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Brouwer B, Borg C, de Jong PJ. Self-Disgust and Sexual Functioning: A Scenario-Based Study Testing the Ability of Sex-Related Experiences to Elicit Self-Directed Disgust. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:649-657. [PMID: 36598143 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2158301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that disgust might compromise sexual functioning and can contribute to sexual problems. Although the stimuli and conditions that elicit disgust vary greatly across individuals, they cluster in three categories of disgust elicitors: Stimuli that are associated with an increased risk of the transmission of infectious diseases (pathogen disgust), stimuli that signal poor mating quality and may jeopardize reproductive success (sexual disgust), and behaviors that violate social norms (moral disgust). It has been argued that each of these categories of disgust may interfere with sexual responses. Thus far, research on the role of disgust in sexual contexts focused on external stimuli (e.g., sperm). Yet, recently it has been proposed that disgust can also become directed to features of the self. Such self-directed disgust may also apply to sexual contexts and contribute to sexual problems. As a first step to explore the relevance of self-disgust in sexual functioning, we tested if indeed particular sexual experiences have the ability to elicit self-disgust. Using a within subject design, participants (N = 124; all women) imagined themselves as well as others experiencing a series of sex-related scenarios, each relevant for one of the three categories of disgust, and subsequently rated their self-disgust. For all types of disgust, the scenarios evoked self-disgust, and the "self-perspective" elicited significantly more self-disgust than the "other-perspective." These findings support theoretical models pointing to the relevance of taking self-disgust into consideration as a factor that may compromise sexual functioning. Future research should test whether this also holds for men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berber Brouwer
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Charmaine Borg
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J de Jong
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Thamm C, McCarthy AL, Yates P. A Discourse of Deviance: Blame, Shame, Stigma and the Social Construction of Head and Neck Cancer. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:398-410. [PMID: 38019709 PMCID: PMC10996294 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231213819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer of the head and neck is a confronting condition, as the disease and its treatments alter the appearance and function of body organs associated with physical appearance and identity. Many of the risk factors for head and neck cancers, including tobacco, alcohol, and human papilloma virus, can also have significant negative social and moral permutations. Language and action (discourse) plays an important role in constructing disease and illness and shape the way it is managed, both institutionally and socially. This research used a critical constructionist lens to investigate how the common discourses surrounding head and neck cancer are constructed within the healthcare context and how this influences patients and healthcare professionals' responses to the illness. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field noting, journaling and literature reviews. Analysis was guided by a three-dimensional approach to critical discourse analysis that investigated text, discursive practices, and social context. The overarching finding was that deviance dominates the common discourse and shapes head and neck cancer and responses to it. Deviance is channelled through metaphors, adjectives, descriptors, and collective nouns and is made overt through labelling, avoidance, blaming, shame, and categorization. Discourse is contextualized by a sociocultural understanding that when someone deviates from what is perceived as normal, they are devalued. Open dialogue and reflection on head and neck cancer discourse could enable better understanding of how people experience their condition and inform more supportive responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Thamm
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Patsy Yates
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Khan KI, Sabir QUA, Shafqat A, Aslam M. Exploring the psychological and religious perspectives of cancer patients and their future financial planning: a Q-methodological approach. Palliat Care 2022; 21:186. [PMID: 36253745 PMCID: PMC9578276 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01079-z] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer patients are often hesitant to talk about their mental health, religious beliefs regarding the disease, and financial issues that drain them physically and psychologically. But there is a need to break this taboo to understand the perceptions and behaviours of the patients. Previous studies identified many psychological factors that are bothering cancer patients. However, it still requires exploring new elements affecting their mental and physical health and introducing new coping strategies to address patients' concerns. METHODS The current study aims to identify cancer patients' perceived attitudes towards the severity of illness, understand their fears, tend towards religion to overcome the disease, and future financial planning by using a Q-methodological approach. Data were collected in three steps from January-June 2020, and 51 cancer patients participated in the final stage of Q-sorting. RESULTS The findings of the study are based on the principal component factor analysis that highlighted three essential factors: (1) feelings, (2) religious beliefs about the acceptance of death, and (3) their future personal and financial planning. Further, the analysis shows that the patients differ in their beliefs, causes and support that they received as a coping mechanism. CONCLUSION This study explains cancer patients' psychological discomfort and physical pain but cannot relate it to co-morbidities. Q methodology allows the contextualization of their thoughts and future planning in different sets, like acceptance of death, combating religion's help, and sharing experiences through various platforms. This study will help health professionals derive new coping strategies for treating patients and financial managers to design insurance policies that help them to share their financial burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanwal Iqbal Khan
- Management Sciences Department, New Campus, University of Engineering and Technology, Kala Shah Kaku, Pakistan
| | - Qurat Ul An Sabir
- School of Statistics, Minhaj University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.,Biofluids and Biosystems Modelling Lab (BBML), Department of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Nova, Scotia, Canada
| | - Ambreen Shafqat
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Aslam
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, 21551, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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Gao S, Zhang L, Yao X, Lin J, Meng X. Associations between self-disgust, depression, and anxiety: A three-level meta-analytic review. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2022; 228:103658. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Saita E, Ferraris G, Acquati C, Molgora S, Sorge A, Valenti F, Grassi MM, Vagnini D. Dyadic Profiles of Couples Coping With Body Image Concerns After Breast Cancer: Preliminary Results of a Cluster Analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:869905. [PMID: 35401315 PMCID: PMC8983958 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.869905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer treatments have multiple adverse effects, including concerns about body appearance and function that are experienced by most patients. Altered body image negatively affects mental health, social, and relationship functioning. While the relationship with a partner is critical for patients’ psychological wellbeing and partners can promote positive body image, limited research has investigated individual and relational factors affecting the experience of both. This cross-sectional study aimed at (1) exploring rates of body image concerns among breast cancer patients, and (2) identifying dyadic profiles among participating dyads. Couples composed by patients who had undergone surgery and their romantic partners (n = 32) were recruited from the Breast Unit of a hospital in northern Italy. Both partners completed measures of personality characteristics (BFQ-2), psychological distress (HADS), coping flexibility (PACT), dyadic coping (DCQ), and closeness (IOS). Body image (BIS) and adjustment to cancer (Mini-MAC) measures were completed by patients only. K-mean cluster analyses identified 2-cluster solution among patients and partners, respectively. “Active patients” (cluster-1) reported low rates of body image concerns (p < 0.001), anxious preoccupation, negative dyadic coping, and self-oriented stress communication (p < 0.05), compared to “worried patients” (cluster-2). “Comfortable partners” (cluster-1) reported lower anxiety and depression (p < 0.001), self-oriented negative dyadic coping and closeness (p < 0.05) than “uncomfortable partners” (cluster-2). Three different dyadic profiles emerged: functional, dysfunctional, and ambivalent. Significant variations (p < 0.05) by anxiety, depression, and delegating dyadic coping existed. Results indicate there are groups of couples at greater risk for impaired psychological distress and body image concerns, which should be addressed in the context of dyadic psychosocial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Ferraris
- Department of Health Psychology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Health Disparities Research, The UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonia Sorge
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Denise Vagnini
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
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Jin Y, Ma H, Jiménez‐Herrera M. Self‐disgust and stigma both mediate the relationship between stoma acceptance and stoma care self‐efficacy. J Adv Nurs 2020; 76:2547-2558. [DOI: 10.1111/jan.14457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Jin
- Rovira i Virgili University Tarragona Spain
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Jin Y, Li Y, Gutiérrez-Colón M, Jiménez-Herrera M. Questionnaire for the Assessment of Self-Disgust: The psychometric testing among mental disorders in China. Clin Psychol Psychother 2020; 27:749-759. [PMID: 32307744 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Research on self-disgust is relevant to psychopathologic tendencies because it has been shown to play a critical role in several mental disorders. Examining self-disgust and exploring its role in mental health are significant goals. The purpose of this study was to translate the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Self-Disgust (QASD) into Chinese and evaluate its validity and reliability. The translation and validation of the QASD were guided by the World Health Organization's Process of Translation and Adaptation of Instruments. Three phases were undertaken: (a) professional translation and expert panel review, (b) pretesting, and (c) psychometric evaluation. The psychometric evaluation was tested among 1,068 patients who were recruited from two psychiatric hospitals and three psychological clinics of tertiary hospitals. In this study, multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the two-factor structure of the original QASD construct. Measurement invariance showed that the QASD is invariant across the patients with heterogeneous mental health diagnoses. The correlation of QASD with the Self-Esteem Scale (SES) and the Trait Anger Scale (TAS) showed that it has good convergent validity and discriminative validity. Internal consistency and test-retest yielded acceptable results. Thus, the findings suggest that the Chinese version of the QASD is a reliable and valid instrument with adequate psychometric properties for assessment of self-disgust among patients with mental disorders in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Jin
- Rovira i Virgili University, Department of Nursing, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Yufeng Li
- Department of Nursing, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Mar Gutiérrez-Colón
- Rovira i Virgili University, Department of English and German Studies, Tarragona, Spain
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Tsatali M, Overton PG, Vivas AB. Self-reported and experimentally induced self-disgust is heightened in Parkinson's disease: Contribution of behavioural symptoms. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223663. [PMID: 31618239 PMCID: PMC6799866 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with deficits in the recognition and expression of basic emotions, although self-reported levels of the self-conscious emotions shame and embarrassment are higher. However, one self-conscious emotion—self-disgust–which has been shown to have a negative impact on psychological wellbeing, has not been investigated in PD before. Here we employed self-report measures of self-conscious emotions, and an emotion induction paradigm involving images of the self, and narrated personal vignettes of instances when patients with PD (and controls) found themselves disgusting. We found that self-reported and induced levels of self-disgust were higher in PD patients than in matched controls, and that trait self-disgust was specifically related to disorders of impulse control in PD patients. Given the link between self-disgust and impaired psychological wellbeing, and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in PD, self-disgust might make a useful therapeutic target for psychological interventions in the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Tsatali
- South East European Research Center, SEERC, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paul G. Overton
- Psychology Department, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Ana B. Vivas
- Psychology Department, The University of Sheffield International Faculty, City College, Thessaloniki, Greece
- * E-mail:
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Akram U, Ypsilanti A, Drabble J, Lazuras L. The Role of Physical and Behavioral Self-Disgust in Relation to Insomnia and Suicidal Ideation. J Clin Sleep Med 2019; 15:525-527. [PMID: 30853056 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.7698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Umair Akram
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom.,Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Antonia Ypsilanti
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Drabble
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom
| | - Lambros Lazuras
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom
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