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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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Telli B, Bilge AR. Literally or prosodically? Recognising emotional discourse in alexithymia. Cogn Emot 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39039748 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2024.2380762] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Alexithymia is characterised by difficulties in identifying, recognising, and describing emotions. We studied alexithymia in the context of speech comprehension, specifically investigating the incongruent condition between prosody and the literal meaning of words in emotion-based discourse. In two experiments, participants were categorised as having high or low alexithymia scores based on the TAS-20 scale and listened to three-sentence narratives where the emotional prosody of a key phrase or a keyword was congruent or incongruent with its literal meaning. The incongruent condition resulted in slower reaction times and lower accuracy in recognition of emotions. This incongruence effect was also evident for individuals with high alexithymia, except for anger. They recognised anger as accurately in both congruent and incongruent conditions. Contrary to our hypothesis, however, individuals with high alexithymia did not show an overall difference in emotion recognition compared to the low alexithymia group. These findings highlight the nuanced relationship between emotional prosody and literal meaning, offering insights into how individuals with varying levels of alexithymia process emotional discourse. Understanding these dynamics has implications for both cognitive research and clinical practice, providing valuable perspectives on speech comprehension, especially in situations involving incongruence between prosody and word meaning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Reyyan Bilge
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Yang J, Wang L, Jin C, Wu YW, Zhao K. The Bridge Between Childhood Trauma and Alexithymia Among Adolescents with Depressive and Bipolar Disorders: A Network Bridge Analysis. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024:10.1007/s10578-024-01737-8. [PMID: 39012545 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-024-01737-8] [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: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Childhood trauma and alexithymia are significant risk factors for adolescent mental health issues. Prior research has linked these factors to psychopathology, but the complexities of their interrelation remain underexplored. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between various forms of childhood trauma and alexithymia in adolescents with depressive and bipolar disorders. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and network analysis were utilized on data from 2343 Chinese adolescents (aged 12-18 years, 77.93% female) diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. Measures included the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). SEM demonstrated a significant correlation between childhood trauma and alexithymia. Network analysis identified emotional abuse and difficulty identifying feelings as central nodes. Emotional abuse emerged as a key factor for difficulty in emotional identification among adolescents. This study highlights the need for early intervention and the importance of emotional nurturing in childhood to prevent long-term socioemotional difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lijun Wang
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | | | - Yu-Wei Wu
- Student Affairs Division, Wenzhou Business College, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| | - Ke Zhao
- Lishui Second People's Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323060, China.
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Utas-Akhan L, Avci D, Basak I. Art Therapy as a Nursing Intervention for Individuals With Schizophrenia. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2024; 62:29-38. [PMID: 37956349 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20231025-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of group art therapy on clinical symptoms, alexithymia, and quality of life among people with schizophrenia. This single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was performed with 66 individuals with schizophrenia from a community mental health center in western Turkey between September 2021 and February 2022. Following art therapy, the intervention group had lower severity of positive, negative, and general psycho-pathology symptoms; lower levels of alexithymia; and higher levels of psychological health, social relationships, and total quality of life than the control group; and the difference between groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Results reveal that art therapy combined with pharmacological therapy contributes to good clinical outcomes among individuals with schizophrenia. This evidence can guide psychiatric nurses to use art therapy to reduce psychopathology severity and increase functionality and quality of life among individuals with schizophrenia. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(5), 29-38.].
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Renzi A, Mariani R, Fedele F, Maniaci VG, Petrovska E, D’Amelio R, Mazzoni G, Di Trani M. Women's Narratives on Infertility as a Traumatic Event: An Exploration of Emotional Processing through the Referential Activity Linguistic Program. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2919. [PMID: 37998411 PMCID: PMC10671616 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11222919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND the diagnosis of infertility and its related treatment can be traumatic, leading to profound psychological distress and a variety of psychopathological symptoms. The primary objective of this study is to contrast the linguistic features of narratives from women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Treatment with those of women not undergoing any fertility treatment. This study examines the speech of both groups of individuals as an indicator of their capacity to cope with current and past distressing experiences. METHOD 44 women (mean age 36.05; SD = 4.66) enrolled in a fertility medical center in Rome, and 43 control women (mean age 36.07; SD = 3.47) completed a socio-demographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview designed to collect their memories of a neutral, a positive, and a negative event. This interview also aimed to investigate: (a) (for women with fertility difficulties) how they realized they and their partner had fertility problems and a description of an event when they talked about these difficulties with their partner; and (b) (for control group participants) the most difficult moment of their pregnancy and an event when they talked about it with their partner. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed, and the text was analyzed using the referential process (RP) linguistic measures software. RESULTS Mann-Whitney non-parametric U tests for the independent samples showed several significant differences regarding the linguistic measures applied to the narratives of neutral, positive, negative, and difficult experiences in the form of a linguistic style, with more intellectualization and defenses in all the narratives associated with the women with fertility problems compared to the women in the control group. CONCLUSIONS the traumatic and painful experience of infertility and ART seems to characterize the whole mode of narrating life experiences. Present findings sustain the importance of helping women to elaborate on their experience and to understand and recognize the difficult feelings that are activated in relation to the difficulties of having a child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Renzi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (V.G.M.); (G.M.); (M.D.T.)
| | - Rachele Mariani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (V.G.M.); (G.M.); (M.D.T.)
| | - Fabiola Fedele
- ART Italian National Register, National Centre for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Health Institute, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vito Giuseppe Maniaci
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (V.G.M.); (G.M.); (M.D.T.)
| | - Elena Petrovska
- Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY 11530-0701, USA;
| | - Renzo D’Amelio
- Department of Gynecologic-Obstetrical and Urologic Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuliana Mazzoni
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (V.G.M.); (G.M.); (M.D.T.)
| | - Michela Di Trani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (V.G.M.); (G.M.); (M.D.T.)
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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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Mestre-Bach G, Granero R, Fernández-Aranda F, Potenza MN, Jiménez-Murcia S. Roles for Alexithymia, Emotion Dysregulation and Personality Features in Gambling Disorder: A Network Analysis. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1207-1223. [PMID: 36434175 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10164-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although there is a growing interest in exploring the specific role of both emotional regulation processes and alexithymia in gambling disorder (GD), evidence remains scarce. In order to delve deeper into the complex interactions between these factors, the present study aimed at exploring a network of the core GD-related features, including GD symptomatology and severity, emotion dysregulation, alexithymia, and personality features. The sample included N = 739 treatment-seeking patients with GD (691 men and 48 women), aged 18-78 years (mean age = 39.2, SD = 13.2). The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria were assessed in, and the South Oaks Gambling Screen, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised were administered to, participants. A network analysis was conducted to reveal inter-relationships between these elements. Three nodes related to emotion dysregulation showed the most critical position in the whole network of the present study: "lack of emotional awareness", "non-acceptance of emotional responses", and "difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviors". When analyzing emotional dysregulation using the different DERS subscales, two independent clusters were identified. One cluster encompassed alexithymia dimensions ("lack of awareness" and "lack of clarity"), while the other cluster included all other emotion-dysregulation dimensions. Identification of the emotion-dysregulation- and GD-related features with the highest centrality/linkage may be particularly useful for developing valid measurement tools and precise management plans for individuals with GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Mestre-Bach
- Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, La Rioja, Spain
- Institute for Culture and Society (ICS), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Roser Granero
- Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia de Les Ciències de La Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Fernández-Aranda
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA.
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain.
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Kun B, Alpay P, Bodó V, Molnár Á, Horváth A, Karsai S, Somlai RS, Takacs ZK, Kökönyei G. Differences in the associations between psychoactive substance use and alexithymia: A series of Meta-analyses. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 103:102297. [PMID: 37290244 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The present meta-analytic study examined the association between alexithymia and psychoactive substance use. Studies published from 1988 to August 20, 2022 were identified by a systematic search and 168 eligible studies were included in five meta-analyses. Results showed that (1) the correlation between substance use and alexithymia is small but significant (r = 0.177); (2) substance users have substantially higher alexithymia than nonusers (g = 0.545); (3) alexithymic participants have significantly but slightly higher levels of substance use than non-alexithymics (g = 0.242); (4) substance users are significantly but only slightly more likely to be alexithymic than nonusers (OR = 2.392); and (5) alexithymic individuals are not more likely to be substance users than non-alexithymics. Larger effects were observed among samples diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD), and the use of depressants, alcohol, opiates, and illicit stimulants had stronger relation to alexithymia. We found a tendency for a larger association with problematic use as compared to other indicators (e.g., frequency and duration) of substance use. Among the components of alexithymia, difficulties in identifying feelings has the strongest association with substance use. Our findings support clinical practice by suggesting the improvement of emotion regulation in SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Kun
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Pelin Alpay
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktória Bodó
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Molnár
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Horváth
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Karsai
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róza Sára Somlai
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsofia K Takacs
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Gyöngyi Kökönyei
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; SE-NAP2 Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Zhang H, Wang Y, Lou H, Zhu Y, Dong Z, Dong D, Chen P, Zhu X, Chen B, Zhang P. Prevalence of and factors associated with alexithymia among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:40. [PMID: 36717796 PMCID: PMC9885611 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02335-5] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia is a common psychological disorder. However, few studies have investigated its prevalence and predictors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of alexithymia in Chinese patients. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 842 COPD patients to assess the prevalence and predictors of alexithymia using the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess anxiety and depression, the modified British Medical Research Council dyspnea Rating Scale (mMRC) to assess dyspnea, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) to assess quality of life, and the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) to assess comorbidities. Alexithymia-related predictors were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS The prevalence of alexithymia in COPD patients was 23.6% (199/842). Multivariate analysis showed that age [odds ratio (OR) 0.886; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.794-0.998], body mass index (OR 0.879; 95% CI 0.781-0.989), HADS-anxiety (OR 1.238; 95% CI 1.097-1.396), HADS-depression (OR 1.178; 95% CI 1.034-1.340), mMRC (OR 1.297; 95% CI 1.274-1.320), SGRQ (OR 1.627; 95% CI 1.401-1.890), ACCI (OR 1.165; 95% CI 1.051-1.280), and GOLD grade (OR 1.296; 95% CI 1.256-1.337) were independent predictors for alexithymia in patients with COPD. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of alexithymia was high in Chinese COPD patients. Anxiety, depression, dyspnea, quality of life, comorbidities, and disease severity are independent risk factors, and age and BMI are predictive factors for alexithymia in COPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaizhong Zhang
- grid.501121.6Department of Psychiatry, Xuzhou Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, 221000 Jiangsu China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Department of Control and Prevention of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, Xuzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 142 West Erhuan Road, Xuzhou, 221006 China
| | - Heqing Lou
- Department of Control and Prevention of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, Xuzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 142 West Erhuan Road, Xuzhou, 221006 China
| | - Yanan Zhu
- grid.413389.40000 0004 1758 1622Department of Respiratory Medicine of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zongmei Dong
- Department of Control and Prevention of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, Xuzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 142 West Erhuan Road, Xuzhou, 221006 China
| | - Dong Dong
- grid.501121.6Department of Psychiatry, Xuzhou Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, 221000 Jiangsu China
| | - Peipei Chen
- Department of Control and Prevention of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, Xuzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 142 West Erhuan Road, Xuzhou, 221006 China
| | - Xuan Zhu
- Department of Control and Prevention of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, Xuzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 142 West Erhuan Road, Xuzhou, 221006 China
| | - Bi Chen
- grid.413389.40000 0004 1758 1622Department of Respiratory Medicine of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Pan Zhang
- Department of Control and Prevention of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, Xuzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 142 West Erhuan Road, Xuzhou, 221006 China
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Vuillier L, Joseph J, Greville-Harris M, May L, Somerville MP, Harrison A, Moseley RL. What about males? Exploring sex differences in the relationship between emotion difficulties and eating disorders. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:193. [PMID: 36514166 PMCID: PMC9749243 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00715-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While eating disorders (EDs) are more commonly diagnosed in females, there is growing awareness that men also experience EDs and may do so in a different way. Difficulties with emotion processing and emotion regulation are believed to be important in EDs, but as studies have involved predominantly female samples, it is unclear whether this is also true for males. METHODS In a sample of 1604 participants (n = 631 males), we assessed emotion processing and emotion regulation in males with EDs (n = 109) and compared results to both females with EDs (n = 220) and males from the general population (n = 522). We also looked at whether emotion processing and emotion regulation difficulties predicted various aspects of eating psychopathology and whether this was moderated by sex. We assessed emotion processing with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, emotion regulation with the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and eating psychopathology with the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. RESULTS We found that males with ED, like their female counterparts, suffered from emotion processing and emotion regulation deficits. We did find some sex differences, in that males with EDs tended to report more difficulties with their emotions as well as a more externally oriented thinking style compared to females with EDs. Difficulties with emotion processing and emotion regulation were strongly predictive of various aspects of eating psychopathology in both sexes. Importantly, we found that sex moderated the relationship between cognitive reappraisal and eating restraint. As such, low use of reappraisal was found to be associated with higher levels of restraint in females but not in males. DISCUSSION Difficulties with emotion processing and emotion regulation are associated with eating psychopathology in both males and females. Reappraisal was not found to be associated with reduced eating psychopathology in males, suggesting a cautious approach to interventions targeting this strategy. Research around explanatory mechanisms and interventions must adopt a broader viewpoint including those that are traditionally overlooked in EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Vuillier
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK.
| | - J Joseph
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | | | - L May
- Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK
| | - M P Somerville
- UCL Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Harrison
- UCL Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
| | - R L Moseley
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
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Rice A, Lavender JM, Shank LM, Higgins Neyland MK, Markos B, Repke H, Haynes H, Gallagher-Teske J, Schvey NA, Sbrocco T, Wilfley DE, Ford B, Ford CB, Jorgensen S, Yanovski JA, Haigney M, Klein DA, Quinlan J, Tanofsky-Kraff M. Associations among alexithymia, disordered eating, and depressive symptoms in treatment-seeking adolescent military dependents at risk for adult binge-eating disorder and obesity. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:3083-3093. [PMID: 35852767 PMCID: PMC9805474 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01429-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence suggests that difficulties identifying and describing one's feelings, core components of alexithymia, are associated with attitudinal and behavioral symptoms of disordered eating; depressive symptoms also may underlie these associations. Specifically, research indicates that alexithymia is positively related to depressive symptoms, which in turn may promote both disordered-eating attitudes and certain disinhibited-eating behaviors (e.g., emotional eating). Findings also suggest that military-dependent youth with high weight may exhibit elevated depressive symptoms and disordered eating. As such, understanding associations among alexithymia, depressive symptoms, and disordered eating is particularly relevant for this vulnerable population. METHODS We examined 149 adolescent military dependents (14.4 ± 1.6y; 55.0% female; 20.0% non-Hispanic Black; BMIz: 1.9 ± 0.4) at high risk for binge-eating disorder and obesity in adulthood. Participants completed questionnaires assessing two components of alexithymia (difficulty identifying feelings [DIF] and difficulty describing feelings [DDF]), depressive symptoms, emotional eating, and trait anxiety; disordered-eating attitudes were assessed via semi-structured interview. RESULTS A series of regression-based models examined indirect relationships of DIF and DDF with disordered-eating attitudes and emotional eating through depressive symptoms. Bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals revealed a significant indirect path from each of the alexithymia components to disordered-eating attitudes via depressive symptoms; indirect paths to emotional eating were non-significant. CONCLUSION Results support the salience of depressive symptoms in the relationship between alexithymia and disordered-eating attitudes. Future research should utilize prospective designs and explore direct and indirect associations of alexithymia with other disordered-eating behaviors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, evidence obtained from a well-designed cohort study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Rice
- Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (MiCOR) Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and the Metis Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA
- The Metis Foundation, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jason M Lavender
- Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (MiCOR) Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and the Metis Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- The Metis Foundation, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Department of Medicine, USU, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Lisa M Shank
- Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (MiCOR) Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and the Metis Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA
- The Metis Foundation, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine, USU, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Section on Growth and Obesity, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, USU, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - M K Higgins Neyland
- Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (MiCOR) Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and the Metis Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA
- The Metis Foundation, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine, USU, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bethelhem Markos
- Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (MiCOR) Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and the Metis Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA
- The Metis Foundation, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hannah Repke
- Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (MiCOR) Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and the Metis Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA
- The Metis Foundation, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hannah Haynes
- Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (MiCOR) Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and the Metis Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA
- The Metis Foundation, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Section on Growth and Obesity, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julia Gallagher-Teske
- Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (MiCOR) Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and the Metis Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA
- The Metis Foundation, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Natasha A Schvey
- Section on Growth and Obesity, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, USU, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tracy Sbrocco
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, USU, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Brian Ford
- Department of Family Medicine, USU, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Caitlin B Ford
- Department of Family Medicine, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, VA, USA
| | - Sarah Jorgensen
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jack A Yanovski
- Section on Growth and Obesity, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark Haigney
- Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (MiCOR) Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and the Metis Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, USU, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David A Klein
- Department of Family Medicine, USU, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Quinlan
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Marian Tanofsky-Kraff
- Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (MiCOR) Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and the Metis Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, USU, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Section on Growth and Obesity, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, USU, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Bonnaire C, Devos G, Barrault S, Grall-Bronnec M, Luminet O, Billieux J. An empirical investigation of the Pathways Model of problem gambling through the conjoint use of self-reports and behavioural tasks. J Behav Addict 2022; 11:858-873. [PMID: 35947492 PMCID: PMC9872534 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2022.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Blaszczynski and Nower (2002) conceptualized their Pathways Model by postulating the existence of three subtypes of problem gamblers who share common characteristics, but also present specific ones. METHODS This study investigated how the psychological mechanisms postulated in the Pathways Model predict clinical status in a sample that combined treatment-seeking gamblers (n = 59) and non-problematic community gamblers (n = 107). To test the Pathways Model, we computed a hierarchic logistic regression in which variables associated with each postulated pathway were entered sequentially to predict the status of the treatment-seeking gambler. Self-report questionnaires measured gambling-related cognitions, alexithymia, emotional reactivity, emotion regulation strategies and impulsivity. Behavioural tasks measured gambling persistence (slot machine task), decision-making under uncertainty (Iowa Gambling Task) and decision-making under risk (Game of Dice Task). RESULTS We showed that specific factors theorized as underlying mechanisms for each pathway predicted the status of clinical gambler. For each pathway, significant predictors included gambling-related cognitive distortions and behaviourally measured gambling persistence (behaviourally conditioned pathway), emotional reactivity and emotion regulation strategies (emotionally vulnerable pathway), and lack of premeditation impulsivity facet (impulsivist-antisocial pathway). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Our study adds to the body of literature confirming the validity of the Pathways Model and hold important implications in terms of assessment and treatment of problem gambling. In particular, a standardized assessment based on the Pathways Model should promote individualized treatment strategies to allow clinicians to take into account the high heterogeneity that characterizes gambling disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Bonnaire
- Université Paris Cité, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, F-92100Boulogne-Billancourt, France,Centre Pierre Nicole, “Consultation Jeunes Consommateurs”, Croix-Rouge Française, 75005Paris, France
| | - Gaëtan Devos
- UCLouvain, Research Institute for Psychological Sciences, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium,Service Universitaire D’Addictologie de Lyon (SUAL), CH le Vinatier, F-69500, Bron, France,Grand Hôpital de Charleroi (GHdC), Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Servane Barrault
- Université Paris Cité, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, F-92100Boulogne-Billancourt, France,Laboratory QualiPsy, EE1901, Psychology Department, University of Tours, 3 rue des Tanneurs, 37041Tours, France,Centre de Soins d’Accompagnement et de Prévention en Addictologie (CSAPA 37), CHRU of Tours, 37044Tours Cedex, France
| | - Marie Grall-Bronnec
- CHU Nantes, Psychiatry and Mental Health Department, Nantes, France,Université de Nantes, Université de Tours, Inserm U1246, Nantes, France
| | - Olivier Luminet
- UCLouvain, Research Institute for Psychological Sciences, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium,Fund for Scientific Research (FRS-FNRS), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Centre for Excessive Gambling, Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospitals (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland,Corresponding author. E-mail:
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13
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Luo H, Gong X, Chen X, Hu J, Wang X, Sun Y, Li J, Lv S, Zhang X. Exploring the links between alexithymia and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in internet addiction: A network analysis model. Front Psychol 2022; 13:938116. [PMID: 35978791 PMCID: PMC9376254 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.938116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia and emotion regulation are closely related to internet addiction. However, no research has examined how the different components of alexithymia are associated with cognitive emotion regulation in the context of multi-strategy use in internet addiction. The current study aimed to investigate the relation between alexithymia and cognitive emotion regulation in individuals with internet addiction via network analysis. Participants included 560 students with Young’s Internet Addiction Test scores greater than 50 points; they were also asked to complete the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). The results revealed two bridge nodes emerging within the combined alexithymia and cognitive emotion regulation network model: “catastrophizing” and “externally oriented thoughts.” These findings indicate a more specific relation between alexithymia and cognitive emotion regulation and provide empirical evidence for targeted prevention and targeted interventions for internet addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongge Luo
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
- College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xun Gong
- College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xiaomei Chen
- The Department of Marxist Teaching, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Jianing Hu
- College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yekun Sun
- College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Jiating Li
- College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Shaobo Lv
- College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xiujun Zhang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiujun Zhang,
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14
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Aggression, Alexithymia and Sense of Coherence in a Sample of Schizophrenic Outpatients. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10061078. [PMID: 35742130 PMCID: PMC9223291 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia elevates the risk for aggressive behavior, and there is a need to better understand the associated variables predicting aggression for treatment and prevention purposes. The aim of the present study is to determine the relationship between alexithymia, sense of coherence and aggressive behavior in a sample of schizophrenic outpatients. Using a correlational research design, standardized self-report questionnaires assessed aggression (brief aggression questionnaire—BAQ), alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale—TAS) and sense of coherence (sense of coherence questionnaire—SOC) in a sample of 100 schizophrenic outpatients in clinical remission. Participants reported high levels of aggression and alexithymia along with reduced sense of coherence. Significant negative correlations were evidenced among scores on the SOC scale (p < 0.001) with both the TAS as well as with the BAQ scales. However, a positive correlation (p < 0.001) was observed between the TAS and BAQ scales. Regression indicated that 27% of the variation in the BAQ rating was explained by the TAS, while an additional 17.8% was explained by the sense of coherence. The difficulty identifying feelings of alexithymia and the comprehensibility and manageability components of sense of coherence significantly predicted anger, hostility and physical aggression. Sense of coherence mediated the relationship between alexithymia and aggression. From the path analysis, comprehensibility emerged as the key factor counterbalancing alexithymic traits and aggressive behaviors, and manageability effectuated higher anger control. The findings hold practical implications for the treatment and rehabilitation of schizophrenic patients.
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15
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Jungmann SM, Wagner L, Klein M, Kaurin A. Functional Somatic Symptoms and Emotion Regulation in Children and Adolescents. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN EUROPE 2022; 4:e4299. [PMID: 36397947 PMCID: PMC9667419 DOI: 10.32872/cpe.4299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Functional Somatic Symptoms (FSS; i.e. symptoms without sufficient organic explanation) often begin in childhood and adolescence and are common to this developmental period. Emotion regulation and parental factors seem to play a relevant role in the development and maintenance of FSS. So far, little systematic research has been conducted in childhood and adolescence on the importance of specific emotion regulation strategies and their links with parental factors. Method In two studies, children and adolescents (Study 1/Study 2: N = 46/68; 65%/60% female, Age M = 10.0/13.1) and their parents completed questionnaires on children's FSS and adaptive and maladaptive emotional regulation (in Study 2, additionally parental somatization and child/parental alexithymia). Results In both studies, child-reported FSS were negatively associated with children's adaptive emotion regulation (r = -.34/-.31, p < .03; especially acceptance) and positively with children's maladaptive emotion regulation and alexithymia (r = .53/.46, p < .001). Moreover, children's maladaptive emotion regulation (β = .34, p = .02) explained incremental variance in child-reported FSS beyond children's age/sex, parental somatization and emotion regulation. In contrast, parental somatization was the only significant predictor (β = .44, p < .001) of parent-reported FSS in children/adolescents. Conclusion Our results suggest that particularly rumination and alexithymia and parental somatization are important predictors of FSS in children/adolescents. Overall, the results showed a dependence on the person reporting children's FSS (i.e., method-variance). So, for future studies it is relevant to continue using the multi-informant approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie M. Jungmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Louisa Wagner
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marlene Klein
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Aleksandra Kaurin
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
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16
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Morie KP, Crowley MJ, Mayes LC, Potenza MN. The process of emotion identification: Considerations for psychiatric disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 148:264-274. [PMID: 35151218 PMCID: PMC8969204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Emotional regulation is important for mental health and behavioral regulation. A relevant precursor to emotional regulation may involve identification of one's emotions. Here, we propose a model of seven components that may provide a foundation for emotion identification. These factors include baseline mood, monitoring, physiological responses, interoception, past personal experiences regarding emotions/metacognition, context, and labeling. We additionally examine how deficits in different components may contribute to the concept of alexithymia, which is defined by difficulty identifying and describing one's own emotions. Ultimately, we explore how the model may support a relationship between specific psychiatric disorders and alexithymia. The proposed model may help explain emotional identification impairment in multiple psychiatric disorders and guide future research and treatment development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen P Morie
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Michael J Crowley
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Linda C Mayes
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, 06109, USA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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17
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Leonidou C, Constantinou E, Panteli M, Panayiotou G. Attentional processing of unpleasant stimuli in alexithymia: Early avoidance followed by attention maintenance bias. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2022.2054531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Constantinou
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus; Kios Research & Innovation Center of Excellence, University of Cyprus
| | - Maria Panteli
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus; Center of Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus
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18
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Kirchner K, Brauer H, Van der Auwera S, Grabe HJ. The Impact of Resilience, Alexithymia and Subjectively Perceived Helplessness of Myocardial Infarction on the Risk of Posttraumatic Stress. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2022; 29:954-962. [PMID: 35169973 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-022-09857-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of resilience, alexithymia and the subjectively perceived severity (fear of death, pain intensity, helplessness) of myocardial infarction (MI) on posttraumatic symptom severity (PTSS) after MI. Patients were assessed with the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS), Resilience Scale (RS-11) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Subjectively perceived severity of MI was measured with three items on a 10-point Likert scale. To test our hypothesis, we applied Pearson correlations as well as multiple hierarchical linear regression analyses. A higher resilience score was significantly associated with lower (r = - .39, p < .001) PTSS. Higher scores of alexithymia (r = .38, p < .01) and subjectively perceived helplessness (r = .42, p < .001) were associated with higher PTSS. Multiple hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that resilience, the TAS-20 subscale difficulty identifying feelings (DIF) and especially subjectively perceived helplessness were independent significant predictors for the PTSS, adjusted R2 = .29, F(5, 102) = 9.57, p < .001. Our results suggest that resilience reduces the PTSS whereas alexithymia and subjectively perceived helplessness increase the risk. Especially the subjectively perceived helplessness explains a high degree of variance of PTSS and should be assessed to hindering further mental health burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Kirchner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany.
| | - Hartmut Brauer
- Department of Cardiological Rehabilitation, KMG Klinik Silbermühle, Plau am See, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany
| | - Sandra Van der Auwera
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany.,German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany
| | - Hans Jörgen Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany.,German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany
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19
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Luo H, Zhao Y, Hong J, Wang H, Zhang X, Tan S. Effect of Alexithymia on Internet Addiction Among College Students: The Mediating Role of Metacognition Beliefs. Front Psychol 2022; 12:788458. [PMID: 35082726 PMCID: PMC8784415 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.788458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have found that alexithymia plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Internet addiction. However, the effect of alexithymia on both metacognition and Internet addiction has yet to be examined. Methods: The Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Metacognition Questionnaire, and Internet Addiction Test were used to assess a sample of 356 college students. A parallel mediator effect analysis was applied to test the hypothesis that metacognition mediates the relationship between alexithymia and Internet addiction. Results: The parallel multiple mediator models showed that alexithymia predicted the five dimensions of metacognition and Internet addiction, and that three dimensions-cognitive confidence, positive beliefs about worry, and the need to control thoughts-partially mediated this relationship. Conclusion: Alexithymia could directly and indirectly predict Internet addiction via metacognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongge Luo
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
- College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yanli Zhao
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangyue Hong
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Wang
- College of Psychology, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xiujun Zhang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Shuping Tan
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China
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Cosmoiu A, Nedelcea C. Factors impacting the experience of empathic distress in social anxiety: a path analysis approach. The Journal of Social Psychology 2021; 162:57-70. [PMID: 34913406 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2021.2003284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Personal distress is a manifestation of empathy characterized by a tendency to respond to others' difficulties by increasing one's distress. Previous work on socially anxious individuals has shown mixed results, consistent with a model of social anxiety symptomatology characterized by increased personal distress in empathy eliciting situations, which is driven by emotional dysregulation. The current study aimed to test a serial mediation model to uncover the role of emotional dysregulation in the relationship between social anxiety and empathic distress. 330 young adults were included in the sample. Social anxiety symptomatology, difficulty identifying one's feelings, expressive suppression, and empathic distress were analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling. Measurement and structural models were supported by data, with social anxiety exhibiting direct and indirect effects on empathic distress. Results also suggest that expressive suppression exhibits a negative effect on the distress exhibited in empathy eliciting situations, which brings forth relevant theoretical and clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cosmoiu
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cătălin Nedelcea
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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