Article
Clinical Neurology
Tania Bof de Andrade, Fabiola Bof de Andrade, Maria Carmen Viana
Summary: This study aimed to assess the association between depressive symptoms and social support measures among non-institutionalized Brazilian older adults. The study revealed a positive relationship between the number of people in the household and the prevalence of depressive symptoms. Older adults with support from family members only or from both family and friends had a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms. Participation in leisure and religious activities was inversely associated with depressive symptoms, while work showed a negative association. Rating: 8 out of 10.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Joan Domenech-Abella, Aina Gabarrell-Pascuet, Lydia Hanaa Faris, Paula Cristobal-Narvaez, Mireia Felez-Nobrega, Philippe Mortier, Gemma Vilagut, Beatriz Olaya, Jordi Alonso, Josep Maria Haro
Summary: Living situation and social support play a moderating role in the association between detachment and affective disorder symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown. People living alone displayed lower levels of anxiety, while those living with others (but not as a couple) showed higher levels of depression. Social support can alleviate feelings of detachment and prevent affective disorders during lockdowns.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Basak Bilecen, Raffaele Vacca
Summary: The study indicates that first-generation migrants generally have lower levels of social support and poorer self-rated health compared to nonmigrants, even after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. While social support is strongly and positively associated with health in the general population, this relationship is null or, in some cases, reversed among migrants in the first and second generations.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Shohei Okamoto, Erika Kobayashi
Summary: This study found a significant association between social isolation and cognitive functioning, particularly among individuals aged 75 or older. However, after addressing endogeneity, this association was not confirmed. Further research is needed to reveal the causal relationship and detailed mechanisms of the health effects of social relationships.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES B-PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Sara J. Czaja, Jerad H. Moxley, Wendy A. Rogers
Summary: Social isolation and loneliness are serious public health issues associated with negative health outcomes among older adults. The relationships among social network size, social support, social isolation, and loneliness are complex and have significant impacts on the wellbeing of older populations. Future interventions should focus on promoting social connectivity, especially for older adults with smaller social networks and greater physical impairments.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Peter A. Wyman, Trevor A. Pickering, Anthony R. Pisani, Ian Cero, Bryan Yates, Karen Schmeelk-Cone, C. Hendricks Brown, Robert D. Gibbons, Jordan Simonson, Steven E. Pflanz
Summary: This study examined the impact of the Wingman-Connect Program on the relationship networks and social integration of Air Force personnel. The program was found to increase social network integration, especially for individuals already at elevated suicide risk. By strengthening group bonds and promoting healthy norms, the program improved relationship networks and reduced isolation.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lucio Esposito, Adrian Villasenor, Rowena Jacobs
Summary: This study explores the relationship between economic inequality and mental health, finding that absolute wealth, relative affluence, and relative deprivation are independently associated with depressive symptoms. Additionally, high levels of aggregate economic inequality may negatively affect the mental health of those in higher socioeconomic positions.
JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Shelly L. Gable, Alisa Bedrov
Summary: Individuals who are socially isolated or lonely tend to have lower levels of social support, which can make them more vulnerable to the negative effects of stressful events. On the other hand, people with supportive social networks are able to better cope with adversity and maximize the benefits of positive events. In essence, social connectedness plays a crucial role in shaping one's psychological well-being.
CURRENT OPINION IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Alexander Unger, Julie Papastamatelou, Jurg Arpagaus
Summary: This study in Switzerland investigates the relationship between network-based social capital and donation frequency, and suggests that specific socio-demographic variables, satisfaction with the neighborhood, and social orientation can affect donation frequency. Age, income, and the number of memberships and friends in social networks were found to be associated with higher donation frequency. The results can guide non-profit organizations in understanding donation behavior and targeting potential donors.
CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Hannah N. Collins, Reena Oza-Frank, Cassondra Marshall
Summary: The study found an association between low social support and PDS, but it did not reach statistical significance. Additionally, women living in rural Appalachia had a lower prevalence of PDS. Future research should investigate the reasons for the lower rates of PDS in rural Appalachia.
BIRTH-ISSUES IN PERINATAL CARE
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Dar Meshi, Morgan E. Ellithorpe
Summary: The study reveals that problematic social media use is associated with decreased real-life social support and increased social support on social media. Real-life social support is then linked to reduced depression, anxiety, and social isolation, while social support on social media is not associated with these mental health measures. The findings highlight the importance of real-life social support in buffering the negative impacts of problematic social media use on mental health.
ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Arash Delavar, Jennifer J. Bu, Bharanidharan Radha Saseendrakumar, Robert N. Weinreb, Sally L. Baxter
Summary: This study explores the differences in mental health, coping strategies, and social support measures among glaucoma patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that glaucoma patients did not show significant differences in mental health and social support compared to non-glaucoma patients, but still faced challenges such as stress, social isolation, and possible depression.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Janina Luescher, Urte Scholz, Walter Bierbauer
Summary: This study examines the role of social support in the context of Long-COVID, finding that emotional support is associated with higher well-being and less distress for individuals with Long-COVID, while practical support does not seem to have an impact. For relatives of individuals with Long-COVID, providing emotional support is only related to lower depressive symptoms. Practical support does not appear to have any effect in both cases.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Meng Sha Luo, Lydia W. Li
Summary: This study examined the trajectories of both subjective and objective dimensions of social isolation and their relationship with depressive symptoms over time. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, it was found that objective isolation increased non-linearly, subjective isolation decreased non-linearly, and depressive symptoms remained relatively stable. Higher levels of objective isolation were associated with smaller increases in objective isolation, and higher levels of subjective isolation were associated with smaller decreases in subjective isolation. Each dimension of social isolation was associated with the level of depressive symptoms, but only the rate of change in subjective isolation was positively associated with the rate of change in depressive symptoms.
AGING & MENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chie Omichi, Yuki Kaminishi, Hiroshi Kadotani, Yukiyoshi Sumi, Ayaka Ubara, Kohei Nishikawa, Arichika Matsuda, Yuji Ozeki
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between social support, job stress, and mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, insomnia) among Japanese workers. The findings suggest that job stress is associated with increased depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and insomnia, while support from co-workers and family members may be linked to reduced depressive symptoms and insomnia.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Mathias Egli, Manja Deforth, Stefanie Keiser, Patrick Meyenberger, Stefanie Muff, Claudia M. Witt, Juergen Barth
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness of a brief hypnotic induction for patients undergoing third molar extractions. The results showed that the brief hypnotic induction did not significantly reduce postoperative pain, but patients' expectations about hypnosis affected its effectiveness.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Daniel Pach, Susanne Bloedt, Jiani Wang, Theresa Keller, Beatrice Bergmann, Alize A. Rogge, Juergen Barth, Katja Icke, Stephanie Roll, Claudia M. Witt
Summary: This pragmatic randomized trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of app-based relaxation exercises in reducing chronic neck pain. Results showed that both intervention and control groups experienced a decrease in neck pain intensity over 3 months, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. No significant differences were observed in neck pain intensity after 6 months, responder rate, pain acceptance, pain medication intake, or sick-leave days.
JMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
(2022)
Article
Anesthesiology
Matthias Mueller-Schrader, Jakob Heinzle, Alfred Mueller, Christian Lanz, Oliver Haeussler, Martin Sutter, Andreas Eggspuehler, Stefania Mare, Birte Toussaint, Ines Pereira, Frederike H. Petzschner, Katja Wiech, Juergen Barth, Claudia M. Witt, Klaas Enno Stephan, Zina-Mary Manjaly
Summary: Subjective expectations are associated with clinical outcomes, but few studies have focused on expectations about specific treatments. This study aimed to investigate treatment expectations and their impact on clinical outcome in patients receiving lumbar steroid injections for low back pain. The results showed that pain intensity significantly decreased 2 weeks after injections, and expectations at the initial assessment were able to explain treatment outcome and predict outcome in out-of-sample predictions. These findings highlight the importance of treatment expectations and suggest that simple questionnaires can be used to support treatment selection.
Article
Immunology
Benjamin Russakoff, Colin Wood, Monica R. Lininger, Steven D. Barger, Robert T. Trotter, Sara Maltinsky, Mimi Mbegbu, Briana Coyne, David Panisello Yaguee, Shari Kyman, Kara Tucker-Morgan, Kathya Ceniceros, Cristina Padilla, Kevin Hurtado, Ashley Menard, Francisco Villa, Heidi A. Wayment, Crystal Hepp, Tara Furstenau, Viacheslav Fofanov, Cindy M. Liu, Talima R. Pearson
Summary: This study provides new insights into S aureus carriage by assessing pathogen load and prevalence. The results suggest that current detection and understanding of carriage may be inaccurate, which hinders effective infection mitigation.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Claudia Canella, Martin Inderbitzin, Manuela Oehler, Claudia M. Witt, Juergen Barth
Summary: By using a co-creative citizen science approach, we investigated the perceptions and potential benefits of cancer patient narratives in improving coping with cancer. The research found that cancer survival stories were considered understandable and beneficial, supporting positive emotions and coping. Certain characteristics in these stories were identified as particularly helpful, such as positive attitudes towards life, encouraging cancer journeys, individual coping strategies, and openly shared vulnerabilities. This approach may contribute to the development of educational and peer support resources for cancer patients.
HEALTH EXPECTATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Steven Barger, Monica Lininger, Robert Trotter, Mimi Mbegbu, Shari Kyman, Kara Tucker-Morgan, Colin Wood, Briana Coyne, Benjamin Russakoff, Kathya Ceniceros, Cristina Padilla, Sara Maltinsky, Talima Pearson
Summary: Asymptomatic carriage of Staphylococcus aureus is a major risk factor for subsequent clinical infection. This study found no association between social relationship resources and S. aureus colonization, suggesting that more intimate forms of social interaction may drive transmission and colonization.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Christine Huber, Linxin Zhang, Marc Schlaeppi, Twyla Muller, Stephanie Roll, Petra Voiss, Jurgen Barth, Christoph Driessen, Claudia M. Witt
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for chemotherapy-induced dysgeusia in cancer patients. The results suggest that an additional dysgeusia-specific acupuncture intervention, combined with self-acupressure, can significantly improve taste disturbances in cancer patients compared to supportive acupuncture alone.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Deborah Fort, Camille Deforges, Nadine Messerli-Burgy, Tanja Michael, David Baud, Joan Lalor, Ulrike Rimmele, Antje Horsch
Summary: This study aims to compare the efficacy of an intervention targeting postnatal post-traumatic stress symptoms and distressing intrusive memories by interrupting the reconsolidation of traumatic memories. The study will compare two experimental groups and assess the differences in postnatal post-traumatic stress symptoms and intrusive memories before and after the intervention.
Review
Psychiatry
Laura Meister, Ana Catarina Dietrich, Mina Stefanovic, Francesco Bavato, Alex Rosi-Andersen, Judith Rohde, Benjamin Offenhammer, Erich Seifritz, Ingo Schafer, Thomas Ehring, Juergen Barth, Birgit Kleim
Summary: Trauma-focused psychotherapy is the recommended treatment for PTSD, but not all patients benefit from it. Pharmacologically augmenting trauma memory modulation may help improve treatment outcomes.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Yuqian Yan, Jesus Lopez-Alcalde, Linxin Zhang, Alexander R. Siebenhuener, Claudia M. Witt, Jurgen Barth
Summary: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). By comparing acupuncture to sham acupuncture or usual care in randomized controlled trials, it was found that acupuncture in addition to usual care can increase the complete control of acute vomiting and delayed vomiting. However, the certainty of evidence was generally low, suggesting a need for well-designed RCTs with larger sample sizes, standardized treatment regimens, and core outcome measures.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Cathy Degroote, Roland von Kanel, Livia Thomas, Claudia Zuccarella-Hackl, Nadine Messerli-Burgy, Hugo Saner, Roland Wiest, Petra H. Wirtz
Summary: Research shows that patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension have decreased activity in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which may contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Claudia Zuccarella-Hackl, Mary Princip, Bianca Auschra, Rebecca E. Meister-Langraf, Juergen Barth, Roland von Kanel
Summary: Accumulating evidence suggests that positive psychological well-being (PPWB) has a protective effect on health outcomes, possibly through enhanced immune functioning. This project conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the association between PPWB and circulating inflammatory biomarkers. The findings indicate that higher levels of PPWB are associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the circulation, supporting the potential role of inflammation in mediating the health benefits of PPWB.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kathrin Schopf, Silvia Schneider, Andrea Hans Meyer, Julia Lennertz, Nadine Humbel, Nadine-Messerli Burgy, Andrea Wyssen, Esther Biedert, Bettina Isenschmid, Gabriella Milos, Malte Claussen, Stephan Trier, Katherina Whinyates, Dirk Adolph, Tobias Teismann, Juergen Margraf, Hans-Joerg Assion, Bianca Ueberberg, Georg Juckel, Judith Mueller, Benedikt Klauke, Simone Munsch
Summary: This descriptive study examined patient characteristics, treatment characteristics, and short-term outcomes of patients with AN and BN in routine clinical care. Findings showed that full-time treatment was associated with substantial improvements in all measured variables for patients with AN and BN, while ambulatory treatment was associated with small improvements in BN pathology and weight gain among patients with AN.
Meeting Abstract
Psychology, Clinical
C. Zuccarella-Hackl, M. Princip, B. Auschra, R. Langraf-Meister, J. Barth, R. von Kanel
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PSYCHOSOMATISCHE MEDIZIN UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Angela A. A. Willeto, Priscilla R. Sanderson, Steven D. Barger, Nicolette I. Teufel-Shone
Summary: The diverse AI/AN population in the US faces health inequities due to colonialism and post-colonialism. Federal policies relocating AI/AN away from tribal lands have contributed to the increasing urban AI/AN population. However, research on AI/AN urban communities is limited, and efforts to address health inequities often focus on deficits rather than capacities. This study used qualitative methods to identify and define resilience in urban AI communities in the Southwest US, finding four key themes: strength through toughness and wisdom, the value of traditional lifeways, the importance of giving and receiving help, and the interconnectedness of Native lifeways, family relationships, and urban communities.
AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
(2023)