Women health and microbiota:Different aspects of well-being

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Marano et al recently published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology 2023;29(45):5945-5952.We focus on the role of gut microbiota(GM)in women’s health,highlighting the need to thoroughly comprehend the sex differences in microbiota.Together,the host and GM support the host’s health.The microbiota components consist of viruses,bacteria,fungi,and archaea.This complex is an essential part of the host and is involved in neu-rological development,metabolic control,immune system dynamics,and host dynamic homeostasis.It has been shown that differences in the GM of males and females can contribute to chronic diseases,such as gastrointestinal,metabolic,neurological,cardiovascular,and respiratory illnesses.These differences can also result in some sex-specific changes in immunity.Every day,research on GM reveals new and more expansive frontiers,offering a wealth of innovative oppor-tunities for preventive and precision medicine.

Relationship Between Individuals’Epidemic Risk Perception Within Living Space and Subjective Well-Being:Empirical Evidence from China after the First Wave of COVID-19

It is common to observe the epidemic risk perception(ERP)and a decline in subjective well-being(SWB)in the context of public health events,such as Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19).However,there have been few studies exploring the impact of individuals’ERP within living space on their SWB,especially from a geographical and daily activity perspective after the resumption of work and other activities following a wave of the pandemic.In this paper,we conducted a study with 789 participants in urban China,measuring their ERP within living space and examining its influence on their SWB using path analysis.The results indicated that individuals’ERP within their living space had a significant negative effect on their SWB.The density of certain types of facilities within their living space,such as bus stops,subway stations,restaurants,fast food shops,convenience shops,hospitals,and public toilets,had a significantly negative impact on their SWB,mediated by their ERP within living space.Additionally,participation in out-of-home work and other activities not only increased individuals’ERP within living space,but also strengthened its negative effect on their SWB.

Self-Compassion Moderates the Effect of Contingent Self-Esteem on Well-Being:Evidence from Cross-Sectional Survey and Experiment

Contingent self-esteem captures the fragile nature of self-esteem and is often regarded as suboptimal to psychological functioning.Self-compassion is another important self-related concept assumed to promote mental health and well-being.However,research on the relation of self-compassion to contingent self-esteem is lacking.Two studies were conducted to explore the role of selfcompassion,either as a personal characteristic or an induced mindset,in influencing the effects of contingent self-esteem on well-being.Study 1 recruited 256 Chinese college students(30.4%male,mean age=21.72 years)who filled out measures of contingent self-esteem,self-compassion,and well-being.The results found that self-compassion moderated the effect of contingent self-esteem on well-being.In Study 2,a sample of 90 Chinese college students(34%male,mean age=18.39 years)were randomly assigned to either a control or self-compassion group.They completed baseline trait measures of contingent self-esteem,self-compassion,and self-esteem.Then,they were led to have a 12-min break(control group)or listen to a 12-min self-compassion audio(self-compassion group),followed by a social stress task and outcome measures.The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the brief self-compassion training and its moderating role in influencing the effects of contingent self-esteem on negative affects after the social stress task.This research provides implications that to equip with a self-compassionate mindset could lower the risk of the impairment of well-being associated with elements of contingent selfesteem,which involves a fragile sense of self-worth.It may also provide insights into the development of an“optimal selfesteem”and the improvement of well-being.

Disparities in the impact of economic well-being on self-esteem in adulthood:Race and ethnicity

BACKGROUND Most studies have defined economic well-being as socioeconomic status,with little attention given to whether other indicators influence self-esteem.Little is known about racial/ethnic disparities in the relationship between economic wellbeing and self-esteem during adulthood.AIM To explore the impact of economic well-being on self-esteem in adulthood and differences in the association across race/ethnicity.METHODS The current study used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979.The final sample consisted of 2267 African Americans,1425 Hispanics,and 3678 non-Hispanic Whites.Ordinary linear regression analyses and logistic regression analyses were conducted.RESULTS African Americans and Hispanics were more likely to be in poverty in comparison with non-Hispanic Whites.More African Americans were unemployed than Whites.Those who received fringe benefits,were more satisfied with jobs,and were employed were more likely to have higher levels of self-esteem.Poverty was negatively associated with self-esteem.Interaction effects were found between African Americans and job satisfaction predicting self-esteem.CONCLUSION The role of employers is important in cultivating employees’self-esteem.Satisfactory outcomes or feelings of happiness from the workplace may be more important to non-Hispanic Whites compared to African Americans and Hispanics.

Better understanding of c-reactive protein and leukocytes in psychiatric inpatients with affective disorders:A biopsychosocial approach

BACKGROUND Affective disorders(AD)have been linked to inflammatory processes,although the underlying mechanisms of this relationship are still not fully elucidated.It is hypothesized that demographic,somatic,lifestyle,and personality variables predict inflammatory parameters in AD.AIM To identify biopsychosocial factors contributing to inflammation in AD measured with two parameters,C-reactive protein(CRP)and leukocytes.METHODS This observational study investigated 186 hospital inpatients diagnosed with AD using demographic parameters,serum inflammatory markers,somatic variables,psychological questionnaires,and lifestyle parameters.Hierarchical regression analyses were used to predict inflammatory markers from demographic,somatic,lifestyle,and personality variables.RESULTS Analyses showed that 33.8%of the variance of CRP was explained by body mass index and other somatic medication(e.g.anti-diabetics),age and education,and age of affective disorder diagnosis.For leukocytes,20.1%of the variance was explained by smoking,diet,metabolic syndrome(MetS),and anti-inflammatory medication(e.g.non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).Other psychiatric or behavioural variables did not reach significance.CONCLUSION Metabolic components seem important,with mounting evidence for a metabolic affective disorder subtype.Lifestyle modifications and psychoeducation should be employed to prevent or treat MetS in AD.

Exploring well-being disparities between urban and rural areas:A case study in the Stavropol Territory,Russia

Rural areas are crucial for a country’s sustainable economy.New strategies are needed to develop rural areas to improve the well-being of rural population and generate new job opportunities.This is especially important in countries where agricultural production accounts for a significant share of the gross product,such as Russia.In this study,we identified the key indicators of satisfaction and differences between rural and urban citizens based on their social,economic,and environmental backgrounds,and determined whether there are well-being disparities between rural and urban areas in the Stavropol Territory,Russia.We collected primary data through a survey based on the European Social Survey framework to investigate the potential differences between rural and urban areas.By computing the regional well-being index using principal component analysis,we found that there was no statistically significant difference in well-being between rural and urban areas.Results of key indicators showed that rural residents felt psychologically more comfortable and safer,assessed their family relationships better,and adhered more to traditions and customs.However,urban residents showed better economic and social conditions(e.g.,infrastructures,medical care,education,and Internet access).The results of this study imply that we can better understand the local needs,advantages,and unique qualities,thereby gaining insight into the effectiveness of government programs.Policy-makers and local authorities can consider targeted interventions based on the findings of this study and strive to enhance the well-being of both urban and rural residents.

Researching the Impact of the Quality of Village Governance on Farmers’Well-Being:From the Perspectives of Income and Occupational Differentiation

The goal of village governance is to improve the well-being of farmers,so this study aims to measure the impact the quality of village governance on the well-being of farmers.It also examines the heterogeneity of this impact across different farmer groups from the perspectives of income levels and occupational differentiation.To this end,this study developed an indicator system based on survey data collected from 1,442 farmers in the Sichuan,Shaanxi,and Gansu provinces,as well as the Ningxia Hui autonomous region.Multiple linear regression models were then used to analyze this data,and the findings revealed that improvements in the quality of village governance significantly increased the well-being of farmers.Specifically,primary-level empowerment and capacity building were shown to contribute the most to the enhancement of the farmers’well-being,followed by social inclusion,and social cohesion was found to have only a minimal effect.In terms of income levels,improving the quality of village governance benefited middle-income farmers the most,followed by low-income farmers,and it had the least effect on high-income farmers.In terms of occupations,full-time farmers gained the most from improvements in the quality of village governance,followed by off-farm farmers,with part-time farmers benefiting the least.Based on these findings,this study suggests that policymakers should improve the quality of village governance to enhance the well-being of farmers,focusing on the impact that level of income and occupational differentiation have on village governance.

Association between Mental Health Literacy and Workplace Well-Being of Chinese Grassroots Civil Servants:The Chain Mediating Effects of Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy and Resilience

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mental health literacy(MHL)and workplace well-being(WWB)of Chinese grassroots civil servants,with regulatory emotional self-efficacy(RESE)and resilience as mediating variables.A questionnaire survey was conducted among Chinese grassroots civil servants,with a valid sample size of 2673 after excluding missing values and conducting relevant data processing.The PROCESS was used to examine the relationship between MHL,RESE,resilience,and WWB.The study found that MHL among grassroots civil servants was positively and significantly correlated with WWB(r=0.73,p<0.01).RESE partially mediated the relationship between MHL and WWB(β=0.25,95%CI[0.22,0.28]).Resilience partially mediated the relationship between MHL and WWB(β=0.22,95%CI[0.19,0.26]).MHL had a positive effect on WWB through the chain mediating effect of RESE and resilience(β=0.05,95%CI[0.03,0.07]).There is a close relationship between MHL and WWB,where Chinese grassroots civil servants with higher levels of MHL can develop stronger RESE and resilience,leading to higher WWB.The results of this study remind organizational institutions of Chinese grassroots civil servants that enhancing MHL,RESE,and resilience is an important pathway to promoting their WWB.

A Review of Western and Eastern Traditional Views of Well-Being

This paper reviews traditional understanding of well-being from both Western and Eastern cultural perspectives. First, two distinct Western traditions in defining well-being are compared, namely hedonic and eudaemonic approaches. The hedonic approach defines happiness as the maximization of pleasure, while the eudaemonic approach regards happiness as the fulfillment of a person’s natural needs and overall flourishing. Second, the views of well-being in lens of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism in the East are reviewed. The common and different understandings of well-being between Western and Eastern traditions are discussed as followed. Finally, two well-known operationalized definitions of well-being, that is subjective well-being and psychological well-being, proposed in the roots of Western traditions are elucidated.

Analysis of the Current Situation and Influencing Factors of Psychological Well-Being of Elderly People in the Community

Objective:To investigate the current psychological well-being of older people in the community and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:A total of 265 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and above in Baoding City,Hebei Province,were selected through convenience sampling from November 2023 to March 2024.They were surveyed using a general information questionnaire and a comprehensive well-being questionnaire,with results analyzed statistically using SPSS 27.0.Results:Six dimensions of the psychological well-being scale for community older adults were identified:life vitality(P50=4.83),health concern(P50=4.6),self-worth(P50=5.6),friendly relationships(P50=5.33),altruistic behavior(P50=5.2),personality growth(P50=4.67),and comprehensive well-being(P50=161).Multivariate regression analysis showed that social isolation(β=-0.021,P<0.001),type of work(β=-0.142,P<0.001),chronic disease history(β=0.004,P<0.001),need for mobility aid(β=0.192,P<0.001),and monthly income(β=0.381,P<0.001)were factors influencing psychological well-being.Conclusion:The psychological well-being of the elderly is slightly above moderate and requires improvement.Enhancing factors such as reducing social isolation,addressing chronic disease history,and improving financial support could improve psychological well-being in older adults.

The Relationship Between Social Isolation and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults in the Community

Objective:To investigate the psychological well-being of the elderly in Baoding City,Hebei Province,and analyze its influencing factors,with a focus on exploring the relationship between social isolation and psychological well-being.This study aims to provide a reference for effective interventions that promote the physical and mental health of elderly individuals in the community.Methods:A total of 265 elderly individuals from six communities in Baoding City,Hebei Province were surveyed between November 2023 and March 2024 using the general information questionnaire,the Social Isolation Scale for the Elderly,and the Comprehensive Happiness Questionnaire.Results:The total score of the Social Isolation Scale for the elderly in the community was(14.15±3.73)points,indicating a moderate level of social isolation.The average score of P50 on the Psychological Well-being Scale was 4.88,suggesting that the psychological well-being of the elderly in the community was moderate to high.Multivariate regression analysis showed that the level of social isolation significantly influenced the psychological well-being of the elderly(P<0.05),with social isolation negatively correlated with psychological well-being.Conclusion:Healthcare professionals should pay attention to the social isolation of elderly individuals in the community and develop targeted interventions to improve their psychological well-being and quality of life.

Teacher Efficacy and Affective Well-Being in Hong Kong:An Examination of Their Relationships and Individual Differences

Purpose-The aim of this study is to explore the relationships between dimensions of teacher efficacy and affective well-being while focusing on the roles of demographic characteristics(gender,grade level,educational background,and seniority).Design/Approach/Methods-1,115 primary and 541 secondary school teachers in Hong Kong participated in the questionnaire survey.A series of t-tests,ANOVA,correlation analysis,and hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted.Findings-The younger teachers reported lower scores for well-being and efficacy than their senior counterparts,and the female and primary school teachers reported significantly higher levels of teacher efficacy for student engagement than their respective counterparts.Of the dimensions of affective well-being,pleasant affect was more closely related to teacher efficacy than negative affect,and the activated pleasant dimension of enthusiasm had the strongest influence.Of the three dimensions of teacher efficacy,efficacy for student engagement was most strongly associated with affective well-being.Originality/Value-The study revealed that teachers’affective well-being is not only important in itself,but also contributes to classroom teaching.The enthusiasm and passion possessed and maintained by teachers could play important roles in enhancing their self-efficacy.Furthermore,maintaining a good affective well-being status and even a modest level of anxiety contributes to their efficacy for student engagement,a dimension on which teachers reported the least confidence.Suggestions were put forward on how to improve teacher efficacy and well-being.

The Relationship between Mental Health Literacy and Subjective Well-Being of Young and Middle-Aged Residents: Perceived the Mediating Role of Social Support and Its Urban-Rural Differences

This study investigates mental health literacy among young and middle-aged urban and rural residents and the differences in mental health literacy,perceived social support and subjective well-being.From January to February 2022,620 participants(320 rural and 300 urban residents)from three provinces of China were selected by con-venience sampling.A general data questionnaire,mental health literacy scale,perceived social support scale and subjective well-being scale were administered.The mental health literacy scores of urban residents were 3.34±0.57 and those of rural residents were 2.73±0.79.The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the mental health literacy scores of rural residents were more significant than those of urban residents in terms of sex and age,while urban residents’mental health literacy scores were more significant than those of rural resi-dents in terms of monthly income.Mental health literacy,perceived social support and subjective well-being of young and middle-aged urban and rural residents were all positively correlated(P<0.01).While the level of mental health literacy is better among urban residents than rural residents,perceived social support plays a partial mediating role between mental health literacy and subjective well-being of both urban and rural residents,and should be the focus of researchers seeking to improve the level of well-being of residents.

The Mediating Role of Religious Beliefs in the Relationship between Well-Being and Fear of the Pandemic

Religion is one of the social entities that has had a significant impact on the pandemic.The study’s goals are to investigate the relationship between well-being and fear of COVID-19,as well as to test whether religious beliefs mediate the effect of wellbeing on fear of COVID-19.The sample comprised of 433 participants in Vietnam.Independent Sample t-Test,One-way ANOVA,mediation analysis were used to analyze the data.In the levels of well-being,individuals who engage in religious services daily have higher levels than those hardly and never attend,and people from the age of 18 to 30 have higher levels than individuals from 31 to above 60 years.In addition,people aged from 51 to above 60 have higher levels of religious beliefs than people aged from 18 to 50.Females experience more fear of COVID-19 compared to males.The latter illustrates that religious beliefs mediate the effect of well-being on fear of COVID-19.Social workers and clinicians must prioritize older adults and people with chronic diseases for early mental interventions,and they should be aware of the role of religion in psychological treatment integration.

Children and Workers Well-Being in Belgian French-Speaking Primary Schools during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of measures were taken worldwide to limit the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and in many ways, changed human life. All these measures had harmful consequences and impacted the well-being of many people. Children were one of the most vulnerable groups. We conducted the present study to assess children’s and staff’s well-being in French-speaking primary schools in Belgium during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A 37-question questionnaire for each child based on the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS), and a 14-question questionnaire for each staff based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale was undertaken in order to assess the well-being. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to assess the relationship between RCMAS or HAD and other explanatory variables. Staff reported their perception of their current life and their future life in 5 years on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: A total of 231 children and 221 staff in 11 primary schools answered the well-being questionnaire between January and May 2021. 53% (122/231) of children had symptoms of anxiety. Girls reported more anxiety symptoms than boys (≥10: 59%;Adj OR = 2.25;95% CI [1.28;4.03]). 52% (120/231) of children had a definite state of social desirability. According to age, the youngest (6 - 7 years) children were more likely to have social desirability (≥5: 71%;Adj OR = 3.44;95% CI [1.53;8.09]) compared to the oldest (10 - 12 years). Children who did not practice outdoor/street activities were more likely to have social desirability (≥5: 60%;Adj OR = 2.59;95% CI [1.38;4.99]). In schools with a higher local incidence of SARS-CoV-2, children were more likely to have social desirability (≥5: 64%;Adj OR = 2.15;95% CI [1.13;4.17]). In schools with a lower socioeconomic status, children were more likely to have social desirability (≥5: 72%;Adj OR = 2.74;95% CI [1.23;6.37]). Higher RCMAS anxiety (r = −0.18;p −0.23;p −0.20;p Conclusion: Our results showed that the well-being of children was impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Special attention must be focused on the most vulnerable groups, as the consequences can be catastrophic in the long term.

Exploring the Impact of Crisis and Trauma on the Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being of University Students in Northern Haiti

In recent decades,Haiti has been subject to man-made and natural disasters that have left its citizens vulnerable to a range of shocks.With a weak state unable to protect its populace,Haitians are exposed to some of the highest levels of poverty and violence in the Western Hemisphere.In recent years,Haitians have experienced two crises that this study analyzes:the instability and political violence of“peyi lòk”as well as the global pandemic of COVID-19.This community-based assessment explores the impact of these two crises on the mental health and psychological well-being of 38 Haitian university students in the understudied northern part of the country.Results indicate that both crises had similarities related to their psychological effects on young people,most notably in terms of traumatic experiences related to threats or violence,forced confinement,and large increases in population-wide uncertainty.Additionally,the extreme violence of“peyi lòk”and the widespread unpredictability of COVID-19 and its effects in the early days of the pandemic resulted in high levels of stress and fear.Both crises also resulted in extreme economic hardship for students,with many reporting difficulties accessing basic needs such as food and water.This study highlights how converging population-level crises in“complex emergencies”can heighten trauma and compromise mental health.

Validation of the Chinese Version of the Affective Exercise Experiences Questionnaire (AFFEXX-C)

Despite the well-established benefits of regular physical activity(PA)on health,a large proportion of the world population does not achieve the recommended level of regular PA.Although affective experiences toward PA may play a key role to foster a sustained engagement in PA,they have been largely overlooked and crudely measured in the existing studies.To address this shortcoming,the Affective Exercise Experiences(AFFEXX)questionnaire has been developed to measure such experiences.Specifically,this questionnaire was developped to assess the following three domains:antecedent appraisals(e.g.,liking vs.disliking exercise in groups),core affective exercise experiences(i.e.,pleasure vs.displeasure,energy vs.tiredness,and calmness vs.tension),and exercise motivation(i.e.,attraction vs.antipathy toward exercise).The current study aimed to validate a Chinese version of the AFFEXX questionnaire(AFFEXX-C).In study 1,722 Chinese college students provided data for analyses of factorial,convergent,discriminant,criterion validity,and test-retest reliability of the AFFEXX-C.In addition,1,300 college students were recruited in study 2 to further validate its structural model.Results showed that the AFFEXX-C demonstrates a goodfit and reliability.Additionally,results further supported the hypothesized model based on previous research:antecedent appraisals predicted core affective exercise experiences,which in turn predicted attraction-antipathy toward physical exercise.The AFFEXX-C was found to be a reliable and valid measure of affective exercise experiences in a population of Chinese college students.

A Bifactor Analysis Approach to Construct Validity and Reliability of the Affective Exercise Experience Questionnaire among Chinese College Students

Affective exercise experience as an emerging theoretical concept has great potential to provide a more nuanced understanding of individual factors that influence exercise behavior.However,concerning the Affective Exercise Experiences(AFFEXX)questionnaire,it has not been examined yet whether the structural score of the AFFEXX is a useful index to predict physical activity(refers to any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure).Furthermore,there is currently a gap in knowledge regarding the psychological mechanisms that can explain the relationship between affective exercise experiences and the level of physical activity(PA).In order to adress these gaps in the literature,we conducted two studies among Chinese collge students that aimed(i)to investigated whether the total score of the three AFFEXX-C constructs(antecedent appraisals,core affective exercise experiences,and attraction-antipathy towards exercise)is a relaible indicator that can be utilized in research and pratical settings and(ii)to evalute the specific psychological mechanisms that can explain the relationship between affective exercise experience and PA.In Study 1,we recruited 801 voluntary Chinese college students for bifactor and correlational analyses.In Study 2,875 Chinese college students were enrolled to verify our findings from Study 1 and to explore the aforementioned mechanism.Results from the bifactor analyses supported our hypothesis that the total scores of the three AFFEXX-C constructs can be used among Chinese college students to establish a link with PA.Additionally,our results suggested that core affective exercise experiences and attraction-antipathy mediated the relationship between antecedent appraisals and the level of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA.Therefore,measuring affective exercise experiences using the AFFEXX-C,specifically the total scores of each individual construct may be a useful approach to predict future PA levels.

A Study of Hie and LBP: The First Step to Improve Subjective Well-Being

Backgrounds: Health does not only physical health, therefore, we need to study it from various viewpoints. Many Japanese female complain of a Hie or a low back pain (LBP), which they reduce their subjective well-being. We analyze. Those patients often have acupuncture therapy. In this study, we analyze the characteristics of Hie and LBP, the satisfaction level of alternative therapy and we pursue a tip to improve subjective well-being. Methods: Of 1000 women, Hie (+)/Hie (−) or LBP (+)/LBP (−), we compared their body temperature (BT) (axilla) and body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, the Chi test identified ten factors of “body” and seven “mind” information. Results: In the result of BT (axilla) while LBP indicated a significant difference. Both Hie and LBP showed difference in the opposite direction. Hie did now show such clear differences in “body” information. However, interestingly, all seven questions in the “mind” information showed statistical difference. Discussion and conclusion: One reason why those patients have acupuncture therapy may acupuncture therapy traditionally has not separate “mind” and “body” and it has the concept of “mind-body unity”. To improve subjective well-being, first we need to focus on “Mind” as well as “mind-body unity”. Mental-health support is important for patients with Hie or LBP to reduce physiological stress.

Is there regional convergence between Morocco and its OECD partner countries in terms of well-being?

Morocco wants its 12 regions to play the role as the main lever of its public policies to initiate harmonized spatial multidimensional development. In the context of this goal and Morocco’s openness over the past two decades to bilateral and multilateral cooperation in an effort toward regional integration, this article studies the convergence of 389 regions in 36 countries(Morocco and 35 of its partner member countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD)) between 2000 and 2019 in terms of well-being. To this end, we considered the territorial dimension of β-convergence models for well-being and its four domains(economic, social, environmental, and governance). Then, we adapted the absolute β-convergence model by taking into account the existence of spatial heterogeneity according to five specifications of spatial models. Thus, apart from environmental domain, we found that β-convergence of regions is significant for well-being and three of its domains(economic, social, and governance). These convergences are made by a spatially autocorrelated error model(SEM). However, the speed and period of convergence are relatively low for social domain, partly explaining the very exacerbated tensions at the territorial level. The fastest convergence was achieved in governance domain, followed by economic domain. This suggests that emerging countries must pay particular attention to national public action in favor of social cohesion at the territorial level. The lack of convergence in environmental domain calls for common actions for all countries at the supranational level to protect the commons at the territorial level.