Search

Objective: The study examined the role of fear of COVID-19 and of financial difficulties in the family on the positive (flourishing and satisfaction with life) and negative (depression, anxiety, and stress) dimensions of mental health among a Filipino university student sample during the COVID-19 crisis. Method: Using a cross-sectional online survey, data were collected among university undergraduate students (N = 681) from September to October of 2020. The online questionnaire included demographic information, the Fear of COVID-19 scale and measures of positive (SWLS and Flourishing Scale) and negative mental health (DASS-21 Filipino). Results: Results of structural equation modelling revealed that fear of COVID-19 infection predicted all three indicators of negative mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress) but not the positive mental health indicators (satisfaction with life and flourishing). Financial difficulties, in contrast, predicted all indicators of positive mental health and negative mental health, except stress. Conclusions: While fear of COVID-19 is associated with students' negative mental health, their financial concerns have a wider ranging association with positive and negative mental health. Mental health services must address the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students, such as the more basic financial difficulties of some students and their families.

Culturally appropriate tools are necessary to aid in objective screening for psychological symptoms among students in university settings. This study aimed to translate and validate the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21). The instrument underwent forward translation and was reviewed by representatives from the target population, field experts, and an external auditor. The translated version of the DASS‐21, together with the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (I‐PANAS‐SF), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), was administered to 681 university students. Through confirmatory factor analysis, results supported the intercorrelated three‐factor model with correlated errors for the DASS‐21 Filipino. Results also demonstrated the criterion validity of the depression and anxiety subscales through significant correlations with PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7, respectively, and a stringent z‐score test to examine the difference between two dependent correlations with one variable in common. The convergent validity of all three subscales was established through significant correlations with I‐PANAS‐SF and SWLS. All DASS‐21 Filipino subscales which includes depression (α =.89), anxiety (α =.84), and stress (α =.85), showed high internal consistency. The current findings offer initial evidence on the structural validity of the DASS‐21 Filipino, which can be utilized as a tool to screen for depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Filipino speakers during a global health crisis. Implications for psychological assessment and school and clinical interventions are discussed. Practitioner Points: The original DASS‐21 was translated to Filipino to objectively measure depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among university students in the Philippines.The DASS‐21 Filipino confirmed the correlated three‐factor structure of the original DASS‐21.The DASS‐21 Filipino also showed convergent and criterion validity and item reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: e-Mental health services have the capacity to overcome barriers to care and reduce the unmet need for psychological services, particularly in developing countries. However, it is unknown how acceptable e-mental health interventions may be to these populations. Aims: The purpose of the current study was to examine consumer attitudes and perceived barriers to e-mental health usage across four countries: Australia, Iran, the Philippines and South Africa. Methods: An online survey was completed by 524 adults living in these countries, assessing previous contact with e-mental health services, willingness to use e-mental health services, and perceived barriers and needs for accessing e-mental health services. Results: Although previous contact with e-mental health services was low, the majority of respondents in each sample reported a willingness to try e-mental health services if offered. Barriers toward e-mental health usage were higher among the developing countries than Australia. The most commonly endorsed barriers concerned needing information and assurances regarding the programmes. Conclusions: Across countries, participants indicated a willingness to use e-mental health programmes if offered. With appropriate research and careful implementation, e-mental health has the potential to be a valuable part of mental healthcare in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to determine the relationship between perceived stress, marital dyadic coping and marital satisfaction among young Chinese married individuals in Shanghai, China. We tested the hypothesis that perceived stress and the different types of dyadic coping will serve as predictors of marital satisfaction. One hundred seventy six young individuals in Shanghai, China in their first marriage were asked to complete questionnaires on the three variables. The results showed that supportive dyadic coping was the best predictor for marital satisfaction, followed by negative dyadic coping, and perceived stress. Common and delegated dyadic coping had no impact on marital satisfaction. The findings were discussed in relation to its implications to couple and marital counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study examined the efficacy of a psycho-educational program based on choice theory to increase self-efficacy among college students in Manila, Philippines. Twenty five freshmen students identified as at-risk for developing psychological problems by the counseling center participated in the present study. Participants underwent three one-anda- half hour intervention sessions with a counselor who utilized choice theory principles in the program. Results showed a significant difference in the pre-test and post-test scores on the General Self-efficacy scale of the 12 participants who completed the program. The results were discussed in the light of self-efficacy and choice theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]