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Hörberg N, Kouros I, Ekselius L, Ramklint M. Beyond Symptoms - A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring Functioning in Psychiatric Outpatients. Psychiatry 2024:1-19. [PMID: 39258895 DOI: 10.1080/00332747.2024.2395754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore factors influencing functioning in psychiatric outpatients, both separately and in combination. The primary objectives were to determine predictors of functioning, assess their significance in a combined analysis, and quantify their collective predictive power. METHOD A sample of 137 psychiatric outpatients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) participated in this cross-sectional study, undergoing semi-structured diagnostic interviews for psychiatric and personality disorders. Participants also completed assessments of current functioning, personality traits (temperament and character), attachment style, and childhood trauma. Linear regression models were employed to analyse the relationships between these factors and level of functioning. RESULTS The majority of temperament and character traits and attachment dimensions, as well as having a personality disorder, predicted impaired functioning, but comorbidity and childhood trauma did not. When all variables were taken into account in a multiple regression analysis, only the temperament and character traits Harm Avoidance and Self-directedness remained significantly predictive (p = .006 and .003, respectively). These two factors explain about one-third of the variance. CONCLUSIONS Personality traits-more specifically, the temperament trait Harm Avoidance and the character trait Self-directedness-are strong predictors of functioning among psychiatric outpatients. Interestingly, when accounting for these factors, traditionally associated variables, such as attachment, comorbidity, and childhood trauma, lost their significance as predictors. These findings underscore the pivotal role of specific personality traits in understanding and predicting the functioning of psychiatric patients.
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Khalaf T, El Khoury-Malhame M, Soria Royuela RI, Sanchez-Ruiz MJ. Time perspective and attachment predict perceived stress in Lebanese undergraduates: The mediating role of trait emotional intelligence. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 249:104471. [PMID: 39191177 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104471] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lebanese university students experience high levels of stress, which are linked to poor academic and health outcomes. Therefore, understanding the psychological predictors of this stress is crucial. The present study examines the roles of emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal factors in predicting perceived stress, namely trait emotional intelligence (trait EI), time perspective, and attachment. METHODS The sample included 283 Lebanese undergraduate university students aged 18 to 33 years (M = 19.89, SD = 1.87). The main variables were assessed using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire - Short Form, The Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, The Revised Adult Attachment Scale - Close Relationships Version, and the Perceived Stress Scale. RESULTS Path analysis showed that trait EI mediated the relationship between time perspective and attachment (predictors) and perceived stress (outcome). In particular, the Past Positive and Future time perspectives positively predicted trait EI, while insecure attachment negatively predicted it. In turn, higher trait EI predicted lower perceived stress. CONCLUSION The findings help inform theory and application, suggesting that managing stress and mitigating its impact on well-being can be achieved through interventions targeting time perspective, attachment, and trait EI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Khalaf
- Department of Psychology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Developmental Psychology Unit, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Education, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Myriam El Khoury-Malhame
- Psychology Program, Department of Social and Education Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Ramon Iker Soria Royuela
- Science, Technology and Society Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maria Jose Sanchez-Ruiz
- Psychology Program, Department of Social and Education Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon; Developmental Psychology Unit, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Education, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
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Egmose I, Steenhoff T, Tharner A, Væver MS. Parental reflective functioning in mothers and fathers of preschoolers: Associations with adult attachment and parenting behavior. Scand J Psychol 2024; 65:747-757. [PMID: 38581691 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.13020] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Parental reflective functioning (PRF) is considered a key parental competence. Since most research on PRF has focused on infancy or the first years of life, there is a gap in our understanding of PRF among parents of older children. Therefore, we investigated PRF in mothers and fathers with preschool-aged children, examining associations between PRF, parent's romantic attachment, and observed parenting behavior. The sample comprised 50 mothers, 40 fathers, and their 5-year-old children. PRF was assessed using the parental reflective functioning questionnaire (PRFQ), parental romantic attachment was assessed using the experiences in close relationships scale-revised (ECR-R), and parenting behavior was assessed during a parent-child free-play interaction with the coding interactive behavior (CIB) coding system. Results showed that mothers scored higher on the interest and curiosity scale than fathers, indicating that mothers show a more active interest and curiosity in their child's mental states. Further, higher levels of attachment anxiety in fathers were associated with higher levels of pre-mentalizing modes. In mothers, higher levels of attachment avoidance were associated with lower levels of interest and curiosity. Finally, and unexpectedly, higher levels of interest and curiosity in mothers were associated with less sensitivity during free play. In summary, the study found meaningful associations between mothers' and fathers' romantic attachment and their PRF indicating a spill-over of their attachment strategies into their relationship with their child. Further, the study results suggest that very high levels of interest and curiosity in mothers reflect hypermentalizing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Egmose
- Centre for Early Intervention and Family Studies, Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tine Steenhoff
- Centre for Early Intervention and Family Studies, Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Tharner
- Clinical Child and Family Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mette Skovgaard Væver
- Centre for Early Intervention and Family Studies, Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Zhao W, Qiao C, Liu J, Zhou M, Lan Q, Liang W, Xiao Y, Yang M, Yang Y, Gong P. Genetic Contributions on Attachment in Emerging Adults: Cumulative Effects of Serotonergic Polymorphisms. J Youth Adolesc 2024:10.1007/s10964-024-02054-y. [PMID: 39014157 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-024-02054-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Attachment in emerging adults is closely intertwined with emotion regulation, stress coping, and social bonding during the transition from childhood to early adulthood. Due to the critical roles of serotonin in these mental functions, this research explored whether the cumulative genetic effects of serotonergic polymorphisms are associated with individual differences and contextual variations in attachment dimensions over time in emerging adults. Study 1 utilized a cross-sectional design in college students (N = 1088, mean age = 22.71 ± 2.86 years). The results showed significant correlations between a higher cumulative genetic score and elevated levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance. Study 2 employed a three-wave longitudinal design in a cohort of freshmen (N = 523, mean age = 19.54 ± 1.86 years at wave 1). The results demonstrated that a higher genetic score was associated with both higher levels and greater variability in attachment dimensions compared to a lower genetic score. These findings suggest that the cumulative genetic effects of serotonergic polymorphisms contribute to individual differences and dynamic processes in attachment dimensions in emerging adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Zhao
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Chenjin Qiao
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Jinting Liu
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Mingzhu Zhou
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Qi Lan
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Wenting Liang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Min Yang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Yuting Yang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Pingyuan Gong
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
- College of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
- Institute of Population and Health, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
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Nguyen TM, Nguyen NDT, Vo ATN, Le K, Nguyen AH, Nguyen MCD. The mediation model of social status on the link between parental attachment, aggressive behavior, and psychological well-being: Evidence from two studies in Vietnamese adolescents and young adults. FAMILY PROCESS 2024. [PMID: 38989665 DOI: 10.1111/famp.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Little is known about how insecure attachment affects aggressive behavior and well-being among Vietnamese youth. Using structural equation modeling, we investigate the mediating role of subjective social status (SSS) on the paths from insecure attachment to overt aggressive behavior (OAB) and psychological well-being (PW) in a sample of 1753 Vietnamese adolescents (Mage = 16.136, SD = 0.784) and test whether the results will be replicated in another sample of 601 Vietnamese young adults (Mage = 19.93, SD = 1.35). Participants complete a survey comprising demographic information, attachment styles, SSS, OAB, and PW questionnaires. Our main findings include: (a) anxious attachment positively related to OAB in both samples, (b) anxious attachment was only negatively associated with adolescents' PW, (c) avoidant attachment was positively correlated to OAB in adolescents but negatively correlated in young adults, and (d) avoidant attachment was negatively related to PW in both samples. In addition, (e) in adolescents, the mediation role of SSS was significant in all paths, but (f) SSS only mediated the link from avoidant attachment to PW of young adults. The present study suggests that aggressive behavior might not be associated with social status or attachment in the same way in adolescents compared to young adult Vietnamese samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anh-Tram Ngoc Vo
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology and Special Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Khoi Le
- Department of Marriage and Family Therapy, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - An-Hong Nguyen
- Department of Psychology, Hoa Sen University, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
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Prinsen J, Alaerts K. In the eye of the beholder: Social traits predict motor simulation during naturalistic action perception. Neuropsychologia 2024; 199:108889. [PMID: 38670526 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108889] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Previous research has robustly demonstrated that eye contact between actor and observer promotes the simulation of perceived actions into the observer's own motor system, which in turn facilitates social perception and communication. The socially relevant connotation embedded in eye contact may however be different for individuals with differing social traits. Here, we examined how "normal" (i.e. non-clinical) variability in self-reported social responsiveness/autistic traits, social anxiety and interpersonal relationship style (secure, avoidant or anxious attachment) influences neural motor simulation during action observation in different gaze conditions. To do so, we analyzed an existing dataset involving 124 adult participants (age range: 18-35 years) who underwent transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) while observing an actor performing simple hand actions and simultaneously engaging in eye contact or gazing away from the observer. Motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes were adopted as an index of motor resonance. Regression-based analyses highlighted the role of social responsiveness and secure attachment in shaping motor resonance, indicating that socially responsive motor resonance during dyadic gaze (i.e., MEPdirect > MEPaverted) was only observed in participants displaying high levels of these traits. Furthermore, a clustering analysis identified two to three distinct subgroups of participants with unique social trait profiles, showing a clear differentiation in motor resonant patterns upon different gaze cues that is in accordance with a recent neurobiological framework of attachment. Together, results demonstrate that motor resonance within a given social interaction may serve as a sensitive tracker of socio-interactive engagement, which allows to capture subclinical inter-individual variation in relevant social traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jellina Prinsen
- Neurorehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Kaat Alaerts
- Neurorehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Egozi S, Shalev O, Svorai L, Touch R, Snir S. The Couples' Closeness-Distance Scale- Observation through joint-drawing: A pilot dyadic validation study. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2024; 50:567-588. [PMID: 38567695 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the Couples' Closeness-Distance Scale (CCDS), an observational assessment reflecting couples' relational dynamics; based on joint-drawing, it offers measurable dimensions. Forty cohabiting Israeli couples participated in the joint-drawing task and answered self-report questionnaires for attachment, differentiation of self, and relationship satisfaction. The paintings were assessed by trained observers on the CCDS scales (too distant, too close, autonomy, engagement) for both the women's and men's experiences. A two-level-dyadic model showed that differentiation and relationship satisfaction predicted the CCDS and revealed a "pursue-withdraw cycle": Women sensed the men as too distant, while men sensed the women as too close. Participants' sense of discomfort from their partners' distance related to less autonomy and engagement during the painting, with a greater effect on the women. The pilot implies that the CCDS enables observing dyadic-systemic aspects of couple dynamics and may enrich clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Egozi
- Research Center for Innovation in Social Work (RCISW), Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Or Shalev
- The School of Creative Arts Therapies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Lotem Svorai
- Art Therapy MA Program, Tel Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Ruth Touch
- Art Therapy MA Program, Tel Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Sharon Snir
- Art Therapy MA Program, Israel and The Interdisciplinary Research Center for Arts and Spirituality: Therapy, Education and Society, Tel Hai College, University of Haifa, Israel
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El-Ashry AM, Abd El Fatah NK, Abdelhamid EA. Harmony found: Serenity's crucial role in alleviating death anxiety through attachment styles among community-dwelling older adults. Geriatr Nurs 2024; 58:247-254. [PMID: 38843753 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.05.035] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Explore the mediating effect of serenity in the relationships between attachment styles and death anxiety among older adults DESIGN: A descriptive correlational research design following Strengthening Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. METHODS Data were collected from 250 older adults attending three clubs. TOOLS Arabic Scale of Death Anxiety, Brief Serenity Scale, and Revised Adult Attachment Scale were used to collect data. RESULTS Most participants exhibited high levels of serenity, with varying degrees of attachment styles and death anxiety. Correlation analysis indicates significant negative associations between death anxiety and serenity, as well as attachment styles. Secure attachment styles were positively correlated with serenity and negatively with death anxiety. Path analysis revealed that serenity partially mediated the relationship between attachment styles and death anxiety. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Fostering secure attachments and promoting serenity to mitigate death anxiety in older adults, enhancing later-life psychological well-being through informed interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Mohamed El-Ashry
- Lecturer of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt.
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9
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Békés V, Spina DS, Aafjes-van Doorn K, Gorman BS, Stukenberg K, Waldron S. Development of a new observer-rated measure to assess the real relationship in psychotherapy sessions. Psychother Res 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38943680 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2024.2360459] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Real relationship (RR) refers to a genuine human relationship between client and therapist, that has been found to be positively related to treatment outcome, and to predict unique variance in outcome over and above the working alliance. However, thus far, the measurement of RR has been limited to self-report. We aimed to develop an observer-rated version of the RR measure (RR-O) to assess RR in therapy sessions. METHODS We adapted items from the self-report measures to an observer rated measure, which was reviewed by RR experts. The final 24-item RR-O was rated in 540 session transcripts from 27 psychoanalytic treatments that already had existing process and outcome scores. RESULTS The RR-O showed good internal consistency and good interrater reliability. In hierarchical EFA, items clustered into a general RR factor, and client realism, client genuineness, therapist genuineness, and therapist realism group factors. In addition, the RR-O was positively related to another RR measure and to the therapeutic alliance. CONCLUSION The RR-O shows initial reliability and validity as an observer-rated measure of the RR to be used in post-hoc psychotherapy research. Future research should clarify the relation between RR-O and treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Békés
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel S Spina
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Katie Aafjes-van Doorn
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA
- Psychoanalytic Research Consortium, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bernard S Gorman
- Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, New York, NY, USA
- Psychoanalytic Research Consortium, New York, NY, USA
- Derner Institute, Adelphi University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karl Stukenberg
- Psychoanalytic Research Consortium, New York, NY, USA
- School of Psychology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Carbone GA, Michel CM, Farina B, Adenzato M, Ardito RB, Imperatori C, Artoni F. Altered EEG Patterns in Individuals with Disorganized Attachment: An EEG Microstates Study. Brain Topogr 2024; 37:420-431. [PMID: 38416284 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-024-01038-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Over the past years, different studies provided preliminary evidence that Disorganized Attachment (DA) may have dysregulatory and disintegrative effects on both autonomic arousal regulation and brain connectivity. However, despite the clinical relevance of this construct, few studies have investigated the specific alterations underlying DA using electroencephalography (EEG). Thus, the main aim of the current study was to investigate EEG microstate parameters of DA in a non-clinical sample (N = 50) before (pre) and after (post) the administration of the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). Two EEG eyes-closed Resting State (RS) recordings were performed before and after the AAI, which was used for classifying the participants [i.e., Disorganized/Unresolved (D/U) or Organized/Resolved (O/R) individuals] and to trigger the attachment system. Microstates parameters (i.e., Mean Duration, Time Coverage and Occurrence) were extracted from each recording using Cartool software. EEG microstates clustering analysis revealed 6 different maps (labeled A, B, C, D, E, F) in both groups (i.e., D/U and O/R individuals) and in both conditions (i.e., pre-AAI and post-AAI). In the pre-AAI condition, compared to O/R individuals, D/U participants showed a shorter Mean Duration and Time Coverage of Map F; in the post-AAI condition, a significant reduction in the Mean Duration of Map E was also observed in D/U individuals. Finally, in the "within" statistical analysis (i.e., pre-AAI vs. post-AAI), only the D/U group exhibited a significant increase in Time Coverage of Map F after the AAI. Since these maps are associated with brain networks involved in emotional information processing and mentalization (i.e., Salience Network and Default Mode Network), our result might reflect the deficit in the ability to mentalize caregiver's interaction as well as the increased sensitivity to attachment-related stimuli typically observed in individuals with a D/U state of mind.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christoph M Michel
- Functional Brain Mapping Laboratory, Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for Biomedical Imaging (CIBM), Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Adenzato
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Rita B Ardito
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Fiorenzo Artoni
- Functional Brain Mapping Laboratory, Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
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Li D, Coker B, Rowe AC. Validation of a new assessment of hostile attribution bias in romantic relationships: The Hostile Attributions in Romantic Relationships Test. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2024; 50:328-347. [PMID: 38361214 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
While hostile attributional bias (a tendency to interpret others' behaviors as intentionally hostile) is associated with negative outcomes in romantic relationships, no measure has been developed specifically for this context. Here, we describe the development and validation of a self-report questionnaire across three studies, named Hostile Attribution in Romantic Relationships Test. Study 1 introduces the development and preliminary validation (N = 152). Study 2 tests the validity and test-retest stability of the modified version revised based on findings in Study 1 (N = 151). Study 3 reports the translation and validation of a Chinese version (N = 630). The final 9-vignette scale is the first to specifically measure hostile attribution bias in romantic relationships, with good internal reliability, test-retest stability, and convergent validity. Factor analysis reveals a three-factor structure reflecting direct hostile attribution, indirect hostile attribution, and benign attribution to partners' behaviors. Implications regarding couple dynamics and clinical therapeutic interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Li
- School of Psychological Science, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Angela C Rowe
- School of Psychological Science, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Melero R, Cantero MJ. Validation of the Adult Attachment Questionnaire-Revised (CAA-r). SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND MENTAL HEALTH 2024; 17:81-87. [PMID: 38720186 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The Adult Attachment Questionnaire-Revised and its psychometric properties are presented for dimensional and categorical evaluation of adult attachment style. Eight items were added to the original questionnaire (CAA; Melero and Cantero, 2008) that expanded avoidance dimension assessment and sensitivity evaluation. The exploratory factor analysis EFA led to 35 items grouped in 4 affective dimensions. (1) Anxiety: Need for approval, negative self-esteem, fear for rejection/abandonment and relationship anxiety; (2) Socioemotional competence: Emotional openness, sensitivity, and confidence; (3) Avoidance: Self-reliance and emotional discomfort with intimacy, and (4) Anger: Resentment, anger and intransigence. The cluster analysis confirmed the categorization of the 4 styles of attachment described by Bartholomew (Bartholomew and Horowitz, 1991). The questionnaire showed satisfactory levels of reliability and validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remedios Melero
- Conselleria de Justicia, Interior y Administración Pública, Generalitat Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - María José Cantero
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
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Vacaru SV, van Schaik JE, Spiess L, Hunnius S. No evidence for modulation of facial mimicry by attachment tendencies in adulthood: an EMG investigation. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 164:12-26. [PMID: 34590534 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2021.1973946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Mimicking another individual functions as a social glue: it smoothens the interaction and fosters affiliation. Here, we investigated whether the intrinsic motivation to affiliate with others, stemming from attachment relationships, modulates individuals' engagement in facial mimicry (FM). Participants (N = 100; MAge = 24.54 years, SDAge = 3.90 years) observed faces with happy, sad, and neutral expressions, while their facial muscle activity was recorded with electromyography. Attachment was measured with the Attachment Styles Questionnaire, which provides a multidimensional profile for preoccupied and dismissing styles. It was proposed that the preoccupied and dismissing styles are characterized by high and low intrinsic affiliation motivation, respectively, and these were hypothesized to manifest in enhanced and diminished FM. Participants showed happy and sad FM, yet attachment styles did not significantly predict FM. Bayes Factor analyses lend evidence favoring the null hypothesis, suggesting that adult attachment do not contribute to FM.
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Maciel MR, Calsavara VF, Zylberstajn C, Mello MF, Coimbra BM, Mello AF. Changes in attachment dimensions during the treatment of acute post-traumatic stress disorder in sexually assaulted Brazilian women. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1325622. [PMID: 38130963 PMCID: PMC10734689 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1325622] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Attachment patterns are established during early childhood; however, extreme experiences throughout life may change this structure, either toward attachment security or insecurity. We analyzed changes in attachment dimensions in women with acute post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following sexual assault, that were randomized to a 14-week treatment with either the medication sertraline or Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Methods Seventy-four adult women who presented significant reduction in PTSD symptoms across the trial responded to the Revised Adult Attachment Scale at baseline, on week 8 of treatment, and at the end of the trial, on week 14. We fitted a generalized linear model to explain the attachment anxiety and avoidance scores at baseline. A generalized linear mixed model investigated how attachment dimensions changed over time. Socioeconomic data, treatment type, history of childhood trauma, and PTSD severity over the 14-week period were the considered covariates. Results At baseline, attachment anxiety was associated with a history of early trauma. Attachment anxiety remained stable during the follow-up. Attachment avoidance, on the other hand, significantly increased from baseline to week 14. Higher avoidance was observed in patients with higher total PTSD scores and on the cluster of hyperarousal symptoms. Races other than White (black, mixed-race, or Asian) and younger age were associated with higher attachment avoidance. Discussion Contrary to our expectations, attachment avoidance increased during follow-up, indicating changes in the interpersonal realm beyond the symptoms of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Rangel Maciel
- Program for Research and Care on Violence and PTSD (PROVE), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Cecilia Zylberstajn
- Program for Research and Care on Violence and PTSD (PROVE), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Feijo Mello
- Program for Research and Care on Violence and PTSD (PROVE), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Messina Coimbra
- Program for Research and Care on Violence and PTSD (PROVE), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute and Amsterdam Neuroscience Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Department of Methodology and Statistics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Andrea Feijo Mello
- Program for Research and Care on Violence and PTSD (PROVE), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Karveli S, Galanis P, Mitropoulou EM, Karademas E, Markopoulos C. The Role of Attachment Styles on Quality of Life and Distress Among Early-Stage Female Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2023; 30:724-739. [PMID: 36773123 PMCID: PMC10560157 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-023-09940-w] [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: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer patients' quality of life (QoL) and distress are affected by dispositional factors such as attachment anxiety or avoidance. In this review, we aimed to provide a thorough overview of the relationship between attachment dimensions and QoL and distress among early-stage breast cancer patients. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search using PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cinahl, Google Scholar, and PMC Europe. We reviewed 8 eligible studies describing 1180 patients. Insecure attachment appeared to be related to poorer QoL and higher distress levels. Avoidant attachment was more frequent and was more often associated with more negative outcomes. Healthcare providers should consider investigating modifiable personality traits in the immediate post diagnosis period to identify patients more vulnerable to mental health problems, deliver personalized care, and reduce emotional burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridoula Karveli
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str, 11527, Athens, Greece.
| | - Petros Galanis
- Clinical Epidemiology Laboratory, Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Evangelos Karademas
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Rethymnon, Greece
| | - Christos Markopoulos
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str, 11527, Athens, Greece
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16
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Li D, Carnelley KB, Rowe AC. Insecure Attachment Orientation in Adults and Children and Negative Attribution Bias: A Meta-Analysis. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2023; 49:1679-1694. [PMID: 36062321 DOI: 10.1177/01461672221117690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This is the first meta-analysis to synthesize the literature on insecure attachment and negative attribution bias (NAB) from both developmental and social/personality attachment traditions. This meta-analysis is important because extant studies report inconsistent associations, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the nature of these associations. Based on 41 samples (N = 8,727) from 32 articles, we specify and compare the effect sizes of these associations across studies. Results confirmed positive associations between NAB and anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions and an insecure composite, with a medium effect size. Correlations were moderated by age group, type of attachment measurement, and cultural background. Our findings advance knowledge and build on attachment and attribution theories, reconcile mixed findings, and inform the development of NAB interventions. Important gaps in the literature are revealed that will inspire future research.
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Gomez-Zaragoza L, Marin-Morales J, Vargas EP, Giglioli IAC, Raya MA. An Online Attachment Style Recognition System Based on Voice and Machine Learning. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2023; 27:5576-5587. [PMID: 37566508 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2023.3304369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Attachment styles are known to have significant associations with mental and physical health. Specifically, insecure attachment leads individuals to higher risk of suffering from mental disorders and chronic diseases. The aim of this study is to develop an attachment recognition model that can distinguish between secure and insecure attachment styles from voice recordings, exploring the importance of acoustic features while also evaluating gender differences. A total of 199 participants recorded their responses to four open questions intended to trigger their attachment system using a web-based interrogation system. The recordings were processed to obtain the standard acoustic feature set eGeMAPS, and recursive feature elimination was applied to select the relevant features. Different supervised machine learning models were trained to recognize attachment styles using both gender-dependent and gender-independent approaches. The gender-independent model achieved a test accuracy of 58.88%, whereas the gender-dependent models obtained 63.88% and 83.63% test accuracy for women and men respectively, indicating a strong influence of gender on attachment style recognition and the need to consider them separately in further studies. These results also demonstrate the potential of acoustic properties for remote assessment of attachment style, enabling fast and objective identification of this health risk factor, and thus supporting the implementation of large-scale mobile screening systems.
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18
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Biggio M, Escelsior A, Murri MB, Trabucco A, Delfante F, da Silva BP, Bisio A, Serafini G, Bove M, Amore M. "Surrounded, detached": the relationship between defensive peripersonal space and personality. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1244364. [PMID: 37900289 PMCID: PMC10603239 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1244364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Personality shapes the cognitive, affective, and behavioral interactions between individuals and the environment. Defensive peripersonal space (DPPS) is the projected interface between the body and the world with a protective function for the body. Previous studies suggest that DPPS displays inter-individual variability that is associated with psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety. However, DPPS may share a link with personality traits. Methods Fifty-five healthy participants were assessed with the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5)-Adult to evaluate personality dimensions. Subjects underwent the Hand Blink Reflex (HBR) task that estimates the DPPS limits by assessing the modulation of blink intensity in response to the median nerve stimulation. Data of the HBR was analyzed with Bayesian multilevel models, while the relationship between DPPS and personality traits was explored using network analysis. Results HBR was best modeled using a piecewise linear regression model, with two distinct slope parameters for electromyographic data. Network analyzes showed a positive correlation between the proximal slope and detachment personality trait, suggesting that individuals with higher scores in the detachment trait had an increased modulation of HBR, resulting in a larger extension of the DPPS. Discussion Features of the detachment personality trait include avoidance of interpersonal experiences, restricted affectivity, and suspiciousness, which affect interpersonal functioning. We suggest that DPPS may represent a characteristic feature of maladaptive personality traits, thus constitute a biomarker or a target for rehabilitative interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Biggio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology and Centro Polifunzionale di Scienze Motorie, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Escelsior
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Martino Belvederi Murri
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alice Trabucco
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Beatriz Pereira da Silva
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ambra Bisio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology and Centro Polifunzionale di Scienze Motorie, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Bove
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology and Centro Polifunzionale di Scienze Motorie, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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19
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Perkins NH, Lees ER. Physical and Emotional Sibling Violence in Childhood and Attachment in Close Relationships in Adulthood. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:11186-11219. [PMID: 37381789 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231179723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Despite the consequences of physical and emotional sibling violence, which can last into adulthood, research examining this form of family violence is minimal compared to child abuse, interpartner violence, and elder abuse. One area that has received scarce attention is the connection between physical and emotional sibling violence and attachment in close relationships in adulthood. This research study examines the association between physical and emotional sibling violence and adulthood attachment in a sample of 2,458 individuals who completed a survey on the sub-Reddit platform "/r/SampleSize: Where your opinions actually matter!" Participants completed items on demographics, frequency of physical and emotional behaviors experienced with a sibling in childhood, and adult attachment. Results found physical and emotional sibling violence in childhood to be associated with attachment in close relationships in adulthood. Frequency of physical and emotional sibling violence in childhood was also associated with comfortability with intimacy and closeness, comfortability of depending and relying on others, and concerns of abandonment and rejection by others in adulthood. The findings underscore the need to not only include physical and emotional sibling violence in future research on attachment but also to examine the connection between these phenomena in diverse samples (ethnicity, sexual orientation). Also highlighted is the need for practitioners to assess sibling relationships when working with children, families, and adults experiencing attachment issues throughout the life course.
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20
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Dinzinger A, Ismair S, Brisch KH, Sperl W, Deneault AA, Nolte T, Hitzl W, Priewasser B. Mentalizing in first-time fathers: reflective functioning as a mediator between attachment representation and sensitivity. Attach Hum Dev 2023; 25:544-565. [PMID: 37815537 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2023.2258354] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Sensitivity in parent-child interaction is essential for child development. Since fathers are increasingly involved in childrearing, identifying factors leading to paternal sensitivity is crucial. We examined the relation between attachment representation and reflective functioning (RF) as factors influencing paternal sensitivity in a longitudinal study including N = 40 first-time fathers (Mage = 33) and their 6-month-old children. We used the Adult Attachment Interview during pregnancy to assess paternal attachment representation and general RF, the Parental Development Interview to assess fathers' parental RF, and the Emotional Availability Scale to measure sensitivity at child's age of 6 month. Data show that secure paternal attachment representation, high general and parental RF are associated with higher levels of paternal sensitivity. Further, parental RF mediates the association between attachment representation and paternal sensitivity. These findings contribute to the identification of a causal interplay in that they suggest an explanatory effect of RF on the association between fathers' attachment representation, and sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Dinzinger
- Institute for Early Life Care, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Selina Ismair
- Institute for Early Life Care, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Karl Heinz Brisch
- Institute for Early Life Care, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfang Sperl
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Tobias Nolte
- Research Department for Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - Wolfgang Hitzl
- Research and Innovation Management, Biostatistics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Beate Priewasser
- Institute for Early Life Care, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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21
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Delgado-Sanchez A, Brown C, Sivan M, Talmi D, Charalambous C, Jones AKP. Are We Any Closer to Understanding How Chronic Pain Develops? A Systematic Search and Critical Narrative Review of Existing Chronic Pain Vulnerability Models. J Pain Res 2023; 16:3145-3166. [PMID: 37727681 PMCID: PMC10506671 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s411628] [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] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying biopsychosocial factors underlying chronic pain vulnerability is essential for the design of preventative efforts. Multiple chronic pain vulnerability models exist, however, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluation of these models in the literature, potentially due to the lack of guidelines that specify the criteria by which these types of work should be assessed. In this work, we created evaluation criteria (based on the general goals of conceptual models), and we then used them to critically review the chronic pain vulnerability models available in the current peer-reviewed literature (identified through a systematic search). Particularly, we evaluated the models on the basis of conceptual clarity/specificity of measures, depth of description of aetiological and mechanistic factors, use of a whole system approach, and quality of the evidence associated with the models. We found nine conceptual models that have been explored in detail (eg, fear avoidance model, diathesis-stress model). These models excel at clarity and are supported mostly by self-report evidence of a psychological nature (anxiety sensitivity, pain catastrophizing, etc.), but provide little explanation of mechanistic and aetiological factors. In the future, models could be improved by complementing them with proposals from other models and exploring potential causal factors and mechanisms maintaining the condition. This task could be carried out through prospective cohort studies, and computational approaches, amongst others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Delgado-Sanchez
- Division of Human Communication, Development, and Hearing, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Christopher Brown
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Manoj Sivan
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Deborah Talmi
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Anthony K P Jones
- Division of Human Communication, Development, and Hearing, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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22
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Staines L, Healy C, Kelleher I, Cotter D, Burns A, Cannon M. The association between transient childhood psychotic experiences and psychosocial outcomes in young adulthood: Examining the role of mental disorders and adult attachment. Early Interv Psychiatry 2023; 17:901-909. [PMID: 36646439 PMCID: PMC10947326 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13382] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
AIM Evidence suggest individuals with mental disorders and psychotic experiences (PE), even transient PE, show poorer psychosocial outcomes relative to those with mental disorders. The concept of "attachment" is hypothesized as the mechanism by which people seek support in times of need. This can be measured as discrete styles or as positive (low avoidance/anxiety)/negative (high avoidance/anxiety) dimensions. Adult attachment has previously been examined on PE risk factors, but not outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between transient childhood PE and adult psychosocial outcomes, comparing those with and without mental disorders. Second, to examine the role of adult attachment. METHOD Participants (n = 103) attended baseline (age 11-13) and 10-year follow-up. PE and mental disorders were measured using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-aged Children. Attachment and outcomes were measured using self-report measures. Analysis compared those with PE (with/without mental disorders), and mental disorders without PE, to controls, using linear and Poisson regression. RESULTS PE was associated with lower self-esteem (β = -2.28, p = .03), perceived social support from friends (β = -2.80, p = .01), and higher stress in platonic relationships (IRR = 1.64). PE and mental disorders were associated with lower self-esteem (β = -5.74, p = .002), higher stress in romantic (IRR = 1.40) and platonic (IRR = 1.59) relationships, general stress (β = 5.60, p = .006), and mental distress (β = 5.67, p = .001). Mental disorders alone was not associated with any measure. Adult attachment dimensions attenuated some results. CONCLUSIONS This paper illustrates the association between transient PE and adult psychosocial outcomes, with & without co-occurring mental disorders, and demonstrates the role of adult attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna Staines
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Psychiatry, Education and Research CentreBeaumont HospitalDublinIreland
| | - Colm Healy
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Psychiatry, Education and Research CentreBeaumont HospitalDublinIreland
| | - Ian Kelleher
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Psychiatry, Education and Research CentreBeaumont HospitalDublinIreland
- Division of PsychiatryCentre for Clinical Brain SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - David Cotter
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Psychiatry, Education and Research CentreBeaumont HospitalDublinIreland
- Department of PsychiatryBeaumont HospitalDublinIreland
| | - Annette Burns
- Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Well BeingUlster UniversityColeraineUK
| | - Mary Cannon
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Psychiatry, Education and Research CentreBeaumont HospitalDublinIreland
- Department of PsychiatryBeaumont HospitalDublinIreland
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23
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Platts LG, Alm Norbrian A, Frick MA. Attachment in older adults is stably associated with health and quality of life: findings from a 14-year follow-up of the Whitehall II study. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:1832-1842. [PMID: 36420713 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2148157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Secure adult attachment may promote health and well-being in old age, yet is understudied in this life phase. Consequently, we aim to examine associations between adult attachment and mental and physical health and quality of life, both concurrently and longitudinally.Methods: We used three phases of the Whitehall II study (n = 5,222 to 6,713). Adult attachment was measured with the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) at 48-68 years. Mental and physical health was measured concurrently and 14 years later; quality of life was measured five years later. We used linear regressions to examine associations, controlling for age, gender and education.Results: Almost half, 46% of participants, were classified as secure, 13% as preoccupied, 34% as dismissing and 7% as fearful. Adult attachment was associated with mental and physical health, concurrently and 14 years later, and with quality of life five years later. Preoccupied and fearful participants had poorest mental health and quality of life; dismissing participants held an intermediate position. Insecurely attached participants tended to report poorer physical health.Conclusions: Adult attachment has enduring associations with mental and physical health, which suggests that the construct of adult attachment itself is stable in this phase of the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loretta G Platts
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aljosja Alm Norbrian
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Sweden
- Adult Psychiatry, Västmanlands County Hospital, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Matilda A Frick
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Sweden
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden
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24
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Liu Y, Liu X, Zheng M. A correlation study of music training, adult attachment, and personality traits using a large-sample questionnaire. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1218848. [PMID: 37691808 PMCID: PMC10484518 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1218848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Music training can provide benefits to psychological health and is strongly associated with adult attachment style and personality traits through bidirectional interactions. Methods A large sample including 10,191 Chinese musicians and non-musicians completed the Relationship Questionnaire and Big-Five Personality Inventory. Results Connections between music training, adult attachment, and personality were analyzed with the following results: (1) personality traits were correlated with attachment dimensions, with positive correlations between secure attachment and extroversion and between dismissing attachment and neuroticism; (2) music training was connected with the secure and fearful-avoidant attachment dimensions, which complemented the effect of educational level in the preoccupied and dismissing dimensions; (3) music training enhanced extroversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, which interacted to affect extroversion and openness by gender; and (4) music training enhanced the regression of extroversion to preoccupied and secure attachments, and the regression of openness to preoccupied attachment. Discussion Conclusively, music training enhanced the connection between secure attachment and positive personality traits and regulated the correlation between insecure attachment and neuroticism. This analysis provides a large sample of statistical and practical evidence for the clinical practices of mental health and the educational and music training practices of co-cultivating cultural knowledge and artistic quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- School of Music, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Mental Health Institute of Chinese Music, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- School of Music, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Mental Health Institute of Chinese Music, Chongqing, China
| | - Maoping Zheng
- School of Music, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Mental Health Institute of Chinese Music, Chongqing, China
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25
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Ghinassi S, Casale S. The Role of Attachment in Gambling Behaviors and Gambling Disorder: A Systematic Review. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:713-749. [PMID: 36322300 PMCID: PMC10175436 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10163-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, a growing number of attachment-based studies have contributed to the understanding of both substance and behavioral addictions. Although gambling is a form of addictive behavior widespread all over the world, both among young people and adults, the evidence on the association between attachment-related phenomena and gambling has not yet been systematized in literature. The aim of the present study, therefore, is to provide a systematic literature review aimed at summarizing the empirical evidence on this topic. Following the updated 2020 PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search in four electronic scientific databases (Scopus, PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Science) was conducted. After removing duplicates, 146 records were double-screened, with 12 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Additionally, by means of a backward search a further article was selected. Altogether, 13 articles were selected for the present systematic review. With few exceptions, the results underline the significant role played by attachment-related phenomena in gambling behaviors, highlighting that specific attachment contexts have a different influence on gambling, also depending on whether gamblers are youths or adults. In particular, while secure attachment has proven to be a protective factor for the onset of gambling behavior, insecure attachment has emerged to be a vulnerability factor in two ways. On the one hand, it directly favors gambling behaviors; on the other, it affects coping strategies and the individual's ability to identify and regulate emotions, which in turn predict gambling. Limitations, strengths, and implications of the present systematic review are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ghinassi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Casale
- Department of Health Sciences, Psychology Unit, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi, 12, 50135, Florence, Italy.
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26
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Eilert DW, Buchheim A. Attachment-Related Differences in Emotion Regulation in Adults: A Systematic Review on Attachment Representations. Brain Sci 2023; 13:884. [PMID: 37371364 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060884] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of mental disorders connected with affective dysregulation and insecure attachment. Therefore, it is even more important to understand the interplay between an individual's attachment representation and patterns of emotion regulation. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to examine this association. PsycInfo, PsyArticles, and PubMed were searched for studies that examined attachment-related differences in emotion regulation in adults. To examine the unconscious attachment representation, only studies using the Adult Attachment Interview or the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System were included. Thirty-seven peer-reviewed studies (with a total of 2006 subjects) matched the PICO criteria. Emotion regulation was measured via four objective approaches: autonomic nervous system, brain activity, biochemistry, or nonverbal behavior. Across all measurements, results reveal a significant correlation between attachment representation and emotion regulation. Secure attachment correlates consistently with balanced emotion regulation, whereas it is impaired in insecure and dysfunctional in unresolved attachment. Specifically, unresolved individuals display counterintuitive responses and fail to use attachment as a resource. Insecure-dismissing attachment is associated with an emotionally deactivating strategy, while on a physiological, biochemical, and nonverbal level, emotional stress is still present. There is still a lack of studies examining preoccupied individuals. In addition to interpreting the results, we also discuss the risk of bias, implications for psychotherapy and coaching, and an outlook for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk W Eilert
- Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anna Buchheim
- Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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27
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Robin M, Surjous L, Belbèze J, Bonnardel L, Lamas C, Silva J, Peres V, Corcos M. Four attachment-based categories of emotion regulation in adolescent psychic troubles. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1133980. [PMID: 37275718 PMCID: PMC10237043 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1133980] [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: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Emotion regulation is altered in many psychiatric disorders in adolescence, but the understanding of mechanisms that underlie this alteration is still poor. Methods The PERCEPT study explores alexithymia, empathy, facial emotion recognition (FER) and defence mechanisms in a sample of adolescents in psychiatric care (n = 61, 74% of girls, mean age = 15.03 y.o.), in relation with participants' attachment styles. Results Results revealed correlations between attachment dimensions and all of the emotion regulation variables, suggesting that attachment modalities have functional links with emotional regulation at its different levels: FER accuracy was inversely correlated with avoidant attachment, while affective empathy, difficulty in identifying feelings (alexithymia) and immature as well as neurotic defence mechanisms were positively correlated with anxious attachment. Moreover, attachment categories delineated distinct emotional perception profiles. In particular, preoccupied attachment included adolescents with the highest levels of facial emotion perception (sensitivity and accuracy) and of affective empathy, whereas detached attachment included adolescents with the lowest levels of these variables. Neurotic defence mechanisms and difficulty to identify feelings were correlated with preoccupied attachment; immature defence mechanisms and difficulty to describe feelings to others characterized fearful attachment. Discussion These results suggest that attachment categories underlie emotion regulation processes in psychiatric disorders in adolescence. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Robin
- Department of Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatry, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
- CESP, INSERM U1178, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Luc Surjous
- Department of Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatry, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Jean Belbèze
- Department of Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatry, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Lucile Bonnardel
- Department of Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatry, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | - Claire Lamas
- Department of Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatry, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Silva
- Department of Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatry, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | - Victoire Peres
- Department of Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatry, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | - Maurice Corcos
- Department of Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatry, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, Paris, France
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Lau-Zhu A, Williams F, Steel C. Attachment patterns and autobiographical episodic memory functioning: A systemic review of adult studies to advance clinical psychological science. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 101:102254. [PMID: 36804184 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102254] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Patterns of insecure attachment are associated with psychopathology but the mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. Cognitive science proposes that attachment patterns are influenced by the autobiographical memory system and in turn influence its ongoing functioning. Disturbances in autobiographical memory represent cognitive risks for later emotional difficulties. We systemically reviewed 33 studies (in 28 articles) examining the association between attachment patterns and autobiographical episodic memory (AEM) in individuals from the age of 16 (i.e., from young to older adulthood). Attachment patterns were associated with key areas of AEM phenomenology, including intensity and arousal; detail, specificity, and vividness; coherence and fragmentation; and accuracy and latency. These associations appeared to be moderated by contextual and individual factors; mediated by emotional regulation and schema-based processing; linked to mental health outcomes. Attachment patterns may also influence the impact of certain AEM-based manipulations. We conclude by providing a critical discussion and a research agenda for bringing together attachment, memory, and emotion, with a view to promote mechanism-driven treatment innovation in clinical psychology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lau-Zhu
- Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - F Williams
- Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - C Steel
- Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Tumasian RA, Galfalvy HC, Enslow MR, Brent DA, Melhem N, Burke AK, Mann JJ, Grunebaum MF. Avoidant attachment transmission to offspring in families with a depressed parent. J Affect Disord 2023; 325:695-700. [PMID: 36681306 PMCID: PMC9911374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.059] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insecure attachment is associated with mental health morbidity. We explored associations between parent and offspring attachment style in a longitudinal study of families with a depressed parent. METHODS Parents (N = 169) with a DSM-IV mood disorder and their adult offspring (N = 267), completed the Adult Attachment Questionnaire at one or more time points during up to 9.7 years of follow-up. Linear mixed effects models explored associations between parent and offspring anxious and avoidant attachment scores. Residualized models accounted for parent and offspring depression severity. RESULTS Avoidant attachment scores were associated between parents and offspring with (p = .034) and without (p = .012) adjustment for baseline age and sex of parent and offspring. Depressed father-offspring relationships showed more avoidant attachment in offspring compared to depressed mother-offspring pairs (p = .010). After accounting for depression severity, parent average residualized avoidant attachment scores did not significantly correlate with those of offspring (unadjusted p = .052; adjusted p = .085), though the effect sizes did not change substantially, and 75 % of the correlation was retained. Parent-son relationships exhibited stronger avoidant attachment correlations compared to parent-daughter pairs (p = .048). LIMITATIONS Small sub-sample of fathers, parent and offspring assessments not always completed at the same time, and use of a self-report attachment style instrument. CONCLUSIONS Familial transmission of insecure avoidant attachment, a risk factor for negative mental health outcomes, merits research as a potential treatment target. In this preliminary study, its transmission to offspring seemed mostly independent of depression. Depressed fathers and their sons may deserve focus to reduce insecure avoidant attachment and improve clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Tumasian
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Hanga C Galfalvy
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Meghan R Enslow
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - David A Brent
- Department of Psychiatry, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Nadine Melhem
- Department of Psychiatry, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Ainsley K Burke
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - J John Mann
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Michael F Grunebaum
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States of America.
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Fossataro C, Adenzato M, Bruno M, Fontana E, Garbarini F, Ardito RB. The role of early attachment experiences in modulating defensive peripersonal space. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3835. [PMID: 36882581 PMCID: PMC9992660 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30985-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Selecting appropriate defensive behaviours for threats approaching the space surrounding the body (peripersonal space, PPS) is crucial for survival. The extent of defensive PPS is measured by recording the hand-blink reflex (HBR), a subcortical defensive response. Higher-order cortical areas involved in PPS representation exert top-down modulation on brainstem circuits subserving HBR. However, it is not yet known whether pre-existing models of social relationships (internal working models, IWM) originating from early attachment experiences influence defensive responses. We hypothesized that organized IWM ensure adequate top-down regulation of brainstem activity mediating HBR, whereas disorganized IWM are associated with altered response patterns. To investigate attachment-dependent modulation on defensive responses, we used the Adult Attachment Interview to determine IWM and recorded HBR in two sessions (with or without the neurobehavioral attachment system activated). As expected, the HBR magnitude in individuals with organized IWM was modulated by the threat proximity to the face, regardless of the session. In contrast, for individuals with disorganized IWM, attachment system activation enhances HBR regardless of the threat position, suggesting that triggering emotional attachment experiences magnifies the threatening valence of external stimuli. Our results indicate that the attachment system exerts a strong modulation on defensive responses and the magnitude of PPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Fossataro
- MANIBUS Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Adenzato
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | | | - Elena Fontana
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Garbarini
- MANIBUS Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124, Turin, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), Turin, Italy
| | - Rita B Ardito
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Validation of Self-Reported Attachment Classification Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Parents of Young Children. Nurs Res 2023; 72:150-157. [PMID: 36729697 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) was developed to measure individual differences in insecure adult attachment and was suitable for populations that may have minimal or no experience in romantic relationships. The measure was previously validated on homogenous populations. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to verify construct validity and internal consistency of the ASQ among an ethnically and racially diverse sample of caregivers of young children ages birth to 3 years. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, we examined the psychometric properties of the ASQ. A racially and ethnically diverse sample of caregivers of young children (birth to 3 years old) completed the 40-item measure. Factor analyses and internal consistency analyses were conducted. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the previously published factor structures were not a good fit for this diverse sample. Exploratory factor analysis with promax rotation revealed a four-factor solution among 16 items, including relationship anxiety, relationships as secondary, discomfort with closeness, and relationship distrust. Adequate internal consistency was noted for the factors, and structural invariance was confirmed across Hispanic and non-Hispanic ethnicities. DISCUSSION Nurse scientists and practitioners should take caution when using or developing indices based on previous research. There should be consideration of structural stability and replication across the intended population.
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Suttle M, Hall MW, Pollack MM, Berg RA, McQuillen PS, Mourani PM, Sapru A, Carcillo JA, Startup E, Holubkov R, Dean JM, Notterman DA, Meert KL. The Association between Therapeutic Alliance and Parental Health Outcomes following a Child's Death in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. J Pediatr Intensive Care 2023; 12:3-11. [PMID: 36742250 PMCID: PMC9894698 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1727179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic alliance reflects the strength and quality of the physician-patient/family relationship. We investigated the association between therapeutic alliance and bereaved parents' mental health and perceived overall health following their child's death in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Bereaved parents were surveyed 6 months after their child's death in a PICU affiliated with the Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network. Parents were evaluated for complicated grief, depression, and post-traumatic stress using the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), and the Short Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Rating Interview (SPRINT), respectively. Overall health was evaluated using a single item. Therapeutic alliance between parents and their deceased child's PICU physicians was assessed using the Human Connection scale (HCS). Two hundred and thirty-five parents of 158 deceased children completed surveys. Mean ICG score was 34.4 ± 14.9 with 142 (60.4%) parents screening positive for complicated grief. Mean PHQ-8 score was 9.1 ± 6.2 with 102 (43.4%) screening positive for at least moderate depression. Mean SPRINT score was 14.6 ± 8.2 with 122 (51.9%) screening positive for post-traumatic stress disorder. Overall health was perceived as fair for 47 (20.0%) parents and poor for 10 (4.3%). Using multivariable modeling, higher HCS score (greater therapeutic alliance) was significantly associated with lower (better) ICG score (-0.23, 95% CI -0.42, -0.04, p = 0.018). HCS score was not significantly associated with PHQ-8, SPRINT, or overall health scores. We conclude that bereaved parents experience a high level of adverse mental health symptoms including complicated grief, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Greater therapeutic alliance with PICU physicians may lessen symptoms of complicated grief during bereavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markita Suttle
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Mark W. Hall
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Murray M. Pollack
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Hospital, Washington, United States
| | - Robert A. Berg
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Patrick S. McQuillen
- Department of Pediatrics, Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Peter M. Mourani
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Colorado, United States
| | - Anil Sapru
- Department of Pediatrics, Mattel Children's Hospital, University of California Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Joseph A. Carcillo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Emily Startup
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Richard Holubkov
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | | | - Daniel A. Notterman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, New Jersey, United States
| | - Kathleen L. Meert
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, United States
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Pollard C, Bucci S, Berry K. A systematic review of measures of adult disorganized attachment. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 62:329-355. [PMID: 36775812 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12411] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disorganized attachment has been identified as an important factor in the development and maintenance of mental health problems. Further research is required to understand the mechanism by which this attachment pattern predisposes individuals to develop, and maintain, personal and social difficulties and mental health problems utilizing valid and reliable measurement tools. The assessment of adult disorganized attachment is therefore important for both applied psychologists and researchers. METHOD We conducted a systematic review using the COSMIN guidelines to identify and critically appraise instruments which measure adult disorganized attachment. A systematic database search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsychInfo and CINHAL in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS Database searching provided 5757 results, with 18 measures identified across 27 eligible papers which were critically evaluated. Measurement properties were promising for the Childhood Disorganization and Role Reversal Scale, Psychological Treatment Inventory-Attachment Styles Scale, Attachment Style Questionnaire - Short Form and the Adult Attachment Interview. However, overall, due to inconsistent quality of methodology and reporting of results, it is challenging to reach sufficient conclusions and suggestions regarding the best instrument to use to measure adult disorganized attachment. CONCLUSION The Childhood Disorganization and Role Reversal Scale, Psychological Treatment Inventory-Attachment Styles Scale. Attachment Style Questionnaire-Short-Form and Adult Attachment Interview are the best available measures of disorganized attachment in adulthood. This review highlights the need for further psychometric testing of existing measures, or development of new instruments, grounded in sound methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Pollard
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Sandra Bucci
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Katherine Berry
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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McClelland H, Evans JJ, O'Connor RC. The association of family, social and romantic loneliness in relation to suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviours. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 158:330-340. [PMID: 36638623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Over 703,000 people die by suicide every year. The association between loneliness and self-injurious thoughts and behaviours has received increasing amounts of attention, with a significant link consistently being identified. However the impact that different types of loneliness have on physical and mental health remains under-researched. The current study aimed to explore how different forms of loneliness might be associated with self-injury, based on findings from existing theory-driven research. This cross-sectional online study investigated three types of loneliness (family, romantic, social) as well as loneliness as a unidimensional construct (global loneliness) in relation to suicidal ideation and several established variables associated with suicidal ideation (defeat, entrapment and depression). 582 participants (age 18-70 years) completed the survey between May and October 2021. Results showed that all forms of loneliness were associated with suicidal ideation, and all loneliness measures significantly, independently, moderated the association between entrapment and suicidal ideation. Furthermore, depression significantly mediated between family, romantic and global loneliness and suicidal ideation, but not social loneliness. The findings suggest that the quality and/or quantity of family, romantic and global relationships, should be explored when considering loneliness as a possible risk factor for suicidal ideation and may have a significant impact on mental and physical health. In particular, romantic loneliness may have a particularly adverse association with negative affect and suicidal ideation. Future work would benefit from replicating these findings longitudinally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather McClelland
- Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Jonathan J Evans
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rory C O'Connor
- Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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My social comfort zone: Attachment anxiety shapes peripersonal and interpersonal space. iScience 2023; 26:105955. [PMID: 36718368 PMCID: PMC9883291 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.105955] [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: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Following positive social exchanges, the neural representation of interactive space around the body (peripersonal space; PPS) expands, whereas we also feel consciously more comfortable being closer to others (interpersonal distance; ID). However, it is unclear how relational traits, such as attachment styles, interact with the social malleability of our PPS and ID. A first, exploratory study (N=48) using a visuo-tactile, augmented reality task, found that PPS depended on the combined effects of social context and attachment anxiety. A follow-up preregistered study (N = 68), showed that those with high attachment anxiety demonstrated a sharper differentiation between peripersonal and extrapersonal space, even in a non-social context. A final, preregistered large-scale survey (N = 19,417) found that people scoring high in attachment anxiety prefer closer ID and differentiate their ID less based on feelings of social closeness. We conclude that attachment anxiety reduces the social malleability of both peripersonal and interpersonal space.
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36
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Radetzki P, Wrath AJ, McWilliams L, Olson T, Adams S, De Souza D, Lau B, Adams GC. Exploring the Relationship Between Attachment and Pathological Personality Trait Domains in an Outpatient Psychiatric Sample. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:46-53. [PMID: 36044704 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The current study investigates the relationship between insecure attachment and pathological personality trait domains in a sample of psychiatric outpatients. Participants ( N = 150) completed measures for attachment and personality. Bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses investigated the extent to which insecure attachment and personality pathology were associated. Insecure attachment positively correlated with overall personality pathology, with attachment anxiety having a stronger correlation than attachment avoidance. Distinct relationships emerged between attachment anxiety and negative affectivity and attachment avoidance and detachment. Insecure attachment and male sex predicted overall personality pathology, but only attachment anxiety predicted all five trait domains. Insecure attachment might be a risk factor for pathological personality traits. Assessing attachment in clinical contexts and offering attachment-based interventions could benefit interpersonal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Trevor Olson
- Kinetik Physical Rehabilitation Program, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Does insecure attachment affect treatment outcome in young persons with post-concussion symptoms? A secondary analysis of the GAIN trial. J Psychosom Res 2023; 164:111100. [PMID: 36502555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.111100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Maunder RG, Heeney ND, Hunter JJ. Adult attachment insecurity and responses to prolonged severe occupational stress in hospital workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Psychol Behav Med 2022; 10:871-887. [PMID: 36118534 PMCID: PMC9481086 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2022.2123806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The stress response includes appraisal of the threat and one’s resources, coping (including interpersonal interactions), distress, and recovery. Relationships between patterns of adult attachment and stress response have received little study in the context of prolonged, severe occupational stress, limiting knowledge about how attachment patterns contribute to occupational burnout and recovery. Aim This study aimed to assess the relationship of adult attachment to aspects of the stress response over time in hospital workers during a pandemic. Methods This study included 538 hospital workers within a general and a rehabilitation hospital in Toronto, Canada between September 2020 and November 2021. Half, selected at random, completed validated measures of adult attachment, resilience, self-efficacy, coping, interpersonal problems, and various stress outcomes. Attachment insecurity severity was calculated as the vector addition of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Correlations between these measures were determined at individual time-points and temporal patterns of adverse outcomes using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results All correlations between measures of attachment and resilience or self-efficacy were significant and moderately strong (r = .30–.48), while most correlations with coping strategies were weak (<.20). Attachment avoidance was more strongly correlated with interpersonal problems related to being cold, whereas attachment anxiety was more strongly correlated with problems related to being intrusive, overly-nurturant, exploitable and non-assertive. Attachment insecurity severity was moderately correlated with every dimension of interpersonal problems. A significant main effect of each attachment measure on each stress outcome was found (effects sizes: .18–.26). Attachment insecurity severity was significantly associated with outcome X time interactions for burnout, consistent with greater resilience for those with lower attachment insecurity. Conclusions Severity of insecure attachment was correlated with each measure of self-appraisal, interpersonal problems, and all measured stress outcomes. Severity of attachment insecurity performed well as a summary attachment measure. Greater security is associated with patterns of recovery that indicate resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G. Maunder
- Sinai Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Jonathan J. Hunter
- Sinai Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Schulze A, Cloos L, Zdravkovic M, Lis S, Krause-Utz A. On the interplay of borderline personality features, childhood trauma severity, attachment types, and social support. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2022; 9:35. [PMID: 36529765 PMCID: PMC9762015 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-022-00206-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) have consistently been associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Still, it is not yet entirely understood if and how different types of ACE (emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect) relate to different BPD subdomains (affective instability, identity disturbance, negative relationships, self-harm). Insecure attachment and lower perceived social support are associated with both ACE and BPD and may therefore contribute to their relationship. No study so far integrated all these variables in one model, while accounting for their mutual influence on each other. We investigated the interplay of BPD subdomains, ACE, attachment, and perceived social support using a graph-theoretical approach. METHODS An international sample of 1692 participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Borderline Feature Scale from the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI-BOR), the Adult Attachment Scale (AAS), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) via an online survey. We estimated a partial correlation network including subscales of the CTQ and the PAI-BOR as nodes. We extended the network by including subscales of the AAS and MSPSS as additional nodes. RESULTS Emotional abuse was the most central node in both networks and a bridge between other types of ACE and BPD features. All domains of BPD except affective instability were associated with emotional abuse. Identity disturbances was the most central node in the BPD network. The association between ACE and BPD features was partly but not fully explained by attachment and social support. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that emotional abuse is an important link in the association between ACE and BPD features, also when taking attachment and social support into account. Findings further suggest an outstanding role of identity disturbance, linking emotional abuse to affective instability and being strongly associated with attachment anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schulze
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Leonie Cloos
- Institute of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Research Group of Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Monika Zdravkovic
- Institute of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Lis
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annegret Krause-Utz
- Institute of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Graetz C, Ehrenthal JC, Kowalski R, Cyris M, Geiken A, Dörfer CE. Periodontal maintenance: individual patient responses and discontinuations. BMC Oral Health 2022; 22:610. [DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02655-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Aim
There is a lack of data on long-term impact of different psychological variables on periodontitis. Aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of psychological factors in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP; according to the 1999 Classification of Periodontal Diseases) to explain adherence to or discontinuation of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) in a university setting.
Methods
A sample of n = 119 patients were examined in a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey. All patients had received active periodontal treatment (APT) and were reevaluated in a university setting (Kiel) before 2016 [T1: start SPT]. Patients who showed sufficient adherence to SPT of ≥ 2 years (maximum ± 6 months of deviation between SPT intervals, last visit and questionnaire at T2) were assigned to the adherence group (AG: n = 58), or, if they interrupted SPT or stopped treatment altogether, to the non-adherence group (NAG: n = 61). In addition to dental parameters, we assessed socio-demographic, treatment-related (critical attitudes/complaints), dental as well as psychological variables (especially psychological attachment, but also dental fear, patient participation style, personality functioning) and examined between-group differences as well as possible mediating factors of non-adherence to treatment continuation.
Results
For both groups we found similar average observation time (NAG/AG: 15.9(8.9)/14.9(10.6)years). There were significant differences in age, critical attitudes, dental fear, and patient participation style between the groups. With the help of exploratory sequential mediation models, we found a significant indirect pathway of the impact of attachment anxiety on discontinuation of treatment mediated through dental fear and number of critical attitudes/complaints.
Conclusion
Considering the limitations, dentists should be aware of personality-related risk-factors such as attachment anxiety as well as their interplay with levels of dental fear and critical attitudes which may influence adherence to SPT.
Trial registration: The clinical trial was retrospectively registered in the DRKS—German Clinical Trials Register (https://www.drks.de) with registration DRKS00030092 (26/08/2022).
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The influence of members’ attachment style on group cohesion in substance use therapy groups. DISCOVER PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC8785002 DOI: 10.1007/s44202-022-00022-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Group cohesion is an important factor in group therapy as it influences treatment outcomes and group processes. One’s attachment style has been found to impact experiences of group cohesion, however research into this relationship in substance use disorder (SUD) group treatment is lacking. This is of particular concern as insecure attachment presentations are more prevalent in this clinical population and group therapy is often treatment of choice. The current study sought to determine whether attachment style significantly predicted group cohesion. It also provided a qualitative exploration of factors that promote group cohesion in SUD group treatment. Participants (N = 38) attending a SUD therapy program completed self-report measures. Attachment avoidance was a significant negative predictor of positive bonding and positive working, and a significant positive predictor of negative relationships. Attachment anxiety was a significant negative predictor of negative relationships, however, unexpectedly did not significantly predict positive bonding or positive working. The current findings highlight the importance of group therapists tailoring group treatment to meet the attachment needs of individuals to promote a group therapy environment conducive to recovery.
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State of Mind Assessment in Relation to Adult Attachment and Text Analysis of Adult Attachment Interviews in a Sample of Patients with Anorexia Nervosa. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2022; 12:1760-1779. [PMID: 36547025 PMCID: PMC9777650 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe12120124] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attachment theory represents one of the most important references for the study of the development of an individual throughout their life cycle and provides the clinician with a profound key for the purposes of understanding the suffering that underlies severe psychopathologies such as eating disorders. As such, we conducted a cross-sectional study with a mixed-methods analysis on a sample of 32 young women with anorexia nervosa (AN); this study was embedded in the utilized theoretical framework with the following aims: 1. to evaluate the state of mind (SoM) in relation to adult attachment, assuming a prevalence of the dismissing (DS) SoM and 2. to analyze the linguistic attachment profile emerging from the transcripts of the AAIs. METHODS Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using the linguistic inquiry and word count (LIWC) method. RESULTS The results were observed to be consistent with the referenced literature. The prevalence of a DS SoM (68.75%) is observed in the study sample, whereas the results of the lexical analysis of the stories deviate from expectations. Notably, the lexical results indicate the coexistence of the dismissing and entangled aspects at the representational level. CONCLUSIONS The study results suggest a high level of specificity in the emotional functioning of patients with AN, with a focusing on a pervasive control of emotions that is well illustrated by the avoidant/ambivalent (A/C) strategy described in Crittenden's dynamic-maturational model. These findings and considerations have important implications for clinical work and treatment, which we believe must be structured on the basis of starting from a reappraisal of emotional content.
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Hippocampal volume and parahippocampal cingulum alterations are associated with avoidant attachment in patients with depression. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2022.100435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Musetti A, Pingani L, Zagaria A, Uberti D, Meli S, Lenzo V, Gori A, Franceschini C, Galeazzi GM. Insecure adult attachment and reflective functioning as mechanisms of the relationship between traumatic life events and suicidal ideation: A path analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:985148. [PMID: 36248502 PMCID: PMC9561888 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.985148] [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] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between traumatic life events and increased suicide risk has been well reported in literature. However, the complex nature of suicidality phenomena still hinders our ability to comprehend the mediation mechanism underlying this association. In this study, we examined the mediating role of adult attachment and reflective functioning in the relationship between traumatic life events and suicidal ideation. Nine hundred and fifty Italian adults completed an online survey evaluating traumatic life events, adult attachment, reflective functioning and suicidal ideation. The path analysis showed that the positive relationship between traumatic life events and suicidal ideation was partially mediated by attachment anxiety and reflective functioning. From a clinical point of view, these results support the relevance of evaluating and improving patients’ ability to mentalize as a part of psychotherapeutic intervention aimed at reducing suicidality in people with a history of traumatic experiences and attachment anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandro Musetti,
| | - Luca Pingani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Dipartimento ad attività integrata Salute Mentale e Dipendenze Patologiche, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Andrea Zagaria
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Daniele Uberti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Meli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lenzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Società e della Formazione d’Area Mediterranea, Università per Stranieri Dante Alighieri, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Alessio Gori
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Gian Maria Galeazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Dipartimento ad attività integrata Salute Mentale e Dipendenze Patologiche, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Lass-Hennemann J, Schäfer SK, Sopp MR, Michael T. The relationship between attachment to pets and mental health: the shared link via attachment to humans. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:586. [PMID: 36057711 PMCID: PMC9441033 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04199-1] [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: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have investigated the relationship between emotional attachment to pets and mental health with the majority of studies finding a negative relationship between emotional attachment to pets and mental health. Interestingly, attachment to pets differs from attachment to humans with studies showing that humans with an insecure attachment style form a particularly strong emotional attachment to their companion animals. Human attachment style is also related to mental health with secure attachment being associated with superior mental health. Building on those findings, the current study aimed at exploring the role of attachment to humans in the relationship between emotional attachment to pets and mental health. METHODS In this cross-sectional online survey (N = 610) we assessed the strength of emotional attachment to pets and attachment to humans. We further collected pet specific data as well as mental health burden in a sample of German dog owners (Mage=33.12; 92.79% women). We used a mediation model estimating the indirect link between emotional attachment to pets and mental health burden via human attachment and the direct link between emotional attachment to pets and mental health burden simultaneously. RESULTS We found that attachment to humans fully mediated the positive association between emotional attachment to pets and mental health burden. A stronger emotional attachment to one's dog was associated with lower comfort with depending on or trusting in others, whereby lower comfort with depending on or trusting in others was related to higher mental health burden. Moreover, a stronger attachment to one's dog was also related to a greater fear of being rejected and unloved (Anxiety), which was, in turn, associated with a higher mental health burden. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the positive link between emotional attachment to pets and mental health burden is fully accounted for by its shared variance with insecure attachment to humans in a sample mostly comprising self-identified women. Future studies need to examine whether strong emotional bonds with pets may evolve as a compensatory strategy to buffer difficult childhood bonding experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Lass-Hennemann
- Department of Psychology, Saarland University, Building A1 3, 66123, Saarbrucken, Germany.
| | - Sarah K. Schäfer
- grid.11749.3a0000 0001 2167 7588Department of Psychology, Saarland University, Building A1 3, 66123 Saarbrucken, Germany ,grid.509458.50000 0004 8087 0005Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Wallstrasse 7, 55122 Mainz, Germany
| | - M. Roxanne Sopp
- grid.11749.3a0000 0001 2167 7588Department of Psychology, Saarland University, Building A1 3, 66123 Saarbrucken, Germany
| | - Tanja Michael
- grid.11749.3a0000 0001 2167 7588Department of Psychology, Saarland University, Building A1 3, 66123 Saarbrucken, Germany
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Analysis of factors affecting the behaviour of both dogs during a Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) to assess intraspecific attachment. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Christoforou R, Ferreira N. The serial mediational role of attachment and emotion regulation in the relationship between early life adverse experiences and self-harm in a group of individuals engaging in self-harm who interact in self-harm focused online platforms. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2022.100259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Parkhill AJ, Nixon M, McEwan TE. A critical analysis of stalking theory and implications for research and practice. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2022; 40:562-583. [PMID: 36134723 PMCID: PMC9826357 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This article comprehensively reviews and critiques theories providing an aetiological account of stalking. We evaluate applications of preexisting psychological theories to stalking (attachment theory, evolutionary theory, social learning theory, information processing models of aggression, coercive control theory, and behavioural theory) as well as the only novel theory of stalking to date: Relational goal pursuit theory. Our aim was to identify which are supported by research, identify gaps in theoretical scope and explanatory depth and examine how current theories might inform clinical practice. This evaluation suggests that theories of stalking are underdeveloped relative to other areas of forensic clinical psychology and the theoretical literature is relatively stagnant. Consequently, there is limited research into clinically meaningful constructs that can guide the assessment, formulation and treatment of this client group. We identify similarities across existing theories, discussing implications for future research and clinical practice with people who stalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice J. Parkhill
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural ScienceSwinburne University of Technology and ForensicareMelbourneAustralia
| | - Margaret Nixon
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural ScienceSwinburne University of Technology and ForensicareMelbourneAustralia
| | - Troy E. McEwan
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural ScienceSwinburne University of Technology and ForensicareMelbourneAustralia
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic PsychologyUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
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Imperatori C, Adenzato M, Palmiero L, Farina B, Ardito RB. Assessment of Unresolved/Disorganized State of Mind in Relation to Attachment: A ROC Curve Study Using the Adult Attachment Interview and the Measure of Parental Style. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2022; 19:197-205. [PMID: 36101645 PMCID: PMC9442855 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20220402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main objective of the present study was to use the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to identify cut-off points for a self-report measure assessing parental style, i.e., the Measure of Parental Style (MOPS), that are able to discriminate individuals with disorganized internal working models (IWMs) of attachment with adequate accuracy, in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Establishing cut-off points for the MOPS could provide clinicians and researchers with a valuable tool to investigate the role of disorganized IWMs as a link between parental styles and mental health. METHOD A sample of 90 university students (mean age = 21.21 ± 2.05, females = 66) was enrolled in the study. We used the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) to assess disorganized IWM and the MOPS to assess parental styles. Subsequently, we used ROC curve analysis to pursue the objective of the study. RESULTS The ROC curve analysis showed that the MOPS total score (i.e., the combination of maternal and paternal dimensions) was able to discriminate individuals with disorganized IWMs from individuals with organized IWMs (AUC= 0.77). Specifically, a score ≥ 25 (Youden index= 0.497) categorized individuals with a sensitivity of 0.69 (69% of participants with disorganized IWMs were correctly identified) and a specificity of 0.81 (19% of participants were incorrectly identified as having disorganized IWMs). CONCLUSIONS Although the AAI has demonstrated high psychometric properties for assessing attachment representations in adulthood, its use is difficult when studies with large samples are to be conducted. As an alternative to the AAI, the MOPS can be used in studies with large populations, but no cut-off has yet been proposed. Here, we have identified cut-off points for the MOPS that are capable of detecting disorganized IWMs of attachment with adequate accuracy, and we suggest that this self-report is a useful brief instrument for detecting disorganized IWMs when time constraints prevent the use of the AAI (e.g., in studies with large samples or epidemiological studies).
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy,Corresponding author Mauro Adenzato Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, via Verdi, 10 – 10124 Turin (Italy)
| | - Mauro Adenzato
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy,Corresponding author Mauro Adenzato Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, via Verdi, 10 – 10124 Turin (Italy)
| | - Luigia Palmiero
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita B. Ardito
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Wajda Z, Kapinos-Gorczyca A, Lizińczyk S, Sitnik-Warchulska K, Izydorczyk B. Online group psychodynamic psychotherapy-The effectiveness and role of attachment-The results of a short study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:798991. [PMID: 35966467 PMCID: PMC9366464 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.798991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of remote treatment, including psychotherapy, has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of research in this area are promising, initially pointing to similar effectiveness for online psychotherapy as that of face-to-face psychotherapy. A significantly smaller amount of research has been conducted on online group psychotherapy, in particular, in the psychodynamic paradigm. Many authors have drawn attention to the need to conduct further research, considering specific patient features, for example, personality traits, attachment style, age, and other demographic variables. This study conducted pre- and post-treatment (10 weeks) and a 6-week follow-up, on the effectiveness of online synchronous group psychodynamic psychotherapy (via Zoom) taking into account patients' attachment styles. Four main hypotheses were tested: H1: Patients will obtain a lower score in the attachment's dimensions of anxiety and avoidance; H2: Patients will get a lower level of symptoms and sense of loneliness; H3: Patients will have increased self-esteem; and H4: The anxiety and avoidance dimensions of the attachment will be predictors for the effectiveness of online psychodynamic group psychotherapy. Twenty-two outpatients participated in the study, out of which 18 suffered from neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders (F40-F48), and four suffered from a depressive episode (F32.0, F32.1) according to ICD-10. The results of the pre-treatment test showed a reduction in the global severity of psychiatric symptoms (d = -0.526) and depressive symptoms (d = -0.5), as well as an increase in self-esteem (d = 0.444) and feelings of loneliness (d = 0.46). A change in the attachment dimension, anxiety (d = -0.557) and avoidance (d = -0.526), was also observed. The above results were maintained in the follow-up test conducted after 6 weeks. Additionally, a reduction in the symptoms of social phobia was observed. Attachment dimensions were not a predictor of the effectiveness of psychotherapy, but a decrease in avoidance during therapy was a predictor of increased symptoms of pain. The results of the research are promising in terms of psychiatric symptoms and increased self-esteem. During therapy, there may be a favorable change in attachment dimensions, but this variable was not shown to be a predictor of results. These results suggest that more controlled research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Wajda
- Faculty of Management and Social Communication, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Sebastian Lizińczyk
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sitnik-Warchulska
- Faculty of Management and Social Communication, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Bernadetta Izydorczyk
- Faculty of Philosophy, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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