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Sang Z, Chen HF, Yeung JWK, Xu L. The Association Between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Mobile Phone Addiction Among Overseas Chinese Students During COVID-19: The Mediating Roles of Perceived Stress and Rumination. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:2573-2585. [PMID: 38973974 PMCID: PMC11227860 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s463399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study investigated the mechanism underlying the association between intolerance of uncertainty and mobile phone addiction among Chinese overseas students during the COVID-19 pandemic by examining the mediating roles of perceived stress and rumination. Patients and Methods An online questionnaire survey was distributed via social media platforms popular in mainland China. The items collected demographic information and assessed intolerance of uncertainty, perceived stress, rumination, and mobile phone addiction. A total of 249 respondents completed the questionnaire. Results The findings suggest a considerably high risk of mobile phone addiction in the study period among overseas Chinese students, as three-fourths of the participants may have been susceptible to mobile phone addiction according to the suggested cut-off point of the Chinese version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form. Intolerance of uncertainty showed a significant positive direct effect on mobile phone addiction. The mediation analyses suggest that intolerance of uncertainty affected mobile phone addiction mainly through three pathways: the mediating effect of perceived stress, the mediating effect of rumination, and the chain mediating effect of perceived stress and rumination. Conclusion This study enhances understanding of mobile phone addiction among Chinese overseas students and suggests the mediating roles of rumination and perceived stress in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and mobile phone addiction. The study also provides suggestions for interventions among Chinese students overseas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Sang
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Hui-Fang Chen
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jerf W K Yeung
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Leilei Xu
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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2
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Näsling J, Åström E, Jacobsson L, Ljungberg JK. Effect of Psychotherapy on Intolerance of Uncertainty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Psychol Psychother 2024; 31:e3026. [PMID: 39036833 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.3026] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is the tendency to react negatively on affective, cognitive and behavioural levels to uncertain situations and to harbour negative beliefs about the implications of uncertainty. IU has been linked to psychopathology and shown to impact treatment outcomes. This study systematically reviewed the literature and performed a meta-analysis of the effects of psychotherapy on IU. A total of 22 studies (1491 participants) were identified in online searches and included in the meta-analyses. Analyses were performed on studies with passive and active control conditions. The pooled effect on IU from studies with passive control was large (g = -0.94 [95% CI -1.25 to -0.62]) but with significant heterogeneity. Pooled effects on IU from studies with active controls were not significant. Moderator analysis showed that among studies with a passive control condition, studies that recruited participants from clinical care facilities produced smaller effect sizes. Among studies with an active control condition, study quality significantly moderated the results, with higher quality leading to a larger effect size. These results indicate that changes in IU may be difficult to reliably achieve in psychotherapy and leave many questions about the effect of psychotherapy on IU unanswered, such as what active components produced the observed changes in studies with passive control.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Näsling
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
- Department of Primary Care, Region Norrbotten (Swedish public healthcare), Luleå, Sweden
| | | | - Lars Jacobsson
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
- Department of Primary Care, Region Norrbotten (Swedish public healthcare), Luleå, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jessica K Ljungberg
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
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3
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Kusec A, Murphy FC, Peers PV, Manly T. Measuring Intolerance of Uncertainty After Acquired Brain Injury: Factor Structure, Reliability, and Validity of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12. Assessment 2024; 31:794-811. [PMID: 37357954 PMCID: PMC11092298 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231182693] [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] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a risk factor for poor mental health. Acquired brain injury (ABI; for example, stroke, traumatic brain injury) often brings considerable uncertainty and increased mood disorder vulnerability. The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-Short Form (IUS-12) is a brief, well-validated IU measure in non-ABI samples, comprising two subscales, namely, Prospective Anxiety and Inhibitory Anxiety. Here, for the first time, we investigated its reliability and validity (N = 118), and factor structure (N = 176), in ABI. Both subscales had high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] of .75 and .86) and were significantly associated with mood disorder symptoms. The two-factor model was superior to a one-factor IU model fit. Some fit statistics were less than optimal (standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.06, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.09); hence, exploration of other factor structures in other ABI samples may be warranted. Nonetheless, the IUS-12 appears suitable in ABI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Kusec
- University of Cambridge, UK
- University of Oxford, UK
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4
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Appel H, Sanatkar S. Systematic Search and Scoping Review of Physicians' Intolerance of Uncertainty and Medical Decision-Making Uncertainties During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Summary of the Literature and Directions for Future Research. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2024; 31:338-358. [PMID: 37932520 PMCID: PMC11102404 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-023-09974-0] [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] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Pandemic-related uncertainties and intolerance of uncertainty (IU) could negatively affect physicians' well-being and functioning, being associated with experiences of distress and problematic decision-making processes. To summarize the available quantitative and qualitative evidence of physicians' IU and decisional uncertainty during COVID-19 and problems associated with it, a systematic search was conducted to identify all relevant articles describing physician uncertainty with regard to medical decision making and well-being in COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Medical, psychological, and preprint databases were searched. Ten articles met all eligibility criteria, with eight describing quantitative and two describing qualitative research outcomes, assessed primarily in European regions and via online surveys. Associations between IU and symptoms of poor mental health and mental health risk factors were widespread, but inconsistencies emerged. Qualitative studies emphasized decisional uncertainty as a stressor for physicians, and quantitative studies suggest it may have fostered more unproven treatment choices. While the prevalence and impact of physician uncertainty under COVID-19 conditions requires further investigation, sighting available literature indicates that IU coincided with experiences of poor mental health and, at least towards the beginning of the pandemic, with willingness to endorse unproven treatments. Efforts to reduce uncertainty-related problems for physicians seem warranted, for example, through normalizing experiences of uncertainty or reducing avoidable uncertainty through maintaining open and timely communication channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Appel
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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5
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Moore HL, Freeston M, Rodgers J, Cassidy S. A Measurement Invariance Analysis of the Anxiety Scale for Autism-Adults in a Sample of Autistic and Non-Autistic Men and Women. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06260-2. [PMID: 38740697 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06260-2] [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: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The Anxiety Scale for Autism-Adults (ASA-A) captures the autistic anxiety experience, but we do not know whether it is structurally equivalent for men and women, or non-autistic people. Measurement invariance analysis considered gender and diagnostic status (342 cis-gender autistic men (N = 105) and women (N = 237), 316 cis-gender non-autistic men (N = 104) and women (N = 212)). Strict invariance was achieved between autistic men and women and between non-autistic men and women, but the ASA-A structure is quantitatively different in autistic compared to non-autistic adults. Therefore, this tool cannot be used to directly compare anxiety between these groups. Autistic women scored significantly higher on the ASA-A than autistic men and Uncertainty was the highest scoring factor for autistic participants. Future research should include alternative gender identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Moore
- School of Psychology, Dame Margaret Barbour Building, Wallace Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4DR, UK.
| | - Mark Freeston
- School of Psychology, Dame Margaret Barbour Building, Wallace Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4DR, UK
| | - Jacqui Rodgers
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Level 3, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Sarah Cassidy
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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6
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Hlynsson JI, Carlbring P. Diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of the PHQ-2 and GAD-2: a comparison with long-format measures for depression and anxiety. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1259997. [PMID: 38800678 PMCID: PMC11123884 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1259997] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent and often comorbid mental disorders that are encompassed within the broad category of emotional disorders. The frequent comorbidity of anxiety and depression can pose challenges for accurate diagnosis and treatment which, in turn, highlights the need for reliable measurements that are simultaneously responsive to change and prevent non-response bias. Brief measures of anxiety and depression can potentially increase response rates due to their brevity and ease of administration. This study evaluates the psychometric characteristics, discriminative accuracy, and sensitivity to change of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item scale (GAD-2) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 2-item scale (PHQ-2) within a clinical population. Method The sample comprised treatment-seeking participants (n = 3,411), screened (n = 2,477) to receive an internet-based psychotherapeutic intervention (cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, or waitlist). Results Brief measures can effectively detect individuals who may be eligible for a diagnosis of depression and anxiety, not only prior to but also during and following the completion of psychological treatment. The discriminative ability of the GAD-2 was significantly greater during active treatment and at post-assessment compared with pre-treatment screening, although no such differences were found for the PHQ-2. Finally, endorsing the most severe response option on the GAD-2 and PHQ-2 was associated with a high probability of presenting with clinically relevant anxiety and depressive symptoms. Conclusion Brief measures of anxiety and depression are viable instruments to screen for and monitor anxiety and depressive symptoms. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05016843.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jón Ingi Hlynsson
- Department of Psychology, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Carlbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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7
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Hallford DJ, Seydavi M, Akbari M. The Perceived Functions and Phenomenological Characteristics of Future Thinking and Clinically Significant Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms. Clin Psychol Psychother 2024; 31:e2978. [PMID: 38706135 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2978] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Current research indicates that anxiety disorders and elevated levels of trait anxiety are associated with biases and impairments when thinking of personally relevant future events, that is, future thinking. However, to date, little research has been conducted into how people with symptoms of clinical anxiety perceive the functions of future thinking. The current study presents a cross-sectional survey comparing individuals with elevated symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and related functional impact (N = 51, 43.1% female, Mage = 33.1, SD = 10.2) matched on age and gender with individuals with no clinically significant symptoms of GAD (N = 51, 43.1% female, Mage = 33.3, SD = 10.1) on self-reported functions of future thinking and a battery of items assessing the phenomenological characteristics. The results indicated various significant differences in the perceived functions of future thinking and its phenomenological characteristics in those with elevated GAD symptoms. Broadly, they indicate more frequent future thinking and more commonly for self-distraction or processing negatively valenced future events, and generally less adaptive mental representations that support current thinking on the psychopathological process of increased worry, anxious arousal and maladaptive cognition in clinical anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Hallford
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohammad Seydavi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Akbari
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Przeworski A, Newman MG. The Contrast Avoidance Model: Conclusion and synthesis of new research in the special issue. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 102:102830. [PMID: 38232491 PMCID: PMC10923164 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2024.102830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
In this special series, new research on the Contrast Avoidance Model (CAM) was presented, including studies on the role of CAM in the maintenance of chronic worry, the incremental validity of CAM, CAM as a mediator of the association between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other variables, CAM as transdiagnostic, and interpersonal behaviors as a means to avoid negative emotional contrasts (NECs). Furthermore, the role of perseverative thought in relation to positive emotional contrasts (PECs) was explored. Studies indicated that higher worry was positively and negatively reinforced, a factor that is likely to contribute to the maintenance of GAD. Further, research demonstrated that CAM contributed unique variance to understanding GAD above and beyond other variables associated with GAD, such as intolerance of uncertainty and negative problem orientation. Additional research revealed the transdiagnostic nature of contrast avoidance, as well as the association between contrast avoidance and problem-solving deficits. In addition, both worry and rumination increased the likelihood of PECs. Further, data suggested that anxious individuals may use interpersonal strategies to avoid NECs. Finally, savoring positive emotions was found to reduce contrast avoidance, providing a novel intervention strategy to address contrast avoidance in individuals with GAD.
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9
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Iannattone S, Spaggiari S, Di Riso D, Bottesi G. Profiles of intolerance of uncertainty, separation anxiety, and negative affectivity in emerging adulthood: A person-centered approach. J Affect Disord 2024; 345:51-58. [PMID: 37875226 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Intolerance of uncertainty (IU), separation anxiety, and negative affectivity seem theoretically interrelated, no empirical study has considered them jointly so far. However, deepening this topic is clinically relevant, especially during the delicate phase of emerging adulthood. This study aimed to pinpoint psychological profiles based on IU, separation anxiety symptoms, and negative affectivity in a group of Italian non-clinical emerging adults. Such profiles were then compared in terms of key psychological and psychosocial characteristics. METHODS 868 young adults (73 % women) aged 18-26 years entered the study. They completed a socio-demographic survey and self-report tools assessing IU, separation anxiety symptomatology, and personality traits. Subgroups exhibiting distinctive patterns of IU, separation anxiety symptoms, and negative affectivity were identified using latent profile analysis. To deepen disparities in psychological and psychosocial features by profile, analyses of variance and chi-square tests were performed. RESULTS Three profiles were detected, respectively with high, low, and moderate levels of the variables considered. In each profile, IU, separation anxiety symptoms, and negative affectivity had a consistent trend. The "High-level" profile had the greatest proportion of women and people who had not spent infancy with both parents. LIMITATIONS The sample included mainly women and university students, and data were collected using self-report questionnaires only. CONCLUSIONS IU, separation anxiety symptoms, and negative affectivity can co-occur, highlighting the importance of transdiagnostic interventions. Preventive efforts should be directed to emerging adult women and those who did not spend infancy with both parents, as they may be particularly vulnerable to internalizing distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Iannattone
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Silvia Spaggiari
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Daniela Di Riso
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Gioia Bottesi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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10
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Hedley FE, Larsen E, Mohanty A, Liu JZ, Jin J. Understanding anxiety through uncertainty quantification. Br J Psychol 2024. [PMID: 38217080 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Uncertainty has been a central concept in psychological theories of anxiety. However, this concept has been plagued by divergent connotations and operationalizations. The lack of consensus hinders the current search for cognitive and biological mechanisms of anxiety, jeopardizes theory creation and comparison, and restrains translation of basic research into improved diagnoses and interventions. Drawing upon uncertainty decomposition in Bayesian Decision Theory, we propose a well-defined conceptual structure of uncertainty in cognitive and clinical sciences, with a focus on anxiety. We discuss how this conceptual structure provides clarity and can be naturally applied to existing frameworks of psychopathology research. Furthermore, it allows formal quantification of various types of uncertainty that can benefit both research and clinical practice in the era of computational psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emmett Larsen
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Aprajita Mohanty
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Jeremiah Zhe Liu
- Google Research, Mountain View, California, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jingwen Jin
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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11
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Kirschner H, Nassar MR, Fischer AG, Frodl T, Meyer-Lotz G, Froböse S, Seidenbecher S, Klein TA, Ullsperger M. Transdiagnostic inflexible learning dynamics explain deficits in depression and schizophrenia. Brain 2024; 147:201-214. [PMID: 38058203 PMCID: PMC10766268 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad362] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficits in reward learning are core symptoms across many mental disorders. Recent work suggests that such learning impairments arise by a diminished ability to use reward history to guide behaviour, but the neuro-computational mechanisms through which these impairments emerge remain unclear. Moreover, limited work has taken a transdiagnostic approach to investigate whether the psychological and neural mechanisms that give rise to learning deficits are shared across forms of psychopathology. To provide insight into this issue, we explored probabilistic reward learning in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (n = 33) or schizophrenia (n = 24) and 33 matched healthy controls by combining computational modelling and single-trial EEG regression. In our task, participants had to integrate the reward history of a stimulus to decide whether it is worthwhile to gamble on it. Adaptive learning in this task is achieved through dynamic learning rates that are maximal on the first encounters with a given stimulus and decay with increasing stimulus repetitions. Hence, over the course of learning, choice preferences would ideally stabilize and be less susceptible to misleading information. We show evidence of reduced learning dynamics, whereby both patient groups demonstrated hypersensitive learning (i.e. less decaying learning rates), rendering their choices more susceptible to misleading feedback. Moreover, there was a schizophrenia-specific approach bias and a depression-specific heightened sensitivity to disconfirmational feedback (factual losses and counterfactual wins). The inflexible learning in both patient groups was accompanied by altered neural processing, including no tracking of expected values in either patient group. Taken together, our results thus provide evidence that reduced trial-by-trial learning dynamics reflect a convergent deficit across depression and schizophrenia. Moreover, we identified disorder distinct learning deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Kirschner
- Institute of Psychology, Otto-von-Guericke University, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Matthew R Nassar
- Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912-1821, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912-1821, USA
| | - Adrian G Fischer
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Frodl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52074, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on adaptive and maladaptive brain Circuits underlying mental health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Meyer-Lotz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sören Froböse
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Seidenbecher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tilmann A Klein
- Institute of Psychology, Otto-von-Guericke University, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Markus Ullsperger
- Institute of Psychology, Otto-von-Guericke University, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on adaptive and maladaptive brain Circuits underlying mental health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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12
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Charbonnier E, Montalescot L, Puechlong C, Goncalves A, Le Vigouroux S. Relationship between Fear of COVID-19, Intolerance of Uncertainty, and Coping Strategies on University Students' Mental Health. Nutrients 2023; 15:4938. [PMID: 38068796 PMCID: PMC10708531 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND the mental health of students was particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study therefore examined the relationships between anxiety and depressive symptoms, eating-related problems, coping, fear of COVID-19, and intolerance of uncertainty. METHODS 2139 French students of 54 universities were recruited in the different regions of France during a French lockdown (between 21 April and 3 May 2021). Six variables were measured: fear of COVID-19, intolerance of uncertainty, coping, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and eating-related problems. To explore the directions of the relationships between our variables of interest, we calculated a directed acyclic graph. RESULTS our data highlighted the central roles of intolerance of uncertainty in students' anxiety and depressive symptoms, and the direct role of prospective intolerance of uncertainty on eating-related problems. CONCLUSIONS these findings indicate that intolerance of uncertainty should be targeted by interventions designed to help students with high levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and/or eating-related problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Charbonnier
- UNIV. NIMES, APSY-V, F-30021 Nîmes Cedex 1, France; (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.G.); (S.L.V.)
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13
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Martinez-Snyder AE, Valentiner DP, Mick CR. Measures of Anxiety Disorder Symptoms in Adolescents. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023:10.1007/s10578-023-01618-6. [PMID: 37935900 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01618-6] [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: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
This study examines select psychometric properties (i.e., internal reliability, and factorial, convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity) of three commonly-used measures of anxiety disorder symptoms in adolescents in the context of multi-trait, multi-method matrix analyses. A sample of 331 adolescents (age M = 17.1; 75.3% white; 71.0% female) completed three self-report scales that assess symptoms of separation anxiety, social anxiety, panic, and generalized anxiety, as well as measures of depression, experiential avoidance, and intolerance of uncertainty. Measures of panic disorder symptoms showed poor factorial, convergent, and discriminant validity. A multi-trait, multi-method matrix model to understand the relationships among the measures of separation anxiety, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety symptoms provided a reasonable fit to the data. Measures of separation anxiety showed poor discriminant and criterion validity, suggesting limited relevance of separation anxiety in this adolescent sample. Measures of social anxiety generally showed evidence of adequate-to-good factorial, convergent, and discriminant validity. Measures of generalized anxiety showed adequate -to-good factorial and convergent validity, and poor-to-adequate discriminant validity. The associations of measures of social and generalized anxiety with measures of depression, experiential avoidance, and intolerance of uncertainty were at least partially independent of method variance. The findings of this study add to the growing literature that evaluates the strengths and limitations of these scales for clinical practice and research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David P Valentiner
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 60115, USA.
| | - Cassandra R Mick
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 60115, USA
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14
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McDaniels B, Pontone GM, Keener AM, Subramanian I. A Prescription for Wellness in Early PD: Just What the Doctor Ordered. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2023; 36:461-469. [PMID: 36911924 DOI: 10.1177/08919887231164358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Being diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease is a life-changing event and a critical time to help patients cope and move forward in a proactive way. Historically, the main focus of Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment has been on the motor features with limited attention given to non-motor and mental health sequelae, which have the most impact on quality of life. Although depression and anxiety have been described at the time of PD diagnosis, demoralization, intolerance of uncertainty, decreased self-efficacy, stigma and loneliness can also present and have negative effects on the trajectory of the disease. Hence, understanding the psychological impact of the diagnosis and how to provide better counselling at this critical time point may be the key to a better long-term trajectory and quality of life. FOCUS There has been a paradigm shift in the treatment of chronic illness moving beyond the medical model, which focuses on fighting illness with the physician being in charge of the treatment process and the patient being the passive recipient, toward a more holistic (i.e., physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health) biopsychosocial approach that emphasizes behavioral factors with the patient being an active collaborator in their treatment. Hence, we propose that fostering resilience, social support, and psychological flexibility offer promise toward attenuating negative reactions and improving overall well-being. CONCLUSION Through a proactive wellness approach incorporating lifestyle choices, people with PD (PwP) can not only achieve improved states of health, well-being, and quality of life, but actually thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley McDaniels
- Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Gregory M Pontone
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adrienne M Keener
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center (PADRECC), Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Indu Subramanian
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center (PADRECC), Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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15
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Ye H, Chen C, Chen S, Jiang N, Cai Z, Liu Y, Li Y, Huang Y, Yu W, You R, Liao H, Fan F. Profiles of Intolerance of Uncertainty Among 108,540 Adolescents: Associations with Sociodemographic Variables and Mental Health. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023:10.1007/s10578-023-01603-z. [PMID: 37659028 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01603-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is widely considered a transdiagnostic risk and maintaining factor for psychiatric disorders. However, little is known about the overall nature and profile of IU among adolescents. This study aims to investigate the profiles of IU among Chinese adolescents and explore their associations with sociodemographic characteristics and mental health problems. A sample of 108,540 adolescents provided data on IU, sociodemographic characteristics, and mental health via an online platform. Latent profile analysis revealed three profiles: Low IU, Medium IU, and High IU. Girls, older adolescents, and those with specific sociodemographics were more likely to belong to the "High IU" profile. Furthermore, the "High IU" profile was associated with the highest risk of several mental health problems. These findings provided valuable information for early prevention and intervention strategies targeting IU and highlighted the importance of IU-based interventions for mental health among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxian Ye
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Shipai Road, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Chunling Chen
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Shipai Road, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Shiying Chen
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Shipai Road, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Shipai Road, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Zifan Cai
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Shipai Road, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Yixin Liu
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Shipai Road, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Yunyi Li
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Shipai Road, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Yike Huang
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Shipai Road, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Wanqing Yu
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Shipai Road, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Ruiyan You
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Shipai Road, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Haiping Liao
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Shipai Road, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Fang Fan
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Shipai Road, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
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16
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Abado E, Aue T, Okon-Singer H. Spider vs. guns: expectancy and attention biases to phylogenetic threat do not extend to ontogenetic threat. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1232985. [PMID: 37711323 PMCID: PMC10498540 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1232985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Attention bias plays an important role in specific fears and phobias. Previous studies revealed that a-priori expectancies affect attention toward neutral stimuli but not threatening stimuli. The aim of the current study was to test whether this selective influence of expectancies on attention is specific to phylogenetic threat (i.e., spiders) or whether it can be generalized to ontogenetic threat (i.e., guns). Correspondingly, we directly compared expectancy effects on attentional allocation to phylogenetically vs. ontogenetically threatening stimuli. Method Expectancies were manipulated by presenting a cue indicating the likelihood of the appearance of a deviant picture in a visual search array. The array included eight distractors and one neutral (phone/bird) or threatening (gun/spider) deviant picture. In a comprehensive design, we examined the effects of stimulus type (phylogenetic/ontogenetic) and visual background (white and sterile/complex and ecological). Individual differences such as intolerance of uncertainty and spider fear were also measured. Results Results showed that attention bias toward spiders does not extend to threatening ontogenetic stimuli (i.e., guns). Our previous findings on attention bias toward spiders were replicated and a small to medium positive correlation was found between reaction time to bird targets and pre-existing fear of spider levels. Cues were used to detect threatening as well as neutral targets on both background types, except for spider targets on a complex background, replicating previous results. A small to medium positive correlation was also found between fear of spiders and intolerance of uncertainty. Discussion Together, these results suggest that expectancy and attentional processes may differ between ontogenetic and phylogenetic threat. Importantly, the effects of expectancy on attentional allocation depend on an interaction between the type of threat (ontogenetic/phylogenetic), visual factors, and individual differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elinor Abado
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tatjana Aue
- Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hadas Okon-Singer
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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17
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Yıldırım M, Çağış ZG, Williams G. Fear of COVID-19, intolerance of uncertainty, psychological capital, and positive future expectations: Tests of mediating relationships with healthcare workers. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2023; 45:158-163. [PMID: 37544692 PMCID: PMC10290176 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has a profound impact on the mental health of healthcare workers, especially those combatting the disease. The current study examined the mediating role of psychological capital in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and intolerance of uncertainty and positive future expectations in healthcare workers during the pandemic. 310 healthcare workers (51.9 % males, Mage = 34.2 ± 7.6) completed measures of fear of COVID-19, psychological capital, intolerance of uncertainty, and positive future expectations The results showed that fear of COVID-19 had a significant negative predictive impact on psychological capital and a significant positive predictive impact on intolerance of uncertainty. Psychological capital had a significant negative predictive impact on intolerance of uncertainty and a significant positive predictive impact on positive future expectations. Most importantly, the results indicated that psychological capital mediated the association of fear of COVID-19 with intolerance of uncertainty and positive future expectations. The results improve our understanding of the role of psychological capital in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and intolerance of uncertainty and positive future expectations. Also, results have possible wider implications for equipping healthcare workers with the psychological tools to cope with stressors, including those linked to public health threats such as pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Yıldırım
- Department of Psychology, Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, Turkey.
| | - Zafer Güney Çağış
- Department of Psychology, Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, Turkey; Department of Psychology, Mersin University, Turkey
| | - Glenn Williams
- Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom
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18
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Kusec A, Methley A, Murphy FC, Peers PV, Carmona E, Manly T. Developing behavioural activation for people with acquired brain injury: a qualitative interpretive description study of barriers and facilitators to activity engagement. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:207. [PMID: 37443147 PMCID: PMC10339630 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01230-2] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acquired brain injuries (ABI) from stroke, head injury, or resected brain tumours are associated with poor emotional wellbeing and heightened risk of mood disorder. Common sequalae of ABI, such as poor attention and memory, can create barriers to the efficacy of cognitively demanding mood interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Behavioural Activation (BA), where individuals plan and engage in reinforcing activities, is a promising alternative due to lower cognitive demands. However, BA was initially developed in clinical populations without ABI where the primary barriers to activity engagement were low mood and anxious avoidance. Additionally, BA can incorporate a range of techniques (e.g., mood monitoring, activity scheduling, targeting avoidance, contingency management) and psychoeducational topics (e.g., mindfulness, managing uncertainty; social/communication skills). Exploring barriers and facilitators to adopting specific BA components in ABI is an important aim. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected ABI survivors (N = 16) with both low and high depressive symptoms, and family members (N = 7). Questions focused on routine and enjoyable activities, and feedback on 10 different BA techniques and associated psychoeducational topics. Transcripts were analysed using an interpretive description framework. Analysis was informed by field notes, reflexivity diaries, and peer debriefing. RESULTS The final constructed framework, Creating Sustainable Engagement, comprises a two-tier hierarchy. Higher-level themes concerned core perspectives of BA, regardless of BA component discussed. This included identifying optimal time windows for different BA components (Right Tool at the Right Time), that BA components should, at least initially, not be burdensome or fatiguing (Perceived Effort), that emotional readiness to confront activity-mood relationships should be addressed (Emotional Impact), and that planned BA activities be consistent with individual values (Relation to Values). Lower-level themes concerned specific BA components: Of these, activity scheduling, procedures targeting avoidance, managing uncertainty and social/communication skills were generally well-received, while mood monitoring, contingency management, and mindfulness had mixed feedback. CONCLUSIONS BA is a widely scalable intervention that can be adapted for ABI. This study provides a novel framework on implementing a range of BA components in ABI and adds to the limited evidence on which components may be particularly suitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Kusec
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Anna Watts Building, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Abigail Methley
- Innovative Clinical Psychology Solutions Ltd, London, W1W 5PF, UK
| | - Fionnuala C Murphy
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK
| | - Polly V Peers
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK
| | - Estela Carmona
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK
| | - Tom Manly
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK.
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19
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Gibson B, Rosser BA, Schneider J, Forshaw MJ. The role of uncertainty intolerance in adjusting to long-term physical health conditions: A systematic review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286198. [PMID: 37267292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term physical health conditions (LTPHCs) are associated with poorer psychological well-being, quality of life, and longevity. Additionally, individuals with LTPHCs report uncertainty in terms of condition aetiology, course, treatment, and ability to engage in life. An individual's dispositional ability to tolerate uncertainty-or difficulty to endure the unknown-is termed intolerance of uncertainty (IU), and may play a pivotal role in their adjustment to a LTPHC. Consequently, the current review sought to investigate the relationship between IU and health-related outcomes, including physical symptoms, psychological ramifications, self-management, and treatment adherence in individuals with LTPHCs. A systematic search was conducted for papers published from inception until 27 May 2022 using the databases PsycINFO, PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL Plus, PsycARTICLES, and Web of Science. Thirty-one studies (N = 6,201) met the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that higher levels of IU were associated with worse psychological well-being outcomes and poorer quality of life, though impacts on self-management were less clear. With the exception of one study (which looked at IU in children), no differences in IU were observed between patients and healthy controls. Although findings highlight the importance of investigating IU related to LTPHCs, the heterogeneity and limitations of the existing literature preclude definite conclusions. Future longitudinal and experimental research is required to investigate how IU interacts with additional psychological constructs and disease variables to predict individuals' adjustment to living with a LTPHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Gibson
- School of Applied Social Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin A Rosser
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jekaterina Schneider
- Centre for Appearance Research, School of Social Sciences, College of Health, Science and, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J Forshaw
- Department of Psychology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, United Kingdom
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20
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Revisiting uncertainty as a felt sense of unsafety: The somatic error theory of intolerance of uncertainty. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 79:101827. [PMID: 36512913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101827] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) has gained widespread interest as a construct of broad interest from both transdiagnostic and trans-situational perspectives. We have approached this article inspired by the curiosity, clinical observation, consideration of different theoretical perspectives, speculation, optimism and indeed fun that can be seen in S. J. Rachman's work. We address some of what we know about IU before considering one way of conceptualizing IU from the standpoint of a felt sense or embodied experience. In the first part, we start with Woody and Rachman's (1994) observations of people with GAD. Second, we consider some key findings from the literature. Third, we consider two important perspectives on uncertainty, namely, Brosschot et al.'s (2016, 2018) influential Generalized Unsafety Theory of Stress and uncertainty as an emotion. In the second part, backing our clinical hunch about the importance of the felt sense of uncertainty, we consider IU from the perspective of interoception and the somatic error theory of anxiety (Khalsa & Feinstein, 2018). We propose the somatic error theory of intolerance of uncertainty, which places the experience of uncertainty at the heart of our understanding of intolerance of uncertainty. This is followed by predictions, unresolved questions, and potential clinical implications. Finally, we revisit Woody and Rachman's (1994) suggestions for treatment as internalizing "a sense of safety in a range of circumstances (p. 750)" and update this from the perspective of the felt sense of uncertainty. We finish by suggesting that uncertainty can be tolerated, perhaps accepted, and even embraced.
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21
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Hernández-Posadas A, Lommen MJJ, de la Rosa Gómez A, Bouman TK, Mancilla-Díaz JM, del Palacio González A. Transdiagnostic factors in symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress: a systematic review. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37359653 PMCID: PMC10226442 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04792-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The current systematic review sought to identify quantitative empirical studies that focused on the transdiagnostic factors of intolerance of uncertainty, emotional dysregulation and rumination, and their relation with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The overall research aim was to examine the relationship between these transdiagnostic factors and their relation with depression and PTSD symptoms. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Out of the 768 articles initially identified, 55 met the inclusion criteria for the current review. The results determined that intolerance of uncertainty is indirectly related to depression and PTSD symptoms, mainly through other factors including emotion dysregulation and rumination. Additionally, emotional dysregulation is a significant predictor of both depression and PTSD symptoms. Rumination is a robust factor related to depression and PTSD symptoms, this relationship was significant in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. This review provides evidence on the transdiagnostic factors of intolerance of uncertainty, emotional dysregulation and rumination in the relationship with depression and PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandrina Hernández-Posadas
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Faculty of Higher Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Av. De los Barrios Núm. 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Torre de Tutorías, 2do. Piso, Cubículo 22, Edo. de Mexico 54090 Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Miriam J. J. Lommen
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Anabel de la Rosa Gómez
- Faculty of Higher Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Av. De los Barrios Núm. 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Torre de Tutorías, 2do. Piso, Cubículo 22, Edo. de Mexico 54090 Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Theo K. Bouman
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Juan Manuel Mancilla-Díaz
- Faculty of Higher Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Av. De los Barrios Núm. 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Torre de Tutorías, 2do. Piso, Cubículo 22, Edo. de Mexico 54090 Tlalnepantla, Mexico
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22
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Wilson EJ, Abbott MJ, Norton AR. The impact of psychological treatment on intolerance of uncertainty in generalized anxiety disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 97:102729. [PMID: 37271039 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102729] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Research has demonstrated a strong link between intolerance of uncertainty and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate how effective evidence-based psychological treatments are at reducing intolerance of uncertainty for adults with GAD. An extensive literature search identified 26 eligible studies, with a total of 1199 participants with GAD. Psychological treatments (k = 32 treatment groups) yielded large significant within-group effect size from pre- to post-treatment and pre-treatment to follow-up for intolerance of uncertainty (g = 0.88; g = 1.05), as well as related symptoms including worry (g = 1.32; g = 1.45), anxiety (g = 0.94; g = 1.04) and depression (g = 0.96; g = 1.00). Psychological treatment also yielded a large significant between-group effect on intolerance of uncertainty (g = 1.35). Subgroups analysis found that CBT that directly targeted intolerance of uncertainty (CBT-IU) throughout treatment was significantly more effective than general CBT at reducing intolerance of uncertainty (p < 0.01) and worry (p < 0.01) from pre- to post treatment, however, this result was not maintained at follow-up. Meta-regression analyses supported this finding as increases in the amount of time spent directly targeting intolerance of uncertainty, significantly increased the effect size for both intolerance of uncertainty (z = 2.01, p < 0.01) and worry (z = 2.23, p < 0.01). Overall, these findings indicate that psychological treatments are effective at reducing IU, and related symptom measures of GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Wilson
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Maree J Abbott
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - Alice R Norton
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia; School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Australia
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23
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Linkovski O, Eitan R. When radical uncertainty is too much: Clinical aspects of Conviction Narrative Theory. Behav Brain Sci 2023; 46:e101. [PMID: 37154123 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x2200259x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
We propose extrapolating Conviction Narrative Theory (CNT) to clinical psychology and psychiatry. We demonstrate how CNT principles may benefit assessment, therapy, and possibly even modify public health views of neuropsychiatric disorders. Our commentary focuses on hoarding disorder as a model, elaborates on discrepancies in the scientific literature and suggests how the CNT may resolve them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Linkovski
- Department of Psychology and The Gonda Interdisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel https://linkovskilab.com
| | - Renana Eitan
- Department of Psychiatry, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel https://www.tasmc.org.il/sites/en/Personnel/pages/eitan-renana.aspx
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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24
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Andrews JL, Li M, Minihan S, Songco A, Fox E, Ladouceur CD, Mewton L, Moulds M, Pfeifer JH, Van Harmelen AL, Schweizer S. The effect of intolerance of uncertainty on anxiety and depression, and their symptom networks, during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:261. [PMID: 37069541 PMCID: PMC10109227 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04734-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals vary in their ability to tolerate uncertainty. High intolerance of uncertainty (the tendency to react negatively to uncertain situations) is a known risk factor for mental health problems. In the current study we examined the degree to which intolerance of uncertainty predicted depression and anxiety symptoms and their interrelations across the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined these associations across three time points (May 2020 - April 2021) in an international sample of adults (N = 2087, Mean age = 41.13) from three countries (UK, USA, Australia) with varying degrees of COVID-19 risk. We found that individuals with high and moderate levels of intolerance of uncertainty reported reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms over time. However, symptom levels remained significantly elevated compared to individuals with low intolerance of uncertainty. Individuals with low intolerance of uncertainty had low and stable levels of depression and anxiety across the course of the study. Network analyses further revealed that the relationships between depression and anxiety symptoms became stronger over time among individuals with high intolerance of uncertainty and identified that feeling afraid showed the strongest association with intolerance of uncertainty. Our findings are consistent with previous work identifying intolerance of uncertainty as an important risk factor for mental health problems, especially in times marked by actual health, economic and social uncertainty. The results highlight the need to explore ways to foster resilience among individuals who struggle to tolerate uncertainty, as ongoing and future geopolitical, climate and health threats will likely lead to continued exposure to significant uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meiwei Li
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Elaine Fox
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Susanne Schweizer
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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25
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Llera SJ, Newman MG. Incremental validity of the contrast avoidance model: A comparison with intolerance of uncertainty and negative problem orientation. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 95:102699. [PMID: 36958137 PMCID: PMC10166139 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the incremental validity of the Contrast Avoidance Model (CAM) in predicting generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms when compared against well-established constructs in the GAD literature: intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and negative problem orientation (NPO). METHOD In this study, 185 students (108 of whom endorsed clinical levels of GAD symptoms) completed questionnaires to assess for all constructs. GAD symptoms were regressed on measures of contrast avoidance (CA; Contrast Avoidance-General Emotion and Contrast Avoidance-Worry Questionnaires; Llera & Newman, 2017) tendencies in addition to measures of IU and NPO in separate analyses. Commonality analyses explored the unique versus overlapping contributions of each factor in explaining GAD symptoms. RESULTS In all models, CA was a significant predictor after controlling for demographic variables (age, gender, race, and ethnicity) and both IU and NPO. This was also true when excluding CA items referencing worry. All variables contributed unique explanatory power in the prediction of GAD. CONCLUSION Results provide evidence of the incremental validity of the CAM as a model of GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra J Llera
- Towson University, Department of Psychology, 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252, USA.
| | - Michelle G Newman
- Penn State University, Department of Psychology, 371 Moore Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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26
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Wolff B, Franco VR, Magiati I, Cooper MN, Roberts R, Skoss R, Glasson EJ. Individual-Level Risk and Resilience Factors Associated with Mental Health in Siblings of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Network Analysis. Dev Neuropsychol 2023; 48:112-134. [PMID: 36942456 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2023.2190119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) are exposed to unique family environments and experience a range of psychosocial risk and resilience factors. Networks of self-reported risk, resilience, and neuropsychiatric variables were estimated for siblings of individuals with (n = 235) and without (n = 480) NDCs (N = 715, mean age 22.40 years, 76% female, 74% White Caucasian). The NDC group reported more depressive (g = 0.39) and anxious (g = 0.43) symptoms than controls, and 71.5% of the NDC group reported at least one neuropsychiatric diagnosis compared to 36.9% of controls. Self-reported sleep and post-traumatic stress disorders were high amongst NDC siblings. Everyday executive functioning difficulties (cognitive inflexibility, hyperactivity/impulsivity) and emotion dysregulation were the most influential transdiagnostic risk factors for poorer functioning within the NDC group network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Wolff
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute , Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Vithor R Franco
- Department of Psych ology, São Francisco University, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Iliana Magiati
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Matthew N Cooper
- Telethon Kids Institute , Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Rachel Roberts
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rachel Skoss
- Telethon Kids Institute , Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia
| | - Emma J Glasson
- Telethon Kids Institute , Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, WA, Perth, Australia
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Sahib A, Chen J, Cárdenas D, Calear AL. Intolerance of uncertainty and emotion regulation: A meta-analytic and systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 101:102270. [PMID: 36965452 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Intolerance of uncertainty, a transdiagnostic factor manifested across emotional disorders, has been associated with difficulties in regulating emotions. This meta-analysis addresses the lack of synthesis of this relationship. PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest were systematically searched for relevant articles published up to and during November 2022. We combined 161 effect sizes from 91 studies (N = 30,239), separating the analysis into maladaptive and adaptive emotion regulation strategies and their association with intolerance of uncertainty. We found a moderate positive relationship between maladaptive, and a moderate inverse relationship between adaptive emotion regulation and intolerance of uncertainty. Analysing the magnitude of relationships revealed that cognitive avoidance and mindfulness were the maladaptive and adaptive strategies respectively which had the largest effect sizes and thus strongest relationships with intolerance of uncertainty. Combining all strategies, cognitive avoidance remained the largest effect size, while expressive suppression had the smallest effect size and was non-significant in its relationship. Further analyses testing study sample, design, and age as moderators found no significant moderator for the relationships between intolerance of uncertainty and emotion regulation strategies. These findings have implications for future intolerance of uncertainty interventions, with emotion regulation as a potential target of change.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sahib
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Building 39, Science Rd, Action ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - J Chen
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Building 39, Science Rd, Action ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - D Cárdenas
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Pavillon Marie-Victorin, 90 avenue Vincent d'Indy, Montréal (QC) H2V 2S9, Canada.
| | - A L Calear
- Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Eggleston Rd & Mills Rd, Acton ACT 2601, Australia.
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Mascaro L, Drummond SPA, Leota J, Boardman JM, Hoffman D, Rajaratnam SMW, Aidman E, Facer-Childs ER. Cognitive fitness modulates gender differences in sleep and mental health among competitive athletes under chronic stress. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1118822. [PMID: 36969596 PMCID: PMC10031072 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1118822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Mental fitness is increasingly considered a key component of an athlete’s competitive arsenal. Active domains of mental fitness include cognitive fitness, sleep, and mental health; and these domains can differ between men and women athletes. Our study investigated the associations of cognitive fitness and gender to sleep and mental health, and the interaction between cognitive fitness and gender on sleep and mental health, in competitive athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: 82 athletes competing at levels from regional/state to international (49% women, M-age = 23.3 years) completed measures of self-control, intolerance of uncertainty, and impulsivity (together representing constructs of cognitive fitness), items about sleep (total sleep time, sleep latency, and mid-sleep time on free days) and a measure of mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress).Results: Women athletes reported lower self-control, higher intolerance of uncertainty, and higher positive urgency impulsivity compared with men athletes. Women reported sleeping later, but this gender difference disappeared after controlling for cognitive fitness. Women athletes—after controlling for cognitive fitness—reported higher depression, anxiety, and stress. Across genders, higher self-control was associated with lower depression, and lower intolerance of uncertainty was associated with lower anxiety. Higher sensation seeking was associated with lower depression and stress, and higher premeditation was associated with greater total sleep time and anxiety. Higher perseverance was associated with higher depression for men—but not women—athletes.Conclusion: Women athletes in our sample reported poorer cognitive fitness and mental health compared to men athletes. Most cognitive fitness factors protected competitive athletes under chronic stress, but some exposed them to poorer mental health. Future work should examine the sources of gender differences. Our findings suggest a need to develop tailored interventions aimed at improving athlete wellbeing, with a particular focus on women athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Mascaro
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sean P. A. Drummond
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Josh Leota
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Johanna M. Boardman
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel Hoffman
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- St Kilda Football Club, Australian Football League, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shantha M. W. Rajaratnam
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eugene Aidman
- Defence Science & Technology Group, Edinburgh, SA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Elise R. Facer-Childs
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- St Kilda Football Club, Australian Football League, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Danny Frawley Centre for Health and Wellbeing, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Elise R. Facer-Childs,
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Becerra R, Gainey K, Murray K, Preece DA. Intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety: The role of beliefs about emotions. J Affect Disord 2023; 324:349-353. [PMID: 36586604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.064] [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: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a dimensional trait fundamental to most psychopathologies, and anxiety disorders in particular, making it an important transdiagnostic construct for researchers and clinicians. Current psychological therapies focus on changing underlying cognitive assumptions related to uncertainty. However, we posit that IU conveys beliefs about emotions too. In line with established findings on beliefs about emotions in general, we tested the hypothesis that the relationship between IU and anxiety is mediated by beliefs about the controllability and/or usefulness of emotions. METHODS Participants (N = 2260) were administered the Emotions Beliefs Questionnaire (EBQ); the General Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), and the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS - 12). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the EBQ was conducted followed by Pearson correlation coefficients among the central measures, and a parallel mediation analysis to address the central research question. RESULTS Our CFA supported the intended factor structure of the EBQ. The results of our mediation analysis supported the prediction that the association between IU and anxiety is partially mediated by general beliefs about emotions. LIMITATIONS Although our sample size was large, the age range was limited so future research could expand the age range to maximise generalizability. This is a cross-sectional study so causal inferences are restricted. CONCLUSION Given the present findings, current interventions for IU and their focus on beliefs about uncertainty, might benefit from incorporating strategies to improve beliefs about emotions, and thus improve therapeutic effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - David A Preece
- The University of Western Australia, Australia; Curtin University, Australia
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Zahrayi T, Saed O, Lauriola M. Clarifying the Factor structure of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Inventory: Measurement Invariance and Validity in Predicting Clinical Outcomes. TRENDS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s43076-023-00256-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe Intolerance of Uncertainty Inventory (IUI) is a two-part inventory assessing the general unacceptability of uncertainty in terms of generalized maladaptive beliefs (IUI-A) and specific individuals’ reactions to uncertainty, such as avoidance, doubt, overestimation of threat, worry, control of uncertainty, and seeking reassurance (IUI-B). Previous research has examined the factor structure of both parts with mixed results, especially for IUI-A. The present study took advantage of the Farsi-language version to clarify the IUI factor structure, assess measurement invariance between clinical and nonclinical samples, and examine the criterion-related and incremental validity of IUI-A and IUI-B. We administered the IUI to a mixed psychiatric sample of patients who met DSM-IV criteria for affective disorders (N = 198) and community participants in relatively good health (N = 427). Exploratory structural equation modeling analyses were used to test alternative factor models and determine whether IUI factors predicted depression and anxiety symptoms. A bifactor model was found to be the best fit for IUI-A and IUI-B, and reliability analyses supported the use of the total scores for both parts. The IUI-A and IUI-B were scalar invariant. The general factors of each part and the IUI-B worry factor were higher in patients with affective disorders than in community participants. Validity analyses showed that the two general factors tapped into the same variance in depression and anxiety symptoms as the competing instruments, although not superior in predictive performance to the Intolerance of Uncertainty scale (IUS-12) and the Disorder Specific Intolerance of Uncertainty (DSIU) scale. The present study clarified the factorial structure of the IUI and provided evidence that IUI total scores are reliable and valid for assessing the Intolerance of Uncertainty construct and predicting clinical outcomes.
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Goldstein Ferber S, Shoval G, Rossi R, Trezza V, Di Lorenzo G, Zalsman G, Weller A, Mann JJ. Transdiagnostic considerations of mental health for the post-COVID era: Lessons from the first surge of the pandemic. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:809-820. [PMID: 36818632 PMCID: PMC9928692 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i4.809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)-related psychiatric burden partly results from prolonged social stress world-wide. Studies have examined the psychiatric impact of COVID-19 on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM 5) and International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) categories, implicating multiple diagnoses, complicating clinical management.
AIM To verify whether COVID-19-related psychopathology spans multiple DSM-5 and ICD-11 diagnoses, but not in a random pattern. Consequently, empirical analysis of the multiple associated symptoms will better describe COVID-19-related psychopathology.
METHODS We conducted a bi-national study during the first surge of the pandemic: an Italian sample (n = 21217, studied March-April 2020); and three representative longitudinal samples from Israel (n = 1276, 1189, and 1432 respectively, studied May-July 2020). Data in Italy were collected by a national internet-based survey with an initially approached sample of about one million persons and in Israel by the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics using probability-based national representative sampling. Data analysis focused on the frequency and patterns of reported multiple mental health symptoms.
RESULTS Combinations with all symptoms were more prevalent than combinations with fewer symptoms, with no majorities-minorities differences in both countries, demonstrating the generalizability of the transdiagnostic pattern of mental health issues in both nations. A history of previous mental disorder (Italian study) and an increase in symptom prevalence over time (Israel study) were associated with an increased number of symptoms. Conclusions: Based on finding correlated symptom diversity spanning conventional diagnostic categories, we suggest that the pattern of mental health issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic is transdiagnostic.
CONCLUSION The findings have implications for improving prevention and treatment of COVID-19 related psychopathology and for post-pandemic times in conditions resulting from multiplicity of stressors with mixed symptomatology in the clinical picture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gal Shoval
- Department of Neuroscience, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544, United States
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 77096, Israel
| | - Rodolfo Rossi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, Rome Tre University, Rome 00154, Italy
| | - Giorgio Di Lorenzo
- Department of Psychiatry, Rome University Tor Vergata, Rome 00179, Italy and IRCCS—Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00179, Italy
| | - Gil Zalsman
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 77096, Israel
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Aron Weller
- Department of Psychology, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - J John Mann
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, NY, 10032, United States
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Morriss J, Abend R, Zika O, Bradford DE, Mertens G. Neural and psychophysiological markers of intolerance of uncertainty. Int J Psychophysiol 2023; 184:94-99. [PMID: 36630825 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jayne Morriss
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Rany Abend
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Ondrej Zika
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany; Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Gaëtan Mertens
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
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Morriss J, Goh K, Hirsch CR, Dodd HF. Intolerance of uncertainty heightens negative emotional states and dampens positive emotional states. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1147970. [PMID: 37032949 PMCID: PMC10073686 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1147970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals high in self-reported Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) tend to view uncertainty as unbearable and stressful. Notably, IU is transdiagnostic, and high levels of IU are observed across many different emotional disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression). Research has primarily focused on how IU evokes and modulates emotional states such as fear and anxiety. However, recent research suggests that IU may have relevance for a broader range of emotional states. Here, an online survey was conducted to examine whether IU evokes and modulates a range of negative (e.g., fear/anxiety, sadness/upset, anger/frustration, disgust) and positive (e.g., happiness/joy, excitement/enthusiasm, surprise/interest) emotional states. Findings within a community sample (n = 231) revealed that individuals with higher levels of IU report: (1) that uncertainty in general and uncertainty under ambiguity are more likely to evoke negative emotional states and less likely to evoke positive emotional states, (2) that uncertainty under risk is less likely to evoke positive emotional states, and (3) that uncertainty heightens existing negative emotional states and dampens existing positive emotional states. Importantly, these IU-related findings remained when controlling for current experiences of general distress, anxious arousal, and anhedonic depression. Taken together, these findings suggest that IU is involved in evoking and modulating a wide array of emotional phenomena, which likely has relevance for transdiagnostic models and treatment plans for emotional disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne Morriss
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Jayne Morriss,
| | - Kimberly Goh
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Colette R. Hirsch
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen F. Dodd
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Sadeh N, Bounoua N. Race moderates the impact of intolerance of uncertainty on mental health symptoms in Black and White community adults. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 93:102657. [PMID: 36455413 PMCID: PMC9839518 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Racism increases the amount of uncertainty in daily life, which may differentially affect the mental health of individuals from racial minority groups who score high on trait intolerance of uncertainty (IU), or the tendency to experience uncertainty as highly aversive. We examined associations between trait IU and current symptoms of common mental disorders in community samples of Black (N = 125) and White (N = 125) adults ages 18-55 who were matched on age, gender, and educational attainment. Given that data were collected between 2017 and 2021, we also examined pandemic exposure as a moderator of these associations. No mean differences emerged between Black and White adults on trait IU measured with the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12 or on current psychiatric symptoms assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5. Trait IU was more strongly associated with current psychiatric symptoms in Black than White adults, a racial difference that dissipated following pandemic exposure. Present results extend prior work by suggesting the dispositional tendency to find uncertainty aversive is a stronger predictor of mental health symptoms in Black than White adults outside the context of pandemic-related stress. Implications of these findings for understanding the impact of racial- and pandemic-related environmental uncertainty on mental health is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Sadeh
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, USA.
| | - Nadia Bounoua
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, USA
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Bottesi G, Iannattone S, Carraro E, Lauriola M. The assessment of Intolerance of uncertainty in youth: An examination of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-Revised in Italian nonclinical boys and girls. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:209-222. [PMID: 35779168 PMCID: PMC9867688 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00944-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) is a transdiagnostic factor involved in several psychological disorders. Adolescence is characterized by elevated uncertainty and psychopathological vulnerability, but insufficient attention has been paid to IU at this age. This study aimed to investigate the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-Revised (IUS-R) in Italian preadolescents and adolescents. 862 Italian students (57.3% girls) aged 11-17 (M = 14.8 ± 1.91) completed the IUS-R and measures of internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and psychological well-being. To test the factor structure of the IUS-R, one-factor, two-factor, and bifactor models were compared; measurement invariance, reliability, and validity were also addressed. Results showed that the bifactor model outperformed alternative factor models, and a general factor was needed to model the IUS-R. Bifactor model indices supported using the total score to assess IU reliably. Configural and metric invariance by age and sex were fully supported, while the IUS-R achieved partial scalar invariance. Significant correlations emerged for the IUS-R total score with psychopathological constructs, while no relationships with psychological well-being were found. Compared to adult normative data, higher total IUS-R scores were detected, suggesting that IU may be a phase-specific characteristic of adolescence. Our findings support using the IUS-R to measure IU across the lifespan. The recommended use of the total score and its associations with psychopathological dimensions highlight the transdiagnostic nature of IU in adolescence. Therefore, including IU when implementing interventions to prevent maladaptive outcomes in teenagers would be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gioia Bottesi
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Sara Iannattone
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Eleonora Carraro
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Lauriola
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Psychology of Developmental and Socialisation Processes, Sapienza University of Rome, via dei Marsi 78, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Wong JX, Caporino NE. Youth Intolerance of Uncertainty – Parent-Report (YIU-PR): A Developmentally Sensitive Measure of Intolerance of Uncertainty in Children and Adolescents. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-022-10016-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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37
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Intolerance of uncertainty as a transdiagnostic vulnerability to anxiety disorders in youth. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03645-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Laposa JM, Katz DE, Lisi DM, Hawley LL, Quigley L, Rector NA. Longitudinal changes in intolerance of uncertainty and worry severity during CBT for generalized anxiety disorder. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 91:102623. [PMID: 35994883 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a key construct in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but little is known about the concurrent and temporal patterns of associations between IU and GAD symptom severity during treatment. In addition, most of the extant literature focuses on IU as a unidimensional construct, whereas some researchers conceptualize IU as being comprised of two dimensions, inhibitory and prospective IU. Ninety individuals with GAD completed measures of IU and worry severity at pre-treatment, session 4, session 8, and end of treatment (session 12), during group-based cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for GAD. Longitudinal multilevel modeling showed that IU predicted worry severity concurrently, but not prospectively over time; this pattern of associations was found with the total IUS score and the inhibitory (but not prospective) subscale score. Further, the relationship between IU total scores and worry severity became stronger over time. The relationship between inhibitory (but not prospective) IU and worry also became stronger over time. When the order of the variables in the model was reversed, worry severity also predicted concurrent but not future IU. Therefore, change in IU is associated with change in worry throughout the course of CBT, particularly as treatment progresses, though its directional association as a cause and/or effect remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M Laposa
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, 100 Stokes St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Danielle E Katz
- Forest Hill Centre for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, 439 Spadina Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Diana M Lisi
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lance L Hawley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leanne Quigley
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, 1165 Morris Park Ave, The Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Neil A Rector
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Xu Y, Huang W, Yan X, Lu F, Li M. Anticipatory threat responses mediate the relationship between mindfulness and anxiety: A cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:988577. [PMID: 36225782 PMCID: PMC9548577 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.988577] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing research has shown that mindfulness-based interventions can effectively alleviate anxiety; however, the underlying neural mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Recent studies suggest that abnormal and excessive anticipatory responses to unpredictable threats play an important role in anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness refers to the non-judgmental awareness of the present moment's real experience, which is antithetical to the future-oriented thinking processes involved in anxiety-oriented cognition and its corresponding emotion regulation tactics. Thus, mitigating anticipatory threat responses may be a potential mechanism by which mindfulness alleviates anxiety. This study aimed to detect the possible mediating effects of anticipatory threat responses on the relationship between mindfulness and anxiety. A total of 35 trait-anxious (TA) individuals and 36 low-anxious (LA) individuals were recruited to participate in the predictable and unpredictable threat test. Self-reported intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and electroencephalographic responses to uncertainty were recorded. TA individuals reported more IU and less mindfulness, and exhibited significantly higher late positive potential (LPP) and longer reaction time (RT) than LA individuals in the unpredictable negative threat condition. In addition, there were significant mediating effects of the LPP amplitude and RT in the uncertain threats on the relationship between mindfulness and anxiety. The data from this study verified that mitigating anticipatory threat responses (including self-reported IU, behavioral RT, and LPP amplitude) might be the potential mechanism by which mindfulness alleviates anxiety. These findings may have practical implications for the development and optimization of mindfulness treatments for anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Xu
- Department of Military Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenqiang Huang
- Department of Sleepy Psychosome, Chongqing Jiangbei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaofan Yan
- Department of Military Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Lu
- Department of Nursing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Military Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Malivoire BL, Marcotte-Beaumier G, Sumantry D, Koerner N. Correlates of Dampening and Savoring in Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Int J Cogn Ther 2022; 15:414-433. [PMID: 36161248 PMCID: PMC9483300 DOI: 10.1007/s41811-022-00145-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic worry and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms are associated with infrequent savoring, and high dampening, of positive emotions. The goal of the present study was to investigate the indirect role of GAD-relevant processes, including intolerance of uncertainty (IU), fear of negative emotional contrasts, and negative beliefs about positive emotion and its regulation, in the relationship between GAD symptom severity and the tendency to engage in dampening and not savor positive emotions. Community participants (N = 233) completed questionnaires online. In separate models, IU, fear of negative emotional contrasts, and negative beliefs about positive emotion and its regulation fully mediated the relationships between GAD symptom severity and greater dampening and lower savoring. However, controlling for depression, only IU remained a significant mediator. A post hoc latent analysis of the mediators provided support for an underlying construct that may reflect intolerance of uncomfortable states. Intolerance of uncomfortable states was found to significantly mediate the relationship between GAD symptoms and greater dampening and lower savoring. Difficulty withstanding uncertainty may be particularly relevant in understanding why people with elevated GAD symptoms engage in efforts to avoid experiencing positive emotions. Further, the findings suggest that there may be a common factor underlying a variety of GAD-associated constructs reflecting a broad intolerance of uncomfortable inner states. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailee L. Malivoire
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria St, ON Toronto, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Marcotte-Beaumier
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec À Montréal, 405 Rue Sainte-Catherine Est, Montréal, QC Canada
| | - David Sumantry
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria St, ON Toronto, Canada
| | - Naomi Koerner
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria St, ON Toronto, Canada
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Wroblewski A, Hollandt M, Yang Y, Ridderbusch IC, Pietzner A, Szeska C, Lotze M, Wittchen HU, Heinig I, Pittig A, Arolt V, Koelkebeck K, Rothkopf CA, Adolph D, Margraf J, Lueken U, Pauli P, Herrmann MJ, Winkler MH, Ströhle A, Dannlowski U, Kircher T, Hamm AO, Straube B, Richter J. Sometimes I feel the fear of uncertainty: How intolerance of uncertainty and trait anxiety impact fear acquisition, extinction and the return of fear. Int J Psychophysiol 2022; 181:125-140. [PMID: 36116610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It is hypothesized that the ability to discriminate between threat and safety is impaired in individuals with high dispositional negativity, resulting in maladaptive behavior. A large body of research investigated differential learning during fear conditioning and extinction protocols depending on individual differences in intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and trait anxiety (TA), two closely-related dimensions of dispositional negativity, with heterogenous results. These might be due to varying degrees of induced threat/safety uncertainty. Here, we compared two groups with high vs. low IU/TA during periods of low (instructed fear acquisition) and high levels of uncertainty (delayed non-instructed extinction training and reinstatement). Dependent variables comprised subjective (US expectancy, valence, arousal), psychophysiological (skin conductance response, SCR, and startle blink), and neural (fMRI BOLD) measures of threat responding. During fear acquisition, we found strong threat/safety discrimination for both groups. During early extinction (high uncertainty), the low IU/TA group showed an increased physiological response to the safety signal, resulting in a lack of CS discrimination. In contrast, the high IU/TA group showed strong initial threat/safety discrimination in physiology, lacking discriminative learning on startle, and reduced neural activation in regions linked to threat/safety processing throughout extinction training indicating sustained but non-adaptive and rigid responding. Similar neural patterns were found after the reinstatement test. Taken together, we provide evidence that high dispositional negativity, as indicated here by IU and TA, is associated with greater responding to threat cues during the beginning of delayed extinction, and, thus, demonstrates altered learning patterns under changing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Wroblewski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - CMBB, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany.
| | - Maike Hollandt
- Department of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Germany
| | - Yunbo Yang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - CMBB, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
| | - Isabelle C Ridderbusch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - CMBB, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
| | - Anne Pietzner
- Department of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Martin Lotze
- Functional Imaging Unit, Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology of the University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Wittchen
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Germany
| | - Ingmar Heinig
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Andre Pittig
- Translational Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Volker Arolt
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Germany
| | - Katja Koelkebeck
- LVR-Hospital Essen, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Adolph
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Ulrike Lueken
- Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Pauli
- Department of Psychology I, Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin J Herrmann
- Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Markus H Winkler
- Department of Psychology I, Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Ströhle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin und Berliner Institut für Gesundheitsforschung, Germany
| | - Udo Dannlowski
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Germany
| | - Tilo Kircher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - CMBB, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
| | - Alfons O Hamm
- Department of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Germany
| | - Benjamin Straube
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - CMBB, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
| | - Jan Richter
- Department of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Germany
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42
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Zdebik MA, Pascuzzo K, Bureau JF, Moss E. Childhood behavioral inhibition and attachment: Links to generalized anxiety disorder in young adulthood. Front Psychol 2022; 13:933213. [PMID: 36148103 PMCID: PMC9487417 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.933213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is under-treated yet prevalent among young adults. Identifying early risk factors for GAD would contribute to its etiological model and identify potential targets for intervention. Insecure attachment patterns, specifically ambivalent and disorganized, have long been proposed as childhood risk factors for GAD. Similarly, childhood behavioral inhibition has been consistently associated with anxiety disorders in adulthood, including GAD. Intolerance of uncertainty (IU), the tendency to react negatively to uncertain situations, has also been shown to be a crucial component of GAD. Furthermore, maternal anxiety is an important feature of developmental models of anxiety including GAD. Yet, to date, no study has examined, within a comprehensive model, how attachment and behavioral inhibition in childhood, maternal anxiety in adolescence, and IU in emerging adulthood contribute to GAD in adulthood. The present study thus examines these links using a longitudinal design with 62 Canadian participants and their mothers. At age 6, participants' attachment and behavioral inhibition were assessed observationally. Maternal anxiety was measured when participants were 14 years of age. IU and GAD were assessed when participants were 21 and 23 years of age, respectively. Structural equation modeling showed that IU mediates the relationships between behavioral inhibition and GAD, while controlling for maternal anxiety. Ambivalent and disorganized-controlling attachment patterns are also indirectly associated with increased GAD symptoms via greater IU scores. Furthermore, a direct and positive effect of behaviorally disorganized attachment was found on GAD symptoms. This longitudinal study supports integrating attachment, behavioral inhibition, and IU in a model of GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena A. Zdebik
- Département de psychoéducation et de psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Magdalena A. Zdebik
| | - Katherine Pascuzzo
- Département de psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | | | - Ellen Moss
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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43
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Malbec M, Hindmarsh JN, Jongerling J, Franken IH, Wieser MJ. No intolerance of errors: The effect of intolerance of uncertainty on performance monitoring revisited. Int J Psychophysiol 2022; 179:77-88. [PMID: 35835330 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.07.001] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Errors have been conceptualized as internal forms of threat that can cause harm in unpredictable ways. An index of error processing is the error-related negativity (ERN), an event-related potential reflecting variability in the sensitivity to errors. Prior work has shown the relationship between psychopathology symptoms and the ERN is unclear, and may be moderated by intolerance of uncertainty (IU), a trait that captures how people react to unpredictability. IU includes two subfactors of prospective IU (active seeking of predictability) and inhibitory IU (behavioral paralysis). In the present study, 188 undergraduates performed an Eriksen flanker task designed to elicit the ERN, while brain activity was recorded using electroencephalography (EEG). Participants completed the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Short Form (IUS-12), and other measures of anxiety, depression and worry. Total IU explained 5 % of the variance in correct-response negativity (CRN), but was not associated with the ERN in our sample. In contrast to previous findings, the IU subfactors did not predict the ERN or post-error slowing (PES), nor did total IU and depression interact to predict the ERN. Exploratory analyses also showed that total IU did not moderate the relationship between trait anxiety and the ERN. Small samples may have previously exaggerated the links between self-reported IU and the ERN. As such, further high-powered replications are required to confirm if, and how, they are related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Malbec
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joshua N Hindmarsh
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joran Jongerling
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, the Netherlands
| | - Ingmar H Franken
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matthias J Wieser
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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44
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Krypotos AM, Alves M, Crombez G, Vlaeyen JWS. The role of intolerance of uncertainty when solving the exploration-exploitation dilemma. Int J Psychophysiol 2022; 181:33-39. [PMID: 36007711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
When making behavioral decisions, individuals need to balance between exploiting known options or exploring new ones. How individuals solve this exploration-exploitation dilemma (EED) is a key research question across psychology, leading to attempting to disentangle the cognitive mechanisms behind it. A potential predictive factor of performance in an EED is intolerance of uncertainty (IU), an individual difference factor referring to the extent to which uncertain situations are reported to be aversive. Here, we present the results of a series of exploratory analyses in which we tested the relationship between IU and performance in an EED task. For this, we compiled data from 3 experiments, in which participants received the opportunity to exploit different movements in order to avoid a painful stimulus and approach rewards. For decomposing performance in this task, we used different computational models previously employed in studies on the EED. Then, the parameters of the winning model were correlated with the scores of participants in the IU scale. Correlational and cluster analyses, within both frequentists and Bayesian frameworks, did not provide strong evidence for a relation between EED and IU, apart from the decay rate and the subscale "tendency to become paralyzed in the face of uncertainty". Given the theoretical relation between EED and IU, we propose research with different experimental paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelos-Miltiadis Krypotos
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Research Group Health Psychology, KU Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Maryna Alves
- Research Group Health Psychology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Crombez
- Department of Experimental-Clinical and Heath Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Johan W S Vlaeyen
- Research Group Health Psychology, KU Leuven, Belgium; Experimental Health Psychology, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
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45
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Yao N, Yang Y, Huang S. Validation of the Chinese Version of the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire. JOURNAL OF RATIONAL-EMOTIVE AND COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOR THERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10942-022-00470-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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46
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Coping with COVID Stress: Maladaptive and Adaptive Response Styles Predicting College Student Internalizing Symptom Dimensions. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2022; 44:1004-1020. [PMID: 35892122 PMCID: PMC9305060 DOI: 10.1007/s10862-022-09975-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted daily life for undergraduates and introduced new stressors (e.g., campus closures). How individuals respond to stressors can interact with stress to increase disorder risk in both unique and transdiagnostic ways. The current study examined how maladaptive and adaptive stress response styles moderated the perceived severity of COVID-related stressors effect on general and specific internalizing dimensions at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in a combined undergraduate sample across two universities (N = 451) using latent bifactor modeling and LASSO modeling to identify optimal predictors. Results showed that perceived stress severity and maladaptive response styles (not adaptive response styles or interactions between stress and response styles) were associated with both common and specific internalizing dimensions. Results suggest additive associations of stress severity and maladaptive coping with internalizing symptoms during the pandemic’s beginning, and provide important insights for screening, prevention, and intervention during future public health crises.
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47
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Time-Varying and Time-Invariant Dimensions in Intolerance of Uncertainty: Specificity in the Prediction of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms. Behav Ther 2022; 53:686-700. [PMID: 35697431 PMCID: PMC9193982 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is the tendency to respond negatively toward uncertain situations. IU consists of a Prospective factor (desire for predictability) and an Inhibitory factor (uncertainty paralysis) and is central to theoretical approaches to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, time-invariant (TI) and time-varying (TV) components of IU and their association with OCD symptoms are not yet understood. The present study examined the association between TI and TV components of IU and OCD symptoms in community adults (N = 1,280) over a 5-month period. Latent variable models were fit to the data to examine the relative impact of TI and TV components of IU on OCD symptoms. As a test of specificity, models examining the association between TI and TV components of IU and depressive symptoms were also examined. The results showed that IU consists of significant TI and TV components, although the TI component accounted for most of the variance (76-84%) and was more strongly associated with OCD and depressive symptoms than the TV component. Furthermore, the TI component of IU was strongly associated with OCD symptoms when controlling for depressive symptoms, and the TI component of IU was strongly associated with depressive symptoms when controlling for OCD symptoms. A consistent pattern was observed for both Prospective and Inhibitory IU factors, with stable TI components demonstrating stronger relations with OCD and depressive symptoms than TV components. These findings have implications for conceptualizing the TI component of IU as a risk for OCD and other emotional disorders.
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48
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Han L, Bai H, Lun B, Li Y, Wang Y, Ni Q. The Prevalence of Fear of Childbirth and Its Association With Intolerance of Uncertainty and Coping Styles Among Pregnant Chinese Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:935760. [PMID: 35832593 PMCID: PMC9273116 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.935760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fear of childbirth (FOC) is one of the most common psychological symptoms among pregnant women and significantly relates to cesarean section, anxiety, and depression. However, it is not clear the prevalence and risk factors of FOC among Chinese pregnant women since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aims The objective of this study was to examine the associations between coping styles, intolerance of uncertainty, and FOC. Method From December 2021 to April 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in two hospitals in China through convenient sampling. The cross-sectional survey was conducted among 969 pregnant women, which included the Childbirth Attitude Questionnaire (CAQ), Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12 (IUS-12), and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ). Results The total prevalence of FOC was 67.8%. The percentages of women with mild (a score of 28-39), moderate (40-51), and severe FOC (52-64) were 43.6, 20.2, and 4.0%, respectively. The regression results indicated that primiparas, unplanned pregnancy, few spousal support, intolerance of uncertainty, and negative coping styles were significant risk factors of FOC. Women who adopt positive coping strategies experienced a lower level of childbirth fear. Conclusion These findings suggest that cultivating positive coping styles and obtaining sufficient childbirth information may be helpful for mothers' mental health. Regular screening assessment of perinatal psychological symptoms, such as the high level of intolerance of uncertainty and negative coping styles, should be adopted to reduce the risk of fear of childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Bai
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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49
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Papenfuss I, Lommen MJJ, Huisman M, Ostafin BD. Aversive response to uncertainty as a mediator for the effect of a mindfulness intervention on symptoms of anxiety. Int J Psychophysiol 2022; 179:30-42. [PMID: 35753561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND Intolerance of uncertainty plays a central role in anxiety and research suggests that it's an important treatment target. Investigating response to uncertainty using other dimensions than self-report, such as physiological responses, can further the effort to understand the role of uncertainty in anxiety more fully. Mindfulness interventions have become increasingly interesting in their application to anxiety, as they foster acceptance of unpleasant aspects of experience. The aims of the study were to examine whether a mindfulness intervention reduced response to uncertainty and anxiety symptoms, and to examine the associations between intolerance of uncertainty, physiological response to uncertainty, mindfulness and anxiety. METHODS Participants were 117 students who completed a two-week mindfulness or audiobook control intervention. At pre- and post-intervention assessments, measures of anxiety, mindfulness, and intolerance of uncertainty were completed and a threat-of-shock task assessing startle responding to unpredictable shock was administered. RESULTS Findings showed a significant effect of the intervention for social anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, intolerance of uncertainty mediated the effect of the intervention on symptoms for social anxiety and worry. No such effects were found for physiological response to uncertainty. CONCLUSION The study adds to the understanding of the role of response to uncertainty in anxiety as well as to its mechanistic role in the context of mindfulness practice. Implications and possible explanations for the non-significant main effects of the intervention on anxiety symptoms and physiological response to uncertainty are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Papenfuss
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712TS Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - M J J Lommen
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712TS Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - M Huisman
- Department of Sociology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712TS Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - B D Ostafin
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712TS Groningen, the Netherlands.
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50
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Jovanovic T, Wiltshire CN, Reda MH, France J, Wanna CP, Minton ST, Davie W, Grasser LR, Winters S, Schacter H, Marusak HA, Stenson AF. Uncertain in the face of change: Lack of contingency shift awareness during extinction is associated with higher fear-potentiated startle and PTSD symptoms in children. Int J Psychophysiol 2022; 178:90-98. [PMID: 35718286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.06.008] [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: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Intolerance of uncertainty is a transdiagnostic risk factor for fear-related disorders and is associated with higher levels of anxiety in children and adolescents. It is unclear how uncertainty relates to development of psychopathology in children who have experienced trauma in early life. The present study used a fear-potentiated startle paradigm in children to examine associations between uncertainty (assessed as unawareness of a change in reinforcement during fear extinction) and symptoms of anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as startle potentiation to threat and safety cues. Results showed that unaware children had strong positive associations between trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms, whereas aware children did not. Uncertainty interacted with anxiety in that children who were both unaware and had higher anxiety displayed higher fear-potentiated startle to safety cues and did not show discrimination between threat and safety during fear conditioning. These results suggest that anxious children who persist in associating a threat cue with an aversive event during extinction, after repeated presentations of the no longer reinforced conditioned stimulus, may express psychophysiological phenotypes related to PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States.
| | - C N Wiltshire
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - M H Reda
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - J France
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - C P Wanna
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - S T Minton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - W Davie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - L R Grasser
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - S Winters
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - H Schacter
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - H A Marusak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - A F Stenson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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