Access to effective interventions aimed at reducing the mental health consequences of exposure to traumatic events is hampered by barriers to treatment. Mobile applications (apps) are one way to overcome these barriers. However, the effectiveness of apps in reducing posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) is limited, which could be explained by low user engagement. A better understanding of the needs and preferences of individuals with PTSS could help in developing apps that are more engaging and possibly more effective. This review aims to synthesize qualitative findings from studies examining the subjective experiences of individuals who use apps for PTSS. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and PsycINFO. Empirical studies that report qualitative data and focus on one or more apps designed for the self-assessment or the self-management of PTSS were included. Sixteen articles focusing on 14 apps met the inclusion criteria. Participants reported barriers (e.g., lack of perceived benefits), facilitators (e.g., ease of use), benefits (e.g., improved mental health), and adverse effects (e.g., increased symptoms) related to the use of the apps. They also made suggestions aimed at improving user experience, such as increasing customization. In conclusion, developing apps with a user-centered approach, promoting social support through the use of the apps, and including gamification elements might increase user engagement with apps for PTSS. Further research should test if that is the case.

PsycINFO

Mobile apps

10.21428/cb6ab371.0f13c885

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Shyness, social anxiety, social anxiety disorder, and substance use among normative adolescent populations: A systematic review

The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse (2018)

Alexandre Lemyre Audrey Gauthier-Légaré Richard E. Bélanger

Researchers have increasingly studied shyness, social anxiety, and social anxiety disorder (SAD) as potential precursors of substance use. Objectives. The objective of this study was to review the relationships between these variables and tobacco use, alcohol use, and cannabis/drug use in normative adolescent populations and the extent to which these associations differ by gender. Methods. A systematic search in PsycINFO and PubMed was conducted, reference screening was performed, and five experts were consulted. Results. Fifty articles published between 1980 and 2016 were included for review. Shyness was frequently associated with lower use of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis/drug. Similar findings emerged for social anxiety. In contrast, SAD tended to be associated with higher use of tobacco and cannabis/drug, although the association between SAD and the use of alcohol appeared inconclusive. Furthermore, limited evidence suggests that shy females use less tobacco than shy males and that males with social anxiety use less drugs than socially anxious females. Conclusions. In conclusion, these results highlight that shyness, social anxiety, and SAD may exert different effects on substance use. Higher use of substances among adolescents suffering from a SAD may be explained, among other possibilities, by a self-medication mechanism. While all adolescents should benefit from prevention efforts targeted at substance use, a systematic screening for substance use disorders during the clinical evaluation that precedes SAD treatments is advised.

Shyness

PsycINFO

Alcohol use disorder

10.1080/00952990.2018.1536882

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L’expérience des étudiantes et étudiants du secteur collégial par rapport à leurs difficultés psychologiques

Myreille St‐Onge Alexandre Lemyre

Cet article comporte deux objectifs : 1) documenter quatre composantes de l’experience des etudiantes et etudiants presentant des difficultes psychologiques : leurs besoins, leur perception de l’aide offerte par le personnel enseignant, leur connaissance/utilisation des services offerts dans le cegep, ainsi que leurs attitudes par rapport a leurs difficultes ; 2) verifier si ces composantes different en fonction du sexe et de la presence d’un diagnostic de trouble de sante mentale. Cent cinquante-deux etudiantes et etudiants recrutes parmi huit cegeps du Quebec ont rempli un questionnaire en ligne. L’experience des etudiantes et etudiants varie peu selon le sexe, mais considerablement selon la presence d’un diagnostic.

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Pre-sleep cognitive activity in adults: A systematic review

Sleep Medicine Reviews (2019)

Alexandre Lemyre Florence Belzile Madeleine Landry Célyne Bastien Luc P. Beaudoin

Sleep onset latency

Sleep

Affect

10.1016/j.smrv.2019.101253

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Acknowledgment of Reviewers – 2019

Dreaming (2019)

Mark Blagrove Kelly Bulkeley Bruce Bynum G. William Domhoff Iain R. Edgar

10.1037/drm0000121

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