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This study aims to investigate the development and consequences of the internalized stigma (IS) explicitly and implicitly assessed, in relation to a longer time seeking professional help, avoidance of talking about the mental illness, self-esteem and general health perception. A structural equation model was developed in a clinical sample with heterogeneous psychiatric diagnoses (N = 160). Results show that not talking about the illness and taking longer to ask for professional help is related to a higher IS, leading to poorer self-esteem and general health. Time in asking for help also has impact on the self-esteem, with the IS as a mediator between both variables. The self-esteem also mediates the negative relationship between IS and general health. Additionally, implicit IS has direct negative effects over self-esteem. The research underlines the important relationship between these psychosocial variables and IS. More studies are needed about implicit IS in order to better understand its effects and relationship with explicit IS and other relevant variables. Efforts should be made to encourage professional help and talking about mental illness in order to prevent IS, as well as interventions focused on damaged self-esteem to reduce its impact., Author(s): Clara González-Sanguino [sup.1] , Miguel Ángel Castellanos [sup.2] , Sara González-Domínguez [sup.3] , Manuel Muñoz [sup.4] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.4795.f, 0000 0001 2157 7667, School of Psychology. Clinical Psychology [...]

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on mental health, especially among young people. A cross-sectional study was carried out (N = 450, mean age = 24) using an online questionnaire from march to may 2022 collecting different sociodemographic and clinical variables. The 42.2% of the sample presented symptoms of depression, 41.6% of anxiety, and 21.1% of stress. 8.9% of the young people reported suicide attempts, while 39.1% declared having had suicidal ideation. Youth with lower socioeconomic status reported worse symptomatology and higher rates of suicidal ideation and behaviour. The main predictor of suicide was depression, along with lower socioeconomic status and being male in more severe cases. Depression and anxiety were associated variables in cases with a history of suicide attempts. More attention needs to be paid to the mental health of young people, especially those with worse socioeconomic status and depressive symptoms. Possible measures to address the problem are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burnout is a primary psychosocial risk factor in the workplace. Mental health stigma, which includes negative cognitions, emotions, and behaviors, also undermines the performance of social healthcare professionals. This study aimed to explore the levels of burnout in a sample of community social healthcare workers as well as its relationships with variables such as stigma towards mental health problems, professional skills, and job characteristics. An online assessment was conducted with 184 social healthcare professionals (75.5% female, mean age = 40.82 years, SD = 9.9). Medium levels of burnout and stigma and high levels of professional skills were observed. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that stigma towards mental health problems and professional skills predicted emotional exhaustion (R2 = 0.153, F(4, 179) = 9.245, p < 0.001), depersonalization (R2 = 0.213, F(3, 180) = 17.540, p < 0.001), and personal accomplishment (R2 = 0.289, F(5, 178) = 15.87, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that social healthcare systems could benefit from taking care of the mental health of their workers by addressing burnout, tackling negative attitudes towards mental health problems, and providing professional skills training. This would help to make social healthcare systems more inclusive and of higher quality, thereby reducing health costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to examine, through artificial intelligence, specifically machine learning, the emotional impact generated by disclosures about mental health on social media. In contrast to previous research, which primarily focused on identifying psychopathologies, our study investigates the emotional response to mental health-related content on Instagram, particularly content created by influencers/celebrities. This platform, especially favored by the youth, is the stage where these influencers exert significant social impact, and where their analysis holds strong relevance. Analyzing mental health with machine learning techniques on Instagram is unprecedented, as all existing research has primarily focused on Twitter. Methods: This research involves creating a new corpus labelled with responses to mental health posts made by influencers/celebrities on Instagram, categorized by emotions such as love/admiration, anger/contempt/mockery, gratitude, identification/empathy, and sadness. The study is complemented by modelling a set of machine learning algorithms to efficiently detect the emotions arising when faced with these mental health disclosures on Instagram, using the previous corpus. Results: Results have shown that machine learning algorithms can effectively detect such emotional responses. Traditional techniques, such as Random Forest, showed decent performance with low computational loads (around 50%), while deep learning and Bidirectional Encoder Representation from Transformers (BERT) algorithms achieved very good results. In particular, the BERT models reached accuracy levels between 86–90%, and the deep learning model achieved 72% accuracy. These results are satisfactory, considering that predicting emotions, especially in social networks, is challenging due to factors such as the subjectivity of emotion interpretation, the variability of emotions between individuals, and the interpretation of emotions in different cultures and communities. Discussion: This cross-cutting research between mental health and artificial intelligence allows us to understand the emotional impact generated by mental health content on social networks, especially content generated by influential celebrities among young people. The application of machine learning allows us to understand the emotional reactions of society to messages related to mental health, which is highly innovative and socially relevant given the importance of the phenomenon in societies. In fact, the proposed algorithms' high accuracy (86–90%) in social contexts like mental health, where detecting negative emotions is crucial, presents a promising research avenue. Achieving such levels of accuracy is highly valuable due to the significant implications of false positives or false negatives in this social context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Clinica y Salud is the property of Colegio Oficial de Psicologos de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Mental health stigma is a relevant phenomenon with implications for the people who suffer from it. Despite its importance, no studies have been carried out in Spain at national level with a representative sample of the population. Aims: The aim of this research is to analyze the stigma associated with MHPs in a representative sample of the Spanish population for the first time. Method: A cross-sectional quantitative descriptive study was carried out with a representative sample of the population (N = 2746). Descriptive analyses and regressions are carried out on the different dimensions of stigma such as attitude, attribution and intention of social distance. Results: Medium levels of stigma are obtained in stigmatizing attitudes and attributions, and medium-low levels in the intention of social distance. The best predictors of stigma in its different dimensions are attitudes, attributions and intention of social distance themselves. Progressive political ideology is related to less stigma in all dimensions. Knowing someone with mental health problems and talking openly about it together with higher education are also relevant protectors. Mixed results are obtained regarding age, gender and help-seeking. Conclusion: National programs and campaigns focused on attitudes, attributions and behavioral intentions are necessary to reduce the stigma still present in Spanish society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Clinica y Salud is the property of Colegio Oficial de Psicologos de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. Stigma associated with psychological problems is a major concern that negatively affects people living with different symptomatology, sometimes with serious consequences for their health. The principal purpose of this paper was to carry out an updated systematic review to explore the relationship between the stigma associated with mental health problems and the risk of suicide in the clinical population, as well as to study the variables involved in this relationship. Method. A search was carried out in the PsycInfo, Pubmed and Scopus databases, using keywords related to stigma, suicide, and limiting the studies to clinical samples. The search included articles in English and Spanish from January 2012 to December 2020. Results. A total of 12 articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. The results suggest that increased self-stigma toward mental health problems is associated with increased risk of suicide in clinical population. Also, variables involved in this relationship are suggested, such as depression, hopelessness, loss of vital sense, unemployment or decrease of support networks. Conclusion. The stigma associated with mental health problems could be a potential therapeutic target for reducing the risk of suicide in the clinical population. Exhaustive studies, with control groups random assignment, and more heterogeneous samples are necessary to know the phenomenon in greater depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This research aimed to study implicit and explicit internalized stigma and its relationship with other variables in a sample of people with distinct mental illness diagnoses ( N = 160). Descriptive analysis, mean differences, correlations, and stepwise regression models were conducted. Implicit and explicit internalized stigma was found throughout the sample with differences depending on certain sociodemographic variables. Regression models revealed symptomatology, physical environment, personality traits, references to mental illness, and the time taken to seek professional help as predictors of explicit internalized stigma. At the implicit level, only self-esteem was found as a predictor explaining a low percentage of the variance. The results obtained underline the differences between implicit and explicit stigma, suggesting different relevant variables for interventions focused on prevention and internalized stigma reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the role of stigma in different diagnoses of mental illness. A cross-sectional study (N = 255) was developed in two groups: users of a rehabilitation network for people with severe mental illness (Group-I) and people with common diagnoses in an ambulatory psychiatric service (Group-II). Internalized stigma, social stigma, self-esteem, and sociodemographic variables were measured. Mean comparisons, ANOVAs, and independent linear regression models were carried out. Similar overall scores were obtained for the internalized stigma, but Group-I reported more discrimination and resistance to stigma and also had less social stigma. The regression model for Group-I revealed social stigma and self-esteem as predictors, while in Group-II only self-esteem was significant. The study reveals differences in internalized stigma according to the care resource and diagnoses, suggesting different intervention lines and underlining the importance of further research on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Clínica Contemporánea: Revista de Diagnóstico Psicológico, Psicoterapia y Salud is the property of Colegio Oficial de Psicologos de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Stigma and discrimination have been associated with different diseases and pandemics, with negative consequences for the people who suffered them and for their communities. Currently, COVID-19 has become a new source of stigmatization. Aims: The aim of the present study is to analyze longitudinally the evolution of intersectional perceived discrimination and internalized stigma among the general population of Spain, at three points in time throughout the confinement. Method: Participants completed an online survey. Results: Results show an increase in both variables from the first to the second evaluation, and a slight decrease from the second to the third evaluation. Moreover, these changes are explained by depression, anxiety and family support. Conclusions: These findings indicate the factors that need to be considered to reduce the perception of discrimination and the internalization of stigma, and their detrimental consequences, during an especially stressful event such as the current pandemic outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aim was to assess the effects of the health emergency and the stay-at-home restrictions on loneliness variables in the Spanish population during the initial stage of COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey of 3480 people. From March 14, 2020, screening tests were used to evaluate sociodemographic and COVID-19-related data on loneliness, social support, the presence of mental health symptoms, discrimination, and spiritual well-being. Descriptive analyses were conducted and linear regression models were constructed. A negative association was found between loneliness and being older, being partnered, having children, being a university graduate, being retired or still working, having stronger religious beliefs, believing that information provided about the pandemic was adequate, having social support, and having self-compassion. Actions that promote social support and further studies on loneliness in groups of older people are needed to prevent the pandemic having a stronger impact on mental health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to longitudinally analyse the effects of confinement derived from COVID-19 on the loneliness of the general Spanish population. It was assessed by an online survey at three points in time: two weeks after the start of confinement (N = 3480), one month after (N = 1041) and two months after the return to normal (N = 569). Measures were taken of sociodemographic variables, loneliness, social support, depressive and anxious symptoms. To analyse the effect of the longitudinal measures, a mixed linear model (GLMM) was calculated for the solitude variable. Posthoc comparisons for the time variable were calculated using the marginal means estimated with Tuckey's correction. The analyses have been carried out using the R software (v3.5.6) and the lme4 and emmeans packages. The trend in loneliness scores is downward throughout the longitudinal study, decreasing the scores in the third evaluation significantly (Z(T1-T2) = 0.13, p = .045). The main predictors for loneliness are depressive symptomatology and social support. Greater attention needs to be paid to loneliness in these situations, in addition to presenting attention to associated depressive symptomatology and measures to strengthen social support networks in these circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a significant effect on our mental health. In this research, we aim to analyse gender-related differences in the psychological impact of the Covid-19 lockdown in Spain. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey (n = 1041) with two measurements: at two and five weeks after the declaration of the state of emergency and stay-at-home order in Spain. The presence of depressive symptoms, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), perceived loneliness and spiritual well-being were evaluated. Linear mixed models with random slopes were calculated for each variable in the study in order to analyse the effect of longitudinal measures and interaction with gender. Women showed more symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD, more feelings of loneliness and less spiritual well-being compared to men. The psychological impact caused by the pandemic is maintained over time and increases for depression. Covid-19 appears to be having a greater psychological impact on women than men. More attention needs to be paid to this issue to establish the causes and reduce these differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Covid-19 remains a pandemic that most countries in the world are still dealing with. This is study aims to report the psychological impact of Covid-19 over time on the Spanish population. Methods: A longitudinal study (N = 1041) was carried out with two measurements: after 2 and 5 weeks starting from the declaration of the state of emergency in Spain. The presence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disease (PTSD) was evaluated by means of screening tests. Sociodemographic data, variables about Covid-19, loneliness, spiritual well-being, social support, discrimination, and a sense of belonging were collected. Results: The data showed how depressive symptomatology increased significantly over time, while anxiety and PTSD did not show statistically significant changes. Spiritual well-being and loneliness were the main predictors of psychological impact. A younger age was a significant predictor of depression and anxiety, while female gender was associated with anxiety and PTSD. Conclusions: The impact of the pandemic is sustained over time, even increasing in depression, and vulnerable groups that need greater psychological health support could be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Implicit Association Test was developed to assess the mental illness stigma in people from the general population, mental health professionals, people with a diagnosis, and family members. No differences were found between groups. Implicit stigma was found throughout the sample, with lower scores in the younger age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 lockdown has had a massive psychological impact on mental health in the general population, with increases in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Spiritual well-being, specifically peace and meaning, has already been identified as one of the main protective factors for these disorders in the COVID-19 context. The aim of the present study is to identify facilitating elements for peace and meaning during the COVID-19 lockdown in Spain. Online surveys were used to obtain data from a sample of 3480 Spanish people. Self-compassion and social support were positively related with peace and meaning, while loneliness and perceived discrimination were negatively related. The model for peace and meaning was statistically significant, explaining 47% of the variance. The significant variables were self-kindness, family support, mindfulness, and sense of belonging having a positive association and loneliness a negative one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, cognitive dysfunction is accepted as a feature of schizophrenia. As the patients age, this dysfunction is higher and harder to evaluate due to the interaction among aging, other somatic diseases, psychoactive drugs, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 disease control efforts and consequences are likely to be complicated by the impact of fear and stigmatization of the novel coronavirus. These complications may also worsen due to the potential compounding of COVID-19 related stigma with stigmatization associated with previously diagnosed conditions. This exploratory study analyzes the experiences of the stigma associated with COVID-19 lockdown in people with different previous diagnoses 2 and 5 weeks after the beginning of the state of emergency in Spain. Gender and age were controlled as covariables and 1,052 people participated in the study. The diagnosis groups were: Psychiatry and mental health (n = 71), Cardiovascular disease (n = 42), Neurological disease (n = 23), Lung disease (n = 53), and No diagnosis (n = 863). The instruments used to measure the stigma were the Intersectional Day-to-Day Discrimination Index and two items of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale. Analysis of covariance of repeated measures and analysis of variance, including Scheffe's post hoc test, were performed. We found significant differences in stigma among the first and second evaluation. Regarding the previous diagnosis, no differences were found at Time 1, but significant differences were found at Time 2, with those having a previous psychiatric or mental health diagnosis reporting higher levels of perceived discrimination and internalized stigmatization. Our results suggest that people with previous stigmatizing conditions might be more vulnerable to experiencing stigma in a confinement situation. In order to reduce the burden of the COVID-19 stigma, health interventions should also consider the resulting intersection of effects on internalized stigma and perceived discrimination. Public Policy Relevance Statement: During COVID-19 lockdown, the experiences of stigma have been different in people with diverse previous diagnoses. People with a previous psychiatric or mental health diagnosis reported an increase in stigma experiences. It is thus important that policy-makers incorporate an intersectional perspective in their prevention and intervention efforts in reducing the stigma provoked by COVID-19 alarm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural disasters, such as the eruption of the "Tajogaite" volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma, might have a high impact on the mental health of those who experience them. This study aims to evaluate the mental state of La Palma's population on the acute phase of the event as well as two and seven months later. The main hypothesis was that levels of anxiety will decrease in time, while depression and perceived stress levels will remain stable. Levels of depression, anxiety, perceived stress and psychological well-being were measured, as well as their relationship and certain demographic variables such as age, gender and residential situation. Results showed that anxiety and perceived stress significantly decreased with time, but depression and well-being remained stable. Moreover, higher levels of depression could be partly explained by higher anxiety and perceived stress, previous pharmacological treatment, and lower levels of well-being. Also, being a woman, higher levels of perceived stress, living in a region affected by the eruption, and previous pharmacological treatment significantly predicted higher anxiety; being a woman, higher levels of anxiety and lower levels of well-being significantly predicted higher perceived stress. Finally, higher levels of well-being could be partly explained by lower levels of depression and perceived stress, and not living alone. This study was able to identify particularly vulnerable groups during natural disasters, such as the eruption of a volcano. This is important to provide early psychological care to those who need it in these situations.

Stigma associated with psychological problems is a major concern that negatively affects people living with different symptomatology, sometimes with serious consequences for their health.