Bullying at the workplace has been shown to negatively impact employees’ mental health. Advancements in communication technology have opened the floodgates for workplace bullying to proliferate and...Show moreBullying at the workplace has been shown to negatively impact employees’ mental health. Advancements in communication technology have opened the floodgates for workplace bullying to proliferate and continue online, which is referred to as cyberbullying. A consolidation of knowledge and research findings would aid in better understanding the impact of workplace cyberbullying on mental health. Thusly, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on cross-sectional data retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science in January 2023. Pooled analyses showed that both traditional workplace bullying (r = .405, 95% CI = .375 - .435, k = 148, n = 206974) and workplace cyberbullying (r = .266, 95% CI = .215 - .317, k = 10, n = 8870) are associated with mental health declines. Yet, the effect of traditional bullying was somewhat stronger (p = .013). Although significant associations were found, the effects appear to be weak to moderate. The small difference between traditional and cyber workplace bullying might be better explained by the general effects of online interactions displacing traditional face-to-face communication thereby possibly differentiating from the working mechanism of traditional bullying. A major limitation is the use of self-report questionnaires for bullying and mental health outcomes, resulting in possible reporting bias. Future research might benefit from using one universal and standardized questionnaire to assess workplace bullying experience. These findings emphasize the need for corporations to focus on the prevention of workplace bullying to safeguard employees’ mental wellbeing and promote a healthier and more productive work environment.Show less
Achtergrond Wereldwijd zijn er 89,3 miljoen mensen gedwongen op de vlucht. De prevalentie van mentale ziektes zoals post-traumatische stressstoornis (PTSS), depressie en angst is hoger bij...Show moreAchtergrond Wereldwijd zijn er 89,3 miljoen mensen gedwongen op de vlucht. De prevalentie van mentale ziektes zoals post-traumatische stressstoornis (PTSS), depressie en angst is hoger bij vluchtelingen dan bij mensen die niet op de vlucht zijn. Er zijn verschillende behandelmethoden ontwikkelt die proberen de mate van PTSS, depressie en angst te verminderen, zoals cognitieve gedragstherapie (CGT), narrative exposure therapie (NET) of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Door culturele overtuigingen kunnen symptomen van mentale ziektes en denkbeelden over behandelmethoden verschillen tussen culturen. Het doel van deze systematische review is om door middel van een meta-analyse te achterhalen of er verschil is in de effectiviteit van psychosociale behandelmethoden voor PTSS, depressie en angst bij westerse versus niet westerse vluchtelingen. Resultaten Psychosociale behandelmethoden hebben een significant verlagend effect op de mate van PTSS, depressie en angst bij vluchtelingen. Voor PTSS is dit effect z = -13.883, p < .001, voor depressie is dit effect z = -9.062, p < .001 en voor angst is dit effect z = -9.375, p < .001. Er is geen significant verschil gevonden tussen de effectiviteit van behandelmethoden voor PTSS, depressie en angst voor westerse versus niet-westerse vluchtelingen. Conclusie De meta-analyse toont aan dat de psychosociale behandelmethoden de mate van PTSS, depressie en angst significant verminderen bij vluchtelingen. Er zijn geen significante verschillen in effectiviteit van de behandelmethoden tussen westerse versus niet-westerse vluchtelingen gevonden waaruit geconcludeerd kan worden dat de behandelmethoden voor alle vluchtelingen even goed inzetbaar zijn.Show less
Background: Stress, isolation and unemployment caused by the worldwide COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantines are believed to greatly impact mental health and substance use habits. Our aim was to...Show moreBackground: Stress, isolation and unemployment caused by the worldwide COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantines are believed to greatly impact mental health and substance use habits. Our aim was to investigate the relation of COVID-19 with cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine use. Method: Systematic review and meta-analyses. Databases were searched until April 2nd 2021 Results: For cannabis use, two analyses were performed based on the type of data. An increase in the number of cannabis users was found during COVID-19 (k = 8, N = 4814, Z = 2.12, p = 0.034). No difference was found in the amount of cannabis used at the two different time points (k = 5, N = 1165, p = 0.110). There were no significant changes found in hard drug use during the COVID-19 pandemic relative to before its restrictions; cocaine (k = 10, N = 1193293, p = 0.121), amphetamine (k = 3, N = 387973, p = 0.982), fentanyl (k = 3, N = 1189864, p = 0.065), heroin (k = 4, N = 1138243, p = 0.438) and methamphetamine (k = 5, N = 387973, p = 0.134). Conclusion: There is evidence that COVID-19 is associated with a small increase in the number of cannabis users. We found no evidence for an increase in the amount of cannabis used or the number of hard drug users before and during COVID-19. Consequently, in the clinical field of psychology, it might be better to invest more (of the limited) resources in alleviating mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, feelings of isolation and stress as opposed to problems with substance (ab)use, which showed to be less reactive than initially imagined.Show less
Refugees form a population with a high prevalence of psychological disorders relative to non-refugee populations (WHO, 2021). It has been suggested that cultural adaptation of psychological...Show moreRefugees form a population with a high prevalence of psychological disorders relative to non-refugee populations (WHO, 2021). It has been suggested that cultural adaptation of psychological treatments can help to optimise the effectiveness of treatments for refugees, but there is a lack of clear research on this topic. The current work addresses this by investigating the following research question: Are culturally adapted psychological treatments more effective than non-adapted treatments in reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety in refugees? It is hypothesized that culturally adapted treatments are more effective than non-adapted treatments. The research question is explored by performing a meta-analysis of treatment effects from a selection of studies. Results from the meta-analysis show significant treatment effects of culturally adapted treatments and non-adapted treatments for PTSD, depression and anxiety. However, no significant differences in treatment effects were found between culturally adapted treatments and non-adapted treatments. Therefore, the conclusion is that culturally adapted treatments for PTSD, depression and anxiety are not more effective for refugees than non-adapted treatments. The main implication of this is that it might not be necessary for clinicians and researchers to invest in cultural adaptation of psychological treatments.Show less
Due to the many adversities that underaged forced migrants face during their flight, they are at high risk to develop PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Currently, a few types of established...Show moreDue to the many adversities that underaged forced migrants face during their flight, they are at high risk to develop PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Currently, a few types of established interventions are integrated into most health care systems of high-income countries. However, they lack accessibility. Therefore, this meta-analysis compares the effectivity of established and less established interventions aimed at reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, while investigating several factors which might influence treatment effectivity and accessibility. For each disorder, combined pre-post and post-follow-up effect sizes were calculated. Treatment factors were investigated with moderation and subgroup analyses. In total, 37 studies were included. Controlled studies for PTSD produced a medium pre-post effect (d = -0.59, 95% CI [-0.93, -0.24]), and individual therapy (d = -0.88, 95% CI [-1.72, -0.04]) was more effective than group therapy (d = -0.63, 95% CI [-1.04, -0.22]). Uncontrolled studies produced a large pre-post effect (d = -0.90, 95% CI [-1.20, -0.61]). The combined pre-post effect for controlled studies on depression was insignificant and small (d = -0.33, 95% CI [-0.71, 0.05]). Pre-post effects for uncontrolled studies on depression were medium (d = -0.61, 95% CI [-0.81, -0.41]). Less established interventions (d = -0.61, 95% CI [-0.90, -0.31]) were more effective than established interventions (d = -0.55, 95% CI [-0.85, -0.25]), and interventions including caregivers (d = -0.69, 95% CI [-1.10, -0.28]) were more effective than without caregivers (d = -0.50, 95% CI [-0.74, -0.26]). Pre-post effects for controlled (d = -0.65, 95% CI [-0.98, -0.32]) and uncontrolled studies (d = -0.54, 95% CI [-0.74, -0.34]) on anxiety were both medium. Our results indicate that less established interventions show potential for implementation into standard health care. Lay personnel delivering interventions in groups, and non-clinical settings can increase accessibility with bearable losses in effectivity.Show less
Lockdowns hebben tot een hogere mate van depressiviteit geleid onder de bevolking. Ook komt uit onderzoek naar voren dat depressiviteit in taalgebruik terug te vinden is. In dit onderzoek gaan we...Show moreLockdowns hebben tot een hogere mate van depressiviteit geleid onder de bevolking. Ook komt uit onderzoek naar voren dat depressiviteit in taalgebruik terug te vinden is. In dit onderzoek gaan we na of tijdens de eerste lockdown in Engeland het taalgebruik geassocieerd met depressiviteit ook veranderd is. In dit onderzoek zijn brieven die zijn geschreven voor de eerste lockdown (in de periode één januari tot en met 30 april 2019 en één januari tot en met 22 maart 2020) vergeleken met brieven die zijn geschreven tijdens de lockdown (in de periode 23 maart tot en met 30 april 2020; N = 1946). Deze brieven zijn verworven uit de nieuwsbron ‘The Guardian’. Taalgebruik geassocieerd met depressiviteit wordt in de huidige studie opgedeeld in zeven verschillende betekenisvolle woordcategorieën opgesteld door het ‘Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count’. Deze woordcategorieën betreffen ‘eerste persoon enkelvoud’, ‘absoluut taalgebruik’, ‘positieve emoties’, ‘negatieve emoties’, ‘angst’, ‘boosheid’ en ‘verdriet’. De resultaten laten zien dat het taalgebruik geassocieerd met depressiviteit op verschillende woordcategorieën veranderd is. De briefschrijvers gebruiken ten tijde van de lockdown relatief meer woorden geschreven in de eerste persoon enkelvoud, woorden gerelateerd aan angst en marginaal meer woorden gerelateerd aan verdriet. Tevens gebruiken de briefschrijvers tijdens de lockdown relatief minder woorden met een positieve lading en woorden gerelateerd aan boosheid. Er is bij de briefschrijvers geen verandering gevonden in de mate van woordgebruik gerelateerd aan negatieve emoties en absoluut taalgebruik. De data laten dus zien dat er tijdens de lockdown een verandering is opgetreden in taalgebruik. We bediscussiëren dat achter taalgebruik psychologische processen kunnen meespelen en wijzen voorzichtig in de richting dat taalgebruik dit bloot kan leggen. We gaan in op de aard van de levensgebeurtenissen in relatie tot taalgebruik, waarbij we noemen dat vervolgonderzoek hier meer zicht in kan bieden.Show less
The Covid-19 pandemic has plunged many countries into a lockdown affecting the daily lives of students by limiting access to almost all public venues including universities. Students with pre...Show moreThe Covid-19 pandemic has plunged many countries into a lockdown affecting the daily lives of students by limiting access to almost all public venues including universities. Students with pre-existing mental health disorders might be more susceptible to the negative effects associated with Covid-19 on their levels of anxiety. This research compared the experienced anxiety levels and duration between students with and without pre-existing mental health disorders and determined if these effects were persistent after one-year of lockdown. Differences between the types of mental health disorders were also explored. Students (N = 478) from three different courses were asked to fill out an online questionnaire about their mental health history and experienced anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic. Students suffering from pre-existing mental health disorders (n = 167) experienced significantly greater anxiety levels and this anxiety is of greater duration compared to otherwise healthy students (n = 311). These effects persisted over a one-year period. Nationality of students significantly contributed to the levels of experienced anxiety with non-Dutch students reporting higher levels of anxiety relative to Dutch students. No apparent differences between the types of mental health disorder were found. Students with a mental health history seem to be impacted more by the pandemic. Underlying reasons may include decreased psychological flexibility and inadequate coping strategies to counteract the drastic changes experienced by the pandemic and ensuing lockdown. These findings demonstrate the vulnerable position some students are in and emphasises the need for the development of prevention programs and adequate treatment.Show less
Background: Previous studies indicated that victims of intimate partner violence, usually women, are now exposed to perpetrators more during the pandemic, which is a period of unusual psychological...Show moreBackground: Previous studies indicated that victims of intimate partner violence, usually women, are now exposed to perpetrators more during the pandemic, which is a period of unusual psychological and financial pressure with limited access to help services. But, no systematic synthesis of evidence of its psychological effect has been undertaken. Aim: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to estimate the magnitude of pandemic-driven restrictions on the prevalence of psychological IPV rates among women. Method: Articles on IPV against women were searched up to August 18, 2021 using the electronic PubMed and Web of Science databases. The selected studies needed to meet certain criteria. Mixed-effects meta-analysis was performed. This study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 28 empirical studies that met general inclusion criteria were yielded in the meta-analysis after several rounds of the elimination process (N=54711). Results showed that 22.62% of women were exposed to psychological violence by their intimate partners. The prevalence rate of psychological IPV before the pandemic was 24.78%, whereas it was 17.27% during COVID-19. These prevalence rates of psychological IPV showed no statistically significant difference ( t(26) = -0.373, p = 0.713). Conclusion: The pandemic was not associated with the changes in psychological IPV incidence estimates. However, limited access to emergency services during the pandemic and fear of victims asking for help might have been barriers to reporting the violence. Thus, further research and policy attention are needed. The meta-analysis had many limitations, most apparently publication bias, so it is suggested that the findings be evaluated with this notice.Show less
Background. More than 25% of Dutch youths is currently labeled as ‘psychologically unhealthy’ and access to care is often unavailable due to long waiting lists. In order to provide adequate care to...Show moreBackground. More than 25% of Dutch youths is currently labeled as ‘psychologically unhealthy’ and access to care is often unavailable due to long waiting lists. In order to provide adequate care to young individuals before clinical transition occurs, the effects of an online and clinical- and peer-moderated platform, ‘ENgage YOung people earlY’ (ENYOY), on the improvement of youth mental health were examined. It was hypothesized that spending six months on ENYOY would have a significant impact on social and occupational functioning, psychological distress and positive health; that results would be significantly different for highly sensitive persons (HSPs) and that HSPs would report different platform experience compared to non-HSPs. Methods. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach. Based on a sample of 45 participants, three within-subjects repeated measures ANOVAs with three levels (point in time: baseline, three and six months) and high sensitivity as a between-subjects factor were conducted in order to analyze the effect of platform participation on psychological distress, positive health and functioning over time. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted and analyzed using open coding, in order to gain more insight on individual platform experience and differences between HSPs and non-HSPs. Results. Using ENYOY for six months had a significant effect on functioning, psychological distress and positive health. Significant effects for all points in time were found for functioning and significant effects for the first two time points were found for positive health and psychological distress. No significant interaction effect was found between HSP and the three variables over time. Qualitative analysis showed overall satisfaction with ENYOY as an online preventative tool for emerging mental health complaints based on areas of usability, user friendliness, usefulness, impact, inclusivity and connection with others. Moreover, useful suggestions for future implementation were given. Conclusion. The present study demonstrated that using ENYOY improves functioning, psychological distress and positive health among young individuals with emerging mental health problems over the course of six months and that ENYOY is experienced as a useful tool to treat subclinical psychological complaints. Considering limitations, future research might focus more on high sensitivity as a factor in clinical settings, as well as on the implementation of ENYOY as a fully automated platform.Show less
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with adverse psychological symptoms. Psychotropic prescription drugs are a critical tool in treating and controlling a variety of...Show moreThe coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with adverse psychological symptoms. Psychotropic prescription drugs are a critical tool in treating and controlling a variety of psychopathological conditions, which raises concern in terms of potential overuse and irrational use. Available data regarding the use and prescribing practices of psychotropic prescription drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic are inconsistent. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with the aim of investigating the change in psychotropic prescription drug use and dispensing in relation to COVID-19. Pub-med and Web of Science Databases were systematically searched, and a total of 30 studies were included (23 prevalence estimates, and 19 correlation coefficient estimates; total N = 5,133,032). The yielded findings demonstrated a statistically significant increase of 16.34% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 9.11 to 23.57) in prevalence estimates of psychotropic prescription drug use. Furthermore, the conducted meta-analysis yielded a small positive statistically significant correlation r = 0.11 (95% CI: 0.05 to 0.16), implying a small increase in psychotropic prescription drug use and dispensing pre relative to post COVID-19. The association between COVID-19 and adverse mental health, as well as the increased use of psychotropic medications, may lead to an upsurge in substance use related disorders and overdose-related deaths. This is important to know, given that many substance use treatment programs during the pandemic have been disrupted. It may be essential for policy makers and health officials to address mental and behavioral health through telemedicine.Show less
