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Erol Y, Inozu M. An Investigation of the Mediating Roles of Emotion Regulation Difficulties, Distress Tolerance, Self-Compassion, and Self-Disgust in the Association Between Childhood Trauma and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury. Arch Suicide Res 2024; 28:815-829. [PMID: 37470456 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2023.2237083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood maltreatment has been associated as a risk factor with the development of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), with difficulty in emotion regulation explaining the association. However, little is known about the potential factors that make some individuals with maltreatment history more vulnerable to difficulties in emotion regulation and, in turn, engage in NSSI. The current study aimed to examine the roles of distress tolerance, self-compassion, and self-disgust in the association between childhood maltreatment types and emotion regulation difficulty, which was expected to predict NSSI. METHOD The sample included 397 university students between the ages of 18 and 30. Participants completed self-report scales assessing childhood maltreatment, emotion regulation difficulty, distress tolerance, self-compassion, self-disgust, and NSSI using the paper-pencil and online methods. The mediation model suggested for the association between childhood maltreatment types and NSSI was tested using path analysis. RESULTS Low distress tolerance, low self-compassion, high self-disgust, and resulting high emotion regulation difficulty mediated the indirect effect of emotional neglect on NSSI. CONCLUSION The current study sheds light on various factors in the development and maintenance of NSSI and reveals three developmental pathways from emotional neglect in childhood to engaging in NSSI.HIGHLIGHTSEmotional neglect may be a distal risk factor for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI).Low distress tolerance and self-compassion and high self-disgust may increase the risk of NSSI.Emotion regulation difficulty may make people engage in NSSI to regulate emotions.
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Kaňková Š, Dlouhá D, Ullmann J, Velíková M, Včelák J, Hill M. Association between Disgust Sensitivity during Pregnancy and Endogenous Steroids: A Longitudinal Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6857. [PMID: 38999978 PMCID: PMC11241696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136857] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The emotion of disgust protects individuals against pathogens, and it has been found to be elevated during pregnancy. Physiological mechanisms discussed in relation to these changes include immune markers and progesterone levels. This study aimed to assess the association between steroids and disgust sensitivity in pregnancy. Using a prospective longitudinal design, we analyzed blood serum steroid concentrations and measured disgust sensitivity via text-based questionnaires in a sample of 179 pregnant women during their first and third trimesters. We found positive correlations between disgust sensitivity and the levels of C19 steroids (including testosterone) and its precursors in the Δ5 pathway (androstenediol, DHEA, and their sulfates) and the Δ4 pathway (androstenedione). Additionally, positive correlations were observed with 5α/β-reduced C19 steroid metabolites in both trimesters. In the first trimester, disgust sensitivity was positively associated with 17-hydroxypregnanolone and with some estrogens. In the third trimester, positive associations were observed with cortisol and immunoprotective Δ5 C19 7α/β-hydroxy-steroids. Our findings show that disgust sensitivity is positively correlated with immunomodulatory steroids, and in the third trimester, with steroids which may be related to potential maternal-anxiety-related symptoms. This study highlights the complex relationship between hormonal changes and disgust sensitivity during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Šárka Kaňková
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic; (Š.K.); (D.D.); (J.U.)
| | - Daniela Dlouhá
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic; (Š.K.); (D.D.); (J.U.)
| | - Jana Ullmann
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic; (Š.K.); (D.D.); (J.U.)
| | - Marta Velíková
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Josef Včelák
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Martin Hill
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic;
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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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Wilner JG, Ronzio B, Gillen C, Aguirre B. Self-Hatred: The Unaddressed Symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder. J Pers Disord 2024; 38:157-170. [PMID: 38592908 DOI: 10.1521/pedi.2024.38.2.157] [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] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often report chronic, severe self-hatred. It is frequently experienced as immutable, seen as a barrier to recovery, and is associated with risk for self-injury and suicide attempts. Yet self-hatred remains a poorly understood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated presentation of BPD. In this concept article and review, we describe the nature of self-hatred in BPD and related disorders, propose a theory as to the development of self-hatred in BPD, review the assessments of and interventions for self-hatred, and consider next steps in the research, assessment, and treatment of self-hatred in BPD. Through increased awareness, understanding, and measures of self-hatred in BPD, new treatment paradigms can be developed to ensure more comprehensive recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne G Wilner
- From Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Blake Ronzio
- From Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Carly Gillen
- From Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Blaise Aguirre
- From Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts
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5
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Kot E, Kostecka B, Radoszewska J, Kucharska K. Self-disgust in patients with borderline personality disorder. The associations with alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, and comorbid psychopathology. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2023; 10:24. [PMID: 37641140 PMCID: PMC10463936 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-023-00232-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-disgust is a negative self-conscious emotion, which has been linked with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it has not yet been investigated in relation to both emotion dysregulation and alexithymia, which are recognized as crucial to BPD. Therefore, the aim of our study was to measure these variables and examine the possible mediational role of emotional alterations and comorbid anxiety and depression symptoms in shaping self-disgust in patients with BPD and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS In total, the study included 100 inpatients with BPD and 104 HCs. Participants completed: the Self-Disgust Scale (SDS), Disgust Scale - Revised (DS-R), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Emotion Dysregulation Scale short version (EDS-short), Borderline Personality Disorder Checklist (BPD Checklist), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-R). RESULTS Inpatients with BPD showed higher self-disgust, alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, core and comorbid symptoms levels, and lower disgust sensitivity. Alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, and trait anxiety partially mediated between BPD diagnosis and self-disgust. The relationship between the severity of BPD symptoms and self-disgust was fully mediated by alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, depressive symptoms, and trait anxiety. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study may imply the contribution of emotion dysregulation, alexithymia, and comorbid psychopathology to self-referenced disgust in BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Kot
- Department of Neuroses, Personality Disorders, and Eating Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, Warsaw, 02-957, Poland.
| | - Barbara Kostecka
- II Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, 8 Kondratowicza Street, Warsaw, 03-242, Poland
| | - Joanna Radoszewska
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, 5/7 Stawki Street, Warsaw, 00-183, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kucharska
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, 1/3 Wóycickiego Street, Warsaw, 01-938, Poland
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Cheng P, Langevin R. Difficulties with emotion regulation moderate the relationship between child maltreatment and emotion recognition. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 139:106094. [PMID: 36796165 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotion regulation (ER) and emotion recognition (ERC) deficits are frequently observed in the sequelae of child maltreatment (CM). Despite a wealth of research on emotional functioning, these emotional processes are often presented as independent but related functions. As such, there is currently no theoretical framework on how different components of emotional competence, such as ER and ERC, may be related to one another. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to empirically assess the relationship between ER and ERC by examining the moderating role of ER in the relationship between CM and ERC. A secondary objective is to explore whether unique CM subtypes, recognition of specific emotions, and ER dimensions are driving this relationship. METHODS A sample of 413 emerging adults (18-25 years) completed an online survey (CM history, ER difficulties) and an ERC task. RESULTS Moderation analysis indicated that in emerging adults with ER difficulties, as CM increased, the accuracy for negative emotions decreased (B = -0.02, SE = 0.01, t = -2.50, p = .01). Exploratory analyses revealed that most CM subtypes (sexual abuse, emotional maltreatment, and exposure to domestic violence) significantly interacted with two ER dimensions (difficulty with impulsivity and limited access to ER strategies) and was associated with disgust, but not sadness, fear, nor anger recognition. CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence for ERC impairment in emerging adults with more CM experiences and ER difficulties. The interplay between ER and ERC is important to consider in the study and treatment of CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polly Cheng
- McGill University, Educational and Counselling Psychology, Canada.
| | - Rachel Langevin
- McGill University, Educational and Counselling Psychology, Canada.
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7
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Biermann M, Schulze A, Vonderlin R, Bohus M, Lyssenko L, Lis S. Shame, self-disgust, and envy: An experimental study on negative emotional response in borderline personality disorder during the confrontation with the own face. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1082785. [PMID: 36970260 PMCID: PMC10030617 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1082785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundA markedly negative self-image and pervasive shame proneness have consistently been associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The present experimental study investigated the intensity of negative emotional responses with a focus on shame in BPD compared to healthy control persons (HCs) during an experimental paradigm promoting self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-evaluation. Furthermore, the relationship between levels of state shame during the experiment and shame proneness in BPD compared to HCs was examined.MethodsA sample of 62 individuals with BPD and 47 HCs participated in the study. During the experimental paradigm, participants were presented with photos of (i) the own face, (ii) the face of a well-known person, and (iii) of an unknown person. They were asked to describe positive facets of these faces. Participants rated the intensity of negative emotions induced by the experimental task as well the pleasantness of the presented faces. Shame-proneness was assessed using the Test of the Self-Conscious Affect (TOSCA-3).ResultsIndividuals with BPD experienced significantly higher levels of negative emotions than HCs both before and during the experimental task. While HC participants responded to their own face particularly with an increase in shame compared to the other-referential condition, the BPD patients responded above all with a strong increase of disgust. Furthermore, the confrontation with an unknown or well-known face resulted in a strong increase of envy in BPD compared to HC. Individuals with BPD reported higher levels of shame-proneness than HCs. Higher levels of shame-proneness were related to higher levels of state shame during the experiment across all participants.ConclusionOur study is the first experimental study on negative emotional responses and its relationship to shame proneness in BPD compared to HC using the own face as a cue promoting self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-evaluation. Our data confirm a prominent role of shame when describing positive features of the own face, but they emphasize also disgust and envy as distinct emotional experience characterizing individuals with BPD when being confronted with the self.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Biermann
- Department of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- *Correspondence: Miriam Biermann,
| | - Anna Schulze
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ruben Vonderlin
- Department of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martin Bohus
- Department of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lisa Lyssenko
- Department of Public Health, Freiburg University of Education, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Lis
- Department of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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8
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Culicetto L, Ferraioli F, Lucifora C, Falzone A, Martino G, Craparo G, Avenanti A, Vicario CM. Disgust as a transdiagnostic index of mental illness: A narrative review of clinical populations. Bull Menninger Clin 2023; 87:53-91. [PMID: 37871195 DOI: 10.1521/bumc.2023.87.suppa.53] [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] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Disgust is a basic emotion of rejection, providing an ancestral defensive mechanism against illness. Based on research that documents altered experiences of disgust across several psychopathological conditions, we conducted a narrative review to address the hypothesis that altered disgust may serve as a transdiagnostic index of mental illness. Our synthesis of the literature from past decades suggests that, compared to healthy populations, patients with mental disorders exhibit abnormal processing of disgust in at least one of the analyzed dimensions. We also outline evidence of alterations in brain areas relevant to disgust processing, such as the insula and the interconnected limbic network. Overall, we provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that altered disgust processing may serve as a transdiagnostic index of mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Culicetto
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Lucifora
- Institute of Cognitive Science and Technology, ISTC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Martino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Craparo
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE-Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, Enna, Italy
| | - Alessio Avenanti
- Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neurosciences Research Center, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile, and the Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari," Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Cesena Campus, Cesena, Italy
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9
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Masselman I, de Jong PJ, Glashouwer KA. Subjective disgust and facial electromyography responses towards unedited and morphed overweight self-pictures in women with varying levels of eating disorder symptomatology. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2023; 31:98-109. [PMID: 35929599 PMCID: PMC10087951 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with an eating disorder (ED) often report to be disgusted by their body. Body-related self-disgust could play an important role in the development and maintenance of EDs. We investigated if women with relatively high ED symptom scores indeed respond with disgust upon exposure to their body as indexed by facial electromyography (fEMG) of the m. levator labii superioris and self-report. Given that one's self-disgust may increase/decrease depending on the relative distance of the own body to the thin ideal, we also assessed women's disgust for overweight- and thin-morphs of their body. Female undergraduate students (N = 104) were photographed and presented with their (morphed) body pictures, next to disgust-relevant and overweight body control pictures. Higher levels of ED symptoms were associated with stronger self-reported disgust to unedited body-pictures and overweight-morphs. Disgust to thin-morphs was unrelated to ED symptoms. Participants generally showed heightened facial disgust towards overweight morphs, yet the strength of facial disgust was unrelated to ED symptoms. Thus, the findings provide evidence for the involvement of heightened body-related self-disgust in ED symptomatology, albeit only on the basis of self-report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Masselman
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Peter J de Jong
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Klaske A Glashouwer
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Eating Disorders, Accare Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Groningen, Netherlands
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10
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Christensen RE, Lewis M. The Development of Disgust and Its Relationship to Adolescent Psychosocial Functioning. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2022; 53:1309-1318. [PMID: 34164758 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-021-01208-4] [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] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Experiences of excessive disgust have been implicated in several psychopathologies. Research, however, has rarely examined disgust and its role in psychosocial functioning from a developmental standpoint. This study examines the relationship between disgust expression in early life and subsequent adolescent psychosocial functioning. Data from 165 children were collected as part of a longitudinal study. Disgust propensity in infancy and childhood was assessed using a facial expressivity task and food aversion task, respectively. Adolescent psychosocial functioning was measured through several self-report measures. Results suggest that there exists a degree of consistency in disgust expression within the first year of life, and that childhood disgust propensity may be related to impairment in early adolescent psychosocial functioning. These findings highlight the potential importance of identifying early disgust expression as a marker for later psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Lewis
- Institute for the Study of Child Development, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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11
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Wabnegger A, Schienle A. Association between obesity bias and trait disgust: Findings from the moral machine experiment with obese humans and animals. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2022.2090077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Wabnegger
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Anne Schienle
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
- University of California USA, California, USA
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12
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Carreiras D, Cunha M, Castilho P. Trajectories of borderline features in adolescents: A three-wave longitudinal study testing the effect of gender and self-disgust over 12 months. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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Disgust and Self-Disgust in Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091728. [PMID: 35565699 PMCID: PMC9102838 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091728] [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] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Disgust and self-disgust are aversive emotions which are often encountered in people with eating disorders. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of disgust and self-disgust in people with eating disorders using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The systematic review of the literature revealed 52 original research papers. There was substantial heterogeneity regarding the research question and outcomes. However, we found 5 articles on disgust elicited by food images, 10 studies on generic disgust sensitivity, and 4 studies on self-disgust, and we proceeded to a meta-analytic approach on these studies. We found that women with eating disorders have significantly higher momentary disgust feelings in response to food images (1.32; 95% CI 1.05, 1.59), higher generic disgust sensitivity (0.49; 95% CI 0.24, 0.71), and higher self-disgust (1.90; 95% CI 1.51, 2.29) compared with healthy controls. These findings indicate the potential clinical relevance of disgust and self-disgust in the treatment of eating disorders.
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14
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Schienle A, Wabnegger A. Self-disgust in Patients with Dermatological Diseases. Int J Behav Med 2022; 29:827-832. [PMID: 35113320 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-022-10058-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dermatological diseases can be associated with symptoms such as oozing pus, weeping, and/or bleeding, which represent primary disgust elicitors. This study examined the role of self-disgust in people with different skin conditions (e.g., hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, lichen sclerosus). METHODS A self-selected sample of 200 dermatology patients completed questionnaires for the assessment of self-disgust, experienced stigmatization, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization. Multiple regression analysis and mediation analysis were computed to examine the relationship between self-disgust and the other selected variables. RESULTS Sixty-four percent of the patients reported elevated self-disgust. Sex, age, depression, and perceived stigmatization were predictors of self-disgust. Depression mediated the relationship between stigmatization (e.g., staring by others) and self-disgust. CONCLUSIONS This study points to the important role of self-disgust in dermatological conditions. Public health programs to counteract stigmatization of patients with skin diseases as well as therapy approaches that help decrease patients' self-disgust and increase self-acceptance are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schienle
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Albert Wabnegger
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
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15
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Akram U, Allen S, Stevenson JC, Lazarus L, Ypsilanti A, Ackroyd M, Chester J, Longden J, Peters C, Irvine KR. Self-disgust as a potential mechanism underlying the association between body image disturbance and suicidal thoughts and behaviours. J Affect Disord 2022; 297:634-640. [PMID: 34715168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study examined whether self-disgust added incremental variance to and mediated the multivariate association between measures of body image disturbance and suicidal thoughts and behaviours. We hypothesized that self-disgust would be associated with suicidal ideation above the effects of body image disturbance, and that self-disgust would mediate the relationship between body image disturbance and suicidal ideation. A total of N=728 participants completed The Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire, The Self-Disgust Scale, and the Suicidal Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised. Suicidality was significantly related to increased levels of self-disgust and body image disturbance, whereas self-disgust was associated with greater body image disturbance. Linear regression analysis showed that self-disgust was associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours, over and above the effects of body image disturbance. Multiple mediation modelling further showed that self-disgust mediated the relationship between body image disturbance and suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Our findings highlight the role of self-disgust in the context of body image disturbance and support the notion that body image disturbance is associated with aversive self-conscious emotions. Interventions aiming to reduce the risk of suicidality in people with body image disturbance may address self-disgust and negative self-conscious emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umair Akram
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
| | - Sarah Allen
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, UK
| | | | | | - Antonia Ypsilanti
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
| | | | | | - Jessica Longden
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
| | - Chloe Peters
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
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Mayor R, Reuber M, Giga S, Simpson J. An exploration of the experiences of self-disgust in people with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 126:108435. [PMID: 34864376 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108435] [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: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the experiences of self-disgust in people with epilepsy and their understandings about this. DESIGN A qualitative study informed by thematic analysis. METHOD Ten adults (out of 43 individuals initially interested in taking part, with 38 of those with levels of self-disgust categorised as high) with epilepsy and uncontrolled seizures were recruited online and participated in a telephone semi-structured interview. RESULTS Three themes illustrated the development and experiences of self-disgust in adults with epilepsy and uncontrolled seizures, and how participants attempted to manage this. The first theme described the development of self-disgust as a result of the physical manifestations of seizures but also the experiences of others' disgust reactions to seizures and an expectation of rejection. The second theme described the enduring and often unescapable experiences of self-disgust, with the final theme illustrating how participants attempted to manage experiences of self-disgust, particularly through avoidance. DISCUSSION This study was the first to explore qualitatively the experiences of self-disgust in people with epilepsy. People with epilepsy experience disgust in reaction to the physical symptoms of seizures and these disgust-based feelings appeared to become internalized following others' disgust reactions. Avoidance as a strategy to manage self-disgust could be protective but might have inadvertently maintained feelings of self-disgust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Mayor
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road Sheffield, S10 2JF, United Kingdom
| | - Sabir Giga
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Simpson
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, United Kingdom.
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Barahmand U, Stalias-Mantzikos ME, Rotlevi E, Xiang Y. Disgust and Emotion Dysregulation in Misophonia: a Case for Mental Contamination? Int J Ment Health Addict 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00677-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Potthoff J, Schienle A. Effects of Self-Esteem on Self-Viewing: An Eye-Tracking Investigation on Mirror Gazing. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:164. [PMID: 34940099 PMCID: PMC8698327 DOI: 10.3390/bs11120164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While some people enjoy looking at their faces in the mirror, others experience emotional distress. Despite these individual differences concerning self-viewing in the mirror, systematic investigations on this topic have not been conducted so far. The present eye-tracking study examined whether personality traits (self-esteem, narcissism propensity, self-disgust) are associated with gaze behavior (gaze duration, fixation count) during free mirror viewing of one's face. Sixty-eight adults (mean age = 23.5 years; 39 females, 29 males) viewed their faces in the mirror and watched a video of an unknown person matched for gender and age (control condition) for 90 s each. The computed regression analysis showed that higher self-esteem was associated with a shorter gaze duration for both self-face and other-face. This effect may reflect a less critical evaluation of the faces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Potthoff
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
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Kot E, Grzegorzewski P, Kostecka B, Kucharska K. Self-disgust and disgust sensitivity are increased in anorexia nervosa inpatients, but only self-disgust mediates between comorbid and core psychopathology. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2021; 29:879-892. [PMID: 34655142 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The possible role of abnormal disgust processing in the development and course of anorexia nervosa (AN) has been emphasized in theoretical models and research. However, disgust toward external stimuli and self-disgust have not yet been investigated together in a clinical sample of AN patients. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to measure these constructs and examine their role in shaping eating pathology in AN patients and healthy controls (HCs), considering comorbid depressive and anxiety psychopathology. The study also aimed at testing the possible mediational roles of both disgust types in the associations between comorbid psychopathology and eating disorders (EDs) characteristics. METHOD Altogether, 63 inpatients with AN and 57 HCs partook in the study. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-3, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Disgust Scale-Revised and Self-Disgust Scale. RESULTS AN patients manifested higher self-disgust and disgust sensitivity than HCs. In addition, self-disgust predicted the severity of EDs characteristics and mediated the links of depressive symptoms and trait anxiety with EDs characteristics in both groups. DISCUSSION Our findings imply the putative role of self-disgust in the development of EDs psychopathology in HCs and in its maintenance in AN patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Kot
- Department of Neuroses, Personality Disorders, and Eating Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Grzegorzewski
- Department of Neuroses, Personality Disorders, and Eating Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Kostecka
- II Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kucharska
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Marques C, Simão M, Guiomar R, Castilho P. Self-disgust and urge to be thin in eating disorders: how can self-compassion help? Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:2317-2324. [PMID: 33387278 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-020-01099-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the moderator role of self-compassion in the relationship between self-disgust and drive for thinness, controlling for external shame, in eating disorder patients and in a community sample. METHODS Sixty-two female participants with an eating disorder diagnose and 119 female participants from the community, were asked to fill instruments that assess self-disgust, self-compassion, drive for thinness, and external shame. RESULTS We found a moderator effect of self-compassion on the association between self-disgust and drive for thinness in the clinical sample when adjusting for shame. The association between self-disgust and drive for thinness was buffered among those who reported medium and lower levels of self-compassion. Replicating the findings in the community sample we found no moderator effect of self-compassion. CONCLUSION These results provide evidence that people with eating disorders who perceive the self as highly disgusting may benefit from promoting a self-compassionate response to diminish drive for thinness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Marques
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Marta Simão
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115, Coimbra, Portugal
- Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Alvaiázere, 3250-115, Alvaiázere, Portugal
| | - Raquel Guiomar
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Castilho
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115, Coimbra, Portugal
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Aristotelidou V, Tsatali M, Overton PG, Vivas AB. Autonomic factors do not underlie the elevated self-disgust levels in Parkinson's disease. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256144. [PMID: 34473758 PMCID: PMC8412376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parkinson's disease (PD) is manifested along with non-motor symptoms such as impairments in basic emotion regulation, recognition and expression. Yet, self-conscious emotion (SCEs) such as self-disgust, guilt and shame are under-investigated. Our previous research indicated that Parkinson patients have elevated levels of self-reported and induced self-disgust. However, the cause of that elevation-whether lower level biophysiological factors, or higher level cognitive factors, is unknown. METHODS To explore the former, we analysed Skin Conductance Response (SCR, measuring sympathetic activity) amplitude and high frequency Heart Rate Variability (HRV, measuring parasympathetic activity) across two emotion induction paradigms, one involving narrations of personal experiences of self-disgust, shame and guilt, and one targeting self-disgust selectively via images of the self. Both paradigms had a neutral condition. RESULTS Photo paradigm elicited significant changes in physiological responses in patients relative to controls-higher percentages of HRV in the high frequency range but lower SCR amplitudes, with patients to present lower responses compared to controls. In the narration paradigm, only guilt condition elicited significant SCR differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS Consequently, lower level biophysiological factors are unlikely to cause elevated self-disgust levels in Parkinson's disease, which by implication suggests that higher level cognitive factors may be responsible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianna Tsatali
- Greek Alzheimer Association Day Care Centre “Saint John”, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Psychology, CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paul G. Overton
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Ana B. Vivas
- Department of Psychology, CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Akram U, Stevenson JC. Self-disgust and the dark triad traits: The role of expressive suppression. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Sallin L, Geissbüehler I, Grandjean L, Beuchat H, Martin-Soelch C, Pascual-Leone A, Kramer U. Self-Contempt, the Working Alliance and Outcome in Treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder: An Exploratory Study. Psychother Res 2020; 31:765-777. [PMID: 33256540 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2020.1849848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. We examined the role of expressed self-contempt in therapy for borderline personality disorder (BPD). Based on previous literature on BPD, we assumed an association between the self-contempt and the core symptoms of BPD. We also studied the progression of expressed self-contempt during the treatment and its effect on the alliance and the outcomes of treatment.Method. We rated the expressed self-contempt in 148 tape-recorded sessions with patients with BPD (N = 50), during a brief psychiatric treatment. We rated self-contempt at three time-points, using an observer-rate scale. Self-reported questionnaires were used to assess symptoms and the working alliance.Results. There are some associations between self-contempt and BPD symptoms. Expressed self-contempt did not change during the treatment. One measure of self-contempt was associated with a weaker alliance rated by the patients and with a stronger alliance rated by the therapists. The expression of high self-contempt was not predictive of outcomes when the initial level of problems was controlled for.Conclusions. The results highlight the importance to examine the complex effects of self-contempt in BPD undergoing treatment in a differentiated manner and suggest to clinicians and researchers to be attentive to this specific emotional state, and change therein, in psychotherapy.Keywords: Self-contempt; Borderline Personality Disorder; Brief Treatment; Therapeutic Alliance; EmotionTrial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01896024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sallin
- Reach Lab Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Geissbüehler
- Reach Lab Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Loris Grandjean
- Institute of Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry-CHUV, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.,General Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry-CHUV, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hélène Beuchat
- Institute of Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry-CHUV, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.,General Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry-CHUV, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Martin-Soelch
- Reach Lab Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Ueli Kramer
- Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, Canada.,Institute of Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry-CHUV, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.,General Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry-CHUV, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
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Bou Khalil R. "Emotional Chemobrain": A new concept for chemotherapy adverse drug effect? L'ENCEPHALE 2020; 47:613-615. [PMID: 33190820 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
"Emotional chemobrain" is a new paradigm that relates the occurrence of alterations in the psychological wellbeing of patients to the adverse drug effects of chemotherapy on the neurobiological level. The concept of "emotional chemobrain" is the analogue concept of the classical concept of "chemobrain" but that concerns emotional disturbances related to chemotherapy. Disgust is a negative emotion that might accompany any stressful life event such as having cancer. Increased disgust may lead to the development of mental disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders. Patients with cancer may develop negative emotions such as self-disgust because of their affected autonomy and life style on the one hand and because of chemotherapy's effect on their brain on the other. Self-disgust might be considered as a factor contributing to psychological distress exacerbation in this category of physically ill individuals. In addition to lifestyle modifications and body changes, self-disgust might be exacerbated by chemotherapy in the same way other negative emotions might be exacerbated by this kind of treatment. It might be speculated that the emotional side effects of chemotherapy concern activation modifications in brain regions relevant to emotional elaboration and regulation such as the insular lobe and the amygdala. "Emotional chemobrain" should be considered whenever neuropsychiatric adverse effects of chemotherapy are manifested in patients with cancer. Future studies might be interested in studying the effect of chemotherapy on brain regions that can affect regulation of emotions such as self-disgust.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bou Khalil
- Department of psychiatry-Saint Joseph University-Beirut-Lebanon, Hotel Dieu de France- A. Naccache boulevard - Achrafieh, P.O. box: 166830 Beiruth, Lebanon.
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Improving interoception and self-disgust in the treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa. Encephale 2020; 47:277-279. [PMID: 33189348 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2020.06.014] [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: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a mental disorder in which sufficient evidence points towards the presence of a high level of disturbed interoception and self-disgust. High arousal mood induction is a therapeutic technique that helps improve a patient's interoceptive capacities. With some adjustments to this technique such as adding a challenging behavior that induces a "flow" state or a mindfulness component such as in mindful awareness in body-oriented therapy (MABT), it is expected that patients with AN may benefit from an integrative treatment strategy that helps them improve their symptoms of high self-disgust and low interoception.
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Schienle A, Schwab D, Höfler C, Freudenthaler HH. Self-Disgust and Its Relationship With Lifetime Suicidal Ideation and Behavior. CRISIS 2020; 41:344-350. [DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: The emotion disgust is typically directed toward stimuli in the external environment, but sometimes people develop self-directed disgust responses. Aims: The current questionnaire study focused on the role of self-disgust in lifetime suicidal ideation and behavior. Method: A total of 1,167 individuals participated in an Internet-based survey containing self-report measures of self-disgust, externally directed disgust proneness, coping styles, diagnoses of mental disorders, and suicide risk. Hierarchical regression analyses as well as mediation analyses were computed. Results: Self-disgust was the most relevant predictor of suicide risk among the assessed variables. Self-disgust was negatively associated with the use of support by others, and positively associated with evasive coping (self-blame, venting, denial), which in turn was positively associated with suicidality. Limitations: This cross-sectional study provided information on the relationship between self-disgust and suicidality in a self-selected sample. Longitudinal studies are warranted. Conclusion: Future studies are required to replicate these findings. Additionally, stronger research designs are needed in order to investigate whether self-disgust should be targeted in suicide prevention programs and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schienle
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Austria
| | | | - Carina Höfler
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Austria
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Dammann G, Rudaz M, Benecke C, Riemenschneider A, Walter M, Pfaltz MC, Küchenhoff J, Clarkin JF, Gremaud-Heitz DJ. Facial Affective Behavior in Borderline Personality Disorder Indicating Two Different Clusters and Their Influence on Inpatient Treatment Outcome: A Preliminary Study. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1658. [PMID: 32849013 PMCID: PMC7403199 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of the present study was threefold: first, to investigate the facial affective behavior in patients with a borderline personality disorder (BPD); second, to examine whether these patients could be divided into clusters according to facial affective behavior; and third, to test whether these clusters would influence the inpatient treatment outcome. Methods Thirty inpatients with BPD were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM-IV Axis I and II Disorders (SCID I, SCID II) and had to complete a series of questionnaires before and directly after the 12-week long inpatient treatment. Facial affective behavior was recorded during the structured interview for personality organization (STIPO) and afterward coded with the emotional facial action coding system (EMFACS). Measures on psychopathology [beck depression inventory (BDI), Spielberger state and trait anxiety inventory (STAI), Spielberger state and trait anger inventory (STAXI), and symptom cheklist-90-revised (SCL-90-R)], interpersonal problems [Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP)], and personality organization [inventory of personality organization (IPO)] were administered. Results Cluster analysis before the treatment yielded two groups that differed in general facial expressivity, and regarding the display of anger, contempt, and disgust. The effect sizes of the repeated measures ANOVAs showed that persons with higher scores on the affective facial expressions benefitted more from the treatment in terms of STAI state anxiety, STAXI state and trait anger, IIP total, and the two scales primitive defenses and identity diffusion of the IPO, whereas persons with lower scores benefitted more on the scale IPO reality testing. Conclusion Our results indicated some initial trends for the importance of facial affective behavior in patients with BPD and their treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Dammann
- Psychiatric Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Münsterlingen Psychiatric Hospital, Münsterlingen, Switzerland
- University Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Myriam Rudaz
- Münsterlingen Psychiatric Hospital, Münsterlingen, Switzerland
- University Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Myriam Rudaz,
| | - Cord Benecke
- Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | | | - Marc Walter
- Psychiatric Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Monique C. Pfaltz
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - John F. Clarkin
- Personality Disorders Institute, Cornell University Medical School, New York, NY, United States
| | - Daniela J. Gremaud-Heitz
- Psychiatric Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Münsterlingen Psychiatric Hospital, Münsterlingen, Switzerland
- University Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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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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Kramer U, Renevey J, Pascual‐Leone A. Assessment of self‐contempt in psychotherapy: A neurobehavioural perspective. COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/capr.12307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ueli Kramer
- Institute of Psychotherapy and General Psychiatry Department of Psychiatry University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
- University of Windsor Windsor ON Canada
| | - Julien Renevey
- Department of Psychiatry Institute of Psychotherapy University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Antonio Pascual‐Leone
- University of Windsor Windsor ON Canada
- Department of Psychiatry Institute of Psychotherapy University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne Switzerland
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Clarke EN, Thompson AR, Norman P. Depression in people with skin conditions: The effects of disgust and self‐compassion. Br J Health Psychol 2020; 25:540-557. [DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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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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Zahn R, Lythe K, Gethin J, Green S, Deakin J, Workman C, Moll J. Negative emotions towards others are diminished in remitted major depression. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 30:448-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractBackground:One influential view is that vulnerability to major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with a proneness to experience negative emotions in general. In contrast, blame attribution theories emphasise the importance of blaming oneself rather than others for negative events. Our previous exploratory study provided support for the attributional hypothesis that patients with remitted MDD show no overall bias towards negative emotions, but a selective bias towards emotions entailing self-blame relative to emotions that entail blaming others. More specifically, we found a decreased proneness for contempt/disgust towards others relative to oneself (i.e. self-contempt bias). Here, we report a definitive test of the competing general negative versus specific attributional bias theories of MDD.Methods:We compared a medication-free remitted MDD (n = 101) and a control group (n = 70) with no family or personal history of MDD on a previously validated experimental test of moral emotions. The task measures proneness to specific emotions associated with different types of self-blame (guilt, shame, self-contempt/disgust, self-indignation/anger) and blame of others (other-indignation/anger, other-contempt/disgust) whilst controlling for the intensity of unpleasantness.Results:We confirmed the hypothesis that patients with MDD exhibit an increased self-contempt bias with a reduction in contempt/disgust towards others. Furthermore, they also showed a decreased proneness for indignation/anger towards others.Conclusions:This corroborates the prediction that vulnerability to MDD is associated with an imbalance of specific self- and other-blaming emotions rather than a general increase in negative emotions. This has important implications for neurocognitive models and calls for novel focussed interventions to rebalance blame in MDD.
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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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Schienle A, Wabnegger A. The structural neuroanatomy of self-disgust: A VBM analysis with a non-clinical sample. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Lenk M, Ritschel G, Abele M, Roever P, Schellong J, Joraschky P, Weidner K, Croy I. The source effect as a natural function of disgust in interpersonal context and its impairment in mental disorders. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4239. [PMID: 30862932 PMCID: PMC6414517 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40802-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Disgust affects interpersonal relationships and regulates hygienic, sexual and distance behaviour. Its intensity in the interpersonal context depends on the character of the relationship. Strangers normally evoke more disgust than intimates (known as the source effect). General disgust sensitivity is increased in various mental diseases. It is unclear how disgust in the interpersonal context is affected and whether the source effect is preserved. 460 inpatients with mental disorders and 463 healthy subjects answered a newly developed Questionnaire (DIRQ) that covers disgust in the interpersonal context on content categories (hygiene, physical proximity, sexuality) and on source categories (self, partner, parent, stranger). Mental disorders were diagnosed with structured interviews. Healthy controls exhibited a pronounced source effect, with strangers evoking more disgust than intimates. In patients, this source effect was reduced (Cohen's d = 0.3), especially for sexual disgust, while general disgust sensitivity was increased (d = 0.5). High disgust in patients was best predicted by a history of sexual abuse and by the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder. In conclusion, mentally impaired patients show increased and trauma-associated disgust sensitivity. Their downregulation of sexual disgust in intimate relationships is hindered, which may have a boundary protective function but might also fuel difficulties engaging in relationships or intimacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lenk
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Gerhard Ritschel
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marion Abele
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Peggy Roever
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Schellong
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Joraschky
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kerstin Weidner
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ilona Croy
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Ypsilanti A, Lazuras L, Powell P, Overton P. Self-disgust as a potential mechanism explaining the association between loneliness and depression. J Affect Disord 2019; 243:108-115. [PMID: 30241025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness and self-disgust have been considered as independent predictors of depressive symptoms. In the present study, we hypothesized that self-disgust can explain the association between loneliness and depression, and that emotion regulation strategies interact with self-disgust in predicting depressive symptoms. METHODS Three hundred and seventeen participants (M = 29.29 years, SD = 14.11; 76.9% females) completed structured anonymous self-reported measures of loneliness, self-disgust, emotion regulation strategies, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS One-way MANOVA showed that participants in the high-loneliness group reported significantly higher behavioural and physical self-disgust, compared to those in the middle and low-loneliness groups. Bootstrapped hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that self-disgust significantly improved predicted variance in depressive symptoms, after controlling for the effects of loneliness. Regression-based mediation modelling showed that both physical and behavioural self-disgust significantly mediated the association between loneliness and depression. Finally, moderated regression analysis showed that expressive suppression interacted with self-disgust in predicting depressive symptoms. LIMITATIONS A cross-sectional design was used, and our study focused on expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal but not on other aspects of emotion regulation or the modulation of emotional arousal and responses. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated, for the first time, that self-disgust plays an important role in the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, variations in emotion regulation strategies can explain the association between self-disgust and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Ypsilanti
- Department of Psychology, Sociology & Politics, Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
| | - Lambros Lazuras
- Department of Psychology, Sociology & Politics, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
| | - Phillip Powell
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, UK; Department of Economics, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul Overton
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, UK
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Sonnier H, Alex Brake C, Flores J, Badour CL. Posttraumatic stress and hazardous alcohol use in trauma-exposed young adults: indirect effects of self-disgust. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 54:1051-1059. [PMID: 30892115 PMCID: PMC6483896 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2018.1517173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorders are highly co-occurring. Several explanatory models of the relation between PTSD and hazardous alcohol use have been identified. However, the exact nature of this relation is not fully understood. Self-disgust may explain the relation between PTSD symptoms and hazardous drinking. OBJECTIVES The goal of the current study was to examine whether there was an indirect effect of probable PTSD on hazardous alcohol use via two domains of self-disgust: (disgust with characteristics of the self, disgust with one's behavior). Participants were 376 undergraduate students who reported experiencing at least one Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for DSM Disorders, 5th edition-defined traumatic event. Participants completed self-report measures online, which assessed their trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, self-disgust, and their alcohol use behaviors. RESULTS Probable PTSD was indirectly associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in hazardous drinking through the pathway of increased disgust toward one's behaviors. Although probable PTSD was also positively linked to disgust with characteristics of the self, this form of self-disgust was associated with a decreased likelihood of engaging in hazardous drinking, leading to a negative indirect relationship between probable PTSD and hazardous drinking. Conclusions/Importance: Overall, this study suggests that the role of self-disgust in the association between PTSD and hazardous drinking is complex, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Sonnier
- a Department of Psychology , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA
| | - C Alex Brake
- a Department of Psychology , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA
| | - Jessica Flores
- a Department of Psychology , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA
| | - Christal L Badour
- a Department of Psychology , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA
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Clarke A, Simpson J, Varese F. A systematic review of the clinical utility of the concept of self-disgust. Clin Psychol Psychother 2018; 26:110-134. [DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Clarke
- Division of Health Research; Lancaster University; Lancaster UK
| | - Jane Simpson
- Division of Health Research; Lancaster University; Lancaster UK
| | - Filippo Varese
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health; University of Manchester; Manchester UK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit; Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre; Manchester UK
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Lazuras L, Ypsilanti A, Powell P, Overton P. The roles of impulsivity, self-regulation, and emotion regulation in the experience of self-disgust. MOTIVATION AND EMOTION 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11031-018-9722-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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40
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Ypsilanti A, Lazuras L, Robson A, Akram U. Anxiety and depression mediate the relationship between self-disgust and insomnia disorder. Sleep Health 2018; 4:349-351. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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von Spreckelsen P, Glashouwer KA, Bennik EC, Wessel I, de Jong PJ. Negative body image: Relationships with heightened disgust propensity, disgust sensitivity, and self-directed disgust. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198532. [PMID: 29870558 PMCID: PMC5988313 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Consistent with the view that disgust might be involved in persistent body dissatisfaction, there is preliminary evidence showing a positive correlation between measures of negative body image and indices of both trait disgust and self-directed disgust. In two correlational studies among undergraduates (N = 577 and N = 346, respectively) we aimed at replicating and extending these findings by testing a series of critical relationships, which follow from our hypotheses that 1) trait disgust propensity would increase the risk of developing a negative body image by increasing the likelihood of feeling self-disgust, and 2) trait disgust sensitivity would heighten the impact of self-disgust on the development of persistent negative body appraisals. Replicating previous research, both studies showed that negative body image was positively related to self-disgust, disgust propensity and disgust sensitivity. Mediation analyses showed that, in line with our model, self-disgust partly accounted for the association between disgust propensity and negative body image. Although disgust sensitivity showed an independent relationship with body image, disgust sensitivity did not moderate the association between self-disgust and negative body image. All in all, findings are consistent with the view that self-disgust-induced avoidance may contribute to persistent negative body appraisals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula von Spreckelsen
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Klaske A. Glashouwer
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Center for Eating Disorders, Accare, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elise C. Bennik
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ineke Wessel
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J. de Jong
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Skin-picking disorder (SPD) is a common mental disorder characterized by recurrent and excessive picking of dermatological irregularities. Different disorder models have been developed to explain this behavior, but empirical evidence is still scarce. One model (the disgust-related disease avoidance model) suggests that SPD might be understood as pathological grooming elicited by skin imperfections that singal possible infection. Twenty-five women with SPD and 19 matched controls viewed and rated images depicting skin irregularities and smooth skin during functional magnetic resonance imaging. The participants did not engage in picking behavior. Relative to controls, SPD patients reported more disgust and urge to pick when looking at skin irregularities. This was accompanied by greater activation in the insula and amygdala, and stronger insula-putamen coupling. Disgust feelings elicited by viewing skin irregularities were positively correlated with activation of the insula and the putamen, in the clinical group. On personality questionnaires, the SPD patients reported elevated self-loathing and problems in regulating their disgust feelings. The current study provides first evidence for altered disgust processing in SPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schienle
- Clinical Psychology, BioTechMedGraz, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Sonja Übel
- Clinical Psychology, BioTechMedGraz, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Albert Wabnegger
- Clinical Psychology, BioTechMedGraz, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
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Leutgeb V, Leitner M, Klug D, Schienle A. Simulating Intrusion Into Personal Space Among Violent Offenders: The Role of Disgust. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2017; 61:1933-1942. [PMID: 27084332 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x16644793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Intrusion into one's own personal space (PS) elicits discomfort. This is especially true when the intruder's facial mimicry expresses disgust or anger. Although it is known that the affective context influences PS processing, this has not been investigated in violent offenders. We presented images of affective facial expressions (i.e., anger, disgust, neutral) of men and women to violent offenders and nonoffenders. All images were shown twice-once as nonanimated photos and a second time as expanding (i.e., appearing to approach the participant). The participants rated their experienced arousal and valence for each image and completed personality questionnaires for the assessment of disgust proneness (tendency to experience disgust), disgust sensitivity (tendency to perceive one's own disgust feelings as aversive and uncontrollable), self-disgust (tendency to find oneself repulsive), and trait anger (tendency to experience anger). Offenders reported significantly elevated disgust proneness, self-disgust, and negative affect to male facial expressions of disgust. The negative affect experienced by offenders in the approaching disgust condition correlated with their self-disgust. Future studies should specifically investigate the association between sensitivity to disgust cues reflecting social rejection, self-disgust, and violent behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Doris Klug
- 2 Graz-Karlau State Correctional Facility, Austria
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44
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Parsing sensitivity to negative affect in borderline personality disorder: A comparison of anxiety and disgust. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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45
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Übel S, Wabnegger A, Arendasy M, Zorjan S, Schienle A. Affective Evaluation of One's Own and Others' Body Odor: The Role of Disgust Proneness. Perception 2017; 46:1427-1433. [PMID: 28705102 DOI: 10.1177/0301006617721120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Disgust is part of a behavioral immune system that helps to detect pathogens. One important input to this system is the sense of smell. We conducted an experiment on body odor perception with 72 participants (35 men, 37 women; mean age = 24 years), who had been divided according to high versus low disgust proneness. All participants were exposed to six samples of axillary sweat from other individuals and to their own sweat. They were asked to identify their own body odor and to rate their affective experience. The participants were not able to identify their own sweat; however, differentiation of self versus others was based on experienced disgust; the sweat of others was perceived as more disgusting. Moreover, disgust-prone participants showed differential affective responses to the two sweat sources and evaluated others' sweat as more negative and arousing. The current study points to the important role of state/trait disgust in the implicit processing of body odor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Übel
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMedGraz, Graz, Austria
| | - Albert Wabnegger
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMedGraz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Arendasy
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMedGraz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sasa Zorjan
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMedGraz, Graz, Austria
| | - Anne Schienle
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMedGraz, Graz, Austria
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Abstract
Reduced olfactory function is associated with altered trait disgust in men. This study sought to determine whether hyposmic women show similar changes in disgust responsiveness. We compared patients with hyposmia (25 men, 23 women) and 50 normosmic individuals (25 men, 25 women) with regard to their tendency to experience disgust across different disgust domains (disgust proneness), their self-disgust and their tendency to perceive their own disgust feelings as difficult to control and embarrassing (disgust sensitivity). We replicated the finding that male patients reported elevated self-disgust and disgust proneness toward a specific disgust domain (poor hygiene), whereas female patients obtained comparable disgust scores as the female control group. Both men and women of the patient group indicated disgust regulation difficulties in social contexts. In conclusion, we found greater changes in trait disgust in men with hyposmia. This gender-specific effect, which might be a result of more efficient compensatory behaviors in women, needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rottraut Ille
- Department of Psychology, BioTechMed Graz, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010 Graz, Austria and
| | - Axel Wolf
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 26, A-8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Valentin Tomazic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 26, A-8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Anne Schienle
- Department of Psychology, BioTechMed Graz, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010 Graz, Austria and
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Palmeira L, Pinto-Gouveia J, Cunha M. The role of self-disgust in eating psychopathology in overweight and obesity: Can self-compassion be useful? J Health Psychol 2017; 24:1807-1816. [DOI: 10.1177/1359105317702212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explores the relationship between self-disgust and eating psychopathology and whether self-compassion plays a mediator role on this relationship. Participants were 203 adults, from both genders, with overweight and obesity ( MBMI = 31.17, standard deviation = 5.43). Women reported higher levels of self-disgust and eating psychopathology and lower levels of self-compassion than men. Path analysis results suggested that the effect of self-disgust on eating psychopathology occurred partially through one’s inability to be self-compassionate. The results highlight the damaging role of self-disgust on eating psychopathology and the importance of developing a more compassionate attitude towards the self to promote healthy eating behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marina Cunha
- CINEICC, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
- Miguel Torga Superior Institute (ISMT), Portugal
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48
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Winter D, Bohus M, Lis S. Understanding Negative Self-Evaluations in Borderline Personality Disorder-a Review of Self-Related Cognitions, Emotions, and Motives. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2017; 19:17. [PMID: 28290062 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-017-0771-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Self-conscious emotions, such as guilt, shame, or self-disgust, as well as self-related motives, such as self-enhancement or self-verification, influence how people perceive, evaluate, memorize, and respond to self-related information. They not only influence peoples' concepts of themselves but may also affect their behavior in social environments. In the current review, we describe alterations of self-related processing in borderline personality disorder (BPD). We chose BPD as an example of a mental disorder of which impairments in self-functioning and identity constitute a major feature. Since terminology used in clinical research on self-referential processing is diverse and often confusing, we start with reviewing some of the main concepts in this area of research using a conceptual framework provided from social psychology. Most studies on self-referential processing in BPD focused on descriptions of self-esteem and revealed a negative self-concept, particularly expressed by explicitly reported low self-esteem. Moreover, self-esteem is unstable in BPD and likely reactive to self-relevant cues. BPD patients are prone to negative emotions with respect to themselves, such as self-disgust and shame. First data point to altered self-related motives, too. In conclusion, although explicit self-esteem is widely studied as a global and trait-like feature of BPD, there is a strong lack of studies that take the complexity of the construct self-esteem into account. Further studies on alterations in self-related processes are required to deepen our understanding of impairments of the self-concept in BPD and enable the improvement of psychosocial therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorina Winter
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Martin Bohus
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Faculty of Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Lis
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Gebhardt C, Zimmermann J, Peham D, Bock A, Mitte K, Benecke C. Written on the Face: Self- and Expert-Rated Impairments in Personality Functioning Are Differently Related to the Expression of Disgust Toward an Interviewer. J Pers Disord 2016; 30:408-18. [PMID: 26067159 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2015_29_199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although current theories suggest that impairments in personality functioning are at the core of personality pathology, there is a lack of research on how these impairments play out behaviorally. The aim of the present study was to investigate disgust expressions as indicators of personality dysfunction. Facial expressions were investigated in a sample of 78 female participants during an in-depth clinical interview and coded with the Facial Action Coding System. Personality dysfunction was assessed with self- and expert ratings. By applying a joint regression analysis, the authors found that disgust expressions toward the interviewer were positively associated with expert ratings but negatively associated with self-ratings. In other words, disgust expressions were indicative of an underestimation of personality dysfunction by participants as compared with experts. This suggests that interactional expressions of disgust might be a behavioral marker of personality dysfunction when individuals are unaware of or deny impairments.
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50
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Ille R, Wolf A, Tomazic PV, Schienle A. Disgust-Related Personality Traits in Men with Olfactory Dysfunction. Chem Senses 2016; 41:427-31. [DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjw017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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