1
|
Polat H, Karakaş SA, Erçel Ş, Taşci G. Alexithymia and Forgiveness Levels of Forensic Psychiatric Patients. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2024; 62:27-35. [PMID: 37879088 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20231018-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The current cross-sectional study was performed to examine levels of alexithymia and forgiveness in forensic psychiatric patients. Data were collected between March 2022 and August 2022 at a high-security forensic psychiatric hospital affiliated with a city hospital in Turkey. A personal information form prepared by the researchers, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Heartland Forgiveness Scale were used to obtain data. Participants comprised 132 forensic psychiatric patients who agreed to participate in the study. A significant negative correlation was found between alexithymia and forgiveness levels of participants (p < 0.01, r = -0.259). In other words, as alexithymia levels increased, participants were found to be less forgiving. In addition, results suggest that forensic psychiatric patients are susceptible to alexithymia and higher levels of forgiveness. Determining forgiveness and alexithymia levels of forensic psychiatric patients will contribute to the structuring of care to be offered to these patients. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(6), 27-35.].
Collapse
|
2
|
Della Vedova AM, Santoniccolo F, Sechi C, Trombetta T. Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Symptoms, Parental Bonding and Dyadic Sensitivity in Mother-Baby Interactions at Three Months Post-Partum. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4253. [PMID: 36901263 PMCID: PMC10002080 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The quality of the early parent-infant relationship is crucial for the child's optimal development, and parental sensitivity plays a key role in early interactions. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of maternal perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms on dyadic sensitivity at three months post-partum, also considering a large set of maternal and infant variables. At the third trimester of pregnancy (T1) and at three months postpartum (T2), 43 primiparous women filled in a set of questionnaires evaluating symptoms of depression (CES-D) or anxiety (STAI), the woman's parental bonding experiences (PBI), alexithymia (TAS-20), maternal attachment to the baby (PAI, MPAS) and the perceived social support (MSPSS). At T2 mothers also completed a questionnaire on infant temperament and took part in the CARE-Index videotaped procedure. Dyadic sensitivity was predicted by higher maternal trait anxiety scores in pregnancy. In addition, the mother's experience of being cared for by her father in childhood was predictive of her infant's lower compulsivity, while paternal overprotection predicted higher unresponsiveness. The results highlight the influence of perinatal maternal psychological well-being and maternal childhood experiences on the quality of the dyadic relationship. The results may be useful to foster mother-child adjustment during the perinatal period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Della Vedova
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Sechi
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology and Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Via Is Mirrionis 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trombetta
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Torino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marzilli E, Cerniglia L, Cimino S, Tambelli R. Internet Addiction among Young Adult University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Peritraumatic Distress, Attachment, and Alexithymia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15582. [PMID: 36497656 PMCID: PMC9739655 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The literature focused on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adult university students' mental health shows a significant increase in psychopathological symptoms and Internet Addiction (IA). The key role played by attachment and alexithymia has also been suggested, but no study has explored the possible dynamic relationship between these variables. We recruited a sample of n = 410 young adult university students online. We assessed the attachment to parents and peers (through IPPA), alexithymia (through TAS-20), peritraumatic distress symptoms due to COVID-19 (through CPDI), and IA (through IAT). The results showed that the relationship between the attachment to mothers and IA was partially mediated by alexithymia and by the serial mediation of alexithymia and peritraumatic distress, whereas the influence of the attachment to fathers on IA was fully mediated by peritraumatic distress. The direct effects of the attachment to peers on alexithymia, peritraumatic distress, and IA were all significant, as were the indirect paths via the simple mediation of both alexithymia and peritraumatic distress and the multiple serial mediation of alexithymia and peritraumatic distress. Our findings suggested that the relationship between attachment, alexithymia, and psychopathological risk is dynamic in predicting IA during the pandemic among young adult university students and that the different attachment figures exert a peculiar contribution to these processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Marzilli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical & Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical & Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical & Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lukas L, Buhl C, Schulte-Körne G, Sfärlea A. Family, friends, and feelings: the role of relationships to parents and peers and alexithymia in adolescents with anorexia nervosa. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:143. [PMID: 36175986 PMCID: PMC9520900 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00661-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with impairments in socio-emotional functioning, including difficulties in interpersonal relationships as well as alexithymia (difficulties identifying and describing one's emotions). Although the onset of the disorder is mostly in adolescence, a developmental period in which interpersonal relationships to parents as well as peers undergo major changes, only few studies have investigated the quality of interpersonal relationships in adolescent AN patients. Furthermore, the mechanisms linking poor relationship quality to eating disorder psychopathology are not yet clarified, albeit some research suggests that alexithymia might play a pivotal role. The aims of the present study were investigating the quality of interpersonal relationships to parents and peers in adolescents with AN compared to healthy adolescents as well as exploring the mediating role of alexithymia in the association between relationship quality and eating disorder symptoms. METHODS Self-report questionnaires were used to assess relationship quality (Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment) and alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale) in 12-18 year old female adolescents with AN (n = 35) in comparison to healthy adolescents (n = 40). RESULTS Adolescents with AN reported lower relationship quality to both of their parents and to peers compared to healthy controls. Relationship quality scores were negatively correlated to alexithymia as well as eating disorder symptoms. Alexithymia fully meditated the association between eating disorder symptoms and relationship quality to parents and partially mediated the association between eating disorder symptoms and relationship quality to peers. CONCLUSION The results indicate difficulties in interpersonal relationships among adolescents with AN and emphasize the role of peer relationships for adolescents' eating disorder psychopathology. Alexithymia seems to play an important role in explaining the link between quality of relationships and eating disorder psychopathology. Results suggest that treatment should not only focus on family relationships but also address relationships to peers as well as adolescents' competence in identifying and dealing with their emotions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Lukas
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 5, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Buhl
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 5, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerd Schulte-Körne
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 5, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Anca Sfärlea
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 5, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Internet Addiction: The Role of Parental Care and Mental Health in Adolescence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182412876. [PMID: 34948485 PMCID: PMC8700934 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Internet addiction in adolescence is a social issue which is being increasingly discussed worldwide. Hence, deepening the knowledge of its development is necessary to prevent short- and long-term negative outcomes. This study involving 266 adolescents (mean age = 16.1 years, SD = 1.4) aimed at analyzing the relationship between quality of parental care, Internet addiction and adolescents’ mental health, by means of the following self-report tools: the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Internet Addiction Test, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The findings, collected through structural equation model analyses, showed that perceived care from both father and mother had significant indirect effects on Internet addiction problems through adolescents’ mental health problems. Furthermore, Internet addiction problems were demonstrated to be negatively associated with maternal care but not with paternal care. The study provides empirical support to the need of family-based prevention and intervention programs to take care of Internet addiction.
Collapse
|
6
|
Radetzki PA, Wrath AJ, Le T, Adams GC. Alexithymia is a mediating factor in the relationship between adult attachment and severity of depression and social anxiety. J Affect Disord 2021; 295:846-855. [PMID: 34706455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) are commonly occurring conditions, either alone or together (MDD-SAD). Recent research linked insecure attachment and alexithymia to MDD and/or SAD, indicating that the way affected individuals relate interpersonally and their ability to identify and communicate emotions are pertinent issues. The current study investigated the mediating role of alexithymia in the relationship between insecure attachment and severity of MDD and SAD symptoms. METHOD Using the SCID-I, participants (N=159) were identified as MDD-only (n=43), MDD-SAD (n=56), or a healthy control (n=60). Participants completed measures of adult attachment, depression, social anxiety and alexithymia (defined as difficulty identifying and describing feelings). A two-step mediation analysis approach recommended by Shrout and Bolger determined if alexithymia mediates the relationship between attachment-depression and attachment-social anxiety. RESULTS While alexithymia was high in MDD-only and MDD-SAD groups, individuals with MDD-SAD had significantly greater difficulty describing feelings. Alexithymia was a full mediator between attachment avoidance and depression, but only a partial mediator between attachment anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, alexithymia was a partial mediator for both attachment dimensions and social anxiety. LIMITATIONS Causal inferences regarding insecure attachment, alexithymia, and MDD and SAD cannot be assumed given the cross-sectional data. The 'externally oriented thinking' component in alexithymia was also excluded from analyses due to low reliability. CONCLUSION The results suggest emotional awareness and expression play a role in the illness severity for MDD and SAD-particularly in those with high attachment avoidance, offering a possible target for treatment and prevention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew J Wrath
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Thuy Le
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - G Camelia Adams
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Luijten CC, van de Bongardt D, Jongerling J, Nieboer AP. Associations between adolescents' internalizing problems and well-being: is there a buffering role of boys' and girls' relationships with their mothers and fathers? BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1871. [PMID: 34656101 PMCID: PMC8520260 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11920-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Internalizing mental health problems (i.e., depression and anxiety symptoms) are known to be related negatively to adolescents’ well-being. However, whether this negative association manifests equally in boys and girls, and the potential buffering role of high-quality relationships with mothers and fathers, remain unknown. Thus, the present study was conducted to 1) investigate associations among adolescents’ internalizing problems and mother– and father–adolescent relationship quality, on the one hand, and adolescents’ well-being, on the other hand, 2) explore the buffering role of high-quality mother– and father–adolescent relationships in the association between adolescents’ internalizing problems and well-being, and 3) examine gender differences in these main and buffering effects. Methods The analysis sample consisted of 1064 adolescents (53.7% girls; aged 11–17 years) from three secondary schools in the Netherlands. Participants filled out an online questionnaire incorporating the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form to measure well-being, the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-25 to measure internalizing problems, and the Network of Relationships Inventory to measure mother– and father–adolescent relationship quality. The cross-sectional data were analyzed using path models in R, controlling for age, ethnocultural background, and education level. Multigroup analyses were performed to identify gender differences. Results Adolescents with fewer internalizing problems (β = − 0.40, p < 0.001) and adolescents with higher-quality relationships with their mothers and fathers reported higher concurrent levels of well-being (β = 0.10 to 0.18, all p < 0.01). The quality of mother-adolescent relationships had a significantly larger association with adolescents’ well-being than that of father-adolescent relationship quality. However, relationships with mothers and fathers did not significantly buffer the association between adolescents’ internalizing problems and well-being. Multigroup analyses revealed no difference between boys and girls. Conclusions The current study contributes to the understanding of internalizing problems as an important risk factor for adolescents’ well-being, regardless of the quality of relationships with mothers and fathers. The quality of adolescents’ relationships with their parents is associated positively with their well-being, even in the presence of internalizing problems. These findings underline the importance of mothers’ and fathers’ roles in adolescent boys’ and girls’ well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chantie Charissa Luijten
- Department of Socio-Medical Sciences, Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Daphne van de Bongardt
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joran Jongerling
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Petra Nieboer
- Department of Socio-Medical Sciences, Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tambelli R, Cimino S, Marzilli E, Ballarotto G, Cerniglia L. Late Adolescents' Attachment to Parents and Peers and Psychological Distress Resulting from COVID-19. A Study on the Mediation Role of Alexithymia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10649. [PMID: 34682393 PMCID: PMC8535909 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The scientific literature has shown the key role played by attachment to parents and peers and difficulties in recognizing, processing, and regulating emotions (i.e., alexithymia) in the (mal-)adaptive psychological response to the COVID-19 pandemic during late adolescence. No study has yet explored the complex interplay between these variables. We recruited a sample of 454 late adolescents (Mage = 22.79, SD = 2.27) and assessed attachment to parents and peers, alexithymia, and peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19 through self-report instruments. Attachment to fathers and peers, but not to mothers, and alexithymia significantly predicted levels of peritraumatic distress. Alexithymia fully and partially mediated the effect of, respectively, attachment to mothers and attachment to peers on peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19. These findings suggested that intervention programs focused on the promotion of peer social relationships, supportive parent-adolescent relationships, and the ability to recognize and discriminate one's own and others' emotions are needed in helping late adolescents to face the current health emergency and preventing short- and long-term psychopathological consequences related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (R.T.); (E.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (R.T.); (E.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Eleonora Marzilli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (R.T.); (E.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Giulia Ballarotto
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (R.T.); (E.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, 00186 Rome, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mancinelli E, Liberska HD, Li JB, Espada JP, Delvecchio E, Mazzeschi C, Lis A, Salcuni S. A Cross-Cultural Study on Attachment and Adjustment Difficulties in Adolescence: The Mediating Role of Self-Control in Italy, Spain, China, and Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8827. [PMID: 34444575 PMCID: PMC8391841 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
From a socio-ecological perspective, individuals are influenced by the interplay of individual, relational, and societal factors operating as a broader system. Thereby, to support youth adjustment during the critical adolescence period, the interplay between these factors should be investigated. This study aimed to investigate cross-cultural differences in adolescents' maternal and paternal attachment, adolescents' adjustment difficulties and self-control, and in their association. N = 1000 adolescents (mean (M) age = 16.94, SD = 0.48; 45.90% males) from China, Italy, Spain, and Poland participated by completing self-report measures. Results showed cross-country similarities and differences among the considered variables and their associative pattern. Moreover, conditional process analysis evaluating the association between maternal vs. paternal attachment and adjustment difficulties, mediated by self-control, and moderated by country, was performed. Maternal attachment directly, and indirectly through greater self-control, influenced adjustment difficulties in all four countries. This association was stronger among Spaniards. Paternal attachment influenced directly, and indirectly through self-control, on adolescents' adjustment difficulties only in Italy, Spain, and Poland, and was stronger among Polish adolescents. For Chinese adolescents, paternal attachment solely associated with adjustment difficulties when mediated by self-control. Thus, results highlighted both similarities and differences across countries in the interplay between maternal vs. paternal attachment and self-control on adolescents' adjustment difficulties. Implications are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mancinelli
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Hanna D. Liberska
- Department of Social Psychology and Research on Youth, Kazimierz Wielki University, 85064 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Jian-Bin Li
- Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - José P. Espada
- Department of Health Psychology, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain;
| | - Elisa Delvecchio
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (E.D.); (C.M.)
| | - Claudia Mazzeschi
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (E.D.); (C.M.)
| | - Adriana Lis
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Salcuni
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.L.); (S.S.)
| |
Collapse
|