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Published on: February 22, 2018
Social comparison and mental health among academics in Qatar: a cross-sectional study
Dalal Hammoudi Halat1, Manar E Abdel-Rahman2, Ghadir Fakhri Al-Jayyousi2
1QU Health Office of Assessment and Accreditation, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
Background:
Social comparison is emerging as a prominent manifestation in today's communities and can influence individuals' wellbeing. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess social comparison among academic faculty in Qatar and explore associations with mental health indicators.
Methods:
The study used an online, anonymous cross-sectional survey conducted among academics in Qatar. Social comparison was assessed using the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM), while the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 items (DASS-21) and Maslach Burnout inventory - Educators Survey (MBI-ES) were used to measure self-perceived depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout. Linear regression models and Modified Poisson regression models were used to assess multivariable relationships.
Results:
A total of 112 faculty responded to the survey, 54% of which were males and with average age of 44.2 ± 9.2 years. INCOM yielded a score of 26.5 ± 5.5, while self-perceived depression, anxiety, stress, scored at 9.4 ± 9.8, 11.9 ± 7.8, and 12.9 ± 10.5 using DASS-21. The burnout score using MBI-ES was 25 ± 18.8. In regression analysis, social comparison was significantly associated with depression (p = 0.006), stress (p = 0.001), and burnout (p = 0.002) but not with anxiety. Only social comparison of ability, but not opinion, correlated with mental health (p < 0.01).
Conclusion:
This preliminary report from Qatar regarding social comparison among academic faculty showed that it can play a role in evoking increased depression, stress and burnout. Further research is needed for better understanding of social comparison effects on the wellbeing of faculty.
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