Research on mental distress during crises has highlighted the significant psychological impact on populations, yet the role of social media in shaping well-being during such events remains underexplored. This study examines the relationship between social media engagement and trauma levels among adolescents and young adults during crises such as terror attacks and war, distinguishing between "distressing" content (e.g., violent images, kidnappings) and "encouraging" content (e.g., hostage releases, reunions, morale-boosting songs). A total of 505 participants (45% adolescents, 55% young adults) completed online questionnaires assessing demographics, wartime exposure, social media engagement, and trauma levels. Regression analyses revealed that engagement with distressing, but also with encouraging social media content was linked to increased trauma symptoms, even after controlling for demographics and direct exposure to terror or war events. Notably, women reported higher trauma levels than men, and surprisingly, young adults experienced greater trauma than adolescents. Experiencing nearby missile strikes was also a significant predictor of higher trauma levels. These findings fill a crucial gap by underscoring the harmful role of social media in influencing trauma during crises. Understanding the nuanced impacts of both distressing and encouraging content can inform strategies to mitigate trauma. Mental health professionals should consider the dual-edged nature of social media engagement when designing support mechanisms for affected populations.

Although most U.S. military veterans make a successful transition from military service to civilian life, some may experience a heightened risk for having adverse mental health symptoms related to moral injury (MI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. In addition, U.S. veterans may have faced an increased risk for experiencing more pronounced stress across multiple life domains during the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited research attention has been given to understanding how MI symptoms experienced by post-9/11 veterans prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID) were related to their experiences of COVID-related stress. This study examined the impact of pre-COVID MI symptoms on veterans' COVID-related stress in various life domains. Participants included 3180 U.S. veterans who were involved in The Veterans Metric Initiative (TVMI) and the Veterans Engaging in Transition Studies (VETS). TVMI was a longitudinal study that occurred from 2016 to 2019. VETS, which began in 2020, was a continuation of TVMI and included a portion of the TVMI sample. Data from assessments of mental health variables from TVMI Wave 6 (spring 2019), COVID-related work, financial, social, and health stress from VETS Wave 7 (fall 2020), and relevant covariates from TVMI Wave 1 (fall 2016) were included in structural equation modelling analyses. Results demonstrated that MI predicted COVID-related work and financial stress, PTSD did not predict any of the four COVID-related stress domains, and depression and anxiety predicted all four COVID-related stress factors. The study's findings highlight the nuanced ways in which veterans' psychological experiences can impact their feelings of stress during a global pandemic.

This study investigated both average and heterogeneous trajectory of perceived stress, as well as their associations with social comparison orientation (SCO), during the initial months of the transition to college-a critical period for psychological adjustment. A total of 745 university freshmen in China participated in a four-wave longitudinal study over 3 months. Latent growth modelling indicated that, in the overall sample, perceived stress followed a nonlinear trajectory, beginning at a relatively high level, declining during mid-semester, and slightly rebounding before examinations. Growth mixture modelling further revealed two distinct pathways: a high-rebound group (79.87%) and a moderate-decline group (20.13%). Analyses of predictors revealed that higher ability-based SCO was associated with higher initial stress, relatively larger mid-semester decreases, and a stronger tendency for end-of-term rebound in the overall sample. Moreover, students higher in ability-based SCO were also more likely to belong to the high-rebound group. In contrast, opinion-based SCO did not significantly predict stress trajectories. These findings demonstrate that mean-level analyses can mask meaningful subgroup differences, highlight ability-based comparison as a key factor in stress adaptation, and provide an empirical basis for tailoring support strategies to students' diverse adjustment pathways during the university transition.

The comparative examination of psychosocial interventions' efficacy and attrition rates in addressing COVID-19's psychological consequences is still limited. This study examined the efficacy and attrition rates of psychosocial interventions among individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Systematic searches were conducted to identify randomised controlled trials targeting COVID-19-affected groups. Data on symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as attrition rates, were analysed using frequentist random-effects network meta-analyses. One hundred and forty-two studies with 20,470 participants were included. Emotional freedom technique, art-based therapy, stress management, mindfulness- and acceptance-based intervention, positive psychotherapy, yoga therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy showed significant effects in reducing anxiety symptoms compared with no treatment and treatment as usual. For depressive symptoms, positive psychotherapy, mindfulness- and acceptance-based intervention, cognitive behavioural therapy, and yoga therapy demonstrated significant superiority over no treatment or treatment as usual, with positive psychotherapy also outperforming expressive writing. Regarding stress symptoms, multi-component therapy and yoga therapy produced greater improvements than no treatment, and positive psychotherapy surpassed expressive writing. In terms of attrition rates, resilience training, art-based therapy and yoga therapy had higher dropout rates than no treatment and several other interventions. Sensitivity analyses yielded largely consistent results, confirming the robustness of the main findings. The confidence ranged from moderate to very low. Publication bias was not observed. This study illuminates and compares the efficacy and attrition rate of several psychosocial interventions in attenuating mental health symptoms among COVID-19-affected individuals. The impact of COVID-19 on people remains ongoing, and the findings of this study can also serve as a reference for selecting the best therapeutic options for mental health symptoms in future public health crises.

Daily stressors elicit physiological and mental responses impacting health, cognition, and behaviour. Accurately assessing psychological stress responses in natural settings remains challenging despite extensive research, though wrist-worn devices have the potential to address this gap through remote data collection. The Garmin fitness tracker provides a stress score largely based on HRV which must be validated prior to use in research. This study aimed to (1) predict psychological self-reported stress from physiological measurements and Garmin calculated stress score, and (2) assess the stress score given by the Garmin Vivosmart 4 against HR and HRV from ECG recordings derived by the Polar H10 chest strap. A pilot study of 29 participants was conducted, followed by power calculations and preregistration of the main study which included 60 participants. Data were collected simultaneously from both Garmin and Polar device during a laboratory session of restful and mental-stress-inducing tasks. Garmin's stress score, mean HR, SD2/SD1, and HF power exhibited significant differences between stress and rest conditions. Moreover, Garmin's stress score correlated significantly with HR, RMSSD, and SD2/SD1. However, out of our physiological measurements, heart rate showed the strongest association with self-reported stress, while the Garmin stress score demonstrated only marginal predictive value for subjective stress experience. Our findings also suggest that physiological responses to mental stress were influenced by sex and tonic HRV. The study suggests that the GSS, although even better heart rate, are indicative of mental stress. Garmin, with its accessibility and noninvasive nature, measures both heart rate and consumer health score (stress), promising widespread utilisation in various research domains.

Stress is a well-established risk factor for a range of negative health outcomes, making the longitudinal assessment of everyday stress increasingly important. This study tested the feasibility of combining a prospective assessment of stress responses using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) with a retrospective evaluation of stressors via a Life History Calendar (LHC). It also examined how different operationalizations of stress components-reactivity, recovery, and pileup-using various intra-individual baselines influenced stressor count, mental health symptoms, and trait anxiety. A sample of 165 adults (50.9% female; M age = 24.91 years, SD = 4.61) was followed over six months. Stress responses were assessed prospectively via EMA, administered three times daily, and stressor exposure was retrospectively captured using the LHC. We computed indices of stress reactivity, recovery, and pileup using three baseline types: local (1-week and 2-week periods prior to a stressor episode) and a cumulative average of all prior stressor-free weeks. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses examined associations between these indices and changes in mental health symptoms and trait anxiety. Combining EMA and LHC methods to assess stress components was feasible. Baseline choice influenced both stressor episode counts and the associations between stress components and mental health outcomes. Stress reactivity and pileup, based on both local and cumulative baselines, were consistently associated with increases in mental health symptoms. Only one operationalisation of stress recovery was linked to changes in symptoms. Trait anxiety was not associated with any stress component, except for pileup when using a 1-week local baseline. These findings support the feasibility of integrating EMA and LHC methods to assess stress dynamics. Different baseline definitions yield distinct results, highlighting the importance of carefully selecting baseline parameters in stress research. This has important implications for designing and refining future studies on stress and health.

This study explored stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, and somatic ill-health as predictors of burnout symptoms in a general population. The objectives were to identify underlying latent symptom categories of burnout as well as other aspects of mental and somatic health and to examine whether these symptom categories can predict burnout symptoms 3 years later. Longitudinal data with 3-year follow-up time using validated questionnaires from 1722 participants from a general population in northern Sweden were analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). The EFA showed overlap between instruments and 10 latent categories of symptoms were identified and used as predictors of burnout in SEM analyses. Two SEM models were tested: one unadjusted and the other adjusting for burnout symptoms at baseline. The symptom categories of anxious tension and gastrointestinal problems were the strongest predictors of burnout symptoms 3 years later, in both models. Sleep problems, depressive symptoms, and self-efficacy for coping with stress were also important predictors in the unadjusted model. One important contribution of this study is the identification of the symptom category anxious tension which may well describe the experiential aspect of stress, incorporating feelings of anxiety, tension, and nervousness. The results indicate that anxious tension includes components that predict burnout symptoms. Gastrointestinal problems were also important predictors of burnout symptoms, and more research is needed to explain the mechanisms of these relationships, several possible mechanisms are proposed in this study. The study found burnout symptoms to be stable over time, potentially masking other symptoms. Anxious tension and gastrointestinal symptoms predicted burnout independently of baseline symptoms, whereas sleep problems, depressive symptoms, and low self-efficacy emerged as predictors only when baseline burnout was not adjusted for.

This study examines the dynamic interplay between workplace stressors, appraisals, and their affective outcomes through a daily diary design. Grounded in the Challenge-Hindrance Stressor Framework (CHSF) and Transactional Theory of Stress, four stressors-role conflict, role overload, emotional demands, and workload-were evaluated for dual appraisals as challenges and hindrances. Our investigation expands these models by assessing how the same stressors can simultaneously elicit both challenge and hindrance appraisals at both within- and between-person levels. Results reveal that all stressors were appraised as both challenges and hindrances, challenging CHSF's binary classification. Furthermore, both appraisal types mediated relationships with affective outcomes, with significant mediation observed for negative affect but not positive affect. Challenge appraisals were unexpectedly linked to increased negative affect, highlighting the complex consequences of stressors. The findings underscore the need for more nuanced and dynamic models that integrate stressor appraisals and their proximal affective outcomes, advancing theoretical frameworks in occupational stress research.

Whether problematic smartphone use (PSU) positively or negatively links to depression, and whether developmental pathways differ across high-/low-risk groups, remain theoretically contested. This study advances the digital mental health discourse by resolving theoretical ambiguities in the Depression-PSU relationship through a novel symptom-network lens. We propose a dual-process framework across two risk groups, bridging gaps in existing models. Following prior work, participants scoring > 51 on the Mobile Phone Addiction Index were designated high-risk (PSU+) users (N = 778), and the remainder as low-risk (PSU-) users (N = 645). Cross-sectional and longitudinal symptom-to-symptom associations and symptom centrality were analysed via R. The key results are as follows: (1) Core Circuit: Both groups exhibited a self-reinforcing loop between escapism symptom of depression ('work initiation difficulty') and addictive symptoms of PSU ('excessive/uncontrolled use'). (2) Distinct pathways emerged in the PSU + Group: Revealed paradoxical disengagement effects where addictive symptoms of PSU inversely predicted affective symptoms of depression, suggesting behavioural addiction as emotion regulation failure; escapism symptoms of PSU negatively predicted affect symptoms of depression, and addictive symptoms of PSU did not positively predict negative consequence of PSU ('productive loss'). (3) Network Centrality: Negative consequence of PSU ('productivity loss') and one affect symptom of depression ('hopelessness') had the strongest in-prediction in the PSU + group, while addictive use and escapism symptom of depression had the strongest in-prediction in the PSU- group. The results highlight that excessive smartphone use can indicate both digital stress (PSU - group) and digital relaxation (PSU + group), challenging the traditional view of an unidirectional link between PSU and depression. The identified network signatures enable precision interventions targeting specific symptom pathways, informing next-generation therapeutics for tech-related mental health challenges.

This study examines the impact of exploitative leadership (EL) on employees' workplace well-being (WWB), elucidating underlying mechanisms and mitigating factors. Grounded in Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, and the Transactional Theory of Stress (TTS), we explore the mediating role of interactional injustice (IIJ) in the EL-WWB relationship and the moderating effect of managing-your-boss (MYB) strategies. Using a two-wave time-lagged design, data were collected from 263 full-time U.S. employees and analysed via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), supplemented by Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA). Results indicate that EL positively relates to IIJ, which in turn negatively affects WWB, establishing IIJ as a full mediator. MYB moderates the EL-IIJ link, weakening it at higher MYB levels, and extends this buffering to the conditional indirect pathway. IPMA underscores IIJ's high negative importance for WWB, while NCA reveals no necessary conditions but highlights MYB's enabling role. These findings advance destructive leadership research by emphasising follower agency in resource conservation and stress appraisal, offering practical insights for enhancing well-being through proactive strategies. Theoretical implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.

Hsp70 and Hsp90, members of the heat shock protein family known for their cell-protective effects against stress at the molecular level. This study aims to compare the Hsp70 and Hsp90 levels in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders and the healthy controls and to investigate the relation between Hsp70 and Hsp90 levels and the clinical parameters. The study group consisted of children and adolescents aged 8-18 who applied to the child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic and were diagnosed with anxiety disorders and a healthy control group of similar age and gender. The Sociodemographic and Clinical Data Form, Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders, Children's Depression Inventory, and Clinical Global Impressions Scale were used. Venous blood samples were collected from the participants, and serum Hsp70 and Hsp90 levels were measured using the ELISA method. Serum levels of Hsp70 and Hsp90 were significantly lower in children and adolescents diagnosed with anxiety disorders compared to healthy controls (Hsp70: p = 0.019; Hsp90: p = 0.043). While no significant correlation was found between Hsp levels and disease severity, exposure to early-life stress (ELS) was associated with a significant increase in Hsp70 levels overall (p = 0.005). However, among participants exposed to ELS, those in the anxiety disorder group exhibited a markedly smaller increase in Hsp70 compared to controls with ELS exposure, suggesting a possible dysregulation of the cellular stress response in this clinical population. The results of our study indicate that psychological stress in anxiety disorders may be linked to changes in cellular stress-related mechanisms. The reduction in serum levels of heat shock proteins, which help maintain cellular stability under stress, may contribute to the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. However, further studies using additional cellular and molecular markers are warranted to validate these findings.

Transformative religious/spiritual experiences (RSE) represent a subset of extraordinary experiences that are both self-destabilizing and relational in nature. This double-edged quality positions transformative RSE as both a potential source of psychological vulnerability and a catalyst for enhanced social connectedness. This study investigates the antecedents and outcomes of transformative RSE using a nationally representative longitudinal sample of 10,529 young adults from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health T0 (1994-1995), T1 (2001-2002), and T2 (2008). We examined associations of reporting a transformative RSE at T1 (late adolescence) on a broad range of physical, mental, behavioural, and social health and wellbeing indicators assessed at T2 (early adulthood). Primary analyses controlled for an extensive set of covariates assessed at T0 (early adolescence), with sensitivity analyses employing both liberal (T0 sociodemographic characteristics only) and conservative (contemporaneous covariates taken from T1) adjustment strategies. Antecedents (T0 correlates) of transformative RSE included adverse childhood environments, negative parental dynamics, and heightened religious involvement. Consistent T2 outcomes of transformative RSE involved some markers of mental and social vulnerability (i.e., PTSD diagnosis and loneliness), as well as increased prosocial engagement (i.e., volunteering and voting). These findings support the theorized double-edged sword effect of transformative RSE and suggest the potential role of meaning-making and integration in shaping long-term psychological and social outcomes.

In the healthcare sector, frontline healthcare workers often have to deal with tasks that are labelled as 'dirty work.' These tasks not only pose potential threats to their physical health but may also significantly impact their psychological state and work outcomes. Despite the critical nature of these issues, there is currently a relative scarcity of research in this area. Therefore, based on the cognitive appraisal theory of stress, we conducted a two-stage time-lagged questionnaire survey among frontline healthcare workers in three large hospitals in China. The analysis of 526 valid questionnaires revealed that the perception of dirty work among frontline medical staff has a positive impact on work procrastination, with avoidance motivation, approach motivation, and sense of work meaning playing a serial mediating role in this process, and patient attachment moderating this mediating effect. These findings not only provide a new perspective for understanding the psychological mechanisms behind the work procrastination behaviour of frontline healthcare workers but also lay the foundation for healthcare institutions, especially for those medical staff who are frequently in dirty work environments, to develop scientific, evidence-based intervention strategies.

Stress alters vocal production, particularly by affecting laryngeal muscle function. Despite several studies on voice acoustics under stress, no systematic synthesis exists. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies assessing the impact of stress on vocal fundamental frequency (F0). Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases for studies published between January 2010 and September 2024. Eligible studies included adult participants exposed to experimental or naturalistic stressors, with pre- and post-stress voice recordings analysed using objective acoustic measures. Data were extracted regarding F0, and random-effects meta-analyses were performed. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on gender, speech type, and stress induction method. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 1148 observations. The meta-analysis showed a significant increase in F0 after stress (SMD = 0.5504, 95% CI [0.3014, 0.7995], p < 0.001) with substantial heterogeneity (I = 69.2%). However, evidence of publication bias was observed; trim-and-fill attenuated the pooled estimate to a nonsignificant effect (SMD = 0.1710; 95% CI: -0.1472 to 0.4891; p = 0.2923). Subgroup analyses revealed stronger effects in women (SMD = 0.7128, 95% CI [0.3763, 1.0492], p < 0.001) and during spontaneous speech (SMD = 0.7911, 95% CI [0.4492, 1.1331], p < 0.001), with nonsignificant results for men and standardized speech. Effects tended to be larger for naturalistic stressors than validated laboratory procedures, though the between-group comparison was not statistically significant. F0 shows promise for stress assessment, but publication bias and heterogeneity warrant caution. F0 should be considered a noninvasive candidate biomarker requiring validation in large, prospective studies using standardized protocols and representative, gender-stratified cohorts.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for United States Military Veterans under age 45, and research suggests that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a major contributor to suicide risk. The present study aimed to better understand the scope of ACEs and connections between ACEs and death ideation and suicide preparatory behaviours among U.S. Veterans who use Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services. Using VHA electronic health records data, the relationship between childhood adversity (i.e., Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale), death ideation and suicide preparatory behaviours (i.e., Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale) were examined. Two-stage multivariate logistic regression models evaluated the association between ACEs, death ideation and suicide preparatory behaviours, accounting for age, gender, race, ethnicity, marital status, region of residency in the U.S., and era of military service. Results suggested that standardized ACE screenings were rarely administered across VHA. 32.4% of ACEs screeners were administered at one site. ACEs were significantly related to death ideation in the past 5 years, after factoring in demographics, (OR = 1.128, 95% CI: 1.099-1.159). Similarly, ACEs were significantly related to lifetime reports of suicide preparatory behaviours (OR = 1.179, 95% CI: 1.148-1.211). Findings demonstrate the lack of ACEs screening in VHA. Despite limited screening, results suggest a significant relationship between childhood adversity and both death ideation and suicide preparatory behaviours in adulthood, suggesting individuals who report childhood adversity may be at higher risk for suicide. These findings can inform suicide screening and prevention efforts within and outside VHA.

Preliminary evidence suggests that Tai Chi may effectively relieve pain symptoms, increase quality of life, and reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). However, few randomized controlled trials have specifically investigated the potential benefits of Tai Chi in patients with CCS, particularly regarding its effects on psychological stress and cellular stress levels. To evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid Tai Chi cardiac rehabilitation programme in reducing perceived stress and oxidative stress in diagnosed patients. Forty-six patients with CCS were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of either a Tai Chi cardiac rehabilitation programme (TCCRP, n = 23) or a conventional exercise cardiac rehabilitation programme (CECRP, n = 23) (3 sessions per week). All participants continued their routine drug treatments daily. The main outcome measure was the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS). The secondary outcome measures included the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the stress marker oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). The data were analysed by 2-way mixed analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni adjustment and paired t tests. The group-by-time interaction effect on CPSS was significantly different (MD = -7.71, 95% CI [-10.750, -4.678], p < 0.001). Within the TCCRP group, the CPSS score significantly decreased (p < 0.05) from baseline to the end of the intervention. Notably, in the CECRP group, the CPSS score increased (p < 0.05) at the end of the intervention. The CAT and GSH-Px levels increased markedly in the TCCRP group after the intervention (p < 0.001). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that CPSS was positively correlated with ox-LDL (r = 0.569, p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with GSH-Px (r = -0.585, p < 0.05). The correlation in the control group was not statistically significant (r = -0.148, p > 0.05). A 12-week hybrid Tai Chi cardiac rehabilitation programme can effectively regulate psychological stress perception and reduce physiological stress levels in patients with coronary heart disease.

Previous studies showed that negative life events (NLEs) were positively associated with stroke. However, little was known about such associations in total cerebrovascular disease and the prospective evidence in the Chinese population. We aim to investigate the association of NLEs with cerebrovascular disease in this study. We used longitudinal data from China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB), which was conducted in Huixian, Henan, China. Cox regression models were used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 60,356 participants were finally included, of which 12,349 had reported cerebrovascular disease (8643 for stroke and 7670 for ischaemic stroke). Participants who experienced NLEs had a higher likelihood of cerebrovascular disease (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03-1.18). For specific events, the HRs of family conflicts, job loss/retirement, and violence were 1.30 (95% CI 1.07-1.59), 2.24 (95% CI 1.20-4.18), and 1.50 (95% CI 1.05-2.14) for ischaemic stroke. Exposure to economic-related events was associated with a 29.9% increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, 36.1% for all stroke, and 39.0% for ischaemic stroke among males. Various associations can be observed in different age groups. NLEs were associated with a higher risk of cerebrovascular disease and the associations could be observed in specific types of events within different gender and age groups in Chinese adults. Targeted prevention for populations with high stress levels should be performed by health institutions to control the cerebrovascular disease burden.

Perceived posttraumatic changes are considered to be individually heterogeneous and unstable. The present study investigated the transitions in perceived posttraumatic changes (posttraumatic growth [PTG] and posttraumatic depreciation [PTD]) among college students with childhood maltreatment experiences from a person-centred perspective. Furthermore, we examined the predictors and outcomes of these transitions. 2366 Chinese college students with childhood maltreatment experiences (46.8% males) completed online self-report questionnaires. Forty-six point zero seven percent of college students who experienced childhood maltreatment experienced shifts in their perceived posttraumatic changes group (low PTG low PTD group, high PTG low PTD group, and moderate PTG high PTD group) affiliation within 6 months. These transitions were influenced by childhood maltreatment experiences and recent positive/negative life events. Moreover, despite the seemingly positive shifts (increased PTG and decreased PTD) or negative shifts (increased PTD and decreased PTG), they did not fully predict corresponding changes in depressive, anxiety, and complex posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Our findings underscore the necessity of understanding perceived posttraumatic changes among college students with childhood maltreatment experiences through encompassing both positive and negative changes, with particular attention to their heterogeneity and instability. Additionally, we recommend identifying truly restorative and constructive transitions by referencing changes in psychological symptom distress. This identification process should incorporate predictors of transitional patterns-such as childhood maltreatment experiences and recent life events-to understand the causes of these transitions and determine populations in need of intervention.

Traditionally, to promote an optimal pregnancy trajectory and child development, encompassing both physical and mental health, a preventative focus is crucial and - ideally - exposure to negative influences is supposed to be limited. However, when prevention is not feasible, early identification of developmental impairments is paramount to address potential risk factors for future development. Specifically, one source of developmental impairment is prenatal maternal stress. This umbrella review integrates and summarizes current research on the diverse developmental consequences of prenatal maternal stress caused by natural disasters. The cumulative evidence strongly suggests that the effect of maternal stress during pregnancy does not end after pregnancy but can lead to a wide range of detrimental effects on a child's development throughout the whole lifespan. By synthesizing previous empirical findings, the current review provides an overview about potential congenital developmental difficulties as well as the interdependence of these negative effects. The depicted results highlight a risk of overarching negative effects of prenatal stress for the child. It is stated that in order to prevent possible long-lasting effects this risk has to be effectively taken into account. Possible recommendations for prevention interventions are discussed.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a cultural shift in how and where employees work, increasing the prevalence of remote work and the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), such as email, to facilitate work interactions. The increased use of ICT has made the experience of email incivility more common, therefore in the present study, we integrated affective events theory with the perseverative cognition model of stress to examine the spillover effects of daily active email incivility on at-home behaviour. We further examined daily work-related affective rumination as a mechanism in the aforementioned relationship, as well as trait cognitive reappraisal as a potential moderator. Daily diary data were collected from 106 participants for 10 days, including a baseline survey, recruited via Prolific across three-waves of data collection. We found that daily active email incivility is positively associated with at-home aggressive behaviour, and that daily work-related affective rumination mediated this effect. However, results indicate no direct effect of daily active email incivility on at-home withdrawal, nor an indirect effect via daily work-related affective rumination. In addition, we found no support for our hypothesized moderating effect. The findings suggest that daily active email incivility is associated with detriments in at-home behaviour, influencing employees in their nonwork domains. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Despite being one of the most prevalent stress models in the organisational psychology and management literature, the challenge-hindrance stress model has come under criticism for inconsistent results. The current study seeks to investigate the role of stressor appraisals as a boundary condition of challenge and hindrance stressors in predicting employee engagement and exhaustion, strengthening the foundation of the model, and offering a potential explanation for previous mixed findings. Building on existing literature, we also probe the mediating role of engagement in the challenge stressors-job satisfaction relationship, Additionally, we explore whether exhaustion serves as a mechanism in the hindrance stressors and turnover intentions link. Using a daily diary design, workers from Amazon's Mechanical Turk completed two surveys per day for 10 weekdays (Level-1 N = 1344 observations; Level-2 N = 164 participants). Results indicated that challenge and hindrance appraisals of both challenge and hindrance stressors moderated the effects on engagement and exhaustion. Additionally, while engagement was found to mediate the effects of challenge stressors on job satisfaction, exhaustion did not mediate the relationship between hindrance stressors and turnover intentions. These findings highlight the need for stressor appraisal integration into the challenge-hindrance model and offer insights relating to employee stress management.

This study aimed to characterize the changes in sleep and mood and assess the safety of a Chinese herbal formula Depression (DEP)-2306 in adults with a depressive episode with insufficient symptoms (DEIS). Additionally, it explored the factors associated with the outcome remission with significant improvement. Between June 2023 and January 2024, 67 DEIS patients were administered daily DEP-2306 over 4 weeks. The main outcomes included depression severity (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9] and Hamilton depression rating scale [HAMD-17]), anxiety severity (General Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]). A linear mixed model was used to analyse the score changes, and logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the outcome remission with significant improvement, which was defined as a PHQ-9 score ≤ 4 and a ≥ 50% reduction from baseline. The results demonstrated that there were significant reductions in PHQ-9 scores from 11.8 to 6.7 (p < 0.01, Cohen's D = 1.55), GAD-7 scores from 10.6 to 6.0 (p < 0.01, Cohen's D = 1.03), and PSQI scores from 10.3 to 7.9 (p < 0.01, Cohen's D = 0.76). 38.6% (22 out of 57) of the participants achieved remission with significant improvement. Further analyses indicated that the presence of attitudinal barriers towards conventional psychological/psychiatric treatments and lower sleep disturbance scores at baseline increased the likelihood of achieving remission with significant improvement. The 4-week DEP-2306 intervention significantly alleviated symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improved sleep quality, suggesting a potential transdiagnostic outcome in DEIS. It was particularly responsive in individuals with attitudinal barriers and milder sleep disturbances at baseline. Trial Registration: This real-world study was retrospectively registered with the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR2025000835) on April 24, 2025.

Mothers of children with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism and mental health disorders, are at risk for posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) due to exposure to trauma related to their children's upbringing. Additionally, research suggests that these mothers may develop affiliate stigma, meaning they internalise the stigmatisation associated with their children, which may further heighten their vulnerability to trauma. However, this supposition has not yet been tested. Bridging this knowledge gap, this cross-sectional study explored the role of affiliate stigma in the relationship between the number of traumatic events and PTSS in mothers of children with autism and mental health disorders. An online survey was conducted among Israeli mothers using self-report measures. The sample consisted of 1448 mothers: 208 mothers of children with autism or mental health disorders, and 1240 mothers of children without disabilities. Results indicated that mothers of children with autism or mental health disorders were exposed to a greater number of traumatic events and exhibited elevated PTSS compared to mothers of children without disabilities. Affiliate stigma was associated with PTSS and moderated the relationship between the number of traumatic events and intrusion and hyperarousal symptoms: although the number of traumatic events explained increased intrusion and hyperarousal symptoms, this effect was stronger under conditions of high affiliate stigma. The present results suggest that mothers of children with neuropsychiatric disorders who internalise stigmatisation regarding their children may be particularly vulnerable to posttraumatic distress. Therefore, clinical interventions targeting affiliate stigma may be imperative for this population.

Emotion regulation, or the ways in which individuals respond to or modulate their emotional experience, is critical when responding to distressing life circumstances. However, less is known about response to prolonged stressful situations. The present study seeks to understand how trait emotion regulation contributes to poorer mental health and more substance use during a prolonged chronic stress event, the coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. A sample of 188 post-9/11 veterans who were part of an ongoing longitudinal study of post-deployment functioning participated in the present observational prospective cohort study. Veterans (29.25% women) completed online assessments of substance use and mental health at four time points over an 8-month period. Measures of trait emotion regulation and flexibility were taken approximately 2 years before and pre-pandemic mood was rated at baseline of the COVID-19 specific study. We also considered current, COVID-related distress, social media, and sleep as mediators. There was little uniform change in mental health or substance use over the course of the study; however, considerable variability was observed, with some individuals experiencing worsening mental health or increased substance use. Greater COVID-related distress, but not sleep quantity or media use, contributed to poorer mental health and more substance use. There were indirect effects of trait emotion regulation and distress on alcohol, mental health, and sedative use through COVID-related distress. No effects were observed for emotional flexibility as a predictor or cigarette use as an outcome. Overall, results point to no uniform change in mental health or substance use as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent mitigation measures. Instead, this highlights the contribution of multiple individual factors for mental health and substance use. Considerations for future research and implications for care during chronically stressful times are discussed.

Physical activity is well-evidenced to reduce stress and health risks. Frequent or prolonged psychological stress increases the risk for physical and mental health morbidities. Further, high stress may also impair physical activity behaviours. Eight hundred adults (M = 41.47, SD = 13.61; % women = 47.5%) completed questionnaires at baseline, as well as one- and two-month follow-ups that were used to measure physical activity and psychological stress. A random intercept cross-lagged panel model was fit to explore the bidirectional, month-to-month associations between physical activity and psychological stress. There were significant between-person associations between psychological stress and physical activity (r = -0.209, SE = 0.050, 95% CI = [-0.307, -0.110]). The within-person associations between physical activity and subsequent psychological stress (b = -0.069, SE = 0.048, 95% CI = [-0.162, 0.024]) as well as stress and subsequent physical activity (b = -0.094, SE = 0.105, 95% CI = [-0.301, 0.112]) were non-significant, but medium-to-large (  = -0.114,  = -0.111) and small-to-medium (  = -0.065, -0.057) in magnitude, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that, on average, individuals participating in greater levels of physical activity report lower stress. Further research is needed to explore the discrepancy between the significant between-person effects and the non-significant within-person cross-lagged effects.

Intestinal infectious diseases (IIDs), typically considered self-limiting, may exert lasting effects on mental health. This nationwide retrospective cohort study investigated the association between recurrent IID and the subsequent development of psychiatric disorders in South Korea. Using data from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (2002-2013), adults with three or more IID diagnoses were matched to controls without IID by age, sex, and health screening year. Eight psychiatric outcomes were examined: depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), adjustment disorder, organic mental disorders, schizophrenia, and alcohol use disorder. Patients with recurrent IID showed significantly increased risks for depressive disorder (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.14), bipolar disorder (aHR, 1.80), anxiety disorder (aHR, 2.20), OCD (aHR, 3.84), adjustment disorder (aHR, 2.33), and organic mental disorders (aHR, 1.67). Psychiatric risks were disproportionately higher among younger individuals and male patients. A dose-dependent increase in psychiatric risk was observed with higher IID frequency. No significant associations were found for schizophrenia or alcohol use disorder in the overall analysis, although subgroup analyses revealed elevated risks with higher IID exposure. These findings suggest that recurrent IID may contribute to psychiatric morbidity via gut-brain axis disruption and systemic inflammation. Clinical attention to mental health following IID episodes, particularly in vulnerable populations, may be warranted.

While the positive effects of micro-breaks within the organizational context are well documented, their impact in the family domain remains underexplored. Drawing upon conservation of resources theory and the work-home resource model, this paper presents two experience sampling studies examining the spillover effects of daily micro-breaks on employees' family role performance the same evening. Study 1 (N  = 490, N  = 98) demonstrated that daily micro-breaks are positively related to same-evening family role performance. Specifically, micro-breaks were linked to enhanced family role performance through serial mediation by daily work vitality and work-to-family enrichment. Moreover, the cross-level positive moderating effect of perceived health climate was partially supported. Study 2 (N  = 907, N  = 103) replicated and extended Study 1 by examining the mediated moderation effect of perceived health climate via micro-break autonomy. Perceived health climate was positively related to micro-break autonomy, which moderated the relationship between daily micro-breaks and daily work vitality. Furthermore, micro-break autonomy mediated the moderating effect of perceived health climate on the link between daily micro-breaks and daily work vitality. Our findings provide actionable insights for managers on how to unlock the potential of micro-breaks.

The war in the former Yugoslavia had a profound impact on millions of civilians, leaving long-lasting psychological consequences. This study aimed to examine stress sensitivity and variability in the daily lives of survivors using a longitudinal design. First-generation survivors (G1; n = 79), second-generation survivors born after the war (G2; n = 28), and a non-war-exposed control group (n = 60) participated. The baseline assessment included measures of stress- and trauma-related symptoms, life satisfaction, and coping mechanisms. Daily perceived stress was then monitored over 21 consecutive days using the experience sampling method. Although there were no group differences in baseline measures or mean daily stress levels, variability in daily stress showed distinct generational patterns. G1 exhibited lower variability compared to both controls and G2, which showed the highest variability. Variability was significantly associated with trauma-related symptoms, dysfunctional coping, and life satisfaction. This study showed that the lasting psychological consequences of the war in the former Yugoslavia may not be reflected in elevated daily stress levels or baseline psychopathology but rather may be subtly expressed through altered perceptions and sensitivity to daily stress, even decades after the war. These findings provide novel support for the latent vulnerability hypothesis.

The ability to distinguish between self- and other-related mental representations is crucial for navigating complex social environments. This capacity, known as self-other distinction (SOD), plays a fundamental role in social cognition, allowing individuals to understand others' thoughts and emotions without confusing them with their own. Despite growing interest in understanding the role of SOD in clinical populations, little is known about the factors that influence the capacity for SOD in non-clinical samples. Here, we investigated the relative contribution of self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and emotion dysregulation to the capacity for SOD in a sample of adults (N = 164, age range: 18-39 years, M = 24.91 years, SD = 5.19) who reported no history of psychiatric or neurological disorders. We assessed the capacity for SOD using the imitation-inhibition task. Participants also provided self-reports of emotional states of depression, anxiety, stress, and emotion dysregulation. Multiple regression analyses revealed that higher depressive symptoms were associated with enhanced SOD performance, whereas elevated anxiety and emotion dysregulation were linked to impaired SOD. We also found that stress did not predict SOD. Importantly, the association between SOD and depression deviates from prior literature, as previous studies typically link depression to deficits in social cognition. Our results contribute to the broader literature on SOD by providing evidence that emotional states can facilitate or hinder SOD in a general population sample. These findings may have important practical implications for early identification and therapeutic interventions for individuals who experience self-other processing differences, including some autistic individuals, as well as those with personality disorders.

Anxiety-depression comorbidity in adolescents has become an urgent public health problem, and childhood abuse has been proven to be associated with it. However, the mechanisms that drive this association are still relatively underexplored. This study investigated the cognitive and emotional mechanisms underlying this association, and whether these are moderated by teacher and peer support. Data came from 1184 Chinese adolescents (M = 13.82 years, SD = 1.50; 53.5% boys) from a three-wave longitudinal study with data spanning 1.5 years. Results revealed that a general factor (the internalizing factor) can capture the common etiology of anxiety and depression. Interpretation bias and emotion regulation difficulties mediated the association between childhood abuse and the internalizing factor. Furthermore, high teacher support buffered the positive association between emotion regulation difficulties and the internalizing factor, amplifying the positive association between interpretation bias and the internalizing factor. These findings emphasize the importance of individual cognition, emotional, and social contexts in adolescents with abuse experiences and provide empirical evidence for the intervention and clinical treatment of anxiety and depressive symptoms.