Social Sciences

Abstract: Depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders continue to rise globally, with South Africa’s burden intensified by structural inequalities and a 91% mental health treatment gap. Accessible complementary interventions are urgently needed. This exploratory mixed-methods pilot study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of astronomy-based mental health support grounded in Attention Restoration Theory and awe research. Two retreats combined guided naked-eye and telescope-based stargazing with nature immersion: a proof-of-concept peer camp (n=19, Glencairn) and a family-focused retreat (n=27, Sutherland). Quantitative outcomes using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) were collected in the Glencairn cohort, alongside qualitative data from Most Significant Change focus groups and asynchronous text-based interviews. Significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress were observed in the Glencairn cohort, while qualitative findings across both settings indicated experiences of calm, perspective shifts, and relational connection. However, increased environmental novelty and family dynamics introduced competing cognitive demands in the Sutherland setting. These findings provide preliminary evidence that astronomy-based interventions may support short-term psychological well-being, while highlighting key design considerations, including cognitive spaciousness, contextual onboarding, and relational facilitation, for implementation in diverse African contexts.

Abstract: Apathy is an increasingly recognized neuropsychiatric syndrome and predictor of cognitive decline, distinct from depression. Although type 2 diabetes mellitus is a well-established risk factor for cognitive impairment, longitudinal evidence examining whether apathy links diabetes risk to adverse cognitive outcomes remains limited. We used data from 4,571 U.S. adults aged ≥60 years without baseline memory problems enrolled in the U.S.Health and Retirement Study. Diabetes risk was measured using glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), treated continuously. Apathy was derived from four CES-D items reflecting diminished positive affect and motivation. Outcomes included incident self-reported Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and incident cognitive impairment. Accelerated time-to-failure Weibull models were used to estimate associations between HbA1c and time to each outcome. Mediation was tested using a product-of-coefficients approach incorporating survey weights. Higher HbA1c was associated with shorter time to ADRD (coefficient −0.09; 95% CI −0.16, −0.02) and cognitive impairment (−0.16; 95% CI −0.23, −0.09), as well as greater apathy (β = 0.01; 95% CI 0.007, 0.03). After including apathy in Weibull models, associations with ADRD (−0.07; 95% CI −0.14, −0.006; p = 0.032) and cognitive impairment (−0.14; 95% CI −0.21, −0.07; p < 0.001) were changed but remained significant. Indirect effects through apathy were statistically significant for both outcomes, indicating partial mediation. Overall, elevated diabetes risk was associated with accelerated onset of ADRD and cognitive impairment, with apathy partially mediating these relationships, highlighting apathy as a potential target for behavioral interventions in individuals with diabetes.

Abstract: Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in physiological resilience and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Emerging evidence indicates that low-dose stressors (collectively termed hormetic stimuli) activate adaptive cellular responses that enhance stress resistance, promote repair mechanisms, and ultimately extend healthspan. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on hormesis in the context of aging, with a focus on key molecular pathways including nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), sirtuins, autophagy, and mitohormesis. We examine how lifestyle interventions (physical exercise, caloric restriction, mild thermal stress) and emerging pharmacological agents induce beneficial adaptive responses, while critically evaluating their translational potential in clinical and public health settings. Special emphasis is placed on the role of hormesis in counteracting neurodegeneration, the utility of autophagy and systemic aging biomarkers (epigenetic clocks, inflammaging scores) for precision dosing, and the limitations imposed by inter-individual variability, age-related decline in adaptive capacity, and risks of overexposure. Understanding the delicate balance between beneficial and detrimental stress responses is essential for leveraging hormesis as a robust strategy to counteract aging and age-related diseases. We further propose a multilevel framework integrating molecular mechanisms with clinical outcomes, positioning hormesis as a key determinant of adaptive resilience in aging.

Abstract: This concept paper examines the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into psychotherapeutic contexts, with particular attention to its implications for the mental health of adults and young adults. Against the backdrop of a global mental health crisis characterized by insufficient therapeutic resources, rising demand, and persistent stigma, AI-assisted interventions — including chatbot-based tools, machine learning-supported diagnostics, and algorithmically personalized treatment pathways — have emerged as a promising yet contested field. The paper introduces key concepts such as AI-assisted psychotherapy, digital mental health interventions (DMHIs), and conversational agents, and situates them within current psychological and clinical frameworks. Drawing on recent empirical studies, theoretical analyses, and ethical debates, it investigates the potential of AI to democratize access to mental health support while critically addressing concerns around therapeutic alliance, algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the irreducible dimensions of human connection in clinical care. The paper further examines the intersection of AI and established psychotherapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and supportive counseling. By identifying research gaps and unresolved tensions, this review advocates for an evidence-based, ethically grounded, and human-centered approach to AI integration in mental health — one that positions AI as a supplement to, rather than a substitute for, professional therapeutic relationships.

Abstract: This study examines the shifting research on social media and psychological well-being. Prior work is split between a connection discourse (social support, belonging) and an anxiety discourse (social comparison, FoMO, problematic use), but remains largely cross-sectional. Building upon this context, this study employs BERTopic dynamic topic modeling on 7,254 Web of Science articles (2010–2025), identifying 110 topics and revealing three thematic clusters: anxiety, connection, and contextual/methodological themes. The findings indicate that anxiety-related topics are more semantically cohesive, whereas connection-related topics are more dispersed. Notably, the field experienced a turning point around 2016–2017, marking the rise and sustained dominance of anxiety-related research. Taken together, these results provide a longitudinal, computational perspective on the field and demonstrate the value of BERTopic for tracking knowledge evolution.

Abstract: Automobile service and repair workers in Nigeria's informal economy face chronic exposures to chemical, physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards. Despite the large size of this workforce in Enugu State, South-Eastern Nigeria, their occupational health profile has remained undocumented, impeding evidence-based policy development. Objective: To assess the prevalence and pattern of occupational morbidity, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, hazard awareness, and social security coverage, and to identify determinants of reduced pulmonary function and peripheral sensory impairment among automobile service and repair workers in Enugu metropolis. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between January and April 2024. Of 150 workers approached from five major workshop clusters, 138 (92.0%) provided complete responses. A semi-structured bilingual interviewer-administered questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, occupational exposures, symptoms, PPE use, and health awareness. Targeted clinical examinations included peripheral sensory assessment (2-gram Semmes-Weinstein monofilament; 10-site plantar protocol) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurement. Chi-square tests and multivariable binary logistic regression with crude and adjusted odds ratios were used for analysis (IBM SPSS v.26.0; significance: p &lt; 0.05). Results: Participants had a mean age of 32.4 ± 10.6 years and were predominantly male (95.7%). Petroleum product exposure was near-universal (91.3%). Only 8.7% used PPE regularly. Common morbidities included peripheral sensory impairment (47.8%), musculoskeletal complaints (46.4%), gastrointestinal symptoms (30.4%), and unintentional injuries (26.1%). Reduced PEFR (&lt;300 L/min) was recorded in 17.4%. On multivariable regression, heavy metal exposure was the strongest predictor of both reduced PEFR (adjusted OR = 6.74, 95% CI: 2.18-20.85, p = 0.001) and peripheral sensory impairment (adjusted OR = 5.16, 95% CI: 1.62-16.42, p = 0.005). Years of service exceeding five years independently predicted peripheral sensory impairment (adjusted OR = 4.21, 95% CI: 1.88-9.43, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Automobile repair workers in Enugu carry a high and clinically significant burden of work-related morbidity compounded by critically low PPE use and near-universal absence of social security protection. Urgent priorities include occupational health surveillance programmes, mandatory PPE provision, and extension of National Health Insurance Authority coverage to informal sector workers.

Abstract: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects a substantial proportion of women globally and is often underdiagnosed due to barriers in screening, stigma, and limited treatment access. This study presents the design and pilot evaluation of a mHealth application (“HeartHabit”) for the prevention and early detection of PPD among Greek-speaking mothers. An alpha version of the application was evaluated through an online survey with 30 women within the first postpartum year, during which a walkthrough video of the app was presented. Usability and app quality were assessed via the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a qualitative version of the user Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) respectively, adopting a mixed-methods approach. Demographics, and mood and stress screening data were also captured. Quantitative data were analysed via descriptive statistics and qualitative responses via Framework Analysis. Results indicated high perceived usability (mean SUS = 83.7/100). Qualitative findings highlighted the importance of practical usability, self-regulation tools, personalisation, and connectivity with healthcare professionals. Privacy, data transparency, and user control over personal data were perceived as critical for trust. The assistive use of the application combined with formal care, or as at-home support for when treatment access is limited, was suggested. Larger, controlled trials, clinical implementation protocols and clinicians’ training are needed to promote the app’s safe integration into formal care. This mixed-methods evaluation, incorporating usability assessment and patient involvement, may offer a useful paradigm for early-stage, digital mental health intervention development.

Abstract: U.S. adults with substance use disorders (SUD) underutilize specialty substance use treatment (SUT) and are more likely to use mental health treatment (MHT) than SUT. In this study based on the 2022 and 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N=19,555, age 18+ with past-year SUD), we examined clinical and other factors associated with four distinct behavioral health service configurations: no treatment, both SUT and MHT, SUT only, and MHT only. We fitted two multinomial and binary logistic regression models to examine associations of treatment use patterns with SUD and mental illness severity as need factors, while controlling for predisposing, enabling, and other need factors. The findings show that 59.3% U.S. adults with SUD did not use SUT or MHT in the past year, 10.7% used both SUT and MHT, 3.7% used SUT only, and 26.4% used MHT only. Severe SUD (RRR=2.77, 95% CI=2.13-3.60), compared with mild SUD, and all levels of mental illness severity (RRR=7.27, 95% CI=5.41-9.79 for serious mental illness) were associated with a higher likelihood of receiving both SUT and MHT. Both moderate and severe SUD, but not mental illness severity, were associated with receiving SUT only. All levels of mental illness severity were also associated with a higher likelihood of receiving MHT only (RRR=7.30, 95% CI=6.17-8.64 for serious mental illness), whereas severe SUD was associated with a lower likelihood of receiving MHT only. The findings were similar in analyses restricted to users of any treatment or SUT. In sum, receipt of both SUT and MHT is concentrated among individuals with the highest clinical severity in both SUD and mental illness. These findings underscore the importance of integrating substance use and mental health services.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant wellbeing emergency that had changed the existence of millions, alongside the significant effect on psychological well-being. Government-drove general wellbeing drives, for example, social removing, can cause individuals to feel secluded and forlorn, just as increment stress and uneasiness. Individuals are additionally managing issues like changes in their day-to-day routines, some losing positions, bringing about monetary difficulty, dread of contracting crown or previously having it or being evaded by their families and neighbours for having COVID-19 when they didn't, all of which have affected many individuals' emotional wellness. We executed a review-based information assortment stage to portray what the COVID-19 pandemic has meant for the physical and emotional wellness status of people. We zeroed in on three wide regions, specifically, changes in friendly communication during home restriction, financial effect and their wellbeing status.

Abstract: This article explores the complex migration pathways undertaken by individuals who arrived in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. The findings reveal a clear distinction between formalized legal migration routes and highly dangerous irregular journeys, yet people coming through both routes experience instability and a proactive desire for a more viable future. This paper identifies three critical themes among 233 structured interviews: 1) The primacy of existential threats—where political collapse, chronic economic insecurity, and targeted violence act as root causes; 2) Systemic vulnerability and danger—demonstrated through widespread corruption, extortion, and life-threatening environments; and 3) The psychological burden—including direct trauma and a significant prevalence of community trauma. This study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the choice, logistics, and human cost involved in contemporary migration to the United States.

Abstract: This paper introduces SNAP (Structure, Narrative, Activation, Process, Next), a multi-dimensional clinical reflection tool designed to support psychotherapists in systematically attending to phenomenological, relational, and process-oriented dimensions during therapeutic work. SNAP integrates Gestalt therapy's phenomenological foundations with complex systems theory and the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework, com-prising 73 items organized across five dimensions: Structure, Narrative, Activation, Process, and Next. A preliminary validation study with 20 psychotherapists employed a retrospective pre-post design in which participants rated the utility of each SNAP item for clinical reflection before and after SNAP training. Results showed significantly higher perceived utility after training (T2: M = 6.69, SD = 0.54) compared to retrospective baseline (T1: M = 6.02, SD = 0.70), with mean increase of +0.67 points (Cohen's d = 0.29, p < 0.05 for 15/73 items). Greatest utility gains were observed in phenomenological dimensions: Next (d = 0.63), Activation (d = 0.51), Narrative (d = 0.45), and Process-Therapist (d = 0.43). Structural bio-psycho-social dimensions showed minimal gains (d = -0.02 to 0.15), sug-gesting these were already well-integrated in therapists' clinical thinking. Findings suggest SNAP enhances reflective capacity by systematically directing attention to phenomenological dimensions that are valued but inconsistently attended to. Further psychometric validation with larger samples is warranted.

Abstract: Marijuana use in the United States (U.S.) has diversified alongside expanding legalization, yet little is known about the psychosocial factors that distinguish medical from recreational use. This study examined whether psychological distress mediates the association between perceived social isolation and marijuana use type among U.S. adults. We analyzed cross-sectional, nationally representative data from the 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS, cycle 7). Marijuana use was categorized as medical (including medical and both medical/recreational) versus recreational. Perceived social isolation was measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Social Isolation t-score, and psychological distress was assessed with the Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-4. Sur-vey-weighted descriptive analyses and a structural equation mediation model accounting for the complex sampling design were conducted. Medical marijuana users reported significantly higher levels of psychological distress and perceived social isolation than recreational users. Greater social isolation was strongly associated with higher psychological distress, and higher distress was associated with a greater likelihood of medical (vs. recreational) marijuana use. The indirect effect of social isolation on marijuana use type through psychological distress was statistically significant, while the direct effect of social isolation was not significant after accounting for distress. Overall, greater perceived social isolation predicted medical marijuana use primarily through elevated psychological distress. These findings suggest that medical marijuana use among U.S. adults may reflect coping with psychological distress linked to social disconnection, under-scoring the importance of integrating mental health and social context in-to clinical and public health approaches to cannabis use.

Abstract: Introduction: It is of the utmost importance to distinguish psychiatric illness from negative emotions to avoid psychiatrization of normal emotional responses.Case description: An 82-year-old man without a history of psychiatric disease was seen in the emergency room after a suicide attempt by hanging. He was committed and medicated with 25 mg of sertraline. Fifteen days later, the patient was evaluated in a psychiatric consultation. No psychopathology was present, and he had been cheerful and functioning well since he exited the inpatient unit. Sertraline was weaned off, and he was released from the consultation. Comment: The case report addresses psychiatrization driven by top-down factors, such as the diagnostic vagueness of classification systems or the heterogeneity of psychiatric assessments. Thus, diagnosing in mental health must involve much more than following a checklist and merely considering the patient's words and responses to questioning.

Abstract: This study examines the association between Black women’s emotional responses to racial violence and their mental health outcomes, specifically clinical indicators of anxiety, depression, and hostility. Drawing on self-reported emotions from 384 participants (Mage = 37), this study uses the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist-Revised (MAACL-R) to assess emotional responses to racial violence and determine whether participants met threshold criteria for mental health risk. Sentiment analysis was applied to participant responses, and linear regression was used to evaluate associations between negative and neutral sentiment scores and clinical outcomes. Findings revealed that negative sentiment scores were significantly associated with higher depression and hostility T scores. Neutral sentiment scores were largely nonsignificant but were weakly negatively associated with anxiety. These results highlight the psychological toll of racial violence, suggesting that negative sentiment, possibly reflecting emotional burden, frustration, or suppressed distress, may be an important indicator of compromised mental health. To better support Black women’s psychological well-being, findings highlight the need for culturally responsive mental health interventions that consider how emotional expression, especially of distress, is shaped by racialized experiences and social context.

Abstract:

Anxiety and panic attacks are among the most prevalent mental health challenges today, significantly impacting individuals’ lives, emotional stability, and overall well-being. Despite the availability of effective therapeutic techniques many individuals struggle to apply these tools consistently, particularly during acute episodes. This gap reveals the need for accessible, personalized, and engaging digital interventions that support both prevention and crisis management. This article presents the design, development, and evaluation of a digital solution that leverages Virtual Reality (VR) to assist individuals in managing anxiety. To maximize user engagement, the solution incorporates gamification elements grounded in psychological principles. The prototype was evaluated through usability testing and qualitative feedback from both mental health experts and end-users. The results confirmed the high usability and therapeutic potential of the approach as participants reported increased feelings of calmness and being better able to cope with anxiety issues.

Abstract: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major public health concern with enduring psycho-logical and social impacts, yet survivor-centered tools that integrate internal motiva-tors and external resources for recovery remain limited. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Motivators and Resources for Trauma Recovery (I-MOVE) Scale, a strengths-based measure of trauma recovery among GBV survivors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 526 women with lived experi-ences of GBV, who were randomly assigned to exploratory factor analysis (EFA; n = 263) or confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; n = 263). Construct validity was further examined through convergent, discriminant, and known-groups analyses using established measures of meaning, coping, healing, trauma-related cognitions, normalization of vi-olence, barriers to help-seeking, depression, and posttraumatic stress. EFA supported a five-factor structure explaining 38% of the variance, which was confirmed by CFA with acceptable model fit. The overall scale demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.89), with acceptable reliability across subscales (α = 0.61–0.83). Convergent validity was evidenced by positive associations with meaning, coping self-efficacy, and healing, while discriminant validity was supported by weak or non-significant associations with trauma cognitions and normalization of violence. Lower I-MOVE scores among participants with probable depression or PTSD supported known-groups validity. These findings indicate that the I-MOVE scale is a valid and reliable measure of moti-vators and resources for trauma recovery among GBV survivors.

Abstract: Developing mental health apps is a complex task that requires co-design, creativity, and reconciliation between clinical and technological priorities, while facing barriers related to ethics, privacy, costs, and team limitations. This work proposes a structured framework derived from the authors’ experience in developing the webapp “Psychosocial Rehab App”, created and validated by specialists, with high usability, and led by mental health professionals. This is a critical-reflective experience report based on SQUIRE, referring to a doctoral project initiated in 2023, with partial completion in 2025 and final implementation expected in 2027. The accumulated know-how enabled the construction of the Framework for the Development of the webapp “Psychosocial Rehab App”: Actions and Recommendations, composed of: Planning, Requirements Gathering, Prototyping, Prototype, Development with Alpha Validation, Beta Validation, Implementation, and Gold Validation. Thus, this work consolidates a methodological and practical trajectory that can guide professionals and researchers in creating robust, safe, and effective clinical technologies, contributing to the advancement of digital mental health.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Caring for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often associated with elevated psychological distress and reduced life satisfaction. Mindfulness-based interventions may offer substantial benefits by enhancing emotional regulation, reducing maladaptive cognitive patterns, and strengthening mindful parenting. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined the effectiveness of an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program, enriched with mindful parenting practices, on parental mental health and parent-reported child behavior outcomes. Methods: Fifty-six parents of children with ASD were randomly assigned to an MBCT intervention group (n = 30) or a waitlist-control group (n = 26). Participants completed assessments at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and one-month follow-up (T2), including the DASS-21, PANAS, and SWLS. Parents rated the overall severity of their child’s behavior problems to explore indirect treatment effects. Results: All participants receiving MBCT (100%) completed the program successfully and reported high acceptability. At baseline, no significant differences were observed between groups. Compared to controls, the MBCT group demonstrated significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress, alongside increases in positive affect and life satisfaction at T1. These improvements were further strengthened or maintained at T2. However, the control group showed no significant changes across time. Additionally, parents in the MBCT group reported indirect improvements in their children’s behavioral adjustment at T1 and T2. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate that MBCT constitutes an effective intervention for reducing parental psychopathology and indirectly enhancing child positive behavior, emphasizing the importance of incorporating mindfulness and mindful parenting components into family-centered interventions for parents of children with ASD.

Abstract:

Background/Objectives: People living with depression often experience consistent disruptions in the experience of time, which contribute to their suffering, and are considered a diagnostic indicator. We present a scoping review on virtual reality (VR)-based interventions for depression addressing temporal processing or subjective experiences of time. The paper aims to explore the extent to which therapeutic interventions using virtual reality target the temporal dimension of patients' experiences. Methods: We conducted a scoping review, using the PRISMA 2020 standard. The literature search was extended using Research Rabbit and reference list searches. Seventeen papers were selected for final analysis. Results: Our scoping review indicates that the topic of time in VR-based therapeutic interventions for depression remains underrepresented. Of the seventeen papers reviewed, only two explicitly deal with this issue, while the rest touch upon it briefly or implicitly. The studies suggest that VR's main advantage in modifying the experience of time in depression is its potential to generate immersion and to scaffold imagination through visualization. The main limitations are methodological: most of the research is exploratory, reports short-term effects and utilizes a wide variety of empirical designs and therapeutic approaches.

Abstract: Social media addiction (SMA) and social phobia (SP) are significant adolescent mental health concerns. In Saudi Arabia, despite high social media penetration, the specific association between these two constructs remains under-researched, particularly in the Aseer region. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine this relationship, conducted from January–March 2025, recruiting 384 Saudi adolescents (aged 11–19) from schools using a multistage cluster sampling strategy. Participants completed validated self-report measures, including the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) and the Al-Menayes Social Media Addiction Scale. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe social phobia was 15.3%. A significant, moderate positive correlation emerged between SP and SMA scores (Spearman’s rho = 0.294, p &lt; .001). After adjusting for age, gender, and family income, adolescents with moderate social phobia had 2.17 times the odds of probable SMA compared to those with no social anxiety (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.17; 95% CI [1.03–4.59]; p = .043). Social phobia and social media addiction are significantly intertwined public health challenges among Saudi adolescents in the Aseer region. These findings support the urgent need for integrated mental health and digital literacy interventions that proactively screen for both conditions.