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Macri JA, Rogge RD. Examining domains of psychological flexibility and inflexibility as treatment mechanisms in acceptance and commitment therapy: A comprehensive systematic and meta-analytic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 110:102432. [PMID: 38615492 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102432] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The current systematic and meta-analytic review sought to integrate a growing number of studies examining dimensions of psychological flexibility as treatment mechanisms for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Analyses of 77 records (67 unique studies; Ntotal = 9123 participants) from comprehensive searches of multiple databases suggested that ACT interventions led to reduced inflexibility (i.e., lowered global inflexibility, lack of present moment awareness, cognitive fusion, experiential avoidance, self-as-content, & inaction) and increased flexibility (i.e., committed action/contact with values, global flexibility/acceptance, & defusion). Those changes remained significant when ACT was compared with waitlist or active treatments and were significantly linked to corresponding drops in psychological distress, supporting their roles as ACT treatment mechanisms. Moderation analyses revealed that the use of student samples, exclusion of clinically symptomatic individuals, and comparisons of ACT with other active treatments weakened these effects whereas offering ACT as an individual therapy and excluding individuals in extreme crisis (i.e., with suicidal ideation) strengthened them. The meta-analytic findings and systematic review suggested specific recommendations for future clinical work and research on ACT mechanisms: (1) Evaluate both psychological flexibility and inflexibility as distinct treatment mechanisms, (2) Evaluate specific dimensions of psychological flexibility/inflexibility as mechanisms with multidimensional scales (CompACT, MPFI), (3) Broaden treatment outcomes to include forms of wellbeing (peace of mind, vitality, connectedness), (4) Assess mechanisms and outcomes repeatedly throughout treatment to model the process of therapeutic change, (5) Investigate non-specific factors (therapeutic alliance, treatment adherence) as mechanisms, and (6) Explore treatment mechanisms in effectiveness studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna A Macri
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, USA
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2
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Sease TB, Sandoz EK, Yoke L, Swets JA, Cox CR. Loneliness and Relationship Well-Being: Investigating the Mediating Roles of Relationship Awareness and Distraction among Romantic Partners. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:439. [PMID: 38920770 PMCID: PMC11200782 DOI: 10.3390/bs14060439] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Loneliness arises when there is a discrepancy between one's desired and actual social connection with others. Studies examining the effects of loneliness in romantic relationships show that people who are lonely are less satisfied and committed to their romantic relationships. The present study explored the association between loneliness and romantic relationship well-being. Using a cross-sectional design, loneliness was correlated with relationship commitment, trust, and conflict. Relationship awareness, but not relationship distraction, statistically mediated the association between loneliness, relationship conflict, and relationship trust. The indirect effect of loneliness on relationship well-being was only present in people reporting low and medium levels of psychological inflexibility. Implications are discussed for acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions for persons in romantic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B. Sease
- Institute of Behavioral Research, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA;
| | - Emily K. Sandoz
- Psychology Department, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA;
| | - Leo Yoke
- San Fransico Center for Compassion Focused Therapies, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA;
| | - Julie A. Swets
- Eastern Washington University at Bellevue College, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA;
| | - Cathy R. Cox
- Institute of Behavioral Research, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA;
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Ong CW, Barthel AL, Hofmann SG. The Relationship Between Psychological Inflexibility and Well-Being in Adults: A Meta-Analysis of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire. Behav Ther 2024; 55:26-41. [PMID: 38216235 PMCID: PMC10787153 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Psychological inflexibility is defined as the rigid responding to stimuli (e.g., unpleasant thoughts and feelings) that interferes with well-being and valued actions. It is the treatment target in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Despite the centrality of the link between inflexibility and well-being to ACT theory, an empirical review clarifying the nature of this relationship has not been conducted. As such, the current meta-analysis examined the meta-correlation between psychological inflexibility, measured by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ) and its variants, and well-being. A systematic review yielded 151 studies, including 25 versions of the AAQ and 43 well-being measures. Consistent with ACT theory, higher psychological inflexibility was associated with worse well-being (r = -.47, 95% CI[-.49, -.45]). In addition, sample diagnosis, type of AAQ, and type of well-being measure significantly moderated this relationship. Overall, our findings support the hypothesized link between psychological inflexibility and worse well-being. Limitations include reliance on cross-sectional data, precluding causal interpretation.
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Vagos P, Mateus V, Silva J, Araújo V, Xavier A, Palmeira L. Mother-infant bonding in the first nine months postpartum: the role of mother's attachment style and psychological flexibility. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37525320 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2023.2242379] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mother's bond to the infant in the postpartum period plays an important role in the subsequent mother-infant relationship and the infant's socio-emotional functioning. Several maternal characteristics, such as attachment style and psychological flexibility, may contribute to the quality of mother-infant bonding, though literature examining these variables is still scarce. The present study aimed to examine the impact of mother's attachment on mother-infant bonding in the first month postpartum and the mediating role of psychological flexibility on that association. METHODS Participants were 226 mothers of an infant up to 9 months old, who reported on their own attachment style (in terms of anxiety, comfort with proximity, trust in others), psychological flexibility (in terms of openness to experience, behavioural awareness, valued action) and mother-infant bonding. RESULTS Results showed that mother's attachment anxiety predicted a bond with the infant directly and indirectly via mother's psychological flexibility, specifically through behavioural awareness and valued action. Trust in others had an impact on mother-infant bonding through behavioural awareness, whereas comfort with proximity influenced mother-infant bond indirectly, via valued action. Finally, mothers' civil status, schooling and number of children were relevant to better understand the variance of our mediating and dependent variables. DISCUSSION Our findings highlight the importance of mother's attachment and psychological flexibility in promoting the quality of mother-infant bonding, which can inform future intervention programmes targeting modifiable factors, such as psychological flexibility, to promote early positive parent-infant relationships, particularly for single, first-time mothers, with higher levels of education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Vagos
- Portucalense Institute for Psychology (I2P), Department of Psychology and Education, Universidade Portucalense, Porto, Portugal
- William James Center for Research, Department of Education and Psychology, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention, (CINEICC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vera Mateus
- Portucalense Institute for Psychology (I2P), Department of Psychology and Education, Universidade Portucalense, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention, (CINEICC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Silva
- Portucalense Institute for Psychology (I2P), Department of Psychology and Education, Universidade Portucalense, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vânia Araújo
- Department of Psychology and Education, Universidade Portucalense, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Xavier
- Portucalense Institute for Psychology (I2P), Department of Psychology and Education, Universidade Portucalense, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention, (CINEICC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lara Palmeira
- Portucalense Institute for Psychology (I2P), Department of Psychology and Education, Universidade Portucalense, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention, (CINEICC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Wilson DS, Madhavan G, Gelfand MJ, Hayes SC, Atkins PWB, Colwell RR. Multilevel cultural evolution: From new theory to practical applications. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2218222120. [PMID: 37036975 PMCID: PMC10120078 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2218222120] [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: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary science has led to many practical applications of genetic evolution but few practical uses of cultural evolution. This is because the entire study of evolution was gene centric for most of the 20th century, relegating the study and application of human cultural change to other disciplines. The formal study of human cultural evolution began in the 1970s and has matured to the point of deriving practical applications. We provide an overview of these developments and examples for the topic areas of complex systems science and engineering, economics and business, mental health and well-being, and global change efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sloan Wilson
- ProSocial World, Austin, TX78738
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY13902
| | - Guru Madhavan
- National Academy of Engineering, Washington, DC20001
| | | | - Steven C. Hayes
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV89557
| | - Paul W. B. Atkins
- ProSocial World, Austin, TX78738
- Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, CanberraACT 0200, Australia
| | - Rita R. Colwell
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, MD20742
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD21205
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Silverman AL, Fua KCH, Teachman BA. More than one way to say I love you: An Internet-based intervention for training flexible thinking in romantic relationships. J Clin Psychol 2023; 79:909-936. [PMID: 36170010 PMCID: PMC10010943 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23443] [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: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study developed and pilot-tested an adaptation of Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) to target two aspects of relational flexibility in couples: the ability to generate alternative perspectives, and the ability to respond nondefensively when alternative partner perspectives are raised within challenging relationship situations (referred to as flexibility in partner perspectives). METHODS CBM-FlexC training materials were developed in Phase 1, and expert users (N = 4) and end-point users (N = 7) provided qualitative feedback. Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of CBM-FlexC were evaluated in Phase 2, using an online sample of distressed couples (N = 18). Using a multiple baseline design, participants completed three baseline assessments, six CBM-FlexC sessions over 2 weeks, and a 1-month follow-up. RESULTS CBM-FlexC training resulted in greater flexibility in partner perspectives, relationship satisfaction, and general psychological flexibility compared to baseline, and improvements were maintained 1-month after training when using mixed-effects models. However, analyses of reliable change (based on graphical inspection and the Reliable Change Index) indicated that most participants did not experience reliable improvement in flexibility in partner perspectives, or relationship satisfaction. CONCLUSION This pilot study provides some positive signals regarding the potential efficacy of CBM-FlexC, while pointing to the need for further development to strengthen its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karl Cheng-Heng Fua
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia,
Charlottesville, VA
- James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
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Cascading effects of partner relationship satisfaction on complete perinatal mental health: An exploratory serial mediation analysis. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04442-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
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Assessing psychological inflexibility in text: An examination of the inflexitext program. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
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Fang S, Ding D, Zhang R, Huang M. Psychological mechanism of acceptance and commitment therapy and rational emotive behavior therapy for treating hoarding: Evidence from randomized controlled trials. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1084467. [PMID: 36844862 PMCID: PMC9950404 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1084467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hoarding is a common problem behavior worldwide and is detrimental to the physical and mental health of individuals and groups. Currently, effective interventions for hoarding are cognitive-behavioral therapies, but their post-intervention efficacy is questionable, and the available research does not examine the mediating variables of the effects of interventions on clinical outcomes. Moreover, current research on hoarding has focused on Western countries. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the efficacy of other forms of cognitive behavioral therapy on hoarding as well as other psychological outcomes related to hoarding and mediating variables that contribute to its effectiveness in different cultural contexts. One hundred thirty-nine college students with higher hoarding behaviors were randomly divided into three groups: 45 in the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group, 47 in the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) group, and 47 in the control group. They completed the Saving Inventory-Revised (SI-R), Obsessive-Compulsive Symptom Scale (OCSS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory-Attachment Anxiety Subscale (ECR), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II (AAQ-II), and Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ) before and immediately after the intervention. The results showed that ACT and REBT improved individuals' psychological flexibility, cognitive fusion, acquisition-difficulty discarding, clutter, negative affect (anxiety, depression, stress), attachment anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and difficulty in emotion regulation compared to the control group. In addition, ACT was more effective than REBT in improving psychological flexibility and reducing hoarding, cognitive fusion, depression, stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorder; there were no significant differences between the two in anxiety and emotion regulation difficulties. Furthermore, psychological flexibility is a mediator of the effect of ACT and REBT on some behavioral and psychological outcomes (hoarding, negative affect, attachment anxiety). Limitations were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghu Fang
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Dongyan Ding
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Ru Zhang
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Mingjie Huang
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
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Psychological flexibility and sociosexual orientation mediate the association between self-perceived attractiveness and mating effort. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04155-y] [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]
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Xu X, Song L, Li X, Li Y. The Impact of Mothers' Perceived Unsupportive Intergenerational Co-Parenting on Children's Social Competence: Evidence from China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:427. [PMID: 36612749 PMCID: PMC9819729 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study examined whether parenting styles mediated the relationship between unsupportive intergenerational co-parenting and children's social competence, and whether the first stage of the mediating process, as well as the direct association between unsupportive intergenerational co-parenting and children's social competence, was moderated by maternal psychological flexibility. The theoretical model was tested using data collected from 412 mothers of children aged 3-6 years at four kindergartens in Shanghai, China. The results showed that: (1) unsupportive intergenerational co-parenting was negatively associated with children's social competence through decreased maternal authoritative parenting and increased authoritarian parenting and (2) the first stage of the mediation mechanism was moderated by maternal psychological flexibility. Specifically, unsupportive intergenerational co-parenting was significantly associated with authoritative and authoritarian parenting for mothers with low and high psychological flexibility, respectively, and the magnitude of the association was higher for mothers with low psychological flexibility. These findings extend the understanding of how and when unsupportive intergenerational co-parenting impacts children's social competence.
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Fang S, Ding D. Which outcome variables are associated with psychological inflexibility/flexibility for chronic pain patients? A three level meta-analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1069748. [PMID: 36562078 PMCID: PMC9767366 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1069748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The psychological flexibility model can be seen as a basis for an integrated and progressive psychological approach to chronic pain management. Some researchers suggest that psychological flexibility and inflexibility represent distinct processes and constructs. This meta-analysis is the first to provide a summary estimate of the overall effect size for the relationship between psychological (in)flexibility and common outcomes among chronic pain patients. The research protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/), registration number CRD42021285705. Four databases were searched (PsycINFO; PubMed; Web of Science, CINAHL) along with reference lists. Thirty-six cross-sectional studies were included (7,779 participants). Meta-analyses (random effects model) indicated a significant medium negative association between psychological flexibility and pain intensity or functional impairment. The present study also indicated a significant small to medium association between psychological inflexibility and pain intensity, a nearly large association between psychological inflexibility and functional impairment as well as the quality of life, and a large association between psychological inflexibility and anxiety/depression. Due to the limited number of included studies, the relationship between risk behavior and psychological inflexibility may not be significant. Types of countries and instruments measuring psychological inflexibility may explain part of the heterogeneity. These findings may carry significant implications for chronic pain patients regarding the potential relationship between psychological inflexibility or flexibility and these outcomes. It may consequently form the basis for more robust testing of causal and manipulable relationships. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42021285705.
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Ren X, Ren X, Yan Z, Lu S, Zhou X. Parental Psychological Flexibility and Children's Behavior Problems in Rural Areas in Northeast China: The Mediation of Children's Emotion Regulation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15788. [PMID: 36497864 PMCID: PMC9740971 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Children's behavior problems are not conducive to their sustainable development. Therefore, it is of great value to explore the mechanism of relevant influencing factors on the behavior problems of rural preschoolers. This study aimed to reveal the direct effect of parental psychological flexibility on children's behavior problems and the mediating effect of children's emotion regulation. Based on simple random sampling, 355 caregivers (male = 31.25 years, SD = 9.78; 74.08% females; 9.01% bachelor degree) were recruited from eight rural kindergartens in three provinces in northeast China. With questionnaires, caregivers reported their parental psychological flexibility and assessed their children's emotion regulation and behavior problems. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical data analysis. The results support our hypotheses, suggesting that parental psychological flexibility, emotional stability, and emotional regulation negatively predicted children's externalizing and internalizing behavior problems. Meanwhile, emotional stability and regulation partially mediated the relationship between parental psychological flexibility and children's externalizing and internalizing behavior problems. These findings provide a new perspective for preventing and intervening in preschoolers' behavior problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Ren
- School of Education, Beihua University, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Xiaoying Ren
- Jinxue Primary School, Yanji 133099, China
- School of Education, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Zhonglian Yan
- Faculty of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Songhan Lu
- School of Education, Beihua University, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhou
- School of Education, Beihua University, Jilin 132013, China
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Daks JS, Peltz JS, Rogge RD. The impact of psychological flexibility on family dynamics amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal perspective. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022; 26:97-113. [PMID: 36105870 PMCID: PMC9461241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Health risks associated with contracting COVID-19, stay-at-home orders, and pandemic-related economic and social hardships created unique challenges for individuals throughout the pandemic, and in particular for families whose daily routines were disrupted at the start of the pandemic. This study applied a contextual behavioral science lens to Family Systems Theory to examine the impact of COVID-19 stressors on family and individual functioning. Methods A sample of 742 coparents (86% married/engaged; 84% Caucasian; 71% female; M = 40.7 years old, SD = 8.1; M income = $82,435, SD income = $27,604) of school-aged children (5-18 years old) completed a baseline survey from late March to late April 2020. Of the initial sample, 556 coparents completed weekly diaries for 8 weeks. Results Mediation models were tested within a multilevel path modeling framework to evaluate both the stable, between-family differences (i.e., at level 2) and the within-family changes from week to week (i.e., at level 1). Across both levels of the model, parent psychological inflexibility was robustly linked to poorer functioning across all levels of the family system, showing direct links to a majority of the processes assessed. The results further supported a top-down spillover cascade in which parent inflexibility was proximally linked to greater COVID-19 related stress and parent depressive symptoms, which were proximally linked to poorer romantic functioning (greater negative conflict, lower satisfaction), which were proximally linked to poorer family functioning (greater coparent discord and family chaos), which were proximally linked to poorer parenting (greater angry/reactive parenting), which was proximally linked to greater child distress. Multi-group models suggested that the results were largely stable across (1) parent race (white vs non-white), (2) family size (1 child vs 2 or more), (3) child age (less than 10 years old vs 10 or older), (4) parent age (under 40 vs. 40 or older), (5) perceived COVID-19 risk, (6) parent gender (mothers vs fathers), (7) household income groups (less than $100k vs $100k or more), and (8) perceived economic stress/uncertainty (low vs high). However, a handful of moderated effects emerged from those multi-group models suggesting that fathers might be slightly more prone to negative spillover effects across the family systems and that wealthier families might have experienced the stress of new demands (e.g., homeschooling, remote working) as more disruptive. Conclusions Results highlight the crucial role parental psychological flexibility and inflexibility play in families managing the stress of COVID-19, as well as key mechanisms for how those stressors may either reverberate or become dampened throughout the family system.
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Kil H, Shukla S, Andrade BF. Mindfulness, Parental Attributions, and Parenting: the Moderating Role of Child Mental Health. Mindfulness (N Y) 2022; 13:1782-1792. [PMID: 35729968 PMCID: PMC9192343 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-01916-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Research interest in mindfulness, the capacity for present-oriented, nonjudgmental attention and awareness, and its relation to parenting has been growing in recent years. However, factors facilitating the association between mindfulness and parenting are not yet well understood. In the present study, we examined whether parents’ biased causal thinking about children’s misbehaviors, i.e., parental attributions, may mediate the link between parents’ dispositional mindfulness and parenting. Given that parents of children with clinically elevated mental health difficulties tend to report more biased parental attributions, we further examined whether the proposed mediation may differ across parents of children with and without clinical diagnoses or referrals for mental health difficulties. Methods Parents (59.8% mothers) of 8- to 12-year-old children with (n = 157) and without (n = 99) clinical diagnoses or referrals for mental health difficulties participated in online surveys assessing their mindfulness, parental attributions, and negative parenting behaviors. Results More mindful parents reported less negative parenting, with the link significantly mediated by less biased parent-directed attributions, but not child-directed attributions. The mediating effect via parent-directed attributions was significantly moderated by the child’s clinical status: the effect was retained only for parents of children with clinical diagnoses or referrals for mental health difficulties. No significant moderation effect emerged for child-directed attributions. Conclusions The results provide initial support for the links among parents’ mindfulness, parental attributions, and parenting. The present findings suggest that parental mindfulness may be important for less biased parental attributions, with implications for parenting behaviors at least in the context of children’s mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hali Kil
- McCain Centre for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Pavilion Marie-Victorin, Montreal, H3C 3J7 Canada
| | - Serena Shukla
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Brendan F Andrade
- McCain Centre for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Canada
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O'Boyle-Finnegan Ú, Graham CD, Doherty N, Adair P. Exploring the contribution of psychological flexibility processes and self-compassion to depression, anxiety and adjustment in parents of preterm infants. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Gecer E, Tongar HK, Sogutlu L, Korez MK, Yildirim M, Akgul O, Akgul E, Baysal K. Examining the Impact of Turkish Couples’ Intimacy Levels in Romantic Relationship on Children’s Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic. ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/11875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Ding D, Zheng M. Associations Between Six Core Processes of Psychological Flexibility and Functioning for Chronic Pain Patients: A Three-Level Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:893150. [PMID: 35898622 PMCID: PMC9309299 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.893150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The previous research showed contradictions in the relationships between psychological flexibility processes and functioning. This meta-analysis is the first to provide a comprehensive meta-analysis of the associations between six core processes of psychological flexibility and functioning among chronic pain patients. Four databases were searched (PsycINFO; PubMed; CINAHL; Web of Science) along with reference lists. Thirty-six cross-sectional studies were included (7,812 chronic pain patients). A three-level meta-analytic model was used to examine the associations. The publication bias was assessed with the Egger test, funnel plot, and p-curve analysis. Significant associations were found between functioning and six processes of psychological flexibility (i.e., acceptance, defusion, present moment, committed action, self as context, and values). Except for the relationship between defusion and functioning, the relationships between the other five psychological flexibility processes and functioning were all moderated by domains of functioning. No moderators were found regarding age, percentage of females, country, or type of instrument used to measure functioning. These findings may carry significant implications for chronic pain patients and clinical workers. It might be more effective to focus on functioning-related psychological flexibility processes rather than all therapy packages if the relationships between functioning and specific processes of psychological flexibility were better informed. Limitations were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyan Ding
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Mengna Zheng
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
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19
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Nobre P, Rosa PJ, Vasconcelos P, Tavares I, Carvalho J, Quinta-Gomes A, Moura C, Carrito M. Sexual Health and the Pandemic Crisis: Testing the Role of Psychological Vulnerability/Protective Factors on Sexual Functioning and Sexual Distress During a Critical Life Period in Portugal. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:169-181. [PMID: 35028806 PMCID: PMC8757627 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02209-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Recent findings suggest that the current COVID-19 pandemic has a potential negative impact in several areas of life, including sexual health. However, less is known about the psychological dimensions that may work as vulnerability/protective factors for the development of sexual problems in the current pandemic. The current study used a longitudinal design to examine the role played by personality trait factors (neuroticism, extraversion) as well as psychosexual factors (sexual beliefs) in predicting sexual functioning and sexual distress across time during the current pandemic crisis. A total of 528 individuals (337 women) completed a web survey assessing sexual health indicators and psychological factors. The first wave was conducted during the confinement period in Portugal (N = 528) between May and June 2020 and the second four months later (N = 146), when strict confinement rules were over. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to examine the ability of psychological factors to predict sexual functioning and distress across time, while controlling for age and gender. Results indicated that sexual distress at time point 2 was lower than during confinement, and men had lower levels of sexual functioning post-confinement while no significant difference was observed for women. Moreover, higher levels of neuroticism and age-related beliefs significantly predicted lower sexual functioning as well as higher sexual distress, whereas lower levels of extraversion predicted lower sexual functioning after controlling for age and gender effects. Findings support the role of psychological vulnerability factors to predict sexual problems across time and may have important implications in the prevention and treatment of sexual dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Nobre
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Pedro J Rosa
- Lusófona University, Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, Lisbon, Portugal
- ISMAT, Transdisciplinary Research Center (ISHIP), Portimão, Portugal
| | - Priscila Vasconcelos
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Tavares
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Carvalho
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Quinta-Gomes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Moura
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Carrito
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
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Akbari M, Disabato D, Seydavi M, Zamani E. The Persian Personalized Psychological Flexibility Index (P-PPFI): Psychometric properties in a general population sample of Iranians. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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21
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Rakos RF, Switzer K. Culturo-Behavior Science: Now is the Time to Focus on U.S. Immigration Policy. BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL ISSUES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42822-021-00062-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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Rosales-Villacrés MDL, Oyanadel C, Changotasig-Loja D, Peñate-Castro W. Effects of a Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Program on Intimate Relationships in a Youth Sample: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:84. [PMID: 34207538 PMCID: PMC8227934 DOI: 10.3390/bs11060084] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Intimate relationship conflicts in young people are crucial experiences for change. They can lead to more or less satisfactory relationships, depending on individuals' skills to cope with these conflicts. This may or may not lead to violence in couples. Acceptance and self-regulation processes are an effective strategy to address individual factors such as avoidance and anxiety in intimate relationships of people in these age groups, thus preventing violence. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an eight-session mindfulness and acceptance-based program (MAP). Participants (n = 40), who were aged from 18 to 25 years old, were randomly assigned to a group receiving the MAP or an active control group. Outcome measures were anxiety about abandonment, intimacy avoidance (Experiences in Close Relationships scale), well-being (Psychological Well-being Scale), dispositional mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire) and flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II). Measures were taken at pre-intervention, post-intervention and follow-up. Results showed that the MAP decreased anxiety (p = 0.025) and avoidance (p = 0.01) and increased mindfulness (p < 0.001) and flexibility (p = 0.001). In general, these improvements persisted at follow-up. Results are discussed in relation to the usefulness of mindfulness-acceptance strategies to cope with non-pathological intimate relationship conflicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- María de Lourdes Rosales-Villacrés
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile; (M.d.L.R.-V.); (C.O.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Psicológicas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170129, Ecuador;
| | - Cristián Oyanadel
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile; (M.d.L.R.-V.); (C.O.)
| | - Diana Changotasig-Loja
- Facultad de Ciencias Psicológicas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170129, Ecuador;
| | - Wenceslao Peñate-Castro
- Departamento Psicología Clínica, Psicobiología y Metodología, Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de La Laguna, Campus de Guajara, 38200 La Laguna, Spain
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