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Family and social support can enhance our perception of our ability to cope with stressful life events, as well as our psychological flexibility and mental well-being. The main goal of this unique study was to explore how a complex interplay of family, social, and personal factors contribute to mental well-being and life satisfaction. We hypothesized that differentiation of self (DoS) and social support (from family, friends, and significant others) would be positively associated with mental well-being and life satisfaction through the mediation of resilience. The sample included 460 participants (mean age 45.2; 236 males), who filled out questionnaires examining DoS, social support, resilience, mental well-being, and life satisfaction. In light of gender disparities evident in both existing literature and the current study, we analyzed the model separately for women and men. The findings revealed a mediation model, indicating that resilience mediated the relationship between two dimensions of DoS (emotional reactivity and I-position) and mental well-being for males, while DoS and social support contributed to women's mental well-being without the mediation of resilience. Two factors emerged as contributors to improved mental well-being and life satisfaction: DoS and social support. Specifically, DoS was deemed important for both men and women, while social support emerged as a crucial dimension mainly for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endometriosis is a painful non-curable disease that affects women's quality of life, reducing their self-esteem and consequently their mental well-being. However, enhancing the physical self-concept could induce the development of the self-esteem. A suitable method to increase the physical self-concept would be physical activity (PA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between PA and physical self-concept in women with endometriosis under 30 years old and to evaluate whether the type of PA was associated with different physical self-concept scores. Materials and methods: A total of 198 women under 30 diagnosed with endometriosis responded to a survey. Physical self-concept was assessed using the short version of the physical self-description questionnaire. Women were also asked to answer to questions about their PA habits. The type of PA practiced was then assigned to 1 of the 3 following groups: relaxing activities (n = 14), activities without necessary interactions with other participants (n = 58), and activities including necessary interactions with other participants (n = 46). Results: Women under 30 years old participating in a regular PA (more than once a week) (n = 137) had a significantly higher physical self-concept than women not participating in a regular PA (n = 61) (p < 0.05). Results differed in physical self-concept sub-scales. The type of PA did not seem to make a difference in physical self-concept scores (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Young women with endometriosis should be advised to participate to a regular PA to increase their physical self-concept and therefore cope better with their anxiety and stress. All types of activities appear to be just as relevant for developing physical self-concept in young women with endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being outdoors benefits both humans' physical and mental well-being, but the reasons for this connection are difficult to pinpoint. This study examines 40 recreational areas to understand their individual characteristics' impact on mental well-being. We interviewed 1184 visitors on their perception of the place and feeling of mental well-being. In a second survey, 49 participants were shown images of the areas to assess whether they perceived them in the same way as people on-site did. Biologists then evaluated the areas through bird and biotope surveys, also assessing various other landscape characteristics of the study areas. Analysis using a two-level multivariate GLM revealed that perceived naturalness and perceived bird diversity are significant predictors of improved mental well-being. On the flip side, mental well-being declines with increased human impact, as indicated by the amount of infrastructure and the Human Footprint Index value. Notably, perceived naturalness positively correlates with actual bird diversity (p = 0.005) and negatively with human impact (p = 0.006). A strong perception of birds enhances the mental well-being of greenspace visitors (p < 0.001), while a high birding specialization negatively affects recalled restoration (p = 0.014). The estimated restoration value (p = 0.001) and estimated beauty (p < 0.001) from the online survey correlate positively with emotions experienced on-site. The perception of naturalness in images aligns with on-site perception, suggesting pathways for future research and the design of recreational areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging adulthood is a transitional stage characterized by self-exploration and identity formation, often accompanied by feelings of instability, vulnerability, and increased susceptibility to mental health challenges. Building resilience is recognized as a key factor in promoting mental well-being among emerging adults. Drawing from an online survey sample of 920 emerging adults at risk for depression, this cross-sectional study investigates the relationships between personal and interpersonal resilience, interconnectedness, and mental well-being among emerging adults at risk for depression. Results indicate that both personal resilience and interpersonal resilience derived from family and friends are positively correlated with mental well-being. Furthermore, mediation analysis reveals that interconnectedness partially mediates the relationship between all sources of resilience and mental well-being. These findings underscore the salience of multiple sources of resilience and interconnectedness to promote mental well-being, particularly among emerging adults experiencing depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the independent and interactive effects of perceived social support (positive ties) and relational stress (negative ties) on loneliness in later life. To that end, we differentiate the sources of social support, tap multiple items to measure relational stress, and analyze a large cross-national dataset containing probability samples of older adults across 28 countries (N = 12,449). Our analysis demonstrates that the relationship between perceived social support and loneliness is source specific. A key finding is that perceived social support particularly from family is negatively associated with loneliness. Older adults who name friends and 'others' (e.g., coworkers, neighbors, acquaintances) as the most important source of support exhibit higher levels of loneliness than those who choose kin members. By contrast, relational stress, regardless of its source, is positively associated with loneliness. Moreover, this positive relationship between relational stress and loneliness is stronger for those who select others as the primary source of social support, lending credence to the concept of reverse buffering. Taken together, our findings underscore the importance of the sources of social positivity and social negativity in examining the interrelationships between positive ties, negative ties, and loneliness in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/ Objectives: Surgical residency is widely recognized as a highly stressful phase due to long working hours and the challenges of managing complex cases. Additionally, family responsibilities, such as being a spouse or parent, can have a positive or negative impact on residents' well-being. This study aimed to explore the relationship between clinical supervision and mental well-being among otolaryngology residents in Saudi Arabia, focusing on how supervision conditions influence well-being at different stages of training. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional correlational study conducted among Saudi otolaryngology head and neck surgery residents. An online survey was used to collect data from 64 residents, utilizing the Dutch Residents Educational Climate Test (D-RECT) to assess clinical supervision and the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) to measure well-being. The data were analyzed to determine the association between supervision conditions and well-being across different residency levels. Results: The results showed that the majority of residents reported higher mean scores for items such as "I've been feeling useful" (3.53 ± 1.23), "I've been feeling interested in new things" (3.28 ± 1.13), and "I've been dealing with problems well" (3.27 ± 1.10). No statistically significant difference in overall WEMWBS scores was found between junior and senior residents. However, mental well-being was significantly associated with all four D-RECT domains (supervision, feedback, coaching assessment, and consultant attitude), with a positive correlation observed between clinical supervision and well-being. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical role of clinical supervision in supporting the mental well-being of otolaryngology residents. Enhanced supervision practices, particularly those emphasizing constructive feedback and supportive consultant attitudes, could mitigate burnout and improve resident outcomes. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in residency programs to promote well-being and optimize the learning environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress and well-being are important life experiences, but we cannot improve well-being by avoiding stress. If we want to increase well-being, we can start by determining the relationship between stress and well-being and other factors that may be effective in this relationship. This cross-sectional study investigates the hypothetical mediating and moderating roles of self-transcendence and coping flexibility in the relationship between stress and mental well-being among Turkish university students. A total of 403 students enrolled in a state university in Türkiye participated in the study. The sample was 75% female (n = 302) and 25% male (n = 101), with ages ranging from 18 to 25 years (M = 21.21, SD = 2.70). Findings revealed that stress significantly predicted university students' mental well-being in a negative direction. Furthermore, the study identifies self-transcendence and coping flexibility as hypothetical mediators in the relationship between stress and mental well-being. Finally, it was found that coping flexibility moderated the effect of stress on self-transcendence and mental well-being. Under conditions of high coping flexibility, there are stronger, negative associations between stress and self-transcendence and stress and mental well-being. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the important role of self-transcendence and coping flexibility in promoting mental well-being and combating stress in the university environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the moderating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and conduct problems of adolescents. The participants were 588 in-school Nigerian adolescents (male = 59.9%; mean age = 14.64 years, SD = 1.31 years). They completed measures of adverse childhood experiences–abuse domain (ACEs–AD), conduct problems, and emotional intelligence. Hayes regression-based PROCESS macro results revealed that the physical/emotional abuse and sexual abuse were positively associated with conduct problems. Test of moderation effects indicated that physical/emotional and sexual abuse was positively related to conduct problems for adolescents with low emotional intelligence but not for adolescents with moderate and high emotional intelligence. The study findings suggest higher emotional intelligence as an asset for resilient coping with ACE and reducing the risk for in-school adolescents’ conduct problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the background of increased labor market flexibilization, health issues amongst employees have become a pressing social concern in Korea. Yet, little is known about the diversity in employment experiences and the associated health implications amongst employees. To accurately gauge labor market segmentation, whilst simultaneously accounting for health-risk factors, we employ the multidimensional Employment Quality (EQ) concept in a typological manner. This method differentiates various employment segments, with the Standard Employment Relationship (SER) serving as a benchmark. Using the 2017 Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS), we employ Latent Class Cluster Analysis on a sample of the salaried workforce (N = 25.376) to construct a typology of EQ. Via logistic regression, we link the EQ typology to poor mental well-being and poor self-rated general health. As a result, we find six distinct types of EQ arrangements in Korea: SER-like, Instrumental, SER Intensive, Instrumental Intensive, Precarious Intensive, and Precarious Unsustainable. We find that deviations from the SER-like segment are associated with poorer health and well-being outcomes, even when accounting for confounding factors, with precarious EQ segments showing the most pronounced adverse health and well-being associations. This study furthers our understandings of health disparities within the salaried workforce. Our findings underscore the need for targeted reforms of workplace- and employment-related health policies to foster a healthier working population in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have underscored the importance of tourism in enhancing individuals' mental well-being through engagement with nature. This article examines the impact of nature-based tourism on alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among a group of 67 university students who exhibited extremely severe levels of these disorders. Participants were assessed both before and after a nature tourism experience in the Tinajillas Río Gualaceño Protected Forest, Ecuador. Mental health changes were evaluated using the DASS-21 scale, with assessments conducted pre- and post-activity, revealing significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress levels, with large and clinically relevant effect sizes. However, a 6-month follow-up indicated that these long-term benefits diminished and no longer held clinical significance, suggesting the need for more frequent interventions to sustain positive effects. This study concludes that nature-based tourism serves as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for improving mental well-being in the short term, although its sustainability requires continuous interaction with nature. These findings provide empirical support for nature-based tourism as a mental health strategy and highlight the importance of integrating it into public health policies and tourism management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study assessed the relationship between work-life balance, mental well-being, and academic performance among 108 graduate students of St. Peter’s College pursuing a Master of Arts in Education majoring in Educational Management. The results indicated that students sometimes achieved work-life balance in managing self, time, stress, and leisure. Academic performance was rated as very satisfactory and satisfactory, with 40.7% of students attaining Grade Point Averages of 1.2-1.3 and 1.4-1.6 respectively. Students reported having positive mental well-being all the time. No significant association was found between academic performance and socio-demographic profiles, leading to the acceptance of the null hypothesis of no significant relationship. However, mental well-being was significantly related to socio-demographic profiles, particularly in terms of sex, rejecting the null hypothesis of no significant relationship. Mental well-being also demonstrated a highly significant relationship with work-life balance, resulting in the rejection of the null hypothesis stating no relationship between these variables. Academic performance was influenced by socio-demographic factors, especially sex, leading to the acceptance of the null hypothesis regarding variables singly or in combination predicting academic performance. Mental well-being was affected by sociodemographic factors such as length of service and work-life balance in managing time and stress, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis of no variables predicting mental well-being. Therefore, work-life balance plays a crucial role in promoting mental well-being. While it strongly impacts mental well-being, its influence on academic performance is indirect and mediated by socio-demographic factors, underscoring the need for targeted support for graduate students’ well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Methods Results Implications for Practice Conclusion This practice paper exemplifies a systematic approach used to learn about existing mental well‐being programs for youth 11–14 years to inform curriculum development for after‐school settings.We reviewed 3389 mental well‐being programs from publicly accessed databases and conducted a content analysis using inductive and deductive coding to explore the domains each program addressed.Through our content analysis of the final eight programs, we found strong alignment with the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) core social–emotional competencies: self‐awareness, self‐management, social awareness, relationship skills, and decision‐making.Although using established processes (e.g., PICO, CFIR) to review public databases is an effective research strategy, engaging in research‐intensive endeavors is time consuming and may not be practical for after‐school administration. The benefits of community–academic partnerships, such as EMPOWER, are highlighted as an approach, and opportunity, to promote evidence‐based research practices to inform programming in community organizations.Enhancing youth social emotional competencies is an important means to supporting youth mental well‐being. Incorporating a systematic approach to select youth mental well‐being programs provides a structure, for our EMPOWER project, that can steer the choice of curricula to meet the needs of after‐school program contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is to investigate the effects of social restrictions, induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, on play behavior, and the associations with mental well-being in children with a chronic physical condition. Additionally, we explored potential moderating effects of environmental factors. Data from the PROactive cohort study including children with a chronic physical condition was used. Play behavior was measured with a self-developed questionnaire distributed during the pandemic with questions concerning behavior before and during the pandemic (with whom they most often played, where, and how many days/week (face-to-face and online)). Mental well-being, including life satisfaction, quality of life, and internalizing symptoms were assessed during the pandemic. Analyses were performed separately for the ages 8–12 years and 13–18 years. Differences in play behavior were analyzed with McNemar’s and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Linear regression analyses were used to analyse associations between play behavior and mental well-being. P-values were adjusted for false discovery rate. Interaction terms were added with several environmental factors, to explore potential moderating effects. In total, 756 participants (8–12 years: n = 261; 13–18 years: n = 495) were included in this study. Differences in play behavior between pre-pandemic and during the pandemic were observed. With whom they mostly played (friends/family members), compared to playing alone, was related to mental well-being in both age groups. Moreover, for children between 13 and 18 years playing outside was positively associated with life satisfaction and negatively related to internalizing symptoms. Experiencing a negative influence of the pandemic on leisure time, social support, and distress of the child are potential moderators. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic induced changes in play behavior. During the pandemic, mainly not playing alone, but with friends or family members, and for older children playing outside, was related to better mental well-being in children with a chronic physical condition. What is known: • Children with a chronic physical condition are at risk for developing social and emotional problems, that include depressive symptoms, anxiety, aggression, physical impairment and problems in academic and social functioning. These problems may be related to limitations in play activities these children are thought to experience. However, there is limited empirical data to relate limitations in play and mental well-being in these children. What is new: • The COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity to investigate alterations in play behavior in relation with mental well-being among children with a chronic physical condition. Based on data from the PROactive cohort, including data for children with a chronic condition, we determined the impact of the pandemic on play in these children and related it to their mental well-being. Our data emphasize the importance of play, and particular playing with others, for mental-well-being and may facilitate prevention strategies for children growing up with a chronic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the influence of digital literacy on preschool children's school readiness and mental health. The analysis dissects psychological resilience's role as a mediator among digitally literate-conscious kids. The underlying theory underpinning the literature is a social learning theory, which provides the paradigm lens for effectively accessing and evaluating available digital information. This study measures these proposed assumptions using structural equation modeling techniques. Data collection was carried out in structured questionnaires, and the target population was parents of preschool children. The study used a convenience sampling technique to select a sample of parents based on preschool children under five. The results show that digital literacy among preschoolers is directly and positively related to their school readiness, mental well-being, and resilience. Findings suggest that psychological resilience significantly mediates between children's digital literacy and school readiness. The findings provide valued insight and further directions for policymakers and educators from developing countries. It offers valuable guidance for teachers and parents of preschool children. Findings will encourage them to allow children to use digital gadgets to build and enhance their understanding of digital information. Preschoolers should also receive implicit and explicit training in the practical and fundamental knowledge of digital technologies for their educational use. In theory, this study contributes to the scientific literature by answering how digital literacy and resilience positively impact children's school readiness and mental well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals receiving health or social care services are classified as vulnerable groups, and there are various professional groups working with these groups. Among the mentioned professionals are special education teachers, nurses, personnel from the directorate of Forensic Support and Victim Services, social workers, and psychologists. Considering the possibility of these professional groups neglecting themselves while assisting the individuals they work with, this research is planned. The aim of the research is to examine the relationship between burnout, mental well-being, and self-compassion of individuals working with vulnerable groups. Burnout is defined as feeling tired and exhausted; mental well-being refers to exhibiting behaviors that benefit oneself and society; and self-compassion involves approaching oneself with compassion rather than harshness. In this study, 213 participants working with vulnerable groups filled out the Burnout Scale, the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, and the Self-Compassion Scale through face-to-face and online surveys. Analyses conducted on the data obtained from the participants revealed statistically significant relationships between variables; additionally, it was found that self-compassion played a mediating role in the relationship of burnout on mental well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on nonresident fathers after divorce is generally conducted from the perspective of others and rarely from their own perspectives. Becoming a nonresident father may mean major dislocation often presenting challenges to meaningful relationships with children. Some nonresident fathers may have tattoos that relate specifically to their children, which were acquired either before or after the divorce. Understanding the links between changing family configurations, fatherhood role identity, desired relationships with children, and how these are enacted and embodied through tattoos represents an important step toward understanding the experiences of nonresident fathers from their own perspectives. This article aimed to investigate the motivators and significance of nonresident fathers' tattoos that specifically relate to their children and how they link to personal and mental well-being. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven nonresident fathers who had tattoos that related specifically to their children, had a mean age of 42 years, had been divorced for a mean of 6 years, and self-identified as Australian. The data were analyzed using a seven-step thematic analysis process. As a result, nonresident fathers' tattoos that relate to their children could be used by them as a means of maintaining an emotional and psychological connection to their fatherhood role, and in doing this, their mental well-being may be positively affected. Public Significance Statement: This research has identified how fatherhood role salience continues after divorce, being highlighted by the choice to make their fatherhood identity permanently visible through tattoos and how these in turn may have beneficial effects on the individual's mental well-being. Deepening our understanding of the value nonresident fathers' place on their attachment to their children, their fatherhood identity, and how tattoos may have beneficial psychological effects on themselves for some individuals is important. Having tattoos may also be seen as an important entry point for counseling, psychological, or therapeutic interventions. This could be linked with the development of positive approaches to existing tattoos by therapists and, in this way, be one part of a wider solution to helping nonresident fathers realize their desired relationships with their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building upon the evidence supporting the interpersonal benefits of trait mindfulness, efforts to understand mindfulness in the context of intimate relationships (i.e., relationship mindfulness) have been made to better predict relationship outcomes. To further understand the relationship benefits of mindfulness, it is crucial to take a closer look at for whom and under what conditions trait mindfulness translates into relationship mindfulness. In this study, we examined the moderating effects of one's own and their partner's mental well-being on the positive link between trait mindfulness and relationship mindfulness. Specifically, we expected this link to be weaker for those who themselves or their partners reported worse mental well-being as poor mental well-being may pull couples inward, away from showing up mindfully in relationships. A sample of 115 different-sex married couples completed an online questionnaire that included measures of trait mindfulness, relationship mindfulness, and markers of mental well-being (i.e., depression, anxiety, loneliness). A series of actor-partner interdependence moderation models showed that, consistent with our hypotheses, the link between husbands' trait mindfulness and relationship mindfulness was weaker if husbands or their wives reported higher depression or anxiety. Therefore, couples may benefit more if mindfulness-based couple interventions directly target how partners can use mindfulness skills to stay connected even when facing mental health challenges. This study also further highlights the importance of considering various relational contexts for mindfulness research and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the relationship between maternal exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), intimate partner violence (IPV), and two aspects of maternal mental well-being—stress and depressive symptoms in the context of Tirana, Albania. Data were obtained from a representative sample of 328 mothers of 2–3-year-old children, who were registered in Tirana's public nurseries. Findings show that maternal ACEs are positively associated with stress levels (β =.210, z = 4.03, p <.001) and depressive symptoms (β =.129, z = 2.62, p <.01). In addition, IPV partially mediates the effect of ACEs on maternal stress (β =.081, z = 3.75, p <.001) and fully mediates the effect of ACEs on depressive symptoms (β =.054, z = 2.87, p <.01). These results suggest that among mothers of toddlers in Tirana, ACEs influence stress levels both directly and via IPV, while they influence depressive symptoms only via IPV. The findings demonstrate long-term effects of maternal exposure to interpersonal violence on mental well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and the associated health risks, such as cardiovascular, metabolic and mental issues, is an epidemic worldwide problem, particularly in the university population. Background/Objectives: University students are particularly vulnerable because of academic pressure and lifestyle changes. Despite the well-known benefits of physical activity in reducing mental stress and improving physical and mental well-being, the literature lacks effective interventions and standardized protocols for this population. This study aims to investigate the state of the art in literature regarding the correlation between the use of physical activity as a means of prevention and intervention and the effects on university students' stress and mental well-being. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA protocol for scoping reviews, targeting university population with specific terms. Results: The review analyzed 61 articles and identified a consistent positive correlation between physical activity and stress reduction. Interventions included yoga, tai chi, aerobic exercise and moderate- or high-intensity exercise. A lack of standardized protocols were also evident. Conclusions: Physical activity is an effective means for managing stress and improving mental well-being among university students. An integrated approach combining different forms of exercise and strategies to regulate emotions could provide very effective effects on the mental well-being of students. Universities should propose physical activity programs in several forms to enable students to choose the most appropriate one and keep them active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Marital conflict is an important factor contributing to family instability, with women often bearing a greater burden. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on the factors that can help women navigate these challenges. Among these factors, family adaptability and mental well-being play an essential role in addressing issues within marital relationships. Aim: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the paradox time-table cure and acceptance as well as commitment therapy matrix on family adaptability and mental well-being in women facing marital conflicts. Method: The study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. It included 45 women experiencing marital conflicts, divided into two experimental groups (15 participants each) receiving either acceptance and commitment therapy or paradox time-table cure over ten sessions, along with a control group (15 participants) that received no intervention. Assessments were conducted using the Olson (1985) Family Adaptability Questionnaire and the Ryff (2002) Psychological Well-Being Scale. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni tests. Results: The findings showed that the paradox time-table cure and matrix of acceptance and commitment therapy were both effective on family adaptability compared to the control group. However, the efficacy of paradox therapy was higher (p=0.000). The results for mental well-being showed that only the acceptance and commitment therapy matrix had a significant effect, while the paradox time-table cure did not impact this component (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that both the Paradox time-table cure and the acceptance and commitment therapy matrix were effective in enhancing family adaptability. However, in terms of mental well-being, only the acceptance and commitment therapy matrix had a positive effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical students face significant stress and challenges that impact their professional development by affecting their levels of medical professionalism (MP), coping ability, and mental well-being (MWB). Given the high-stakes environment of medical education, understanding the interplay between these factors is crucial. This study aims to explore undergraduate medical students’ lived experiences of MP, coping strategies (CSs), and MWB to inform the development of effective support systems. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to capture the lived experiences of 40 medical students from first, third, and fifth years of study. Participants, selected through purposive sampling, represented diverse backgrounds (with 27 females, 18 fifth-year students, and 30 Malays). Seven FGDs, each with 5–10 participants, were conducted via Zoom©, yielding comprehensive qualitative data. An inductive coding approach was applied through iterative transcript analysis to ensure robust findings. Results: Analysis revealed two themes related to MWB: ‘mental well-being issues,’ highlighting persistent mental health challenges, and ‘happiness,’ illustrating factors that sustain well-being. CSs were categorized into ‘positive coping,’ including seeking support, and ‘negative coping,’ such as denial. For MP, two themes emerged: ‘inter-medical professionalism,’ focusing on communication with others, and ‘intra-medical professionalism,’ emphasizing ethical self-conduct. Conclusion: The interplay between CSs, MP, and MWB is complex and deeply intertwined. The findings highlight the importance of developing targeted interventions to support medical students in managing stress, maintaining professionalism, and enhancing their mental well-being throughout their training. Future research should further explore these themes to inform policy and curriculum development in medical education. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study focused on investigating the impact of Trataka on stress-related ailments associated with online teaching and lockdown conditions among school teachers. The main objective of the study is to assess the effect of regular Trataka Kriya practice on Perceived Stress, Anxiety, Self-Perception, Parental Stress, Mental Well Being and Occupational Stress in School Teachers during the COVID- 19 Pandemic. Methods: The present study is a two-arm, randomized controlled trial. Both male and female teachers of age ranging from 35- 50 Yrs., having no health complications, as well as, those not practicing Trataka Kriya routinely, were enrolled in the study. The study volunteers matched in respect of age and gender, were then divided into an experimental (n= 52) and a wait-listed control group (n= 52) with the help of Block Randomization method. Of the 104 teachers selected for the study, 68 completed the entire protocol. Data were collected at two time points at pre-testing (T0) and post-testing (T1). Results: Results showed a significant reduction in the perceived stress (p= 0.003), generalized anxiety (p = 0.006), parental stress (p<0.0001), and occupational stress index (p<0.0001) in the experimental group. The experimental group results also showed significant improvement in the self-perception (p<0.0001), Mental well-being (p<0.0001) and sleep quality (p = 0.054). Conclusion: Trataka Kriya practice has shown to significantly improve mental well-being, self-perception, and reduce anxiety and stress levels among school teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Medical students face significant stress and challenges that impact their professional development by affecting their levels of medical professionalism (MP), coping ability, and mental well-being (MWB). Given the high-stakes environment of medical education, understanding the interplay between these factors is crucial. This study aims to explore undergraduate medical students’ lived experiences of MP, coping strategies (CSs), and MWB to inform the development of effective support systems. Methods A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to capture the lived experiences of 40 medical students from first, third, and fifth years of study. Participants, selected through purposive sampling, represented diverse backgrounds (with 27 females, 18 fifth-year students, and 30 Malays). Seven FGDs, each with 5–10 participants, were conducted via Zoom©, yielding comprehensive qualitative data. An inductive coding approach was applied through iterative transcript analysis to ensure robust findings. Results Analysis revealed two themes related to MWB: ‘mental well-being issues,’ highlighting persistent mental health challenges, and ‘happiness,’ illustrating factors that sustain well-being. CSs were categorized into ‘positive coping,’ including seeking support, and ‘negative coping,’ such as denial. For MP, two themes emerged: ‘inter-medical professionalism,’ focusing on communication with others, and ‘intra-medical professionalism,’ emphasizing ethical self-conduct. Conclusion The interplay between CSs, MP, and MWB is complex and deeply intertwined. The findings highlight the importance of developing targeted interventions to support medical students in managing stress, maintaining professionalism, and enhancing their mental well-being throughout their training. Future research should further explore these themes to inform policy and curriculum development in medical education. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

This study aimed to investigate differences in long-term psychological effects, acute subjective effects, and side effects associated with psychedelic use in adolescents (aged 16-24), compared with adults (aged 25+). Data from two observational online survey cohorts was pooled, involving adolescents (average age 20.4 ± 2.2, N = 435) and adults (average age 36.5 ± 9.7, range = 25-71, N = 654) who self-initiated a psychedelic experience and were tracked via online surveys from a pre-experience baseline to four weeks post-use. Self-reported measures of well-being were collected one week before, and two and four weeks after psychedelic use. Acute subjective drug effects, dosage and contextual variables pertaining to the setting of use were measured on the day after the session. Repeated-measures analyses of covariance, t- and z-tests, as well as exploratory correlational and regression analyses tested differences in psychological changes, acute drug effects, and side effects between the two groups. Psychological well-being significantly improved in adolescents two and four weeks following psychedelic use, with a clinically relevant mean change score of 3.3 points (95% CI: 1.1-5.5). on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale [F(1.8, 172.9) = 13.41, η 2G = .04, p

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 lockdowns, shelter in place, closures of transportation and mental health services, and dearth of mental health providers created new barriers to obtaining support for mental health needs at a time of increased rates of anxiety and depression. During the pandemic, a record number of households owned and adopted pets, opening a potential avenue to investigate the relationship between pets and mental health. This systematic literature review examined the question: What is the evidence for a relationship between human-animal interaction and/or animal ownership and common mental disorders among adults who interacted with pets compared to adults who did not during the COVID-19 pandemic? METHODS: To address this question, four databases were searched: Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and SCOPUS for peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and July 2023. Of the 1,746 articles identified by the searches, 21 studies were included in this review. RESULTS: Results suggest that there exists a relationship between animal ownership and strong pet attachment and pet interaction, though the directionality of the relationship was not investigated by the included studies. There was an association between having a stronger relationship with a pet and lower feelings of depression and other mental health symptoms. There was also evidence of an association between anxiety and higher levels of animal attachment. CONCLUSION: Understanding the association between human-animal interaction and common mental disorders may be helpful to clinicians assessing the mental health of clients. Clinicians may glean additional insight about stressors, risk factors, social supports, and lifestyle of clients based on the clients status as a pet owner. Future research could further explore the direction of the causal relationship of human-animal interaction and/or animal ownership on common mental disorders; this could further inform how the HAI relationship can be used to support clients with mental health struggles.