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Understanding how individual beliefs and societal values influence support for measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission is vital to developing and implementing effective prevention policies. Using both Just World Theory and Cultural Dimensions Theory, the present study considered how individual-level justice beliefs and country-level social values predict support for vaccination and quarantine policy mandates to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Data from an international survey of adults from 46 countries (N = 6424) were used to evaluate how individual-level beliefs about justice for self and others, as well as national values—that is, power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and indulgence—influence support for vaccination and quarantine behavioral mandates. Multilevel modeling revealed that support for vaccination and quarantine mandates were positively associated with individual-level beliefs about justice for self, and negatively associated with country-level uncertainty avoidance. Significant cross-level interactions revealed that beliefs about justice for self were associated more strongly with support for mandatory vaccination in countries high in individualism, whereas beliefs about justice for others were more strongly associated with support for vaccination and quarantine mandates in countries high in long-term orientation. Beliefs about justice and cultural values can independently and also interactively influence support for evidence-based practices to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission, such as vaccination and quarantine. Understanding these multilevel influences may inform efforts to develop and implement effective prevention policies in varied national contexts.

INTRODUCTION: The current study examines the relationships between religiosity, quality of life, and positive mental health among Muslim students in an Islamic university in Malaysia. This study uses the operational definition of religiosity based on Hadith Jibril, which defined Islam into three elements: Islam, Iman, and Ihsan. Materials and Methods: One hundred and seventy-nine students participated in this cross-sectional study. Three measures were used to measure religiosity (IIUM Religiosity Scale), quality of life (WHO Quality of Life-BREF Scale), and positive mental health (Positive Mental Health Scale). Results: Significant relationships between religiosity, quality of life, and positive mental health were found. Further analysis found that i) Ihsan highly predicts the physical and psychological domains of quality of life and mental health; ii) Islam shows the highest prediction on social-based quality of life, and iii) Iman highly predicts the environmental-based quality of life. Conclusion: Religiosity plays a vital role in predicting an individual’s quality of life and mental health. These findings provide hope for future research and utilisation of Islamic elements as an intervention for psychological wellbeing among students.

A growing interest in grit, which is defined as passionate perseverance for long-term goals, has included interest in quantifying it. Grit is typically measured via a self-report questionnaire, either with the Original Grit Scale (Grit-O) or the Short Grit Scale (Grit-S). However, there is a paucity of systematic evidence of the psychometrics of translated and adapted, or transadapted, versions of the grit measures across settings. This study systematically reviewed the literature on the psychometric properties of grit measures available and used across cultures. We searched the PsycINFO, Scopus, ScienceDirect and ProQuest electronic databases for articles published in English up to October 2019. This review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria, which included eight studies on newly developed grit measures and 12 studies which transadapted the existing Grit-O and the Grit-S to various languages and contexts. In the first category, despite being newly developed, the grit measures included items that were derived from the Grit-O or the Grit-S. These measures show promise, however, remain to be tested outside of the initial conception setting, thus limiting generalization. In the latter category, transadapted versions of the Grit-O and Grit-S returned with acceptable reliability and validity indexes, indicating for the measures to purportedly measure grit. However, factor analyses showed varying factor structures, suggesting grit manifestations to be non-universal and may be explained by cultural differences between individualistic and collectivistic cultures. Further validation studies, as well as the development of culture-specific grit measures, are implored.

Purpose This paper aims to review the literature of community-based mental health services (CMHS) optimization in Malaysia that focus on the aspects of perceived challenges or barriers and facilitating factors for community-based mental health centre (CMHC). Design/methodology/approach Relevant peer-reviewed literature was identified and being reviewed in three databases and one local journal. Findings Nine studies were eligible for inclusion and the extracted data were summarized into a narrative review. The evidence provided for what constituting an optimal implementation of CMHS in Malaysia appeared lacking. However, there are adequate recommendations and suggestions on the component of facilitating factors; on how to increase service user’s engagement towards the improvement of mental health systems. Research limitations/implications Research in the literature had focussed on the optimization aspects from the perspective of the service user. Additionally, this had been discussed through the lens of a variety of mental health systems and not specifically on the community-based perspectives. Originality/value This current systematic review provides valuable and important evidence that further explorations of the existing experiences of the mental health care professionals in delivering CMHS in Malaysia CMHC. The review serves as the foundation for future research to explain the local explanatory framework on what are the best practise models for local CMHS.

COVID-19 and the Movement Control Order (MCO) may trigger a 'next wave' of mental health problems. However, the relationship is not linear. Human psychology also has an impact on the outbreak. Thus, proper strategies to manage human psychology, especially mental health, is very important to break the vicious cycle. This article aims to discuss ways to manage mental health using cognitive-behavioural approaches, mindfulness and spirituality. Specific cognitive-behavioural and mindfulness strategies are listed and suggestions to return to the foundation of human existence are discussed. By practising the cognitive-behavioural, mindfulness, and spirituality strategies described, we may enhance our acceptance, optimism and commitment to prepare for a 'new or renewed normal'.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a global health crisis. Consequently, many countries have adopted restrictive measures that caused a substantial change in society. Within this framework, it is reasonable to suppose that a sentiment of societal discontent, defined as generalized concern about the precarious state of society, has arisen. Literature shows that collectively experienced situations can motivate people to help each other. Since societal discontent is conceptualized as a collective phenomenon, we argue that it could influence intention to help others, particularly those who suffer from coronavirus. Thus, in the present study, we aimed (a) to explore the relationship between societal discontent and intention to help at the individual level and (b) to investigate a possible moderating effect of societal discontent at the country level on this relationship. To fulfil our purposes, we used data collected in 42 countries (N = 61,734) from the PsyCorona Survey, a cross-national longitudinal study. Results of multilevel analysis showed that, when societal discontent is experienced by the entire community, individuals dissatisfied with society are more prone to help others. Testing the model with longitudinal data (N = 3,817) confirmed our results. Implications for those findings are discussed in relation to crisis management. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement. New York University Abu Dhabi

El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado. Understanding the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake is important to inform policy decisions and plan vaccination campaigns. The aims of this research were to: (1) explore the individual- and country-level determinants of intentions to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, and (2) examine worldwide variation in vaccination intentions. This cross-sectional online survey was conducted during the first wave of the pandemic, involving 6697 respondents across 20 countries. Results showed that 72.9% of participants reported positive intentions to be vaccinated against COVID-19, whereas 16.8% were undecided, and 10.3% reported they would not be vaccinated. At the individual level, prosociality was a significant positive predictor of vaccination intentions, whereas generic beliefs in conspiracy theories and religiosity were negative predictors. Country-level determinants, including cultural dimensions of individualism/collectivism and power distance, were not significant predictors of vaccination intentions. Altogether, this study identifies individual-level predictors that are common across multiple countries, provides further evidence on the importance of combating conspiracy theories, involving religious institutions in vaccination campaigns, and stimulating prosocial motives to encourage vaccine uptake.

This current study aims to systematically review the treatments for anxiety disorders in Malaysia. PsycINFO, MEDLINE databases, and 28 local journals were used to search published papers in this area. Eight articles were subjected to review after excluding 273 papers that did not meet the inclusion criteria. A total of 598 participants with various types of anxiety disorders were included in the review. Based on the findings, the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy provided better treatment outcomes if compared to psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy alone. The combination of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive behaviour therapy was considered as one of the most effective treatment to treat patients with anxiety disorders in Malaysia. This is in line with the clinical practice guidelines from the Ministry of Health Singapore and Canada. Even though there were some limitations in the methodology and reporting of the results, it can be concluded that efforts have been taken to conduct studies related to treatments for patients with anxiety disorders in Malaysia. Future studies are suggested to make conscious efforts to overcome these limitations.

Religiosity is a construct that has interesting implications in the mental health issues of youths. This study examines the role of religiosity on anxiety, depression, and stress using 148 Muslim students studying Islamic studies at undergraduate provision in an Islamic University as sample. Results indicated that the level of religiosity among the participants ranged from moderately religious to highly religious. The mean levels of anxiety, depression, and stress among the participants were moderate, and a significant number of students suffered from severe psychological distress. Female students were reported to experience significantly slightly more stress than male students. Furthermore, the relationship between religiosity, anxiety, and depression was significantly negative but not stressful. Further analysis found that religiosity serves as a protective factor for depression. Meanwhile, some religiosity components (i.e., avoidance of sinful acts and frequent conduct of recommended acts) were found to be a significant protective factor against anxiety and depression, respectively. Thus, in retrospect, mental health and religion appear to converge on managing psychological distress. As so to speak, this is a vital point in the emerging mental health services in which the incorporation of religious components into clinical practice may show good promising results in aiding the recovery process of psychological health issues. Likewise, embedding religiosity in one’s life, or being religiously minded, reflected in daily life manifestation, is linked with better mental health outcomes.

Individual mental health has become a primary global concern. In Pakistan, the prevalence of mental health issues is still unclear, as not many studies have assessed the level of mental health literacy (MHL) in the country. This systematic review aims to bridge this gap by encouraging the early detection of mental disorders, lessening stigma, and improving help-seeking behavior. Nine electronic databases were searched to identify empirical literature in this area. Only studies that evaluated MHL efficacy and those published in English were selected. Non-peer reviewed articles and gray literature were excluded. From 613 studies retrieved, 59 studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Forty-three of the included studies mentioned mental health outcome measures (of which only four mentioned reliability indices), 13 discussed stigma, 18 examined help-seeking approaches to mental illness treatments, and 47 discussed mental health knowledge. Additionally, the outcome of the MHL measures had considerable heterogeneity and limited validity. Meta-analysis was not conducted due to a lack of MHL operationalization. Besides, the measurement tools in the studies lacked consistency and standardization. This review compiled the available studies on MHL to assist researchers currently studying the various dimensions of MHL, as well as those designing new studies or investigating effective methods to increase MHL. This review highlights the need for well-designed controlled intervention studies. Further implications for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers are mentioned.

Previous studies suggested that public trust in government is vital for implementations of social policies that rely on public's behavioural responses. This study examined associations of trust in government regarding COVID-19 control with recommended health behaviours and prosocial behaviours. Data from an international survey with representative samples (N=23,733) of 23 countries were analysed. Specification curve analysis showed that higher trust in government was significantly associated with higher adoption of health and prosocial behaviours in all reasonable specifications of multilevel linear models (median standardised β=0.173 and 0.244, P

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us in many ways. To protect us from COVID-19 infection spread, we had to follow new rules or “SOP” that resulted in isolation, change of work or studying environment, loss of income and emotional disturbance. Many had to adapt to the new condition, but some found it overwhelming. The Malaysian police department reported 638 cases of suicide until July 2021 which is equivalent to a nearly 60% increase compared to last year. This is an alarming report which requires action to be taken at many levels. Awareness about the importance of mental health and understanding mental illnesses are slowly improving but the stigma is still present which deters people from seeking appropriate help. Healthcare professionals are also experiencing burnout due to the current pandemic and are also vulnerable to emotional disturbance. Hence, it is time to discuss this topic with experts from diverse backgrounds to understand issues related to suicide, especially during this pandemic.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Supplementary Issue: 2022 Page: S13

The “Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire” (EDE-Q) is a cost-effective eating disorder (ED) screening tool that has a significant relationship with the gold standard “Eating Disorder Examination” (EDE) interview. Though it has been widely used for clinical and research purposes, there is a dearth of effort to establish psy- chometric properties of the latest EDE-Q 6.0 in the Malaysian sample. The extant study adapted and validated EDE-Q 6.0 on Malaysian university's student population (N = 595) from a public university in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Four factors of Restraint, Shape and Weight Concerns, Eating Concerns, and Shape/Weight Over- valuation were constituted from exploratory factor analysis. Still, they failed to indicate apparent replication of the original English EDE-Q 6.0. Malay EDE-Q 6.0 exhibited high internal consistency reliability (α = 0.93), acceptable test-retest reliability over 14 days, and acceptable equivalence reliability of its items with the original English version items. The Malay EDE-Q 6.0 global and subscales scores attained acceptable validity with the global scores of Malay EAT-26 (another ED scale) as evidence of convergent validity and with quality of life (QoL) scale for divergent validity. Accordingly, the adapted EDE-Q 6.0 Malay version is considered a valid and reliable instrument for assessing eating disorder psychopathology among Malaysian university students.

Highlights • Risk perception of COVID-19 was associated with more negative/less positive emotions. • Risk perception of COVID-19 was inversely associated with subsequent mental health. • The association between risk perception and mental health was mediated by emotions. • Specification curve analysis was used to avoid subjective analytical decisions., Background Although there are increasing concerns on mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, no large-scale population-based studies have examined the associations of risk perception of COVID-19 with emotion and subsequent mental health. Methods : This study analysed cross-sectional and longitudinal data from the PsyCorona Survey that included 54,845 participants from 112 countries, of which 23,278 participants are representative samples of 24 countries in terms of gender and age. Specification curve analysis (SCA) was used to examine associations of risk perception of COVID-19 with emotion and self-rated mental health. This robust method considers all reasonable model specifications to avoid subjective analytical decisions while accounting for multiple testing. Results : All 162 multilevel linear regressions in the SCA indicated that higher risk perception of COVID-19 was significantly associated with less positive or more negative emotions (median standardised β=-0.171, median SE=0.004, P0.05). Limitations Reliance on self-reported data. Conclusions : Risk perception of COVID-19 was associated with emotion and ultimately mental health. Interventions on reducing excessive risk perception and managing emotional distress could promote mental health.

The Catastrophic Cognitions Questionnaire-Modified (CCQ-M) is a common instrument for measuring catastrophic thoughts. In some countries, however, CCQ-M still poses concerns following the lack of appropriate validation among their populations. The current study aimed to examine the factor structure of the CCQ-M, the reliability, and the validity in community samples in Malaysia. The Malay version of CCQ-M and additional measures assessing the symptoms and cognitions relevant to anxiety disorders were completed by 682 university students and general community. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure accounting for 62.2% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor model by deleting four items. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the total and the two subscales were .94, .90, and .92, respectively. Test-retest reliability analysis was conducted on 82 university students in the interval period of 14 days, and the result was r = .58. Evidence supported the concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity. In conclusion, the 17-item CCQ-M-Malaysia is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing catastrophic cognitions among Malaysian populations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Catastrophic Cognitions Questionnaire-Modified (CCQ-M) is a common instrument for measuring catastrophic thoughts. In some countries, however, CCQ-M still poses concerns following the lack of appropriate validation among their populations. The current study aimed to examine the factor structure of the CCQ-M, the reliability, and the validity in community samples in Malaysia. The Malay version of CCQ-M and additional measures assessing the symptoms and cognitions relevant to anxiety disorders were completed by 682 university students and general community. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure accounting for 62.2% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor model by deleting four items. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the total and the two subscales were .94, .90, and .92, respectively. Test-retest reliability analysis was conducted on 82 university students in the interval period of 14 days, and the result was r = .58. Evidence supported the concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity. In conclusion, the 17-item CCQ-M-Malaysia is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing catastrophic cognitions among Malaysian populations. Copyright © 2015 John WileySons, Ltd.