Ye Hoon Lee¹, Yoonjung Park^2,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.8, pp. 1133-1148, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.069800 - 29 August 2025

Abstract Objectives: Population aging is occurring at a rapid speed all over the world, bringing considerable public health challenges, including for the mental health of older adults. Considering that older populations are prone to depression and stress, the need for effective preventive interventions is critical. Thus, we conducted a study aimed at exploring the preventive impact of a community-based Tai Chi program over 8 weeks on depression and perceived stress in healthy older adults in South Korea. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was utilized, with 63 older adults participating (31 individuals in the Tai Chi group and… More >

Jaehyun Kim¹, Junhyoung Kim², Chungsup Lee³, Marcos Ardon Lobos¹, Na Young Kim^4,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.8, pp. 1087-1099, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.064617 - 29 August 2025

Abstract Background: While traditional meditation practices are known for their mental health benefits, they often face limitations such as restricted access and environmental distractions. To address these challenges and enhance meditation effectiveness, this study implemented an immersive virtual reality meditation (IVRM) program and examined its potential mental health benefits among university students—a population that frequently experiences significant psychological distress. Methods: Nineteen university students participated in eight 15-min sessions of an IVRM program designed to promote mindfulness and relaxation over the course of one month. Perceived stress and anxiety levels were assessed using validated self-report measures at… More >

Junyi Wang^*

Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.35, No.4, pp. 549-555, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2025.070065 - 17 August 2025

Abstract The transition to university life presents unique challenges, increasing the risk of mental health issues among first-year students. This study evaluated the efficacy of an eight-week structured mental health education course in enhancing resilience among first-year college students and reducing their stress levels. Utilizing a cluster-randomized controlled trial, a total of 509 first-year students (age range 18–20 years) were allocated to either an intervention group receiving the mental health education course (n = 252), or a control group with no intervention (n = 257) over an 8 week period. They completed self-reported measures of resilience… More >

Carlos Suso-Ribera^1,2,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.7, pp. 929-951, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.065646 - 31 July 2025

Abstract Objectives: Schizophrenia is a profoundly stigmatized mental health condition, characterized by misconceptions that affect societal attitudes, policy development, and the lived experiences of individuals with the condition. This study aimed to develop and validate a multidimensional scale for assessing societal stigma towards schizophrenia, while exploring how demographic factors influence such attitudes. Methods: Drawing on an extensive literature review and consultations, the study identified five domains of stigma: Workplace Capability, Intimate Relationships, Autonomy, Risk Perception, and Recovery. Using a two-phase methodology, a preliminary 38-item scale was administered to 729 participants from the general Spanish population, refining… More >

Traci N. Adams^1,*, Carol S. North²

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.7, pp. 1045-1050, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.065144 - 31 July 2025

Abstract Physician mental health (MH) is in crisis, particularly in high-stress areas of medicine such as the emergency room and the intensive care unit. The high prevalence of burnout and psychiatric illness among critical care physicians, along with delays in seeking psychiatric care, can lead to suicide, ruined careers, damaged relationships, and medical errors. Psychoeducation programs can reduce MH sick leave days, increase empathy, and enhance help-seeking attitudes. The purpose of this brief communication is to demonstrate that physician psychoeducation programs can improve patient care, improve outcomes in physicians with psychiatric illness, and improve burnout rates, More >

Lin Luo^1,2,*, Junfeng Yuan¹, Yanling Wang¹, Rui Zhu¹, Huilin Xu¹, Siyuan Bi¹, Zhongge Zhang¹

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.6, pp. 863-876, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.064385 - 30 June 2025

Abstract Objectives: Social Network Addiction (SNA) is becoming increasingly prevalent among college students; however, there remains a lack of consensus regarding the measurement tools and their optimal cutoff score. This study aims to validate the 21-item Social Network Addiction Scale-Chinese (SNAS-C) in its Chinese version and to determine its optimal cutoff score for identifying potential SNA cases within the college student population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, recruiting 3387 college students. Latent profile analysis (LPA) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were employed to establish the optimal cutoff score for the validated 21-item SNAS-C. Results:… More >

Jing Wang¹, Shuanghu Fang^1,*, Zihua Li², Shaoyong Ma³

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.6, pp. 845-861, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.061476 - 30 June 2025

Abstract Objectives: College students face increasing mental health challenges. Although Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is effective, the efficacy of Internet-based ACT (iACT) needs further exploration. Methods: This study examines the efficacy of iACT on college students’ mental health through a randomized controlled trial. We recruited 90 college students (19.16 ± 1.02 years old) and randomly divided them into the iACT group, face-to-face ACT group, and control group. The effects of the interventions were evaluated using the comprehensive assessment of ACT processes (CompACT) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). Results: Two-factor repeated measures ANOVA revealed a… More >

Wiktoria Staśkiewicz-Bartecka^1,*, Samet Aktaş², Grzegorz Zydek³, Marek Kardas¹, Oskar Kowalski⁴

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.5, pp. 649-665, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.064543 - 05 June 2025

Abstract Background: In light of growing concern over eating disorders among young athletes amid cultural and social pressures, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa (ON) risk and evaluate body image perception and its predictive factors among young football players from Poland and Türkiye. Methods: The study involved 171 players aged 15–18 years, recruited from football academies in Poland and Türkiye. The Polish and Turkish versions of the Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA) were administered to assess body image perception, while the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale (DOS) was used to measure ON… More >

Karl Peltzer^1,2,3,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.5, pp. 625-635, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.063801 - 05 June 2025

Abstract Objectives: Few studies have investigated longitudinal associations of loneliness with health outcomes in Africa. This study aimed to assess the longitudinal associations between loneliness and mental and physical health among aging adults in South Africa. Methods: Data from the 7-year longitudinal Health and Ageing in Africa (HAALSI) study conducted in South Africa were used in the analysis (analytic sample: n = 3707, aged 40 years and older). Loneliness was measured with one question. Longitudinal relationships between loneliness and each health outcome were estimated using Generalized Estimating Equations analysis (GEE), hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CI) were used… More >

Abdullah A. Alharbi¹, Ahmad Y. Alqassim^1,*, Mohammad A. Jareebi¹, Ahmad A. Alharbi², Nada M. Makein¹, Fatimah H. Al Ghazwi³, Seba Y. Muzaiiadi³, Joud N. Refaei³, Revan A. Arishi³, Bashaer A. Al Rajhi³, Fatima A. Aqili³, Saleha M. Ayoub³, Mohammed A. Muaddi¹

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.5, pp. 701-716, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.062924 - 05 June 2025

Abstract Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women, has substantial physical and psychological impacts. While the physical manifestations of PCOS are well established, the psychological burden, especially anxiety, is understudied in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder among females with PCOS compared to those without PCOS, and to identify the clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with anxiety in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2023 using an Arabic self-administered online questionnaire distributed via social… More >