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Yirmiya K, Constantinou M, Simes E, Bateman A, Wason J, Yakeley J, McMurran M, Crawford M, Frater A, Moran P, Barrett B, Cameron A, Hoare Z, Allison E, Pilling S, Butler S, Fonagy P. The mediating role of reflective functioning and general psychopathology in the relationship between childhood conduct disorder and adult aggression among offenders. Psychol Med 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38563288 DOI: 10.1017/s003329172400062x] [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] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nature of the pathway from conduct disorder (CD) in adolescence to antisocial behavior in adulthood has been debated and the role of certain mediators remains unclear. One perspective is that CD forms part of a general psychopathology dimension, playing a central role in the developmental trajectory. Impairment in reflective functioning (RF), i.e., the capacity to understand one's own and others' mental states, may relate to CD, psychopathology, and aggression. Here, we characterized the structure of psychopathology in adult male-offenders and its role, along with RF, in mediating the relationship between CD in their adolescence and current aggression. METHODS A secondary analysis of pre-treatment data from 313 probation-supervised offenders was conducted, and measures of CD symptoms, general and specific psychopathology factors, RF, and aggression were evaluated through clinical interviews and questionnaires. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a bifactor model best fitted the sample's psychopathology structure, including a general psychopathology factor (p factor) and five specific factors: internalizing, disinhibition, detachment, antagonism, and psychoticism. The structure of RF was fitted to the data using a one-factor model. According to our mediation model, CD significantly predicted the p factor, which was positively linked to RF impairments, resulting in increased aggression. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the critical role of a transdiagnostic approach provided by RF and general psychopathology in explaining the link between CD and aggression. Furthermore, they underscore the potential utility of treatments focusing on RF, such as mentalization-based treatment, in mitigating aggression in offenders with diverse psychopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Yirmiya
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
| | - Matthew Constantinou
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Simes
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
| | - Anthony Bateman
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
| | - James Wason
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jessica Yakeley
- Portman Clinic, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mary McMurran
- Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mike Crawford
- Division of Psychiatry, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Alison Frater
- School of Law, Royal Holloway, University of London, London, UK
| | - Paul Moran
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences Department, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Barbara Barrett
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Angus Cameron
- National Probation Service London Division, London, UK
| | - Zoe Hoare
- NWORTH Clinical Trials Unit, School of Health Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Elizabeth Allison
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
| | - Stephen Pilling
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen Butler
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
| | - Peter Fonagy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
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Zhou H, Wu AMS. The protective effects of cognitive empathy and emotional empathy on gambling disorder are mediated by risk aversion and responsible gambling attitude. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:63. [PMID: 38254048 PMCID: PMC10804480 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05509-5] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on social cognitive theory, this study aimed to examine whether and how social abilities (i.e., cognitive empathy and emotional empathy) are associated with gambling disorder (GD) by incorporating attitudes toward general risk (i.e., risk aversion) and responsible gambling as potential mediators of this link. METHODS A convenience sample of 580 past-year lottery gamblers (Mage = 34.07, SD = 13.36; 50.4% female), recruited near lottery sales shops, completed an anonymous paper-version questionnaire on site. Data were collected using the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for GD, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Risk Aversion Scale, Positive Play Scale, and demographic items. Path analysis and mediation analysis were applied to examine the effects of cognitive empathy and emotional empathy on GD and the mediating roles of risk aversion and responsible gambling attitude. RESULTS Our results showed that cognitive empathy, but not emotional empathy, was significantly and negatively correlated with GD. Also, the effect of cognitive empathy on GD was fully mediated by risk aversion and responsible gambling attitude, whilst the total indirect effect of emotional empathy on GD was nonsignificant. As hypothesized, the indirect paths from both types of empathy to GD were significantly and serially mediated by risk aversion and responsible gambling attitude. CONCLUSION Cognitive empathy, distinct from emotional empathy, was a statistically significant correlate of GD. Moreover, the path model results also suggest that responsible gambling attitude was a salient protective factors against GD. Future GD prevention efforts may benefit from paying more attention to the role of responsible gambling attitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Anise M S Wu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, China.
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Ling H, Meng F, Yan Y, Feng H, Zhang J, Zhang L, Yuan S. Why Is Maternal Control Harmful? The Relation between Maternal Control, Insecure Attachment and Antisocial Personality Disorder Features in Chinese College Students: A Sequential Mediation Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191710900. [PMID: 36078615 PMCID: PMC9518312 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous work has indicated that a negative parenting style is associated with antisocial personality disorder features in Chinese college students, yet few studies have explored the unique role of negative mothering in children's antisocial personality disorder. METHODS The current study mainly examined the sequential mediation effect of parental antipathy and neglect (PAN) and mother negative loving (a form of insecure attachment) in the association between mother control and adulthood antisocial personality disorder features (ASPD features) in the framework of attachment theory and cognitive-behavioral theory. A community sample of 1547 Chinese college students filled in the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire, the Adult Attachment Questionnaire and the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+. RESULTS A sequential mediation model analysis showed that maternal control significantly predicted PAN, mother negative loving, as well as ASPD features. CONCLUSIONS Mother control and mother negative loving appear to advance on the development and exacerbation of ASPD features in college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ling
- Department of Psychology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Fanfei Meng
- School of Preschool Education, Changsha Normal University, Changsha 410100, China
| | - Yaqin Yan
- Department of Psychology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
- Department of Student Affairs, Hunan First Normal University, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Hong Feng
- Hunan Wenjin Research Institute of Education, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Jianren Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
- Cognition & Human Behavior Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Linrui Zhang
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON M4Y 1M7, Canada
| | - Siyang Yuan
- School of Dentistry, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
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Antisocial Personality Problems in Emerging Adulthood: The Role of Family Functioning, Impulsivity, and Empathy. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060687. [PMID: 34071028 PMCID: PMC8224545 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
International research has evidenced the key role played by adults’ and adolescents’ family functioning, impulsivity, and empathy in antisocial personality problems. To date, no study has assessed the complex interaction between these variables during emerging adulthood. This study aimed to explore the possible interplay between antisocial personality problems, the quality of family functioning, impulsivity, and empathetic problems in a community sample of 350 emerging adults. Descriptive, correlational, hierarchical regression, and mediation analyses were performed, controlling relevant socio-demographic variables. Results showed a predictive effect of parental behavioral control, motor impulsivity, and empathetic concern in antisocial personality problems. Moreover, motor impulsivity and empathetic concern partially mediated the relationship between parental behavioral control and emerging adults’ antisocial personality problems. This study supports the recent evidence on the complex relationship between individual and relational protective and risk factors involved in antisocial personality problems during emerging adulthood, with important implications for their intervention treatments.
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Decety J, Holvoet EC. Déficits précoces de l'empathie et psychopathologie Early empathy deficits and psychopathology. NEUROPSYCHIATRIE DE L'ENFANCE ET DE L'ADOLESCENCE 2021; 69:147-152. [PMID: 34024975 PMCID: PMC8136244 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurenf.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Empathy is a complex social-cognitive ability that is best understood by distinguishing its emotional, cognitive and motivational dimensions, which from early childhood interact between the child and her/his social environment. To date, among the many factors that are acknowledged to influence the development of empathy, children's temperament and parenting behaviors have been identified as interacting in predicting the extent to which children demonstrate empathic responses. Recent studies in developmental social neuroscience cast light on the neural networks engaged in the development of each of the dimensions that constitute empathy, which are needed to navigate social interaction and establishing positive social relationships. Indeed, early deficits in empathic processes can lead to difficulties in socialization, particularly associated with reduced attention to others' emotions, especially when they are suffering, a lesser degree of remorse and guilt, and a greater tendency to ignore social norms or break the rules. Difficulties in socialization are particularly visible in two well-known developmental disorders: children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and children with conduct disorder and callous unemotional traits (CU). This paper provides a critical and selective review of recent empirical studies in psychopathology and developmental neuroscience by addressing the dimensions underlying empathy, specifically emotional sharing and caring for others. For children with ASD, some studies report that they pay less attention to another person in distress. However, functional neuroimaging studies conducted with ASD adolescents indicate that the emotional dimension appears to be preserved, but a lack of emotional self-regulation may impair them from experiencing empathic concern. Children with conduct disorder and CU traits clearly manifest a reduced autonomic nervous system response to others' distress or suffering. This may account for their disregard or contempt for others' well-being and social norms. Functional neuroimaging studies show that atypical patterns of brain activity at 15 months of age can predict later severe conduct disorder. Neural regions engaged in emotional processing such as the anterior cingulate cortex, insula and amygdala shown reduced activation to empathy-eliciting stimuli in children with CU. Finally, the genetic nature of CU traits is highlighted in several studies. We conclude by proposing several avenues for developmental research to identify biomarkers from an early age and by inviting to focus on psychological interventions with those populations accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Decety
- Department of Psychology and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, 5448 South University Avenue, Chicago 60637, USA
| | - et Claire Holvoet
- Centre de recherche sur les fonctionnements et dysfonctionnements psychologiques, EA7475, Université de Rouen Normandie, Rouen, France
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Chang SAA, Tillem S, Benson-Williams C, Baskin-Sommers A. Cognitive Empathy in Subtypes of Antisocial Individuals. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:677975. [PMID: 34290630 PMCID: PMC8287099 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.677975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive empathy allows individuals to recognize and infer how others think and feel in social situations and provides a foundation for the formation and maintenance of mutually constructive relationships. It may seem intuitive to assume that individuals who engage in antisocial behavior, who disregard the rights of others, might have problems with cognitive empathy. However, careful examination of the literature suggests that any dysfunction in cognitive empathy associated with antisociality varies by subtype of antisocial individual and is specific to subcomponents of cognitive empathy. In this review, we (1) briefly define subtypes of antisocial individuals ("psychopathic" vs. "antisocial-only"), (2) summarize specific components of cognitive empathy; (3) review existing literature examining cognitive empathy through questionnaires, behavioral tasks, and neuroimaging within different antisocial subtypes; and (4) discuss the limitations of the current research and potential future directions. Individuals in the psychopathic subtype fail to implicitly engage in cognitive empathy, and potentially lack insight into this issue reflected in no self-reported problems with cognitive empathy, but show an ability to engage in cognitive empathy when explicitly required. Individuals in the antisocial-only subtype appear able to engage in cognitive empathy, showing no differences on questionnaire or behavioral tasks that tap explicit cognitive empathy, but may display subtle difficulties accurately inferring (affective theory of mind) the emotions of others. We end the review by noting areas for future research, including the need to: (1) document the patterns of equifinality that exist across levels of analysis for these antisocial subtypes; (2) examine the temporality of empathy and antisociality development; (3) carefully consider and label subcomponents of cognitive empathy in research on antisocial behavior; and (4) investigate the intersection among environmental experiences, cognitive empathy, and antisocial behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou-An A Chang
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Scott Tillem
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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