9 research outputs found
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Passive objective measures in the assessment of problematic smartphone use: a systematic review
Research focussing on problematic smartphone use has predominantly employed psychometric tests which cannot capture the automatic processes and behaviours associated with problematic use. The present review aimed to identify passive objective measures that have been used or developed to assess problematic smartphone use. A systematic search was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, PsychInfo and PubMed databases to identify passive objective measures that have been employed to assess problematic smartphone use, resulting in 18 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Objective data that were monitored predominantly focussed on general screen usage time and checking patterns. Findings demonstrate that passive monitoring can enable smartphone usage patterns to be inferred within a relatively short timeframe and provide ecologically valid data on smartphone behaviour. Challenges and recommendations of employing passive objective measures in smartphone-based research are discussed
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"My presence is there to be seen for people who judge". Instagram on well-being, body image and body dysmorphic disorder
As social networking site (SNS) use has become increasingly integrated within our daily lives, there is growing concern around the potential impacts SNS use may have on our well-being and body image. However, the interplay between SNS and well-being is complex, and much research continues to rely on self-report measures to capture experiences with SNS. Moreover, previous associations between SNS and body image dissatisfaction point to SNS as playing a role within Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Therefore, the present project aimed i) to investigate the role of SNS usage patterns on psychological well-being outcomes and ii) to identify and understand the features of SNS use that may influence well-being outcomes from the perspectives of Instagram users, individuals experiencing BDD and clinicians working in the field of BDD, taking a focus on the SNS platform Instagram. A multistage mixed methods approach was employed, implementing psychometric assessment, focus groups and interviews, in addition to ecological momentary assessment (EMA) with objective monitoring. The results of the empirical studies found: i) SNS as combining aspects of both offline and online peer and media influences, whereby appearance is endorsed through interactive features and influential figures on Instagram, ii) appearance anxiety as significant mediator for Instagram use and well-being outcomes, iii) Instagram usage time, number of notifications and number of Instagram launches are not associated with well-being outcomes, iv) Instagram is a platform wherein BDD behaviours are reinforced, but also a place for finding support and connections, and v) Instagram use may contribute towards maintaining BDD symptoms, but may also be a useful tool in therapeutic treatment. Overall, findings of the present project address the features of Instagram that can contribute towards well-being, body image and SNS behavioural patterns, whilst also contributing to knowledge and understanding around SNS use in BDD
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The use of social networking sites, body image dissatisfaction and Body Dysmorphic Disorder: a systematic review of psychological research
The escalation of social networking site (SNS) usage has led to much research examining both the positive and negative implications SNS can have on well-being. However, whilst many studies have investigated the relationship between SNS usage and body image, there remains a paucity of research in regards to SNS usage and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). A systematic search was undertaken using Web of Science, PsychInfo and PubMed databases to identify SNS usage and patterns, SNS features and mediating factors contributing towards body image dissatisfaction, resulting in 40 studies meeting specific inclusion criteria. Findings identified passive SNS use and appearance-focused SNS use as particularly influential. Appearance-based comparisons were also found to be a strong mediator between SNS use and body image dissatisfaction. Using the current knowledge, parallels were highlighted in terms of body image dissatisfaction and BDD symptomatology, suggesting frequent SNS usage as a potential risk factor in the development of BDD symptoms
Antiinflammatory Therapy with Canakinumab for Atherosclerotic Disease
Background: Experimental and clinical data suggest that reducing inflammation without affecting lipid levels may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Yet, the inflammatory hypothesis of atherothrombosis has remained unproved. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind trial of canakinumab, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-1β, involving 10,061 patients with previous myocardial infarction and a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level of 2 mg or more per liter. The trial compared three doses of canakinumab (50 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg, administered subcutaneously every 3 months) with placebo. The primary efficacy end point was nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or cardiovascular death. RESULTS: At 48 months, the median reduction from baseline in the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level was 26 percentage points greater in the group that received the 50-mg dose of canakinumab, 37 percentage points greater in the 150-mg group, and 41 percentage points greater in the 300-mg group than in the placebo group. Canakinumab did not reduce lipid levels from baseline. At a median follow-up of 3.7 years, the incidence rate for the primary end point was 4.50 events per 100 person-years in the placebo group, 4.11 events per 100 person-years in the 50-mg group, 3.86 events per 100 person-years in the 150-mg group, and 3.90 events per 100 person-years in the 300-mg group. The hazard ratios as compared with placebo were as follows: in the 50-mg group, 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80 to 1.07; P = 0.30); in the 150-mg group, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.98; P = 0.021); and in the 300-mg group, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75 to 0.99; P = 0.031). The 150-mg dose, but not the other doses, met the prespecified multiplicity-adjusted threshold for statistical significance for the primary end point and the secondary end point that additionally included hospitalization for unstable angina that led to urgent revascularization (hazard ratio vs. placebo, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.95; P = 0.005). Canakinumab was associated with a higher incidence of fatal infection than was placebo. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio for all canakinumab doses vs. placebo, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.06; P = 0.31). Conclusions: Antiinflammatory therapy targeting the interleukin-1β innate immunity pathway with canakinumab at a dose of 150 mg every 3 months led to a significantly lower rate of recurrent cardiovascular events than placebo, independent of lipid-level lowering. (Funded by Novartis; CANTOS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01327846.
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Instagram engagement and well-being: the mediating role of appearance-anxiety
Previous research into social networking site (SNS) use and well-being has predominantly focused on time spent online. However, this can often lead to the underestimation of behaviours associated with SNS use, such as how users engage with SNS platforms. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SNS engagement patterns, namely active, passive and problematic usage patterns, and their relationship with anxiety, depression and self-esteem. Appearance anxiety was also examined as a mediating factor between Instagram engagement patterns and the selected well-being patterns. A sample of 290 participants reported their SNS engagement in a cross-sectional psychometric survey. Associations were investigated with markers for depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and appearance anxiety. Problematic use was associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and active use was negatively associated with depression. Appearance anxiety was revealed as a significant mediator for passive use on anxiety and depression, as well as for problematic use on anxiety and depression. Findings indicate problematic and passive usage patterns to have negative impacts regarding anxiety and depression symptomology, in addition to highlighting the role of appearance anxiety on well-being outcomes, contributing towards a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms associated with Instagram usage and well-being