Mental health prevalence and predictors among university students in nine countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-national study

The student population has been highly vulnerable to the risk of mental health deterioration during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to reveal the prevalence and predictors of mental health among students in Poland, Slovenia, Czechia, Ukraine, Russia, Germany, Turkey, Israel, and Colombia in a socioeconomic context during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted among 2349 students (69% women) from May–July 2020. Data were collected by means of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Gender Inequality Index (GII), Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings, the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT), and a sociodemographic survey. Descriptive statistics and Bayesian multilevel skew-normal regression analyses were conducted. The prevalence of high stress, depression, and generalized anxiety symptoms in the total sample was 61.30%, 40.3%, and 30%, respectively. The multilevel Bayesian model showed that female sex was a credible predictor of PSS-10, GAD-7, and PHQ-8 scores. In addition, place of residence (town) and educational level (first-cycle studies) were risk factors for the PHQ-8. This study showed that mental health issues are alarming in the student population. Regular psychological support should be provided to students by universities

Examining bedtime procrastination, study engagement, and studyholism in undergraduate students, and their association with insomnia

IntroductionCompulsive overstudying, known as studyholism, is an emerging behavioral addiction. In this study, we examine the prevalence of, and the relationships between, insomnia, study engagement, studyholism, bedtime procrastination among undergraduate students.MethodsThe Studyholism (SI-10), Athens Insomnia (AIS), and bedtime procrastination scales were administered to a convenience sample of 495 university students.ResultsOur findings indicate that the prevalence of insomnia was 75.31%, high studyholism was found in 15.31% of the sample, and increased study engagement was detected in 16.94%. Gender differences analysis revealed that females reported higher studyholism and bedtime procrastination than males. Fifth-year students had higher levels of studyholism than internship (p < 0.001), first-year (p < 0.01), and sixth-year students (p < 0.05). Insomnia was positively related to studyholism and bedtime procrastination. Furthermore, insomnia can be positively predicted by studyholism and bedtime procrastination. Participants with a medium level of studyholism were twice as likely to experience insomnia as those with a low level. Studyholics were six times more susceptible to insomnia than students with low studyholism levels. Compared to individuals with low bedtime procrastination levels, those with medium and high bedtime procrastination were twice as likely to report insomnia.ConclusionOur study highlights the interplay between insomnia, studyholism, and bedtime procrastination. Further, the findings indicate the need to increase awareness of insomnia

A Comparison of Depression and Anxiety among University Students in Nine Countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The mental health of young adults, particularly students, is at high risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this studywas to examine differences inmental health between university students in nine countries during the pandemic. The study encompassed 2349 university students (69% female) from Colombia, the Czech Republic (Czechia), Germany, Israel, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Turkey, and Ukraine. Participants underwent the following tests: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Exposure to COVID-19 (EC-19), Perceived Impact of Coronavirus (PIC) on students’ well-being, PhysicalActivity (PA), andGeneral Self-ReportedHealth (GSRH). The one-wayANOVAshowed significant differences between countries. The highest depression and anxiety risk occurred in Turkey, the lowest depression in the Czech Republic and the lowest anxiety in Germany. The 2 independence test showed that EC-19, PIC, and GSRHwere associatedwith anxiety and depression inmost of the countries, whereas PA was associated in less than half of the countries. Logistic regression showed distinct risk factors for each country. Gender and EC-19 were the most frequent predictors of depression and anxiety across the countries. The role of gender and PA for depression and anxiety is not universal and depends on cross-cultural differences. Students’mental health should be addressed froma cross-cultural perspective

HOW DO FOOTBALLERS COPE WITH STRESS?

Background: Stress is an inseparable attribute of sports activities. The answer to the question of how to effectively cope with stress in a competition is one of the most important challenges of sports psychology. The aim of this research is to analyze the stress-management strategies used by football players. Methods: Participants in the study were 32 students of physical education specializing in football and 39 students of management, aged between 19 and 27 years (M = 21.41, SD = 1.76), including 24 women (34% of all respondents). Coping strategies were assessed through application of the multi-dimensional COPE inventory. Results: In comparison with the sample of management students, the group of footballers use the strategy of positive reinterpretation and growth significantly more often, and less frequently use alcohol or other psychoactive substances in a stressful situation. Women use the strategy of seeking emotional support significantly more often than men, while significantly less often using psychoactive substances and humor. Conclusion: This research revealed that trainers and sport psychologists should take into account gender differences and the specificity of the sports discipline of the athletes when working on selection of the best strategies for coping with stress during competitions

Procrastination Mediates the Relationship between Problematic TikTok Use and Depression among Young Adults

Background: Although the prevalence of depression has increased significantly in recent years, especially in the young adult population, little is known about its causes and risk factors. The study aims to examine the mediating role of TikTok use in the relationships between procrastination and depression in young adults. Methods: A sample of 448 adults, ranging in age from 18 to 35 years (M = 24.45, SD = 3.76), including 214 men (48%), participated in the study. The cross-sectional survey consists of a modified Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) to assess problematic TikTok use (PTTU), the Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS) for procrastination measurement, and the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for screening depression symptoms. Results: The independent samples t-test indicates that emerging adults (ages ranging between 18 and 25 years) have more severe depression symptoms than young adults (26–35 years old). Gender differences were not found for procrastination, PTTU, and depression symptoms. Positive correlations were found between procrastination, PTTU, and depression symptoms. PTTU plays a mediating role in the associations between procrastination and depression. Conclusions: Both procrastination and PTTU treatment should be prioritized in the prevention and intervention programs for improving mental health among young adults. Some effective therapeutic methods are recommended

Індивідуальні відмінності між гравцями спортивних команд і студентами фізичного виховання

Background and Study Aim: Although personality research in psychology of sport has a long history, a little is known about the personality of the team sport players among university students. The aim of this study is to investigate differences in personality traits between Team Sport Players (TSP), Physical Education Students (PES) and Other Faculties Students (OFS). Material and Methods: Participants in the cross-sectional study were 441 university students aged between 18 and 34 years old (M = 22.09, SD = 2.19), including 60.09% of men, at a large university in the south of Poland. The NEO-FFI questionnaire was used to assess Big-Five personality traits. Results: One-way ANOVA revealed that TSP sample scored significantly lower in neuroticism, openness and agreeableness than both PES and OFS groups. TSP also demonstrated higher scores in extraversion, in comparison to PES. The PES and OFS did not differ one another in personality traits. Conscientiousness was at the same level in all three groups. Conclusions: Increasing achievement motivation and compliance with norms may heighten conscientiousness among undergraduates. The information about personality should be used by the coach to team conflict reduction, to make an appropriate selection decision and to develop individual development plans for particular team members.Предпосылки и цель исследования: Хотя личностные исследования в психологии спорта имеют долгую историю, мало что известно о личности игроков командного спорта среди студентов университетов. Целью данного исследования является изучение различий в личностных качествах игроков командного спорта (TSP), студентов физического воспитания (PES) и студентов других факультетов (OFS). Материал и методы. Участниками перекрестного исследования были 441 студент университета в возрасте от 18 до 34 лет (M = 22,09, SD = 2,19), в том числе 60,09% мужчин, в крупном университете на юге Польши. Анкета NEO-FFI использовалась для оценки личностных качеств Большой Пятерки. Результаты: односторонний анализ ANOVA показал, что группа TSP набрала значительно меньшую оценку невротизма, открытости и приятности, чем группы PES и OFS. TSP также продемонстрировал более высокие оценки в экстраверсии по сравнению с PES. PES и OFS не отличались друг от друга по личностным качествам. Добросовестность была на одном уровне во всех трех группах. Выводы: повышение мотивации достижения и соблюдения норм может повысить добросовестность среди студентов. Информация о личности должна использоваться тренером для уменьшения конфликтов в команде, для принятия соответствующего решения о выборе и для разработки индивидуальных планов развития для конкретных членов команды.Передумови та мета дослідження: Хоча особистісні дослідження в психології спорту мають довгу історію, мало що відомо про особу гравців командного спорту серед студентів університетів. Метою даного дослідження є вивчення відмінностей в особистісних якостях гравців командного спорту (TSP), студентів фізичного виховання (PES) і студентів інших факультетів (OFS). Матеріал і методи. Учасниками перехресного дослідження були 441 студент університету у віці від 18 до 34 років (M = 22,09, SD = 2,19), в тому числі 60,09% чоловіків, у великому університеті на півдні Польщі. Анкета NEO-FFI використовувалася для оцінки особистісних якостей Великої П'ятірки. Результати: односторонній аналіз ANOVA показав, що група TSP набрала значно меншу оцінку невротизму, відкритості і приємності, ніж групи PES і OFS. TSP також продемонстрував вищі оцінки в екстраверсії в порівнянні з PES. PES і OFS не відрізнялися один від одного по особистісним якостям. Сумлінність була на одному рівні у всіх трьох групах. Висновки: підвищення мотивації досягнення і дотримання норм може підвищити сумлінність серед студентів. Інформація про особу повинна використовуватися тренером для зменшення конфліктів у команді, для прийняття відповідного рішення про вибір і для розробки індивідуальних планів розвитку для конкретних членів команди

The Relationship between Minority Stress and Depressive Symptoms in the LGBTQA Population from Poland

The cross-sectional study examines minority stress and depression symptoms regarding various sexual and gender minority (SGM) identities in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and asexual (LGBTQA) individuals from Poland. The online survey was conducted among 509 people. Participants aged between 18 and 47 (M = 22.39, SD = 4.78). Gender identity included 262 cisgender women, 74 cisgender men, 31 transgender women, 53 transgender men, and 89 nonbinary individuals. Sexual identity comprises 197 bisexual, 150 homosexual, 78 pansexual, 33 asexual, 21 undefined, 14 heterosexual, 9 demisexuals, 6 queer, and 1 sapiosexual individual. The Daily Heterosexist Experiences Questionnaire (DHEQ) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale—Revised (CESD-R) were used to measure minority stress and depression symptoms, respectively. Among LGBTQA participants, 99.80% declared minority stress at least once during the past year. In particular, vicarious trauma was experienced in 99.80% of participants, vigilance in 95.87%, harassment and discrimination in 80.35%, stress related to the family of origin in 69.16%, and to gender expression in 68.76% of respondents. Depression symptoms were found in 62.50% of respondents. Significantly higher rates of depression and minority stress were presented in dual than single SGM individuals. Binomial logistic regression showed that such sources of minority stress as vigilance, harassment, and gender expression could predict depression symptoms. Therefore, prevention and intervention programs should be designed for the LGBTQA population focusing on coping with these sources of minority stress, especially among those of dual SGM identity

Development and Validation of the Test of Orthorexia Nervosa (TON-17)

This study aims to develop and validate a new self-report questionnaire to measure orthorexia nervosa (ON). Based on a current review of the scientific literature and interviews with people at risk of orthorexia, 40 items were selected to test orthorexia nervosa (TON-40). A total sample of 767 individuals (M = 26.49, SD = 9.66, 56.98% women) participated in the study. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and composite construct analysis (CCA) were performed to find an appropriate model of sufficient reliability and validity and stable construction. Convergent validation was performed regarding the correlation of the TON-17 with another measure of ON (ORTO-15), eating disorders (the EAT-26 and DEAS), healthy behavior (the HBI), quality of life (the Brief WHOQOL), physical health (the GRSH), anxiety (the GAD-7), depression (the PHQ-9), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (the OCI-R). Gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), and the medical reasons for a restrictive diet were also examined. As a result of the structural analyses, the number of items was reduced from 40 to 17. The best fit indices of the TON-17 were found for the hierarchical bi-factor model, with three lower-order factors (Control of food quality, Fixation of health and healthy diet, and Disorder symptoms) and one general higher-order factor (Orthorexia). According to the 95th percentile method of estimation, the prevalence of ON was 5.5% for the TON-17 total score. The TON-17 scale and subscales showed good psychometric properties, stability, reliability, and construct validity. The TON-17 indicated a positive relationship with the ORTO-15, EAT-26, DEAS, HBI, OCI-R, GAD-7, and PHQ-9. TON-17 can be considered as a useful tool for assessing the risk of ON

Network Analysis of the Association between Minority Stress and Activism in LGB People from Poland

(1) Background: This paper presents an analysis of the associations between minority stressors and activism in the population of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals in Poland. (2) Methods: The cross-sectional online-based research was conducted among 192 lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people in two groups: activists (n = 51) and people not engaged in activism (n = 141). Four scales of the Sexual Minority Stress Scale were used: Internalized Homophobia, Expectation of Rejection, Concealment, and Sexual Minority Negative Events Scale. Activism was measured using the Activism Scale and a single item asking about belonging to an activist group. (3) Results: Activists, lesbians, and gays scored significantly higher in the Sexual Minority Negative Events than people not involved in activism and bisexual individuals. Attitude toward LGBT+ activism correlated weakly and positively with Sexual Minority Negative Events and Expectation of Rejection while negatively with Internalized Homophobia. The Network Analysis showed that positive attitudes toward LGBT+ activism, the expectation of rejection, and negative events in minority stress are the most influential variables in the network model, playing a crucial role in the interaction between particular dimensions of minority stress. (4) Conclusions: Prevention and intervention programs should focus on reducing minority stress, especially negative events and rejection, especially among lesbians, gays, and people engaged in LGBT+ activism. The cooperation of politicians, lawyers, social workers, and psychologists is required to decrease homophobia and the stigmatization of people representing sexual and gender minorities