Scientia Psychiatrica

The Impact of Non-Physical Bullying on Adolescents' Self-Concept: An Observational Study in the Adolescent Community in Sausapor, Tambrauw Regency, West Papua, Indonesia

Josepha Mariana Tamaela — 2024-07-17

Introduction: Non-physical bullying, often subtle and insidious, poses a significant threat to adolescents' self-concept during a critical developmental period. This study investigates the prevalence and impact of non-physical bullying on adolescents' self-concept within the unique cultural context of Sausapor, Tambrauw Regency, West Papua, Indonesia.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among adolescents aged 12-17 years in Sausapor. Data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing non-physical bullying experiences and self-concept dimensions (self-esteem, self-efficacy, and body image). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression analyses were employed to examine the relationship between non-physical bullying and self-concept.

Results: The study revealed a significant prevalence of non-physical bullying in the Sausapor adolescent community, with verbal abuse and social exclusion being the most common forms. Non-physical bullying was significantly associated with lower self-esteem, reduced self-efficacy, and negative body image among adolescents. Regression analyses confirmed the detrimental impact of non-physical bullying on self-concept, even after controlling for sociodemographic factors.

Conclusion: Non-physical bullying is a pervasive issue in Sausapor, with profound negative consequences for adolescents’ self-concept. Culturally sensitive interventions are urgently needed to prevent and address non-physical bullying, promote positive self-concept development, and foster a supportive environment for adolescents in this community.

Screen Time Exposure and Language Development in Indonesian Children Under Five: A Comprehensive Analysis of Risk Factors and Impacts

Vita Amanda — 2024-07-18

Introduction: The pervasive use of digital devices has raised concerns about the impact of screen time on early childhood development, particularly language skills. This study investigates the relationship between screen time exposure and language development in Indonesian children under five, while also analyzing the influence of socio-demographic and environmental risk factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 300 Indonesian children aged 1 to 5 years. Parents completed questionnaires on socio-demographics, screen time habits, and their child's language development (assessed using the Indonesian Early Language Development Scale - IELDS). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression to identify predictors of language delay.

Results: Increased screen time was significantly correlated with lower scores on the IELDS, indicating delayed language development. Children with higher screen time were more likely to exhibit delays in expressive language, receptive language, and overall communication skills. Socio-economic status, parental education, and home language environment also emerged as significant predictors of language outcomes.

Conclusion: This study provides compelling evidence for the negative association between screen time and language development in young Indonesian children. The findings underscore the importance of limiting screen time and promoting language-rich interactions during the critical early years.

Analysis of Risk Factors and Predictor Scores for Bullying Tendencies in Indonesian Youth Communities: A Mixed-Methods Study

Patricia Wulandari — 2024-07-19

Introduction: Bullying is a pervasive issue among Indonesian youth, with far-reaching consequences for victims, perpetrators, and society. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with bullying tendencies and develop a predictive scoring system to aid early identification and intervention.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed. A nationwide survey was conducted with 3,500 Indonesian youth (aged 12-18) to collect data on sociodemographic factors, family environment, peer relationships, personal traits, and bullying behaviors. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 participants to gain deeper insights into their experiences. Risk factors were analyzed using regression models, and a predictive scoring system was developed using a machine learning algorithm.

Results: The study identified several significant risk factors for bullying tendencies, including male gender, low socioeconomic status, exposure to violence at home, poor parent-child communication, negative peer influence, low self-esteem, and high impulsivity. The developed predictive scoring system demonstrated good accuracy in identifying individuals at high risk of engaging in bullying behavior.

Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of risk factors contributing to bullying tendencies in Indonesian youth. The predictive scoring system offers a promising tool for early identification and targeted intervention, potentially mitigating the negative consequences of bullying.

The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis

Tiffany Gabrielle — 2024-07-25

Introduction: The proliferation of social media has raised significant concerns about its potential effects on the mental health of adolescents. This meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the existing research on the relationship between social media use and various mental health outcomes in adolescents.

Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science) from January 2018 to June 2024 was conducted to identify relevant studies. Studies were included if they examined the association between social media use and mental health outcomes in adolescents (aged 10-19) and reported quantitative data. Effect sizes were calculated and pooled using random-effects models.

Results: A total of 45 studies (N = 153,285 adolescents) met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed small but significant associations between increased social media use and increased depressive symptoms (r = 0.12), anxiety (r = 0.10), and loneliness (r = 0.15). Furthermore, a significant negative association was found between social media use and self-esteem (r = -0.08). The analysis also identified several moderators of these effects, including gender, age, and type of social media platform.

Conclusion: The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that increased social media use is associated with a range of negative mental health outcomes in adolescents. However, the effects are small, and the relationship is complex, with several moderating factors. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these associations and to develop effective interventions to mitigate the potential negative effects of social media on adolescent mental health.

The Role of Childhood Trauma in Major Depressive Disorder: A Review of Pathophysiological and Psychopathological Aspects

Jean Amarille Wood — 2024-07-25

Major depressive illness can arise from a multitude of sources, such as a mix of hereditary variables, chemical alterations in the brain, stressful life events, and other environmental and psychosocial factors. Childhood trauma is a prevalent source of psychological distress and encompasses instances of abuse and neglect. This literature review seeks to investigate childhood trauma as a contributing factor to the emergence of major depressive disorder (MDD). Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) link childhood stress to atypical tissue structure. Prior research has identified alterations in the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have experienced childhood trauma. Researchers have specifically observed these changes in the left insula, right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, bilateral amygdala, and orbitals. People with serious depressive disorders can use increased cortisol levels after waking up as a biological indicator. Childhood trauma frequently correlates with several signs of psychopathology, such as depression, somatization, and alexithymia. Alexithymia, a condition characterized by difficulty expressing emotions, can impede the recovery process in patients with significant depression. This difficulty in effectively conveying their feelings to mental health experts can delay the development of appropriate treatment plans and management strategies. In conclusion, childhood trauma contributes to the occurrence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and intensifies the frequency and severity of depressive symptoms.