A newly published review protocol based on the ongoing project
Risk and protective factors for bereavement adaptation: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Many people experience lifelong impacts after losing a loved one. Bereavement adaptation, which refers to how people adapt to changes after a death, is crucial for their subsequent life stages. Bereavement experienced during one’s childhood or teenage years can be even more challenging, considering the dual burden of bereavement adaptation and developmental tasks. However, no review identifies the risk or protective factors relating to such bereavement adaptation from a lifespan perspective. This review will thus unpack the factors that influence one’s long-term adaptation to the bereavement experienced during childhood. This review will identify the risk and protective factors affecting individual adaptation to bereavement experienced during childhood and adolescence within a four-domain framework: mental health, grief, developmental competence and others.
Zhang J, Ho WS, Chen M, et alRisk and protective factors for bereavement adaptation: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysisBMJ Open 2025;15:e104351. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-104351
Full article available: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/8/e104351.info
Last updated date: 20 August 2025
Key findings from a newly published review article
Intolerance of Uncertainty, Aging, and Anxiety and Mental Health Concerns: A Scoping Review and Meta-analysis
Although intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is associated with negative outcomes, studies focusing on older adults are still emerging. Specifically, the relationship between IU and psychological health in this population remains unclear. Moreover, no review has focused on understanding the unique contributions of IU and aging to anxiety and mental health in older adults. This scoping review and meta-analysis addressed this gap and provided a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between IU, aging, and mental health. Among 45 studies reviewed, 37 were included in the meta-analysis using mixed effect analysis to examine the relationship between IU and age across adulthood. The remaining eight studies, along with seven selected from the meta-analysis, were included in the scoping review to evaluate the relationship between IU, anxiety, and mental health. Among these, 12 studies focused on late adulthood, two on overall adulthood, and one included both late and overall adulthood. Results of the meta-analysis revealed an overall significant age difference in IU throughout adulthood. Moreover, results of the scoping review indicated a direct correlation between IU and anxiety, and other psychological issues in elderly. These findings provide insights for future research and interventions aimed at reducing IU and improving mental health among older adults.
Yu, M. H. M., Cao, Y., Fung, S. S. Y., Kwan, G. S. Y., Tse, Z. C. K., & Shum, D. H. K. (2025). Intolerance of Uncertainty, Aging, and Anxiety and Mental Health Concerns: A Scoping Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 102975. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2025.102975
Full article available: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887618525000118
Last updated date: 20 January 2025
Managing Uncertainty and Loneliness: Protective and Risk Factors Impacting on Older People’s Mental Health in Hong Kong
The research team is continuing collaboration with the NGO for more research on ageing (18 Jan 2025)
Cao, Y., Kwan, G. S. Y., Tse, Z. C. K., Chow, K. K. S., Kwan, D. K. S., Lam, W. W. Y., & Shum, D. H. K. (2024). Managing Uncertainty and Loneliness: Protective and Risk Factors Impacting on Older People’s Mental Health in Hong Kong. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2024.2423678
Full article available: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01634372.2024.2423678
Last updated date: 22 January 2025
Congratulations to Dr. Cao Y. Sally on Her APS Rising Star Award
The APS Rising Star designation is presented to outstanding APS members in the earliest stages of their research career post-PhD. Drawing its name from an Observer editorial series that featured exemplars of the exciting work being done by the field’s newest researchers, this designation recognizes researchers whose innovative work has already advanced the field and signals great potential for their continued contributions.
Individuals being considered for Rising Star designation are evaluated for their promise of excellence in research based on the following criteria:
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significant publications
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significant recognitions
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significant discoveries, methodological innovations, or theoretical or empirical contributions
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work with potentially broad impact
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commitment to diversity in science
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demonstrated independence from mentors
*For more information, please visit here.