Search

Prior studies have demonstrated that perceived stigma is robustly associated with risky and life-threatening behaviors, including non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, studies regarding the relationship between perceived stigma and NSSI are limited. The present study aimed to investigate the network structure of perceived stigma and NSSI functions, along with bridge nodes, to elucidate how they co-exist. A sample of 2610 Chinese MSM (mean age = 23.99, age range: 18–68 years) was recruited from an online survey platform. All participants completed a web-based survey with measures of perceived stigma and NSSI functions. Results indicated that 'negative attitudes towards homosexuality' and 'disappointment in gay son' were identified as the most central nodes in the perceived stigma network, whereas 'seeking attention' and 'influencing others to change' ranked highest on centrality in the NSSI network. Two bridge connections were exhibited within the combined perceived stigma and NSSI network model: 'unwelcoming in public' and 'avoiding unpleasant tasks' from perceived stigma and NSSI communities, respectively. This is among the first studies investigating the co-occurrence between perceived stigma and NSSI from the network approach. Our findings provide an empirically-based perspective on the importance of family- and community-based interventions, with potential clinical implications for reducing NSSI among sexual and gender minority groups. • We used the network analysis to examine the relationship between perceived stigma and NSSI in a sample of 2610 Chinese MSM. • "Negative attitudes towards homosexuality" and "disappointment in gay son" were the most central nodes in the PS model. • Within NSSI model, "seeking attention" and "influencing others to change" ranked highest on centrality. • Within the combined model, "unwelcoming in public" and "avoiding unpleasant tasks" were exhibited as two bridge nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has demonstrated that stigma is strongly related to depressive symptoms among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, data are limited regarding the associations between stigma, state mindfulness, self-efficacy, and depression symptoms. The current study aimed to analyze state mindfulness and self-efficacy as possible mediators between internalized and perceived stigma and depression symptoms. A sample of 2610 Chinese MSM (M age = 23.99, SD = 6.09, age range: 18–68 years) was recruited from an online survey platform and completed the HIV and Homosexuality Related Stigma Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the short version of Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and the Chinese General Self-Efficacy Scale. Results indicated that state mindfulness significantly mediated the linkage between internalized and perceived stigma and depressive symptoms, and self-efficacy significantly mediated the relation between state mindfulness and depression symptoms. Furthermore, internalized and perceived stigma were associated with depression symptoms through a serial mediation of state mindfulness and self-efficacy. This study highlights that state mindfulness and self-efficacy might play important roles in the psychological response of MSM to stigmatization and psychopathology symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the outcomes of depression treatment, personalized treatments that take individual needs into account are recommended. Recent research suggests that a subgroup of depressed people who suffer from co-occurring dissociation may be more likely to have encountered traumatic or stressful experiences and they may also have more psychosocial intervention needs. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of dissociative symptoms in an online convenience sample of people (N = 410) from 18 different countries/regions who reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms (indicated by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥10). Over 60% of participants exhibited clinically significant levels of dissociative symptoms (indicated by a Multiscale Dissociation Inventory total score >66). Compared with those with low levels of dissociative symptoms, participants with high levels of dissociative symptoms reported more traumas, interpersonal stress, depression and trauma-related symptoms. Emotional constriction in particular had a weak but significant negative correlation with the level of perceived medication benefits. The use of an online convenience sample could limit the generalizability of our findings. Our cross-sectional data could not demonstrate causal relationships between the study variables. The findings highlight a need for complex health interventions for depressed people with co-occurring dissociative symptoms, focusing not only on depressive symptoms but also addressing trauma and dissociation-related symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood trauma is one of the most preventable risk factors for mental health problems. Considering the substantial amount of time that young people spend in school during their early years, it is important to understand the potential impacts of teachers' behaviors on students' mental health. This study examined the relationship between exposure to teacher violence and mental health problems. An international sample of young adults aged 18 to 24 (N = 283). Participants completed self-report measures of childhood trauma, exposure to teacher violence, depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress, and alcohol misuse. Exposure to teacher violence could be reliably and validly measured using the Teacher Violence Scale (TVS). Current mental health problems – including depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress, and alcohol misuse – were associated with exposure to teacher violence during high school years, but not with childhood non-betrayal trauma. Our findings expand the application of the betrayal trauma theory to school settings and point to the importance of preventing and managing teacher violence. It is important to provide more support and training to teachers and enhance monitoring measures in schools. More research on the prevalence and correlates of exposure to teacher violence is needed. We also provided first evidence supporting the reliability and validity of the English version of the TVS to facilitate future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood adversities have been increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for depression. However, the underlying mediating mechanism between childhood adversities and depression requires further investigation. The literature shows that childhood adversities are also closely associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and that PTSD symptoms can predict depressive symptoms. It remains unexplored whether PTSD symptoms can act as a mediator between childhood adversities and depression. The primary goal of this study was to examine whether PTSD symptoms would mediate the relationship between childhood adversities and depressive symptoms. We examined in a convenience sample of Hong Kong adults aged 18 or above (N = 418) whether PTSD symptoms would mediate the relationship between childhood adversities and depressive symptoms. We then examined and compared the results with those in another convenience sample of Chinese-speaking young adults (mainly from Taiwan and Hong Kong) aged between 18 and 24 (N = 205). Participants in both samples completed online surveys that included measures of childhood adversities, PTSD symptoms and depressive symptoms. Childhood adversities were significantly associated with depressive symptoms; and this relationship was mediated by PTSD symptoms in both samples. This study is one of very few studies demonstrating that PTSD symptoms mediate the relationship between childhood adversities and depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that addressing unresolved PTSD symptoms for adults with childhood adversities may help in preventing or treating depressive symptoms. Therefore, PTSD symptoms should be taken into account in the prevention and management of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse childhood experiences are an important public health issue. It is well documented that they are associated with many health problems. Nevertheless, little is known about childhood emotional abuse and neglect (CEA and CEN) among Hong Kong people. This study aimed to explore the demographic and mental health correlates of CEA and CEN in a Hong Kong sample. A total of N = 418 Hong Kong adults completed an online survey that included questions regarding demographic information and measures of adverse childhood experiences, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and somatoform dissociation. The rates of CEA and CEN were 43.3 % and 44.5 % respectively in this convenience sample. Both CEA and CEN were associated with poor socioeconomic status. They were also associated with psychiatric service usage and all five types of mental health problems. Both CEA and CEN increased the chance of having mental health problems even after taking into account the effects of other forms of childhood abuse and neglect. This study is the first to show that CEA and CEN are significantly associated with poor socioeconomic status and mental health problems in the Hong Kong context. Implications are discussed. Further studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]