Serotonergic function, two-mode models of self-regulation, and vulnerability to depression: what depression has in common with impulsive aggression

Differentiating action from inaction: Longitudinal relations among impulsive personality traits, internalizing symptoms, and drinking behavior

BACKGROUND

Impulsive personality traits are strong, consistent risk factors for heavy drinking, and modern theories suggest that impulsive traits may also confer risk for internalizing symptoms. However, it remains unclear which specific impulsive traits are linked with heavy drinking versus internalizing symptoms, and whether heavy drinking and internalizing symptoms are mechanisms of risk for negative alcohol consequences in impulsive individuals.

METHOD

Data are from a longitudinal study of young adults (N = 448, Mage = 22.27, 43.5 % female) assessed at baseline (T1), 6 months (T2), and one year later (T3). Longitudinal path models tested whether T1 impulsive traits (i.e., lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, sensation seeking, positive urgency, negative urgency) were indirectly associated with T3 negative alcohol consequences through heavy T2 drinking and T2 internalizing symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress). Separate models were tested for positive and negative urgency given strong correlations between these measures.

RESULTS

Across models, T1 lack of premeditation indirectly predicted more T3 negative alcohol consequences through heavy T2 drinking. When tested separately, T1 negative urgency indirectly predicted more T3 negative consequences through higher T2 stress and depressive (but not anxiety) symptoms, and T1 positive urgency predicted higher T2 anxiety symptoms, but T2 anxiety was unrelated to T3 negative consequences. Across models, T1 sensation seeking indirectly predicted less T3 negative consequences through decreased T2 depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Distinct impulsive traits prospectively predicted heavy drinking and internalizing symptoms, both of which conferred risk for negative alcohol consequences. Findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions based on personality and suggest that decreases in drinking may be more effective prevention for those who lack premeditation, whereas decreases in internalizing, particularly depression/stress, may be critical for those high in negative urgency.

Examining network structure of impulsivity and depression in adolescents and young adults: A two-sample study

BACKGROUND

Depression ranks as one of the top five contributors to ill health in youth, the most formative period in life. Extensive research has highlighted the significant role of impulsivity in understanding depression. However, there has been limited exploration into how each dimension of impulsivity uniquely affect depressive symptoms, especially across crucial developmental stages like adolescence and young adulthood.

METHODS

This study investigates the unique relationships between impulsivity (assessed by the short UPPS-P scale) and depression (assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9) via network analysis. We analysed data from a total of 2296 participants, comprising 858 adolescents aged 14-17 years and 1438 young adults aged 18-25 years, to estimate both a combined network and age-group specific networks. Key features of the networks, including their structure, global connectivity, and bridge nodes, were compared.

RESULTS

The results indicated that age differentially impacts individual depression symptoms, both directly and indirectly, via impulsivity dimensions. The comparison test revealed consistent network structures between the two age groups, with several robust pathways, such as lack of perseverance to concentration difficulties, sensation seeking to suicidal ideation, and negative urgency to feelings of worthlessness. Negative urgency and lack of perseverance were identified as bridge nodes across the two networks.

LIMITATIONS

The study employed a cross-sectional design, which limits the ability to estimate causal or temporal relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings highlight the significance of tailoring intervention strategies to individual symptom profiles and assessing negative urgency and lack of perseverance as potential early targets for depression among youth.

Emotion-related impulsivity across transdiagnostic dimensions of psychopathology

OBJECTIVE

Several dimensions have received attention for their potential role in explaining shared variance in transdiagnostic symptoms of psychopathology. We hypothesized emotion-related impulsivity, the trait-like tendency toward difficulty restraining responses to emotion, would relate to symptoms of psychopathology, with two separable dimensions of emotion-related impulsivity relating distinctly to internalizing and externalizing symptoms.

METHOD

Across two studies, we tested hypotheses using structural equation models of emotion-related impulsivity and multiple indicators of internalizing, externalizing, and thought symptoms.

RESULTS

In Study 1 (658 undergraduates), emotion-related impulsivity was highly correlated with the general psychopathology (p) factor. In study 2 (421 Mechanical Turk participants), models did not support a general p factor; however, we replicated the hypothesized associations of emotion-related impulsivity dimensions with internalizing and externalizing factors. Across both studies, forms of emotion-related impulsivity uniquely and differentially related to internalizing and externalizing symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate emotion-related impulsivity may help explain transdiagnostic dimensions of psychopathology, such as the p factor.

"Always online": How and when task interdependence and dispositional workplace anxiety affect workplace telepressure after hours

Information and communication technology (ICT) provides employees with convenience in communication. However, it also creates a preoccupation with and urges to respond quickly to work-related ICT messages during nonworking time, which is defined as workplace telepressure after hours (WTA). Drawing on the job demand-resource model, conservation of resource theory, and workplace anxiety theory, this study explores how and when task interdependence and dispositional workplace anxiety affect WTA and how individuals cope with WTA. A total of 269 full-time workers from an online survey panel completed questionnaires at three time-points. We found that both task interdependence and dispositional workplace anxiety are positively related to WTA. The perception of pay-for-responsiveness moderates the relationship between task interdependence and WTA, such that the relationship is significant only for employees with a strong perception of pay-for-responsiveness. Others' approval contingency of self-worth moderates the relationship between dispositional workplace anxiety and WTA, and the relationship is significant only for employees with high degrees of others' approval contingency of self-worth. Finally, WTA arising from external work requirements or the internal pursuit of achieving work goals prompts employees to generate responsiveness coping strategies. Overall, these findings suggest that task interdependence and dispositional workplace anxiety are important factors affecting employees' WTA and highlight the importance of being responsive to WTA.

How a general vulnerability for psychopathology during adolescence manifests in young adults' daily lives

BACKGROUND

There is widespread interest in the general factor of psychopathology or 'p factor', which has been proposed to reflect vulnerability to psychopathology. We examined to what extent this 'vulnerability' is associated with dysregulations in affect and behavior that occur in daily life. As such we hoped to provide an account of how this vulnerability may be maintained.

METHODS

We used data from the Tracking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS; N = 2,772) collected at ages 11, 14, 16, 19, and 22 years to fit a bifactor model with a general psychopathology factor, alongside internalizing, externalizing (EXT), attention-deficit/hyperactivity, and autism spectrum problem domains. Following the fifth TRAILS assessment, a subsample of participants (n = 133, age = 22.6, 43% women) with heightened risk for psychopathology completed a 6-month daily diary protocol with one assessment each day. Using a dynamic structural equation approach, we examined to what extent mean intensity, variability, inertia, and within-day co-occurrence of EXT, anxious-tense, and depressed-withdrawn affects and behaviors were associated with general factor scores.

RESULTS

Unexpectedly, higher general factor scores were not associated with higher mean intensity of any of the three types of daily negative affects and behaviors, but were associated with higher variability and less carryover (inertia) EXT affects and behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that individual differences in general factor scores do not manifest as differences in average levels of daily affects and behaviors, but instead were related to a type of EXT reactivity to the environment. Future research is necessary to investigate whether reactive irritable moods may be involved in or signal vulnerability sustained psychopathology.

Hot and cool executive function in the development of behavioral problems in grade school

Despite the well-established link between children's executive function and behavioral adjustment, it remains unclear whether the hot and cool aspects of executive function are uniquely associated with children's behavioral problems. Using longitudinal data spanning in the grade school (N = 1,140), this study aimed to examine whether hot and cool executive function skills may be uniquely related to the development of behavioral problems. Hot and cool executive function skills were measured with tasks, standardized tests, and questionnaires at 54 months and in the first grade, respectively. Internalizing and externalizing problems were evaluated by teachers using questionnaires throughout the grade school. The results indicated that, independent of each other, hot and cool executive function skills were uniquely and negatively related to the development of internalizing and externalizing problems over time at the between-individual level, adjusting for within-individual fluctuations. Moreover, internalizing and externalizing problems were positively related at the between-individual level across the grade school. Findings provide needed evidence to clarify the relations between hot and cool executive function and children's behavioral problems, emphasizing the importance of both aspects of executive function in understanding the development of behavioral problems in school-age children.

On the impulsivity path: Examining the unique and conjoint relations between emotion- and non-emotion-related impulsivity, internalizing symptoms, alcohol use, and physical health parameters

BACKGROUND

Researchers have increasingly differentiated trait-like tendencies toward impulsivity occurring during emotional states (emotion-related impulsivity [ERI]) from impulsivity not tied to emotion (non-ERI). Relative to non-ERI, ERI has shown robust correlations with psychopathology and mild to moderate associations with physical health parameters (e.g., physical activity, poor sleep quality, body mass index [BMI]). Therefore, we first aimed to investigate the unique contributions of ERI and non-ERI to psychopathology symptoms while controlling for neuroticism. Second, we sought to explore the combined associations of physical health parameters with several impulsivity forms.

METHODS

German-speaking adults (N = 350, 35.9 ± 14.6 years, 69.1% female, BMI: 24.0 ± 4.8 kg/m2 , mostly students or employees) completed measures of impulsivity, psychopathology symptoms, neuroticism, and physical health. We gathered measures of two ERI forms: Feelings Trigger Action and Pervasive Influence of Feelings. As a control comparison, we gathered a measure of non-ERI, the Lack of Follow-Through scale. We conducted separate path models for Aims 1 and 2.

RESULTS

For Aim 1, Pervasive Influence of Feelings showed strong links with internalizing symptoms. Feelings Trigger Action and Lack of Follow-Through showed small links with alcohol use. For Aim 2, poor sleep quality was related to all three impulsivity factors, while physical activity was only related to Pervasive Influence of Feelings and Lack of Follow-Through. BMI showed a curvilinear association with impulsivity.

CONCLUSIONS

ERI is more directly relevant than non-ERI for psychopathology symptoms, emphasizing the need to differentiate between the two ERI types. The association of ERI and non-ERI with physical activity and poor sleep quality may serve as potential treatment targets for impulsivity-related problems.

The science of justice: The neuropsychology of social punishment

The social punishment (SP) of norm violations has received much attention across multiple disciplines. However, current models of SP fail to consider the role of motivational processes, and none can explain the observed behavioral and neuropsychological differences between the two recognized forms of SP: second-party punishment (2PP) and third-party punishment (3PP). After reviewing the literature giving rise to the current models of SP, we propose a unified model of SP which integrates general psychological descriptions of decision-making as a confluence of affect, cognition, and motivation, with evidence that SP is driven by two main factors: the amount of harm (assessed primarily in the salience network) and the norm violator's intention (assessed primarily in the default-mode and central-executive networks). We posit that motivational differences between 2PP and 3PP, articulated in mesocorticolimbic pathways, impact final SP by differentially impacting the assessments of harm and intention done in these domain-general large-scale networks. This new model will lead to a better understanding of SP, which might even improve forensic, procedural, and substantive legal practices.

Too Tired to Think: Within and Between-Person Relations Among Impulsive Traits, Sleep Duration, and Mental Health Outcomes

Heavier drinking and depression are common mental health concerns in the USA, yet few studies have sought to understand transdiagnostic risk factors for both. Two health-focused risk factors are impulsive personality traits and sleep duration, but research typically separates the two, precluding additive and interactive relations. The current study sought to test a theoretical model where risk conferred from impulsive traits is heightened when individuals have reduced sleep. Public-access data from the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) were used to test study hypotheses. Participants reported on impulsive traits (i.e., lack of premeditation, sensation seeking), sleep duration, depression, and drinking across three waves spanning adolescence, emerging adulthood, and adulthood. Multilevel models distinguished risk processes at the between- vs. within-person level. At the between-person level, sensation seeking predicted drinking whereas premeditation predicted depression. Additionally, within-person deviations in both traits were associated with drinking, whereas within-person deviations in premeditation were associated with depression. Sleep duration was protective against outcomes at both levels. However, main effects were qualified by interactions at both levels, such that having below average sleep duration heightened the effects of premeditation at the between-person level, whereas within-person decreases in sleep heightened the effects of sensation seeking at the within-person level. Findings support a theoretical model where poor sleep exacerbates risk conferred from impulsive traits. Risk conferred from impulsive traits diverged based upon level of analysis, suggesting that global and just-in-time interventions may benefit from targeting specific impulsive traits as well as sleep.

EEG biomarkers of behavioral inhibition in patients with depression who committed violent offenses: a Go/NoGo ERP study

Understanding the neurobiological correlates of behavioral inhibition in patients with depression who committed violent offenses could contribute to the prediction and prevention of violence. The present study recruited 29 depressed patients with violent offenses (VD group), 27 depressed patients without violent behavior (NVD group), and 28 healthy controls (HC group) to complete a visual Go/NoGo task, during which their responses and electroencephalography were simultaneously recorded using an event-related potentiometer. The results showed that the VD group made more commission errors and responded more slowly relative to the NVD and HC groups. The P3 amplitude of the VD group was reduced in the frontal and central brain regions compared to the HC group and increased in the parietal regions compared to the NVD group. In comparison to Go stimuli, NoGo stimuli induced longer P3 latencies in frontal regions in both the VD and NVD groups; however, this difference was not statistically significant in the HC group. These results provide electrophysical evidence of behavioral inhibition deficits in patients with depression, especially in those with violent behaviors. The reduced P3 amplitude in the frontal-central regions, increased P3 amplitude in the parietal regions, and increased NoGo P3 latency may be potential electrophysiological features that can predict violent behavior in patients with depression.

Dual-Process Theory of Thought and Inhibitory Control: An ALE Meta-Analysis

The dual-process theory of thought rests on the co-existence of two different thinking modalities: a quick, automatic, and associative process opposed to a slow, thoughtful, and deliberative process. The increasing interest in determining the neural foundation of the dual-process distinction has yielded mixed results, also given the difficulty of applying the fMRI standard approach to tasks usually employed in the cognitive literature. We report an activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis to investigate the neural foundation of the dual-process theory of thought. Eligible studies allowed for the identification of cerebral areas associated with dual-process theory-based tasks without differentiating between fast and slow thinking. The ALE algorithm converged on the medial frontal cortex, superior frontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and left inferior frontal gyrus. These structures partially overlap with the cerebral areas recurrently reported in the literature about the neural basis of the dual-process distinction, where the PARCS theory-based interpretation emphasizes the role of the right inferior gyrus. The results confirm the potential (but still almost unexplored) common ground between the dual-process literature and the cognitive control literature.

Growth mindset and responses to acute stress

Individuals with high levels of growth mindsets believe that attributes are malleable. Although links between acute stress responses and growth mindsets of thought, emotion, and behaviour are central to the conceptualisation of psychological disorders and their treatment, such links have yet to be examined. Undergraduate participants (N = 135) completed a modified Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), and their salivary cortisol and anxiety were assessed throughout the session. Hierarchical linear models revealed that higher growth mindset of behaviour was associated with lower cortisol levels at 25-min after the TSST onset (i.e. peak cortisol stress reactivity) in men, but not in women. Considering one's gender may be critical in understanding the relationship between growth mindset and stress responses.

Both direction and degree of handedness as influential factors in rumination

There is contradictory evidence on the influence of handedness on depression and anxiety. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between handedness and rumination, which is robustly associated with both depression and anxiety. This study aimed to examine the influence of direction and consistency of handedness on rumination, considering four different classifications of handedness. The study sample included 406 participants (282 females) who attended an online survey and answered a demographic questionnaire, the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, the Ruminative Response Scale, and the second edition of the Beck Depression Inventory. Considering four different classifications of handedness, a series of one-way ANOVAs was conducted to investigate any differences between the handedness groups. Besides, linear regression models were used to predict depression or rumination scores among the whole study sample, left-handers, and right-handers. Consistency of handedness predicted rumination among right-handers (but not left-handers), with a direct association between consistency and brooding/total rumination scores. Also, consistent left-handers and consistent right-handers showed higher brooding scores than inconsistent right-handers. Overall, the results supported the significant influence of both direction and consistency of handedness on individual differences in rumination and suggested consistent- and left-handedness as perpetuating factors for ruminative response style.

Change in impulsivity is prospectively associated with treatment outcomes for binge-eating disorder

BACKGROUND

Impulsivity may be a process underlying binge-eating disorder (BED) psychopathology and its treatment. This study examined change in impulsivity during cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or pharmacological treatment for BED and associations with treatment outcomes.

METHODS

In total, 108 patients with BED (NFEMALE = 84) in a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of CBT and/or fluoxetine were assessed before treatment, monthly throughout treatment, at post-treatment (16 weeks), and at 12-month follow-up after completing treatment. Patients completed established measures of impulsivity, eating-disorder psychopathology, and depression, and were measured for height and weight [to calculate body mass index (BMI)] during repeated assessments by trained/monitored doctoral research-clinicians. Mixed-effects models using all available data examined changes in impulsivity and the association of rapid and overall changes in impulsivity on treatment outcomes. Exploratory analyses examined whether baseline impulsivity predicted/moderated outcomes.

RESULTS

Impulsivity declined significantly throughout treatment and follow-up across treatment groups. Rapid change in impulsivity and overall change in impulsivity during treatment were significantly associated with reductions in eating-disorder psychopathology, depression scores, and BMI during treatment and at post-treatment. Overall change in impulsivity during treatment was associated with subsequent reductions in depression scores at 12-month follow-up. Baseline impulsivity did not moderate/predict eating-disorder outcomes or BMI but did predict change in depression scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Rapid and overall reductions in impulsivity during treatment were associated with improvements in specific eating-disorder psychopathology and associated general outcomes. These effects were found for both CBT and pharmacological treatment for BED. Change in impulsivity may be an important process prospectively related to treatment outcome.

Sleep quality as a mediator of the relation between depression and chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain and depression represent two global health problems with considerable economic consequences. Although existing literature reports on the relation between depression and pain conditions, meta-analytic evidence backing the mediating role of sleep disturbance as one of the main symptoms of depression is scarce. To examine the extent to which sleep disturbance mediates the depression-chronic pain association, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the associations of chronic pain, depression, and sleep quality.

METHODS

We systematically searched for literature in MEDLINE and other relevant databases and identified cohort and case-control studies on depression, sleep disturbance, and chronic pain. Forty-nine studies were eligible, with a total population of 120 489 individuals. We obtained direct and indirect path coefficients via two-stage meta-analytic structural equation modelling, examined heterogeneity via subgroup analyses, and evaluated primary studies quality.

RESULTS

We found a significant, partial mediation effect of sleep disturbance on the relation between depression and chronic pain. The pooled path coefficient (coef.) of the indirect effect was 0.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-0.05) and accounted for 12.5% of the total effect of depression on chronic pain. This indirect effect also existed for cohort studies (coef. 0.02; 95% CI: 0.002-0.04), European studies (coef. 0.03; 95% CI: 0.004-0.05), and studies that adjusted for confounders (coef. 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01-0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep disturbance partially mediates the association between depression and pain. Although plausible mechanisms could explain this mediation effect, other explanations, including reverse causation, must be further explored.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL

PROSPERO CRD42022338201.

Genetic and epigenetic effects on couple adjustment in context of romantic relationship: A scoping systematic review

Introduction: Couples' relationships defined by a complex interaction between the two partners and their intrapersonal traits. Romantic; relationships and love are associated with marital satisfaction and stability, as well as couples' happiness and health. Personality traits influence romantic relationships and, personality influenced by genetical and non-genetically factors. The roles of non-genetically factors such as socioeconomic position and external appearance have revealed in determining the quality of romantic relationships. Methods: We; performed a scoping systematic review to assess the association between genetics and epigenetic factors and romantic relationship. Relevant articles were identified by PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and the APA PsycInfo searching between inception and 4 June 2022. Results: Different studies evaluated the associated polymorphisms in 15 different genes or chromosomal regions. In the first step; we classified them into four groups: (1) Oxytocin-related signaling pathway (OXTR, CD38, and AVPR1A); (2) Serotonin-related signaling pathway (SLC6A4, HTR1A, and HTR2A); (3) Dopamine and catecholamine-related signaling pathway (DRD1, DRD2, DRD4, ANKK1, and COMT); and (4) other genes (HLA, GABRA2, OPRM1, and Y-DNA haplogroup D-M55). Then, we evaluated and extracted significant polymorphisms that affect couple adjustment and romantic relationships. Discussion: Overall, the findings suggest that genetic and epigenetics variants play a key role in marital adjustment and romantic relationships over time.

'Can we predict aggression?'-Determining the predictors of aggression among individuals with substance use disorder in China undergoing enforced detoxification through machine learning

BACKGROUND

The general aggression model has shown that both individual and situational factors can predict aggression. However, past research has tended to discuss these two factors separately, which might lead to inconsistency. This study addresses this gap by examining the importance of each predictor of aggression in a Chinese compulsory drug treatment population and further explores the predictors of aggression in various substance use disorder populations.

METHOD

Analyses were conducted using a sample of 894 male participants (mean = 38.30, SD = 8.38) in Chinese compulsory drug rehab. A machine learning model named LightGBM was employed to make predictions. We then used a game-theoretic explanatory technique, SHAP, to estimate the effect of predictors.

RESULTS

In the full-sample model, psychological security, parental conflict, and impulsivity were the top 3 predictors. Depression, childhood abuse, and alexithymia positively predicted aggression, whereas psychological security, family cohesion, and gratitude negatively predicted aggression. There were significant differences in the predictive effects of depressants and stimulants. Although the importance of predictors varied between drug-use groups, several individual and situational factors were consistently the most important predictors.

LIMITATIONS

All participants in this study were male, and the data were acquired through self-reports from the participants. Domestic and nondomestic aggression are not distinguished. Additionally, our findings cannot support causal conclusions.

CONCLUSION

This study tested a series of classical theories of the predictors of aggression in China's compulsory drug treatment context and extended the ideas of the GAM to various substance use disorder groups. The findings have important implications for aggression treatment.

Coping in Anger Episodes: Developmental Differences and Self-Efficacy Beliefs

Anger has been recognized as a natural emotion; however, its poor management in adolescence is associated with some adverse developmental outcomes. The aims of this study were to compare the antecedents and coping strategies of anger episodes between adolescents and adults and the role of perceived self-efficacy on the coping strategies. A total of 88 adolescents (44 female, M_age = 16.81 years, SD = 1.21) and 94 adults (49 female, M_age = 28.11 years, SD = 5.82) reported an anger episode and the coping strategy adopted. Participants also filled in the Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale (RESE). The results show that there are no specific antecedents among only adolescents or adults, although there are differences between the two age groups. Furthermore, the results indicate a different use of coping strategies between adolescents and adults. Specifically, a greater propensity of adolescents to use more often maladaptive strategies such as avoidance and denial emerged, but in addiction inaction, considered an adaptive strategy, can also be found. However, although adults use less maladaptive coping strategies they report a high frequency of feeling of powerlessness. The adaptive differences in coping also are explained by the different levels of self-efficacy beliefs of the participants. These findings are discussed in the light of the adaptive role of the coping strategies.

Unraveling the Contribution of Serotonergic Polymorphisms, Prefrontal Alpha Asymmetry, and Individual Alpha Peak Frequency to the Emotion-Related Impulsivity Endophenotype

The unique contribution of the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR), intronic region 2 (STin2), and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) genes to individual differences in personality traits has been widely explored, and research has shown that certain forms of these polymorphisms relate to impulsivity and impulsivity-related disorders. Humans showing these traits are also described as having an asymmetrical prefrontal cortical activity when compared to others. In this explorative study, we examine the relationship between serotonergic neurotransmission polymorphisms, cortical activity features (prefrontal alpha asymmetry, individual alpha peak frequency [iAPF]), emotion-related and non-emotion-related impulsivity in humans. 5-HTTLPR, MAO-A, and STin2 polymorphisms were assessed in blood taken from 91 participants with high emotion-related impulsivity levels. Sixty-seven participants completed resting electroencephalography and a more comprehensive impulsivity index. In univariate analyses, iAPF correlated with both forms of emotion-related impulsivity. In multiple linear regression models, 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (model 1, adj. R² = 15.2%) and iAPF were significant interacting predictors of emotion-related impulsivity, explaining a large share of the results’ variance (model 2, adj. R² = 21.2%). Carriers of the low transcriptional activity 5-HTTPLR and MAO-A phenotypes obtained higher emotion-related impulsivity scores than others did. No significant results were detected for non-emotion-related impulsivity or for a form of emotion-related impulsivity involving cognitive/motivational reactivity to emotion. Our findings support an endophenotypic approach to impulsivity, showing that tri-allelic 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, iAPF, and their interaction are relevant predictors of one form of emotion-related impulsivity.

Risks and Protective Factors of Hispanic Families and Their Young Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study examines the risk-related factors during the pandemic and protective factors that might reduce its effects on family functioning in a sample of 161 low-income Hispanic parents in the United States, recruited from an ongoing longitudinal intervention study. They were surveyed about family functioning six months into the pandemic. We focused on the associations between social (e.g., exposure to the virus) and economic (e.g., job loss) pandemic-related risks on parental stress, parenting, and children’s socioemotional problems and skills, as well as the degree to which coparenting support, parents’ positivity, economic support, and access to services and information mitigated (protected) the negative effects of these stressors on family functioning. We found that increases in economic risk were associated with more child competence skills, whereas increases in social risk were associated with less parental engagement. Positivity and economic support moderated the effects of economic risk on parental stress and engagement. These findings show that to intervene effectively with low-income Hispanic families, we need to strengthen and support the resources for coping with adversity.

Physical exercise is tied to emotion-related impulsivity: insights from correlational analyses in healthy humans

Seminal work has found a negative association between physical exercise and impulsivity levels in humans. This paper aims to strengthen these findings by evaluating the association between the amount of self-reported physical exercise per week and emotion-related impulsivity whilst considering age and gender as covariates on a large-scale dataset.Participants completed an online self-report questionnaire about emotion-related impulsivity (i.e. Feelings Trigger Action) and exercise-related questions. After quality control, 773 participants were included in the analysis. Correlational analyses and a multiple regression model explaining the emotion-related impulsivity scores via the amount of exercise per week and demographic characteristics (i.e. age and gender) were performed.The number of hours spent exercising per week was significantly inversely correlated with the Feelings Trigger Action score (r = -.131, p < .001) and two out of its three subscales. The multiple linear regression model showed that hours of exercise per week and gender were significantly associated with the Feelings Trigger Action score (std. β = -.122, p < .001), however, this model explained only 3.2% of the overall variance.This large-scale dataset confirms seminal work displaying an inverse association between emotion-related impulsivity and hours of exercise per week. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between the two variables. HighlightsThis study (N = 773) confirms seminal work on the connection between exercise and impulsivity.When controlling for demographic variables, the amount of exercise per week was inversely correlated (small effect size) with emotion-related impulsivity levels.In the multiple-regression model, hours of exercise per week and gender were significantly associated with the Feelings Trigger Action score.

Dynamic Regulatory Processes in the Transition from Suicidal Ideation to Action in Adults Leaving Inpatient Psychiatric Care: An Intensive Longitudinal Study Protocol (Preprint)

Background

US suicide rates have risen steadily in the past decade, and suicide risk is especially high in the months after discharge from inpatient psychiatric treatment. However, suicide research has lagged in examining dynamic within-person processes that contribute to risk over time among individuals known to be at high risk of suicide. Almost no research has examined how affective, cognitive, and physiological processes change over minutes, hours, or days to confer risk of suicidal behavior in daily life.

Objective

This protocol describes a longitudinal study designed to examine real-world changes in risk of suicide across multiple assessment domains. Specifically, the study involves following adults known to be at high risk of suicide after discharge from inpatient psychiatric care using self-report, interview, actigraphy, and behavioral methods to identify proximal contributors to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. First, we hypothesize that negative affective experiences, which are featured in most major suicide theories, will comprise a latent factor indicative of psychache (emotional pain), which will predict increases in suicidal thinking over time. Second, we hypothesize that poor inhibitory control in the context of negative affective stimuli, as well as emotion-related impulsivity, will predict the transition from suicidal thinking to suicidal behavior over time. Third, we hypothesize that short sleep duration will precede within-person increases in suicidal ideation as well as increased odds of suicidal behavior among those reporting suicidal thoughts.

Methods

The desired sample size is 130 adults with past-week suicidal thoughts or behaviors who are receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment. Participants will complete a battery of measures while on the inpatient unit to assess negative affective experiences, emotion-related impulsivity, inhibitory control, typical sleep patterns, and relevant covariates. After discharge from inpatient care, participants will complete 4 weeks of signal-contingent ecological momentary assessment surveys, as well as mobile behavioral measures of inhibitory control, while wearing an actigraphy device that will gather objective data on sleep. Participants will complete interviews regarding suicidal thoughts and behaviors at 4 and 8 weeks after discharge.

Results

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health in November 2020. Recruitment began in April 2021. Data analysis will begin after completion of data collection.

Conclusions

This study will elucidate how affective, cognitive, and physiological risk factors contribute (or do not contribute) to within-person fluctuations in suicide risk in daily life, with important implications for extant theories of suicide. Of import, the examined risk factors are all modifiable; thus, the results will inform identification of key targets for just-in-time, flexible, personalized, digital interventions that can be used to decrease emotional distress and prevent suicide among those at highest risk.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/38582

Emotion-related impulsivity: Testing a model of arousal effects on cognitive control

The trait-based tendency to respond rashly to emotions is robustly tied to many forms of psychopathology and poor behavioural outcomes, including aggression and suicidality. Researchers have found associations between response inhibition and emotion-related impulsivity; however, effect sizes are often small. Because emotion-related impulsivity emerges in the context of heightened positive and negative emotions, arousal is a candidate trigger of impulsivity. The goals of the present study were to (1) replicate the association between emotion-related impulsivity and response inhibition, and (2) test whether emotion-related impulsivity is associated with arousal-induced decays in response inhibition performance. Participants (N = 55) completed a self-report measure of emotion-related impulsivity, and then completed a computer-based response inhibition task (the antisaccade task, in which participants must make a rapid saccadic eye movement away from a cue rather than toward it) before and after a well-validated stress induction (the Trier Social Stress Test). Psychophysiological indices of arousal were measured throughout the session. Findings provide partial support for the association between emotion-related impulsivity and pre-stress response inhibition. Contrary to hypotheses, emotion-related impulsivity did not interact with arousal to predict post-stress response inhibition performance after controlling for pre-stress response inhibition performance. Future research is needed to consider clinical samples and to assess whether emotion-related impulsivity is related to deficits in other facets of cognitive control and decision-making.

Executive function moderates the relationship between temperament and psychological difficulties in middle childhood

The current study examined the possible moderating influence of hot and cool executive function (EF) on the relationship between temperament and psychological difficulties in middle childhood. One hundred and twenty-six children and their parents (n = 105) participated. Children aged between 5 and 12 years completed three hot (motivational decision-making on the Cambridge Gambling Task (CGT), delayed gratification, and Theory of Mind [ToM]) and three cool EF (working memory, inhibition, and attentional set shifting) measures. Children's parents completed the Behavioral Inhibition Sensitivity (BIS) and Behavioral Approach Sensitivity (BAS) Scale and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Hot EF (CGT, ToM) exacerbated the relationship between BAS and externalizing problems. Neither hot nor cool EF moderated the relationship between BIS and internalizing problems. The current findings provide further evidence of a hot-cool distinction in EF in middle childhood, suggesting that these constructs should be investigated separately when assessing EF. In addition, by considering potential interactions between temperament and EF, clinicians/researchers may be able to predict broad categories of psychological problems in middle childhood.

Impulsiveness indirectly affects suicidal ideation through depression and simultaneously moderates the indirect effect: A moderated mediation path model

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the indirect effect of impulsiveness on suicidal ideation through depression and the moderating effect of impulsiveness on the indirect effect in an integrated path model.

METHODS

Self-rating depression scale (SDS), Barratt impulsiveness scale-11th version (BIS-11), and self-rating idea of suicide scale (SIOSS) were applied. A moderated mediation path model was established including impulsiveness, depression, and suicidal ideation as observed variables.

RESULTS

The main results revealed that the moderated mediation path model fit well in describing the relationships among impulsiveness, depression, and suicidal ideation. The indirect effect of impulsiveness mediated by depression and the moderating effect of impulsiveness on suicidal ideation was significant. Multiple comparisons showed that the indirect effects under different conditions of impulsiveness had statistical differences. The higher the impulsiveness was, the stronger the predictive effect of depression on suicidal ideation was.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study confirms that people who have impulsive traits are riskier to generate suicidal thoughts because they are more likely to suffer from depression and that people who are depressive have even higher risk to develop suicidal thoughts when they simultaneously have impulsive traits. In clinical and health care work, when considering depression to prevent suicidal ideation, impulsiveness needs to be monitored throughout the process of premorbid and onset stages of depression.

Examining interactions between negative emotionality and effortful control in predicting preadolescent adjustment problems

Negative emotionality and effortful control consistently predict child adjustment, yet few studies explore their interactive effects on adjustment. In concurrent and longitudinal (one-year follow-up) analyses, we examined negative emotionality-by-effortful control interactions in predicting anxiety, depression, and conduct problems in 214 children aged 8-12. Temperament was assessed using behavioral tasks measuring fear, frustration, executive control, and delay ability. An interaction between frustration and executive control predicting conduct problems was observed; higher executive control was related to fewer concurrent conduct problems for those moderate to high in frustration, but did not predict conduct problems for those low in frustration. This interaction did not predict conduct problems one year later. No support was found for negative emotionality-by-effortful control interactions predicting anxiety or depression. Our findings highlight the importance of executive control during preadolescence and provide mixed evidence regarding whether facets of negative emotionality and executive control interact with one another to influence adjustment.

Momentary dynamics of emotion-based impulsivity: Exploring associations with dispositional measures of externalizing and internalizing psychopathology

Emotion-based impulsivity has emerged as an important transdiagnostic risk factor for both internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. However, it is unclear how this dynamic process unfolds within individuals. We measured urgency within-persons as the momentary association between impulsivity and contemporaneous negative and positive affect in 4 ecological momentary assessment samples (N = 233[16,202 observations]; N = 302[11,360]; N = 311[17,517]; N = 291[20,297]) that span clinical, community, and student populations. Based on reflexive responding to emotion (RRE) and urgency frameworks, we hypothesized a) that significant individual differences in the dynamic association between affect and impulsivity would emerge, and b) that individual differences in positive and negative urgency pathways would be associated with externalizing and internalizing psychopathology. Within-person associations between negative affect and impulsivity consistently emerged; however, the association between positive affect and impulsivity was inconsistent across samples. Although average effects were small, significant individual differences existed in both urgency pathways. Consistent with prior studies, within-person urgency pathways were unassociated with global or dispositional measures of impulsivity. Contrary to expectation, within-person urgency was also unassociated with between-person measures of either internalizing or externalizing psychopathology. Yet, robust associations were seen between the same measures and average levels of momentary impulsivity and negative affect. We discuss results in terms of their relevance to both urgency and RRE frameworks and propose future directions to help disentangle emotion-based impulsivity and psychopathology in the moment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Family Functioning in the Time of COVID-19 Among Economically Vulnerable Families: Risks and Protective Factors

The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has been particularly harmful to economically vulnerable families with young children. We surveyed 247 low-income mothers and fathers from 142 families in the United States about changes in their family life following the economic and social restrictions imposed by the pandemic. We examined the associations between pandemic-related risk factors such as economic stressors (e.g., loss of job) and social stressors (e.g., exposure to the virus) on family functioning (e.g., parents' mental health, parent engagement, and children's socioemotional behaviors) and the degree to which coparenting support and parents' positivity protected families from the negative effects of these stressors on their wellbeing. We found both positive and negative associations. Mothers and fathers who reported more economic stressors since the pandemic also observed that their children behaved more prosocially and that fathers experienced more mental health difficulties during the pandemic. Mothers and fathers who reported more social stressors reported that they were less engaged with their children and their children exhibited more behavior problems compared to before the pandemic. We also found that mothers and fathers who reported feeling more positive also reported feeling less depressed and stressed during the pandemic and observed that their children had more prosocial behaviors compared to before the pandemic. Compared to before the pandemic, mothers and fathers who reported a more supportive coparenting relationship also reported more parent engagement and observed more prosocial behaviors in their children. In terms of protective factors, high levels of parent positivity during the pandemic protected mothers (less mental health difficulties) whereas high levels of coparenting support protected fathers (less mental health difficulties) from the negative effects of economic stress on their mental health during the pandemic. These findings highlight family processes that could promote resilience in mothers and fathers in the face of pandemic-related economic and social stressors.

The Development of Externalizing and Internalizing Behaviors Among Youth With or Without a Family History of Substance Use Disorder: The Indirect Effects of Early-Life Stress and Impulsivity

Youth with a family history of substance use disorder (FH+) are more prone to have externalizing and internalizing problems compared to youth without a family history of substance use disorder (FH-), increasing the likelihood of later maladjustment. However, mechanisms for this association remain understudied. In this longitudinal study, we examined if FH+ youth are more likely to experience early-life stressors (ELS), which in turn would increase impulsivity and the expression of externalizing and internalizing behaviors. Data were collected from youth and a parent (n = 386) during a baseline assessment (age 10-12 years) and every six months when the youth was 13-16 years old. In support of the primary hypothesis, FH+ youth reported higher levels of externalizing and internalizing behaviors through ELS to impulsivity providing a developmental pathway through which FH+ youth are more prone to externalizing and internalizing problems.

Parsing social motivation: development and validation of a self-report measure of social effort

BACKGROUND

Reduced efforts to form and maintain social bonds can exist in the context of a sufficient desire for social connection. Thus, social impairment common across many psychiatric conditions may often reflect failures in social effort exertion, despite normative levels of social liking and wanting. Although there are many questionnaires available that assess sociability, desire, or lack thereof for connection and perceived social support, there is no current self-report assessment of the behavioral outputs of social motivation.

AIMS

We aimed to develop and validate a measure of the social effort in college students and the general population.

METHODS

College students (n = 981) and a broader sample of adults via Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk; n = 506) participated in the study.

RESULTS

We identified two factors that represented content related to general social effort and social effort in adherence with social norms; we named the measure the Social Effort and Conscientiousness Scale (SEACS). Results suggest the SEACS is a reliable and valid measure of social effort.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower scores on the SEACS were associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, highlighting the scale's potential utility in clinical populations. We include a discussion of possible applications of the SEACS, including its further use and application in psychopathology research.

Impulsive States and Impulsive Traits: A Study of the Multilevel Structure and Validity of a Multifaceted Measure of Impulsive States

Emerging evidence suggests impulsive states may be reliably measured in the moment using ecological momentary assessment (EMA); however, research has not investigated whether the multi-factor structure of impulsive traits also characterizes impulsive states. In two independent samples spanning adolescence through young adulthood (n = 211, n = 222), we adapted global self-report measures of impulsive traits to EMA and conducted multilevel confirmatory factor analyses to characterize the within- and between-person factor structure of five impulsive traits (negative urgency, planning, persistence, sensation seeking, and positive urgency). Across both studies, factor models with one factor for each UPPS-P facet fit the data well at both levels, though some latent factors were highly correlated. Aggregated impulsive states, especially negative urgency, predicted oppositional defiant disorder symptoms, emotional problems, alcohol problems, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. Our results suggest that EMA measures can capture a range of impulsive states that mirrors the heterogeneity seen in the trait literature.

The German Three Factor Impulsivity Index: Confirmatory factor analysis and ties to demographic and health-related variables

A growing body of research has focused on the differentiation of emotion-related versus non-emotion-related impulsivity, assessed by the Three-Factor Impulsivity (TFI) index. The goal of this study is to develop a German TFI index, and to validate the emotion-related impulsivity subscales against indices of substance abuse, physical or psychological disorder, physical exercise, BMI, and hours of sleep. 395 native-German speakers completed the German TFI index and questions on validity indicators online. Factor analyses supported the three-factor structure, including Pervasive Influence of Feelings, Lack of Follow Through, and Feelings Trigger Action. Correlations between factors were higher than in the original work. Both emotion-related impulsivity subscales correlated significantly with psychological disorder, engagement in and minutes of physical exercise per week. When included in multivariate regression models, the three factors explained 3.1%, and 29.2% of variance in amount of exercise per week and psychological disorder, respectively. In sum, findings indicated that the German TFI index has a robust three-factor structure that showed expected links to validity indicators, and novel effects in relation to physical exercise.

Cross-Study, Cross-Method Associations Between Negative Urgency and Internalizing Symptoms

There is a small body of research that has connected individual differences in negative urgency, the tendency to report rash actions in response to negative emotions, with self-report depressive and anxiety symptoms. Despite the conceptual overlap of negative urgency with negative emotionality, the tendency to experience frequent and intense negative emotions, even fewer studies have examined whether the association of negative urgency with internalizing symptoms hold when controlling for negative emotionality. In the current study, we estimated the bivariate association between negative urgency and internalizing symptoms, tested whether they remained significant after partialling out negative emotionality, and tested whether these effects generalized to real-time experiences of negative emotions. We used data from five independent samples of high school and college students, assessed with global self-report (n = 1,297) and ecological momentary assessment (n = 195). Results indicated that in global self-report data, negative urgency was moderately and positively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, and the partial association with depressive symptoms (but not anxiety symptoms) controlling for negative emotionality remained significant and moderate in magnitude. This pattern was replicated in ecological momentary assessment data. Negative urgency may convey risk for depressive symptoms, independent of the effects of negative emotionality.

Family Processes and Child Psychopathology: A Between- and Within-Family/Child Analysis

A vast array of family processes is linked to child mental development, among which (1) low parental acceptance and (2) high family conflict are known as transdiagnostic risk factors for child internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. In contrast to most prior research adopting cross-sectional or lagged designs, the current study applied fine-grained multilevel modeling to elucidate the complex relationships among parental acceptance, family conflict, and child psychopathology, considering the nesting structure of children within families and longitudinal changes within children. We focused on preadolescents from the two-wave Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (N = 4,953; aged 9-12) and accounted for parental psychopathology and sex differences. Our findings suggest that consistent between-family and between-child differences in parental acceptance play a transdiagnostic role for both child internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, whereas family conflict is only significantly associated with externalizing psychopathology. Additionally, short-term within-family and within-child improvements in parental acceptance and family conflict across one year were associated with decreased externalizing, but not internalizing, psychopathology. These findings support the potential importance and feasibility of targeting these family process factors for child externalizing problems outside of an intensive treatment setting. We further discussed how such findings serve as a foundation for future research on family processes and child internalizing problems. The varying results across different grouping levels highlight the importance of decomposing within- from between-family/child effects in future studies on family processes and child psychopathology.

Automatic and Controlled Processes in Behavioural Control: Implications for Personality Psychology

This paper highlights a number of unresolved theoretical issues that, it is argued, continue to impede the construction of a viable model of behavioural control in personality psychology. It is contended that, in order to integrate motivation, emotion, cognition and conscious experience within a coherent framework, two major issues need to be recognised: (a) the relationship between automatic (reflexive) and controlled (reflective) processing and (b) the lateness of controlled processing (including the generation of conscious awareness)—phenomenally, such processing seems to ‘control’ behaviour, but experimentally it can be shown to postdate the behaviour it represents. The implications of these two major issues are outlined, centred on the need to integrate theoretical perspectives within personality psychology, as well as the greater unification of personality psychology with general psychology. A model of behavioural control is sketched, formulated around the concept of the behavioural inhibition system (BIS), which accounts for: (a) why certain stimuli are extracted for controlled processing (i.e. those that are not ‘going to plan’, as detected by an error mechanism) and (b) the function of controlled processing (including conscious awareness) in terms of adjusting the cybernetic weights of automatic processes (which are always in control of immediate behaviour) which, then, influence future automatically controlled behaviour. The relevance of this model is illustrated in relation to a number of topics in personality psychology, as well related issues of free–will and difficult–to–control behaviours. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Clarifying Problems in Behavioural Control: Interface, Lateness and Consciousness

The target paper highlights a number of unresolved issues that, I believe, continue to impede the construction of a viable model of behavioural control in personality psychology; namely, (a) the relationship between controlled and automatic processing (the ‘interface’ problem’) and (b) the time it takes for controlled processes, including consciousness, to be generated (the ‘lateness’ problem). The diversity of views expressed in the commentatories indicates that these are, indeed, real and unresolved problems. This response is structured around the following key questions. (1) How long–term goal planning interfaces with the automatic machinery of behaviour? (2) The extent of the impact of the ‘lateness’ of controlled (including conscious) processes for building models of behavioural control? (3) How best to characterise the personality traits associated with the FFFS, BIS and BAS? (4) How does the BIS control mismatch detection, the generation of error signals, and response inhibition and switching? (5) Is consciousness really a necessary explanatory construct in models of behavioural control? (6) Might neural ‘crosstalk’ of encapsulated action–goal response systems point to the functional significance of consciousness? (7) What are the implications of issues raised in the target paper for lexical and social–cognitive approaches to personality? I conclude by re–iterating the importance of the problems of ‘lateness’ and ‘interface’ for the construction of a viable model of behavioural control sufficient for the fostering of theoretical integration within personality psychology as well as affording the building of conceptual bridges with general psychology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

What young people say about impulsivity in the short-term build up to self-harm: A qualitative study using card-sort tasks

Youth who self-harm report high levels of trait impulsivity and identify impulsive behaviour as a proximal factor directly preceding a self-harm act. Yet, impulsivity is a multidimensional construct and distinct impulsivity-related facets relate differentially to self-harm outcomes. Studies have yet to examine if and how a multidimensional account of impulsivity is meaningful to individual experiences and understandings of self-harm in youth. We explored the salience and context of multidimensional impulsivity within narratives of self-harm, and specifically in relation to the short-term build-up to a self-harm episode. Fifteen community-based adolescents (aged 16-22 years) attending Further Education (FE) colleges in the UK took part in individual face-to-face sessions (involving exploratory card-sort tasks and semi-structured interviews) which explored factors relating to self-harm, impulsivity and the broader emotional, developmental and cognitive context. Session data were analysed thematically. Two overarching themes, and associated subthemes, were identified: 'How I respond to strong negative emotions'; and 'Impulse versus deliberation- How much I think through what I'm doing before I do it'. Self-harm was typically a quick, impulsive act in the context of overwhelming emotion, underpinned by cognitive processing deficits. The dynamic tension between emotion-based impulsivity and controlled deliberation was articulated in the immediate moments before self-harm. However, impulsive responses were perceived as modifiable. Where self-harm patterns were established, these related to habitual behaviour and quick go-to responses. Young people identified with a multidimensional conception of impulsivity and described the impulsive context of a self-harm act as dynamic, contextual, and developmentally charged. Findings have implications for youth-focused work. Card-task frameworks are recommended to scaffold and facilitate discussion with young people, particularly where topics are sensitive, complex and multifactorial.

Stop and Start Control: A Distinction within Self–Control

A theoretical distinction within self–control, between stop control and start control, was investigated in two studies. Study 1 consisted of a pilot study in which expert ratings of existing self–control items were used to distinguish between stop and start control items and a confirmatory factor analyses of these items using a student sample ( N = 474). Also, stop and start control were related to overall affect and behavioural outcomes. Stop control was negatively related to negative affect, whereas start control was positively related to positive affect. Study 2 ( N = 226) replicated some of these findings; stop control was the best predictor (−) of smoking and alcohol consumption whereas start control was the best predictor (+) of exercising and studying. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Children's sleep, impulsivity, and anger: shared genetic etiology and implications for developmental psychopathology

BACKGROUND

Prior research has established links between poor sleep and problems in emotion regulation. Impulsivity and anger/frustration are core features of child psychopathology. Further, sleep problems are commonly associated with psychopathology. This study examined shared and unique genetic and environmental influences on sleep, impulsivity, and anger/frustration in the middle childhood period with potential ramifications for psychopathology.

METHODS

Families (29.9% monozygotic, 38.6% same-sex dizygotic, 31.5% opposite-sex dizygotic) from a longitudinal twin study participated (N = 613 twins). Twins (M_age  = 8.37, SD = 0.66; 49% female; 58% non-Latinx European American, 30% Latinx) wore actigraph watches for seven days to assess sleep. Primary caregivers (95.3% mothers) completed standardized questionnaires to assess twins' temperament (impulsivity, anger/frustration).

RESULTS

Univariate ACE twin structural equation models indicated strong genetic influences (76%) on impulsivity, whereas the largest proportion of variance in anger/frustration was attributed to the shared environment (56%). Bivariate model fitting indicated that sleep-impulsivity and sleep-anger/frustration associations in children are genetic; thus, a mutual underlying genetic factor likely contributes to the commonality in these associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Given evidence that sleep problems, impulsivity, and anger/frustration are mechanisms associated with psychopathology, our findings suggest a genetic commonality and the need to focus on shared and unique risk factors when understanding etiology. Early intervention and prevention efforts should target both sleep problems and high levels of impulsivity and anger/frustration in children, which may have implications for later psychopathology.

Three phases of Gene × Environment interaction research: Theoretical assumptions underlying gene selection

Some Gene × Environment interaction (G×E) research has focused upon single candidate genes, whereas other related work has targeted multiple genes (e.g., polygenic scores). Each approach has informed efforts to identify individuals who are either especially vulnerable to the negative effects of contextual adversity (diathesis stress) or especially susceptible to both positive and negative contextual conditions (differential susceptibility). A critical step in all such molecular G×E research is the selection of genetic variants thought to moderate environmental influences, a subject that has not received a great deal of attention in critiques of G×E research (beyond the observation of small effects of individual genes). Here we conceptually distinguish three phases of G×E work based on the selection of genes presumed to moderate environmental effects and the theoretical basis of such decisions: (a) single candidate genes, (b) composited (multiple) candidate genes, and (c) GWAS-derived polygenic scores. This illustrative, not exhaustive, review makes it clear that implicit or explicit theoretical assumptions inform gene selection in ways that have not been clearly articulated or fully appreciated.

Evidence Regarding Automatic Processing Computerized Tasks Designed For Health Interventions in Real-World Settings Among Adults: Systematic Scoping Review

Background

Dual process theories propose that the brain uses 2 types of thinking to influence behavior: automatic processing and reflective processing. Automatic processing is fast, immediate, nonconscious, and unintentional, whereas reflective processing focuses on logical reasoning, and it is slow, step by step, and intentional. Most digital psychological health interventions tend to solely target the reflective system, although the automatic processing pathway can have strong influences on behavior. Laboratory-based research has highlighted that automatic processing tasks can create behavior change; however, there are substantial gaps in the field on the design, implementation, and delivery of automatic processing tasks in real-world settings. It is important to identify and summarize the existing literature in this area to inform the translation of laboratory-based research to real-world settings.

Objective

This scoping review aims to explore the effectiveness of automatic training tasks, types of training tasks commonly used, mode of delivery, and impacts of gamification on automatic processing tasks designed for digital psychological health interventions in real-world settings among adults.

Methods

The scoping review methodology proposed by Arskey and O’Malley and Colquhoun was applied. A scoping review was chosen because of the novelty of the digital automatic processing field and to encompass a broad review of the existing evidence base. Electronic databases and gray literature databases were searched with the search terms “automatic processing,” “computerised technologies,” “health intervention,” “real-world,” and “adults” and synonyms of these words. The search was up to date until September 2018. A manual search was also completed on the reference lists of the included studies.

Results

A total of 14 studies met all inclusion criteria. There was a wide variety of health conditions targeted, with the most prevalent being alcohol abuse followed by social anxiety. Attention bias modification tasks were the most prevalent type of automatic processing task, and the majority of tasks were most commonly delivered over the web via a personal computer. Of the 14 studies included in the review, 8 demonstrated significant changes to automatic processes and 4 demonstrated significant behavioral changes as a result of changed automatic processes.

Conclusions

This is the first review to synthesize the evidence on automatic processing tasks in real-world settings targeting adults. This review has highlighted promising, albeit limited, research demonstrating that automatic processing tasks may be used effectively in a real-world setting to influence behavior change.

[Mindfulness in Development-oriented Approaches to Substance Use Prevention and Therapy: Rationale, Design and Objectives of the Research Consortium IMAC-Mind]

Mindfulness in Development-oriented Approaches to Substance Use Prevention and Therapy: Rationale, Design and Objectives of the Research Consortium IMAC-Mind Substance use disorders (SUD) are a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. They are typically initiated during adolescence and can have fatal implications for healthy development. Despite substantial scientific advances, there remains a need to prioritize research directed at reducing risks for SUD, particularly in vulnerable periods and populations from a developmental perspective. Research indicates that reward sensitivity, impulsivity, deficient self-regulation, and stress reactivity develop markedly in childhood and adolescence and play an important role in the initiation and maintenance of SUD. A growing number of research results suggest that these factors can be favorably influenced by mindfulness-based interventions and that mindfulness-based exercises can be successfully integrated into established prevention and treatment programs. In this paper we summarize the conceptual relationships between the development and maintenance of addiction disorders and mindfulness, discuss existing empirical findings with regard to childhood and adolescence, and present the aims, study designs and intervention models of the subprojects from the ongoing research network "IMAC-Mind: Improving Mental Health and Reducing Addiction in Childhood and Adolescence through Mindfulness: Mechanisms, Prevention and Treatment".

A State Model of Negative Urgency: Do Momentary Reports of Emotional Impulsivity Reflect Global Self-Report?

Negative urgency is a trait that is a risk factor for a range of psychopathology. Yet, little research has tested whether global self-report measures of negative urgency truly reflect a heightened association between real-world negative emotions and impulsive behaviors. In a sample of young adults (N = 222) assessed 3 times per day for 10 days, we tested whether negative emotions were associated with multiple facets of impulsivity at the state-level, and whether those associations were moderated by global self-report of negative urgency. Our findings suggest a robust within-person association between negative affect and acting on impulse. However, global self-report of negative urgency did not moderate any emotion-impulsivity association we tested.

Developmental joint trajectories of anxiety-depressive trait and trait-aggression: implications for co-occurrence of internalizing and externalizing problems

BACKGROUND

In youth, anxiety-depressive traits (ADT) and trait-aggression (TA) are important risk factors of exhibiting maladaptive behaviors in adulthood (i.e. violence and substance use). However, the developmental co-occurrence of these traits in youth remains unknown. We thus sought to investigate the developmental trajectories of ADT and TA within a data-driven approach. The aim was two-fold: (i) to examine the developmental trajectories of ADT and TA in youth from ages 10 to 16, and (ii) to investigate both childhood predictors and problematic outcomes of the identified joint trajectories.

METHOD

The sample comprised 1354 children provided from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) Consortium. Group-based trajectory modeling was first employed to identify individual trajectory models of ADT and TA independently (from ages 10 to 16). Then, joint trajectory models were built on the found trajectories. Last, logistic regressions were used to evaluate the childhood characteristics and negative outcomes of the joint trajectory groups.

RESULTS

Our results showed five trajectory groups with varying levels of ADT and TA. A significant co-occurrence between ADT and TA was found in three of the trajectory groups. Notably, higher levels of childhood psychopathology and more severe/frequent childhood abuse were found in the groups with moderate to high ADT and high TA. The groups with higher ADT and high TA were also more likely to exhibit violence and substance use.

CONCLUSIONS

This study exposes the importance of assessing ADT and TA simultaneously and early in childhood to prevent and manage the risk of problematic behaviors in adolescence.