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Chen LJ, Steptoe A, Chien IC, Ku PW. Longitudinal association of social isolation and loneliness with physical function among in-patients living with schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2024; 31:956-965. [PMID: 38506057 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.13043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: People living with schizophrenia have reduced physical function and are more likely to experience loneliness than those without condition. Low physical function is associated with greater loneliness in people with psychosis. However, it is unclear whether social isolation and loneliness contribute to impaired physical function in this population. Loneliness is linked to an increased risk of physical function impairment among older individuals, but research on patients living with schizophrenia is limited. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This study is the first to evaluate the longitudinal association of social isolation and loneliness with physical function among inpatients living with schizophrenia. It showed that more than one third of the participants experienced a decline in physical function over a 2-year period. Loneliness, rather than social isolation, was associated with an increase in physical function impairment over 2 years among inpatients living with schizophrenia. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Healthcare professionals should recognize loneliness as a potential risk factor for impaired physical function among inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia. It is recommended that people living with schizophrenia are assessed for loneliness and that interventions are offered to alleviate their feelings of loneliness. Implementing interventions to reduce loneliness may help improve physical function and overall quality of life for individuals living with schizophrenia. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Patients living with schizophrenia often experience low physical function, which is associated with negative health outcomes. Therefore, investigating the risk factors for physical function is crucial in this population. AIM This study examined the longitudinal association of social isolation and loneliness with physical function among inpatients living with schizophrenia. METHODS Physical function was assessed using measures of activities daily living (ADL), instrumental activities daily living (IADL) and the combination scores of ADL/IADL. Social isolation was indexed with five types of social connection and loneliness was measured using UCLA Loneliness Scale. RESULTS Social isolation was not associated with the measures of physical function over 2 years. Loneliness exhibited an association with IADL and ADL/IADL at follow-up, after adjustment for baseline levels of the outcomes. These associations remained when both social isolation and loneliness were simultaneously entered into the model. DISCUSSION Loneliness, rather than social isolation, was associated with increased physical function impairment over 2 years among inpatients living with schizophrenia. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Healthcare professionals should consider loneliness as a potential risk factor for impaired physical function. It would be beneficial to assess patients for loneliness and implement interventions to reduce feelings of loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jung Chen
- Department of Exercise Health Science, National Taiwan University of Sport, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Steptoe
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - I-Chia Chien
- Center for the Development of Teaching and Research, Bali Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- YuLi Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Po-Wen Ku
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
- Graduate Institute of Sports and Health Management, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Kinesiology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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Ma R, Wang Y, Li YX, Yu K, Wang XQ, Wang ZJ, Zhou YQ. Marital concerns of long-term hospitalised patients with diagnosed schizophrenia: A descriptive phenomenological study. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2024; 33:1026-1036. [PMID: 38379368 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Marital concerns can trigger emotional stress, especially among long-term hospitalised individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, significantly affecting their treatment and recovery. Unfortunately, rehabilitation programs tend to overlook the marital needs of individuals with diagnosed schizophrenia. This research aimed to investigate the content related to marital concerns of Chinese individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who were undergoing extended hospitalisation. Fifteen participants diagnosed with schizophrenia were recruited through purposive sampling for face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The gathered data were analysed using Colaizzi's method, revealing three themes: (1) manifestations of marriage-related concerns, (2) effects of marriage on disease progression, and (3) the need for support from family and the hospital. This study offers new insights into marital concerns among long-term schizophrenia inpatients and underscores the significance of screening and intervention for such concerns. Healthcare professionals and family members should extend support to patients to foster confidence within their marital relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Nursing, Fu Wai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yu-Xin Li
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Kai Yu
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Wang
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zheng-Jun Wang
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yu-Qiu Zhou
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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3
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Hall LM, Moussa-Tooks AB, Sheffield JM. Associations between social engagement, internalizing symptoms, and delusional ideation in the general population. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:989-1002. [PMID: 37624462 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02540-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delusions are a hallmark feature of psychotic disorders and lead to significant clinical and functional impairment. Internalizing symptoms-such as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma exposure-are commonly cited to be related to delusions and delusional ideation and are often associated with deficits in social functioning. While emerging studies are investigating the impact of low social engagement on psychotic-like experiences, little work has examined the relationship between social engagement, internalizing symptoms, and delusional ideation, specifically. METHODS Using general population data from the Nathan Kline Institute-Rockland (NKI-Rockland) database (N = 526), we examined the relationships between self-reported delusional ideation, internalizing symptoms, and social engagement and tested four indirect effect models to understand how these factors interrelate. RESULTS Delusional ideation was significantly associated with both increased internalizing symptoms (r = 0.41, p < 0.001) and lower social engagement (r = - 0.14, p = 0.001). Within aspects of social engagement, perceived emotional support showed the strongest relationship with delusional ideation (r = - 0.17, p < 0.001). Lower social engagement was also significantly associated with increased internalizing symptoms (r = - 0.29, p < 0.001). Cross-sectional models suggest that internalizing symptoms have a significant indirect effect on the association between delusional ideation and social engagement. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal that elevated delusional ideation in the general population is associated with lower social engagement. Elevated internalizing symptoms appear to play a critical role in reducing engagement, possibly exacerbating delusional thinking. Future work should examine the causal and temporal relationships between these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Hall
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Ave S, Suite 3057K, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.
| | - Alexandra B Moussa-Tooks
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Ave S, Suite 3057K, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Julia M Sheffield
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Ave S, Suite 3057K, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
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4
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Shamay-Tsoory SG, Kanterman A. Away from the herd: loneliness as a dysfunction of social alignment. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2024; 19:nsae005. [PMID: 38287695 PMCID: PMC10873844 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The tendency of all humans to experience loneliness at some point in their lives implies that it serves an adaptive function. Building on biological theories of herding in animals, according to which collective movement emerges from local interactions that are based on principles of attraction, repulsion and alignment, we propose an approach that synthesizes these principles with theories of loneliness in humans. We present here the 'herding model of loneliness' that extends these principles into the psychological domain. We hold that these principles serve as basic building blocks of human interactions and propose that distorted attraction and repulsion tendencies may lead to inability to align properly with others, which may be a core component in loneliness emergence and perpetuation. We describe a neural model of herding in humans and suggest that loneliness may be associated with altered interactions between the gap/error detection, reward signaling, threat and observation-execution systems. The proposed model offers a framework to predict the behavior of lonely individuals and thus may inform intervention designs for reducing loneliness intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alisa Kanterman
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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5
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Okruszek Ł, Jarkiewicz M, Piejka A, Chrustowicz M, Krawczyk M, Schudy A, Harvey PD, Penn DL, Ludwig K, Green MF, Pinkham AE. Loneliness is associated with mentalizing and emotion recognition abilities in schizophrenia, but only in a cluster of patients with social cognitive deficits. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2024; 30:27-34. [PMID: 37154103 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617723000206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Loneliness is a concern for patients with schizophrenia. However, the correlates of loneliness in patients with schizophrenia are unclear; thus, the aim of the study is to investigate neuro- and social cognitive mechanisms associated with loneliness in individuals with schizophrenia. METHOD Data from clinical, neurocognitive, and social cognitive assessments were pooled from two cross-national samples (Poland/USA) to examine potential predictors of loneliness in 147 patients with schizophrenia and 103 healthy controls overall. Furthermore, the relationship between social cognition and loneliness was explored in clusters of patients with schizophrenia differing in social cognitive capacity. RESULTS Patients reported higher levels of loneliness than healthy controls. Loneliness was linked to increased negative and affective symptoms in patients. A negative association between loneliness and mentalizing and emotion recognition abilities was found in the patients with social-cognitive impairments, but not in those who performed at normative levels. CONCLUSIONS We have elucidated a novel mechanism which may explain previous inconsistent findings regarding the correlates of loneliness in individuals with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ł Okruszek
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Jarkiewicz
- Third Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Piejka
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Chrustowicz
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Krawczyk
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Schudy
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - P D Harvey
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - D L Penn
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K Ludwig
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - M F Green
- Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - A E Pinkham
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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6
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Lemmers-Jansen I, Velthorst E, Fett AK. The social cognitive and neural mechanisms that underlie social functioning in individuals with schizophrenia - a review. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:327. [PMID: 37865631 PMCID: PMC10590451 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02593-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In many individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia social functioning is impaired across the lifespan. Social cognition has emerged as one of the possible factors that may contribute to these challenges. Neuroimaging research can give further insights into the underlying mechanisms of social (cognitive) difficulties. This review summarises the evidence on the associations between social cognition in the domains of theory of mind and emotion perception and processing, and individuals' social functioning and social skills, as well as associated neural mechanisms. Eighteen behavioural studies were conducted since the last major review and meta-analysis in the field (inclusion between 7/2017 and 1/2022). No major review has investigated the link between the neural mechanisms of social cognition and their association with social functioning in schizophrenia. Fourteen relevant studies were included (from 1/2000 to 1/2022). The findings of the behavioural studies showed that associations with social outcomes were slightly stronger for theory of mind than for emotion perception and processing. Moreover, performance in both social cognitive domains was more strongly associated with performance on social skill measures than questionnaire-based assessment of social functioning in the community. Studies on the underlying neural substrate of these associations presented mixed findings. In general, higher activation in various regions of the social brain was associated with better social functioning. The available evidence suggests some shared regions that might underlie the social cognition-social outcome link between different domains. However, due to the heterogeneity in approaches and findings, the current knowledge base will need to be expanded before firm conclusions can be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke Lemmers-Jansen
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Institute for Brain and Behaviour (iBBA) Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Eva Velthorst
- GGZ Noord-Holland-Noord, Heerhugowaard, The Netherlands
| | - Anne-Kathrin Fett
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- Department of Psychology, City, University of London, London, UK.
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7
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Chen YL, Jian CR, Chang YP, Chao SR, Yen CF. Association of loneliness with suicide risk and depression in individuals with schizophrenia: moderating effects of self-esteem and perceived support from families and friends. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 9:41. [PMID: 37402821 PMCID: PMC10319791 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00368-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness is prevalent among individuals with mental illnesses. This cross-sectional survey study examined the moderating effects of self-esteem and perceived support from families and friends on the association of loneliness with suicide risk and depression in individuals with schizophrenia. In total, 300 participants (267 with schizophrenia and 33 with schizoaffective disorder) completed the University of California, Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale (Version 3); suicide module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview; Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale; Family and Friend Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve Index; and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Moderation analysis was performed to examine the moderating effects of self-esteem and perceived support from families and friends on the association of loneliness with suicide risk and depression. The results found that self-esteem was significantly associated with a reduced magnitude of depression in participants with loneliness. In addition, perceived support from friends was significantly associated with a reduced magnitude of suicide risk in participants with loneliness. Our findings indicate the importance of intervention programs that strengthen support from friends and self-esteem in reducing suicide risk and depression among lonely individuals with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lung Chen
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cian-Ruei Jian
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Ping Chang
- School of Nursing, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Shu-Ru Chao
- Department of Social Work, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Fang Yen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- College of Professional Studies, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan.
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8
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Okruszek Ł, Piejka A, Chrustowicz M, Krawczyk M, Jarkiewicz M, Schudy A, Ludwig K, Pinkham A. Social cognitive bias increases loneliness both directly and by decreasing social connection in patients with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2023; 256:72-78. [PMID: 37163867 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
While considerable emphasis has been put on investigating the mechanisms that drive reduced social connection in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ), recent studies have increasingly focused on the issue of loneliness in SCZ. As both social cognitive bias and self-reported empathy predict loneliness in non-clinical populations, the current study aims to examine the relationship between loneliness, reduced social connection and social cognitive biases, and self-reported empathy in SCZ. Ninety-three adult SCZ and sixty-six matched healthy individuals completed a battery of questionnaires measuring loneliness and social connection (Revised-UCLA Loneliness Scale, Lubben-Social Network Scale, Social Disconnectedness Scale), cognitive biases (Ambiguous Intentions Hostility Questionnaire, Davos Assessment of Cognitive Biases Scale, Cognitive Biases Questionnaire for psychosis) and self-reported empathy (Interpersonal Reactivity Index). Significant predictors of loneliness in SCZ were entered into two latent variables ("Social Threat Bias", "Social Connection"), and structural equation modeling was used to explore the direct and indirect relationships between Social Threat Bias, symptoms. and loneliness in SCZ. Patients reported higher levels of loneliness, cognitive biases and personal distress compared to controls. Furthermore, SCZ reported less social connection and perspective taking compared to controls. Structural equation modeling revealed that Social Threat Bias was linked to increased loneliness in SCZ both directly and indirectly via decreased social connection. Negative symptoms were directly linked with loneliness, while the association between affective symptoms and loneliness was mediated via Social Threat Bias. The results of the current study suggest that social threat bias should be considered while planning the interventions aimed to reduce loneliness in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ł Okruszek
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland.
| | - A Piejka
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - M Chrustowicz
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - M Krawczyk
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - M Jarkiewicz
- Third Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Poland
| | - A Schudy
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - K Ludwig
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - A Pinkham
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Dallas, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, United States of America
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González Ortega E, Pinedo González R, Vicario-Molina I, Palacios Picos A, Orgaz Baz MB. Loneliness and associated factors among older adults during COVID-19 lockdown in Spain. JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 86:101547. [PMID: 37153355 PMCID: PMC10126222 DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2023.101547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Considering the health outcomes of loneliness, it is important to understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic for older adults to facilitate detection and intervention. The aim of this study was to examine loneliness among Spanish older adults during the first wave lockdown and associated factors, in comparison to younger adults. An online survey was completed by 3508 adults (401 aged 60 or above). Older adults felt higher social loneliness than younger adults, but lower emotional loneliness. Living alone, poor mental health, and poor healthy habits were related to higher loneliness for both age groups. The results suggest that loneliness should be an important factor in primary care, and prevention efforts should be taken, e.g., by generating open and safe community spaces and contexts for social interaction and promoting the access and ability to use technologies that maintain social connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva González Ortega
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Universidad de Salamanca, Avenida de la Merced S/N, Salamanca 37005, Spain
| | - Ruth Pinedo González
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de Valladolid, Plaza de la Universidad 1, Segovia 40005, Spain
| | - Isabel Vicario-Molina
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Universidad de Salamanca, Avenida de la Merced S/N, Salamanca 37005, Spain
| | - Andrés Palacios Picos
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de Valladolid, Plaza de la Universidad 1, Segovia 40005, Spain
| | - Mª Begoña Orgaz Baz
- Departamento de Psicología Básica, Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento, Universidad de Salamanca, Avenida de la Merced S/N, Salamanca 37005, Spain
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10
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Monsonet M, Amedy A, Kwapil TR, Barrantes-Vidal N. A psychosocial pathway to paranoia: The interplay between social connectedness and self-esteem. Schizophr Res 2023; 254:199-207. [PMID: 36931182 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
The quantity and quality of social contacts have been related to self-esteem, and both social relationships and self-esteem have been implicated in the pathways to paranoia. However, how social relationships interplay with self-esteem to trigger paranoia is not well understood. This study aims to investigate whether different measures of social connectedness (social support, loneliness, and desired friendship), as well as the frequency of social contact, impact paranoia and other positive and negative psychotic-like experiences (PLE) through the indirect effect of self-esteem. Data from a sample of 169 nonclinically ascertained participants oversampled for schizotypy scores were analyzed using two different approaches: retrospective trait-like and ecological momentary measures of social connectedness. Results showed that self-esteem mediates the pathways from poor social support and social longing, but not from loneliness, to paranoia and other cognitive PLE. In contrast, pathways from social connectedness to perceptual PLE and negative PLE were not mediated by self-esteem. Results were consistent across trait-like and momentary measures. Finally, self-esteem was not implicated in the pathways from the frequency of social contact and paranoia or other forms of PLE. These results provide a comprehensive picture of how social connectedness drives specific symptoms of psychosis through self-esteem. Findings underscore the need to explore separately the quality and quantity of social relationships and suggest that the subjective experience of meaningful social bonds is key social determinants of mental health. Therefore, addressing inadequacies of social connectedness could substantially improve symptomatic and functional outcomes of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manel Monsonet
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Amad Amedy
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, United States of America
| | - Thomas R Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.
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11
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Social interaction, psychotic disorders and inflammation: A triangle of interest. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 122:110697. [PMID: 36521587 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Social interaction difficulties are a hallmark of psychotic disorders, which in some cases can be definitely traced back to autoimmunological causes. Interestingly, systemic and intrathecal inflammation have been shown to significantly influence social processing by increasing sensitivity to threatening social stimuli, which bears some resemblance to psychosis. In this article, we review evidence for the involvement of systemic and intrathecal inflammatory processes in psychotic disorders and how this might help to explain some of the social impairments associated with this group of disorders. Vice versa, we also discuss evidence for the immunomodulatory function of social interactions and their potential role for therapeutic interventions in psychotic disorders.
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Suman A, Nehra R, Sahoo S, Grover S. Prevalence of loneliness and its correlates among patients with schizophrenia. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022. [PMID: 36573290 DOI: 10.1177/00207640221141646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited data on loneliness and its correlates in patients with schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE To evaluate prevalence and correlates of loneliness in patients with schizophrenia, currently in clinical remission. METHODOLOGY A total of 160 patients of schizophrenia in clinical remission were assessed on UCLA Loneliness Scale, Positive and Negative syndrome scale, Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Brief COPE, Beck's Hopelessness Scale, Brief Dyadic Scale of Expressed Emotions, and Self-report Quality of Life Measure. RESULTS The mean age of the study sample was 34.99 (SD = 9.13) years. The prevalence of loneliness in the study sample was 80%, with mean total UCLA-loneliness scale score of 30.04 (16.9).Compared to participants without loneliness, those with loneliness had had higher CDSS score, had poor quality of life, lower self-esteem, experienced higher level of stigma, more often used maladaptive coping strategies such as self-blaming and reported a higher level of hopelessness. In the correlation analysis, higher level of loneliness was associated higher severity of depression, higher level of stigma (except for stigma resistance) and discrimination, poorer quality of life, lower self-esteem, perception of a higher level of expressed emotions, higher use of maladaptive coping in the domains of behavioral disengagement, and self-blaming, and a higher level of hopelessness. In regression analysis, the maximum variance of loneliness was explained by quality of life score (29%), followed by hopelessness score (8.8%) and discrimination score (2%). CONCLUSION There is a high prevalence of loneliness in patients with schizophrenia, and there is a need to routinely evaluate the patients of schizophrenia for loneliness and address the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarzoo Suman
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ritu Nehra
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Swapnajeet Sahoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Bornheimer LA, Li Verdugo J, Thompson S. Depression Mediates the Relationships between Hallucinations, Delusions, and Social Isolation in First-Episode Psychosis. SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH 2022; 46:332-341. [PMID: 36420428 PMCID: PMC9673164 DOI: 10.1093/swr/svac025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation is common among individuals with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Research indicates that social isolation relates to poorer mental health outcomes, depression, and negative symptoms, with less known about its relationship with positive symptoms. This study examined depression as a mediator in the relationships between positive symptoms (i.e., hallucinations and delusions) and social isolation among an early treatment phase sample in the United States. Data were obtained from the Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode project of the National Institute of Mental Health's Early Treatment Program. Participants (N = 404) included adults between ages 15 and 40 in a first episode of psychosis. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in Mplus (Version 8). The study showed that delusions (b = .095, SE = 0.04, p < .05) and hallucinations (b = .076, SE = 0.03, p < .01) were directly related to depression, and that both delusions (b = .129, SE = 0.06, p < .05) and depression (b = .254, SE = 0.09, p < .05) were directly related to social isolation. Findings of this study determined that depression functioned as a mediator in the relationships between positive symptoms and social isolation. Targeting psychosis symptomatology and depression in treatment, improving social skills and social support networks, and considering the role of stigma in social isolation are of great importance in the prevention of poorer mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Bornheimer
- PhD, is an assistant professor, School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106, USA
| | - Juliann Li Verdugo
- MSW, is a project coordinator, is a research assistant, School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sara Thompson
- MSW, is a research assistant, School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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14
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Mow JL, Gard DE, Mueser KT, Mote J, Gill K, Leung L, Kangarloo T, Fulford D. Smartphone-based mobility metrics capture daily social motivation and behavior in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2022; 250:13-21. [PMID: 36242786 PMCID: PMC10372850 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2022.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Impaired social functioning contributes to reduced quality of life and is associated with poor physical and psychological well-being in schizophrenia, and thus is a key psychosocial treatment target. Low social motivation contributes to impaired social functioning, but is typically examined using self-report or clinical ratings, which are prone to recall biases and do not adequately capture the dynamic nature of social motivation in daily life. In the current study, we examined the utility of global positioning system (GPS)-based mobility data for capturing social motivation and behavior in people with schizophrenia. Thirty-one participants with schizophrenia engaged in a 60-day mobile intervention designed to increase social motivation and functioning. We examined associations between twice daily self-reports of social motivation and behavior (e.g., number of social interactions) collected via Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and passively collected daily GPS mobility metrics (e.g., number of hours spent at home) in 26 of these participants. Findings suggested that greater mobility on a given day was associated with more EMA-reported social interactions on that day for four out of five examined mobility metrics: number of hours spent at home, number of locations visited, probability of being stationary, and likelihood of following one's typical routine. In addition, greater baseline social functioning was associated with less daily time spent at home and lower probability of following a daily routine during the intervention. GPS-based mobility thus corresponds with social behavior in daily life, suggesting that more social interactions may occur at times of greater mobility in people with schizophrenia, while subjective reports of social interest and motivation are less associated with mobility for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Mow
- Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - David E Gard
- Psychology Department, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Kim T Mueser
- Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jasmine Mote
- Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Kathryn Gill
- Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Lawrence Leung
- Psychology Department, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Tairmae Kangarloo
- Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Daniel Fulford
- Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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15
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Peckham E, Spanakis P, Heron P, Crosland S, Johnston G, Newbronner E, Wadman R, Walker L, Gilbody S. A Year Into the Pandemic: The Diversity of Experience Amongst People With Severe Mental Ill Health. Front Psychiatry 2022; 12:794585. [PMID: 35153862 PMCID: PMC8830291 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.794585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified pre-existing health inequalities and people with severe mental ill health (SMI) are one of the groups at greatest risk. In this study, we explored the effects of the pandemic and pandemic restrictions on people with SMI during the first year of the pandemic. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal study in a sample of people with SMI. The inception survey was carried out between July and December 2020. Participants were then re-surveyed between January and March 2021. People were contacted by telephone and invited to take part in the study over the phone, online or by postal questionnaire. Across both waves we asked participants about their physical and mental health, health risk behaviors, well-being, loneliness, and employment status. RESULTS Three hundred and sixty-seven people with SMI completed the inception survey and 249 people completed the follow up. Whilst some people reported no change in their physical (77, 31%) or mental health (60, 24%) over the course of the pandemic 53 (21%) reported a continuing decline in physical health and 52 (21%) reported a continuing decline in mental health. Participants who maintained a daily routine or reported no decline in physical health were found to be associated with no deterioration in mental health (Daily routine OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.11-4.64; no reported physical health decline OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.17-0.70). Participants were less likely to be occupationally active in the first phase of the pandemic compared to before the pandemic and in the second phase of the pandemic. However, there was no one single experience of people with SMI and similar to studies in the general populations a range of different scenarios was experienced. CONCLUSIONS We observed a series of factors that might amplify pre-existing health inequalities. Health systems should be mindful of this, and should redouble efforts to set in place changes to practice and policy, which can mitigate these inequalities. Examples might include; raising awareness of the importance of ensuring that people with SMI receive an annual physical health check and supporting people to maintain a daily routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Peckham
- Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Panagiotis Spanakis
- Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Heron
- Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Crosland
- Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | | - Elizabeth Newbronner
- Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Wadman
- Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Walker
- Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Gilbody
- Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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16
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Ludwig KA, Brandrett B, Lim MH, Mihas P, Penn DL. Lived experience of loneliness in psychosis: A qualitative approach. J Ment Health 2022; 31:543-550. [PMID: 34978239 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2021.2022622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness impedes recovery from mental illness. Despite increased interest in loneliness in psychosis, qualitative methods are underused in clinical research on this topic. AIMS We used qualitative interviews to explore loneliness among persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). We examined which aspects of living with psychosis were associated with the experience of loneliness, including symptomatology, social relationships, and disruptions in school/work. METHODS Sixteen participants diagnosed with SSDs engaged in semi-structured, qualitative interviews about loneliness. Participants commented on current activities and social relationships, including their perceptions of the quantity, quality and types of relationships. Important demographic and clinical information was acquired through communication with participants and/or through medical record review. Thematic analysis was used to examine interview content. RESULTS Our analyses revealed four key topic areas and several sub-themes related to loneliness across participants, including aspects of the physical environment (e.g. financial limitations), social context (e.g. lacking a romantic partner), and psychological functioning (e.g. psychotic/symptoms) that impact lonely feelings. Participants commented on coping strategies to manage loneliness and provided suggestions for possible interventions. CONCLUSIONS Persons diagnosed with SSDs report significant and impactful feelings of loneliness. This study highlights the need for novel and effective treatments targeting loneliness in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey A Ludwig
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Benjamin Brandrett
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michelle H Lim
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute & Center for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul Mihas
- Odum Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - David L Penn
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
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17
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Giacco D, Kirkbride JB, Ermakova AO, Webber M, Xanthopoulou P, Priebe S. Neighbourhood characteristics and social isolation of people with psychosis: a multi-site cross-sectional study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:1907-1915. [PMID: 34791516 PMCID: PMC9375739 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-021-02190-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with psychosis are vulnerable to social isolation, which is associated with worse clinical outcomes. In general populations, people living in areas with higher population density have more social contacts, while those living in more socially deprived and fragmented areas are less satisfied with their relationships. We assessed whether and how neighbourhood factors are associated with social contacts and satisfaction with friendships for people with psychosis. METHODS We carried out a cross-sectional study including people with psychosis aged 18-65 years in urban and rural sites in England. Population density and social deprivation and fragmentation indexes were described within Lower Level Super Output Areas (LSOA). Their associations with participants' social contacts and satisfaction with friendships were tested with negative binomial and ordinal regression models, respectively. RESULTS We surveyed 511 participants with psychotic disorders. They had a median of two social contacts in the previous week (interquartile range [IQR] = 1-4), and rated satisfaction with friendships as 5 out of 7 (Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life; IQR = 4-6). Higher population density was associated with fewer social contacts (Z-standardised relative risk [RR] = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.79-0.99, p = 0.03), but not with satisfaction with friendships (RR = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.93-1.26, p = 0.31). No associations were found for social contacts or satisfaction with friendships with social deprivation or fragmentation indexes. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians in urban areas should be aware that their patients with psychosis are more socially isolated when more people live around them, and this could impact their clinical outcomes. These findings may inform housing programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Giacco
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Campus, Coventry, CV4 7AL, England.
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, (WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Service Development), Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Newham Centre for Mental Health, London, E13 8SP, England.
- Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, Coventry, England.
| | - James B Kirkbride
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, W1T 7BN, England
| | - Anna O Ermakova
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, (WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Service Development), Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Newham Centre for Mental Health, London, E13 8SP, England
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berks, SL5 7PY, England
| | - Martin Webber
- Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DD, York, UK
| | - Penny Xanthopoulou
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Exeter, EX2 4TH, UK
| | - Stefan Priebe
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, (WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Service Development), Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Newham Centre for Mental Health, London, E13 8SP, England
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18
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Leathem LD, Currin DL, Montoya AK, Karlsgodt KH. Socioemotional mechanisms of loneliness in subclinical psychosis. Schizophr Res 2021; 238:145-151. [PMID: 34688116 PMCID: PMC8896506 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness is an important predictor of physical and mental health in the general population and in individuals across the psychosis spectrum, including those experiencing subclinical psychotic-like experiences (PLEs). However, the mechanisms underlying loneliness in the psychosis spectrum are not well understood. Emotion processing deficits are well described across the psychosis spectrum, and socioemotional processing biases are critical for the development and maintenance of loneliness through altered social appraisal, including judgements of rejection. Therefore, we propose that PLEs are associated with increased loneliness, and the relationship is mediated by alterations in socioemotional processing. We also explored how this pathway may be affected by mood and anxiety symptoms, which have been associated with loneliness across the psychosis spectrum. As part of the Human Connectome Project, generally healthy adults (n = 1180) reported symptomatology and social functioning and completed the Penn Emotion Recognition Task to assess efficiency in identifying emotions. We found that higher reported PLEs were associated with elevated levels of loneliness and perceived rejection and that these factors were linked by multiple independent pathways. First, anxiety/depression and emotion processing efficiency independently mediated the PLE-loneliness relationship. Second, we found that the association between PLEs and loneliness was serially mediated through inefficient emotion recognition then higher levels of perceived rejection. These separable mechanisms of increased loneliness in subclinical psychosis have implications for treatment and continued study of social functioning in the psychosis spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan D. Leathem
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States of America,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology, UCLA, 502 Portola Plaza, 1285 Psychology Building, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America. (L.D. Leathem)
| | - Danielle L. Currin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Amanda K. Montoya
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Katherine H. Karlsgodt
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States of America,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, United States of America
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19
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Tan M, Barkus E, Favelle S. The cross-lagged relationship between loneliness, social support, and psychotic-like experiences in young adults. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2021; 26:379-393. [PMID: 34325614 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2021.1960156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with psychotic disorders often report feelings of loneliness, fewer social contacts and less satisfaction with their social support prior to diagnosis. However, temporal relationships between these variables remain unclear. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether subjective and objective social factors predict, or are predicted by, psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) in healthy young adults. METHODS 196 undergraduates completed baseline and 3-month follow-up assessments for PLEs, loneliness, social support size, and satisfaction. Cross-lagged panel models were conducted to investigate the temporal relationships between these variables. RESULTS Higher loneliness scores, fewer social contacts, and being less satisfied with social support at both time points were significantly associated with higher endorsement of PLEs. Furthermore, after controlling for baseline levels, cross-lagged analyses revealed that individuals who reported feeling more lonely and having less social support at baseline, predicted higher PLEs three months later but not vice versa. No cross-lagged effect was found between the satisfaction of social support and PLEs. CONCLUSION The study highlights the significant relationships between loneliness, social support and PLEs. Higher levels of loneliness and smaller social support networks predicted future PLEs. These findings need to be given full consideration in future clinical practice and intervention for young adults with PLEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Tan
- Cognitive Basis of Atypical Behaviour Initiative (CBABi), School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- Department of psychology, Northumbria University, UK
| | - Simone Favelle
- Cognitive Basis of Atypical Behaviour Initiative (CBABi), School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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20
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Senese VP, Nasti C, Mottola F, Sergi I, Massaro R, Gnisci A. The Relationship Between Loneliness and Psychological Adjustment: Validation of the Italian Version of the Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Loneliness Scale. Front Psychol 2021; 12:655410. [PMID: 34149540 PMCID: PMC8210846 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.655410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent literature, many researchers have highlighted that the feeling of loneliness can be considered a sign of relevant distress with short- and long-term consequences on the health of people who needs to be appropriately monitored and treated. In this view, the Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Loneliness Scale (IPARLS) has been developed to evaluate the subjective feelings and distress related to interpersonal loneliness and to overcome the limits of the previous scales; however, its psychometric characteristics have not yet been fully investigated. Starting from these considerations, two studies have been conducted. The first study, involving 688 adults (19-69 years; 51% females), assessed dimensionality, reliability, and validity of and tested the measurement invariance (MI) of the Italian version of the IPARLS. The second study, involving 205 adults (20-69 years; 51% females), investigated the relationship between loneliness and psychological adjustment. Results confirmed the unidimensionality of the scale and showed that it is reliable, valid, and fully invariant as a function of age and gender. Moreover, data showed a strong association between perceived loneliness and psychological adjustment. The IPARLS is confirmed to be a valid and reliable measure to investigate loneliness in the life cycle from clinical and research perspectives.
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21
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Fulford D, Mote J, Gonzalez R, Abplanalp S, Zhang Y, Luckenbaugh J, Onnela JP, Busso C, Gard DE. Smartphone sensing of social interactions in people with and without schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 137:613-620. [PMID: 33190842 PMCID: PMC8084875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Social impairment is a cardinal feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SZ). Smaller social network size, diminished social skills, and loneliness are highly prevalent. Existing, gold-standard assessments of social impairment in SZ often rely on self-reported information that depends on retrospective recall and detailed accounts of complex social behaviors. This is particularly problematic in people with SZ given characteristic cognitive impairments and reduced insight. Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA; repeated self-reports completed in the context of daily life) allows for the measurement of social behavior as it occurs in vivo, yet still relies on participant input. Momentary characterization of behavior using smartphone sensors (e.g., GPS, microphone) may also provide ecologically valid indicators of social functioning. In the current study we tested associations between both active (e.g., EMA-reported number of interactions) and passive (GPS-based mobility, conversations captured by microphone) smartphone-based measures of social activity and measures of social functioning and loneliness to examine the promise of such measures for understanding social impairment in SZ. Our results indicate that passive markers of mobility were more consistently associated with EMA measures of social behavior in controls than in people with SZ. Furthermore, dispositional loneliness showed associations with mobility metrics in both groups, while general social functioning was less related to these metrics. Finally, interactions detected in the ambient audio were more tied to social functioning in SZ than in controls. Findings speak to the promise of smartphone-based digital phenotyping as an approach to understanding objective markers of social activity in people with and without schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fulford
- Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, USA; Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, USA.
| | - Jasmine Mote
- Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, USA
| | - Rachel Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, San Francisco State University, USA
| | - Samuel Abplanalp
- Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, USA
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Department of Computer Science, Metropolitan College, Boston University, USA
| | - Jarrod Luckenbaugh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, USA
| | - Jukka-Pekka Onnela
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, USA
| | - Carlos Busso
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, USA
| | - David E Gard
- Department of Psychology, San Francisco State University, USA
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22
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Stone LMD, Millman ZB, Öngür D, Shinn AK. The Intersection Between Childhood Trauma, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Trauma-related and Psychotic Symptoms in People With Psychotic Disorders. SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN OPEN 2021; 2:sgab050. [PMID: 34881362 PMCID: PMC8643711 DOI: 10.1093/schizbullopen/sgab050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with psychotic disorders may be disproportionately affected by the traumatic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Childhood trauma, which also increases vulnerability to subsequent stressors, is common in individuals with psychosis. In this study, we investigated the intersection of the pandemic, childhood trauma, and psychotic and trauma-related symptoms in individuals with psychotic disorders. METHODS We administered a cross-sectional survey to 151 participants [47 schizophrenia (SZ), 53 psychotic bipolar disorder (BP)], 51 healthy control (HC)] during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were asked about exposure to the pandemic's impacts, childhood trauma, and post-traumatic stress, dissociative, and psychotic symptoms. RESULTS BP reported greater negative impacts to emotional health than SZ and HC and to non-COVID physical health than HC. SZ reported less impact on work and employment during the pandemic. There were no other group differences in pandemic-related adversities. We also found that cumulative exposure to the pandemic's negative impacts was significantly associated with PTSD symptoms but not psychotic or dissociative symptoms. Moreover, the number of adversities an individual experienced during the pandemic was strongly associated with the cumulative number of traumatic experiences they had in childhood. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that having a psychotic disorder does not, in and of itself, increase susceptibility to the pandemic's negative impacts. Instead, we provide evidence of a graded relationship between cumulative exposure to the pandemic's negative impacts and PTSD symptom severity, as well as a graded relationship between cumulative childhood traumatic experiences and the number pandemic adversities, across diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena M D Stone
- Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Zachary B Millman
- Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dost Öngür
- Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ann K Shinn
- Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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23
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Yen CF, Liao HY, Lee Y, Hsu ST. Loneliness in patients with schizophrenia. TAIWANESE JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/tpsy.tpsy_14_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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24
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Badcock JC, Adery LH, Park S. Loneliness in psychosis: A practical review and critique for clinicians. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/cpsp.12345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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25
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Fan X, Zhao X, Zhu B, Qin H. Retrospective Evaluation of the Correlation Between Previous Hospitalizations, the Type of Current Living Space, and Quality of Family Function. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:215. [PMID: 32256417 PMCID: PMC7090217 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM There are important public health issues involving rehabilitation of patients living with schizophrenia in the community. The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlations between number of previous hospitalizations, living space and quality of family function in the rehabilitation of patients living with schizophrenia in the community. The study attempts to determine the potential ways to use beneficial factors in recurrent hospitalization for improving treatment and rehabilitation efforts for patients living with long-term chronic schizophrenia. METHODS The study included 281 rehabilitations of patients living with schizophrenia in the community. A homemade general questionnaire was used to collect information about the number of previous hospitalizations and the living space of the participants. A family assessment device was used to evaluate the quality of family function of the patients. RESULTS The number of previous hospitalizations of persons living with schizophrenia in the community was negatively correlated with the quality of family function (B = 0.063), and there was no statistical difference in the number of previous hospitalizations and the quality of family function of patients in different living spaces. CONCLUSIONS The number of previous hospitalizations had a negative impact on family function in the rehabilitation of patients living with schizophrenia in the community. Living space may not have a significant positive effect on family function or the number of previous hospitalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hongyun Qin
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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