Tag: Mood and emotional regulation

BackgroundPerceived stress is a significant risk factor for depression among healthcare professionals. While this fundamental relationship is well-documented, the potential mediating mechanisms—specifically the role of psychological flexibility and its distinct components—in buffering the impact of perceived stress on depression within the nursing community remain poorly understood.MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 3,920 nurses from three tertiary Grade A public hospitals in Xi’an, China, using convenience sampling, of whom 3,611 were included in the final analysis. Data were collected online using the Chinese versions of Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale and the Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Processes, as well as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Pearson correlation analyzes and mediation analysis were conducted to examine the associations among perceived stress, psychological flexibility, and depression.ResultsDepression was positively correlated with perceived stress (r = 0.63, p < 0.01). Mediation analysis indicated that perceived stress was significantly associated with depression both directly (b = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.49) and indirectly via psychological flexibility (b = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.13) and its components, including acceptance and cognitive defusion (b = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.15), and values and committed action (b = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.08). The indirect association through mindfulness and self-as-context was not significant (b = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.02).ConclusionsPsychological flexibility and some of its components were involved in partial indirect associations between perceived stress and depression among Chinese nurses. These findings suggest that psychological flexibility may help understand how perceived stress is statistically associated with depression in this population. Given the cross-sectional design, however, the results should be interpreted as statistical associations rather than evidence of causal relationships.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a common cardiac arrhythmia that carries substantial morbidity and mortality risks, whereas depression serves as a significant psychological factor affecting cardiovascular health. Recent findings underscore a reciprocal relationship between AF and depression, suggesting that depression may heighten the likelihood of developing AF, while AF may, in turn, worsen depressive symptoms. This review aims to provide a thorough examination of the epidemiological features that underpin this relationship, focusing on population-based research that clarifies prevalence rates and associated risk factors. Furthermore, it delves into the intricate biological and psychosocial mechanisms that connect these two conditions, which include dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, inflammation, neurohormonal pathways, and behavioral influences. The clinical ramifications of this reciprocal association are also addressed, highlighting the necessity for integrated screening and management approaches to enhance patient outcomes. By consolidating existing research, this article seeks to enrich the understanding of the relationship between AF and depression, as well as to assist clinicians in optimizing therapeutic strategies tailored to address this dual burden.