Background: One methodological difficulty in research into suicide attempts and suicide is distinguishing these phenomena from nonsuicidal self-harming behaviors and accidents. This is problematic because a reliable assessment of the presence or absence of the outcome variable is fundamental for the validity of the findings. Aims: To develop a standardized rating system, the Classification Algorithm for the Determination of Suicide Attempt and Suicide (CAD-SAS), and to investigate its psychometric properties. Methods: To examine the test-retest reliability, one investigator rated 217 narratives of real-life self-harming incidents at initial assessment and 4 weeks later. To establish the interrater reliability, three independent raters assessed a random sample of 70 narratives using the CAD-SAS. To examine the validity, one investigator using the CAD-SAS compared ratings to clinical judgments made by a consultant psychiatrist without the CAD-SAS on the same random set of 70 narratives. Results: Test-retest reliability was excellent (97.2% agreement) and interrater reliability was substantial (70.0% agreement, κ = 0.70). Agreement in the classification of incidents with the "real-world" clinical judgments supports the validity of the CAD-SAS (64.3% agreement, κ = 0.46). Conclusions: The reliability and validity of future studies can be enhanced through the standardized assessment and classification of incidents.
In: New media & society: an international and interdisciplinary forum for the examination of the social dynamics of media and information change, Band 26, Heft 1, S. 292-312
Cross-sectional research suggests a small, inverse association between social media use and body satisfaction. However, less is known regarding prospective, bidirectional, or mediating effects. In line with sociocultural theory, this study used a three-wave design to examine direct and indirect effects between social media use and body satisfaction, via thin-ideal and muscular-ideal internalisation and social comparisons. Adolescents ( n = 1911; Mage = 14.27, SD = 1.08) were invited to complete three surveys over 1 year. Cross-lagged panel models indicated acceptable fit for two social media use operationalisations, with better fit statistics for the appearance-focused use rather than photo-based activities model. Despite largely no direct effects, indirect effects were found. Social comparisons mediated the relationships over time, whereby higher social media use predicted higher comparisons, which predicted lower body satisfaction. The reverse direction was also found. Gender invariance indicates that prevention aimed at reducing comparisons may be suitable for boys and girls.
Background Eating disorders (EDs) are highly complex mental illnesses associated with significant medical complications. There are currently knowledge gaps in research relating to the epidemiology, aetiology, treatment, burden, and outcomes of eating disorders. To clearly identify and begin addressing the major deficits in the scientific, medical, and clinical understanding of these mental illnesses, the Australian Government Department of Health in 2019 funded the InsideOut Institute (IOI) to develop the Australian Eating Disorder Research and Translation Strategy, the primary aim of which was to identify priorities and targets for building research capacity and outputs. A series of rapid reviews (RR) were conducted to map the current state of knowledge, identify evidence gaps, and inform development of the national research strategy. Published peer-reviewed literature on DSM-5 listed EDs, across eight knowledge domains was reviewed: (1) population, prevalence, disease burden, Quality of Life in Western developed countries; (2) risk factors; (3) co-occurring conditions and medical complications; (4) screening and diagnosis; (5) prevention and early intervention; (6) psychotherapies and relapse prevention; (7) models of care; (8) pharmacotherapies, alternative and adjunctive therapies; and (9) outcomes (including mortality). While RRs are systematic in nature, they are distinct from systematic reviews in their aim to gather evidence in a timely manner to support decision-making on urgent or high-priority health concerns at the national level. Results Three medical science databases were searched as the primary source of literature for the RRs: Science Direct, PubMed and OVID (Medline). The search was completed on 31st May 2021 (spanning January 2009-May 2021). At writing, a total of 1,320 articles met eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. Conclusions For each RR, the evidence has been organised to review the knowledge area and identify gaps for further research and investment. The series of RRs (published separately within the current series) are designed to support the development of research and translation practice in the field of EDs. They highlight areas for investment and investigation, and provide researchers, service planners and providers, and research funders rapid access to quality current evidence, which has been synthesised and organised to assist decision-making.