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Carlberg Rindestig, F., Gillander Gådin, K., Jonsson, L., Svedin, C.-G., Landberg, Å. & Dennhag, I. (2025). A latent class analysis of technology-facilitated sexual violence: associations to other victimizations, psychiatric symptoms, and gender. International Journal of Child Abuse & Neglect, 161, Article ID 107309.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A latent class analysis of technology-facilitated sexual violence: associations to other victimizations, psychiatric symptoms, and gender
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2025 (English)In: International Journal of Child Abuse & Neglect, ISSN 0145-2134, E-ISSN 1873-7757, Vol. 161, article id 107309Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: Poly-victimization research has shown the cumulative detrimental effects of violence exposure on mental health. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) of victimization is a growing research field uncovering specific combinations of violence exposures particularly negative to mental health. Despite a growing concern of technology-facilitated violence (TFSV), it is scarcely included in LCA studies.

Objectives: Investigating victimization typologies that includes technology facilitated sexual violence.

Participants and setting: Cross-sectional survey data from a representative sample of Swedish young people in the age range of 16–23 (N = 3243, mean age = 18.20, SD = 0.61).

Methods: A Latent Class Analysis was conducted using the package PoLCA in R. A model with three classes was deemed to best fit the data.

Results: Class 1 (sexual polyvictimization, 10.1 %) had high probabilities of all forms of sexual violence including TFSV and the highest proportion of psychiatric diagnosis (45.2 %). This class consisted of mostly girls. Class 2 (child abuse polyvictimization,14.8 %) was characterized by high probabilities of physical and psychological child abuse and had an even gender distribution. 30.6 % of this class endorsed having a psychiatric diagnosis. Class 3 (75.1 %) was a low victimization/normative subgroup with an even gender distribution and a low (12.8 %) frequency of psychiatric diagnosis. Class 1 exhibited the highest levels of psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusions: Prevention efforts targeted against TFSV should consider the whole web of violence that some young people are situated in. Since TFSV seems to be connected to psychiatric symptoms and diagnosis, Child- and Adolescent Psychiatric services should pay more attention to this type of violence among their young patients.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2025
Keywords
Latent Class Analysis, Poly-victimization, Technology-facilitated sexual violence, Gender, Child- and adolescent psychiatry, Child abuse
National Category
Medical and Health Sciences
Research subject
Child and Youth Psychiatry
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-235762 (URN)10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107309 (DOI)001427275200001 ()2-s2.0-85217405979 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Region VästerbottenPublic Health Agency of Sweden
Available from: 2025-02-21 Created: 2025-02-21 Last updated: 2025-04-24Bibliographically approved
Carlberg Rindestig, F., Gillander Gådin, K. & Dennhag, I. (2025). Experiences of online sexual violence: interviews with Swedish teenage girls in psychiatric care. Violence against Women, 31(1), 266-290
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Experiences of online sexual violence: interviews with Swedish teenage girls in psychiatric care
2025 (English)In: Violence against Women, ISSN 1077-8012, E-ISSN 1552-8448, Vol. 31, no 1, p. 266-290Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Research about online sexual violence (OSV) is needed to be able to better meet the needs of girls in psychiatric care. The objectives of this study are to explore experiences of online sexual violence among young female psychiatric service users. Interviews with nine girls with psychiatric care needs were analyzed with thematic analysis. The findings are summarized in four themes which contribute to the notion that online sexual violence is only one, albeit important, part of a more complex picture of violence among young girls in psychiatric care. The girls’ narratives are shaped by, as well as reproducing gender norms.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Sage Publications, 2025
Keywords
child- and adolescent psychiatry, feminism, online victimization, poly victimization, thematic analysis, youth
National Category
Psychiatry
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-215125 (URN)10.1177/10778012231203000 (DOI)001094627900001 ()37735901 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85172022281 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Region VästerbottenUmeå University
Available from: 2023-10-18 Created: 2023-10-18 Last updated: 2024-12-17Bibliographically approved
Vestin, M., Wallin, L., Naesström, M., Blomqvist, I., Svedin, C. G., Beaumont, E., . . . Dennhag, I. (2025). Internet-based group compassion-focused therapy for Swedish young people with stress, anxiety and depression: a pilot waitlist randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, Article ID 1547046.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Internet-based group compassion-focused therapy for Swedish young people with stress, anxiety and depression: a pilot waitlist randomized controlled trial
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2025 (English)In: Frontiers in Psychology, E-ISSN 1664-1078, Vol. 16, article id 1547046Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Introduction: Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) has shown promising outcomes for young people, but research on CFT for this population remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a seven-session, therapist-led, internet-based group CFT for young people, and to investigate its preliminary effects.

Methods: A two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. The study included 42 participants (aged 15–20), experiencing mild to moderate stress, anxiety, or depression, most of whom (90%) were female. In the intervention group, 22 participants were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05448014).

Results: The intervention group had low attrition and moderate attendance, with 77% completing four or more modules. No adverse events were reported, and participants generally expressed satisfaction with the intervention. Linear regression models showed preliminary between-group differences in two variables. Depressive symptoms increased post-intervention for individuals in the intervention group compared to the waitlist (WL) group (p = 0.002). Self-compassion improved in the intervention group (p = 0.023). These patterns were consistent among participants who completed more than two sessions. Within-group analyses indicated moderate, significant improvements in stress, self-compassion and compassion from others.

Discussion: These preliminary results suggest that CFT is feasible and acceptable and may offer benefits for young people, particularly by enhancing self-compassion and compassion for others. The observed increase in depressive symptoms in the intervention group, despite improvements in self-compassion, warrants further investigation. Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results and to better understand the underlying mechanisms.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Frontiers Media S.A., 2025
Keywords
compassion, group psychotherapy, internet-based psychotherapy, randomized controlled trial (RCT), stress, young people
National Category
Applied Psychology Psychology (Excluding Applied Psychology)
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-238083 (URN)10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1547046 (DOI)001466538300001 ()40236966 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-105002611508 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Region VästerbottenUmeå UniversityNorrbotten County CouncilKempe-Carlgrenska FoundationNational Association for Social and Mental Health
Available from: 2025-05-03 Created: 2025-05-03 Last updated: 2025-05-03Bibliographically approved
Vestin, M., Jokinen, J., Blomqvist, I. & Dennhag, I. (2025). Participants' evaluation of an internet-based group compassion-focused therapy program for young people in Sweden. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, Article ID 1548320.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Participants' evaluation of an internet-based group compassion-focused therapy program for young people in Sweden
2025 (English)In: Frontiers in Psychology, E-ISSN 1664-1078, Vol. 16, article id 1548320Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Introduction: Online group compassion-focused therapy (CFT) has not been thoroughly studied in young people, and the participants' perspectives on the treatment are highly relevant.

Methods: A seven-session internet-based group CFT program was evaluated for young people aged 15–20 (n = 42, females = 37). A self-report evaluation questionnaire, specifically designed for this study, was administered post-intervention. The current study investigated: (1) Potential factors influencing the treatment program goals (increase self-compassion, reduce self-criticism and increase affect-regulation abilities) and the participants' overall experience of the treatment; and (2) The effect each intervention exercise had on the program goals according to the participants' ratings.

Results: Participants generally reported high satisfaction and had a high attendance rate. Only 2.4% of the participants completed less than half of the sessions and 71% of the participants attended at least six of the seven sessions. Exercises that integrated traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) principles received high ratings, whereas breathing and mindfulness exercises were rated lower in many cases. Several compassion exercises were also highly rated, such as the Threat-drive and security system, based on CFT affect-regulation theory. The majority did not find home assignments helpful.

Discussion: The findings suggest that internet-based group CFT could be an easily accessible and acceptable intervention for young people in primary care, though further research is warranted.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Frontiers Media S.A., 2025
Keywords
anxiety, compassion, depression, group psychotherapy, internet-based psychotherapy, stress, young people
National Category
Applied Psychology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-238069 (URN)10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1548320 (DOI)001460932700001 ()40201752 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-105001971630 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Umeå UniversityRegion Västerbotten
Available from: 2025-05-05 Created: 2025-05-05 Last updated: 2025-05-05Bibliographically approved
Blomqvist, I., Chaplin, J. E., Henje, E. & Dennhag, I. (2025). Psychometric properties and post-hoc cat analysis of the pediatric PROMIS® item banks anxiety and depressive symptoms in a combined Swedish child and adolescent psychiatry and school sample. Quality of Life Research
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Psychometric properties and post-hoc cat analysis of the pediatric PROMIS® item banks anxiety and depressive symptoms in a combined Swedish child and adolescent psychiatry and school sample
2025 (English)In: Quality of Life Research, ISSN 0962-9343, E-ISSN 1573-2649Article in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

Purpose: The objective of this study is to assess the psychometric properties and reliability of the Swedish Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) item banks for anxiety and depressive symptoms with item response theory analysis and post-hoc computerized adaptive testing in a combined Swedish Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) and school sample.

Methods: Participants (n = 928, age 12–20) were recruited from junior and high schools and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinics in the region of Västerbotten. Unidimensionality, local independence, and monotonicity was tested. We fitted a graded response model to the data and tested differential item functioning (DIF) for sex, age group, sample type, and language (Swedish vs. U.S.). Moreover, a post-hoc computer adaptive testing (CAT) simulation was performed. All analysis were made in R.

Results: Unidimensionality, local independence, and monotonicity were acceptable. The graded response model yielded acceptable item fit, discriminative, and threshold values for all items in both item banks. DIF for language (Swedish vs. U.S.) was found for two items from the anxiety and one item from the depressive symptoms item banks. A Stocking-lord transformation was used for the items displaying language DIF, and post-hoc CAT simulations were performed. The post-hoc CAT simulation showed reliability around 0.9 for both Swedish and official U.S. item parameters T-scores calibration from within normal limits to severe anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: The Swedish pediatric PROMIS item banks of anxiety and depressive symptoms are appropriate to assess mild to severe symptoms of anxiety and depressive symptoms in Swedish school- and CAP samples.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer Nature, 2025
Keywords
Child- and adolescent psychiatry, Computer adaptive testing, Depressive symptoms, Differential item functioning, Graded response model, Item response theory
National Category
Psychiatry
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-235682 (URN)10.1007/s11136-025-03898-y (DOI)001409362900001 ()39883384 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85217165317 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Visare NorrRegion VästernorrlandRegion VästerbottenStiftelsen drottning Silvias jubileumsfond
Available from: 2025-03-04 Created: 2025-03-04 Last updated: 2025-03-04
Donevan, M., Bladh, M., Landberg, Å., Jonsson, L., Priebe, G., Dennhag, I. & Svedin, C. (2024). Closing the gender gap?: a cohort comparison of adolescent responses to and attitudes toward pornography, 2004 vs. 2021. Journal of Sex Research
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Closing the gender gap?: a cohort comparison of adolescent responses to and attitudes toward pornography, 2004 vs. 2021
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2024 (English)In: Journal of Sex Research, ISSN 0022-4499, E-ISSN 1559-8519Article in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

Pornography has become increasingly prevalent and normalized within society, raising questions about how today’s adolescents might differ in their responses to and attitudes toward pornography compared to earlier generations. This study begins to fill this gap by comparing cross-sectional data from two cohorts of high school students in Sweden in 2004 (n = 4,266, mean age = 18.15, SD = 0.74, 53.9% girls) and 2020–21 (n = 3,256, mean age = 18.20, SD = 0.61, 55.4% girls). Gender-stratified bivariate analyses and logistic regression models were performed to examine the impact of survey year on outcomes. Results reveal an increase in frequent pornography use among both genders and a narrowing of the gender gap in responses and attitudes by 2020–21. Boys reported decreased arousal responses, fewer positive emotional responses, and were less inclined to imitate the behaviors seen in pornography. Girls were less averse to and upset by the pornography they encountered. Both genders became more tolerant of pornography, yet more critical of its purported benefits. Notable gender differences remain, especially with girls being more likely to recognize pornography as degrading and exploitative. These findings underscore the need for educational strategies that foster critical understandings of pornography and its societal impact.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2024
National Category
Public Health, Global Health and Social Medicine
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-231230 (URN)10.1080/00224499.2024.2408269 (DOI)001325614000001 ()39360892 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85205699624 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2024-10-28 Created: 2024-10-28 Last updated: 2025-02-20
Wallin, L., Lundqvist, U., Svedin, C.-G. & Dennhag, I. (2024). “Longing to be cared about and cared for” exploring experiences of trauma therapy and views on future trauma therapy (including digital) for young people in rural northern Sweden. Children and youth services review, 166, Article ID 107953.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>“Longing to be cared about and cared for” exploring experiences of trauma therapy and views on future trauma therapy (including digital) for young people in rural northern Sweden
2024 (English)In: Children and youth services review, ISSN 0190-7409, E-ISSN 1873-7765, Vol. 166, article id 107953Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Introduction: Young people in rural areas face challenges related to their living conditions, and unequal access to physical and mental healthcare. Despite the high prevalence of trauma exposure among young people, there is a significant lack of evidence-based treatment that is tailored to the needs of young people in rural parts of Northern Sweden. Barriers to accessing treatment include the need to travel long distances to access services, and a lack of educated, culturally competent therapists. Accordingly, this article aims to explore how young trauma patients in rural areas have experienced their trauma therapy, and their views on future trauma therapy (including digital forms). This knowledge will be used to develop trauma therapy that is adapted to the needs of young patients in rural areas in Sweden.

Method: The study included young trauma patients in rural areas in Northern Sweden between the ages of 15 and 21 (n = 14). Qualitative individual semi-structured interviews were performed and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: The analysis resulted in one overarching theme, “Longing to be cared about and cared for,” and three themes: 1. “Rural circumstances matter,” 2. “Feeling understood and empowered”, and 3. “Ambivalence regarding digital trauma therapy”. The results show that rural contexts present both possibilities and challenges: new creative care landscapes are needed where young people are cared about and cared for (and with), including a deeper understanding of the multidimensional relationship between people, places, and care.

Conclusion: Young trauma patients in rural areas want effective therapy with more knowledge and cultural sensitivity. The findings indicate that digital trauma therapy offers many benefits and reduces barriers. However, young people want future therapy to be provided both digitally and in person, and –importantly – individually adapted.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2024
Keywords
Blended therapy, Digital, PTSD, Rural areas, Trauma, Young people
National Category
Nursing Psychiatry Public Health, Global Health and Social Medicine
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-230828 (URN)10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.107953 (DOI)001332922600001 ()2-s2.0-85205706283 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2024-10-21 Created: 2024-10-21 Last updated: 2025-04-24Bibliographically approved
Vestin, M., Blomqvist, I., Henje Blom, E. & Dennhag, I. (2024). Psychometric validation of the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale–Youth (MADRS-Y) in a clinical sample. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 78(6), 525-532
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Psychometric validation of the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale–Youth (MADRS-Y) in a clinical sample
2024 (English)In: Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, ISSN 0803-9488, E-ISSN 1502-4725, Vol. 78, no 6, p. 525-532Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: Depression in adolescence is a serious major global health problem with increasing rates of prevalence. Measures of depression that are valid for young people are clearly needed in clinical contexts.

Methods: The study included 577 patients from child and adolescent psychiatry (n = 471) and primary care (n = 106) aged 12–22 years in Sweden (Mage=16.7 years; 76% female). The reliability and validity for Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale–Youth (MADRS-Y) were investigated. To confirm the latent structure, we used a single-factor confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A Kruskal–Wallis test was performed to test total score differences between diagnostic groups. Using Spearman’s rho correlations, we examine whether single items in the MADRS-Y correlate with suicidal ideation measured by The Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire-JR (SIQ-JR).

Results: The internal consistency using McDonald’s coefficient omega was excellent. The CFA of the 12-item MADRS-Y supported a one factor structure. Evidence of convergent and discriminant validity was shown. There was a significant difference in MADRS-Y scores across diagnostic groups, with higher results for depressive disorders. A strong correlation with suicidal ideation was found for two items.

Conclusions: The results support MADRS-Y as a brief, reliable, and valid self-report questionnaire of depressive symptoms for young patients in a clinical setting.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2024
Keywords
adolescent, confirmatory factor analysis, Depression, psychometrics, self-report questionnaire
National Category
Psychiatry
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-227882 (URN)10.1080/08039488.2024.2374417 (DOI)001262749500001 ()38967988 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85197495076 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Region VästerbottenUmeå University
Available from: 2024-07-15 Created: 2024-07-15 Last updated: 2024-08-20Bibliographically approved
Jonasson, M., Wiberg, M. & Dennhag, I. (2024). Sexual harassment and patterns of symptoms and functional abilities in a psychiatric sample of adolescents. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 78(4), 290-300
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Sexual harassment and patterns of symptoms and functional abilities in a psychiatric sample of adolescents
2024 (English)In: Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, ISSN 0803-9488, E-ISSN 1502-4725, Vol. 78, no 4, p. 290-300Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

PURPOSE: To investigate how commonly adolescent psychiatric outpatients with symptoms of depression and anxiety report having been subjected to sexual harassment, and to explore how symptoms and functional abilities differ between adolescent psychiatric outpatients with symptoms of depression and anxiety who do report and those who do not report having been subjected to sexual harassment.

METHODS: Swedish adolescent psychiatric outpatients with symptoms of depression or anxiety (n = 324; 66 boys and 258 girls, aged 12-19 years, M = 15.6, SD = 1.7) answered the PROMIS paediatric measures. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess differences between the respondents classified as 'Sexually harassed' and 'Not sexually harassed' based on these self-report questionnaires.

RESULTS: About 60% of the adolescents reported having been subjected to sexual harassment, and reported higher levels of suicidal ideation, disturbed sleep, fatigue, anxiety, depression, anger, and pain interference, as well as lower functional ability in terms of school problems, alcohol consumption, and poor family relationships. Logistic regression analyses showed that the strongest associations were with suicidal ideation, disturbed sleep, anger, and alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSIONS: About 60% of the adolescents in the studied psychiatric cohort reported having been subjected to sexual harassment. Reported experiences were high in all three subtypes, with the most reports on having been subjected to verbal harassment. Clinicians should ask about experiences of sexual harassment and give information about the consequences of sexual violence and treatment options. Alcohol consumption should be addressed and tested for. Structured assessment of suicidality should always be done.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis Group, 2024
Keywords
Sexual harassment, adolescents, child and adolescent psychiatry, logistic regression, suicidal ideation
National Category
Psychiatry
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-222470 (URN)10.1080/08039488.2024.2318732 (DOI)001169673100001 ()38385440 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85186447367 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Region Västerbotten
Available from: 2024-03-19 Created: 2024-03-19 Last updated: 2024-07-02Bibliographically approved
Henje Blom, E., Wiberg, M. & Dennhag, I. (2024). Translation and validation of the Swedish version of the self-compassion scale for youth. Australian psychologist, 59(1), 24-35
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Translation and validation of the Swedish version of the self-compassion scale for youth
2024 (English)In: Australian psychologist, ISSN 0005-0067, E-ISSN 1742-9544, Vol. 59, no 1, p. 24-35Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Objective: Compassion-focused interventions for young people have started to emerge to treat depressive symptoms, and reliable and valid measures of the construct “self-compassion” is needed for this age-group in Swedish. This study aims to validate the Swedish translation of the Self-Compassion Scale for Youth (SCS-Y).

Method: Self-report questionnaires were collected from students (N = 316) aged 15–20 recruited from schools in Sweden, in a cross-sectional design. Confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measurement invariance and convergent and divergent validity were calculated.

Results: A model with one general bi-factor and six specific factors had the best fit and confirmed the factor structure of SCS-Y. Internal consistencies were good, except for the subscale mindfulness for boys which was questionable. Three-week test-retest reliability was good. We found measurement invariance for age and no equivalence for sex. Evidence was found for convergent and divergent validity using correlations. Sex differences were found: girls scored higher on self-judgement, feelings of isolation and showed more over-identification, than boys.

Conclusions: The Swedish version of SCS-Y (SCS-Y-SE) is a reliable and valid self-report questionnaire, with some limitations, to assess self-compassion in clinical practice and research.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2024
Keywords
adolescents, confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance, psychometrics, Self-compassion
National Category
Other Health Sciences Psychiatry Pediatrics
Research subject
Child and Youth Psychiatry
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-210212 (URN)10.1080/00050067.2023.2217326 (DOI)001003519200001 ()2-s2.0-85161555408 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Region VästerbottenUmeå University
Available from: 2023-06-28 Created: 2023-06-28 Last updated: 2024-05-14Bibliographically approved
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0001-7336-1657

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