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Lee KS, Catmur C, Bird G. Childhood language development and alexithymia in adolescence: an 8-year longitudinal study. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 39363856 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424001007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Alexithymia (difficulties identifying and describing feelings) predicts increased risks for psychopathology, especially during the transition from childhood to adolescence. However, little is known of the early contributors to alexithymia. The language hypothesis of alexithymia suggests that language deficits play a primary role in predisposing language-impaired groups to developing alexithymia; yet longitudinal data tracking prospective relationship between language function and alexithymia are scarce. Leveraging data from the Surrey Communication and Language in Education cohort (N = 229, mean age at time point 1 = 5.32 years, SD = 0.29, 51.1% female), we investigated the prospective link between childhood language development and alexithymic traits in adolescence. Results indicated that boys with low language function at ages 4-5 years, and those who later met the diagnostic criteria for language disorders at ages 5-6 years, reported elevated alexithymic traits when they reached adolescence. Parent-reported child syntax abilities at ages 5-6 years revealed a dimensional relationship with alexithymic traits, and this was consistent with behavioral assessments on related structural language abilities. Empirically derived language groups and latent language trajectories did not predict alexithymic traits in adolescence. While findings support the language hypothesis of alexithymia, greater specificity of the alexithymia construct in developmental populations is needed to guide clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Shu Lee
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Caroline Catmur
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Geoffrey Bird
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Research in Autism and Education, Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
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Kieraité M, Bättig JJ, Novoselac A, Noboa V, Seifritz E, Rufer M, Egger ST, Weidt S. "Our similarities are different" The relationship between alexithymia and depression. Psychiatry Res 2024; 340:116099. [PMID: 39173349 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Alexithymia is a multi-faceted personality trait, which is the inability to recognize and describe emotions. It is associated with a multitude of mental health problems, and its implication for the diagnosis and treatment of depression remains unclear. The current study explored the nuances of the relationship between alexithymia and depression in a sample of 210 patients with depression. We assessed alexithymia with the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and depression with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-I). The mean TAS-20 score was 57.47 ± 10.63, and the mean BDI-I score was 49.33±9.24. We explored the network structure of alexithymia and depression. Items related to difficulties in identifying, describing, and expressing feelings were prominent in the alexithymia network. Joy, guilt, and self-dislike stand out in the depression network. In our analysis, we were able to show the crescent relationship between depression and alexithymia, with an inflection point at a TAS-20 score of 53. Although the correlation-concordance index was moderate (0.41; 95 %CI: 0.29-0.51), both scales greatly overlap. In the joint network of alexithymia and depression, we could identify bridge (i.e., connecting) items between alexithymia and depression. These were difficulties understanding and relating feelings to physical and body sensations on the alexithymia side, and self-dislike, crying, and somatic concern on the depression side. Taken together, they point to the pivotal role of alexithymia in the somatization/embodiment of emotions and feelings in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kieraité
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Vanessa Noboa
- Department for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Rufer
- Department for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Triaplus Integrated Psychiatry Uri, Schwyz and Zug, Oberwil-Zug, Switzerland
| | - Stephan T Egger
- Department for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Steffi Weidt
- Department for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Sun Q, Xiong N, Wang Y, Xia Z, Chen J, Yan C, Sun H. Shared and distinct aberrations in frontal-striatal system functional patterns among patients with irritable bowel syndrome and major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 362:391-403. [PMID: 38986877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering the high comorbidity, shared risk factors, and genetic pathways between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and major depressive disorder (MDD), we hypothesized that there would be both shared and disorder-specific alterations in brain function. METHODS A total of 39 IBS patients, 39 MDD patients, and 40 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled and matched for sex, age, and educational level. All subjects underwent resting-state functional MRI. The clinical variables of anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal symptoms and alexithymia were recorded. The 12 subregions of the striatum were employed as seeds to assess their functional connectivity (FC) with every voxel throughout the whole brain. RESULTS Compared to HC, IBS and MDD patients exhibited aberrant frontal-striatal circuitry. We observed a common decrease in FC between the dorsal striatum and regions of the hippocampus, sensorimotor cortex, and prefrontal cortex (PFC) in both IBS and MDD patients. Patients with IBS exhibited disorder-specific decreases in FC within the striatum, along with reduced connectivity between the ventral striatum and sensorimotor cortex. In contrast, MDD patients showed disorder-specific hyperconnectivity in the medial PFC-limbic system. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that frontal-striatal FC values could serve as transdiagnostic markers of IBS and MDD. Within the IBS group, striatal connectivity was not only negatively associated with weekly abdominal pain days but also negatively correlated with the levels of anxiety and alexithymia. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory analysis indicated that patients with IBS and MDD exhibited both shared and disorder-specific frontal-striatal circuit impairments, potentially explaining both comorbidity and distinct phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqing Sun
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Nana Xiong
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China.
| | - Yuwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwei Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Chaogan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Hongqiang Sun
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China.
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4
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Oldenboom C, Drissen MMCM, van Dongen LCM, Kleefstra T, Prins JB, Egger JIM, Hoogerbrugge N. Neuropsychological functioning of adults with PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:e63653. [PMID: 38747682 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) might be associated with a distinct cognitive and psychological profile. However, previous studies are limited, predominantly based on small and pediatric cohorts, likely affected by selection bias, and show a broad range of findings. We aimed to characterize the neuropsychological functioning of adults with PHTS. A total of 40 participants, with intellectual disability as exclusion criterium, completed an extensive clinical neuropsychological assessment including cognitive tasks, questionnaires, and a clinical diagnostic interview. The cognitive tasks and questionnaire data were categorized as below and above average based on 1.5 SD. About 80% of participants showed an average level of intelligence. In addition, 30% and 24% of participants scored below average on immediate memory recall and speed of information processing, respectively. Furthermore, about 25% reported above average scores on the majority of the questionnaires, indicating psychological distress, signs of alexithymia, and cognitive complaints. Personality of participants was characterized by inflexibility, social withdrawal, and difficulties in recognizing and describing their own emotions. Adults with PHTS demonstrate a heterogeneous yet distinct neuropsychological profile that is characterized by slower information processing, psychological problems, and specific personality traits. These findings provide directions on how to optimize the care and daily lives of adults with PHTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Oldenboom
- Centre of Excellence for Neuropsychiatry, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, The Netherlands
| | - Meggie M C M Drissen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Linde C M van Dongen
- Centre of Excellence for Neuropsychiatry, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, The Netherlands
| | - Tjitske Kleefstra
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith B Prins
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jos I M Egger
- Centre of Excellence for Neuropsychiatry, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicoline Hoogerbrugge
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Özdemir HD, Sağlam M. Investigating the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion in the Relationship Between Authenticity and Alexithymia in University Students. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241278591. [PMID: 39208530 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241278591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The aim of our study is to investigate the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between authenticity and alexithymia by examining the relationships between authenticity, alexithymia and self-compassion. The data collected via email by using three scales from the students of a foundation university in Istanbul/Turkey in the spring semester of 2022-2023. The data collection method was a descriptive cross-sectional study and the data were collected on a voluntary basis. Since it was thought that there would be a difference between the departments, data were collected from three different departments. The sample included 263 participants, 139 were English Language Teaching, 107 were Guidance and Psychological Counseling, and 17 were Elementary Mathematics Teaching students. The average age of the participants was 22.11 ± 3.59, 257 of them were single and 6 of them were married. The data were evaluated by using the SPSS 22.0 and LISREL 8.80 programs. While descriptive analyses were used in the evaluation, the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between authenticity and alexithymia was tested with Structural Equation Modeling. When the measurement model was examined, it was seen that there was a relationship between authenticity and alexithymia (r = -.40; p < .000), between self-compassion and alexithymia (r = - .85; p < .001) and between self-compassion and authenticity (r = .43; p < .001). When the structural equation model was examined, it was found that the relationship between authenticity and alexithymia in the measurement model (r = -.40) decreased to (β = - .05; p > .005) when the mediating role of self-compassion was examined and the relationship was found to be insignificant. When this path was removed from the model and the model was re-examined, the goodness of fit values of the model were χ2/df (71.12/51) ratio = 1.174; RMSEA = .039; SRMR = .050; CFI= .99; NFI = .96; NNFI = .98; IFI = .99; RFI = .95 and GFI = .96. In the study, it was found that self-compassion has a full mediating role in the relationship between authenticity and alexithymia in three departments. The relationship between authenticity and alexithymia goes through self-compassion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Deniz Özdemir
- School of Arts and Social Sciences, Psychology Department, Esenyurt University, Esenyurt, Türkiye
| | - Manolya Sağlam
- Foreign Languages Education, English Language Teaching Department, Biruni University, Zeytinburnu, Türkiye
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Sikström S, Nicolai M, Ahrendt J, Nevanlinna S, Stille L. Language or rating scales based classifications of emotions: computational analysis of language and alexithymia. NPJ MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 3:37. [PMID: 39085388 PMCID: PMC11291691 DOI: 10.1038/s44184-024-00080-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Rating scales are the dominating tool for the quantitative assessment of mental health. They are often believed to have a higher validity than language-based responses, which are the natural way of communicating mental states. Furthermore, it is unclear how difficulties articulating emotions-alexithymia-affect the accuracy of language-based communication of emotions. We investigated whether narratives describing emotional states are more accurately classified by questions-based computational analysis of language (QCLA) compared to commonly used rating scales. Additionally, we examined how this is affected by alexithymia. In Phase 1, participants (N = 348) generated narratives describing events related to depression, anxiety, satisfaction, and harmony. In Phase 2, another set of participants summarized the emotions described in the narratives of Phase 1 in five descriptive words and rating scales (PHQ-9, GAD-7, SWLS, and HILS). The words were quantified with a natural language processing model (i.e., LSA) and classified with machine learning (i.e., multinomial regression). The results showed that the language-based responses can be more accurate in classifying the emotional states compared to the rating scales. The degree of alexithymia did not influence the correctness of classification based on words or rating scales, suggesting that QCLA is not sensitive to alexithymia. However, narratives generated by people with high alexithymia were more difficult to classify than those generated by people with low alexithymia. These results suggest that the assessment of mental health may be improved by language-based responses analyzed by computational methods compared to currently used rating scales.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lotta Stille
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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7
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Fauver M, Clark EM, Schwartz CE. A new framework for understanding stress and disease: the developmental model of stress as applied to multiple sclerosis. Front Integr Neurosci 2024; 18:1365672. [PMID: 38957213 PMCID: PMC11218666 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2024.1365672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper proposes a new model of stress that integrates earlier models and adds insights from developmental psychology. Previous models describe the behavioral and physical effects of stress events, but have not explained the translation of experiences into stress itself. The Developmental Model of Stress shows how psychosocial developmental challenges in childhood create persistent negative beliefs and behaviors that increase threat perception and maladaptive stress responses. These developmental challenges produce early psychological and physiological predispositions for increased stress responses over time. Ongoing stress leads to dysregulation of physical stress-response systems (allostatic load), which is associated with multiple diseases. High allostatic load provides the necessary preconditions for the diathesis-stress model, which says the addition of an acute stressor to a weakened or predisposed system can lead to disease development. The paper also documents the evolving measurement of stress to better understand the stress-disease relationship, helping to resolve conflicting results between studies. The Developmental Model of Stress was combined with clinician insight and patient reports to build an integrative framework for understanding the role of stress in the development and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). It includes the first mapping of maladaptive beliefs and behaviors arising from developmental challenges that are common to people with MS. An initial comparison shows these may be distinct from those of people with other chronic diseases. These beliefs and behaviors form the predisposing factors and contribute to the triggering factors, which are the acute stressors triggering disease onset. These often took two forms, a prolonged incident experienced as feeling trapped or stuck, and threat of a breach in a relationship. The reinforcing factors add the stress of a chronic disease with a poor prognosis and seemingly random symptom fluctuation, still managed with the same beliefs and behaviors developed in childhood, increasing physiological dysregulation and symptom severity. A pilot study is described in which these three categories of stress factors in MS were explicitly addressed. This study noted clinically important improvements in physical and mental well-being, providing preliminary support for the Developmental Model. Future research might expand on the pilot using a more robust sample and design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Fauver
- Integral Health Program, California Institute for Human Science, Encinitas, CA, United States
| | - Eva M. Clark
- MIND based Healing, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Carolyn E. Schwartz
- DeltaQuest Foundation, Inc., Concord, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine and Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tufts University Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Corso CB, Hoppe R, Kliewer W, Wike T, Winter MA. Emotion Regulation in Families: Exploring the Link between Parent-Child Alexithymia and Child Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024:10.1007/s10578-024-01728-9. [PMID: 38874751 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-024-01728-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic comprises a mass trauma for children and families, and children may face particular vulnerability to post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) through processes of parent and child emotional dysregulation, such as alexithymia. With 88 U.S. children (Mage = 9.94 years; 54.5% female; 59.1% White) and their parents/caregivers (68.2% female; 59.1% White), a path model was tested in which child alexithymia symptoms partially mediated the association between parent alexithymia symptoms and child COVID-19-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). We also tested an alternative model in which child alexithymia symptoms moderated the association between parent alexithymia symptoms and child PTSS. The hypothesized mediation model was supported (β = 0.15, SE = 0.05, 95% CI: [0.07, 0.25], p < 0.001), whereas the hypothesized moderator model was not (β = 0.06, p = 0.44). Findings highlight the importance of parents' emotional understanding and regulation for child mental health during mass traumas such as pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey B Corso
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 808 West Franklin St, Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
| | - Rebecca Hoppe
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 808 West Franklin St, Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
| | - Wendy Kliewer
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 808 West Franklin St, Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
| | - Traci Wike
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 842027, Richmond, VA, 23284-2027, USA
| | - Marcia A Winter
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 808 West Franklin St, Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA.
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Metwally RS, Abdullah AA, AlAmmar WA, Sebastian T. Are dietary pattern associated with alexithymia in Saudi adults? Nutr Health 2024; 30:291-300. [PMID: 35981142 DOI: 10.1177/02601060221115508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia is characterized by difficulties in describing feelings and physical sensations. Few studies have shown that there is a relation between alexithymia and dietary habits. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of alexithymia and its association with dietary patterns among a sample of communities in the Eastern Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted using a sample of 247 participants, were selected using convenience sampling. A well-organized and valid online questionnaire was administered, which covered variables related to socio-demographic data, anthropometric measurements, dietary patterns, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). RESULTS The prevalence of Alexithymia was found as 39.3%. Moreover, among the alexithymia and possible alexithymia groups, the majority eat pasta 1-4 times per week (70% and 67% respectively). Alexithemic participants eat fewer vegetables and fruits 46%), while the remaining eat more (70%), p = .001. Only 34% of the cases eat breakfast regularly (p = .005). Furthermore, the cases drink soft drinks and juices at meals more than controls in this study (p = .025). CONCLUSION The present study provides further experimental evidence which supports existing literature that indicating the strong association between alexithymia and unhealthy dietary patterns. Also, Alexithymia prevalence in our study is (39.3%) ; because of the cultural impact of the Saudi environment due to the fact that the face of Saudi women is not revealed, and because the face is one of the main sources of expression of feelings, which makes females unable to express or read feelings well.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed Amr Abdullah
- Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, University Counselling Centre, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Tunny Sebastian
- Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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10
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Joseph AL, Jerram MW, Valera EM. Emotional Clarity and Psychopathology in Women Who Have Experienced Physical Intimate Partner Violence. Violence Against Women 2024:10778012241254852. [PMID: 38784989 DOI: 10.1177/10778012241254852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a chronic, traumatic stressor related to posttraumatic stress (PTS), depression, and anxiety. As psychological symptoms are exacerbated in those with poor emotional clarity, the present study evaluates the relationship between emotional clarity and PTS, dissociation, depression, and worry in women who experienced at least one instance of physical IPV (n = 88). Hierarchical regression analyses, controlling for childhood trauma, IPV abuse severity, and IPV-related brain injury, found that lack of emotional clarity was significantly related to greater PTS, dissociative experiences, depression, and worry. Results suggest that emotional clarity may be a relevant therapeutic target for individuals with a history of IPV and psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie-Lori Joseph
- Department of Psychology, Suffolk University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Eve M Valera
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Merlo EM, Tutino R, Myles LAM, Lia MC, Minasi D. Alexithymia, intolerance to uncertainty and mental health difficulties in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:99. [PMID: 38755698 PMCID: PMC11100042 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01647-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) represents a serious chronic condition affecting a wide number of people. Discussion of the physical issues associated with T1DM pervades the literature, however, there is less discussion of the psychological consequences. Mental health difficulties, alexithymia and uncertainty are present in this population, and known to be harmful for the onset, maintenance and worsening of T1DM. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of these phenomena in people with T1DM. METHODS 105 participants aged between 11 and 17 years old (M: 13.88; SD: 2.16) affected by T1DM were included in the sample. To assess the presence of mental health difficulties, SAFA scales (Depression, Anxiety and Somatic symptoms) were included in the protocol together with TAS-20 and IUS-12, which evaluate the presence and role of alexithymia and intolerance to uncertainty in the sample, respectively. RESULTS A concerning presence of anxiety, depression and somatic symptoms was found in the sample. Mental health difficulties appeared to be consistently present in the sample, often overcoming pathological thesholds. Alexithymia and uncertainty were also common, highlighting their role in T1DM. CONCLUSIONS Active mental health difficulties together with high rates of alexithymia and intolerance to uncertainty were prevalent in the sample of adolescents with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Maria Merlo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Rita Tutino
- Pediatric Unit of Ospedali Riuniti Presidium, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | | | - Maria Carmela Lia
- Pediatric Unit of Ospedali Riuniti Presidium, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Domenico Minasi
- Pediatric Unit of Ospedali Riuniti Presidium, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, Reggio Calabria, Italy
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Aydın Rn A, Ersoy Özcan Rn B, Kaya Rn Y. The Effect of an Emotion Recognition and Expression Program on the Alexithymia, Emotion Expression Skills and Positive and Negative Symptoms of Patients with Schizophrenia in a Community Mental Health Center. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2024; 45:528-536. [PMID: 38563973 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2024.2326951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the effect of an emotion recognition and expression program (EREP) on the alexithymia, emotion expression skills and positive and negative symptoms of patients with schizophrenia. The study had a non-randomized, quasi-experimental design including a pretest, post-test, and follow-up test. It was conducted with 36 patients with schizophrenia (n = 18 intervention group, n = 18 control group) who regularly visited a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) in Türkiye and participated voluntarily. The EREP was applied to the intervention group for eight weeks. "Personal Information Form", "Emotion Expression Scale (EES)", "Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS)", and "Positive Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)" were applied to all participants in the pretest, post-test, and follow-up test. The follow-up test was applied one month after the end of the sessions. Number, percentage, chi-square test, and repeated measures analysis of variance were used for data evaluation. In the total alexithymia score, there was a significant difference in the group interaction by time in the intervention group compared to the control group. In terms of total alexithymia score, the post-test and follow-up test mean scores of the intervention group were lower than the control group (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.122). There was a significant time*group interaction in the positive emotion subscale of the EES (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.121). The findings of our study indicated that the EREP had a positive effect on the alexithymia scores of patients with schizophrenia. We found that the EREP used in our study contributed to the reduction of alexithymia levels in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeviye Aydın Rn
- Mental Health Nursing Department, Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Nursing, Konya, Turkey
| | - Berna Ersoy Özcan Rn
- Social Work Department, Sinop University Faculty of Health Sciences, Sinop, Turkey
| | - Yunus Kaya Rn
- Child Development Department, Aksaray University Faculty of Health Sciences, Aksaray, Turkey
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13
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Hong YC, Chen SJ, Chang YC, Chang CW, Chiang HH. The role of alexithymia in suicide ideation among Taiwanese army military personnel: A serial mediation model investigating the effects of perceived stress and depression. Stress Health 2024:e3405. [PMID: 38660797 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining the good mental health of Taiwanese military personnel is crucial, especially in light of incidents such as the Taiwan Strait crisis. Suicide is a leading cause of death among military personnel and alexithymia is a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation. However, the mechanisms linking alexithymia and suicidal ideation in this psychologically burdened population remain poorly understood. In total, 863 voluntary army military personnel from Taiwanese reserve brigades and combined-arms brigades were enroled between May 2020 and February 2021. Structured questionnaires about alexithymia, perceived stress, depression, suicidal ideation, and background characteristics were used. Mediation analyses were conducted to examine the serial mediation roles of perceived stress and depression in the relationship between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Significant positive correlations were observed between alexithymia, perceived stress, depression, and suicidal ideation in bivariate analyses. Serial mediation analyses revealed that alexithymia significantly predicted higher levels of perceived stress, subsequently leading to depressive symptoms, which were associated with suicidal ideation. Depression served as a significant mediator between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. The strongest mediating effect (71.4%) was observed in the pathway from alexithymia through perceived stress and depression to suicidal ideation. Limitations included the utilization of cross-sectional data and a reliance on retrospective self-report measures. Perceived stress and depression were identified as serial mediators in the association between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Clinically, it is crucial to prioritise interventions that target emotional regulation skills and assess the presence of alexithymia to effectively reduce suicidal ideation in military personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chia Hong
- Department of Nursing, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sy-Jou Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yue-Cune Chang
- Department of Mathematics, Tamkang University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Hsun Chiang
- School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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14
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Daghigh A. Beyond sleepless nights: Unraveling the complexity of alexithymia and suicide risk among university students. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3476. [PMID: 38622877 PMCID: PMC11019149 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a solid relationship between alexithymia and suicide risk. Nonetheless, the specific impact of alexithymia's distinct subscales on suicide risk has received the attention it deserves. This article presents a comprehensive exploration of suicide risk among university students, focusing on the interconnections among alexithymia, insomnia, and suicidal behavior. Three components of alexithymia including difficulties in describing emotions or feelings (DDF), difficulties in identifying emotions or feelings (DIF), and the externally oriented thinking were considered. METHODS The study involved 208 participants from a Persian university sample, examining the significance of incorporating both alexithymia and insomnia in suicide risk assessment and intervention planning. Insomnia was positioned as a pivotal mediator. A secure electronic link in the Telegram application was employed to collect the data. Both linear and nonlinear prediction models were used to explore potential associations among alexithymia, insomnia, and suicide risk. RESULTS The study revealed substantial positive correlations between alexithymia and suicide risk, as well as between insomnia and suicide risk. Additionally, specific components of alexithymia exhibited noteworthy links to suicide risk. The inclusion of insomnia scores in suicide risk predictions is critical, as it greatly enhances the precision of risk assessments and facilitates the design of targeted and effective therapeutic interventions. The association between alexithymia and suicide risk showed a significant relationship (r = .29, p < .01). Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between alexithymia and insomnia (r = .32, p < .01). Additionally, insomnia exhibited a significant positive correlation with suicide (r = .35, p < .01). Interestingly, DDF and DIF showed positive correlations with suicide (r = .28, p < .01; r = .33, p < .01). CONCLUSION The findings carry profound implications for suicide prevention efforts, providing valuable insights to safeguard the well-being and resilience of university students facing suicide risk challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Daghigh
- Department of Brain, Mind, and EducationInstitute for Cognitive Science StudiesTehranIran
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15
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Cooper H, Jennings BJ, Kumari V, Willard AK, Bennetts RJ. The association between childhood trauma and emotion recognition is reduced or eliminated when controlling for alexithymia and psychopathy traits. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3413. [PMID: 38341493 PMCID: PMC10858958 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53421-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Emotion recognition shows large inter-individual variability, and is substantially affected by childhood trauma as well as modality, emotion portrayed, and intensity. While research suggests childhood trauma influences emotion recognition, it is unclear whether this effect is consistent when controlling for interrelated individual differences. Further, the universality of the effects has not been explored, most studies have not examined differing modalities or intensities. This study examined childhood trauma's association with accuracy, when controlling for alexithymia and psychopathy traits, and if this varied across modality, emotion portrayed, and intensity. An adult sample (N = 122) completed childhood trauma, alexithymia, and psychopathy questionnaires and three emotion tasks: faces, voices, audio-visual. When investigating childhood trauma alone, there was a significant association with poorer accuracy when exploring modality, emotion portrayed, and intensity. When controlling for alexithymia and psychopathy, childhood trauma remained significant when exploring emotion portrayed, however, it was no longer significant when exploring modality and intensity. In fact, alexithymia was significant when exploring intensity. The effect sizes overall were small. Our findings suggest the importance of controlling for interrelated individual differences. Future research should explore more sensitive measures of emotion recognition, such as intensity ratings and sensitivity to intensity, to see if these follow accuracy findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Cooper
- Division of Psychology, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK.
| | - Ben J Jennings
- Division of Psychology, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Veena Kumari
- Division of Psychology, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Aiyana K Willard
- Division of Psychology, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Rachel J Bennetts
- Division of Psychology, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK.
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16
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Beals K, Torregrossa LJ, Smith R, Lane RD, Sheffield JM. Impaired emotional awareness is associated with childhood maltreatment exposure and positive symptoms in schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1325617. [PMID: 38283891 PMCID: PMC10811959 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1325617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Evidence suggests that emotional awareness-the ability to identify and label emotions-may be impaired in schizophrenia and related to positive symptom severity. Exposure to childhood maltreatment is a risk factor for both low emotional awareness and positive symptoms. Methods The current investigation examines associations between a performance-based measure of emotional awareness, positive symptom severity, and childhood maltreatment exposure in 44 individuals with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and 48 healthy comparison participants using the electronic Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (eLEAS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Results Patients demonstrated significant deficits in emotional awareness overall, which was true for both self and others. In patients, lower emotional awareness was significantly associated with more severe positive symptoms. Emotional awareness was significantly impaired in patients with schizophrenia with self-reported maltreatment exposure, relative to other groups. Severity of maltreatment was not significantly associated with emotional awareness or positive symptoms when looking continuously, and there was no significant indirect effect. Conclusion These data suggest that emotional awareness impairments observed in schizophrenia may be exacerbated by exposure to childhood maltreatment, possibly putting individuals at greater risk for experiencing positive symptoms of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall Beals
- Sheffield Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Social Cognition and Recovery in Schizophrenia Lab, Department of Psychology, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Lénie J. Torregrossa
- Sheffield Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Ryan Smith
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Richard David Lane
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Julia M. Sheffield
- Sheffield Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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17
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Liang Y. Attachment Anxiety and Nomophobia: A Moderated Parallel Mediation Model. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241226907. [PMID: 38193445 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241226907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Nomophobia is the state of being anxious or disturbed when feeling disconnected from the digital world and can have a significant impact on individuals' health and well-being. Drawing upon attachment theory and the previous literature on nomophobia, this study aims to understand how attachment anxiety influences nomophobia and whether this relationship differs between males and females. In the Human Penguin Project (HPP) (N = 1221; 12 countries; participants aged ≥20 years), the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire-Revised (ECR-R), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) were used to assess attachment anxiety, alexithymia, perceived stress, and nomophobia, respectively. The results demonstrated that (1) there were significant positive correlations between attachment anxiety, nomophobia, alexithymia, and perceived stress. Additionally, (2) there was a direct and significant effect of attachment anxiety on nomophobia, and alexithymia and perceived stress partially mediated this relationship. Finally, (3) gender significantly moderated the relationship between attachment anxiety and nomophobia. Specifically, the predicted effect was significant in both males and females, but the direct effect of attachment anxiety and nomophobia was stronger in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liang
- School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, China
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18
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Torunsky NT, Knauz S, Vilares I, Marcoulides KM, Koutstaal W. What is the relationship between alexithymia and experiential avoidance? A latent analysis using three alexithymia questionnaires. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023; 214:112308. [PMID: 37637074 PMCID: PMC10455047 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2023.112308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Alexithymia is a clinically relevant personality trait characterized by poor emotional awareness and associated with several psychological and physical health concerns. Individuals with high alexithymia tend to engage in experiential avoidance and this may mediate psychological distress. However, little is known about what specific processes of experiential avoidance are involved, and the nature of the relation between alexithymia, experiential avoidance, and psychological distress remains unclear at a latent construct level. To examine this relationship at the latent construct level, a representative sample of 693 U.S. adults completed alexithymia (TAS-20, BVAQ, PAQ), general distress (DASS-21), multi-dimensional experiential avoidance (MEAQ), and general health (PROMIS-G-10) questionnaires. Structural equation modeling revealed that alexithymia significantly predicted experiential avoidance (β = 0.966, t = 82.383, p < .01), experiential avoidance significantly predicted general distress (β = 0.810, t = 2.017, p < .05), and experiential avoidance fully mediated the relationship between alexithymia and general distress (βindirect = -0.159, t = -0.398, p > .05). Correlations between alexithymia and experiential avoidance subfactors revealed a strong relationship to the repression and denial subfactor. Experiential avoidance is a promising target for clinical interventions, though longitudinal research is necessary to elucidate how the relationship between alexithymia and experiential avoidance unfolds over time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Knauz
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, USA
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19
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Ozonder Unal I, Ordu C. Alexithymia, Self-Compassion, Emotional Resilience, and Cognitive Emotion Regulation: Charting the Emotional Journey of Cancer Patients. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:8872-8887. [PMID: 37887541 PMCID: PMC10605285 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30100641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer's profound impact on emotional well-being necessitates an exploration into the underlying psychological mechanisms influencing depression and anxiety in patients. In this study, we explored the potential role of self-compassion, alexithymia, and cognitive emotion regulation mechanisms in influencing depressive and anxiety symptoms among cancer patients. A total of 151 stage 4 cancer patients participated. Instruments applied included the Beck Depression Scale (BDS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Cognitive Emotion Regulation Scale (CERQ), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Brief Psychological Resilience Scale (BRS). The multivariate analysis utilizing the independent variables-SCS, adaptive and maladaptive CERQ, TAS subscales, BRS, and VAS scores-accounted for 39% of the variance seen in BDI (F (8142) = 11.539, p < 0.001). Notably, SCS, adaptive CERQ, and BRS had a negative predictive impact on BDI. Our findings substantiate a statistically significant partial mediatory role of resilience and cognitive emotion regulation in the association between self-compassion and depression. This research accentuates the central role self-compassion, emotional resilience, and cognitive regulation play in the emotional well-being of individuals diagnosed with cancer. Targeted therapeutic interventions focusing on these dimensions may enhance the psychological health of patients, ultimately improving overall treatment outcomes in the oncological setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ipek Ozonder Unal
- Department of Psychiatry, Tuzla State Hospital, Içmeler Mahallesi, Istanbul 34947, Turkey
| | - Cetin Ordu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gayrettepe Florence Nightingale Hospital, Istanbul 34381, Turkey;
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20
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Koppelberg P, Kersting A, Suslow T. Alexithymia and interpersonal problems in healthy young individuals. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:688. [PMID: 37735376 PMCID: PMC10515237 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05191-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia refers to a multidimensional personality trait with the facets difficulties identifying feelings (DIF), difficulties describing feelings (DDF), and externally orientated thinking (EOT). Alexithymia is a risk factor for mental and somatic disorders. Previous research with patients suffering from various disorders showed positive relationships between alexithymia and interpersonal problems. Only one study analyzed the link between alexithymic features and interpersonal difficulties in healthy individuals but yielded inconclusive findings because participants' negative affects were not controlled. A widely accepted conceptualization of interpersonal problems relies on the interpersonal circumplex, which is defined by two orthogonal dimensions, agency and communion. In the present study, we analyzed which facets of alexithymia are associated with the two interpersonal problem dimensions and the global severity of interpersonal distress, after adjusting for negative affect. METHODS Two-hundred healthy young individuals (100 women) participated in the study. Alexithymic features were assessed using the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Interpersonal problems were measured with the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-D). Participants' state and trait anxiety, depressive symptoms, and verbal intelligence were also assessed. RESULTS All alexithymia scales were positively correlated with general interpersonal distress. Regression results suggested that the TAS-20 subscale DIF was the primary predictor of general interpersonal distress after controlling for negative affectivity. The scale DDF correlated negatively with the IIP-D dimension agency. According to our regression analysis, DDF was a predictor of (low) agency controlling for negative affects. Moreover, DDF correlated negatively with the IIP-D dimension communion. Our regression results indicate that DDF was a predictor of (low) communion independent of negative affect. Correlations between alexithymia facets and IIP-D subscales did not differ between genders. CONCLUSIONS Difficulties identifying feelings seem to be linked to a high level of general interpersonal distress. Difficulties in recognizing one's feelings may disrupt emotion regulation, which could heighten the general risk of interpersonal problems. Difficulties describing feelings could be a central factor contributing to interpersonal problems related to low communion as well as low agency, since emotion expression and communication are crucial in establishing experiences of social closeness and directing other people's behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Koppelberg
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Semmelweisstr, 10, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anette Kersting
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Semmelweisstr, 10, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Suslow
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Semmelweisstr, 10, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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21
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Motomura Y, Fukuzaki A, Eto S, Hirabayashi N, Gondo M, Izuno S, Togao O, Yamashita K, Kikuchi K, Sudo N, Yoshihara K. Alexithymia characteristics are associated with salience network activity in healthy participants: an arterial spin labeling study. J Physiol Anthropol 2023; 42:18. [PMID: 37674183 PMCID: PMC10483865 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-023-00336-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia, a personality trait characterized by difficulties in identifying and expressing their emotions despite having a range of emotional experiences, can impact individuals' stress coping mechanisms. While many studies have investigated brain functions associated with specific tasks in relation to emotion processing, research focusing on resting-state brain functions has been limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between alexithymia and brain function by analyzing arterial spin labeling (ASL) data obtained during the resting state. METHODS A brain structural and functional imaging study was conducted on 42 healthy adult men and women using ASL and the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) questionnaire survey. Cerebral blood flow and functional connectivity values were calculated for regions of interest in the default mode network, saliency network, and central executive network from the ASL data. Correlation analysis was performed with TAS20 scores, and partial correlation analysis was conducted to control for anxiety and depression. RESULTS The functional connectivity analysis revealed a negative correlation between the functional connectivity of the right insular cortex and left anterior cingulate cortex and the total score of TAS, as well as difficulty identifying feelings and difficulty describing feeling subscores, indicating that the higher the scores, the weaker the functional connectivity between these regions (T = -3.830, p = 0.0013, R = -0.5180). This correlation remained significant even after controlling for anxiety and depression using partial correlation analysis. CONCLUSION The present study revealed differences in the activity of the Saliency Network at rest as measured by ASL, which were independent of anxiety and depression, and varied depending on the severity of alexithymia. This functional change may underlie the neural basis of decreased emotional processing observed in alexithymia. These findings may contribute to the elucidation of the neural mechanisms of alexithymia, which can lead to social impairments, and suggest the usefulness of ASL measurement as a biomarker of alexithymia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Motomura
- Department of Human Life Design, Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, 4-9-1 Shiobaru, Minamiku, Fukuoka, 815-8540, Japan.
| | - Ayaka Fukuzaki
- Department of Kansei Science, Graduate School of Integrated Frontier Science, Kyushu University, 4-9-1 Shiobaru, Minamiku, Fukuoka, 815-8540, Japan
| | - Sanami Eto
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naoki Hirabayashi
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Motoharu Gondo
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Izuno
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Division of Cerebral Integration, Department of System Neuroscience, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Osamu Togao
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koji Yamashita
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Kikuchi
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Sudo
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Yoshihara
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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22
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Sancassiani F, Montisci R, Meloni L, Nardi AE, Carta MG. Why is it Important to Assess and Treat Alexithymia in the Cardiologic Field? An Overview of the Literature. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2023; 19:e174501792307140. [PMID: 37916203 PMCID: PMC10507214 DOI: 10.2174/17450179-v19-230810-2022-ht15-4764-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Alexithymia has been found to be associated with several somatic illnesses, such as cardiovascular, indicating that it might be a risk factor for early death in the long-term course of post-myocardial infarction. From the cardiology perspective, the aim was to collect current evidence about the relationship between alexithymia and somatic illness. Methods The literature was synthesized and summarized in a narrative format. The literature search was carried out in PubMed. Pertinent studies published in the last 50 years written in English were included and organized by three main topics ("The relation between alexithymia and somatic illness from the cardiology perspective"; "How do assess alexithymia?"; "Treating alexithymia") to be discussed. Results High alexithymia is a dimensional trait that affects around 10% of the general population and up to 55% of people with essential hypertension. Also, the link between alexithymia and cardiovascular activity has been pointed out. There are several validated tools to assess alexithymia, as well as treatment options. Conclusion Knowledge about the main features of alexithymia, as well as its assessment and treatment, can promote a multifactorial approach to the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Sancassiani
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Asse Didattico E, SS 554 bivio Sestu 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Roberta Montisci
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Asse Didattico E, SS 554 bivio Sestu 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Luigi Meloni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Asse Didattico E, SS 554 bivio Sestu 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Antonio Egidio Nardi
- Instituto de Psiquiatria (IPUB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Asse Didattico E, SS 554 bivio Sestu 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
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23
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Pinto AM, Luís M, Geenen R, Palavra F, Lumley MA, Ablin JN, Amris K, Branco J, Buskila D, Castelhano J, Castelo-Branco M, Crofford LJ, Fitzcharles MA, Häuser W, Kosek E, López-Solà M, Mease P, Marques TR, Jacobs JWG, Castilho P, da Silva JAP. Neurophysiological and Psychosocial Mechanisms of Fibromyalgia: A Comprehensive Review and Call for An Integrative Model. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023:105235. [PMID: 37207842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Research into the neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms involved in fibromyalgia has progressed remarkably in recent years. Despite this, current accounts of fibromyalgia fail to capture the complex, dynamic, and mutual crosstalk between neurophysiological and psychosocial domains. We conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature in order to: a) synthesize current knowledge on fibromyalgia; b) explore and highlight multi-level links and pathways between different systems; and c) build bridges connecting disparate perspectives. An extensive panel of international experts in neurophysiological and psychosocial aspects of fibromyalgia discussed the collected evidence and progressively refined and conceptualized its interpretation. This work constitutes an essential step towards the development of a model capable of integrating the main factors implicated in fibromyalgia into a single, unified construct which appears indispensable to foster the understanding, assessment, and intervention for fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Pinto
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Rua do Colégio Novo, s/n, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, University Clinic of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga - FMUC, Pólo I - Edifício Central, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Psychological Medicine Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga - FMUC, Pólo I - Edifício Central, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Mariana Luís
- Rheumatology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Rinie Geenen
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Martinus J. Langeveldgebouw, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands; Altrecht Psychosomatic Medicine Eikenboom, Vrijbaan 2, 3705 WC Zeist, the Netherlands.
| | - Filipe Palavra
- Centre for Child Development, Neuropediatric Unit. Pediatric Hospital, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Avenida Afonso Romão, 3000-602 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (i.CBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Mark A Lumley
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, 5057 Woodward Ave., Suite 7908, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Jacob N Ablin
- Internal Medicine H, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Kirstine Amris
- The Parker Institute, Department of Rheumatology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Jaime Branco
- Rheumatology Department, Egas Moniz Hospital - Lisboa Ocidental Hospital Centre (CHLO-EPE), R. da Junqueira 126, 1349-019 Lisbon, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Chronic Diseases Research Centre (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, NOVA University Lisbon (NMS/UNL), Campo Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Dan Buskila
- Ben Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheba, Israel.
| | - João Castelhano
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal, Portugal.
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal, Portugal.
| | - Leslie J Crofford
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Mary-Ann Fitzcharles
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Ave, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3G 1A4.
| | - Winfried Häuser
- Department Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany.
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden; Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Marina López-Solà
- Serra Hunter Programme, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona.
| | - Philip Mease
- Swedish Medical Center/Providence St. Joseph Health, Seattle, WA, USA; University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Tiago Reis Marques
- Psychiatric Imaging Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2BU, UK; Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK.
| | - Johannes W G Jacobs
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Paula Castilho
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Rua do Colégio Novo, s/n, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - José A P da Silva
- University of Coimbra, University Clinic of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga - FMUC, Pólo I - Edifício Central, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Rheumatology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (i.CBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Mannarini S, Taccini F, Rossi AA. The Role of Alexithymia and Impulsivity in Male Victims and Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13050402. [PMID: 37232639 DOI: 10.3390/bs13050402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Alexithymia and impulsivity appear to represent risk factors for violence perpetration, while mixed results are present with respect to victimization experience. In light of this, the purpose of this study was to compare the roles of both alexithymia and impulsivity among three different samples of men: men who experienced partner victimization (IPVV); male intimate partner violence perpetrators (IPVP); and men from the general population (CG). (2) Methods: Participants were recruited from specialized centers in Italy. A profile analysis was conducted. (3) Results: The results showed that IPVV presented alexithymia and impulsivity comparable to the CG. Furthermore, differences were found between victims and perpetrators in terms of impulsivity and alexithymia. The IPVP group had higher levels of both impulsivity and alexithymia in comparison to IPVV. Moreover, the perpetrators exhibited significantly higher levels of alexithymia compared to the CG. However, despite the medium Cohen's d (d = 0.441) resulting from the analyses, IPVP's level of impulsivity was not statistically different from the CG. (4) Conclusion: Alexithymia and impulsivity appear to play a key role in violent behaviors and should be the focus of psychological interventions with perpetrators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Centre for Intervention and Research on Family (CIRF)-Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Federica Taccini
- Centre for Intervention and Research on Family (CIRF)-Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Centre for Intervention and Research on Family (CIRF)-Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
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Montisci R, Sancassiani F, Marchetti MF, Biddau M, Carta MG, Meloni L. Alexithymia for cardiologists: a clinical approach to the patient. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2023:01244665-990000000-00116. [PMID: 37129913 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Alexithymia literally meaning 'no words for emotions' is a term used in mental health settings to describe people who have difficulties in identifying and verbalizing their emotional states. There is evidence in the literature that this personality trait may influence negatively the illness behavior when an acute coronary event occurs. In fact, people with high alexithymia are more likely to experience wrong appraisal and interpretation of symptoms, and because of their difficulty in describing feelings to others, they can be poor in reporting symptoms at the first consultation with a physician. This behavioral pattern (alexithymic) may put patients with acute myocardial infarction at higher risk for delayed medical care. Here, we aim to present an overview of alexithymia from the perspective of the clinical cardiologist, with a focus on the definition, clinical recognition, and potential impact on cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Montisci
- Clinical Cardiology, AOU Cagliari, Department of Medical Science and Public Health
| | - Federica Sancassiani
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Mattia Biddau
- Clinical Cardiology, AOU Cagliari, Department of Medical Science and Public Health
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Meloni
- Clinical Cardiology, AOU Cagliari, Department of Medical Science and Public Health
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Macía L, Jauregui P, Herrero M, Iruarrizaga I, Micó V, Lamas J, Estévez A. Sex-comparative study of gambling disorder regarding alexithymia and symptoms of depression, anxiety and hostility. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 122:152364. [PMID: 36682199 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Alexithymia and psychological symptomatology have been closely associated with gambling disorder (GD). However, sex differences remain underexplored. This study aims, firstly, to explore the differences between groups (GD and no-GD) and sexes (women vs. men) in alexithymia and psychological symptomatology (depression, anxiety and hostility). Secondly, the relationship between alexithymia and psychological symptomatology was analysed by gambling and sex groups. Thirdly, it examines the moderation role of sex and gambling in the relationship between alexithymia and each psychological symptom. METHOD The sample was composed of 80 people with GD diagnosis and 80 without GD (40 women and 40 men in each group). RESULTS The results showed that alexithymia is positively related to depression, anxiety and hostility, with significantly higher scores in people with GD. Moderation analyses showed a threefold interaction, in which higher alexithymia was related to higher depression for men with GD but not for GD-women. However, in women with GD, depression levels are higher than in people without GD and tend to be more stable over time, despite the lack of effect of alexithymia. CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence indicating that dysfunctional psychological symptomatology affects people with GD to a greater extent than people without GD, but also that the aetiology and effect of underlying vulnerability factors on gambling is different according to sex. The need of prevention and treatment programmes that consider different psychological aspects depending on sex is reinforced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Macía
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Psychology Department, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Paula Jauregui
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Psychology Department, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Marta Herrero
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Psychology Department, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Iciar Iruarrizaga
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Faculty of Social Work, Complutense University of Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Virtu Micó
- Federación Española de Jugadores de Azar Rehabilitados [FEJAR; Spanish Federation of Rehabilitated Gamblers], 03400 Alicante, Spain
| | - Juan Lamas
- Federación Española de Jugadores de Azar Rehabilitados [FEJAR; Spanish Federation of Rehabilitated Gamblers], 03400 Alicante, Spain
| | - Ana Estévez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Psychology Department, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain.
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Larkin F, Ralston B, Dinsdale SJ, Kimura S, Hayiou-Thomas ME. Alexithymia and intolerance of uncertainty predict somatic symptoms in autistic and non-autistic adults. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:602-615. [PMID: 35841153 PMCID: PMC10076343 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221109717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autistic people have more physical health problems than non-autistic people. We were interested in whether autistic people experience more discomfort in their bodies than non-autistic people and whether certain psychological traits contribute to that. A survey was completed online by older adolescents and adults, 51 of whom were autistic, 32 of whom thought they might be autistic but were not diagnosed and 119 who were not autistic. They completed measures of somatic symptoms (daily experience of pain, discomfort, dizziness), alexithymia (difficulty identifying and expressing feelings), interoception (how much people are aware of their bodies) and intolerance of uncertainty (how people handle doubt or uncertainty), and reported any physical or mental health conditions. We found that the autistic participants had more physical and mental health conditions than the non-autistic participants, but even when we took account of this, they experienced higher levels of somatic symptoms. We looked at which psychological factors influenced levels of somatic symptoms across the whole sample, and found that alexithymia, intolerance of uncertainty, having physical health problems, being female and the number of mental health conditions predicted somatic symptoms, while interoception and autism diagnosis did not. The findings suggest that people may be more likely to experience physical discomfort if they are female, and have difficulty identifying and expressing feeling and difficulty tolerating doubt. As these psychological factors are more prominent in autism, we think this is important for physical and mental health providers to know about, so that these psychological factors can be considered when assessing and treating autistic people.
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Ramzi NH, Auvinen J, Veijola J, Miettunen J, Ala-Mursula L, Sebert S, Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi S, Svento R, Jokelainen J, Drenos F, Dovey TM, Järvelin MR, Blakemore AIF. Depression mediates the relationship between alexithymia and obesity in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966). J Affect Disord 2023; 331:1-7. [PMID: 36933669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fact that a complex relationship exists between alexithymia and body mass index (BMI) is well established, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we explore the relationship between alexithymia and depressive symptoms in relation to adiposity measures, including the direct and indirect effect of alexithymia and depressive symptoms on obesity over a 15-year time-period, in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966). METHODS The study included individuals from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) who had available data for adiposity measures (body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio), alexithymia (measured by the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale: TAS-20), depressive symptoms (measured by the 13-item depression subscale of Hopkins Symptom Checklist: HSCL-13) at age of 31 years (n = 4773) and 46 years (n = 4431). Pearson's (r) correlation, and multiple linear regression were used to investigate the relationships between alexithymia, depressive symptoms, and adiposity measures. The potential mediating role of depressive symptoms was examined via Hayes' procedure (PROCESS). RESULTS Positive correlations were confirmed between adiposity measures (BMI and WHR) and the TAS-20 score (and its subscale), but not between obesity and HSCL-13 score. The strongest correlation was between the DIF (difficulty identifying feelings) subscale of the TAS-20 and HSCL-13 at both time points (31 y: r(3013) = 0.41, p < 0.01, 46 y: r(3013) = 0.43, p < 0.01). Depressive symptoms completely (z = 2.55 (±0.00003), p = 0.01) and partly (z = 2.16 (±0.0001), p = 0.03) mediated the alexithymia-obesity relationship over the 15-year time-period. LIMITATIONS Other psychological and environmental factors such as interoception, dietary intake and physical activities may also play a role as a potential mediating factor in alexithymia-obesity relationship. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide additional insights of theoretical framework of depressive symptoms mediation effect in the relationship between alexithymia and obesity. Alexithymia and depression should, therefore, be considered in the design of future clinical obesity research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Hanis Ramzi
- Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, United Kingdom.
| | - Juha Auvinen
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Unit of Primary Health Care and Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Juha Veijola
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Research Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jouko Miettunen
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Leena Ala-Mursula
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sylvain Sebert
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sirkka Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Unit of Primary Health Care and Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Rauli Svento
- Department of Economics, Oulu Business School, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jari Jokelainen
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Unit of Primary Health Care and Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Fotios Drenos
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, United Kingdom
| | - Terence M Dovey
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, United Kingdom
| | - Marjo-Riitta Järvelin
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, United Kingdom; Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Finland; Unit of Primary Health Care and Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment & Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra I F Blakemore
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, United Kingdom
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Ciaramella A. Hypnotic analgesia in chronic pain: role of psychopathology and alexithymia. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS 2023; 65:299-313. [PMID: 36749869 DOI: 10.1080/00029157.2022.2161868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Although the belief that hypnotizability is a mental dysfunction has been refuted over time, there is still research today that seeks to explore and clarify this preconception. The results of recent research indicate that, on the contrary, greater psychopathology is more frequent in subjects with low hypnotic susceptibility. Using the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale type A (SHSS-A) for hypnotizability, Symptom Checklist-Revised (SCL-90-R) for psychopathology, and the Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) for psychosomatic dimensions, we found no relationship between baseline psychopathology, alexithymia and hypnotizability in 69 subjects with chronic pain in this retrospective observational study. Psychopathology did not affect the 2-month outcomes of hypnotic suggestions for pain in terms of either pain (assess using Italian Pain Questionnaire), anxiety or depression (assessed through Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) scores. Furthermore, i) no relationships were found between hypnotizability and degree of either psychopathology or alexithymia, definitively eliminating any doubts about the belief that hypnosis is a mental dysfunction; ii) only single hypnotic phenomena (SHSS-A) could be linked to some psychopathological dimensions; iii) analgesia suggestions also acted on anxiety and depression; and iv) the use of hypnotic suggestions for analgesia revealed a close relationship between improvements in sensorial and evaluative dimensions of pain and mitigation of anxiety. Hypnosis thereby seems to be a powerful tool in psychosomatic medicine whose effects on mind and body are inextricably linked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Ciaramella
- GIFT Institute of Integrative Medicine, Pisa, Italy.,Aplysia A.P.S., Education Program Partner with University of Pisa, MIUR, Florence, Padua, Italy
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Szepietowska M, Nowak B, Dąbrowska A, Skinderowicz K, Wilczyński B, Krajewski PK, Pacan P, Szepietowski JC. Alexithymia in adolescents in Poland: an important issue in the holistic approach to patients' care. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2023; 40:54-58. [PMID: 36909917 PMCID: PMC9993217 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2022.119084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alexithymia is defined as a disturbed ability to identify and verbally express emotions with a limited imaginative capacity as well as externally oriented thinking. The literature on alexithymia is limited and scarce research concentrated on alexithymia in different gender groups. Aim As alexithymia may influence the therapeutic outcome, the objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of alexithymia in adolescents in Poland, paying special attention to gender differences. Material and methods This cross-sectional study was run on a group of 730 high school students in Poland. The mean age of this group was 17.05 ±1.18 years (age range: 15-19 years). Alexithymia was assessed with Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Results Alexithymia was found in 31.0% of adolescents. 56.0% of subjects presented with signs of at least intermediate (borderline) alexithymia. Significantly more females than males suffered from alexithymia (37.0% and 20.8%, respectively; p < 0.001). TAS-20 scores were also significantly higher in females than males (55.59 ±12.32 points and 49.40 ±12.00, respectively; p < 0.001). The same phenomenon was observed for the following domains of alexithymia: difficulty in identifying feelings (DIF) and difficulty in describing feelings (DDF). However, there was no difference in gender distribution in the externally oriented thinking (EOT) domain. Conclusions Alexithymia was shown to be common among adolescents in our country. More females than males suffer from this condition. This seems to be of importance in the holistic approach to patients' care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Szepietowska
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Bernadetta Nowak
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Dąbrowska
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Skinderowicz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Wilczyński
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr K. Krajewski
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Przemysław Pacan
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Jacek C. Szepietowski
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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McAtamney K, Mantzios M, Egan H, Wallis DJ. A systematic review of the relationship between alexithymia and emotional eating in adults. Appetite 2023; 180:106279. [PMID: 36087827 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Elucidating psychological characteristics associated with emotional eating may further inform interventions for this behaviour related to eating psychopathology. The present systematic review aimed to examine the relationship between alexithymia and self-reported emotional eating in adults, and provide a narrative synthesis of the existing literature. Using the PRISMA method for systematic reviews, six databases (MEDLINE, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science) were searched for peer-reviewed, quantitative research published between January 1994 and 20th July 2021, when the searches were conducted. Eligible articles investigated the association between alexithymia, as measured by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (Bagby, Parker, & Taylor, 1994), and emotional eating, as measured by any validated self-report instrument. Nine cross-sectional articles were reviewed, and risk of bias was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (Downes, Brennan, Williams, & Dean, 2016). A narrative synthesis of articles suggests positive associations between alexithymia and self-reported emotional eating. Five measures of emotional eating were used across articles, with limited but consistent evidence for the relationship between alexithymia and emotional eating as measured by the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (Van strien et al., 1986). Further research is required to add evidence to the nature of the relationship between alexithymia and emotional eating, and to explore mechanisms that might underpin any relationships. Understanding the association between alexithymia and emotional eating may support strategies and interventions for those seeking help for emotional eating and related eating behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine McAtamney
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Birmingham City University, Cardigan Street, Birmingham, B4 7DB, United Kingdom.
| | - Michail Mantzios
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Birmingham City University, Cardigan Street, Birmingham, B4 7DB, United Kingdom.
| | - Helen Egan
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Birmingham City University, Cardigan Street, Birmingham, B4 7DB, United Kingdom.
| | - Deborah J Wallis
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Birmingham City University, Cardigan Street, Birmingham, B4 7DB, United Kingdom.
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Kulshreshtha P, Deepak KK. Personality construct as a biomarker in fibromyalgia: A narrative review from an autonomic rehabilitation perspective. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2023; 36:1251-1260. [PMID: 37482976 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-220353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The heterogeneity of symptoms and ineffective treatment raise questions about the current diagnostic criteria of fibromyalgia (FM). Misdiagnosis of FM often leads to less than efficacious treatment and poor quality of life. OBJECTIVE This article reviews relevant evidence-based literature on personality traits in FM patients with an autonomic dysfunction perspective based on a hierarchical model to explain the utility of considering the personality trait in FM diagnosis. METHODS A narrative review of articles concerning chronic pain, FM, and personality traits with respect to autonomic dysfunction in FM was conducted after extensive relevant literature searches. RESULTS Reports discussing the predisposing factors, including coping styles, anger, suicide risk, a lack of physical activity and social support, in maintaining persistent pain in FM exist. Relationships between pain duration and severity and personality traits like neuroticism and extraversion have been reported. Coexisting clinical manifestations of FM like sleep disorders, anxiety, and intestinal irritability indicate autonomic dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS This article lays out a constructive framework for individualized and personalized medicine for the effective rehabilitation of FM patients. The quest to find a definitive diagnosis of FM should include personality biomarkers that might translate into personalized medicine. An individualistic approach may bank upon artificial intelligence algorithms for both diagnostic as well as prognostic purposes in FM.
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Benfante A, Romeo A. Alexithymia Among People Living with HIV: A Scoping Review. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:1926-1941. [PMID: 36367612 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03926-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The present scoping review aimed to identify studies that investigated alexithymia, defined as a difficulty in identifying and describing one's own emotions, in people living with HIV (PLWH).A literature search, in line with the guidelines of PRISMA-ScR, was conducted in the following bibliographic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The databases were queried using the following strings (using Boolean operators): ("alexithymia" OR "alexithymic") AND ("HIV" OR "Human Immunodeficiency Virus"). In line with the eligibility criteria, fourteen articles were found.Ten studies showed the involvement of alexithymia in disease severity (e.g., viral load levels), and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Three studies revealed an association between alexithymia and cardiovascular disease, and three studies highlighted the implication of alexithymia in cognitive impairment.This review revealed the complex role of alexithymia in HIV disease. A careful clinical assessment of the emotional regulation process of PLWH can provide useful prognostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Benfante
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | - Annunziata Romeo
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124, Turin, Italy.
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The effect of defense mechanisms and alexithymia on marital conflict and female sexual dysfunction. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03937-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Pei JH, Wei YT, Tao HX, Yang QX, Zhang GL, Guo XJ, Guo JL, Yan FH, HanPhD L. The prevalence and characteristics of alexithymia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychosom Res 2022; 162:111018. [PMID: 36088789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.111018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia is common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although the estimated prevalence of alexithymia in patients with T2DM is widely reported, these results have not been synthesized. AIM To systematically assess the prevalence and characteristics of alexithymia in patients with T2DM. METHODS We searched for relevant publications in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database, and Weipu Database. The prevalence of alexithymia, the mean scores, and standard deviations of the total scale of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) were pooled using random effects meta-analysis in Stata 13.0, with studies stratified by study location in this meta-analysis. RESULTS This meta-analysis included thirteen articles. Pooled prevalence of alexithymia (TAS-20 total scores ≥61) were 43.0% (95%CI 35.0-51.0%), and the prevalence of alexithymia was higher in China (45.0%, 95%CI 36.0-54.0%) compared with non-China (41.0%, 95%CI 29.0-54.0%). The pooled mean score for the TAS-20 total scale was 57.70 (95% CI 55.25-60.15). Leave-one-out analysis showed that none of the studies significantly impacted the overall pooled results. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis indicated a high prevalence of alexithymia in patients with T2DM. Thus, clinicians need to be aware of and assess appropriately for alexithymia in patients with T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Hong Pei
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yu-Ting Wei
- Evidence-Based Nursing, School of Nursing, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hong-Xia Tao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Qiu-Xia Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Guo-Li Zhang
- Evidence-Based Nursing, School of Nursing, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Guo
- Evidence-Based Nursing, School of Nursing, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jia-Li Guo
- Evidence-Based Nursing, School of Nursing, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Fang-Hong Yan
- Evidence-Based Nursing, School of Nursing, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lin HanPhD
- Evidence-Based Nursing, School of Nursing, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Department of Nursing, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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The percentage and clinical correlates of alexithymia in stable patients with schizophrenia. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 273:679-686. [PMID: 36239818 PMCID: PMC10085932 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01492-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Alexithymia is a common, but less-recognized affective deficit in patients with schizophrenia. To date, no definitive conclusions have been drawn about the relationship between alexithymia and the clinical symptoms or their clinical correlates, particularly in stable patients with schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the link between alexithymia and psychopathological symptoms, as well as any associated correlates, in stable patients with schizophrenia. A total of 435 Chinese patients with schizophrenia were recruited. The Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate each patient's psychopathological symptoms. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) was used to measure alexithymia. The percentage of alexithymia was 35.2% in stable patients with schizophrenia. Compared to non-alexithymia patients, patients with alexithymia had higher PANSS total scores, negative subscores, depressive subscores, and cognitive subscores (all p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the following variables were positively associated with TAS-20 total scores: PANSS negative subscores (β = 0.274, t = 3.198, p = 0.001) and PANSS depressive subscores (β = 0.366, t = 2.500, p = 0.013). Education years (β = - 0.453, t = - 2.824, p = 0.005) was negatively associated with TAS-20 total scores. Our results suggest that the percentage of alexithymia was relatively higher in stable patients with schizophrenia. Education levels, negative symptoms, and depressive symptoms were independently associated with alexithymia in this specific population.
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Poudel R, Tobia MJ, Riedel MC, Salo T, Flannery JS, Hill-Bowen LD, Dick AS, Laird AR, Parra CM, Sutherland MT. Risky decision-making strategies mediate the relationship between amygdala activity and real-world financial savings among individuals from lower income households: A pilot study. Behav Brain Res 2022; 428:113867. [PMID: 35385783 PMCID: PMC10739684 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Lower financial savings among individuals experiencing adverse social determinants of health (SDoH) increases vulnerabilities during times of crisis. SDoH including low socioeconomic status (low-SES) influence cognitive abilities as well as health and life outcomes that may perpetuate poverty and disparities. Despite evidence suggesting a role for financial growth in minimizing SDoH-related disparities and vulnerabilities, neurobiological mechanisms linked with financial behavior remain to be elucidated. As such, we examined the relationships between brain activity during decision-making (DM), laboratory-based task performance, and money savings behavior. Participants (N = 24, 14 females) from low-SES households (income<$20,000/year) underwent fMRI scanning while performing the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART), a DM paradigm probing risky- and strategic-DM processes. Participants also completed self-report instruments characterizing relevant personality characteristics and then engaged in a community outreach financial program where amount of money saved was tracked over a 6-month period. Regarding BART-related brain activity, we observed expected activity in regions implicated in reward and emotional processing including the amygdala. Regarding brain-behavior relationships, we found that laboratory-based BART performance mediated the impact of amygdala activity on real-world behavior. That is, elevated amygdala activity was linked with BART strategic-DM which, in turn, was linked with more money saved after 6 months. In exploratory analyses, this mediation was moderated by emotion-related personality characteristics such that, only individuals reporting lower alexithymia demonstrated a relationship between amygdala activity and savings. These outcomes suggest that DM-related amygdala activity and/or emotion-related personality characteristics may provide utility as an endophenotypic marker of individual's financial savings behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjita Poudel
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Michael J Tobia
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Michael C Riedel
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Taylor Salo
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Jessica S Flannery
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Lauren D Hill-Bowen
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Anthony S Dick
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Angela R Laird
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Carlos M Parra
- College of Business, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Matthew T Sutherland
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States.
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Davidson D, Morales D. Associations Between Autism Symptomatology, Alexithymia, Trait Emotional Intelligence, and Adjustment to College. Front Psychol 2022; 13:813450. [PMID: 35572317 PMCID: PMC9096698 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.813450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been asserted that the socio-emotional challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be explained, in part, by the higher rates of alexithymia in individuals with autism. Alexithymia refers to difficulties in identifying one's own emotional states and describing those states to others. Thus, one goal of the present study was to examine levels of alexithymia in relation to ASD symptomatology and trait emotion intelligence (EI). Trait EI is a multifaceted concept that captures emotional competencies and behavioral dispositions A second goal was to assess whether alexithymia, ASD symptomatology and trait EI served as significant predictors of adjustment to college, including academic, social, and personal-emotional adjustment. In addition to keeping with the spectrum nature of autism, our research strategy allowed us to capture those students who may not have received a formal diagnosis of ASD but report symptoms that can be indicative of ASD. This includes women, who are less likely to receive a diagnosis of ASD even when ASD symptomatology is present. The results of the study showed that students reporting higher levels of ASD symptomatology also reported significantly higher levels of alexithymia and lower trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) than those with less or no symptomatology. Alexithymia was also negatively related to trait EI, and both alexithymia and ASD symptomatology were found to be significant predictors of trait EI. However, only trait EI was a significant predictor of adjustment to college and only for social adjustment. These findings suggest that support programs that develop trait EI skills may improve the college experience for students with ASD, regardless of alexithymia or ASD symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Davidson
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Mental and Body Health: The Association between Psychological Factors, Overweight, and Blood Pressure in Young Adults. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11071999. [PMID: 35407607 PMCID: PMC8999355 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Comorbidity between cardiometabolic risk factors and major mental health disorders is a public health concern. The close interconnection between the mental and physical aspects of health precludes considering each condition separately. Accordingly, this study sought to explore the interrelationships between psychological factors, overweight, and blood pressure in young adults. One hundred and forty-five young adults participated in the study and were classified according to two independent characteristics: weight condition (normal weight, overweight) and blood pressure (low blood pressure, high blood pressure). Anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation were assessed. The results confirmed certain associations, highlighting how cardiometabolic risk factors, such as blood pressure and body mass index, were associated in different ways with mental health, although an interaction between the variables was not reported. In particular, a relationship between body mass index and depression and between anxiety and blood pressure was detected.
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Larsen MH, Staalesen Strumse YA, Borge CR, Andersen MH, Wahl AK. Relevant associations between alexithymia and health-literacy in persons with psoriasis. J DERMATOL TREAT 2022; 33:380-388. [PMID: 32286098 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1756204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore possible associations between alexithymia and health literacy (HL) in persons with psoriasis. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study, including 825 persons with moderate to severe psoriasis, using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Health Literacy Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics compare HL means between alexithymic and not alexithymic participants. Associations between alexithymia and HL are analyzed using a linear multiple regression model. RESULTS Twenty-six percent of the participants were characterized as alexithymic, and 26.8% had borderline alexithymia. Higher alexithymia scores were associated with lower education, biological medicines, and more comorbidities, together with lower self-efficacy. The HL domains with the strongest associations with alexithymia were those focusing on managing and getting support for health, as well as the ability to find health information. CONCLUSION A more elevated alexithymia score is associated with lower HL. Further studies of these associations may contribute to a more comprehensive perspective of psoriasis. To know a patient's alexithymia level and HL needs may guide health care personnel's understanding of possible associations between health status, clinical presentation, behavior, and response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie H Larsen
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Christine R Borge
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit H Andersen
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Astrid K Wahl
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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A cross-modal component of alexithymia and its relationship with performance in a social cognition task battery. J Affect Disord 2022; 298:625-633. [PMID: 34763032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The personality trait alexithymia describes an altered emotional awareness that is associated with a range of social impairments and constitutes a transdiagnostic risk factor for various psychopathologies. Despite the characteristic interoceptive deficits in alexithymia, it is predominantly assessed via self-reports. This can result in unreliable measurements and arguably contributes to the prevailing uncertainty regarding its components, including constricted imaginal processes and emotional reactivity. METHODS The current study employed an interview and two validated questionnaires to derive a shared component of multi-modally assessed alexithymia in a German non-clinical sample (n = 78) via prinicipal component analysis. This component was used as a predictor for performance in four behavioural social cognition tasks. The relative importance of this predictor against related variables was assessed via dominance analysis. RESULTS The identified component reflected cognitive alexithymia. Higher cognitive alexithymia scores were associated with less affective distress in an ostracizing task. Dominance analysis revealed the dominance of competing autism traits relative to cognitive alexithymia and competing predictors empathy, depression, and anxiety, in predicting affective distress. LIMITATIONS Emotional reactivity was only assessed via self-report and no implicit measures of alexithymia were employed. Due to the low reliability of the self-report measure, no measure of emotional reactivity could be included in the principal component analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide compelling evidence that cognitive interoceptive deficits are at the core of alexithymia across assessment modalities. Behavioural data suggest that these deficits result in diminished emotional sensitivity to high-pressure social situations, which may cause a lack of behavioural adaptation.
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Warchoł-Biedermann K, Bugajski P, Budzicz Ł, Ziarko M, Jasielska A, Samborski W, Daroszewski P, Greberski K, Bączyk G, Karoń J, Mojs E. Relationship between stress and alexithymia, emotional processing and negative/positive affect in medical staff working amid the COVID-19 pandemic. J Investig Med 2022; 70:428-435. [PMID: 34815298 PMCID: PMC8616640 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2021-001942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The psychological burden of the COVID-19 pandemic may have a lasting effect on emotional well-being of healthcare workers. Medical personnel working at the time of the pandemic may experience elevated occupational stress due to the uncontrollability of the virus, high perceived risk of infection, poor understanding of the novel virus transmission routes and unavailability of effective antiviral agents. This study used path analysis to analyze the relationship between stress and alexithymia, emotional processing and negative/positive affect in healthcare workers. The sample included 167 nurses, 65 physicians and 53 paramedics. Sixty-two (21.75 %) respondents worked in COVID-19-designated hospitals. Respondents were administered the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, Emotional Processing Scale, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. The model showed excellent fit indices (χ2 (2)=2.642, p=0.267; CFI=0.999, RMSEA=0.034, SRMR=0.015). Multiple group path analysis demonstrated physicians differed from nurses and paramedics at the model level (X2diff (7)=14.155, p<0.05 and X2diff (7)=18.642, p<0.01, respectively). The relationship between alexithymia and emotional processing was stronger in nurses than in physicians (difference in beta=0.27; p<0.05). Individual path χ2 tests also revealed significantly different paths across these groups. The results of the study may be used to develop evidence-based intervention programs promoting healthcare workers' mental health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paweł Bugajski
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Józef Strus Hospital, Poznan, Poland
| | - Łukasz Budzicz
- Department of Psychology, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Michał Ziarko
- Institute of Psychology, Uniwersytet im Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Poznan, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Jasielska
- Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences (FPCS AMU), Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Samborski
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Przemysław Daroszewski
- Department of Organization and Management in Health Care, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Greberski
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Józef Strus Hospital, Poznan, Poland
| | - Grażyna Bączyk
- Department of Practice Nursing, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jacek Karoń
- Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Józef Strus Hospital, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ewa Mojs
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Room to breathe: Using adaptive architecture to examine the relationship between alexithymia and interoception. J Psychosom Res 2022; 153:110708. [PMID: 34954603 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Individuals with alexithymia experience difficulties interpreting emotional states in self and others, which has been associated with interoceptive impairment. Current theories are primarily based on subjective and conscious measures of interoceptive sensitivity, such as heartrate detection, but it is unclear whether similar observations would be found for objective or implicit psychophysiological measures. The present exploratory study assesses the potential of a novel assay through the use of adaptive immersive architecture [ExoBuilding]. METHODS N = 88 participants were screened for alexithymic traits and N = 27 individuals, representing the range of scores, were sampled to participate in the behavioural task. In a repeated-measures design, participants were placed within ExoBuilding and asked to match their respiration to its movement. Performance was compared to a two-dimensional pacer condition. Behavioural (accuracy) and psychophysiological (Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia [RSA] and heartrate) measures were compared across conditions, and also related to individual alexithymic traits. RESULTS Participants with higher levels of alexithymia performed less accurately than participants with lower levels, in both conditions. High-alexithymia participants showed a smaller reduction in heartrate over the course of the ExoBuilding condition than low-alexithymia participants, although there were no differences in RSA between conditions or participants. CONCLUSION Alexithymia extends beyond conscious interoceptive activities and is also observed in immersive contexts that usually exert psychophysiological effects on typical occupants. These initial findings highlight the importance of considering both conscious and implicit measures of interoception, and we suggest ways in which theories of alexithymia might benefit from capturing this distinction.
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Romeo A, Benfante A, Geminiani GC, Castelli L. Personality, Defense Mechanisms and Psychological Distress in Women with Fibromyalgia. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:10. [PMID: 35049621 PMCID: PMC8772841 DOI: 10.3390/bs12010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that many personality traits are associated with fibromyalgia (FM), worsening both the quality of life and psychological distress of patients. Despite the high comorbidity of psychopathological disorders in this syndrome and their association with immature defense styles, few studies have examined the defense mechanisms used by FM patients. The main aim of our study was to investigate personality traits and defense mechanisms in FM patients compared to in a healthy control group (HC). Moreover, we investigated the effect of personality traits and defense mechanisms on psychological distress in both FM and HC groups. METHODS A total of 54 women with FM and 54 healthy women completed the (1) Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised; (2) the Toronto Alexithymia Scale; (3) the Defense Style Questionnaire; and (4) the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS The results indicated that FM patients display higher alexithymia, higher harm avoidance, lower self-directedness, lower persistence, and the higher use of a maladaptive defense style compared to HC. We found that alexithymia, harm avoidance, and maladaptive defense style are significant predictors of patients' psychological distress. Moreover, harm avoidance and adaptive defense style significantly predicted psychological distress in the HC group. CONCLUSION The present study is the first to explore the contribution of both defense mechanisms and personality characteristics on the psychological distress of FM patients. Our findings have important clinical implications and may help diagnose and treat FM patients more in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata Romeo
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (G.C.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Agata Benfante
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (G.C.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Giuliano Carlo Geminiani
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (G.C.G.); (L.C.)
- Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Lorys Castelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (G.C.G.); (L.C.)
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Polloni L, Ferruzza E, Ronconi L, D'Ovidio G, Bonaguro R, Lazzarotto F, Toniolo A, Guarnaccia A, Muraro A. Maternal anxiety and previous anaphylaxis are associated with alexithymia in young patients with food allergy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2022; 33:e13680. [PMID: 34655502 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia is a multifaceted personality construct described as "a lack of words to express emotions" that includes difficulty identifying feelings, difficulty describing feelings and a concrete, externally oriented cognitive style. Among patients with food allergy (FA) alexithymia has been found higher than in general population and associated with dysfunctional coping strategies. Childhood traumatic experiences and/or dysfunctional parent-child relationship can contribute to alexithymia. The study aimed to explore possible associations between child alexithymia and mother alexithymia and anxiety, as well as previous anaphylaxis. METHODS Sixty-five mother-child pairs have been recruited. Children had a medical diagnosis of FA. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 was used to assess alexithymia in participants. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to assess trait anxiety in mothers. Statistical analysis was performed to investigate the influence of variables sex, previous anaphylaxis, and adrenaline auto-injector prescription on child and mother's alexithymia and to explore possible association between maternal and child alexithymia. RESULTS A substantial percentage of children were alexithymic (21.5%) or borderline (33.8%), while mothers' frequencies were lower and in line with prevalence in general population. Child alexithymia was positively associated with previous anaphylaxis and mothers' trait anxiety (p < .05). Mother trait anxiety was also associated with maternal alexithymia. Furthermore, a positive association between child and mother alexithymia has been found. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians must be aware of the role of alexithymia and its association with maternal anxiety and previous anaphylaxis in children with FA, encouraging seeking psychological support when needed. A multidisciplinary patient-centered approach should be put in place for the effective care of FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Polloni
- Department of Women and Children Health, Food Allergy Referral Centre Veneto Region, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Emilia Ferruzza
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Lucia Ronconi
- IT and Statistical Services, Multifunctional Pole of Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giorgia D'Ovidio
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Roberta Bonaguro
- Department of Women and Children Health, Food Allergy Referral Centre Veneto Region, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzarotto
- Department of Women and Children Health, Food Allergy Referral Centre Veneto Region, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Alice Toniolo
- Department of Women and Children Health, Food Allergy Referral Centre Veneto Region, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Guarnaccia
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Muraro
- Department of Women and Children Health, Food Allergy Referral Centre Veneto Region, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
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La Touche R, García-Salgado A, Cuenca-Martínez F, Angulo-Díaz-Parreño S, Paris-Alemany A, Suso-Martí L, Herranz-Gómez A. Alexithymia and facial emotion recognition in patients with craniofacial pain and association of alexithymia with anxiety and depression: a systematic review with meta-analysis. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12545. [PMID: 34909277 PMCID: PMC8638568 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to determine the presence of alexithymia in patients with craniofacial pain (CFP) compared with asymptomatic individuals. Our secondary aims were to assess the relationship of alexithymia with anxiety and depression levels, as well as to assess the presence of facial emotion recognition deficit. Methods Medline, Scielo and Google Scholar were searched, with the last search performed in 8 September 2021. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs were calculated for relevant outcomes and were pooled in a meta-analysis using the random effects model. In addition, meta-analyses of correlations and a meta-regression of alexithymia with depression and anxiety were performed. Results Regarding alexithymia, assessed through the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), the results showed significant differences, with higher values in patients compared with asymptomatic individuals, with a large clinical effect (SMD 0.46; 95% CI [0.22–0.71]; heterogeneity-Q 66.86; p < 0.001; inconsistency (I2) = 81%). We found statistically significant correlations with a small clinical effect of alexithymia with anxiety and depression. The meta-regression showed no significant association between the TAS and anxiety or depression. With respect to facial emotion recognition, the results showed statistically significant differences, with greater recognition difficulty in patients compared with asymptomatic individuals, with a large clinical effect (SMD −1.17; 95% CI [−2.01 to −0.33]; heterogeneity-Q 2.97; p = 0.080; I2 = 66%). Conclusions Patients with CFP showed alexithymia with moderate evidence. There was also moderate evidence indicating that these patients had significant deficits in facial emotion recognition compared with asymptomatic individuals. Furthermore, alexithymia showed statistically significant correlations with anxiety and depression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy La Touche
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Dolor Craneofacial y Neuromusculoesquelético (INDCRAN), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto García-Salgado
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ferran Cuenca-Martínez
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Angulo-Díaz-Parreño
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Facultad de Medicina, Universidad CEU San Pablo, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Paris-Alemany
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Dolor Craneofacial y Neuromusculoesquelético (INDCRAN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Suso-Martí
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Aida Herranz-Gómez
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Asadi N, Esmaeilpour H, Salmani F, Salmani M. The Relationship Between Death Anxiety and Alexithymia in Emergency Medical Technicians. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2021; 85:772-786. [PMID: 34875936 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211053475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION When confronted with traumatic accidents and events that result in death, people are at risk of developing death anxiety. Due to their stressful job, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) will develop alexithymia and be unable to express and manage their emotions over time. Studies show that alexithymia causes physical and mental disorders in many people. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between death anxiety and alexithymia in EMTs. METHODS The convenience sampling method was used to select 400 EMTs in southeastern Iran who met the inclusion criteria for this descriptive-analytical study. The Templer Death Anxiety Scale and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale were used to collect data. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data, which included descriptive and analytical statistics (Independent t test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression). RESULTS The results of the study showed that the mean score of death anxiety in EMTs was 10.26 ± 3.69. It was revealed that 46.7% of the EMTs experienced severe death anxiety. Furthermore, the total mean score of alexithymia in EMTs was 59.65 ± 8.28, indicating the possibility of alexithymia. The Pearson correlation test showed a direct moderate relationship between death anxiety and alexithymia scores (r = .351, p < .001). CONCLUSION According to the results, there is a direct significant relationship between death anxiety and alexithymia in EMTs. Therefore, it is suggested that EMTs be continuously taught effective methods to deal with death anxiety and reduce the physical and mental disorders caused by this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Asadi
- Nursing Research Center, 48463Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hassan Esmaeilpour
- Nursing Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Salmani
- Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Development Research Center, Najafabad Branch, 201564Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
| | - Mahin Salmani
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, 3427University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
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Macarenco MM, Opariuc-Dan C, Nedelcea C. Childhood trauma, dissociation, alexithymia, and anger in people with autoimmune diseases: A mediation model. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 122:105322. [PMID: 34508924 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite research linking dissociation, alexithymia, and anger with childhood trauma and ADs, the investigation addressing the relationships between the potential mediators has not yet been established within the literature. OBJECTIVE The present study examined the relationship between childhood trauma and autoimmune disorders, using a multiple mediation model that included dissociation, alexithymia, and anger as hypothesized mediators. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 306 autoimmune patients and 292 self-declared healthy controls were included in the study. They completed self-report questionnaires regarding childhood abuse, alexithymia, dissociation, and anger. METHODS Multiple mediation analysis was conducted to investigate the study's proposed model. RESULTS The results of the Structural Equation Model (SEM) suggest an indirect relationship between childhood trauma and autoimmune disorders, mediated by dissociation [z = 4.57, p < .01, β = 0.19, 90% CI (0.08-0.10)], alexithymia [z = 10.74, p < .01, β = 0.43, 90% CI (0.08-0.10)], but not by anger [z = 1.58, p = .11, 90% CI (0.08-0.10)]. CONCLUSIONS These findings are in line with previous studies that show associations between childhood trauma, dissociation, alexithymia, and ADs. They indicate that mental health professionals and medical doctors should assess childhood trauma in autoimmune patients. They also should consider the possible maintaining role of dissociation and alexithymia in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Aboussouan AB, Mandell D, Johnson J, Thompson N, Huffman KL. An interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation program effectively treats impairment in sexual function, depression, alexithymia, and pain in women with chronic pelvic pain. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2021; 42:261-271. [PMID: 32141387 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2020.1735341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women is often associated with marked emotional distress and disability, with particular impairments in sexual functioning. Research supports the efficacy of interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation programs (ICPRPs) in treating chronic pain, however less is known about their utility in CPP. METHODS This retrospective study examined pain-related sexual impairment, emotional symptoms, and pain severity in CPP patients before and after completing a 3-4 week ICPRP. Predictors of post-treatment sexual impairment were also investigated. Participants included 58 female CPP patients and 58 age-matched females with non-pelvic chronic pain (NPCP). RESULTS All participants reported robust improvements across outcome measures. Women with CPP reported greater pre- and post-treatment impairment in sexual function than NPCP patients, despite significant treatment-related improvements. In contrast, CPP patients also reported higher levels of depression at baseline but showed greater treatment related-improvements. In participants with CPP, treatment-related improvements in depression, alexithymia, and pain severity significantly explained decreases in pain-related sexual impairment following treatment, whereas none of these variables explained sexual impairment outcomes in women with NPCP. CONCLUSION Results demonstrate that ICPRPs can effectively treat CPP, particularly through changes in depression and alexithymia. Future research should examine whether specific interventions can be added in ICPRPS to address CPP-related sexual impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix B Aboussouan
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Darcy Mandell
- Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Joseph Johnson
- Center for Comprehensive Pain Recovery, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nicolas Thompson
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Hoemann K, Nielson C, Yuen A, Gurera JW, Quigley KS, Barrett LF. Expertise in emotion: A scoping review and unifying framework for individual differences in the mental representation of emotional experience. Psychol Bull 2021; 147:1159-1183. [PMID: 35238584 PMCID: PMC9393910 DOI: 10.1037/bul0000327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Expertise refers to outstanding skill or ability in a particular domain. In the domain of emotion, expertise refers to the observation that some people are better at a range of competencies related to understanding and experiencing emotions, and these competencies may help them lead healthier lives. These individual differences are represented by multiple constructs including emotional awareness, emotional clarity, emotional complexity, emotional granularity, and emotional intelligence. These constructs derive from different theoretical perspectives, highlight different competencies, and are operationalized and measured in different ways. The full set of relationships between these constructs has not yet been considered, hindering scientific progress and the translation of findings to aid mental and physical well-being. In this article, we use a scoping review procedure to integrate these constructs within a shared conceptual space. Scoping reviews provide a principled means of synthesizing large and diverse literature in a transparent fashion, enabling the identification of similarities as well as gaps and inconsistencies across constructs. Using domain-general accounts of expertise as a guide, we build a unifying framework for expertise in emotion and apply this to constructs that describe how people understand and experience their own emotions. Our approach offers opportunities to identify potential mechanisms of expertise in emotion, encouraging future research on those mechanisms and on educational or clinical interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ashley Yuen
- School of Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
| | - J. W. Gurera
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University
| | - Karen S. Quigley
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Lisa Feldman Barrett
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
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