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Menderes ASY, Çuhadaroğlu F. Impact of mentalization, identity diffusion and psychopathology on nonsuicidal self-injury among adolescents. J Adolesc 2025; 97:357-368. [PMID: 39380446 PMCID: PMC11791739 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) has become a major public health issue in adolescents. This cross-sectional case-controlled study aims to assess the impact of identity diffusion, psychopathology, and mentalization on NSSI in adolescence. METHODS The study sample consisted of 153 adolescents (76.5% girls; Mage = 15.6 years). The sample included 56 clinical cases of NSSI, 45 psychiatric cases without NSSI, and 52 healthy controls, all recruited in Ankara, Türkiye, from June 1, 2022, to August 31, 2022. Mentalization was assessed by "The Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition" (MASC) which categorizes mentalizing as "correct mentalizing" "hypermentalizing" "undermentalizing" and "no-mentalizing". All participants filled in the Self-Injurious Behavior Screening Questionnaire, Assessment of Identity Development in Adolescence (AIDA), and Youth Self Report (YSR), and Inventory of Statements About Self-injury (ISAS). RESULTS The NSSI group showed lower mentalizing capacity than the healthy control group (p = .011), and more no-mentalizing errors than the other two groups (p = .014). Identity diffusion scores were higher in the NSSI group than in the other two groups (p < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of maternal psychiatric disorder (p = .019, OR = 5.21), identity diffusion (p = .007, OR = 1.02), no mentalizing (p = .049, OR = 1.28), and total psychopathology symptoms (p = .009, OR = 1.12) had a significant impact on NSSI. CONCLUSIONS Current findings suggest that transdiagnostic approaches, including mentalization and identity diffusion, may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of NSSI and to the development of clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Selma Yenen Menderes
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryHacettepe University Faculty of MedicineAnkaraTürkiye
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryAnkara Atatürk Sanatory Education and Research HospitalAnkaraTürkiye
| | - Füsun Çuhadaroğlu
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryHacettepe University Faculty of MedicineAnkaraTürkiye
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Jørgensen MS, Sharp C, Bo S, Møhl B, Kongerslev MT, Møller L, Vestergaard M, Storebø OJ, Poulsen S, Beck E, Simonsen E. Trajectory of Non-suicidal Self-Injury among adolescents with borderline personality disorder over a 5-year period. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2024; 11:28. [PMID: 39551804 PMCID: PMC11571942 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-024-00272-1] [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: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 11/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engagement in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is high among adolescents with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but the trajectory of NSSI in the transition period from adolescence to adulthood is unclear, and studies that look at predictors of persistence are highly needed. METHODS This study followed 111 adolescents aged 14-17 with BPD over a five-year period to observe the prevalence and predictors of NSSI. Information on NSSI was based on both self-report and clinician-administered interviews. RESULTS At the outset, 92.8% reported a history of NSSI, with an average of nearly five different types of NSSI. Despite this high initial prevalence, the rates of NSSI within the past two weeks decreased over time from 48% at baseline to 26% after one year, and further to 10% after two years. After five years, 37% reported engaging in NSSI within the past six months. Notably, all but one participant who reported NSSI after five years had engaged in NSSI already at baseline. The study identified that higher adolescent-rated but lower parent-rated BPD severity was associated with engagement in NSSI at baseline. Furthermore, ongoing NSSI after five years was predicted by lower parent-rated BPD severity and externalizing behaviors. CONCLUSIONS NSSI is frequent in the early course of BPD, and persists in more than one-third after five years. Our findings highlight that baseline engagement in NSSI is a risk factor for persistence of NSSI in the transition period into early adulthood. Furthermore, the findings underscore the significance of integrating both adolescent and parent perspectives on BPD pathology in the assessment and management of NSSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mie Sedoc Jørgensen
- Psychiatric Research Unit, Mental Health Services of Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark.
| | - Carla Sharp
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, USA
| | - Sune Bo
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo Møhl
- Department of Communication and Psychology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mickey T Kongerslev
- Mental Health Services, Region Zealand West, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lise Møller
- Mental Health Services, Capital Region, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Martin Vestergaard
- Psychiatric Research Unit, Mental Health Services of Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Research Unit, Roskilde, Region Zealand, Denmark
| | - Ole Jakob Storebø
- Psychiatric Research Unit, Mental Health Services of Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stig Poulsen
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Erik Simonsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Mental Health Services, Roskilde, Region Zealand East, Denmark
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Fadda R, Congiu S, Doneddu G, Carta M, Piras F, Gabbatore I, Bosco FM. Th.o.m.a.s.: new insights into theory of mind in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1461980. [PMID: 39483401 PMCID: PMC11524924 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1461980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 11/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies indicated atypical Theory of Mind (ToM) abilities in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at different ages. However, research focused on adolescents with ASD is still rare. This study aims to fill the gaps in the literature, by investigating ToM abilities in adolescents with ASD and in a group of typically developing ones. We applied the Theory of Mind Assessment Scale (Th.o.m.a.s.), a semi-structured interview that allows a multi-dimensional measurement of ToM, including different perspectives (first/s-order, first/third-person, egocentric/allocentric), various mental states (emotions, desires, beliefs) and metacognitive abilities related with mental states (awareness, relation, and strategies). The results indicated that ToM develops atypically in ASD, with strengths and weaknesses. First, participants with ASD were comparable to controls in some specific ToM aspects, i.e., third-person ToM, both from an egocentric and an allocentric perspective. However, they were significantly weaker in attributing an understanding of the mental states of others, both in first- and second-order ToM scenarios. Second, they showed the same level of awareness about mental states as controls, but they were significantly weaker in conceptualizing the relationship between mental states and behavior. Also, they found it very difficult to think about possible strategies that they or others might employ to realize desires and needs. Finally, they performed similarly to controls in understanding emotions, while they poorly understood desires and beliefs. These results point out the distinctive characteristics of ToM development in individuals with ASD, with important implications for individualized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Fadda
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sara Congiu
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Doneddu
- Center for Autism and Related Disorder, Nuovo Centro Fisioterapico Sardo, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marinella Carta
- Center for Pervasive Developmental Disorder, AO Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Piras
- Center for Pervasive Developmental Disorder, AO Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Gabbatore
- Department of Psychology, GIPSI Research Group, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Humanities, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca M. Bosco
- Department of Psychology, GIPSI Research Group, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Bosco FM, Colle L, Salvini R, Gabbatore I. A machine-learning approach to investigating the complexity of theory of mind in individuals with schizophrenia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30693. [PMID: 38756573 PMCID: PMC11096895 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30693] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Individuals with schizophrenia have difficulty attributing mental states to themselves and to others - Theory of Mind (ToM). ToM is a complex, multifaceted theoretical construct comprising first and second order, first and third person, egocentric and allocentric perspective, and cognitive and affective ToM. Most studies addressing ToM deficit in people with schizophrenia consider it an "all-or-nothing" ability and use a classical statistical methodology to test a null hypothesis. With the present study, we investigated ToM in individuals with schizophrenia, considering its complex nature and degrees of impairment. To do this, we used a machine-learning approach to detect patterns in heterogeneous and multivariate data. Our findings highlight the complex nature of ToM deficit in individuals with schizophrenia and reveal the relationship between various different aspects of ToM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Livia Colle
- University of Turin, Department of Psychology, GIPSI Research Group, Italy
- Terzo Centro di Psicoterapia Cognitiva, Roma
| | - Rogerio Salvini
- Instituto de Informática, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Ilaria Gabbatore
- University of Turin, Department of Psychology, GIPSI Research Group, Italy
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Guo Z, Liu Y, Wang C, Li S, Yu L, Wu W, You X, Zhang Y, Teng Z, Zeng Y. Exploring the association of addiction-related genetic factors with non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1126615. [PMID: 37065902 PMCID: PMC10102595 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1126615] [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: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is self-injurious behavior without suicidal intent commonly seen in the adolescent population and poses a serious threat to the life safety of adolescents. Related researches suggest a possible correlation between addiction and the occurrence of NSSI. This study aimed to explore the correlation between addiction and NSSI from a molecular biological perspective by analyzing the differential expression of addiction-related genes in NSSI patients. Methods (1) The association between addiction and non-suicidal self-injury in a Chinese adolescent population was verified with the help of questionnaires on substance and non-substance addictions and non-suicidal self-injury among 1,329 adolescents in China, (2) Screening for key genes associated with addiction by bioinformatics analysis, and (3) RT-qPCR experiment was performed to validate key genes and Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were plotted for target genes. Results (1) Substance and non-substance addictions were all significantly correlated with non-suicidal self-injury, (2) Four target genes: SERPINA3, SLC14A1, RPS6 and RPS3A were screened by bioinformatics technique, and (3) Relative quantitative analysis by RT-qPCR revealed that the expression levels of SLC14A1 (p < 0.01), RPS6 (p < 0.05) and RPS3A (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in NSSI patients than in healthy controls. Conclusion (1) The significant association between addiction and NSSI exists in the Chinese adolescent population and (2) Addiction-related genes SLC14A1, RPS6, and RPS3A are differentially expressed in adolescents with NSSI. The genes have the potential to become biological markers for the diagnosis of NSSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Guo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yilin Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Chengjuan Wang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shujun Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lei Yu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenzhi Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xu You
- Honghe Second People's Hospital, Honghe, China
| | | | - Zhaowei Teng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Zhang S, Yu C. The Link between Sleep Insufficiency and Self-Injury among In-School Adolescents: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey of Multi-Type Schools in Huangpu District of Shanghai, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15595. [PMID: 36497669 PMCID: PMC9740407 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Both insufficient sleep and self-injury are rising public health issues among middle school students. Understanding their relationship may guide the intervention and policy making to help youths gain a healthy life. Thus, we analysed the data collected from the Shanghai Students Health Risk Behavior Surveillance (2015) in the Huangpu District. Self-injury was self-reported and categorized into ever or never. Sleep duration was classified as sufficient and insufficient according to the Health China 2030 Plan and the National Sleep Foundation's updated sleep duration recommendations. Crude OR and adjusted OR of sleep duration and covariates were estimated for self-injury using the logistic regression models with standard error clustered on school types. Results showed that 8.42% of the participants had conducted self-injury, with girls more than boys and ordinary school students more than key school students. After full adjustment, sleep insufficiency increased the odds of conducting self-injury by approximately two folds (AOR = 2.08, 95%CI = 1.40-3.07). The odds of self-injury were higher among students studying at ordinary schools (AOR = 3.58, 95%CI = 1.25-10.27) or vocational schools (AOR = 2.00, 95%CI = 1.77-2.26), with comparison to those at key schools. Interventions seeking to solve insufficient sleep need to be multifaceted, with consideration of changing the school environment and multiple social contexts, which create stressful burdens for adolescents' development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Zhang
- Department of Comprehensive Prevention and Emergency Management, Huangpu District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200023, China
| | - Chunyan Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
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7
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Kruzan KP, Muehlenkamp JJ, Claes L. Identity, self-blame, and body regard in NSSI: A test of moderated-mediation. Compr Psychiatry 2022; 116:152322. [PMID: 35533434 PMCID: PMC9219562 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior work suggests that an unstable identity is an important developmental factor impacting risk for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), partly because it can foster lowered self-esteem and self-blame coping styles. Theoretical models suggest that how one regards the self, including experiences of and reactions to one's body (e.g., body regard), impact how factors such as identity instability and coping styles influence NSSI behavior. This study tested whether body regard moderated the mediational effect of self-blame coping on the relationship between poor self-concept clarity and past-year NSSI. METHODS A sample of 1906 university students had complete data from an anonymous online questionnaires measuring self-concept clarity, self-blame coping, and past-year NSSI behaviors. RESULTS Past-year NSSI was reported by 23.5% of the sample. Moderated mediational regression analyses using the PROCESS macro for SPSS were run. Body regard significantly moderated the effects of self-blame coping and poor self-concept clarity on NSSI such that neither risk factor was associated with NSSI when body regard was high. Poor self-concept clarity also retained a significant, although weakened, direct relationship with NSSI in the full model. CONCLUSIONS Positive body regard is protective and appears to mitigate the strength of the relationships between poor self-concept clarity and self-blame coping on past year NSSI. When body regard is low or average, poor self-concept clarity is associated with increased NSSI, partly through the effect of self-blame coping. Treatments that address body- and self-perceptions related to self-concept may enhance the effectiveness of interventions used to reduce NSSI behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylee P Kruzan
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, 446 E. Ontario St., Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jennifer J Muehlenkamp
- Department of Psychology, 105 Garfield Ave, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI 54701, USA.
| | - Laurence Claes
- KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Tiensestraat 102, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk (Antwerp), Belgium
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8
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Abdo MMM, Mohamed AS, Hammed MAE, Hashem RE, El Nagar ZM. Affective theory of the mind and suicide in women with borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia: a comparative study. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43045-021-00142-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Theory of mind (ToM) is one of the essential components of social cognition. Affective ToM enables us to interpret other’s feelings and behaviors. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and schizophrenia are two distinct mental disorders, yet they have a mutual deficit in interpreting emotions, thoughts, and intentions which may lead to a higher incidence of suicidality. Studies that involved social cognition, particularly ToM in schizophrenia, or BPD have controversial results. Therefore, this study aimed at comparing affective ToM functioning in female patients with BPD, schizophrenia, and healthy controls. In addition, identifying the possible impact and any correlation exists between the affective ToM and liability for suicide in those patients. Sixty individuals were recruited from the Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, and assigned into 3 groups where group A involved 20 BPD patients, group B involved 20 schizophrenic patients, and group C were healthy persons as a control. Assessment of affective ToM was done using Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), and probability of suicide was measured using Suicide Probability Scale (SPS).
Results
Regarding ToM, the three groups were assessed using RMET and the results revealed a significantly higher mean score (hypermentalization) in BPD patients than both schizophrenic patients and controls. While schizophrenic patients had significantly lower mean scores than the control group (hypomentalization). As well, BPD patients had a significantly higher suicide probability total score than Schizophrenic patients and in all subdomains except for the hostility subdomain that was significantly higher in schizophrenic patients. Interestingly, in BPD, the suicide probability total score was positively correlated with RMET.
Conclusions
BPD patients have enhanced affective ToM and hypermentalization that is significantly associated with increased suicide probability in those patients, while in schizophrenia, hypomentalization could not be linked to increased suicide probability. Rehabilitation and proper management of ToM abnormalities might be a crucial tool in suicide prevention in mental illnesses, particularly, BPD.
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Laghi F, Cerutti R, Terrinoni A, Lonigro A, Pongetti A, Ferrara M, Fantini F. Evaluation of the “Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test” with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) adolescents: A pilot study. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-019-00505-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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10
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Hatkevich C, Venta A, Sharp C. Theory of mind and suicide ideation and attempt in adolescent inpatients. J Affect Disord 2019; 256:17-25. [PMID: 31158712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide ideation and attempt are alarmingly prevalent in adolescents, and even more so for youth in psychiatric settings. Interpersonal factors have been emphasized as important in the etiology and maintenance of suicide ideation and attempt in adolescents. Evaluating social cognitive deficits offers important insight into processes underlying interpersonal problems associated with suicide ideation and attempt; however little social-cognitive research has been conducted in this area. The aim of the current study was to explore the relation of theory of mind (ToM) impairments and suicide ideation and attempt among adolescent inpatients. METHODS A sample of 391 adolescent inpatients completed measures on ToM, suicidal ideation and attempt, clinical symptoms and sociodemographics. RESULTS Binary logistic regression analyses revealed significant relations between excessive ToM (hypermentalizing) and two suicide outcome variables (suicide ideation in the past four weeks, suicide attempt in the past year), while covarying for sociodemographics and multiple clinical symptom scales. CONCLUSIONS Excessive ToM, or over-attributing the mental/emotional states of others, appears to share a salient relation to recent suicidal thoughts and behavior in adolescent inpatients. Current findings may indicate that interventions incorporating social cognitive components (e.g., Mentalization Based Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) may be of promise to treating youth with suicidal thoughts and behaviors and excessive ToM. LIMITATIONS The current study uses cross-sectional data and discrepancies exist in time periods assessed by primary measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Hatkevich
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan/Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Amanda Venta
- Department of Psychology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, United States of America
| | - Carla Sharp
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America.
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Colle L, Gabbatore I, Riberi E, Borroz E, Bosco FM, Keller R. Mindreading abilities and borderline personality disorder: A comprehensive assessment using the Theory of Mind Assessment Scale. Psychiatry Res 2019; 272:609-617. [PMID: 30616131 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have examined mindreading in borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, the empirical data obtained to date have not facilitated the development of a clear clinical profile of mindreading impairment in BPD due to a lack of consistency or incongruence across studies. One possible explanation for these inconsistencies and divergences in the current literature may lie in the multidimensional character of the mindreading construct; moreover, the heterogeneity of the experimental measures used to assess individuals with BPD mindreading skills may also need to be taken into account. The aim of the present study is to investigate mindreading skills and impairments in patients with BPD through direct comparison of a wide range of mindreading dimensions using a comprehensive semistructured interview, the Theory of Mind Assessment Scale (Th.o.m.a.s.) (Bosco et al., 2009). Our results show that the performance of patients with BPD differs from that of healthy controls only in certain specific dimensions of mindreading. The difficulties encountered by the patients with BPD typically emerge when mindreading tasks require them to disentangle their own subjective mindreading from that of another person, in other words, when they were required to assume an allocentric perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Colle
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute of Turin, Italy
| | - I Gabbatore
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy; Child Language Research Center, University of Oulu, Finland.
| | - E Riberi
- Local Health Unit ASL City of Turin, Department of Mental Health, Turin, Italy
| | - E Borroz
- Local Health Unit ASL City of Turin, Department of Mental Health, Turin, Italy
| | - F M Bosco
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute of Turin, Italy
| | - R Keller
- Local Health Unit ASL City of Turin, Department of Mental Health, Turin, Italy
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12
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Bosco FM, Tirassa M, Gabbatore I. Why Pragmatics and Theory of Mind Do Not (Completely) Overlap. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1453. [PMID: 30150960 PMCID: PMC6099790 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of the paper is to discuss the extent to which pragmatics, i.e., the ability to use language and other expressive means to convey meaning in a specific interactional context, overlaps with Theory of Mind (ToM), i.e., the ability to ascribe mental states to oneself and the others. We present empirical data available in the current literature concerning the relation between these two faculties, with specific reference to the developmental and clinical domains. Part of the literature we take into account appears to show that ToM does correlate with pragmatic ability; however, other studies appear to show that pragmatic ability alone cannot explain the empirical differences of performance across different kinds of pragmatic tasks, and therefore that another, at least partially different faculty is required to account for human communication. We argue that to conceive pragmatics as a sort of subcomponent of ToM, and thus to conflate or reduce the notion of pragmatics into the (wider) notion of ToM, is not theoretically correct and a possible cause of methodological confusion in the relevant empirical research. It thus turns out to be necessary that the two faculties be investigated with separate theories as well as different experimental tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca M. Bosco
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Gabbatore
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Faculty of Humanities, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Cerutti R, Zuffianò A, Spensieri V. The Role of Difficulty in Identifying and Describing Feelings in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Behavior (NSSI): Associations With Perceived Attachment Quality, Stressful Life Events, and Suicidal Ideation. Front Psychol 2018; 9:318. [PMID: 29593617 PMCID: PMC5859383 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Core alexithymic features, such as the difficulty in identifying and describing feelings, are associated with poor attachment styles and emotional trauma, which influence the capacity to regulate affect. Additionally, emotional regulation has been found to be the most commonly identified function associated with non-suicidal self-injury behavior (NSSI) in adolescents as they attempt to modulate strong emotions. However, few studies have examined the link between difficulty in identifying and describing feelings (core components of alexithymia), NSSI behaviors, quality of attachment, life stressors and suicidal ideation in healthy early adolescents. Consequently, this study aims to investigate these constructs and the relationship among them in a large non-clinical sample of adolescents. Methods: Seven hundred and nine middle school students (50.4% males), aged 10–15 years (M = 12.6; SD = 1.06) were involved in this study. In order to investigate the variables considered in the study, the following measures were administered: the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory exploring non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors; the Alexithymia Questionnaire for Children examining difficulty in identifying and describing feelings; the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment assessing the quality of parental and peer attachment; the Life Stressor Checklist-Revised outlining stressful/traumatic events and the Children’s Depression Inventory evaluating suicidal ideation. Results: We found significantly positive relationships among difficulty in identifying and describing feelings, NSSI behaviors, stressful events, and suicidal ideation. Data indicated a significant negative association of difficulty in identifying and describing feelings with quality of attachment to parents and peers. Further findings highlighted that difficulty in identifying and describing feelings significantly mediated the effect of quality of attachment (parent and peer) on NSSI and suicidal ideation. Conclusion: The ability to identify and describing feelings is important to managing emotional expression and understanding the feelings of others, both crucial in attaining successful interpersonal relationships. Our data revealed that, while controlling for stressful life events, low levels of attachment may increase adolescents’ difficulty in identifying and describing their own feelings, which in turn may increase the risk of both NSSI and suicidal ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Cerutti
- Department of Dynamic and Clinic Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Zuffianò
- Department of Psychology, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Spensieri
- Department of Dynamic and Clinic Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Lonigro A, Baiocco R, Baumgartner E, Laghi F. Theory of mind, affective empathy, and persuasive strategies in school-aged children. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/icd.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Lonigro
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome Italy
| | - Emma Baumgartner
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Laghi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome Italy
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