Jinqian Li¹, Jianhong Wu^2,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.12, pp. 1883-1896, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071306 - 31 December 2025

Abstract Background: Platform algorithms driving content presentation are profoundly shaping the experience of younger users. While prior research has examined anxiety stemming from young adults’ social media usage, the link between upward social comparison and anxiety remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of upward social comparison in this relationship and determine the moderating role of psychological resilience. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 562 young Chinese adults aged 18–35 (53% female). Data were collected via an online questionnaire employing validated measurement instruments, including scales for social media usage patterns, upward comparator behaviour… More >

Jingyuan Yu, Xueyan Wei^*, Jinghui Wang

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.12, pp. 1929-1948, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071233 - 31 December 2025

Abstract Background: Chinese elementary students face mental health challenges due to excessive academic pressures. Previous research has indicated that resilience is crucial for improving their mental health, which is fostered by a supportive family environment. This study, therefore, explored the impact of family organization on children’s resilience and examined whether proactive coping and mindfulness mediate this relationship. Methods: Data were collected from 702 elementary school students (grades 3–6) in 3 cities in China using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Validated scales measured family organization, proactive coping, mindfulness, and resilience. The hypothesized model was tested using Structural Equation Modeling… More >

Elçin Alaçam^1,*, Mualla Yılmaz²

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.12, pp. 1989-2005, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071033 - 31 December 2025

Abstract Background: Post-cesarean surgical site infection is a frequent complication with significant consequences for maternal, physical, and psychological well-being. This study explored women’s lived experiences of post-cesarean surgical site infection, focusing on emotional responses, treatment experiences, and perceived psychosocial impact. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 23 patients hospitalized due to post-cesarean surgical site infection, selected through purposeful sampling between 15 August 2022, and 15 January 2024. Results: The mean age of the participants in the study was 28.69 ± 5.07 years. Of them, 13 were high school graduates, and 22… More >

Shu-Hsuan Chang¹, Der-Fa Chen¹, Jing-Tang Sie¹, Kai-Jie Chen², Zhe-Wei Liao¹, Tai-Lung Chen¹, Yao-Chung Cheng^3,4,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.12, pp. 1907-1927, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.068264 - 31 December 2025

Abstract Background: Interpersonal alienation has increasingly been recognized as a salient risk factor affecting university students’ psychological adjustment and life satisfaction. Guided by Social Identity and Self-Categorization theories, this study examines how alienation influences life satisfaction through the mediating roles of social identity and hope. Methods: This study surveyed 492 Taiwanese undergraduate students (53.7 percent female, mean age 21.08 years) from 60 universities using convenience sampling in May 2023. Data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed via faculty-managed teaching media platforms. Measures included perceived social identity, state hope, interpersonal alienation, and life satisfaction. All instruments were… More >

Su Li¹, Nooreen Noordin², Dan Wang^3,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.11, pp. 1797-1812, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.072301 - 28 November 2025

Abstract Background: Communication barriers are a critical yet underexplored determinant of psychological well-being in oncology care, particularly among rural Chinese patients treated in urban hospitals. This study examined how Mandarin proficiency influences emotional distress and identified implications for mental health promotion. Methods: A sequential mixed-methods design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 180 rural cancer patients using the Putonghua Proficiency Test (PSC), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Distress Thermometer (DT). Multiple linear regressions estimated covariate-adjusted associations between Mandarin proficiency and distress outcomes, controlling for demographic and clinical factors. Semi-structured interviews with 20… More >

Yezi Zeng^1,*, Yufei Cong²

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.11, pp. 1663-1679, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.072125 - 28 November 2025

Abstract Background: Academic stress is a critical factor influencing university students’ well-being. However, research has shown that stress is not a unidimensional construct; different types of stressors (challenge vs. hindrance) may lead to distinct outcomes. This study constructed a structural equation model (SEM) to examine the relationships between challenge and hindrance academic stressors and students’ well-being, as well as the mediating mechanisms. Methods: Data were collected from 836 undergraduates at six universities in China (58.4% female, 41.6% male; Mean age = 20.47 ± 1.46 years). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and SEM with 5000 bootstrap resamples were conducted… More >

Gwang-Soo Oh^1,#, Je-Seong Lee^2,#, Myeong-Hun Bae^3,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.11, pp. 1729-1745, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071944 - 28 November 2025

Abstract Background: With the rapid growth of digital learning environments, esports has emerged as a popular form of school-based activity that promotes teamwork, motivation, and engagement. However, limited research has examined how participation in esports relates to students’ psychological and academic development. To address this gap, the present study identified structural relationships between perceived psychological well-being, social support, academic engagement, and school-life satisfaction among students participating in school-based esports activities. Methods: We surveyed 588 students who competed in on-campus esports tournaments across 15 secondary schools in Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea. Psychological well-being, social support, academic engagement,… More >

Istvan Berkes^1,*, Bettina Piko^2,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.11, pp. 1627-1643, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071931 - 28 November 2025

Abstract Objectives: Parentification, a role reversal where children assume age-inappropriate duties in the family, is a significant childhood adversity often linked to disrupted developmental trajectories and poor mental health outcomes. Yet the complexity of parentification, influenced by various contextual factors, obscures a comprehensive understanding of its psychological consequences and its mental health aspects. The paper aims to map up-to-date research, synthesize key findings, and identify critical knowledge gaps. Methods: To that end, a systematic search was performed in Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, and EBSCO databases, and data was extracted and reviewed by two reviewers. The search yielded 29… More >

Yen-Chun Wang¹, Kamolthip Ruckwongpatr², Amornthep Jankaew³, Apiradee Pimsen⁴, Chirawat Paratthakonkun⁵, I-Hua Chen⁶, Jung-Sheng Chen⁷, Hsin-Chi Tsai^8,9,*, Nadia Bevan¹⁰, Chung-Ying Lin^1,11,12,13,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.11, pp. 1645-1661, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071081 - 28 November 2025

Abstract Background: Weight stigma is prevalent and has multiple sources, which have significant effects on individual, social, physical, and psychological health. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Thai version of WeSEI to provide a valid tool to assess weight stigma in Thai young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey recruited 517 Thai university students from October 2024 to May 2025. All participants completed demographic information and standardized self-reported instruments, including WeSEI, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale 21 (DASS-21), Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ), and Perceived Weight Stigma Scale (PWSS). The psychometric properties of the Thai version… More >

Hyein Jeong¹, Soobin Jang², Bo-Hyoung Jang¹, Chunhoo Cheon¹, Taek Gyu Kim³, Chan Ho Ju³, Hwimun Kim⁴, Su Yong Shin⁵, Kyeong Han Kim^6,*, Seong-Gyu Ko^1,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.11, pp. 1695-1708, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071014 - 28 November 2025

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness, durability, and acceptability of a Korean medicine-based online mental health self-care program for mothers. Methods: This non-randomized comparative study evaluated the clinical effectiveness, durability, and acceptability of a Korean medicine-based online mental health self-care program for mothers. Group 1 (regular version) included 120 participants who attended one live session per week for 5 weeks, while Group 2 (shortened version) included 30 participants who completed five recorded sessions within 1 week. A total of 112 participants (93.3%) in Group 1 and all 30 participants (100%) in Group 2… More >