Symptom profiles of late‐life anxiety and depression: The influence of migration, religion and loneliness

an article by Emma Curran, Michael Rosato, Janine Cooper and Gerard Leavey (Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Ulster University, Coleraine,, UK) and Christine A. Mc Garrigle (The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Trinity College Dublin, Ireland) published in Depression & Anxiety Volume 36 Issue 9 (September 2019)

Abstract

Objective

To examine

1. clinically relevant anxiety with comorbid depression in an older population, and the presentation of sub-threshold symptoms;
2. to assess anxiety and levels of comorbid depression associated with migration, religion, loneliness and long‐term illness.

Methods

Analysis of Wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) (2009‐2011). Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to define indicative diagnoses of anxiety and depression. We then assessed associations between sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors, past migration, religious practice, social network, loneliness and long‐term illness.

Results

For those with clinically relevant anxiety, LCA derived three classes of self‐reported depression: low, sub-threshold and high. Approximately 19% were co-morbid, and a further 37% reported sub-threshold depression. Compared to those with low/no symptoms of depression, those classed as co-morbid were more likely to be male, had lower education levels, had spent more time abroad, lower religious attendance, a limited social network, were lonelier and had a long‐term life‐limiting illness. Those with sub-threshold levels of depression reported a more restricted social network and more moderate levels of loneliness.

Conclusion

Findings support the actuality of co-morbidity of both disorders. Consequently, government health strategy on detecting and managing social engagement, loneliness, and psychological disorders in older people may require a more granulated approach.

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Being old in an always-on culture: Older people’s perceptions and experiences of online communication

an article by Marika Lüders (University of Oslo, Norway) and Edith Roth Gjevjon (Diakonova University College, Oslo, Norway and University of Oslo, Norway) published in The Information Society: An International Journal Volume 33 Issue 2 (2017)

Abstract

Research on the digital divide has moved beyond connectivity to skills and usage disparities. Yet for many older people lack of connectivity remains a challenge, and for those who do have access, skills and usage remain an issue.

We report findings of an in-depth qualitative study of older people's perceptions of online communications and also their actual experiences.

Findings indicate that older people who are already socially well connected benefit from online communication more than those who are not.

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Employability, well-being and job satisfaction following a job loss

an article by Mary A. Gowan (Elon University, North Carolina, USA) published in Journal of Managerial Psychology Volume 27 Issue 8 (2012)

Abstract

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate changes in psychological well-being over time for individuals who experienced a career disruption in the form of a company closing, and to examine the relationships between employability, well-being, and job satisfaction. It seeks to expand on previous work of job loss relative to the long-term impact of the experience and on Fugate et al.’s psycho-social conceptualisation of employability.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected at the time of job loss (T1) and six years later (T2). The 73 respondents at T2 represent a stratified random sample of the T1 respondents. Hypotheses were tested with paired sample t-tests and hierarchical multiple regression.
Findings
Results indicate that the negative psychological impact of job loss diminishes over time. Additionally, employability predicted well-being and job satisfaction.
Practical implications
The results of the study provide guidance for the design and administration of outplacement and related programs that focus on increasing employability and psychological well-being, and suggest ways that individuals can shield themselves from the negative consequences associated with a job loss.
Social implications
The results have policy implications for the design of government funded outplacement and retraining programs.
Originality/value
The paper is the first to examine job loss over a six-year period of time, and the first to examine the impact of employability attributes on multiple indicators of well-being and on job satisfaction in the job loss context.

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Designing effective interventions for working parents:

a web-based survey of parents in the UK workforce

 an article by Matthew R. Sanders, Divna M. Haslam and Helen M. Stallman (University of Queensland, Brisbane), Rachel Calam (University of Manchester) and Clare Southwell (Community, London) published in Journal of Children's Services Volume 6 Number 3 (2011)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine working parents’ experiences and attitudes and to determine if these differ according to gender. Three areas were investigated:

• level of reported difficulties in parenting and balancing work and family; 
• parental perceptions about the workplace as a context for the delivery of parenting support; and
• employee preferences for intervention features.

Design/methodology/approach
In total, 721 employed parents in the UK were recruited via their organisation and completed a web-based survey.
Findings
A total of 41 percent of parents reported their children had significant behaviour problems and 85 percent stated that worksite parenting interventions should be made available. A clear preference was found for evidence-based interventions delivered by trained practitioners. The vast majority of men (86 percent) and women (90 percent) reported they would attend a workplace parenting intervention if one were available.
Originality/value
The need to tailor programmes to the needs of parents is increasingly accepted. This paper analyses the potential for tailoring an evidence-based programme for parents in the workplace. It suggests that the provision of workplace parenting programmes may benefit the organisation and the individual and increase parental access to services.

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