1. |
- Rydén, Lina, 1982, et al.
(author)
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Attrition in the Gothenburg H70 birth cohort studies, an 18-year follow-up of the 1930 cohort
- 2023
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In: Frontiers in Epidemiology. - 2674-1199. ; 3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Longitudinal studies are essential to understand the ageing process, and risk factors and consequences for disorders, but attrition may cause selection bias and impact generalizability. We describe the 1930 cohort of the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies, followed from age 70 to 88, and compare baseline characteristics for those who continue participation with those who die, refuse, and drop out for any reason during follow-up. Methods: A population-based sample born 1930 was examined with comprehensive assessments at age 70 (N = 524). The sample was followed up and extended to increase sample size at age 75 (N = 767). Subsequent follow-ups were conducted at ages 79, 85, and 88. Logistic regression was used to analyze baseline characteristics in relation to participation status at follow-up. Results: Refusal to participate in subsequent examinations was related to lower educational level, higher blood pressure, and lower scores on cognitive tests. Both attrition due to death and total attrition were associated with male sex, lower educational level, smoking, ADL dependency, several diseases, poorer lung function, slower gait speed, lower scores on cognitive tests, depressive symptoms, and a larger number of medications. Attrition due to death was also associated with not having a partner. Conclusions: It is important to consider different types of attrition when interpreting results from longitudinal studies, as representativeness and results may be differently affected by different types of attrition. Besides reducing barriers to participation, methods such as imputation and weighted analyses can be used to handle selection bias.
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2. |
- Wetterberg, Hanna, et al.
(author)
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Representativeness in population-based studies of older adults: five waves of cross-sectional examinations in the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Study
- 2022
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In: Bmj Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 12:12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ObjectivesTo describe representativeness in the Gothenburg H70 1930 Birth Cohort Study.DesignRepeated cross-sectional examinations of a population-based study.SettingGothenburg, Sweden.ParticipantsAll residents of Gothenburg, Sweden, born on specific birth dates in 1930 were invited to a comprehensive health examination at ages 70, 75, 79, 85 and 88. The number of participants at each examination was 524 at age 70, 767 at age 75, 580 at age 79, 416 at age 85, and 258 at age 88.Primary outcome measuresWe compared register data on sociodemographic characteristics and hospital discharge diagnoses between participants and (1) refusals, (2) all same-aged individuals in Gothenburg and (3) all same-aged individuals in Sweden. We also compared mortality rates between participants and refusals.ResultsRefusal rate increased with age. At two or more examination waves, participants compared with refusals had higher educational level, more often had osteoarthritis, had lower mortality rates, had lower prevalence of neuropsychiatric, alcohol-related and cardiovascular disorders, and were more often married. At two examination waves, participants compared with same-aged individuals in Gothenburg had higher education and were more often born in Sweden. At two examination waves or more, participants compared with same-aged individuals in Sweden had higher education, had higher average income, less often had ischaemic heart disease, were less often born in Sweden and were more often divorced.ConclusionsParticipants were more similar to the target population in Gothenburg than to refusals and same-aged individuals in Sweden. Our study shows the importance of having different comparison groups when assessing representativeness of population studies, which is important in evaluating generalisability of results. The study also contributes unique and up-to-date knowledge about participation bias in these high age groups.
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3. |
- Arvidsson Rådestig, Maya, et al.
(author)
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Subtle Differences in Cognition in 70-Year-Olds with Elevated Cerebrospinal Fluid Neurofilament Light and Neurogranin: A H70 Cross-Sectional Study
- 2023
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In: Journal of Alzheimers Disease. - : IOS Press. - 1387-2877 .- 1875-8908. ; 91:1, s. 291-303
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Most research on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilament light protein (NfL) as a marker for neurodegeneration and neurogranin (Ng) for synaptic dysfunction has largely focused on clinical cohorts rather than population-based samples. Objective: We hypothesized that increased CSF levels of NfL and Ng are associated with subtle cognitive deficits in cognitively unimpaired (CU) older adults. Methods: The sample was derived from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies and comprised 258 CU 70-year-olds, with a Clinical Dementia Rating score of zero. All participants underwent extensive cognitive testing. CSF levels of NfL and Ng, as well as amyloid beta(1-42), total tau, and phosphorylated tau, were measured. Results: Participants with high CSF NfL performed worse in one memory-based test (Immediate recall, p = 0.013) and a language test (FAS, p = 0.016). Individuals with high CSF Ng performed worse on the memory-based test Supra Span (p = 0.035). When stratified according to CSF tau and A beta(42) concentrations, participants with high NfL and increased tau performed worse on a memory test than participants normal tau concentrations (Delayed recall, p = 0.003). In participants with high NfL, those with pathologic A beta(42) concentrations performed worse on the Delayed recall memory (p = 0.044). In the high Ng group, participants with pathological A beta(42) concentrations had lower MMSE scores (p = 0.027). However, in regression analysis we found no linear correlations between CSF NfL or CSF Ng in relation to cognitive tests when controlled for important co-variates. Conclusion: Markers of neurodegeneration and synaptic pathology might be associated with subtle signs of cognitive decline in a population-based sample of 70-year-olds.
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4. |
- Marseglia, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated With Poor Cognition : A Population-Based Study of 70-Year-Old Adults Without Dementia
- 2021
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In: The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1079-5006 .- 1758-535X. ; 76:12, s. 2275-2283
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Individual conditions of metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been related to dementia; however, their combined impact on the preclinical stage is unknown. We investigated the associations between MetS and domain-specific cognitive function as well as the role of sociodemographic, cardiovascular, and genetic factors.Methods: Within the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Study-Birth cohort 1944, 1131 dementia-free participants (aged 70 years) were examined during 2014-2016. MetS (central obesity plus at least 2 factors [reduced HD11.-cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, blood pressure, or blood glucose]) was identified according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Five cognitive domains (memory, attention/perceptual speed, executive function, verbal fluency, visuospatial abilities) were generated after z-standardizing raw scores from 10 neuropsychological tests. Education, heart disease, claudication (indicating peripheral atherosclerosis), and apolipoprotein genotype were ascertained by trained staff. Data were analyzed with linear regression models.Results: Overall, 618 participants (55%) had MetS. In multiadjusted linear regressions, MetS was related to poorer performance in attention/ perceptual speed (beta -0.14 [95% CI -0.25, -0.02]), executive function (beta -0.12 [95% CI -0.23, -0.01]), and verbal fluency (beta -0.19 [95% CI -0.30, -0.08]). These associations were present only among individuals who did not carry any APOE-epsilon 4 allele or were highly educated. However, among those with MetS, high education was related to better cognitive performance. MetS together with comorbid heart disease or claudication was associated with even worse cognitive performance than each alone.Conclusions: MetS is associated with poor attention/perceptual speed, executive function, and verbal fluency performance. Education, apolipoprotein E-epsilon 4 allele, and comorbid cardiovascular disease influenced the observed associations.
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5. |
- Novak, Masuma, 1969, et al.
(author)
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Six-year mortality associated with living alone and loneliness in Swedish men and women born in 1930
- 2023
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In: BMC Geriatrics. - 1471-2318. ; 23:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: This study examined how living alone and loneliness associate with all-cause mortality in older men and women. Methods: Baseline data from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies, including 70-year-olds interviewed in 2000 and 75-year-olds (new recruits) interviewed in 2005were used for analyses (N = 778, 353 men, 425 women). Six-year mortality was based on national register data. Results: At baseline, 36.6% lived alone and 31.9% reported feelings of loneliness. A total of 72 (9.3%) participants died during the 6-year follow-up period. Cumulative mortality rates per 1000 person-years were 23.9 for men and 9.6 for women. Mortality was increased more than twofold among men who lived alone compared to men living with someone (HR 2.40, 95% CI 1.34–4.30). Elevated risk remained after multivariable adjustment including loneliness and depression (HR 2.56, 95% CI 1.27–5.16). Stratification revealed that mortality risk in the group of men who lived alone and felt lonely was twice that of their peers who lived with someone and did not experience loneliness (HR 2.52, 95% CI 1.26–5.05). In women, a more than fourfold increased risk of mortality was observed in those who experienced loneliness despite living with others (HR 4.52, 95% CI 1.43–14.23). Conclusions: Living alone was an independent risk factor for death in men but not in women. Mortality was doubled in men who lived alone and felt lonely. In contrast, mortality was particularly elevated in women who felt lonely despite living with others. In the multivariable adjusted models these associations were attenuated and were no longer significant after adjusting for mainly depression in men and physical inactivity in women. Gender needs to be taken into account when considering the health consequences of living situation and loneliness.
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6. |
- Rydberg Sterner, Therese, et al.
(author)
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Depression and neuroticism decrease among women but not among men between 1976-2016 in Swedish septuagenarians
- 2019
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In: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. - : Wiley. - 0001-690X .- 1600-0447. ; 139:4, s. 381-394
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: We evaluated birth cohort differences in depressive symptom burden, prevalence of depression diagnoses, and neuroticism, among Swedish 70-year-olds examined between 1976 and 2016. Methods: We used a repeated cross-sectional design examining four representative population samples of Swedish 70-year-olds (total n=2279) with identical methods in 1976-77 (n=392), 1992-93 (n=226), 2000-02 (n=487), and 2014-16 (n=1166). Depressive symptom burden was rated with the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. Major depression was diagnosed according to DSM-5, and minor depression according to DSM-IV-TR research criteria. Neuroticism was rated with the Eysenck Personality Inventory. Results: For women in 2014-16, MADRS score (4.4 vs. 6.1 vs. 5.8; p<0.05) and neuroticism (6.6 vs. 7.7 vs. 9.2; p<0.05) were lower compared to 1992-93 and 1976-77, and the prevalence of any depression was lower compared to 2000-02 and 1992-93 (10.9% vs. 16.9% vs. 18.1%; p<0.05). For men, we observed no birth cohort differences in depression, while neuroticism was found to be lower in 2014-16 compared to 1976-77 among men without depression (5.1 vs. 5.9; p<0.01). The sex difference for MADRS and neuroticism declined between 1976-77 and 2014-16 (cohort*sex p<0.05). Conclusions: Depressive burden and neuroticism decreased in 70-year-old women between 1976 and 2016.
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7. |
- Rydberg Sterner, Therese, et al.
(author)
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Depression in relation to sex and gender expression among Swedish septuagenarians-Results from the H70 study
- 2020
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In: Plos One. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 15:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective Little is known about the role of gender expression (femininity, masculinity, or androgyny) in relation to sex differences in depression. This study tested if gender expression was associated with depression and burden of depressive symptoms in a 70-year-old population. Methods A cross-sectional population-based sample of 70-year-olds from The Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Study (n = 1203) was examined in 2014-16. Data were collected using psychiatric examinations and structured questionnaires, including the Positive-Negative Sex-Role Inventory to assess gender expression. Depression was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria, and symptom burden was assessed with Montgomery angstrom sberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Results Gender expression was related to MADRS score and depression diagnosis. In fully adjusted models, feminine traits with low social desirability (FEM-) were associated with a higher MADRS score (R(2)0.16; B 0.16; CI 0.1-0.2), while androgyny (t ratio) (R(2)0.12; B 0.42; CI 0.1-0.7) and masculine traits with high social desirability (MAS+) (R(2)0.13; B -0.06; CI -0.1--0.01) were associated with a lower MADRS score. Also, feminine traits with low social desirability (FEM-) were positively associated with depression (OR 1.04; CI 1.01-1.1). No associations between depression and masculinity or androgyny were observed in adjusted models. There were no interactions between sex and gender expression in relation to depression or MADRS score, indicating that the effects of gender expression were similar in men and women. Conclusions We found that gender expression was associated to both depression and burden of depressive symptoms. More specifically, we found that femininity was associated to higher levels of depression, irrespective of biological sex. In addition, masculinity and androgyny were associated with lower levels of depression. These results highlight the importance of taking gender expression into consideration when studying sex differences in depression among older populations in future studies.
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8. |
- Rydberg Sterner, Therese, et al.
(author)
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The Gothenburg H70 Birth cohort study 2014-16: design, methods and study population.
- 2019
-
In: European journal of epidemiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1573-7284 .- 0393-2990. ; 34:2, s. 191-209
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To improve health care for older persons, we need to learn more about ageing, e.g. identify protective factors and early markers for diseases. The Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies (the H70 studies) are multidisciplinary epidemiological studies examining representative birth cohorts of older populations in Gothenburg, Sweden. So far, six birth cohorts of 70-year-olds have been examined over time, and examinations have been virtually identical between studies. This paper describes the study procedures for the baseline examination of the Birth cohort 1944, conducted in 2014-16. In this study, all men and women born 1944 on specific dates, and registered as residents in Gothenburg, were eligible for participation (n=1839). A total of 1203 (response rate 72.2%; 559 men and 644 women; mean age 70.5years) agreed to participate in the study. The study comprised sampling of blood and cerebrospinal fluid, psychiatric, cognitive, and physical health examinations, examinations of genetics and family history, use of medications, social factors, functional ability and disability, physical fitness and activity, body composition, lung function, audiological and ophthalmological examinations, diet, brain imaging, as well as a close informant interview, and qualitative studies. As in previous examinations, data collection serves as a basis for future longitudinal follow-up examinations. The research gained from the H70 studies has clinical relevance in relation to prevention, early diagnosis, clinical course, experience of illness, understanding pathogenesis and prognosis. Results will increase our understanding of ageing and inform service development, which may lead to enhanced quality of care for older persons.
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9. |
- Skoog, Therése, 1978-, et al.
(author)
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Ungdomars identitetsutveckling och idrottande
- 2015
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In: Skolhälsan. - : Riksföreningen för Skolsköterskor / Swedish Association of School Nurses. - 0284-284X. ; :1, s. 12-13
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)
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10. |
- Sorbring, Emma, 1972-, et al.
(author)
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Parental attitudes and young people’s online sexual activities
- 2015
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In: Sex Education. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1468-1811 .- 1472-0825. ; 15:2, s. 129-142
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Parental attitudes towards young people’s sexuality in traditional (i.e. non-online media) settings have been associated with young people’s sexual activities. In this study, we explored the association between key parent and youth characteristics and parental attitudes towards young people’s online sexual activities. We also examined the association between young people’s self-reported online sexual activities and parents’ attitudes. Questionnaires were completed by parents and young people in 496 families. Parents’ attitudes towards young people’s offline and online sexual activities were closely related, although parents are more accepting in an offline setting. Parents’ attitudes towards online sexuality are related to their sexual attitudes and their preferences with regard to the Internet. Parents’ attitudes differ depending on the sex of the parent and the sex and age of the child. The link between parents’ attitudes and young people’s online sexual activities appears to be mediated by parental rules.
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11. |
- Ahlner, Felicia, 1987, et al.
(author)
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Patterns of Alcohol Consumption and Associated Factors in a Population-Based Sample of 70-Year-Olds: Data from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Study 2014-16
- 2022
-
In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1660-4601 .- 1661-7827. ; 19:14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Older adults of today consume more alcohol, yet knowledge about the factors associated with different consumption levels is limited in this age group. Based on the data from a population-based sample (n = 1156, 539 men and 617 women) in The Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Study 2014-16, we examined sociodemographic, social, and health-related factors associated with alcohol consumption levels in 70-year-olds, using logistic regression. Total weekly alcohol intake was calculated based on the self-reported amount of alcohol consumed. Alcohol consumption was categorized as lifetime abstention, former drinking, moderate consumption (<= 98 g/week), and at-risk consumption (>98 g/week). At-risk consumption was further categorized into lower at-risk (98-196 g/week), medium at-risk (196-350 g/week), and higher at-risk (>= 350 g/week). We found that among the 1156 participants, 3% were lifetime abstainers, 3% were former drinkers, 64% were moderate drinkers, and 30% were at-risk drinkers (20% lower, 8% medium, 2% higher). Among several factors, former drinking was associated with worse general self-rated health (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.08-2.51) and lower health-related quality of life (measured by physical component score) (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97), higher illness burden (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07-1.27), and weaker grip strength (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.98). Higher at-risk drinkers more often had liver disease (OR 11.41, 95% CI 3.48-37.37) and minor depression (OR 4.57, 95% CI 1.40-14.95), but less contacts with health care (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.11-0.92). Our findings demonstrate the importance of classifications beyond abstinence and at-risk consumption, with implications for both the prevention and clinical management of unhealthy consumption patterns in older adults.
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12. |
- Ericson, Helena, 1980-, et al.
(author)
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Resistance training is linked to heightened positive motivational state and lower negative affect among healthy women aged 65–70
- 2018
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In: Journal of Women & Aging. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0895-2841 .- 1540-7322. ; 30:5, s. 366-381
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Resistance training (RT) improves overall health, but the psychological effects of RT in healthy old adults have not been tested. The aim of this study was to investigate a sample of 65–70-year-old healthy and physically active women to assess their sense of coherence, health-related quality of life, hope, and affect, before and after taking part in a 24-week RT intervention (N = 14), compared to controls (N = 18). Findings showed a significant increase in hope (p = 0.013) and a significant decrease in negative affect (p = 0.002). Starting RT after age 65 does not appear to negatively impact on women’s psychological health but seems to be associated with important psychological health benefits.
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13. |
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14. |
- Gustafsson, Henrik, et al.
(author)
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Mindfulness and Its Relationship With Perceived Stress, Affect, and Burnout in Elite Junior Athletes
- 2015
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In: Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology. - : Human Kinetics. - 1932-9261 .- 1932-927X. ; 9:3, s. 263-281
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and burnout and whether this relationship is mediated by perceived stress, negative affect, and positive affect in elite junior athletes. Participants were 233 (123 males and 107 females) adolescent athletes, ranging in age from 15-19 years (M = 17.50; SD = 1.08).Bivariate correlations revealed that mindfulness had a significant negative relationship with both perceived stress and burnout. To investigate mediation, we employed nonparametric bootstrapping analyses. These analyses indicated that positive affect fully mediated links between mindfulness and sport devaluation. Further, positive affect and negative affect partially mediated the relationships between mindfulness and physical/emotional exhaustion, as well as between mindfulness and reduced sense of accomplishment. The results point toward mindfulness being negatively related to burnout in athletes and highlight the role of positive affect. Future research should investigate the longitudinal effect of dispositional mindfulness on stress and burnout.
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15. |
- Gustafsson, Henrik, 1974-, et al.
(author)
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The mediational role of perceived stress in the relation between optimism and burnout in competitive athletes
- 2012
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In: Anxiety, Stress, and Coping. - Oxon, United Kingdom : Taylor & Francis. - 1061-5806 .- 1477-2205. ; 25:2, s. 183-199
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Burnout has been highlighted as an important issue, not only in occupational settings but also among athletes. Optimists appear to be more resistant to burnout, which might be partly explained by lower levels of stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between optimism and burnout symptoms in 217 athletes (139 males and 78 females, aged 16 to 19 years), while also examining stress as a mediator in this relationship. The results showed that optimism had a significant negative relationship with both stress and burnout. Mediation analyses indicated that perceived stress fully mediated the links between optimism and two symptoms of burnout, emotional/physical exhaustion and sport devaluation, and partly mediated the link between optimism and a third symptom, reduced sense of accomplishment. The findings indicate that individual factors, such as optimism, may play an important role in the development of burnout by virtue of their association with stress. Future research should, therefore, investigate the longitudinal effects of optimism on stress and burnout.
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16. |
- Göthberg, Hanna, 1973, et al.
(author)
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Cross-sectional assessment of hearing acuity of an unscreened 85-year-old cohort - Including a 10-year longitudinal study of a sub-sample.
- 2019
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In: Hearing research. - : Elsevier BV. - 1878-5891 .- 0378-5955. ; 382
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As the proportion of older people increases, it is important to investigate hearing acuity in older individuals and to calculate hearing decline for older ages, using standardised test protocols. The main aim of this study was to determine pure-tone hearing thresholds in an unscreened birth cohort of 85-year-olds born in 1930, living in an industrial Swedish city. A further aim was to describe hearing decline in men and women from 75 to 85 years of age with the aid of longitudinal data. The study was part of the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies in Sweden. Hearing thresholds (0.25-8kHz) were measured using automated pure-tone audiometry for 286 85-year-old participants. A subsample (n=182) was hearing examined at 75 years of age and studied longitudinally from 75 to 85 years. At age 85 years, men had better hearing at low frequencies but poorer hearing at high frequencies than women. The longitudinal study showed a considerable decline between 75 and 85yearsat mid-high frequencies (>1kHz) and the amount of decline was similar between sexes. The results contribute to the estimation of the future need for hearing health services.
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17. |
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18. |
- Jaf, Darun, 1987-, et al.
(author)
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Does parenting behavior influence youth’s participation in organized sports activities?
- 2017
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In: 6th ENSEC Conference. ; , s. 69-69
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Participation in organized sports activities is linked with positive developmental outcomes for youth. However, the literature consistently shows that immigrant youth are less likely to participate in organized sports compared to their native counterparts. Thus, they are at risk for missing of the positive benefits of sports. The aim of this study was to investigate why immigrant youth are less likely to participate in organized sports activities compared to their native counterparts. The data come from self-reports from 679 students in 7th grade. Immigrant youth were less likely (57%) to participate in organized sports activities compared to native youth (73%). Further, parents’ engagement in sports and fathers’ employment status significantly predict Nordic youths’ sports involvement (p < .05). For immigrant youth, only fathers’ employment status did (p < .05). These finding support Eccles’ expectancy-value model, which states that parents as role-models can influence youths’ participation in organized sports activities. However, this seems to only be the case for native youth.Additional analysis will be run in order to find out other predictors that might explain the low rates of sports involvement of immigrant youth. The findings will supplement the scarce literature on immigrant youths’ low engagement in organized sports activities.
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19. |
- Jaf, Darun, 1987-, et al.
(author)
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Ungas kärleksrelationer
- 2018
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In: Barn och ungdomsvetenskap. - Stockholm : Liber. - 9789147113071
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)
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20. |
- Jonson, Mattias, et al.
(author)
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Passive and active suicidal ideation in Swedish 85-year-olds: Time trends 1986-2015
- 2021
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In: Journal of Affective Disorders. - : Elsevier BV. - 0165-0327 .- 1573-2517. ; 290, s. 300-307
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abstract Background Older adults have high suicide rates. We investigated potential time trends in the prevalence of passive and active suicidal ideation in 85-year-olds. Further, we examined factors associated with such ideation in this age group. Methods Population-based samples of 85-year-olds were interviewed in 1986 (N=347), 2008 (N=426) and 2015 (N=320). Past-month passive/active suicidal ideation was evaluated with the Paykel questions. Results Reporting any type of passive or active suicidal ideation was less common in 2008 (7.3%, p<0.001) and 2015 (7.2%, p<0.001) compared to 1986 (16.4%). The change was driven by decreases in passive ideation. Passive/active suicidal ideation was associated with higher MADRS score (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.2, p<0.001), institution residence (OR: 3.9, 95% CI: 1.7-8.9, p=0.001) and feelings of loneliness (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4-5.2, p=0.003). When stratified by sex, it was associated with institution residence (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.4-9.9, p=0.008) and feelings of loneliness (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.4-6.3, p=0.005) in women. In men, we observed a tenfold higher risk in those without partners (OR: 9.8, 95% CI: 2.9-33.5, p<0.001). Limitations While differential three-year mortality was not observed in 1986, mortality was higher among non-participants in 2008 and 2015. This might have inflated cohort differences in passive/active suicidal ideation. Conclusion An initial decrease in the prevalence of passive/active suicidal ideation in 85-year-olds was observed but this positive trend did not persist. Results underline that preventive strategies targeting loneliness and focusing on institutional settings are needed, as are interventions for men without partners.
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21. |
- Jonson, Mattias, et al.
(author)
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Time trends in depression prevalence among Swedish 85-year-olds: Repeated cross-sectional population-based studies in 1986, 2008, and 2015
- 2023
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In: Psychological Medicine. - 0033-2917 .- 1469-8978. ; 53:6, s. 2456-2465
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Octogenarians of today are better educated, and physically and cognitively healthier, than earlier born cohorts. Less is known about time trends in mental health in this age group. We aimed to study time trends in the prevalence of depression and psychotropic drug use among Swedish 85-year-olds. Methods We derived data from interviews with 85-year-olds in 1986-1987 (N = 348), 2008-2010 (N = 433) and 2015-17 (N = 321). Depression diagnoses were made according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Symptom burden was assessed with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Information on psychotropic drug use, sociodemographic, and health-related factors were collected during the interviews. Results The prevalence of major depression was lower in 2015-2017 (4.7%, p < 0.001) and 2008-2010 (6.9%, p = 0.010) compared to 1986-1987 (12.4%). The prevalence of minor depression was lower in 2015-2017 (8.1%) compared to 2008-2010 (16.2%, p = 0.001) and 1986-1987 (17.8%, p < 0.001). Mean MADRS score decreased from 8.0 in 1986-1987 to 6.5 in 2008-2010, and 5.1 in 2015-2017 (p < 0.001). The reduced prevalence of depression was not explained by changes in sociodemographic and health-related risk factors for depression. While psychoactive drug use was observed in a third of the participants in each cohort, drug type changed over time (increased use of antidepressants and decreased use of anxiolytics and antipsychotics). Conclusions The prevalence of depression in octogenarians has declined during the past decades. The decline was not explained by changes in known risk factors for depression. The present study cannot answer whether changed prescription patterns of psychoactive drugs have contributed to the decline.
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22. |
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23. |
- Kimber, Birgitta, et al.
(author)
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Teacher change and development during training in social and emotional learning programs in Sweden
- 2013
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In: The International Journal of Emotional Education. - 2073-7629. ; 5:1, s. 17-35
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The paper presents the results from a thematic analysis of the process diaries of teachers involved in teacher training in social and emotional learning (SEL) in Sweden. Twentynine out of the 122 diaries available were analyzed until saturation was reached. The following themes and sub-themes were extracted: development (professional and personal, and classroom climate), and concomitants of development (need for collaboration and unease). The themes and sub-themes are related to theoretical aspects of specialised teacher education and to the debate in Sweden on how to proceed with SEL programs, and more generally with life skills programs. The results suggest that training generates both general teacher improvement and better implementation of SEL programs.
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24. |
- Larsson, Madelene, 1981-, et al.
(author)
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Enabling relationship formation, development, and closure in a one-year female mentoring program at a non-governmental organization : a mixed-method study
- 2016
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In: BMC Public Health. - London, United Kingdom : BioMed Central. - 1471-2458. ; 16:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Mental health problems among young women aged 16-24 have increased significantly in recent decades, and interventions are called for. Mentoring is a well-established preventative/promotive intervention for developing adolescents, but we have yet to fully understand how the relationship between the mentor and the protégé forms, develops, and closes. In this study, we focused on a female mentoring program implemented by a Swedish non-governmental organization, The Girls Zone. First, we examined the psychological and social characteristics of the young women who chose to take part in the program as protégés. Second, we investigated adolescent female protégés’ own experiences of the relationship process based on a relational-cultural theory perspective.Methods: The mixed-method study included 52 questionnaires and five semi-structured interviews with young women aged 15–26 who had contacted The Girls Zone between 2010 and 2012 in order to find a mentor. Their experience of the mentoring relationships varied in duration. Data were analysed statistically and with inductive qualitative content analysis.Results: The group of protégés was heterogeneous in that some had poor mental health and some had good mental health. On the other hand, the group was homogenous in that all its members had shown pro-active self-care by actively seeking out the program due to experiences of loneliness and a need to meet and talk with a person who could listen to them. The relationships were initially characterized by feelings of nervousness and ambivalence. However, after some time, these developed into authentic, undemanding, non-hierarchical relationships on the protégés’ terms. The closure of relationships aroused feelings of both abandonment and developing strength.Conclusions: Mentorships that are in line with perspectives of the relational-cultural theory meet the relationship needs expressed by the female protégés. Mentor training should focus on promoting skills such as active listening and respect for the protégé based on an engaged, empathic, and authentic approach in a non-hierarchical relationship. These insights have the potential to inform interventions in several arenas where young women create authentic relationships with older persons, such as in school, in traditional health care contexts, and in youth recreation centres.
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25. |
- Larsson, Madelene, 1981-
(author)
-
Formal Female Mentoring Relationship as Health Promotion
- 2016
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Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The transition from adolescence to adulthood can bring with it mental health problems, resulting in reduced mental well-being among young women and an increasing public health issue. Perceived mental health problems can be a major obstacle to personal development and opportunities for becoming established in society. Thus, promotive interventions are needed.The overall aim of this thesis was to explore women’s experience of mentoring relationships as health promotion from the perspectives of both parties in the dyad: the young woman transitioning from adolescence to adulthood (the protégé), and her ten-year-older female mentor.This thesis used a practice-based approach to investigate a group of participants involved in a Swedish non-governmental organization, the Girls Zone. Data collection was conducted including interviews (n = 5) and surveys (n = 52) with female protégés, and interviews with female mentors (n = 12). Study I explored the characteristics of the female protégés and the development of the mentoring relationship, and used mixed methods. Study II, which investigated mentors’ initial motives and the organizational context which enabled the mentors’ engagement, used an explorative qualitative method.This thesis showed that female mentoring relationships seem to have potential to be a health-promoting intervention. A variety of young women were attracted to the mentoring program, and mentorships in line with the perspectives of relational-cultural theory could meet the relationship needs expressed by the female protégés. Further, mentors’ motivations for engaging as mentors were linked to the fulfillment of basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, in accordance with the perspective of self-determination theory.
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26. |
- Larsson, Madelene, 1981-, et al.
(author)
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Initial motives and organizational context enabling female mentors' engagement in formal mentoring : a qualitative study from the mentors' perspective
- 2016
-
In: Children and youth services review. - Oxford, United Kingdom : Elsevier. - 0190-7409 .- 1873-7765. ; 71, s. 17-26
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mentoring aimed at supporting young people and their development shows promising results, but its delivery is threatened by the difficulty of recruiting sufficient numbers of mentors and keeping them engaged over time. The aim of this study was to help overcome this problem by examining female mentors’ motives for engaging in formal voluntary mentoring of young women, and exploring how organizations can facilitate these mentors’ satisfaction in staying engaged over time. Based on qualitative interviews with 12 mentors in a Swedish non-governmental organization, the Girls Zone, we show six categories of mentor motives related to initial motivation for engagement: self-interested reasons, empowering women, being a responsible citizen, sense of compassion, self-awareness, and longing for meaningfulness. In addition, we show five categories related to the organizational work of satisfying mentors: a win-win relationship, a feeling of ambivalence despite clear responsibilities and contributions, customized support and guidance, a caring organizational identity, and a commitment to pursue with feelings of duty and emotional connection. Using Self-Determination Theory as the framework to guide our understanding of the findings, we conclude that mentors’ motivations for engaging as mentors are linked to the fulfillment of basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Practical recommendations are offered in light of the findings.
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27. |
- Lindell, Ellen, 1979, et al.
(author)
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Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, dizziness, and health-related quality of life among older adults in a population-based setting
- 2021
-
In: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0937-4477 .- 1434-4726. ; 278:5, s. 1637-1644
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose Dizziness may affect quality of life in a negative way and contribute to falls. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare 75 years old with dizziness caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) to those with general dizziness/impaired balance (non-BPPV related) and to those reporting no dizziness, regarding health-related quality of life (HRQL), falls, tiredness, and walking speed in a population-based setting. Method A cross-sectional population-based sample, including 671 75 years old (398 women, 273 men), was investigated for BPPV, dizziness symptoms, falls, and walking speed. HRQL was assessed using the 36-item Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Result A total of 67 persons (10%) had symptoms of BPPV with 11 (1.6%) having nystagmus when tested for BPPV. Having BPPV as well as general dizziness/impaired balance was associated with reduced HRQL, more tiredness, enhanced number of falls, and lower walking speed. Furthermore, the risk of having BPPV increased fourfold if symptoms of dizziness when turning in bed was reported. Conclusion Having problems with dizziness is common among senior citizens where BPPV can be an unrecognized cause of dizziness that may impact HRQL and overall well-being. As BPPV is common among older adults, and is potentially curable through reposition maneuvers, it is important to liberally test for, and treat the condition. Information about dizziness when turning in bed can help to pinpoint persons with enhanced risk for BPPV also on a population-based level.
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28. |
- Lindell, Ellen, 1979, et al.
(author)
-
Dizziness and its association with walking speed and falls efficacy among older men and women in an urban population
- 2020
-
In: Aging Clinical and Experimental Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1594-0667 .- 1720-8319. ; 32, s. 1049-1056
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- © 2019, The Author(s). Background: Dizziness is common among older people and falling is a feared complication. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of dizziness and its association with falls, walking speed and fear of falling, including sex differences, among 79-year-olds. Secondary purposes were to describe the relationship between dizziness and falls to number of medications and diseases. Method: The study consisted of the fifth cohort of Gothenburg’s H70 birth cohort studies. A sample of 662 79-year-olds (404 women, 258 men) were investigated with questions regarding dizziness, previous falls and falls efficacy [estimated according to the falls efficacy scale Swedish version (FES (S))]. Functional tests included self-selected and maximal walking speed over 20m. Results: Dizziness was reported among 51% of the women and by 58% of the men (p = 0.12). Approximately, 40% had fallen during the past 12months (41% women, 38% of the men, p = 0.48). Dizziness was related to a higher risk of falls among women (OR 2.63 (95% CI 1.67−4.14, p < 0.0001), but not among men (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.63−1.82, p = 0.8). Dizzy individuals had lower scores on FES (S) (p < 0.01), more medications (p < 0.001) and diseases (p < 0.001) than those without dizziness. Participants who reported dizziness walked 10% slower than participants without dizziness (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Women with dizziness more often reported falls compared to women without dizziness—a trend that was not seen among men. Persons with dizziness walked slower. Many medications increased risk of falling; hence, number of medications alone might help pinpoint risk groups for falling.
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29. |
- Mellqvist Fässberg, Madeleine, et al.
(author)
-
Epidemiology of suicidal feelings in an ageing Swedish population: From old to very old age in the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies
- 2020
-
In: Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences. - 2045-7960. ; 29
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AimsThe first aim of this study was to provide prevalence suicidal feelings over time (past week, past month, past year and lifetime) in a population-based sample of old to very old adults without dementia. Does prevalence change with rising age? The second aim was to examine the fluctuation of suicidal feelings over time. How does this coincide with depression status?MethodsData were derived from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies (the H70 studies) which are multidisciplinary longitudinal studies on ageing. A representative sample of adults in Gothenburg, Sweden with birth years 1901-1944 were invited to take part in a longitudinal health study on ageing and participated at one or more occasions during 1986-2014. The sample consisted of 6668 observations originating from 3972 participants without dementia between the ages of 70 and 108, including 1604 participants with multiple examination times. Suicidal feelings were examined during a psychiatric interview using the Paykel questions (life not worth living, death wishes, thoughts of taking own life, seriously considered taking life, attempted suicide).ResultsPrevalence figures for suicidal feelings of any severity were as follows: past week 4.8%, past month 6.7%, past year 11.2% and lifetime 25.2%. Prevalence rates increased with age in the total group and in women but not in men. Suicidal feelings were common in participants with concurrent major or minor depression, but over a third of the participants who reported suicidal feelings did not fulfil criteria for these diagnoses nor did they present elevated mean depressive symptom scores. The majority of participants consistently reported no experience of suicidal feelings over multiple examination times, but fluctuation was more common in women compared with men.ConclusionSuicidal feelings in late-life are uncommon in individuals without depression indicating that such behaviour is not a widespread, normative phenomenon. However, such feelings may occur outside the context of depression. © Cambridge University Press 2019.
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30. |
- Olofsson, Viveca, 1963-, et al.
(author)
-
Implementing group based parenting programs : A narrative review
- 2016
-
In: Children and youth services review. - : Elsevier. - 0190-7409 .- 1873-7765. ; 69, s. 67-81
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Group based preventive parenting programs are efficacious, but seem hard to implement sustainably within regular service. This review aimed to investigate specific challenges related to their implementation. Through a systematic search in several databases, we retrieved 1356 articles for title, abstract, and full-text screening. After screening, we selected 35 articles for quality rating. An established narrative approach allowed us to include 24 studies. We used an ecological approach and a recently suggested implementation construct terminology to report our findings. To date, there are no evaluations of the implementation of group based programs where implementation aspects and effectiveness are compared with other kinds of programs or formats. Hence, important research knowledge is lacking concerning implementation of group based parenting programs. Our finding indicate that certain format specific implementation aspects of group based parenting programs are perceived by practitioners as particularly challenging. For instance, scheduling of group leader workload, provision of additional services (e.g., meals and childcare), and recruitment of participants. Further, practitioners and group leaders influence implementation success and program sustainability as well as parental attitudes and reasons for participation. To highlight the importance of practitioners and parents we suggest adaptations to the ecological model approach. Overall, the theoretical foundation of current implementation research is weak and future implementation research need to be theoretically driven. It is important to fill the existing lack of implementation knowledge because it might be one of the reasons why group based parenting programs have limited impact as preventive interventions on children's mental well-being.
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31. |
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32. |
- Podlog, Leslie, et al.
(author)
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Need satisfaction, motivation, and engagement among high-performance youth athletes : A multiple mediation analysis
- 2015
-
In: International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. - : Routledge. - 1612-197X .- 1557-251X. ; 13:4, s. 415-433
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this investigation was to examine whether the various types of motivation articulated in self-determination theory (SDT) mediated the relationship between basic need satisfaction (i.e. competence, autonomy, and relatedness) and athlete engagement. Four types of motivation as assessed by the Situational Motivation Scale including intrinsic motivation, identified regulation, external regulation, and amotivation were examined as mediators of the need satisfaction–engagement relationship. Swedish downhill skiers (N = 192; n = 95 males, n = 97 females) aged 15–20 years completed questionnaires assessing the study variables of interest. Mediation analyses revealed that all four motivational regulations were significant partial mediators of the relationship between autonomy support and engagement. Moreover, except for external regulation, all three motivational regulations fully mediated the association between relatedness and engagement. Finally, intrinsic motivation and identified regulation partially mediated the relationship between competence and engagement. Findings support SDT contentions highlighting the importance of self-determined forms of motivation in mediating need satisfaction and engagement. The mediation patterns and directions for future research are discussed.
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33. |
- Rydberg Sterner, Therese, et al.
(author)
-
A Psychometric Evaluation of a Swedish Version of the Positive-Negative Sex-Role Inventory (PN-SRI)
- 2018
-
In: Societies. - : MDPI AG. - 2075-4698. ; 8:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Positive-Negative Sex-Role Inventory (PN-SRI) assesses gender identity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a Swedish version of the PN-SRI in a population of 70-year-olds within the Gothenburg H70-study in Sweden. The overarching objective of testing the PN-SRI within the H70-study was to evaluate its usability to further study gender identity in large population-based samples of older adults. A total of 1124 individuals participated in the psychometric testing. A sub-sample of these (n = 406) provided a comprehensive survey regarding societal norms on femininity and masculinity. Reliability and validity tests were performed using Cronbach's Alpha and factor analyses. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients (0.734-0.787) indicated a satisfactory level of internal consistency, and the four-factor model (Model 2) fitted the data at an acceptable level (root-mean-square error of approximation, RMSEA = 0.068, standardized root-mean-square residual, SRMR = 0.07). This cross-cultural adaptation of the PN-SRI indicates that it may be applicable in a Swedish research setting comprising older adults. Future research is needed to further test the psychometric properties of this scale. Adding the PN-SRI to population-based studies will contribute to providing a nuanced way of analyzing differences and similarities among men and women.
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34. |
- Rydberg Sterner, Therese, et al.
(author)
-
'I wanted to talk about it, but I couldn't', an H70 focus group study about experiencing depression in early late life
- 2020
-
In: BMC Geriatrics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2318. ; 20:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Knowledge about experiences of depression among younger-old adults from the general population is limited. The aim was to explore experiences of depression in early late life. Methods Sixteen participants in the population-based Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies (12 women and 4 men) who had reported a history of depression between ages 60-70 took part in focus group discussions (n = 4). Data were analyzed using focus group methodology. Results The analysis resulted in the overall theme 'I wanted to talk about it, but I couldn't'. The participants expressed unmet needs of communication about depression with family, friends, and healthcare staff. Participants wanted to know more about the causes and effects of depression, available treatment options and how to avoid recurrence. Lack of knowledge was a source of frustration; trust in health care providers was diminished. Being retired meant that opportunities for communication with co-workers were no longer available, and this made it harder to break negative thought and behavioral patterns. Being depressed meant losing one's normal self, and participants were grieving this. Thoughts of death and suicide were experienced in solitude; knowing that there was an escape could generate a feeling of comfort and control. Conclusions Younger-old adults have expressed a need to talk about their experiences of depression. They would like to know more about available treatments, potential side effects, and how to avoid recurrence. Care providers also need to be aware there is a need for an existential dialogue about death.
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35. |
- Seidu, Nazib, et al.
(author)
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Association of CSF biomarkers with MRI brain changes in Alzheimer's disease
- 2024
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In: ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA: DIAGNOSIS, ASSESSMENT & DISEASE MONITORING. - 2352-8729. ; 16:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The relation between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures is poorly understood in cognitively healthy individuals from the general population. Participants' (n = 226) mean age was 70.9 years (SD = 0.4). CSF concentrations of amyloid beta (A beta)1-42, total tau (t-tau), phosphorylated tau (p-tau), neurogranin, and neurofilament light, and volumes of hippocampus, amygdala, total basal forebrain (TBF), and cortical thickness were measured. Linear associations between CSF biomarkers and MRI measures were investigated. In A beta 1-42 positives, higher t-tau and p-tau were associated with smaller hippocampus (P = 0.001 and P = 0.003) and amygdala (P = 0.005 and P = 0.01). In A beta 1-42 negatives, higher t-tau, p-tau, and neurogranin were associated with larger TBF volume (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.01). No associations were observed between the CSF biomarkers and an AD signature score of cortical thickness. AD-specific biomarkers in cognitively healthy 70-year-olds may be related to TBF, hippocampus, and amygdala. Lack of association with cortical thickness might be due to early stage of disease.
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36. |
- Skoog, Therése, 1978-
(author)
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Adolescent and adult implications of girls’ pubertal timing
- 2012
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In: Girls at risk. - New York : Springer-Verlag New York. - 9781461441298 ; , s. 9-34
-
Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Puberty is a milestone in female development. It is the process through which girls become capable of sexual reproduction and during which major physical changes occur. Puberty is often viewed as one of girls’ troubles. In fact, pubertal development is linked with adjustment in many areas of life, with pubertal timing—when in relation to same-sex, same-age peers a girl experiences puberty—being associated with adjustment difficulties in particular. According to a substantial literature, puberty appears to be troublesome mostly for girls who mature early. Despite being vast, the literature has important limitations, including a lack of comprehensive models placing girls in their contexts and a considerable lack of long-term follow-ups. In this chapter, the role of pubertal timing in adolescent and adult adjustment is studied in a broader developmental context using a cohort of children from a middle-size urban Swedish community who have been followed across 33 years within the Individual Development and Adaptation program. Biological (puberty), psychological (self-perceptions), and environmental (heterosexual relationships) factors are examined simultaneously. The findings suggest that early puberty is associated with adjustment difficulties in several areas, but when pubertal timing is considered in conjunction with psychological and social factors, a more differentiated picture emerge. Certain subgroups of early-developing females might be among those who show the most positive adjustment. From a long-term perspective, pubertal timing continues to in some respects play a role in adulthood. In conclusion, early-developing girls need not be at risk girls. Rather, neglecting to view pubertal timing in its context likely masks that different early-developing girls have different patterns of adjustment in adolescence and, in addition, different developmental paths to adulthood.
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37. |
- Skoog, Therése, et al.
(author)
-
Boys’ Pubertal Timing Measured on the Pubertal Development Scale is Linked to Online Sexual Activities
- 2013
-
In: International Journal of Sexual Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1931-7611 .- 1931-762X. ; 25:4, s. 281-290
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We explored the link between boys’ pubertal timing and offline and online romantic and sexual activities using a sample of 142 Swedish early adolescent boys. Boys reported on two aspects of pubertal timing, a stage-normative (measured by five indicators of physical development related to puberty) and a peer-normative, and on offline and online romantic and sexual activities. Both aspects of pubertal timing was related to being romantically and sexually active offline, but only the stage-normative measure was linked to corresponding activities online. Thus, the implications of stage-normative pubertal timing on sexual activities seem to extend to online contexts.
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38. |
- Skoog, Therése, 1978-, et al.
(author)
-
Explaining why early-maturing girls are more exposed to sexual harassment in early adolescence
- 2016
-
In: Journal of Early Adolescence. - : Sage Publications. - 0272-4316 .- 1552-5449. ; 36:4, s. 490-509
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this study, we tested two competing explanations of the previously established link between early female puberty and sexual harassment in early adolescence. The sample included 680 seventh-grade Swedish girls (Mage = 13.40, SD = .53). Findings revealed that looking more sexually mature and being sexually active mediated the link between pubertal timing and sexual harassment. The magnitude of the indirect effect through sexually mature appearance was greater than that through engagement in sexual behaviors. Apparently, early-maturing girls are sexually harassed as a result of natural and normative sexual development, which happens earlier than for most of their peers. The findings have clear implications for prevention of sexual harassment in adolescence
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39. |
- Skoog, Therése, 1978-, et al.
(author)
-
Facebook as a means to make new peers among early maturing girls
- 2015
-
In: Computers in human behavior. - : Elsevier BV. - 0747-5632 .- 1873-7692. ; 48, s. 500-505
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We explored, for the first time, links between female pubertal timing and adolescent Internet use, Facebook use, and the size of peer networks on Facebook in a Swedish early adolescent sample (N = 166). Although pubertal timing was not linked to Internet use or Facebook use, it was linked to being more open about oneself and having more Facebook friends in grade 7. These associations had disappeared one year later. Consonant with previous studies of offline contexts, this study provides preliminary evidence to suggest that Facebook is a means to make new peers among early maturing girls in early adolescence.
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40. |
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41. |
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42. |
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43. |
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44. |
- Skoog, Therése, 1978-
(author)
-
On the developmental significance of female pubertal timing
- 2008
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Puberty is the process of becoming sexually mature and it has fundamental somatic and psychosocial implications. The focus of this dissertation was the short and long term developmental significance, concerning both soma et psyche, of female pubertal timing. Four studies were designed to accomplish these aims. Six samples of different ages from different countries and from different time points, comprising several thousand females some of which were followed longitudinally, were used. Age at menarche was used as the primary measure of pubertal maturation. The first main aim of this dissertation was to explore the mechanisms that might explain the well-established link between female pubertal timing and problem behavior, and to identify contextual conditions at which associations are stronger or weaker. Existing explanations are unsatisfactory and little is known about conditions that might affect the strength of the associations. In Paper I, we tested and confirmed a peer socialization hypothesis as a satisfactory explanation for the link between early puberty and problematic adjustment. In short, this hypothesis posits that early developing girls associate with older peers and boyfriends because they feel more mature than their same age peers, and through these peers and boyfriends the early developed girls are channeled into more socially advanced behaviors, including normbreaking. This should be particularly true in contexts where heterosexual relationships are sanctioned and where there is an abundance of deviant youth. In Paper II, I used a biopsychosocial approach and studied pubertal timing along with self-perceptions of maturity and early romantic relationships. The findings revealed that early puberty had very different implications depending on the psychological and social contexts in which it was embedded. For instance, when early puberty was coupled with feeling mature and having early romantic relationships, it was associated with adjustment problems. When early puberty was coupled with neither, it was not linked to particularly high levels of problem behavior. In stark contrast to the vast literature on the role of female pubertal timing in adolescence, the literature on long-term implications is remarkably limited. For this reason, the second main aim of this dissertation was to study the adult implications of female pubertal timing. In Papers III and IV, we examined long term implications of pubertal timing, particularly as it relates to somatic development. The findings suggested that pubertal timing does have future implications for women’s body perception and composition, with early developing females having higher body mass indexes in adulthood, but only under certain circumstances. The findings of this dissertation help further understanding of the soma et psyche implications of female pubertal timing. They indicate that pubertal timing has concurrent and future implications. It seems, however, that timing is not everything. The developmental significance of female pubertal timing appears to be very different under different contextual conditions. Thus, it is only when girls’ psychological and social contexts are considered that fruitful predictions can be made. As such, the findings have important implications for prevention, policy, and practice.
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45. |
- Skoog, Therése, 1978-, et al.
(author)
-
Physical Appearance and Sexual Activity Mediate the Link between Early Puberty and Sexual Harassment Victimization in Male Adolescents
- 2016
-
In: Sex Roles. - : Springer. - 0360-0025 .- 1573-2762. ; 75:7-8, s. 339-348
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Contrary to common belief, research shows that male adolescents are frequent targets of sexual harassment. According to some prior studies, early puberty puts male adolescents at a particular risk for being sexually harassed. In this cross-sectional study, we tested two competing explanations of the link between male pubertal timing and sexual harassment in early adolescence. The explanations were based on evolutionary and feminist theories. The sample included 704 seventh-grade Swedish male adolescents (Mage = 13.37, SD = .59). We found that looking more mature and being sexually active significantly mediated the link between pubertal timing and sexual harassment. The magnitude of the indirect effects did not differ significantly from each other. These findings largely replicate prior research for female adolescents, and they suggest that early pubertal timing is linked to victimizing sexual phenomena in early adolescence through young men’s normative sexually mature appearance and sexual activities. Tolerance and respect for differences should be central components of interventions aimed at reducing sexual harassment among young people of any gender.
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46. |
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47. |
- Skoog, Therése, 1978-, et al.
(author)
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The Role of Pubertal Timing in What Adolescent Boys Do Online
- 2009
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In: Journal of research on adolescence. - Hillsdale, N.J. : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.. - 1050-8392 .- 1532-7795. ; 19:1, s. 1-7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to investigate associations between pubertal timing and boys' Internet use, particularly their viewing of pornography. We used a sample comprising of 97 boys in grade 8 (M age, 14.22 years) from two schools in a medium-sized Swedish town. This age should be optimal for differentiating early, on-time, and later-maturing boys. Boys responded to self-report questionnaires on their Internet use and pubertal timing. Early, on-time, and late-maturing boys did not differ in terms of most Internet activities. However, early maturers reported downloading and viewing pornography more often than the other boys did (p<.001). The findings build on previous research on the link between pubertal timing and sexual behavior in adolescence. Moreover, they help further understanding of the behavioral implications of boys' pubertal timing.
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48. |
- Skoog, Therése, 1978-, et al.
(author)
-
Understanding the Link between Pubertal Timing in Girls and the Development of Depressive Symptoms : The Role of Sexual Harassment
- 2016
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In: Journal of Youth and Adolescence. - : Springer. - 0047-2891 .- 1573-6601. ; 45:2, s. 316-327
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The link between sexual maturation, or pubertal timing, in girls and adolescent depressive symptoms is well-documented, but the underlying processes remain unclear. We examined whether sexual harassment, which has previously been linked to both pubertal timing and depressive symptoms, mediates this link, using a two-wave longitudinal study including 454 girls in 7th (Mage = 13.42, SD = .53) and 8th grade (Mage = 14.42, SD = .55). Pubertal timing was linked to depressive symptoms in both age groups, and predicted an increase in depressive symptoms among the 7th graders. Sexual harassment significantly mediated the link between pubertal timing and depressive symptoms among the 7th, but not the 8th grade girls. Together, our findings suggest that one way to prevent depressive symptoms among early-maturing girls could be to address sexual harassment in preventive intervention in early adolescence.
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49. |
- Skoog, Therése, 1978-, et al.
(author)
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Why and under which contextual conditions do early maturing girls develop problem behaviors?
- 2014
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In: Child Development Perspectives. - : Wiley. - 1750-8592 .- 1750-8606. ; 8:3, s. 158-162
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Researchers have proposed several theoretical models to account for the well-established link between pubertal timing and social adjustment. The early models are general and pay little attention to mechanisms or contextual conditions, while newer models concentrate on interpersonal and contextual conditions. A recent theoretical approach-combining peer-socialization and contextual-amplification models-seeks to specify the theoretical mechanisms involved in the peer-socialization explanation of the link between girls' early maturation and problem behavior, on one hand, and the contextual conditions during which peer socialization are likely to occur, on the other. Findings from our empirical studies on micro-and macrocontextual levels support this integrative approach. Models of how puberty affects behavior should recognize the social embeddedness of adolescents' behaviors, and should therefore be contextual.
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50. |
- Sorbring, Emma, 1972-, et al.
(author)
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Adolescent girls' and boys' well-being in relation to online and offline sexual and romantic activity
- 2014
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In: Cyberpsychology. - : Masaryk University. - 1802-7962. ; 8:1, s. 1-
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The aims of this study were to determine links between adolescent's well-being and their sexual and romantic activities off- and online. The study includes 245 mid-adolescents (15 years of age; 55 % girls) and 251 late-adolescents (18 years of age; 49 % girls). Of the 496 teenagers, 54 % had experiences of both online and offline sexual and romantic activities, while the remaining (46 %) had only offline experiences.Teenagers' experiences with online sexual/romantic activities were associated with experiences of offline sexual/romantic activities. Multiple regressions showed that age (older) and risk behaviour contributed to higher engagement in offline sexual/romantic activities. In contrast, only higher risk behaviour contributed to higher engagement in online sexual/romantic activities for boys, but for girl several factors, such as age (younger), lower body esteem, higher risk- and problem behaviour contributed to higher engagement in online sexual/romantic activities. We discuss this result from a gender perspective.
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