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Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) may develop following interpersonal and cumulative traumatic events, usually during early development. In addition to the core PTSD symptom profile, CPTSD presents emotional dysregulation symptoms that can be resistant to conventional treatments. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) may be an effective intervention for addressing the more resistant symptoms in the emotional stabilisation phase of treatment rather than the trauma-processing phase. This paper explores the diagnostic validity and prevalence of CPTSD, treatment recommendations and the role of CFT in mediating shame and stabilising emotional dysregulation. We also evaluate current evidence utilising compassion-based interventions for the components of the CPTSD symptom profile and the viability of CFT as a whole. The novelty of CPTSD as a clinical condition means there is limited evidence regarding recommended treatment. Research into the efficacy of CFT and its suitability to target CPTSD's symptom profile will contribute to the current gap in recommended treatment approaches for this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise addiction is a term used to describe dysfunctional exercise behavior characterized by the classic symptoms of addictions, which eventually result in physical, psychological, or social harm to the affected individual. While well over 1000 peer-reviewed papers on problematic exercise have been published, very few studies have explored the conceptual differences between team-based and individual-based exercise, and no previous study has critically addressed this issue. The rationale for this distinction is that team-based exercise is typically organized and scheduled by others with little or no control over its timing by the individual team member. On the contrary, individual-based exercise can be self-scheduled. Consequently, more (total) control over its timing facilitates the satisfaction of craving-induced urges characterized by an addiction. It is posited that exercise addicts, in general, are “lone wolves” in the context of their addiction. Therefore, being addicted to exercise in team sports is only possible if the individual resorts to additional individually-controlled exercise above and beyond team-based training. To support this position, the present paper briefly reviews the few studies conducted in this area and examines how their results match the diagnostic interpretation of “addiction.” The present position paper highlights that “control” over the addictive behavior, in this case, exercise, is an important marker in the potential for the risk of exercise addiction. Therefore, future studies should consider that team-based exercise assigns little control to the individual. However, the extent to which additional individual-based exercise occurs and poses a risk of addiction within team exercises merits further research attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have raised concerns about mental health in elite athletes, including problem gambling, where research hitherto is scarce. While gambling has been assessed in the younger student-athlete population, neither gambling nor the recently recognized behavioral addiction of gaming disorder has been sufficiently addressed in the elite athlete population. The present systematic literature review aimed to summarize research knowledge on the prevalence and correlates of problem gambling and problem gaming in elite athletes. Research papers were searched systematically using the Scopus, PsycINFO, and PubMed/MEDLINE databases and evaluated following a PRISMA paradigm. For the elite athlete population, eight reports on problem gambling and one report on problem gaming were found. While at least five papers indicated an increased risk of problem gambling in elite athletes compared to the general population, one study from Australia indicated the opposite. Problem gambling was generally more common in male athletes. Knowledge of problem gaming prevalence is thus far limited. It is concluded that increased research in problem gambling and problem gaming in elite athletes is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review is to define a conceptual border between workaholism and work addiction. Five online databases (ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete, Emerald Insight, and APA PsycArticles) were used to search for scientific papers. The search was limited to the papers published between 2007 and 2021. Seventy-nine papers published during the period from 2008 to 2021 were included in the systematic review. Most of the authors who attributed workaholism to the group of addictions described it as a state of being overly concerned about work, driven by an uncontrollable work motivation and investing much time and effort into work that leads to negative consequences. Seven symptoms (salience, tolerance, mood modification, conflict, withdrawal, relapse, and problems) were proposed as key aspects comprising the phenomenon. The authors who described workaholism as a behavioral pattern or a personal characteristic mainly defined it as a tendency to work excessively in a compulsive way and explained the phenomenon in terms of aspects of excessive and compulsive work. In this way, two separate phenomena of workaholism and work addiction emerged which had their own definitions and specific features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until now, there has been no evidence-based, specific advice for people who gamble who want to reduce their risk of experiencing gambling harms. This paper presents the results from the first large-scale, comprehensive, international project to develop lower-risk gambling guidelines. Specifically, we calculated relative risk estimates to determine risk of harm across the range of possible limits for gambling frequency, expenditure, and number of types of gambling engaged in; conducted an online survey (n = 4583) of people who gamble to assess whether they understood and found credible the proposed quantitative limits; conducted a series of interviews and focus groups with people who gamble to assess self-control strategies and reactions to proposed quantitative limits; conducted a meta-analysis of problem gambling risk factors in the general population; and consulted with a pan-Canadian, multi-sectoral committee of stakeholders. Project outcomes were examined and deliberated by a working group of scientists who decided upon a set of recommendations for lower-risk gambling. This paper presents these recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis use is common among post-secondary students. As cannabis use becomes a normalized activity, there is potential for cultural change in post-secondary campuses. Exploring students' attitudes, beliefs, and perspectives can provide a better understanding of the evolution and cultural transformation of cannabis use on campus. This study took a meta-ethnographic approach to explore students' perception and attitudes about cannabis use. A database search and quality appraisal were used to identify relevant papers. Using the procedures of Noblit and Hare (1988), nine qualitative studies were synthesized to identify themes. Five themes emerged: "differences between users and non-users is negligible," "expectations of cannabis use are gendered," "cannabis use is influenced by sociocultural networks," "cannabis can be used responsibly or irresponsibly," and "perceived mediating factors in the relationship between students and cannabis use." The findings create an integral understanding of factors influencing students' cannabis use behaviors, informing future research on cannabis legalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature and the complex intermingling of the difficulties encountered by Inuit youth calls for a close collaboration between health and social professionals from different fields, the families of youth and their communities. Promising practices within Indigenous communities are described as being collaborative, community-driven and culturally grounded. Ideally most professionals would be of Indigenous heritage, and families would have access to Indigenous healing approaches if desired. Despite the documented importance of collaboration and self-determination of services, very little is known regarding how collaboration takes place in Indigenous communities, and what the facilitators and barriers to collaboration may be. This paper presents results from a study that took place in Nunavik Quebec between 2014 and 2015 and is based on qualitative interviews conducted with 42 key informants including community workers, social workers, doctors, teachers, family members and more. Using a combination of network and qualitative analyses, we explore the principal characteristics of health and social networks in child and youth mental health in Nunavik, Québec. Our findings show that while collaboration is desired by all participants, at the time of the interviews, non-Inuit and institutional actors were more central in collaborations than informal and community ressources, even if they were considered essential elements in service delivery. Participants spoke of many ways to foster collaboration; however, our project shows that collaboration is often hindered by structural and colonial challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although problematic cannabis use is a public health concern, little is known about lower-risk cannabis use beliefs and behaviors. A major stumbling block for research in this domain has been the lack of a methodologically sound, multidimensional measure of lower-risk cannabis beliefs and behaviors. This paper reports the development of the Cannabis Lower-Risk Scale (CaLRS). In Study 1 (N = 510), people who use cannabis were administered a survey containing 69 items that assessed an array of lower-risk beliefs and behaviors. A factor analysis was conducted, and items were subsequently culled. In Study 2 (N = 1008), the factor structure was confirmed revealing a 6-factor scale (21-items) that assesses three lower-risk beliefs (stigma reduction, informed self-regulation, and personal awareness) and three lower-risk behaviors (positive protective strategies, honesty, and limiting behaviors). The implications for research and public health policy and programs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in alcohol consumption, and the greater consequences of chronic alcohol use among females, as well as the convergence of the gender gap warrants investigation. This paper aims to uncover gender differences in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in Singapore. The SMHS 2016 was a population-based, cross-sectional, epidemiological study. Recruitment spanned from August 2016 to March 2018, where 6126 respondents were recruited. Similarly to global estimates, lifetime prevalence and 12-month prevalence for AUD were higher in males than females. However, females had a higher prevalence of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) co-morbidity than males. Women also had an earlier onset and age of recovery of AUD than men. Alarmingly, male (94.14%) and female (100%) respondents reported low help-seeking for their AUD. Gender differences in individuals with AUD were identified in Singapore population. Future research should direct its effort to identify barriers to help-seeking for individuals with alcohol use disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loot boxes are virtual items in video games that offer the player randomised in-game rewards of uncertain in-game and real-world value. Paid loot boxes represent a lucrative and prevalent contemporary monetisation method that encourages repeat purchase through randomisation. The psychology literature has consistently reported a relationship between loot boxes and problem gambling. However, various implementations of loot boxes have not been sufficiently differentiated and separately examined. The literature and gambling regulators have generally argued that only loot boxes that cost real-world money to buy, and offer rewards that can be transferred to other players and are consequently worth real-world money, constitute 'gambling.' This paper identifies the potential harms of two other types of loot box: one does not cost real-world money to buy and the other does not offer rewards that are worth real-world money and argues that both may constitute 'gambling' under UK law. This paper hypothesises that even loot boxes that neither cost real-world money to buy nor offer rewards that are worth real-world money may be potentially harmful as they may normalise gambling behaviours. This paper highlights that, when the game's design and economy are exploited by players, a particular implementation of loot boxes may involve real-world money, potentially contrary to the game company's intentions, and thereby effectively constitute 'gambling.' This paper recommends that future empirical research separately examine the potential harms of each type of loot box. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental illnesses and substance use disorders are prevalent worldwide and considered among the most stigmatizing of all health conditions. Stigma continues to create major barriers to treatment, recovery, quality of life, and social and economic injustice. The literature on mental illness and substance use stigmatization is becoming increasingly robust, reinforcing several important priorities for stigma reduction—such as stigma-informed education, meaningful involvement of people with lived experience of a mental illness or substance use disorder, recovery-oriented care, addressing barriers to access within our systems of care, and addressing stigma at the level of structures, laws, and policies. The 16 papers in this Special Issue build out this existing knowledge by highlighting a broad range of issues, perspectives, theoretical contributions, and stigma reduction approaches across different countries and contexts, and through various lenses. We have been particularly interested in selecting manuscripts that enhance our understanding of how stigma toward mental illness and substance use manifests itself and the factors involved in stigmatization processes. This knowledge can guide priorities and direction that can be used as a basis for designing and implementing strategies for change, and have the potential to lead to lasting and meaningful improvements for people with lived experience of mental illness or substance use disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invention of blockchain technology, coupled with the growing interest in cryptocurrencies, has given rise to a new form of monetised gaming known as "Play to Earn" (PTE). "Axie Infinity" (AI) is currently the most popular PTE game, occupying a large portion of the online gaming market. In this paper, we profile the risks and benefits of PTE gaming, with a specific focus on AI. Qualitative data in the form of online chat threads was evaluated via a Thematic Analysis (TA) approach. The analysis revealed a number of themes including the dominance of extrinsically motivated gameplay in conjunction with negative appraisals of game quality, the benefits and costs of play, and the potential for PTE scholarship models to be associated with exploitation. The results did, however, indicate awareness of potential consumer risks. The findings have implications for informing consumer education, regulation, as well as areas of focus in future quantitative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has impacted the mental health of the general public negatively, associated with preventative measures, restricting life activities. These restrictions, such as the stay-at-home strategy, resulted in heightened stress, depression, loneliness, substance abuse, and domestic violence, violating people's occupational and personal lives. During the pandemic, the demands for role-play games (RPGs) have increased: for example, the sales of "Dungeons & Dragons" tripled, underscoring the potential mental health benefits of such games. However, research into the mental health benefits of such games remains under-developed, needing more scientific attention. Accordingly, this commentary paper reviews the existing literature, and suggests areas for application and research about RPGs and mental health including psychotherapy, career guidance, education, and people with disabilities. Insights offered can help practitioners and researchers in RPGs and mental health conduct empirical research and develop alternative approaches for mental health in stressful times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the consequences of alcohol use, it continues showing a high incidence among college students. Besides, the increasing presence of women in risk alcohol patterns calls for a gender-sensitive approach to design specific actions. Some variables have been analyzed as underlying alcohol consumption (expectations and motives). This paper assesses the type and influence of both variables on female university alcohol consumers at different levels of risk. Five hundred four college women were assessed using the Spanish adaptations of the Expectancy Questionnaire, the Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised, and the AUDIT. We determine the unique contributions of expectancies, motives, and the presence of binge drinking (BD) to the pattern of risky drinking. The percentage of variance explained by risky drinking is 37.7%. Negative expectancies (20.4%) are the most explanatory variables, followed by enhancement motives (10.4%). Interventions with university women should focus on their negative expectancies, in addition to addressing for improvement, coping with depression, and conformity motives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation in electronic gaming machine (EGM) gambling has declined sharply in Australia over the last two decades. At the same time, there has been a gradual slowing and decline in revenue from this form of gambling. In this paper, we use data drawn from a series of population surveys in a single jurisdiction (South Australia) to gain insights into these changes. In particular, we examine whether changes in EGM participation have been reflected similarly in different demographic groups. The results indicate that there have been declines in every age group, in both men and women, and at different levels of household income. However, the decline has been greater in some groups than others, including for women, for middle aged groups (46–64 years), and for those living in the metropolitan area. The paper discusses some of the socio-demographic explanations for these changes. In particular, we highlight the role of population ageing and its potential implications for the long-term future for this form of gambling. EGM gamblers are now older and are not necessarily being replaced by a new generation of younger gamblers, which has implications for the industry and the State government finances as well as gambling-treatment services. At the same time, the evidence we present here does not, however, indicate a strong trend towards a concentration of EGM gambling in more vulnerable groups (e.g. disproportionately in lower income groups or the unemployed). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inclusion of internet gaming disorder (IGD) in the Addendum of DSM-5 as a condition for further study has been put in the forefront as pathological gaming has been a growing social and public concern. However, only a few studies have evaluated the proposed IGD symptom criteria. The present paper used both confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and latent class analysis (LCA) to analyze the latent structure of IGD symptoms. Utilizing 478 gamer-respondents, the results revealed that a one-factor model best fitted the study and a three-class solution best fitted the sample. The associations of the IGD criteria with the symptom (i.e., impulsivity) and problem (i.e., functionality) criteria were also investigated. Overall, the findings provide evidence on the validity of a one-factor model and lend support to the proposed inclusion of IGD in the future revision of DSM-5 nomenclature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the qualitative dimensions of stigma related to substance use for a sample of women experiencing homelessness in Brisbane, Australia. A secondary thematic analysis of ethnographic research data identified four key themes: (1) "Intersecting stigmas," including experiencing homelessness, mental and physical illness, as well as being a woman who uses drugs; (2) "Perceived stigma" examines the association between homelessness and substance use; (3) Women's experiences of multiple forms of "enacted stigma" related to substance use and homelessness, including violence, predation and victimization, discrimination, and police harassment; and (4) "Negotiating stigma" outlines techniques participants used to manage the stigma attached to substance use and homelessness, such as avoiding substance use themselves, avoiding other people who used drugs, and engaging with other social networks and activities. The paper argues that the framework of "intersectional stigma" can provide insight into the multiple stigmas negotiated by women experiencing homelessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common assumption in many public frameworks is that the harms and behavioural risk factors associated with gambling disorder lie on a continuum. At one end is lower risk or recreational gambling, and at the other, problem or disordered gambling. Movements along this continuum are associated with gradual increases or decreases in the level of behaviour and associated harm. This perspective is often advanced in opposition to more clinical or categorical frameworks that view problem gambling as a distinct clinical category from the other groups. In this paper, we investigate these competing perspectives with reference to 15 years of Australian prevalence studies. We examine the relationship between PGSI severity classifications and the endorsement of the principal criteria of the DSM-5 (e.g. tolerance, chasing, impaired control). The results showed that while elements of behavioural dependence increase across the PGSI categories (low to moderate to problem), problem gamblers have disproportionately greater endorsement. The PGSI severity and behavioural dependence relationship corresponds more strongly to a J-curve than a linear or r-curve and therefore lends greater support of a more categorical conceptualisation of the disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper draws on data from one strand of a six-strand, exploratory study on end of life care for adults using substances (AUS). It presents data from the key informant (KI) strand of the study that aimed to identify models of practice in the UK. Participant recruitment was purposive and used snowball sampling to recruit KIs from a range of health and social care, policy and practice backgrounds. Data were collected in 2016–2017 from 20 KIs using a semi-structured interview approach. The data were analysed using template analysis as discussed by King (2012). This paper focusses on two of seven resulting themes, namely "Definitions and perceptions of key terms" in end of life care and substance use sectors, and "Service commissioning and delivery." The KIs demonstrated dedicated individual practice, but were critical of the systemic failure to provide adequate direction and resources to support people using substances at the end of their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-021-00539-6 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of psychedelics is in an important era, with a significant focus on the potential role of psychedelic compounds in the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. In 2022, a scientific research conference was held in Toronto to bring together stakeholders from a variety of disciplines and to promote dialogue and collaboration. This Special Issue includes 8 papers based on presentations from the conference, which showcase the breadth of topics that were brought forward. Included are both quantitative and qualitative works, as well as two letters to the editors which further advance these important conversations. These articles not only present the current state of research into psychedelics, but also present viewpoints about their impacts on underrepresented communities, the need to recognize the history of these compounds that extends beyond this new Western "renaissance," and the complexities of integrating psychedelics into mainstream medicine. This Special Issue serves as both an exploration of a much-discussed topic and a reminder that collaboration can advance the field in order to harness its potential impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychedelics are being studied for the treatment of numerous mental health disorders, as well as a means of bringing people together. Nonetheless, people of color and those with other marginalized identities have not been fully included. Studies and research on psychedelic-assisted therapies have largely excluded people of color, leaving out fundamental clinical issues for these populations. This paper provides a narrative review of relevant research on this topic, racial trauma, ethnic minority mental health, and how psychedelic therapies can advance recovery for people of color. It also discusses potential harms and steps needed to promote culturally inclusive access to care. Many psychedelic therapy trials are in their final stages and access is being expanded, making it important to consider equitable practices in research that can foster inclusion, such as community-based participatory research and culturally informed research design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research into so-called psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin, ketamine, and mescaline analogues, has been hailed as a "renaissance" heralding a "paradigm shift" in psychiatry. There is hope that psychedelic-assisted therapy will be made more available to address mental and substance use health problems through existing systems of medicalization and legalization. There are important relational and epistemic concerns that must be addressed, however, before we might begin stewarding this class of substances into the medical landscape in a responsible, evidence-based manner. In this paper, we draw on our ethnographic and clinical research observations to argue that the ontological and relational commitments of traditional medicine (ayahuasca-related healing) and randomized controlled trial (RCT) (ketamine-assisted psychotherapy) practices have important and revealing overlaps; together, they bring attention to ideal ways of working with these substances, as well as to ideal forms of healthcare more generally, with implications for reimagining our healthcare system from the ground up. As such, more is needed than a circumscribed shift to a new epistemological orientation ("paradigm"). We conclude by promoting ideals in alignment with our data and observations—relationality, inter-being, and epistemological fluidity—and by exploring how these ideals might reshape the medical landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the availability of effective treatment, medications for opioid use disorder are underutilized due to a variety of practical, political, and psychological reasons. Digital inequalities, such as limited access to technology, skills to leverage the technology for desirable outcomes, and social resources, may be contributing to negative health outcomes. In addition, broader health literacy plays an integral part in the capacity of individuals to appraise opioid medication-related online information. This paper explores the role of digital inequalities in the uptake of treatment for opioid use disorder. Given the shift toward telemedicine and online counseling for substance use treatment as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, more research into the digital inequalities faced by those who misuse opioids may provide insight into ways of engaging and encouraging this population to utilize treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 is a "unique" stressor, which can produce physical and psychological trauma. Coping styles can buffer this psychological impact. Consequently, this paper aims to psychometrically adapt the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S) to Spanish and examines the relationships between FCV-19S, stress response, and coping strategies. The sample comprised a convenience sample of 1146 participants (12–83 years), 880 from Spain (76.8%), and 266 from Dominican Republic (23.2%). Overall, the findings support a one-factor structure for FCV-19S, consisting of 7-items, and was invariant across age, sex, occupational status, and cross-national. Therefore, indicating evidences of construct validity. Evidences of reliability were also observed (Cronbach's α =.86, McDonald's ω =.86, Guttmann's λ6 =.86, greatest lower bound =.91, composite reliability =.85, and average variance extracted =.44). Moreover, as regards criterion-related validity, the mediation analysis indicated that the relationship between FCV-19S and acute stress was positive and high, with maladaptive coping styles mediating the relationship, and with a stronger mediation for men. The findings give evidences of the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of FCV-19S among Spanish-speaker participants, which provides the chance of cross-cultural studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet technology has facilitated the use of a wide variety of different activities and applications in online contexts. Despite a large amount of research regarding these activities including online social networking, online gaming, online shopping, online sex, and online gambling, very little is known regarding online eating shows called 'mukbang' (i.e. a portmanteau of the South Korean words for 'eating' ['meokneun'] and 'broadcast' ['bangsong'] that refers to online broadcasts where individuals eat food and interact with the viewers). The present study carried out a scoping review of the academic and non-academic literature (i.e. peer-reviewed publications, academic theses, and the print media) in order to examine the psychological characteristics of mukbang viewers and consequences of mukbang watching. A total of 11 academic outputs from different disciplinary fields (mainly peer-reviewed papers) and 20 articles from national UK newspapers were identified following an extensive literature search. Results from the scoping review indicated that viewers use mukbang watching for social reasons, sexual reasons, entertainment, eating reasons, and/or as an escapist compensatory strategy. Furthermore, mukbang watching appears to have both beneficial consequences (e.g., diminishing feelings of loneliness and social isolation, constructing a virtual social community,) and non-beneficial consequences (e.g., altering food preferences, eating habits, and table manners, promoting disordered eating, potential excess, and 'addiction'). Implications of the study and directions for future research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedentary behaviours are highly associated with obesity and other important health outcomes in adolescence. This paper reviews screen time and its role within school-based behavioural interventions targeting adolescents between the years 2007 and 2019. A systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across five major databases to identify interventions targeting screen time—in addition to TV/DVD viewing. The review identified a total of 30 papers analysing 15 studies across 16 countries aiming at addressing reduction of recreational screen time (internet use and gaming) in addition to television/DVD viewing. All of the interventions focused exclusively on behaviour change, targeting in the majority both reduction of sedentary behaviours along with strategies to increase physical activity levels. A mix of intervention effects were found in the reviewed studies. Findings suggest aiming only for reduction in time spent on screen-based behaviour within interventions could be a limited strategy in ameliorating excessive screen use, if not targeted, in parallel, with strategies to address other developmental, contextual and motivational factors that are key components in driving the occurrence and maintenance of adolescent online behaviours. Additionally, it raises the need for a differential treatment and assessment of each online activity within the interventions due to the heterogeneity of the construct of screen time. Recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of school-based sedentary behaviour interventions and implications for public policy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many countries are experiencing an ongoing opioid crisis characterized by high rates of opioid use problems, overdose, poisoning, and death. Stigma has been identified as a central problem for seeking and receiving quality services from health providers and first respondents. The Mental Health Commission of Canada developed a scale that could be used to measure stigma in this population, as no such scale currently exists. This paper provides the results of psychometric testing of this new scale, known as the Opening Minds Provider Attitudes Towards Opioid-Use Scale (OM-PATOS), using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analysis. EFA findings showed a 15 item 2-factor solution, with subscales of 'attitudes' (6 items) and 'behaviours/motivation to help' (9 items). The confirmatory factor analysis provided some preliminary confirmation of the factor structure suggested by the exploratory analyses, but further research with larger samples is needed to fully confirm the factor structure. Overall, results support the use of the 15-item scale with health professionals and first responders, with factors used for descriptive value rather than as calculated subscales until further research can be completed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evidence on the predictors of mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed contradictory findings, which prevent effective screening for mental health assistance. This study aims to identify the predictors of mental health issues, specifically examining age as a nonlinear predictor. Based on a survey of 474 adults using snowball sampling under the COVID-19 pandemic during April 1th–10th, 2020, in Iran, we found that age had a curvilinear relationship with nonsomatic pain, depression, and anxiety. Specifically, it predicted pain, depression, and anxiety disorders, negatively among adults younger than 45 years, yet positively among seniors older than 70 years. Adults who were female, were unsure about their chronic diseases, or exercised less were more likely to have mental health issues. This study, being the first paper to examine age curvilinearly, suggests future research to pay more attention to nonlinear predictors of mental health disorders in the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Athletes train on a pre-determined training schedule. Scheduled behaviors are difficult to become "addictive" because urges and cravings cannot be scheduled. Still, many scholars think that elite or competitive athletes can become addicted to their sport or exercise. The aim of this systematic literature review was to analyze scholastic papers on exercise addiction in athletes with a special view on their focus and prevalence estimates. Four databases were scrutinized, including PsycINFO, PubMed/Medline, Crossref, and ScienceDirect, which resulted in 17 eligible articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The bulk of these studies compared athletes to non-athletes and employed a cross-sectional design. Their results suggest that the risk of exercise addiction is greater in athletes than non-athletes, along with a prevalence rate of up to >40%, which is ten times greater than that reported in a population-wide study. These findings are in discord with the definition and conceptualization of exercise addiction, which, according to previous calls, begs for the urgent clearer conceptualization of exercise addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ahorsu et al. ([1]) recently developed the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) which measures the severity of fear of COVID-19. Methods Participants Participants were Tamil-speaking adult Indian citizens residing in the state of Tamil Nadu since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization. The novel coronavirus outbreak in December 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), had spread to 213 countries and territories since December 2019 until the time of writing this paper (Worldometer, [40]). Measures Fear of COVID-19 The seven-item FCV-19S (Ahorsu et al., [1]) measures respondents' fear levels of COVID-19. [Extracted from the article]

High rates of video game use in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have often been reported. This might suggest more prevalent video gaming addiction in this population, but elevated video game use could also be explained by restricted interest in video games. We thus reviewed the literature on video game use in ASD to examine the role of vulnerability for video game addiction and the role of restricted interest in video gaming. We conducted a search following PRISMA guidelines. From 511 papers, 15 were included. This review demonstrates that the high rates of video game use in boys and young males with ASD without intellectual disabilities can be predominantly explained by gaming addiction. However, an effect of restricted interest in video games cannot be excluded. Moreover, addictive process and restricted interest may interact. This result raises several issues for differentiating between video game addiction and restricted interest in regard to assessment, overlapping characteristics and interventions. Based on the results, we make recommendations for caregivers and clinicians on the management of problematic video game use in ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paper reporting the psychometric properties of the Spanish Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) among Colombian physicians was recently published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. Although we welcome the translation and validation of our seven-item scale, this commentary outlines some major concerns we have with the study especially the removal of two items in developing a five-item FCV-19S. Based on these concerns, we strongly recommend that healthcare providers and researchers should use the five-item FCV-19S with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper seeks to solve theoretical and well-being ambiguities presented by the concept of valuing happiness by proposing that extant assessment represents a two-factor model situated within goal type theory. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the valuing happiness scale among UK and US student and adult samples confirmed structural validity for valuing happiness representing valuing happiness in terms of attainment and maintenance goals. Among further UK student samples, both aspects of valuing happiness were related with lower levels of well-being, with a predicted distinction between the two factors of valuing happiness via attainment being associated with lower levels of self-acceptance and valuing happiness via maintenance being associated with lower levels of autonomy. The results suggest that the scale has a two-factor structure with sound psychometric properties that distinguish successfully between attainment valuing happiness and maintenance valuing happiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the prevalence of SUDs, many individuals remain untreated (Grant et al., JAMA Psychiatry, 73(1), 39-45, 2016). Substance use disorders (SUDs) in young adults present unique challenges and stressors to parents of these individuals (D'Aniello et al., American Journal of Family Therapy, 2020; Kaur et al., International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 5(6), 2380-2383, 2018; Shumway et al., Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 37(1), 75-98, 2019). Parents and caregivers often facilitate their children's care and provide pragmatic and emotional support to their children; this high level of care is challenging to maintain, as with any chronic, relapsing condition. In the case of SUDs, the challenges caregivers face may be exacerbated by the stigma and the blame associated with parents in the development and maintenance of children's SUDs, and the strains that come with navigating barriers related to accessing treatment in the USA. Estimates suggest that healthcare spending for substance use treatment is relatively low and few utilize therapeutic family treatment. This disconnect between widespread SUD prevalence, and service underutilization, indicates that families who need treatment are not accessing it. The present paper synthesizes the extant literature on the role of family members in SUD treatment, as families are a primary context of care for their children's treatment across many chronic, relapsing conditions. Finally, we identify the utility of family therapy in addressing family member's unique needs related to their loved one with a SUD, in the family and in a treatment context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-021-00580-5 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aside from the often-fatal consequences of substance abuse, people recovering from addiction suffer greater adverse childhood experiences, trauma in adulthood, and inequalities than non-addicts. As a result, psychological, emotional, and developmental barriers can prevent effective recovery, leaving people traumatised, vulnerable, and doubly stigmatised. The challenge, therefore, is for recovery practitioners to deliver responses that not only treat biological problems resulting from addiction but also address psychological, social, and cultural needs. One group of professionals providing holistic approaches to people in recovery are arts-based practitioners. This paper derives from a 3-year longitudinal study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, to examine the psychosocial impact of one community-based drama project called Staging Recovery. The study found the work of theatre practitioners not only provided recovery participants safe spaces to explore sensitive and difficult recovery themes but the use of theatre techniques and ethically driven practice exposed participants to high-quality, social, cultural, and human capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to investigate stability of problem gambling between 20 and 24 years of age, and the antecedents and consequences of problem gambling at age 20 years. Young adult participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) completed computer-administered gambling surveys on paper, or online. Responses to the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) were complete for 2624 participants at 20 years, and 1921 participants at 24 years. Responses were categorized into 'non-problem' (71–78%), 'low-risk gambling' (16–21%), 'moderate-risk gambling' (4–5.5%), and 'problem gambling' (1–1.5%). The overall frequency of moderate-risk/problem gambling varied little between age 20 and 24 years, and scratch cards, online betting and gambling were the most frequent activities. Problem gamblers at age 20 years had a history of hyperactivity and conduct problems in adolescence, high sensation seeking, and an external locus of control. They were more likely to have mothers who had problems with gambling, reported less parental supervision, and higher social media usage. Moderate-risk/problem gambling at age 20 years was associated with regular cigarette smoking, high levels of illicit drug use, and problematic use of alcohol at age 24 years. A significant minority of young adults (mainly males) showed problem gambling behaviours which appeared to be established by the age of 20 years and were associated with other potentially addictive behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College students in Kenya have experienced many mental health issues, and there is little well-grounded research on this topic. Therefore, in this current study, we aimed to explore college students' biopsychosocial spiritual wellbeing and problems from an Ecological Systems Theory (EST) perspective. Due to lack of previous well-grounded mental health research and services, we collaborated with the college students from the beginning of the study and acted with them to shape the research. Based on all these, we called our theoretical framework for this current paper as exploring college students' biopsychosocial spiritual wellbeing and problems from the EST perspective. We examined college students' (N = 518) mental health experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic through six items to measure psychosomatic problems (sadness, anxiety, frustration, stress, loneliness, and withdrawal) and their coping mechanisms (talking to family/friends, physical exercise, social media, reading books, hobbies, spiritual activities, alcohol/drugs, COVID-19 information). Gender and age explained a trivial amount of variance, about 1%, in psychosomatic problems in model one. With the inclusion of the coping strategies and demographic factors (age and gender), the second model explained 24% of the variance in psychosomatic problems. In the second model, the highest effect size originated from talking to family/friends and use of social media. In addition, change in sleeping patterns, sadness, anxiety, and frustration were reported with one in three reporting "poor" or "fair" mental health. In light of the larger COVID-19 and college students' mental health literature, we discussed the present findings and provided recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the emerging impact of COVID-19 on gambling during the first 6 weeks of emergency measures in Ontario, Canada. A cross-sectional online survey of 2005 gamblers, including a sub-sample of 1081 online gamblers (age 18 years and older), was administered to assess risky gambling behaviours and motivations, financial impacts from COVID-19, the influence of COVID-19 on online gambling, mental health concerns and substance use. A series of odds ratio comparisons and measures of association were carried out. Results show significant likelihood of online gambling among those classified as high-risk gamblers (according to the Problem Gambling Severity Index) and those with past experience of online gambling, though migration from land-based gambling was apparent. Among high-risk online gamblers, the most predictive risk factors included moderate and severe anxiety and depression, reduced work hours, being influenced to gamble due to COVID-19, gambling under the influence of cannabis or alcohol and risky gambling motives tied to mental health concerns, including gambling because it helps with nervousness and depression, chasing gambling losses and seeking to earn income. This study has confirmed many of the risk associations presented in emerging COVID-19-related studies and past research on global economic crisis relating to gambling risk, mental health concerns and substance use. However, unlike many past studies, the present paper takes note of all of these elements holistically and provides incremental clarity on online gambling risk factors during the pandemic, specifically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although problematic gambling is a widespread problem among Chinese populations across the globe, there is limited research on how it affects the female spouses of male Chinese problem gamblers. This paper contains findings from a wider grounded theory study which explored the experiences and coping strategies of Chinese spouses of problem gamblers in Hong Kong. Analysis of narratives from 23 female spouses of male gamblers revealed nine categories of impact. Based on these impacts and taking a constructivist perspective, we propose a culturally informed multiple-self model for understanding participants' perceptions, interpretations, and constructions of the impacts. Implications for assessment, treatment, and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to see the trend and geographic distribution of suicide research. We searched in Scopus to identify the articles published on suicide since 1991 and compared the country-wise output in regards to income and geographical location of the country. The study revealed more than twofold increase of articles from an earlier decade and a slight increased output from low and middle income countries (LMICs) over the decades. More than three-fourths of the articles published from top 15 countries where only two countries (India and China) from LMIC backgrounds were featured. About 85% of the papers were published from high-income countries, about 73% of the papers were published from Europe and North America, and about 78% of articles were published from two WHO regions (European Region and Regions of Americas). This study identifies an extreme disparity in research on suicide based on income and geographical location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All commercial gambling games are constructed so that the gamblers will on average lose money over time. This fact is often communicated to gamblers on virtual gambling games as the "return-to-player." A return-to-player of 90% means that for every £100 bet, on average £90 is paid back out in prizes. In previous work, gamblers were better informed, and perceived a lower chance of winning, when this information was equivalently reframed as a "house-edge" of 10%, whereby the game keeps 10% of all money bet on average. This paper explores whether there are further risk communication advantages to using currency framing for the house-edge format, by directly stating the amount kept as: "This game keeps £10 for every £100 bet on average." Online gamblers (N = 1,007) reported their perceived chances of winning for hypothetical games with house-edges of either 0.5%, 7.5%, or 15%, presented as either percentages or currency units. Gamblers' perceived chances of winning were only minimally affected by this framing of house-edge information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical and allied health sciences professionals are increasingly dealing with clients who use cannabis for medical and recreational purposes. Yet, university curricula in many countries do not provide education for students and professionals in medicine and allied health fields including psychology about medical cannabis (MC) use. This study compares the attitudes and beliefs toward medical cannabis among psychology students at universities in Malta and Russia. Data were collected through an online survey for Maltese students and a pen-and-paper survey for Russian students. The present study did not evidence any difference based on gender. However, students who reported personal cannabis use, regardless of country status, were more likely to recommend MC for patient treatment and believe cannabis use does not pose serious physical or mental health risks. Significant differences among the students from Malta and Russia may be attributed to the legal standing of MC in the countries involved. However, a key finding from all students is the dearth of education about cannabis for health-related conditions and the need for curricula based on evidence-based research for informed decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise addiction is an extensively studied topic in the sport science and psychology literature as reflected by the more than 1000 papers published in the field. However, only about 12 cases were published in the area, which may suggest that there is difficulty in reaching and studying affected individuals. Relying on the Components Model of Addiction, we performed an extensive search on non-scholar websites (i.e. popular media websites) and identified 100 cases that met the eligibility criteria. These cases reflect the several physical, psychological and social consequences that may accompany the dysfunction, as well as numerous exercise activities to which individuals may become addicted. The findings also raise the question whether women are more affected than men, or perhaps women are more open than men to disclose their problem, as based on the four to one ratio of the identified cases. The current work supports the large volume of research in the field of exercise addiction, because either the prevalence of the dysfunction is greater than expected, or people are more open to disclose their problem on Internet sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For most individuals, videogame playing is a fun and enjoyable activity that brings many benefits. However, for a small minority, the activity can be problematic and has led to much research into "gaming disorder." In explanations concerning the contributory factors to gaming disorder, personality traits have been increasingly studied. The present paper carried out a systematic review of available literature using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The inclusion criteria were (i) publication date between 2000 and 2018, (ii) being an empirical study, (iii) written in English and Turkish languages (the two languages spoken by the authors), (iv) published in a scholarly peer-reviewed journal, and (v) conducted an assessment of IGD and personality traits objectively. Studies were excluded from the review if they were (i) single-case studies, (ii) unpublished thesis and dissertation studies, and (iii) not published in a peer-reviewed journal. Following these procedures, 21 eligible empirical studies were included. Results demonstrated that 24 distinct personality traits had been examined in relation to IGD and that some of these traits were demonstrated as risk factors for gaming addiction (although not always in the same direction). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-021-00487-1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morkevičiūtė and Endriulaitienė (Int J Ment Health Addict 21(5):13–23) provided an interesting and important overview of research on work addiction/workaholism since 2007. In their conclusions, they suggest that “workaholism” is a separate phenomenon from “work addiction.” However, this conclusion is (i) inconsistent with the data on which they base their analyses and (ii) other conclusions that they draw from these analyses. The current paper examines these inconsistencies and explains the sources of confusion. Work addiction and workaholism are investigated both by clinical researchers and organizational scholars. The limited exchange of expertise between these two major frameworks may cause misunderstandings. Addictions are complex biological, psychological, social, and cultural phenomena. Behavioral addictions are defined as behavioral patterns and, similarly to other mental disorders, as syndromes. They manifest as different symptoms, including behavioral, emotional, and cognitive. Components of excessive and compulsive working are defined as indicators or symptoms of addiction and not as different conceptualizations of workaholism. Treating different facets of work addiction by Morkevičiūtė and Endriulaitienė as different conceptualizations of it leads to theoretical and terminological confusion. The current paper analyzes these problems as they emerge on the boundaries of clinical and organizational frameworks in the work of different authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-021-00502-5 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare systems around the world have evolved and become complex for governments to manage with cost and navigation ramifications for patients. As a result, many countries have taken steps to integrate their healthcare systems with the aim of providing one-stop health shopping for patients at lower costs. However, there is still a lot to be learned about the success with the integration of the mental health, addictions, and problem gambling systems in Canada. This study, using an instrumental case study approach, explored the integration of the three systems from the perspective of predominantly frontline managers and problem gambling counselors in Ontario. Study participants reported an uneven integration of the systems across the province. Problem gambling appears to have been significantly sidelined among the three services. We recommend cross-unit training, retooling, and joint financing as possible solutions to strengthening the integration of the three service systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]