Academic Psychiatry and Psychology Journal

Perceived Parental Marital Quality, Parent-Child Attachment, and Anxiety Among Chinese College Students

Gonghuai Yang — 2026-08-31

Objective: To examine the association between perceived parental marital quality and anxiety among Chinese college students, with a particular focus on the mediating role of parent-child attachment.

Materials and methods: : A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 1^st 2025 and January 31^st 2026 with 306 undergraduate students recruited from three universities in Shaanxi Province, China. Participants completed validated Chinese versions of the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS), the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA), and the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Data were analyzed using correlation analysis, hierarchical regression, and bootstrap mediation procedures.

Results: Perceived parental marital quality was negatively associated with anxiety, fully mediated by parent-child attachment (indirect effect = -0.630, 95% CI [-0.745, -0.515]). Role equality was the strongest protective factor among marital quality dimensions. Trust and communication served as key mediating mechanisms, while alienation exacerbated anxiety.

Conclusion: Parent-child attachment plays a critical role in transmitting the protective effects of perceived marital quality on anxiety among Chinese college students.

The Effects of a Relapse Prevention Program with Individual Motivational Interview on Relapse and Readmission among Patients with Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorders

Sawitree Suriyachai — 2026-08-31

Objective: To examine the effects of a relapse prevention program combined with individual motivational interview among schizophrenia patients with substance use disorders.

Materials and methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized a two-group repeated measures design. The sample consisted of 76 schizophrenia patients with substance use disorders who had been readmitted within 28 days. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 38) and a control group (n = 38). The experimental group received a 2-week program comprising six sessions (3 times/week, 45–60 minutes/session), whereas the control group received standard care. Outcomes were evaluated at pre-test, post-test, and during follow-ups at 1 and 4 weeks post-discharge using the Intent to Prevent Relapse Questionnaire, the Drug Prevention Behavior Scale, and the Time Line Follow Back (TLFB). Data were collected from October 14, 2025, to March 31, 2026, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and repeated measures ANOVA.

Results: : The experimental group exhibited a significantly higher intention for relapse prevention (F(1.368, 49.253) = 1286.118, p < .05, partial η² = 0.973) and greater drug prevention behavior (F(1.732, 62.356) = 632.360, p < .05, partial η² = 0.946) compared to the control group. Additionally, the experimental group experienced significantly lower rates of substance relapse within both 7 and 30 days (p < .05), as well as reduced rates of psychiatric hospital readmission within 28 days (p < .05) compared to the control group.

Conclusion: The relapse prevention program combined with individual motivational interview is effective in reducing substance relapse among schizophrenia patients with substance use disorders.

Mindfulness for Boosting Single East Asians’ Quality of Life: A narrative review

Yuanhu Ding — 2026-08-31

Introduction: In Asian cultures that emphasize collectivism and Confucianism, being single often brings about social pressure and diminished self-worth, which negatively affects quality of life. Mindfulness, originating from Buddhist traditions familiar within these societies, may offer a culturally appropriate form of support.

Content: This narrative literature review integrates existing research on the mechanisms of mindfulness with the specific challenges faced by single individuals in East Asian cultural contexts. Four hypothetical pathways are proposed through which mindfulness may enhance the quality of life of single East Asians: emotional regulation, self-acceptance, social connectedness, and meaning-making. Additionally, the adaptation of mindfulness programs targeting single East Asian adults is discussed.

Conclusion: This article proposes four mechanisms through which mindfulness may enhance the quality of life of single East Asians. Empirical validation and the development of culturally tailored programs are necessary for future research and practice.

Adverse Drug Reactions Associated with Polypharmacy, Risk Assessment Tools, and Deprescribing Strategies in Elderly Psychiatric Patients: Systematic Review

Paruethai Kesorn — 2026-08-31

Objective: To review the definition of polypharmacy, tools used to assess the risk of adverse drug reactions, and guidelines for reducing the use of potentially severe adverse drug reactions in elderly psychiatric patients.

Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted using Thai and English documents from PubMed and Google Scholar between 2010 and 2025, employing keywords such as polypharmacy OR psychotropic polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medication and elderly, deprescription, anticholinergic burden, drug burden index, and sedative load. A total of 3,660 entries were found from which 30 entries were selected for systematic review.

Results: Tools for assessing the risk of adverse drug reactions include tools for identifying inappropriate medications, such as Beer’s criteria and STOPP/START criteria. Tools for assessing the level of risk include anticholinergic burden, sedative load, and drug burden index. The process of reducing medication prescriptions includes medication list assessment, adverse reaction risk assessment, assessment of the feasibility of discontinuing or reducing medication, prioritization, implementation, and follow-up after discontinuation or reduction of medication.

Conclusion: Psychotropic polypharmacy is defined as the use of two or more psychiatric medications to treat a single symptom. Elderly psychiatric patients are likely to receive multiple medications, especially those with anticholinergic or central nervous system depressant effects. Using tools to identify inappropriate medication lists and tools to assess the risk of adverse drug reactions can reduce the risk of serious adverse drug reactions.

Protective Biological Factors Against Violence Among Individuals with Severe Mental Illness and High Violence Risk (SMI-V)

Supaluck Kruathong — 2026-08-31

Introduction: Violence among psychiatric patients, particularly those with Severe Mental Illness and High Violence Risk (SMI-V), is a critical public health issue. This article presents a literature review that synthesizes evidence from relevant academic articles and research studies focusing on patients with serious mental illness and violence (SMI-V), key biological variables associated with violent behavior among individuals with SMI-V, biological treatment approaches, and nursing or case management interventions.

Content: The pathophysiology of violent behavior stems from neurobiological abnormalities, structural brain dysfunctions, neurotransmitter imbalances, and genetic factors. Biological interventions that mitigate these risks include the use of Long-Acting Injectable antipsychotics to maintain stable drug levels and resolve non-adherence issues. Clozapine is indicated for treatment-resistant patients to reduce impulsivity and violent behavior, while acute aggression is managed through emergency protocols utilizing the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS) alongside the administration of Haloperidol or Diazepam. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the importance of Case Management by a multidisciplinary team and a case manager. This approach involves developing clinical pathways, ensuring continuous patient monitoring, and preparing families to control external triggers.

Conclusion: The integration of biological understanding with structured and comprehensive case management may contribute to the prevention of relapse, reduction of the risk of violent behavior, and sustainable improvement in the quality of life of patients, their families, caregivers, and communities.