Need for education of psychiatric evaluation of offenders with mental disorders:A questionnaire survey for Japanese designated psychiatrists

BACKGROUND The management of offenders with mental disorders has been a significant concern in forensic psychiatry.In Japan,the introduction of the Medical Treatment and Supervision Act in 2005 addressed the issue.However,numerous psychiatric patients at risk of violence still find themselves subject to the administrative involuntary hospitalization(AIH)scheme,which lacks clarity and updated standards.AIM To explore current as well as optimized learning strategies for risk assessment in AIH decision making.METHODS We conducted a questionnaire survey among designated psychiatrists to explore their experiences and expectations regarding training methods for psychiatric assessments of offenders with mental disorders.RESULTS The findings of this study’s survey suggest a prevalent reliance on traditional learning approaches such as oral education and on-the-job training.CONCLUSION This underscores the pressing need for structured training protocols in AIH consultations.Moreover,feedback derived from inpatient treatment experiences is identified as a crucial element for enhancing risk assessment skills.

Perceptions of Nurses at Ndola Teaching Hospital towards Sexual Health Needs of People with Mental Health Problems

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is among the fundamental packages of health care, which all clients seeking health care should receive. However, it is unclear how healthcare providers, in particular, nurses perceive the issue of people with mental problems having sexual health needs. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of nurses at Ndola Teaching Hospital towards sexual health needs of people with mental health problems. A general descriptive qualitative study design was utilized and data were collected using three focus group discussions (FGDs) that were recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Purposive sampling was used to select 21 nurses who participated in the study. Nine were male, while 12 were female. Each FGD comprised seven participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, and six major themes: 1) physiological interplay among different body systems, 2) disease process and effects of psychotropic, 3) participant differences in age, gender, educational level, and cultural backgrounds, 4) staff shortages in mental health units, 5) deficient record keeping, and 6) Social stereotypes and labelling theories emerged. Despite acknowledging the existence of sexual activity among people with mental health problems;participants had both positive and negative perceptions. It is, therefore, recommended that interventions aimed at strengthening implementation of SRH guidelines among nurses caring for people with mental health problems should be put in place.

Clinical Analysis and Mental Health Survey of Hemophilia Carriers:a Cross-sectional Study

Objective:Hemophilia carriers(HCs),who are heterozygous for mutations in the clotting factor VIII/clotting factor IX gene(F8 or F9),may have a wide range of clotting factor levels,from very low,similar to afflicted males,to the upper limit of normal,and may experience mental health issues.The purpose of this study was to provide genetic information on mothers of hemophilia patients and to understand the clotting factor activity and phenotype of HCs.Additionally,we aimed to investigate the mental health status of HCs in China.Methods:A total of 127 hemophilia mothers,including 93 hemophilia A(HA)mothers and 34 hemophilia B(HB)mothers,were enrolled in this study.Long distance PCR,multiplex PCR,and Sanger sequencing were used to analyze mutations in F8 or F9.Coagulation factor activity was detected by a one-stage clotting assay.The Symptom Checklist 90(SCL-90,China/Mandarin version)was given to HCs at the same time to assess their mental health.Results:A total of 90.6%of hemophilia mothers were diagnosed genetically as carriers,with inversion in intron 22 and missense mutations being the most common mutation types in HA and HB carriers,respectively.The median clotting factor level in carriers was 0.74 IU/mL(ranging from 0.09 to 1.74 IU/mL)compared with 1.49 IU/mL(ranging from 0.93 to 1.89 IU/mL)in noncarriers,of which 14.3%of HCs had clotting factor levels of 0.40 IU/mL or below.A total of 53.8%(7/13)of HA carriers with low clotting factor levels(less than 0.50 IU/mL)had a history of bleeding,while none of the HB carriers displayed a bleeding phenotype.The total mean score and the global severity index of the SCL-90 for surveyed HCs were 171.00(±60.37)and 1.78(±0.59),respectively.A total of 67.7%of the respondents had psychological symptoms,with obsessive-compulsive disorder being the most prevalent and severe.The pooled estimates of all nine factors were significantly higher than those in the general population(P<0.05).Conclusions:The detection rate of gene mutations in hemophilia mothers was 90.6%,with a median clotting factor level of 0.74 IU/mL,and 14.3%of HCs had a clotting factor level of 0.40 IU/mL or below.A history of bleeding was present in 41.2%of HCs with low clotting factor levels(less than 0.50 IU/mL).Additionally,given the fragile mental health status of HCs in China,it is critical to develop efficient strategies to improve psychological well-being.

Evaluation of dry eye disease symptomatology and mental health status among patients with different COVID-19 statuses

AIM:To evaluate dry eye disease(DED)symptomatology and mental health status in different COVID-19 patients.METHODS:A cross-sectional observational design was used.Totally 123 eligible adults(46.34%of men,age range,18-59y)with COVID-19 included in the study from August to November,2022.Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI),Five-item Dry Eye Questionnaire(DEQ-5),Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS),and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)were used in this study.RESULTS:OSDI scores were 6.82(1.25,15.91)in asymptomatic carriers,7.35(2.50,18.38)in mild cases,and 16.67(4.43,28.04)in recurrent cases,with 30.00%,35.56%,and 57.89%,respectively evaluated as having DED symptoms(χ2=7.049,P=0.029).DEQ-5 score varied from 2.00(0,6.00)in asymptomatic carriers,3.00(0,8.00)in mild cases,and 8.00(5.00,10.00)in recurrent cases,with 27.50%,33.33%,and 55.26%,respectively assessed as having DED symptoms(χ2=8.532,P=0.014).The prevalence of clinical anxiety(50.00%)and depression(47.37%)symptoms were also significantly higher in patients with recurrent infection(χ2=24.541,P<0.001;χ2=30.871,P<0.001).Recurrent infection was a risk factor for high OSDI scores[odds ratio,2.562;95%confidence interval(CI),1.631-7.979;P=0.033]and DEQ-5 scores(odds ratio,3.353;95%CI,1.038-8.834;P=0.043),whereas having a fixed occupation was a protective factor for OSDI scores(odds ratio,0.088;95%CI,0.022-0.360;P=0.001)and DEQ-5 scores(odds ratio,0.126;95%CI,0.039-0.405;P=0.001).CONCLUSION:Patients with recurrent COVID-19 have more severe symptoms of DED,anxiety,and depression.

Causal relationship between circulating vitamin C and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and common mental disorders-a Mendelian randomization study

Mental disorders seriously affect people’s health and social stability.This Mendelian randomization(MR)study was designed to investigate the causal relationship between circulating vitamin C(VC)or 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)D)levels and mental disorders.The data used for the MR analysis were derived from the summary genome-wide association studies(GWAS)database for VC and 25(OH)D and from the Finn Gen consortium for fourteen mental disorders.Based on the inverse variance weighted(IVW)method,we found a potential causal association between circulating VC and anxiety disorders(IVW:OR=1.139,95%CI:1.023-1.269,P=0.018).However,no causal association was found between VC or 25(OH)D and other mental disorders(P>0.05).In the reverse MR analysis,individuals with Alzheimer’s disease was causally associated with higher concentrations of circulating VC(P=0.012),while individuals with anxiety disorders had a negative association between the concentrations of 25(OH)D(P=0.012).However,the current evidence does not support a causal relationship between VC or 25(OH)D and other mental disorders.In addition,there was no causal association between circulating VC and 25(OH)D(P>0.05).Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the mechanisms of potential causality.

Mindfulness training in medical education as a means to improve resilience,empathy,and mental health in the medical profession

The high rates of depression,burnout,and increased risk of suicide among medical students,residents,and physicians in comparison with other careers signal a mental health crisis within our profession.We contend that this crisis coupled with the inadequate acquisition of interpersonal skills during medical education results from the interaction between a challenging environment and the mental capital of individuals.Additionally,we posit that mindfulness-based practices are instrumental for the development of major components of mental capital,such as resilience,flexibility of mind,and learning skills,while also serving as a pathway to enhance empathy,compassion,self-awareness,conflict resolution,and relational abilities.Importantly,the evidence base supporting the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions has been increasing over the years,and a growing number of medical schools have already integrated mindfulness into their curricula.While we acknowledge that mindfulness is not a panacea for all educational and mental health problems in this field,we argue that there is currently an unprecedented opportunity to gather momentum,spread and study mindfulness-based programs in medical schools around the world as a way to address some longstanding shortcomings of the medical profession and the health and educational systems upon which it is rooted.

Mental health in the virtual world:Challenges and opportunities in the metaverse era

Current rates of mental illness are worrisome.Mental illness mainly affects females and younger age groups.The use of the internet to deliver mental health care has been growing since 2020 and includes the implementation of novel mental health treatments using virtual reality,augmented reality,and artificial intelligence.A new three dimensional digital environment,known as the metaverse,has emerged as the next version of the Internet.Artificial intelligence,augmented reality,and virtual reality will create fully immersive,experiential,and interactive online environments in the metaverse.People will use a unique avatar to do anything they do in their“real”lives,including seeking and receiving mental health care.In this opinion review,we reflect on how the metaverse could reshape how we deliver mental health treatment,its opportunities,and its challenges.

Can Physical Activities Suppress Negative Impact of Stress on the Mental Health of Adolescents?

Early adolescence is a crucial developmental phase marked by significant physical,cognitive,and socioemotional changes.While stress is widely recognized as a notable risk factor during this period,not all individuals experiencing stress concurrently manifest compromised mental health.The association between stress and mental health outcomes is influenced by individual differences in characteristics and coping strategies.This study’s purpose was to assess the negative impact of stress on mental health,specifically focusing on symptoms of anxiety,depression,and psychological distress.Additionally,the research investigates whether different levels of physical activity can suppress the negative effects of stress.A total of 212 upper elementary school students(52.8%girls and 47.2%boys)from rural and urban areas voluntarily participated in the research.Participants online self-assessed on several measures:The Young Person’s CORE,Children’s Anxiety Scale,Children’s Depression Inventory,School Stress Intensity Scale for Students,and Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children.The results revealed a significant increase in adolescents experiencing impaired mental health.More than two-thirds(67.5%)of students self-assessed significant symptoms of depression,additionally,57.5%of them had significant symptoms of psychological distress,and 27.8%had significant symptoms of anxiety.Stress demonstrated a significant direct negative effect,leading to increased symptoms of anxiety(t=5.35,p=0.00)and psychological distress(t=4.29,p=0.00);however,there was no significant influence on depression(t=1.33,p=0.18)).Regarding regular physical activity,a significant moderating effect was identified,effectively suppressing the negative impact of stress on anxiety(F=3.88(2,206);p=0.02).In contrast,no significant moderation effect of physical activity was found for symptoms of depression(F=1.45(2,206);p=0.24)and psychological distress(F=1.14(2,206);p=0.32),highlighting a complex and intricate association between physical activity and various mental health outcomes.In conclusion,the practical implications of this study emphasize the importance of creating environments that reduce stressors for adolescents and promote regular physical activity as a means of fostering positive mental health outcomes.

Using ChatGPT to promote college students’participation in physical activities and its effect on mental health

As one of the most famous large language models,ChatGPT has great potential for application in physical education.It can provide personalized exercise plans,a variety of exercise options,and interactive support.The integration of ChatGPT into the teaching process can promote college students’participation in physical activities and improve their mental health while expanding the traditional teaching environment and promoting the reform of traditional teaching methods.However,the application of ChatGPT faces challenges and obstacles in physical education.To make full use of ChatGPT in physical education,it can be combined with wearable devices and sports equipment to enhance the efficiency of interactions with users.Relevant policies are urgently needed to avoid the improper use of users’data.

Shifting the Paradigm:A Fresh Look at Physical Activity Frequency and Its Impact on Mental Health,Life Satisfaction,and Self-Rated Health in Adolescents

As adolescent mental health problems are becoming a more serious issue globally,this paper explores the relationship of physical activity in adolescents and its frequency on mental health as well as examines the mediating effects of life satisfaction and self-rated health in order to provide a reference for the promotion of mental health in adolescents.A sample of 3578 Chinese high school students completed questionnaires assessing their mental health,physical activity frequency,life satisfaction,and self-rated health.The mean SCL-90 value for adolescents was found to be 1.629%,and 24.73%of adolescents had varying degrees of mental health issue.Increased physical activity frequency is positively associated with improved mental health(p<0.001).Additionally,life satisfaction and self-rated health were found to play significant mediating roles in the relationship between physical activity frequency and mental health.Specifically,low-frequency physical activity had the most pronounced mediating effect on mental health through life satisfaction,while high-frequency physical activity exerted the most significant mediating effect on mental health through self-rated health.These findings underscore the importance of promoting physical activity among adolescents and highlight the distinct pathways through which physical activity frequency can influence mental health outcomes.Further research is needed to explore these relationships in diverse populations and settings,as well as to develop targeted intervention.

Postpartum quality of life and mental health in women with heart disease:Integrated clinical communication and treatment

BACKGROUND Postpartum quality of life(QoL)in women with heart disease has been neglected.AIM To improve clinical communication and treatment,we integrated medical data and subjective characteristics to study postpartum QoL concerns.METHODS The study assessed QoL 6 wk after birth using the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey.The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale,Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire,European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale,and a self-designed questionnaire based on earlier research were also used to assess patient characteristics.Patient data were collected.Prediction models were created using multiple linear regression.RESULTS This retrospective study examined postpartum QoL in 105 cardiac patients.Postpartum QoL scores were lower(90.69±13.82)than those of women without heart disease,with physical component scores(41.09±9.91)lower than mental component scores(49.60±14.87).Postpartum depression(33.3%),moderate anxiety(37.14%),pregnancy concerns(57.14%),offspring heart problems(57.14%),and life expectancy worries(48.6%)were all prevalent.No previous cardiac surgery,multiparity,higher sadness and cardiac anxiety,and fear of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes were strongly related to lower QoL(R^(2)=0.525).CONCLUSION Postpartum QoL is linked to physical and mental health in women with heart disease.Our study emphasizes the need for healthcare workers to recognize the unique characteristics of these women while developing and implementing comprehensive management approaches during their maternity care.

Whole-process case management effects on mental state and selfcare ability in patients with liver cancer

BACKGROUND Regarding the incidence of malignant tumors in China,the incidence of liver cancer ranks fourth,second only to lung,gastric,and esophageal cancers.The case fatality rate ranks third after lung and cervical cancer.In a previous study,the whole-process management model was applied to patients with breast cancer,which effectively reduced their negative emotions and improved treatment adherence and nursing satisfaction.METHODS In this single-center,randomized,controlled study,60 randomly selected patients with liver cancer who had been admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were randomly divided into an observation group(n=30),who received whole-process case management on the basis of routine nursing mea-sures,and a control group(n=30),who were given routine nursing measures.We compared differences between the two groups in terms of anxiety,depression,the level of hope,self-care ability,symptom distress,sleep quality,and quality of life.RESULTS Post-intervention,Hamilton anxiety scale,Hamilton depression scale,memory symptom assessment scale,and Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores in both groups were lower than those pre-intervention,and the observation group had lower scores than the control group(P<0.05).Herth hope index,self-care ability assessment scale-revision in Chinese,and quality of life measurement scale for patients with liver cancer scores in both groups were higher than those pre-intervention,with higher scores in the observation group compared with the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Whole-process case management can effectively reduce anxiety and depression in patients with liver cancer,alleviate symptoms and problems,and improve the level of hope,self-care ability,sleep quality,and quality of life,as well as provide feasible nursing alternatives for patients with liver cancer.

Climate change,ambient air pollution,and students'mental health

The impact of global climate change and air pollution on mental health has become a crucial public health issue.Increased public awareness of health,advancements in medical diagnosis and treatment,the way media outlets report environmental changes and the variation in social resources affect psychological responses and adaptation methods to climate change and air pollution.In the context of climate change,extreme weather events seriously disrupt people's living environments,and unstable educational environments lead to an increase in mental health issues for students.Air pollution affects students'mental health by increasing the incidence of diseases while decreasing contact with nature,leading to problems such as anxiety,depression,and decreased cognitive function.We call for joint efforts to reduce pollutant emissions at the source,improve energy structures,strengthen environmental monitoring and governance,increase attention to the mental health issues of students,and help student groups build resilience;by establishing public policies,enhancing social support and adjusting lifestyles and habits,we can help students cope with the constantly changing environment and maintain a good level of mental health.Through these comprehensive measures,we can more effectively address the challenges of global climate change and air pollution and promote the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Mental health and insomnia problems in healthcare workers after the COVID-19 pandemic:A multicenter cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Healthcare workers(HCWs)are at increased risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)as well as worsening mental health problems and insomnia.These problems can persist for a long period,even after the pandemic.However,less is known about this topic.AIM To analyze mental health,insomnia problems,and their influencing factors in HCWs after the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS This multicenter cross-sectional,hospital-based study was conducted from June 1,2023 to June 30,2023,which was a half-year after the end of the COVID-19 emergency.Region-stratified population-based cluster sampling was applied at the provincial level for Chinese HCWs.Symptoms such as anxiety,depression,and insomnia were evaluated by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7,Patient Health Questionnaire-9,and Insomnia Severity Index.Factors influencing the symptoms were identified by multivariable logistic regression.RESULTS A total of 2000 participants were invited,for a response rate of 70.6%.A total of 1412 HCWs[618(43.8%)doctors,583(41.3%)nurses and 211(14.9%)nonfrontline],254(18.0%),231(16.4%),and 289(20.5%)had symptoms of anxiety,depression,and insomnia,respectively;severe symptoms were found in 58(4.1%),49(3.5%),and 111(7.9%)of the participants.Nurses,female sex,and hospitalization for COVID-19 were risk factors for anxiety,depression,and insomnia symptoms;moreover,death from family or friends was a risk factor for insomnia symptoms.During the COVID-19 outbreak,most[1086(76.9%)]of the participating HCWs received psychological interventions,while nearly all[994(70.4%)]of them had received public psychological education.Only 102(7.2%)of the HCWs received individual counseling from COVID-19.CONCLUSION Although the mental health and sleep problems of HCWs were relieved after the COVID-19 pandemic,they still faced challenges and greater risks than did the general population.Identifying risk factors would help in providing targeted interventions.In addition,although a major proportion of HCWs have received public psychological education,individual interventions are still insufficient.

Study on Influencing Factors of Mental Health of Mobile Young White-Collar Workers in China

Mobile young white-collar workers not only have the characteristics of mobile young people,but also have the characteristics of general white-collar workers.Under the influence of both,their mental health may be suffering from“double disadvantage”.So,based on an ecological model of the stress process,this paper tries to use the data of the questionnaire on the mental health of mobile young white-collar workers in Zhejiang Province to explore the influence of some factors in the middle workplace and residence place on the mental health of micro individuals.The results show that:(1)The working environment with high control and low freedom and the workplace discrimination against the mobile status will have a negative impact on the mental health of mobile young white-collar workers;(2)Financial anxiety in daily life will lead to a decline in the mental health level of mobile young white-collar workers;(3)Good organizational support and neighborhood social relations can significantly relieve life pressure,so as to effectively improve the mental health of mobile young white-collar workers.It can be seen that we also need to pay more attention to the mental health of mobile young white-collar workers in order to improve their situation.

Optimization of nursing interventions for postoperative mental status recovery in patients with cerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND Hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage(HCH),the most common chronic diseases,has become a topic of global public health discussions.AIM To investigate the role of rehabilitative nursing interventions in optimizing the postoperative mental status recovery phase and to provide clinical value for future rehabilitation of patients with HCH.METHODS This randomized controlled study included 120 patients with cerebral HCH who were contained to our neurosurgery department between May 2021–May 2023 as the participants.The participants have randomly sampled and grouped into the observation and control groups.The observation group received the rehabilitation nursing model,whereas the control group have given conventional nursing.The conscious state of the patients was assessed at 7,14,21,and 30 d postoperatively.After one month of care,sleep quality,anxiety,and depression were compared between the two groups.Patient and family satisfaction were assessed using a nursing care model.RESULTS The results showed that the state of consciousness scores of the patients in both groups significantly increased(P<0.05)after surgical treatment.From the 14th day onwards,differences in the state of consciousness scores between the two groups of patients began to appear(P<0.05).After one month of care,the sleep quality,anxiety state,and depression state of patients were significantly better in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).Satisfaction with nursing care was higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The rehabilitation nursing model has a more complete system compared to conventional nursing,which can effectively improve the postoperative quality of life of patients with cerebral hemorrhage and improve the efficiency of mental state recovery;however,further analysis and research are needed to provide more scientific evidence.

Analysis of status and influencing factors of mental health in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)is a heterogeneous autoimmune disorder with varied clinical courses and prognoses,not only did the patients suffer from physical impairment,but also various physical and psychiatric comorbidities.Growing evidence have suggested that mental disorders in SLE patients,can lead to various adverse consequences.AIM To explored the features and influencing factors of mental health in patients with SLE and clarifying the correlations between mental health and personality characteristics and perceived social support.The results would provide a basis for psychological intervention in patients with SLE.METHODS The clinical data of 168 patients with SLE admitted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University between June 2020 and June 2022 were collected.Psychological assessment and correlation analysis were conducted using the Symptom Checklist-90(SCL-90)and Perceived Social Support Scale,and the collected data were compared with the national norms in China.The relevant factors influencing mental health were identified by statistical analysis.A general information questionnaire,the Revised Life Orientation Test,and Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey were employed to assess optimism level and quality of life(QoL),respectively.RESULTS Patients with SLE obtained higher scores for the somatization,depression,anxiety,and phobic anxiety subscales than national norms(P<0.05).A correlation was identified between total social support and total SCL-90 score or each subscale(P<0.05).The factors significantly affecting patients’mental health were hormone dosage and disease activity index(DAI)(P<0.05).The average optimism score of patients with SLE was 14.36±4.42,and 30 cases were in the middle and lower levels.A positive correlation was found between optimism level and QoL scores.CONCLUSION Patients with SLE develop psychological disorders at varying degrees,which are significantly influenced by hormone dosage and DAI.Patients’mental health should be closely monitored during clinical diagnosis and treatment and provided adequate support in establishing positive,healthy thinking and behavior patterns and improving their optimism level and QoL.

How University Athletics Can Impact Mental Health among Student Athletes at the University of Evansville

In recent years, the NCAA student athlete population in the United States has surpassed 500,000, and is continuing to rise each year [1]. These student athletes work their entire lives academically and athletically to reach the ultimate goal: competing in university athletics. However, when these athletes reach university, they are met with non-stop training, homework, exams, and evolving social lives. We have conducted a study at the University of Evansville evaluating how participation in university athletics may impact mental health status among these student athletes, as well as measuring players’ awareness of accessible mental health resources. Over fifty percent of participants reported experiencing at least one mental health condition while competing in their sport;eighty percent reported having knowledge of the mental health resources available to them on campus, however, nearly thirty percent of those knowledgeable reported not knowing how to access these resources. This has indicated a gap in awareness and utilization of mental health resources among student athletes at the University of Evansville.

Towards Lessening Learners’Aversive Emotions and Promoting Their Mental Health:Developing and Validating a Measurement of English Speaking Demotivation in the Chinese EFL Context

While a plethora of studies has been conducted to explore demotivation and its impact on mental health in second language(L2)education,scanty research focuses on demotivation in L2 speaking learning.Particularly,little research explores the measures to quantify L2 speaking demotivation.The present two-phase study attempts to develop and validate an English Speaking Demotivation Scale(ESDS).To this end,an independent sample of 207 Chinese tertiary learners of English as a Foreign Language(EFL)participated in the development phase,and another group of 188 Chinese EFL learners was recruited for the validation of the scale.Exploratory Factor Analysis(EFA)and Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)were employed to determine the factor structure of the scale.The EFA results revealed a six-factor solution with Teacher-related Factors in Learning Spoken English(TFLSE),Interest and Valence in Learning Spoken English(IVLSE),Self-efficacy in Learning Spoken English(SELSE),Negative Peer Influence in Learning Spoken English(NPILSE),Undesirable Environment for Learning Spoken English(UELSE),and Negative Influence of Assessment and Learning Materials in speaking class(NIALM).In the validation phase,Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)was performed to validate the internal structure of the scale.The CFA results showed that the model fits the data well.Overall,the ESDS is a robust and trustworthy psychometric tool that could be utilized to examine L2 speaking demotivation.Implications for diminishing EFL learners’demotivation,lessening their aversive emotions and promoting their mental health are also discussed.

Parental Educational Expectations,Academic Pressure,and Adolescent Mental Health:An Empirical Study Based on CEPS Survey Data

Background:This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental educational expectations and adolescent mental health problems,with academic pressure as a moderating variable.Methods:This study was based on the baseline data of the China Education Panel Survey,which was collected within one school year during 2013–2014.It included 19,958 samples from seventh and ninth graders,who ranged from 11 to 18 years old.After removing missing values and conducting relevant data processing,the effective sample size for analysis was 16344.The OLS(Ordinary Least Squares)multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between parental educational expectations,academic pressure,and adolescents’mental health problems.In addition,we established an interaction term between parents’educational expectations and academic pressure to investigate the moderating effect of academic stress.Results:The study found that adolescents whose parents had high educational expectations reported less mental health problems.(β=−0.195;p<0.001).Additionally,adolescents who had high academic pressure reported more mental health problems.(β=0.649;p<0.001).Furthermore,the study found that academic pressure had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between parental educational expectations and adolescents’mental health problems(β=0.082;p<0.001).Conclusion:Parental educational expectations had a close relationship with adolescents’mental health problems,and academic pressure moderated this relationship.For those adolescents with high levels of academic pressure,the association between high parental educational expectations and mental health problems became stronger.On the contrary,for those adolescents with low levels of academic pressure,the association between high parental educational expectations and mental health problems became weaker.These findings shed new light on how parental educational expectations affected adolescent mental health problems and had significant implications for their healthy development.