Search Results (276)

People have become accustomed to studying or working with the guidance of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years. Studies have begun investigating the risk factors of AI dependence, though most have used hypothesis-testing methods. The present study aimed to investigate predictors of AI dependence using machine-learning and network analysis, which are data-driven approaches. The included risk factors were Big Five personality traits, self-efficacy, depression, social anxiety, adverse childhood experiences, and AI use motivation, selected based on theories and empirical studies. Participants consisted of 1258 university students (942 females and 316 males) with a mean age of 22.11 years (SD = 2.69). Four machine-learning algorithms were tested, including Elastic Net, Random Forest, XGBoost, and LightGBM. Machine-learning results indicate that escape and social motivation for AI use, along with social anxiety, were the main predictors of AI dependence. Network analysis results show that escape and social motivation were the most central nodes, with the highest Expected Influence (EI) indices. This study indicates that when addressing mental health problems related to AI dependence, it is more effective to focus on emotional isolation and social interaction challenges rather than simply cutting down on AI use. Full article

We examine relationships across two focal variables, being an immigrant and experiencing racial discrimination (an adverse childhood experience, or ACE), and the outcome of a mental or emotional health condition for adolescent children in the U.S. Using a nationally representative sample from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH; n = 16,040; 12–17 years old), we find that immigrant teens are 17 percent less likely than native-born teens to have a mental or emotional health condition and that teens who have experienced racial discrimination are almost twice as likely as teens who did not to have a mental or emotional health condition, net of other relationships. Adolescents with a mental or emotional health condition are more likely to be female, White, urban, living in an unsafe neighborhood, having a parent with less education, and coming from a household with a lower income. We find evidence for the healthy immigrant effect in terms of mental health for immigrant teens in the U.S., and also, we find a strong relationship between the ACE of experiencing racial discrimination and poor mental health of adolescents overall. Full article

Background: Young adult sexual minority men (SMM) disproportionately experience childhood interpersonal trauma. The Dimensional Model of Adversity and Psychopathology (DMAP) framework proposes that exposure to threat (i.e., emotional, physical, and sexual abuse) and deprivation (e.g., physical and emotional neglect) are differentially linked to adult psychopathology. Studies of predominantly heterosexual samples have revealed emotion regulation and mindfulness as mechanisms linking childhood trauma to mental health and health risk behaviors in adulthood. However, the influence of emotion regulation (ER) or mindfulness as associated with exposure to threat vs. deprivation has not been examined among SMM in adulthood. Objective: This study explored the relationships between childhood threat/deprivation and mental health and health risk behaviors among SMM with ER and mindfulness as mediators. Participants and Setting: The sample consisted of 317 SMM (M_age = 26.70; SD = 3.87; ages 18–35; 59.3% White) recruited from the community. Methods: Childhood experiences of threat and deprivation were assessed via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire; ER difficulties and dispositional mindfulness were assessed using self-report. Mental health behaviors were assessed using a composite score consisting of self-reported depressive, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and suicidality. Health risk behavior score included the Sexual Compulsivity Scale, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and smoking history (Y/N). Results: Threat and deprivation were both positively correlated with mental health and health risk behaviors. Threat was associated with both mental health and health risk behaviors via emotion regulation (ER) difficulties. Deprivation was associated with these outcomes through both ER difficulties and mindfulness. Conclusions: Treatment aimed at bolstering ER and mindfulness skills among those with histories of abuse and deprivation, respectively, may help reduce psychopathology risk among SMM. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescents admitted for emergency psychiatric hospitalization frequently present with severe and heterogeneous psychopathology. In clinical practice, some adolescent inpatients appear to present a broader symptom pattern suggestive of emotional dysregulation. However, it remains unclear whether they can truly be distinguished in this population and whether they differ meaningfully from adolescents with predominantly depressive presentations. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional chart review with subgroup analysis based on the medical records of patients aged 11–17 years hospitalized on an emergency basis at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Poznań, Poland, between January and December 2024. Patients were assigned either to an emotional dysregulation group, defined by affective dysregulation and behavioral dyscontrol, or to a depressive presentations group, comprising adolescents with depressive presentations who did not meet criteria for the emotional dysregulation profile. Broader clinical characteristics, adverse childhood experiences, and prior treatment history were compared between groups. Results: A total of 139 adolescents were included (85 in the emotional dysregulation group and 54 in the depressive presentations group). The median age was 13 years [Q1–Q3: 13–14] in the emotional dysregulation group and 14 years [Q1–Q3: 12.25–14] in the depressive presentations group; girls comprised 77.6% and 83.3% of the groups, respectively. The emotional dysregulation group more often presented with conflict-ridden relationships, a more frequent history of suicide attempts (72.9% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.006), and a higher number of suicide attempts (median 1 [Q1–Q3: 0–2] vs. 0.5 [Q1–Q3: 0–1], p = 0.012), as well as more frequent exposure to adversity-related experiences. Furthermore, this group had a higher number of previous psychiatric hospitalizations (median 1 [Q1–Q3: 1–2] vs. 1 [Q1–Q3: 1–1], p = 0.001) and a longer history of psychiatric treatment. In contrast, social withdrawal was more characteristic of the depressive presentations group. Conclusions: Routinely collected clinical records may capture a clinically meaningful subgroup of adolescents with a symptom profile suggestive of emotional dysregulation. Compared with the depressive presentations group, these adolescents showed greater interpersonal difficulties, more recurrent suicide attempts, greater adversity burden, and a longer history of psychiatric treatment. Further prospective studies using standardized measures are needed. Full article

Background and Objectives: One of the strongest early factors influencing later psychoactive substance use is adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Studies investigate a variety of adverse experiences in relation to substance use, yet not all adverse childhood experiences are equal in intensity and harm. Our study aimed to address this gap by examining in detail the associations between individual ACEs, broader ACE categories, and different forms of psychoactive substance use. Materials and Methods: The study included 709 participants who completed self-report questionnaires. ACEs were measured using the MACE questionnaire. Marijuana use was measured using the CUDIT-R, alcohol use using the AUDIT, and heavy psychoactive substance use using the ASSIST. Linear regression analyses were used to predict associations. As expected, only a small part of the sample reported hard drug use; some analyses are limited to substantially fewer observations. Results: All regression models were statistically significant and predicted all three categories of psychoactive substances, but if we count the individual adverse experiences, the results become different. Although the results showed that ACE is a significant predictor of hard drug use and explains 25% of the variance, it is separately only emotional neglect that is associated with hard drug use. The regression analysis also explains 14% of the variance in marijuana use, but when considered separately, we found associations only with emotional neglect. The severity of alcohol use explains 13% of the variance, but only a few ACEs reach statistical significance: peer physical bullying, physical violence, and sexual abuse. Conclusions: The findings of our study suggest that adverse childhood experiences may not be qualitatively equivalent and therefore may not be evaluated only as a cumulative risk score. Separate ACE evaluations, instead of aggregate calculation of ACEs, may be useful to understand better which specific negative experiences have the greatest impact on subsequent use of psychoactive substances. The regression models explain only a small portion of the variance, which suggests that other factors may contribute to a larger share. Full article

Background: Refugees arriving from conflict zones often continue to experience trauma and are at increased risk of anxiety and depression. Those seeking asylum form a group at higher risk of suffering adverse mental health outcomes, with higher needs for psychosocial and therapeutic care. This study aimed to determine metabolic changes potentially associated with psychological distress in refugees from Syria, using a saliva-based metabolomics approach via proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. Methods: Participants were recruited from Lethbridge Family Services and categorized into high and low stress burden groups using questionnaires assessing depression (PHQ-9) and generalized anxiety (GAD-7). Salivary metabolomic profiles from 26 female and 32 male participants were analyzed using supervised and unsupervised multivariate statistical methods to identify metabolic differences linked to composite stress, depression, and anxiety. Results: Salivary metabolic profiles showed the most prominent differences associated with anxiety in female participants and depression in male participants. Multivariate statistical analyses identified 31 metabolites and 13 biological pathways that were significantly altered according to mental health status, with the greatest changes observed in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, sphingolipid metabolism, and taurine/hypotaurine metabolism. Conclusions: These findings indicate that salivary 1H NMR metabolomic profiling can identify a quantifiable “metabolic fingerprint” related to impaired mental health and psychological distress in a cost-effective, objective, and non-invasive way. This analytical strategy shows potential as a screening tool to support effective decision-making, enabling early identification of individuals at highest risk who require timely emotional and medical support. Full article

The use of ketamine for the management of neuropsychiatric conditions outside clinical settings has rapidly expanded, creating a critical need to understand diverse individual experiences. We conducted a qualitative content analysis of posts from the r/TherapeuticKetamine subreddit. From 3302 threads, the 500 highest-engagement threads (12,852 comments) were analyzed by independent coders across six domains: perceived positive effects, adverse effects, reasons for use, route of administration, polydrug use, and dose amounts. Mood-related concerns were the primary reason for use (53%). Users reported positive effects, most often improvements in emotional well-being (65%). Adverse effects were predominantly psychological or mood-related (56%). A total of 70% of reported doses exceeded 149 mg, suggesting a trend toward higher dose use. Intravenous administration (40%) and sublingual troches (23%) were the most frequently reported routes. Concurrent use of prescribed psychotropics, cannabis, and psychedelics was also reported. This analysis identified substantial heterogeneity in individual-reported experiences. Frequent high-dose use, dose escalation, and polydrug exposure underscores the importance of clinical monitoring and attention to addiction potential and drug–drug interactions. The findings should be interpreted with caution, as follow-up and clinical verification were not possible; however, the data provide an unfiltered view of individual experiences in relation to ketamine use outside the clinical setting. Full article

The emotional responses to bullying victimization are central to its impact on subsequent psychological consequences, but the role of specific emotions is insufficiently defined within a comprehensive framework. In order to enhance the understanding of the emotional experiences of bullying victims, the present review examines the role of self-conscious emotions (i.e., humiliation, shame, and guilt), the role of basic emotions (i.e., anger and fear), and various psychological consequences (e.g., anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation). A non-systematic, narrative approach was employed to synthesize the findings, with a total of 343 articles included in the review. Self-conscious emotions appear to be central to bullying victimization, with humiliation being particularly pivotal due to its link to internalized self-devaluation, perceived injustice, and attribution of cruelty to the perpetrator. In turn, anger and fear seem to constitute crucial basic emotions in response to bullying dynamics. Although anger may escalate aggression, it may also facilitate positive confrontational behaviors when properly channeled, whereas fear may contribute to avoidance and increased victimization if sustained. Adverse psychological consequences such as anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation are prevalent among victims of bullying, potentially exacerbated in vulnerable groups. Future research should further explore the role of emotions in the context of bullying victimization, examining their impact on both mental health outcomes and behavioral patterns over time. Exploring how different emotional responses interact and influence each other within bullying dynamics could provide insights into effective intervention strategies, and a more comprehensive understanding of the sociocultural factors influencing emotional responses to bullying might help in customizing prevention and support measures across diverse contexts. Full article

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to persistent adverse outcomes, including cognitive and emotional dysfunction, with recent estimates indicating that up to 50% of individuals with mild TBI experience long-term symptoms. Growing evidence suggests that biological sex influences TBI outcomes and recovery trajectories; however, the molecular underpinnings driving these sex-specific differences remain poorly understood. In this study, a preclinical TBI model was used to directly compare chronic glutamatergic alterations in adult male and female Sprague Dawley rats. To define frontocortical molecular signatures associated with sex-specific glutamatergic dysfunction, proteomic analyses were conducted. Proteomic data revealed dysregulation of key pathways, cellular processes, and molecular regulators involved in excitatory signaling and synaptic function in both sexes. Biomarker profiling identified a single common biomarker between males and females, along with multiple biomarkers unique to each sex. Furthermore, two key brain regions highly susceptible to TBI, the prefrontal cortex and hippocampal subregions, were examined for chronic alterations in key glutamatergic signaling proteins, including N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and the excitatory synaptic marker postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95). Immunofluorescence analyses revealed both sex- and region-specific alterations in the expression of NMDA receptor subunits, as well as in PSD95. Notably, many of these changes were concentrated within the hippocampal subregions, suggesting long-term dysregulation of hippocampal glutamatergic circuitry following injury. Together, these findings indicate the emergence of chronic sex-specific pathophysiology in glutamate signaling after TBI and highlight the importance of incorporating sex as a biological variable in the development of precision medicine-based therapeutic strategies for TBI. Full article

Cyber-trauma has emerged as an important concern within online gaming environments, with growing implications for children’s mental health and well-being. Multiplayer games increasingly function as routine spaces for interaction, competition, and informal learning, which may expose young players to hostile behaviours such as harassment, hate speech, exclusion, and repeated targeting. Understanding the psychological consequences of these experiences and the protective role of family support is therefore essential. This study investigates the relationship between cyber-trauma victimisation (CV) and four mental health outcomes—depressive symptoms (DS), anxiety symptoms (AS), perceived stress (PS), and emotional distress (ED)—among Generation Alpha student gamers, while examining parental support as a moderating factor. Survey data were collected from 1223 students of diverse Arab nationalities enrolled in schools in Saudi Arabia, with Saudi nationals representing approximately 15% of the sample. The results indicate that CV is a strong and consistent predictor of all examined mental health outcomes. Higher levels of CV are significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms (β = 0.58), anxiety symptoms (β = 0.55), perceived stress (β = 0.52), and emotional distress (β = 0.60) (all p < 0.001). Parental support significantly moderates these relationships, weakening the association between cyber-trauma exposure and adverse psychological outcomes. These findings contribute to the growing literature on children’s digital well-being by demonstrating that online gaming environments can serve as meaningful psychosocial stressors for young players. The results further highlight the importance of family-centred protective mechanisms, suggesting that parental emotional support, guidance, and communication can play a critical role in buffering the mental health risks associated with hostile online interactions. Full article

Background: Junior nurses—who are most prone to errors and emotional distress as “second victims”—often experience underreported adverse events and psychological challenges. This study aimed to explore how junior nurses in China psychologically recover after adverse events and how they navigate their recovery experiences. Methods: Guided by Scott’s Second Victim Recovery Trajectory Model, a qualitative study was conducted from September to November 2023. Purposive sampling was used to recruit junior nurses from hospitals across China who had experienced adverse events in their clinical practice. Informed by themes emerging from the initial nurse interviews, the study subsequently included nurse managers to provide additional organizational and managerial perspectives. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine junior nurses and four managers. Data were analyzed thematically within a narrative inquiry framework and reported following the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). Results: Two main themes emerged: (1) the trajectory of adverse events: A nonlinear psychological response, and (2) final outcomes of adverse events: reflection and adjustment. Psychological recovery broadly followed the Second Victim Recovery Trajectory, with only two outcomes observed—dropout and thriving. Organizational support sometimes enabled nurses to bypass certain recovery stages, but such support was limited. Conclusions: Junior nurses experience notable emotional distress following adverse events. The post-event recovery is strengthened by supportive interpersonal environments but limited by insufficient organizational attention. The study findings highlight the need to foster a just, blame-free culture to promote recovery. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including physical and sexual abuse, are significantly associated with long-term health issues, particularly among socially disadvantaged populations. The study examines the social determinants of health, such as poverty, racial inequities, and limited access to care, to assess their association with adverse childhood experiences, including exposure to physical violence and sexual abuse. Methods: We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses using data from the 2023 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (n = 8227) to examine associations between selected ACEs and key social determinants of health (SDOH). Results: Our results indicated that a lack of emotional and social support was associated with increased odds of witnessing parental violence (AOR = 2.00) and physical abuse (AOR = 1.90). Absence of food insecurity was associated with lower odds of witnessing parental violence (AOR = 0.65), unwanted sexual touching (AOR = 0.77), and forced sex (AOR = 0.63). Similarly, not reporting transportation barriers was associated with lower odds across ACE outcomes (AORs ranging from 0.54 to 0.65). Sexual and gender minority individuals exhibited substantially higher odds of childhood sexual abuse (AORs = 3.64–5.56). Hispanic ethnicity was associated with increased odds of physical abuse (AOR = 1.47), and older adults (ages 45–64) had greater odds of experiencing forced sex (AORs = 2.08–2.48). These findings highlight complex relationships between SDOH and early trauma. Conclusions: Trauma-informed public health strategies must address structural inequities and strengthen emotional and material support for vulnerable populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Negative emotional states such as depression, anxiety, and stress have been proposed as psychological correlates of injury occurrence, yet evidence regarding their independent and combined effects remains inconsistent, particularly with respect to sex differences. The present investigation focused on whether the relationship between adverse emotional states and injury occurrence differs between men and women among physically active young adults. Methods: The study was conducted with a cross-sectional design and included 418 university students (199 men and 219 women; mean age: men 20.73 ± 0.85 years; women 20.56 ± 0.74 years). Participants’ anthropometric characteristics included body height (men, 182.19 ± 7.10 cm; women, 168.17 ± 6.01 cm) and body weight (men, 79.63 ± 9.87 kg; women, 60.86 ± 9.05 kg). Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and injury history within the previous 12 months was obtained via a structured self-report injury questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between emotional states and injury occurrence, including assessment of linear, non-linear, and interaction effects. Analyses were stratified by sex and adjusted for training weekly load and training experience. Complementary profile analysis was conducted to assess emotional state configurations by injury occurrence. Results: Linear models provided the most parsimonious representation of the associations between emotional states and injury occurrence, with no support for non-linear or interaction effects. In sex-stratified multivariable models, anxiety was modestly associated with injury occurrence in males (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.00–1.11), whereas depression and stress were not significant correlates. No significant associations were observed in females. Profile analysis revealed distinct emotional dimensions but showed no differences in overall profile level or shape between injured and non-injured participants. Conclusions: Negative emotional states demonstrated limited and predominantly additive associations with injury occurrence. Anxiety showed a small, sex-specific association in males, while overall emotional state measures exhibited limited explanatory value for injury occurrence. Full article

Background: Pregnant adolescents are at higher risk of adverse birth outcomes. Tailoring antenatal care (ANC) to adolescents’ unique needs may be a way to reduce adverse maternal and child outcomes within this population. This systematic review aimed to evaluate ANC services for pregnant adolescents and their impact on maternal and infant outcomes. Methods: Two reviewers independently searched five electronic databases (September 2024) to evaluate existing ANC services that are tailored to adolescents and the impact they have on maternal and infant outcomes. Studies were assessed for quality using the NICE quality appraisal tool and a narrative synthesis was carried out to present the findings. In addition, a survey was disseminated through the Global Adolescent Nutrition Network (GANN) to gain further insights into stakeholder views and experiences of tailored ANC for adolescents. Results: 11,236 articles were reviewed, with 14 studies included for analysis. Interventions as part of ANC for pregnant adolescents included micronutrient supplementation, supplementary feeding, community-based delivery, group-delivery, tailored nutrition education, and additional support and counselling. Outcomes such as birthweight, preterm birth, and gestational age were reported, with most studies (11/14) demonstrating positive effects. Of 103 survey responses, 100% agreed that ANC for pregnant adolescents need to be delivered in a youth-friendly manner, and 57% indicated that providing both youth-friendly delivery and additional support are crucial. Inclusive and supportive care, tailored educational support, tailored nutrition care, and mental health support were most commonly mentioned as key components for tailored ANC. Conclusions: The systematic review and survey data concur in identifying key elements of adolescent-tailored ANC. Some of these have already been shown to be effective; however, due to the high heterogeneity of the study designs, a stronger evidence-base is needed. Specific elements of future ANC packages for pregnant adolescents might include group ANC delivery, community-based services, increased confidentiality measures, mental health support and counselling, health education, and nutrition care tailored to adolescents’ physiological and emotional needs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals experience disproportionately high rates of childhood trauma and depression; however, the mechanisms linking gender identity and depressive symptoms remain insufficiently understood. This study examines differences in depressive symptoms and childhood trauma between cisgender (CG) and TGD adults. It investigates whether specific subtypes of childhood maltreatment mediate the association between gender identity and depression. Methods: The cross-sectional online study included 249 participants aged 18–72 years (M = 30.85, SD = 12.72), including 144 CG (75 women and 69 men) and 105 TGD individuals (44 transgender and 61 gender diverse individuals). Depression symptoms were assessed using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), while childhood trauma experiences were measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF). Results: The independent-sample Student’s t-test showed that TGD participants reported significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms and all forms of childhood trauma than cisgender individuals. Mediation analyses indicated that overall childhood trauma partially mediated the association between gender identity and depression. In parallel mediation models, emotional abuse emerged as the primary statistical mediator, with sexual abuse showing a smaller indirect effect. Conclusions: The findings extend prior prevalence-focused research by identifying specific childhood trauma pathways associated with depressive symptoms in TGD adults. Experiencing traumatic events during childhood may be a key factor contributing to an increased risk of depression in adulthood, particularly among the TGD population. Therefore, intervention and prevention programs should target TGD individuals and their families to minimize the risk of adverse childhood experiences and mental health disorders. The results underscore the importance of trauma-informed and gender-affirming mental health care and highlight emotional abuse as a particularly salient correlate of depression in this population. Full article