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Tsuchiyagaito A, Aoki S, Cochran G, Kawanori Y, Horiuchi S. Hard to let it go: repetitive negative thinking and hoarding in later life in Japan. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:542-550. [PMID: 37178150 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2209774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Hoarding in older adults can have a detrimental effect on daily life. Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) could result in a greater avoidance of discarding and increased saving behaviors; yet, the unique role of RNT on hoarding in older adults remains understudied. This study aimed to investigate whether the intensity of RNT contributes to hoarding in older adults. Methods: Two hundred and sixty-four older adults in Japan (ages 65-86 years, 132 males and 132 females) participated in an online survey. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine whether RNT could significantly explain the variance of hoarding after controlling for age, sex, years of education, self-reported cognitive impairment, and depression. Results: As we expected, RNT was significantly associated with greater hoarding behaviors, such as excessive acquisition (β = .27, p = .005) and difficulty in discarding (β = .27, p = .003). On the other hand, reflection, repetitive thinking without negative emotional valence, was significantly associated with higher scores on clutter (β = .36 p < .001). Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of addressing RNT in the prevention and treatment of hoarding symptoms among older adults, potentially leading to more effective interventions and improved outcomes in managing hoarding behaviors in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Tsuchiyagaito
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Aoki
- Center for Medical Education and Career Development, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Gabe Cochran
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | | | - Satoshi Horiuchi
- Department of Social and Clinical Psychology, Hijiyama University, Hiroshima, Japan
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2
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Mayes TL, Dozier ME, Davidson EJ, Rosenfarb IF, Bratiotis C, Ayers CR. Preliminary investigation of objective and subjective experiences of relatives of individuals with hoarding behaviors. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:610-624. [PMID: 38215456 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23641] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Families of individuals with hoarding symptoms report substantial burden; however, there has been no investigation of potential positive experiences. The objective of this study was to examine the experiences reported by individuals with a relative with elevated hoarding symptoms using a cross-sectional design. The current investigation expands on the literature in this area by incorporating a detailed interview of experiences in conjunction with validated measures of hoarding symptomology. METHODS Twenty-nine adults with relatives with elevated hoarding symptoms completed self-report measures of hoarding severity for themselves and their relative and a clinician-administered assessment of their experiences with their family member with hoarding symptoms. RESULTS Participants endorsed significant burden across a range of areas, including permanent changes in their daily routine. The majority (93%) of participants reported at least one positive experience, with 69% endorsing companionship as a benefit of the relationship. Greater symptom severity of the relative with hoarding symptoms was associated with greater subjective burden and decreased positive experiences. CONCLUSION Our results add further evidence to the potential for interpersonal psychotherapy to lead to a reduction in hoarding symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina L Mayes
- Mental Health Care Line, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Mary E Dozier
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Eliza J Davidson
- San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Irwin F Rosenfarb
- Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Catherine R Ayers
- Mental Health Care Line, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
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Zaremohzzabieh Z, Abdullah H, Ahrari S, Abdullah R, Md Nor SM. Exploration of vulnerability factors of digital hoarding behavior among university students and the moderating role of maladaptive perfectionism. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241226962. [PMID: 38298527 PMCID: PMC10829496 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241226962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In light of the rapidly evolving digital landscape, there is an increasing need to explore digital hoarding behavior. This need is driven by concerns regarding its intricate psychological foundations and its impact on individuals within our technology-centric society. This research investigates the influence of various factors, including the fear of missing out, emotional attachment, information overload, and decision fatigue, on digital hoarding behaviors among university students in Iran. Additionally, the study examines the moderating role of maladaptive perfectionism in these relationships. The study involved 275 university students (mean age = 21.62 years; standard deviation = 2.28 years; 65.6% female) selected from four universities in Iran. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that the fear of missing out, emotional attachment, information overload, and decision fatigue significantly predict university students' digital hoarding behavior. Moreover, the findings highlighted the moderating effect of maladaptive perfectionism on the association between emotional attachment and digital hoarding behavior. This suggests that individuals with higher levels of maladaptive perfectionism exhibit amplified digital hoarding tendencies when emotionally attached to their digital data. This study provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between psychological factors and digital hoarding tendencies. These findings have practical implications for educational institutions and mental health professionals, as they can help in developing targeted strategies and interventions to manage digital hoarding behavior in university freshmen and promote healthier digital habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Zaremohzzabieh
- Institute for Social Science Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Haslinda Abdullah
- Institute for Social Science Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Seyedali Ahrari
- Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rusli Abdullah
- Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Maryam Md Nor
- Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Marah K, Fute A, Oubibi M, Sun B, Lyanga AA, Arthur Velo NM, Zafitsara J, Madasi JD. Parental abusiveness experienced in childhood and premarital sexual permissiveness during adolescence. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18101. [PMID: 37519719 PMCID: PMC10372648 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study compared the experiences of parental abusiveness in childhood and sexual permissiveness in adolescence between adolescents raised by dual parents and those raised by single parents. Method The sampling process involved obtaining the sample size (N = 1037) based on statistical power calculations and the resources available, resulting in representativeness. The sampling frame consisted of students from different backgrounds (single-parent and two-parent families). A stratified random sampling helped to enhance the reliability and validity of the findings while minimizing potential biases. An online survey was used to collect data from the sampled students. An independent sample t-test analysis was done by using SPSS software and PROCESS macro of the SPSS to test the hypotheses. Results A significant and positive correlation was found between parental abusiveness and sexual permissiveness. There was also a significant mean difference in parental abusiveness experience and sexual permissiveness between adolescents from different family types. In addition, the average sexual permissiveness for males was higher than that of female adolescents from the same type of families. Conclusion Childhood life significantly influences adolescents' characters throughout their entire life.
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Zhou X, Huang J, Qin S, Tao K, Ning Y. Family intimacy and adolescent peer relationships: investigating the mediating role of psychological capital and the moderating role of self-identity. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1165830. [PMID: 37457090 PMCID: PMC10344464 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1165830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
According to existing research, family intimacy affects the formation of peer relationships among adolescents; Parent-child relationships may influence children's relationships with peers, but the mechanism of its influence is still unclear due to the uncertainty of its effect. According to the ecological systems theory, this study examines how family intimacy affects adolescent peer relationships through psychological capital and how self-identity moderates this effect. These hypotheses were tested based on a survey of 414 adolescents, which showed that family intimacy positively affects adolescent peer relationships; The relationship between family intimacy and adolescent peer relationships is mediated by psychological capital; Self-identity positively moderates the direct effects of family intimacy and adolescent peer relationships; Self-identity not only positively moderates the direct effect of psychological capital and adolescent peer relationship, but also positively moderates the indirect effect of family intimacy on adolescent peer relationship through psychological capital. This study provides new perspectives on the relevant mechanism of family intimacy and adolescent peer relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- School of Humanities and Education, Enshi Vocational and Technical College, Enshi, China
| | - Jin Huang
- School of Economics and Management, Enshi Vocational and Technical College, Enshi, China
| | - Sushu Qin
- School of Economics and Management, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Kangsheng Tao
- School of Business Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Yumei Ning
- School of Business Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
- Business School, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
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Lin N, Bacala L, Martin S, Bratiotis C, Muroff J. Hoarding Disorder: The Current Evidence in Conceptualization, Intervention, and Evaluation. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2023; 46:181-196. [PMID: 36740352 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2022.10.007] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hoarding disorder is characterized by difficulty parting with possessions due to strong urges to save the items, leading to the excessive accumulation of items. High clutter levels result in varied personal, social, and legal consequences. Specialized treatments, including individual, virtual, and group cognitive and behavioral therapies, community-based interventions, and peer support approaches have shown preliminary effectiveness. Animal, attachment, and neurobiological models are expanding our understanding of the etiological bases of the disorder. Specialized populations such as children, older adults, and involuntary patients are highlighted as requiring special consideration for intervention and risk mitigation. Directions for future research are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Lin
- University of British Columbia, School of Social Work, Jack Bell Building, 2080 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Lindsay Bacala
- University of Manitoba, Faculty of Social Work, 521 Tier Building, 173 Dafoe Road West, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 2N2, Canada
| | - Spenser Martin
- Canadian Mental Health Association, 930 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0P8, Canada
| | - Christiana Bratiotis
- University of British Columbia, School of Social Work, Jack Bell Building, 2080 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Jordana Muroff
- Boston University, School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Nix CA, Dozier ME. The generational impact of household clutter. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 62:260-271. [PMID: 36478581 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12407] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hoarding disorder can create long-term problems for adult children of individuals with hoarding symptoms; however, the extent of the psychosocial consequences of growing up in a cluttered household are not yet fully understood. This study investigated the extent to which generational clutter (i.e., parent/caregiver and grandparent) influenced individuals' self-reported hoarding severity and psychiatric and psychosocial functioning. METHODS A total of 1306 adults completed an online survey that included measures of hoarding, anxiety, depression, companionship and emotional support. A subsample (n = 198) reported on parent and grandparent household clutter, as well as family impact from hoarding. We used correlations, t-tests, linear and hierarchical regressions and mediation analyses to investigate whether hoarding symptoms were predicted by parent or grandparent hoarding. RESULTS Parent clutter level significantly predicted participant hoarding symptoms. For participants who reported having caregivers with elevated clutter, self-reported psychosocial functioning was lower overall. Self-reported behaviour modification due to family hoarding symptoms (accommodation) was a significant predictor of participant hoarding symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Parent clutter and family accommodation behaviours may be a risk factor for future clutter in adult children. Further comparisons between parents and children are needed to determine whether this association increases children's risk for future hoarding symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn A Nix
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, USA
| | - Mary E Dozier
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, USA
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Liu X, Cai Y, Tao Y, Hou W, Niu H, Liu X, Xie T, Li Y. Association between attachment and hoarding behavior: Mediation of anthropomorphism and moderation of hoarding beliefs among Chinese adolescents. Psych J 2023; 12:128-136. [PMID: 36221928 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The impact of insecure attachment on hoarding behavior (HB) has been supported by empirical evidence. However, scant literature has focused on how anthropomorphism (attributing human-like traits, characteristics, or emotions to nonhuman objects) and hoarding beliefs (motivations for ownership) affect the relationship between insecure attachment and HB, especially among Chinese adolescents. Using a cross-sectional study, we reserved 903 participants (561 males, 342 females, M = 20.20, SD = 1.85, age range = 18-24 years) to complete self-report questionnaires about close relationships, anthropomorphism, saving beliefs, and saving inventory to investigate the mediating role of anthropomorphism and the moderating role of hoarding beliefs in the relationship between insecure attachment and HB. Attachment anxiety and avoidance had a positive relationship with HB, and anthropomorphism is a mediating factor in the association between attachment anxiety and HB. In addition, hoarding beliefs moderated the relationship between attachment anxiety and HB. This study further elaborated on the relationships between insecure attachment, anthropomorphism, hoarding beliefs, and HB, which might shed some light on adolescent clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Liu
- Department of Student Affairs Management, Mudanjiang Normal University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Ying Cai
- Student Development Guidance Center, Student Affairs Office, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanqiang Tao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenxin Hou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Haiqun Niu
- School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Xie
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuting Li
- School of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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9
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Mulligan‐Rabbitt J, O'Connor J, Brien C. “It's not yours. It's mine”: A qualitative study exploring the experience of hoarding. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED PSYCHOANALYTIC STUDIES 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/aps.1795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ciara Brien
- Trinity College University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
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10
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David J, Norberg MM. Redefining object attachment: Development and validation of a new scale. J Behav Addict 2022; 11:941-951. [PMID: 36053719 PMCID: PMC9872543 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2022.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Object attachment is the emotional bond or connection that we have with possessions. Although thought to be ubiquitous, when excessive, object attachment is presumed to contribute to compulsive buying and hoarding problems. Unfortunately, our understanding of this relationship has been limited by the constraints of existing object attachment measures. In this paper, we developed and validated a new self-report questionnaire, called the Object Attachment Security Measure (OASM). METHODS We developed an item pool based on previous measures and consultation with 24 experts in the field. After piloting, we administered this measure to a large sample (Final N = 365), along with self-report measures of hoarding, compulsive buying, and previous object attachment measures. RESULTS We found that the OASM distinguished between secure and insecure object attachment. Both subscales showed excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability over a two-week period. Additionally, they demonstrated excellent convergent and divergent validity, and criterion validity with measures of hoarding and compulsive buying symptoms. We also found that insecure, but not secure object attachment, was uniquely related to hoarding and compulsive buying symptomology. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our findings extend theoretical models, highlighting the role of insecure object attachment. Future research in both clinical and consumer behaviour fields should utilise the OASM, as reducing insecure object attachment and potentially encouraging secure object attachment could decrease maladaptive possession use and increase sustainable consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan David
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa M. Norberg
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia,Corresponding author. Tel.: +61 2 9850 8127. E-mail:
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11
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Gong Y, Tan Y, Huang R. Exploring the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and hoarding behavior: A moderated multi-mediation model. Front Psychol 2022; 13:935897. [PMID: 36033020 PMCID: PMC9415804 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.935897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hoarding behavior may not only interfere with hoarders’ daily lives but may also endanger the community. However, few studies have investigated the role of personality characteristics in hoarding behavior. We hypothesized that dispositional mindfulness would be negatively associated with hoarding behavior, and tested mechanisms and gender differences in this association. An online survey was conducted in a sample of 533 Chinese adults (262 women, Mage = 26.82; SD = 6.30). Regression-based analyses showed that mindfulness was associated with less hoarding behavior through higher self-esteem and lower emotion dysregulation. Moreover, gender moderated the mediating effect of emotion dysregulation in the association between mindfulness and hoarding behavior. Specifically, the indirect association was only significant for women. These findings provide a deeper understanding of how, why, and for whom dispositional mindfulness is negatively associated with hoarding behavior, they provide support for self-completion theory and the cognitive-behavioral model of hoarding, and they have heuristic value for future research.
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12
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Interpersonal functioning in hoarding: An investigation of the link between hoarding symptoms and social support, social anhedonia, and social rewards. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2022.100313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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13
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hoarding is a behavior that occurs across a variety of disorders, including hoarding disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and schizophrenia. Hoarding is also a normative human behavior within certain contexts, including the recent coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, when individuals became panicked about the availability of products such as toilet paper and antibacterial wipes. Previous research suggests that personality traits and personality disorder symptoms may be linked with hoarding behaviors. The purpose of this review is to provide a snapshot of recent research on hoarding and personality. RECENT FINDINGS Most recent research on this topic has focused on hoarding behaviors as the action of stockpiling goods during a pandemic. Research on this area was mixed with regard to extraversion and openness but was strongly suggestive of a link between stockpiling behaviors and increased neuroticism. Hoarding in the context of OCD was linked with lower levels of both extraversion and conscientiousness. Patients with hoarding disorder almost universally have clinically elevated levels of personality disorder traits. SUMMARY The directions of observed associations between five-factor model personality traits and hoarding behaviors differ across diagnostic and geographic contexts. Additional research is needed with participants who meet diagnostic criteria for hoarding disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Dozier
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi State, USA
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David J, Aluh DO, Blonner M, Norberg MM. Excessive Object Attachment in Hoarding Disorder: Examining the Role of Interpersonal Functioning. Behav Ther 2021; 52:1226-1236. [PMID: 34452675 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Excessive attachment towards possessions can be maladaptive because it can lead individuals to excessively acquire and save objects. Little is known about how attachment to objects develops and changes over time; however, interpersonal factors have been theorized to play a role. The current study examined whether interpersonal factors, specifically interpersonal attachment style and empathy, moderate changes in object attachment over time. A total of 145 participants with excessive acquiring and discarding difficulties rated their level of attachment to a novel object just after receiving it, and 1 week later. Participants also completed measures of interpersonal anxious attachment and interpersonal functioning. We found that changes in object attachment over time were moderated by interpersonal anxious attachment. Also, our findings suggested that individuals with hoarding problems are likely not impaired in their ability to empathize with others, but rather have difficulty displaying empathy in tense social situations and also have more empathy for fictional characters. Further, greater discomfort in tense social situations and greater empathy for fictional characters interacted to predict greater object attachment. Taken together, these findings indicate that individuals with an interpersonal anxious attachment style may be those at risk of forming greater attachments to objects over time. A learning history that includes inconsistent support from caregivers may result in individuals experiencing more empathy for fictional characters and discomfort in tense social situations, which may produce a vulnerability for becoming excessively attached to objects. Our results are in line with theories of hoarding which propose that individuals use objects to compensate for unmet interpersonal needs and suggest that treatment may need to target interpersonal functioning to reduce hoarding symptoms.
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15
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David J, Crone C, Norberg MM. A critical review of cognitive behavioural therapy for hoarding disorder: How can we improve outcomes? Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:469-488. [PMID: 34409679 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Psychological treatment for hoarding problems has historically been associated with poor outcomes. When treated as a subgroup of obsessive-compulsive disorder, individuals with hoarding beliefs were less likely to respond to treatment than individuals exhibiting other obsessive-compulsive beliefs and behaviours. When treated as its own disorder using cognitive behavioural therapy, individuals report approximately 25% improvement in symptoms on average. However, less than a third of people experience clinically meaningful change. Further, changes in functioning and quality of life are not routinely assessed. In this paper, we review the current conceptualization and treatment of hoarding problems to shed light on how treatment for hoarding disorder may be improved. Utilizing a harm reduction approach before administering treatment may be important to ensure the safety of individuals. Research should test whether treatment outcomes improve by including strategies that enhance a client's interpersonal functioning and ability to regulate emotions (i.e., based on dialectal behaviour therapy and mentalization-based treatments), especially while discarding and organizing belongings. We should also use modern learning theory to improve the delivery of exposure activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan David
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cassandra Crone
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melissa M Norberg
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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16
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Marazziti D, Pozza A, Mucci F, Dettore D. Compulsive Hoarding Symptoms and the Role of Mindfulness Skills During Social Distancing for the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Survey. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:634454. [PMID: 34194342 PMCID: PMC8236584 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.634454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
People reporting compulsive hoarding symptoms (CHS) have lower mindfulness skills than those without such symptoms. Mindfulness skills can have the role of a protective buffer against stressful periods. The quarantine imposed to contain the COVID-19 spread had a negative impact on daily habits and healthy behaviors (including social interactions). An increased attachment to objects might be one of the under-recognized psychological consequences of these difficult times, yet no study focused on CHS. Through an online survey in men who were on quarantine during the pandemic, this exploratory survey examined the prevalence of men reporting CHS during this period and explored the role of mindfulness skills on CHS controlling for anxious-depressive/stress symptoms. Forty-three men from the general population completed the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R), Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised (CAMS-R) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). Twenty-eight percent reported CHS. No differences on the scores of the questionnaires emerged between men with and without CHS, except on CAMS-R Attention scores. In a logistic regression analysis lower CAMS-R Attention scores predicted CHS (β = -0.34, p = 0.03). This is the first, yet preliminary investigation on CHS during quarantine. The prevalence of CHS appears higher than the rates (4%) reported in the last years before the COVID-19 outbreak. Perhaps people showed more intense hoarding tendencies during quarantine/social distancing, and this pattern should be monitored. Larger samples, longitudinal designs and clinician-rated instruments are needed to support or not our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
- BRF Foundation, Lucca, Italy
| | - Andrea Pozza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Federico Mucci
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Davide Dettore
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Keefer LA, Rothschild ZK. Attachment Anxiety Mitigates the Well-Being Costs of Object Attachment. JOURNAL OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1027/1614-0001/a000328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Clinical and personality research consistently demonstrates that people can form unhealthy and problematic attachments to material possessions. To better understand this tendency, the current paper extends past research demonstrating that anxieties about other people motivate these attachments. These findings suggest that although object attachment generally correlates with poorer well-being, it may attenuate well-being deficits associated with insecurity about close relationships. The current paper presents two studies using converging correlational ( N = 394) and diary methods ( N = 413) to test whether object attachments’ association with poorer well-being is moderated by relationship uncertainties. We find that both trait (Study 1) and state (Study 2) insecurities about others eliminated, and in some cases reversed, the negative psychological correlates of object attachment. These effects, however, were only observed when focusing on between-person variation in both studies; within-person analysis demonstrated that state variation in object attachment predicted better psychological well-being. These results highlight a need for more nuanced studies of object attachment and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A. Keefer
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
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