitative, exploratory study of 11 rural queer emerging adult Australians and examines their experiences of belongingness utilizing a four-factor framework of belonging-assessing competencies, opportunities, motivations, and perceptions. The results indicate that negative perceptions of inclusion in rural areas inhibit a sense of belonging from being established, by influencing the in idual's motivations to belong and the competencies they apply to belong. Lower levels of perceived social acceptance and queer visibility are two perceptions that repeatedly affect a sense of belonging. Interventions that address perceptions and competencies, and increase queer visibility in rural areas, could increase a sense of belonging for queer emerging adults in rural Australia.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-09-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2005
DOI: 10.1080/13607860500193062
Abstract: The prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation among older adults is considered to be a major mental health concern among this age group. The present study investigated the human relatedness variables of marital status, social support resources and sense of belonging as predictors of depression and suicidal ideation in older adults. A community s le of 110 older adults (M age 76.67 years, SD = 8.11) completed the Social Support Subscale of the Coping Resources Inventory, the Sense of Belonging Instrument, the Zung Depression Inventory and the Suicide Subscale of the General Health Questionnaire. Results indicated that fewer social support resources were associated with higher levels of depression and suicidal ideation. Sense of belonging to the community was not an additional predictor of mental health. The results of the present study suggest that enhancing social support resources in older adults could reduce depression and suicidal ideation.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-1997
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-12-2014
DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2014.983376
Abstract: Internalized homophobia is a risk factor for depression among gay men and lesbians. The aim of the study was to test whether the internalized homophobia-depression relation was moderated by gender (stronger among gay men compared with lesbians), age (stronger among younger compared with older gay men and lesbians), and place of residence (stronger among gay men and lesbians who live in rural areas compared with those who live in urban areas). An Australian s le of 311 self-identified gay men and 570 self-identified lesbians, aged 18 to 70 years, completed the Internalized Homophobia Scale and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Results indicated that age and gender did not moderate the internalized homophobia-depressive symptoms relation. Place of residence was a significant moderator for gay men but not lesbians. In contrast to the hypothesis, the internalized homophobia-depression relation was significant only among gay men who resided in urban areas. Those who work with gay men should be particularly aware of the significant relationship between internalized homophobia and depressive symptoms among gay men who reside in urban areas.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 23-11-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-02-2009
DOI: 10.1080/07481180802671985
Abstract: This study investigated the applicability of 3 models of resiliency for the prediction of suicidal ideation from depression (the risk factor) and social support and sense of belonging (the protective factors). A s le of 99 Australian men farmers completed measures of depression, suicidal ideas, social support, and sense of belonging. Sense of belonging compensated for high levels of depression, and social support, sense of belonging, and an increasing number of protective factors each weakened the depression-suicidal ideation relation. The findings are limited because of the small s le and reliance on self-report measures, but suggest that increasing social support and sense of belonging may benefit the mental health of men farmers.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 24-02-2015
Abstract: There is evidence to suggest that body image dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms are related among lesbians and that the strength of this relationship may be influenced by in iduals’ sense of belonging to the lesbian community at each of the three layers: broad, organizational, and friendship. The broad layer provides an overarching ideology and, within this layer, in iduals may not have direct contact with each other. The organizational layer is represented by groups, organizations, or activities, which exist to bring together lesbians who have a shared interest or proximity, such as lesbian support, social, or interest groups. The friendship layer refers to one’s personal network of friends, and it provides general support and acceptance of oneself as a whole person. A s le of 162 self-identified Australian lesbians completed measures of body image satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and sense of belonging. Results demonstrated that sense of belonging to each layer moderated the body image dissatisfaction→depressive symptoms relationship such that the relationship weakens with increasingly higher levels of sense of belonging. Results further showed that high levels of sense of belonging to the organizational and friendship layers were particularly protective. Examining each layer of community simultaneously has shown the importance of more intimate relationships, in addition to the relationships at the broad layer. The results have significant implications for treatment interventions. Practitioners should consider ways to connect lesbians to these more intimate layers of community.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-12-2022
DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1863520
Abstract: Within Australia, men who reside in rural areas are at higher risk for suicide compared to men who reside in more populated areas. The aim of the current study was to examine the role that fewer reasons for living might play in the higher rates of suicide among men who reside in rural areas by testing a mediation model. Given the protective nature of reasons for living, I proposed that rurality would be associated with fewer reasons for living which, in turn, would be associated with higher levels of suicidal ideation. A convenience s le of 609 Australian men aged from 18 to 90 years (
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-04-2014
DOI: 10.1002/PON.3559
Abstract: The objective is to investigate the influence of characteristics related to place of residence (self-reliance and stoicism) on men's intentions to use a telephone support service following radical prostatectomy. A community s le of 447 prostate cancer patients (31% response), recruited via Medicare Australia, completed a survey to assess levels of self-reliance and stoicism, and beliefs about addressing emotional distress through using telephone support services. Results indicated that the model was a partially mediated model. Geographic remoteness was directly related to intention, and indirectly related through stoicism and subjective norms. Men from rural and remote areas in Australia might face particular challenges in seeking support following treatment for prostate cancer. These challenges appear to relate to the influence of stoic attitudes and normative expectations, than to issues of access and availability. Addressing stoic attitudes in the clinical setting, through normalising emotional reactions to cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the act of help-seeking for emotional support, may be beneficial.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 16-12-2022
Abstract: igital mental health (DMH) interventions incorporating elements that adapt to the evolving needs of consumers have the potential to further our understanding of the optimal intensity of therapist assistance and inform stepped-care models. he primary objective was to compare the efficacy of a transdiagnostic biopsychosocial DMH program, with or without therapist assistance for adults with subthreshold symptoms or a diagnosis of anxiety or depression. n a randomized adaptive clinical trial design, all participants had access to the DMH program, with eligibility to have their program augmented with therapist assistance determined by program engagement or symptom severity. Participants who met stepped-care criteria were randomized to have their treatment program augmented with either low-intensity (10 min/week of video chat support for 7 weeks) or high-intensity (50 min/week of video chat support for 7 weeks) therapist assistance. A total of 103 participants (mean age 34.17, SD 10.50 years) were assessed before (week 0), during (weeks 3 and 6), and after the intervention (week 9) and at the 3-month follow-up (week 21). The effects of 3 treatment conditions (DMH program only, DMH program+low-intensity therapist assistance, and DMH program+high-intensity therapist assistance) on changes in the 2 primary outcomes of anxiety (7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale [GAD-7]) and depression (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]) were assessed using the Cohen i d /i , reliable change index, and mixed-effects linear regression analyses. here were no substantial differences in the outcome measures among intervention conditions. However, there were significant time effect changes in most outcomes over time. All 3 intervention conditions demonstrated strong and significant treatment effect changes in GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores, with absolute Cohen i d /i values ranging from 0.82 to 1.79 (all i P /i & .05). The mixed-effects models revealed that, in the Life Flex program–only condition at week 3, mean GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores significantly decreased from baseline by 3.54 and 4.38 (all i P /i & .001), respectively. At weeks 6, 9, and 21, GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores significantly decreased from baseline by at least 6 and 7 points (all i P /i & .001), respectively. Nonresponders at week 3 who were stepped up to therapist assistance increased program engagement and treatment response. At the postintervention time point and 3-month follow-up, 67% (44/65) and 69% (34/49) of the participants, respectively, no longer met diagnostic criteria for anxiety or depression. he findings highlight that early detection of low engagement and non–treatment response presents an opportunity to effectively intervene by incorporating an adaptive design. Although the study findings indicate that therapist assistance was no more effective than the DMH intervention program alone for reducing symptoms of anxiety or depression, the data highlight the potential influence of participant selection bias and participant preferences within stepped-care treatment models. ustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620000422921 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=378317& isReview=true R2-10.2196/45040
No related grants have been discovered for Suzanne McLaren.