Use of cognitive-behavioral career coaching to reduce work anxiety and depression in public employees

BACKGROUND Public employees worldwide are increasingly concerned about work anxiety and depression.Cognitive-behavioral career coaching has emerged as a promising strategy for addressing these mental health disorders,which can negatively impact on a person's overall well-being and performance.AIM To examine whether cognitive-behavioral career coaching reduces work anxiety and depression among Nigerian public employees.METHODS A total of 120 public employees(n=60)suffering from severe anxiety and depression were randomly assigned to the treatment or control groups in this study.Cognitive behavioral coaching was provided twice a week to those in the treatment group,whereas no treatment was given to those in the control group.As part of the study,the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scales and Beck Depression Inventory were used to collect data.RESULTS Analysis of covariance of the data from participants indicates a significant effect of cognitive-behavioral career coaching on work anxiety and depression.CONCLUSION Insights into the underlying mechanisms by which cognitive behavior career coaching exerts its effects have been gained from this study.Also,the study has gathered valuable data that can inform future practice and guide the development of strategies for supporting mental health at work.

Examination of emotional distress,depression,and anxiety in neurodiverse students:A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Neurodiverse students frequently encounter distinct challenges that can adversely affect their mental well-being.This research aimed to investigate emotional distress,depression,and anxiety among neurodiverse students,examine the interrelationships among these factors,and assess the impact of participant characteristics.AIM To address the problem of lack of data pointed out in the neurodiversity research in Nigeria,this study aims to examine the emotional distress,depression,and anxiety in neurodiverse students.METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 200 neurodiverse students in Nigeria.Participants filled out self-report questionnaires that measured emotional distress(Brief Emotional Distress Scale for Youth),depression(Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised),and anxiety(State-Trait Anxiety Inventory).The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics,correlation analyses,Bayesian Mann-Whitney U tests,two-way ANOVAs,and Kruskal-Wallis tests.RESULTS Anxiety was found to have the highest prevalence(mean=68.8),followed by depression(mean=34.2)and emotional distress(mean=26.3).Significant positive correlations were identified among all three mental health factors,with the strongest correlation observed between depression and anxiety(rho=0.492,P<0.001).Moderate evidence indicated gender differences in emotional distress(BF10=2.448).The interaction between educational environment and diagnosis had a significant effect on emotional distress(F=3.106,P=0.017).Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated significant variations in anxiety levels across different educational settings(P=0.002),although post-hoc comparisons did not reveal significant differences among specific settings.CONCLUSION This research emphasizes the prevalence of mental health challenges among neurodiverse students,particularly concerning anxiety.The intricate relationships among emotional distress,depression,and anxiety highlight the necessity for thorough mental health support.The impact of educational settings and diagnoses on mental health outcomes stresses the importance of customized interventions.These findings are significant for educators,mental health professionals,and policymakers in formulating targeted support strategies for neurodiverse students.