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Goodhew SC, Edwards M. Individual differences in emotional reactions to bistable perception. J Pers 2024; 92:957-967. [PMID: 37424142 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12861] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether there are individual differences in emotional reactions to bistable images, and if so, to identify some of the psychological factors that predict them. BACKGROUND Bistable images - which have two competing perceptual interpretations - have long been used in the scientific study of consciousness. Here we applied a different lens and investigated emotional reactions to them. Method Participants were adult humans in a cross-sectional study. Participants were presented with three bistable images and rated their emotional reactions to experiencing bistability. They also completed measures of intolerance of uncertainty, cognitive empathy, affective empathy, and negative affect. Results There were marked individual differences in these reactions, ranging from feeling highly negative to highly positive. These individual differences in emotional response to bistability were linked to a number of psychological processes: intolerance of uncertainty, cognitive empathy, and negative affect, but not affective empathy. Conclusions These finding have important implications because: (a) these emotional reactions could distort scientific investigations that use these stimuli to study non-emotional perceptual and cognitive processes; and (b) they highlight that this approach offers a useful window into how individuals react to these stimuli that demonstrate that there is not always a single viable interpretation of the world around us.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Goodhew
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Mark Edwards
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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2
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Broos HC, Dev AS, Llabre MM, Saab PG, Timpano KR. Trait and situation-specific intolerance of uncertainty predict affective symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Affect Disord 2024; 352:115-124. [PMID: 38350541 PMCID: PMC11167600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.010] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic, a high-uncertainty situation, presents an ideal opportunity to examine how trait intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and situation-specific IU relate to each other and to mental health outcomes. The current longitudinal study examined the unique associations of trait and COVID-specific IU with general distress (anxiety and depression) and pandemic-specific concerns (pandemic stress and vaccine worry). METHODS A community sample of Florida adults (N = 2152) was surveyed online at three timepoints. They completed measures of trait IU at Wave 1 (April-May 2020) and COVID-specific IU at Wave 2 (May-June 2020). At Wave 3 (December-February 2021), they reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, pandemic stress, and vaccine worry. RESULTS We used structural equation modeling to test our overall model. Trait IU significantly predicted later COVID-specific IU, however there was no significant effect of trait IU on any outcome measure after accounting for COVID-specific IU. Notably, COVID-specific IU fully mediated the relationship between trait IU and all four symptom measures. LIMITATIONS There were several limitations of the current study, including the use of a community sample and high participant attrition. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that COVID-specific IU predicts mental health outcomes over and above trait IU, extending the existing literature. These findings indicate that uncertainty may be more aversive when it is related to specific distressing situations, providing guidance for developing more specific and individualized interventions. Idiographic treatments which target situation-specific IU may be more efficacious in reducing affective symptoms and related stress during the COVID-19 pandemic or other similar events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Broos
- University of Miami, Department of Psychology, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States of America.
| | - Amelia S Dev
- University of Miami, Department of Psychology, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States of America
| | - Maria M Llabre
- University of Miami, Department of Psychology, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States of America
| | - Patrice G Saab
- University of Miami, Department of Psychology, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States of America
| | - Kiara R Timpano
- University of Miami, Department of Psychology, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States of America
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Qiao Z, Poppelaars ES, Li X. In the anticipation of threat: Neural regulatory activity indicated by delta-beta correlation and its relation to anxiety. Biol Psychol 2024; 187:108769. [PMID: 38447860 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2024.108769] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The anticipation of oncoming threats is emotionally challenging and related to anxiety. The current study aimed to investigate the neural regulatory processes during the anticipatory preparations in stressful situations in relation to trait anxiety, especially in an uncertainty-related stressful situation. To this end, we measured within-subjects delta-beta amplitude-amplitude correlation (AAC) and phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) with electroencephalography using a well-defined stress-inducing paradigm in 28 high-trait-anxiety (HTA) and 29 low-trait-anxiety (LTA) college students. Specifically, a threat probability task was conducted, where participants anticipated the future stimuli under the uncertain (i.e., an average of 50% electric shocks), certain (i.e., 100% electric shocks) and no threat conditions, as well as a resting state task. Results showed a generally larger delta-beta AAC in the LTA group relative to the HTA group across conditions, supporting the hypothesis that delta-beta AAC reflects the efficiency of stress regulation and trait anxiety could compromise this adaptive regulatory activity. Furthermore, a larger delta-beta PAC was found under the uncertain threat condition relative to the no threat condition, indicating the sensitivity of delta-beta PAC in reflecting state anxiety. These findings indicate that while delta-beta AAC is more related to trait anxiety and could distinguish between high and low trait anxiety irrespective of conditions, delta-beta PAC is more related to state anxiety and is sensitive enough to detect the uncertainty-related anxious state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiling Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Department of Neurosciences, Research Group Psychiatry, Center for Clinical Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | | | - Xuebing Li
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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4
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Raffard S, de Connor A, Freeman D, Bortolon C. [Recent developments in the modeling and psychological management of persecutory ideation]. L'ENCEPHALE 2024; 50:99-107. [PMID: 37748987 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Persecutory ideas are a major clinical problem and are associated with impaired functioning, reduced compliance with medication and increased risk of hospitalization. Persecutory ideation is defined as the false conviction that others are threatening or conspiring against one. Although persecutory delusions are mainly described and experienced in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, they also occur in other neurological and psychiatric diagnoses including Alzheimer disease, epilepsy, depression, mania, dementia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Moreover, epidemiological data from general and clinical populations indicated that paranoid beliefs occur on a hierarchy of severity and are present to a lesser degree in the general population, with paranoid delusions representing the severe end of a continuum. In this review we focus on the important advances following a decade of research from psychological sciences, and more particularly the work of Daniel Freeman and Philippa Garety in England. Their work has demonstrated that a range of causal factors are involved in the development and maintenance of delusions beyond the traditional cognitive and behavioural models. Indeed, there is now well-validated evidence that sleep disturbances, worry proneness, reasoning biases, such as failure to consider alternative explanations or belief confirmation bias, abnormal experiences such as hallucinations, negative self-beliefs, and safety behaviours, are central factors that contribute to the paranoid phenomenon. In this review, we describe each of these causal factors in detail as well as the clinical interventions developed by Freeman and his collaborators, including the integrative and modular "Feeling Safe" intervention. Broadly speaking, the aim of this psychological intervention is for patients to relearn safety by exposing them to situations they consider as potentially dangerous after reduction of the influence of the maintenance factors described above. A recent publication showed that the Feeling Safe program led to recovery in persecutory delusions for 50% of patients having poor response to antipsychotic medication, making the intervention as the most effective psychological treatment for persecutory delusions. Finally, we will critically discuss the efficacy data from the numerous clinical studies validating its effectiveness. Prospects for the implementation of the Feeling Safe program in France also is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Raffard
- Service universitaire de psychiatrie adulte, CHU de Montpellier, 39, avenue Charles-Flahaut, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France; Laboratoire Epsylon, EA 4556, université Paul-Valéry-Montpellier, 3, route de Mende, 34199 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
| | - Alexandre de Connor
- Service universitaire de psychiatrie adulte, CHU de Montpellier, 39, avenue Charles-Flahaut, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Daniel Freeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, Royaume-Uni; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, Royaume-Uni; NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, Royaume-Uni
| | - Catherine Bortolon
- Départment de psychologie, université de Grenoble-Alpes, université Savoie-Mont-Blanc, LIP/PC2S, Grenoble, France; Département de psychologie, institut universitaire de France, Paris, France
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5
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Keefer A, Singh V, Jang YS, Alon L, Surmacz M, Holingue C, Mostofsky SH, Vasa RA. Exploring the Symptom Profiles of Intolerance of Uncertainty in Autistic Children. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:121-130. [PMID: 36227445 PMCID: PMC10097837 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05744-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a multidimensional construct involving maladaptive responses to uncertainty. IU is strongly associated with autism and anxiety, yet no studies have examined its symptom profile in autistic children. This study compares IU symptom profiles in autistic and NT children and in autistic children with and without anxiety using the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale for Children. Compared to NT peers, autistic children exhibited heightened IU symptoms in all domains, affective, behavioral, and cognitive; affective symptoms had the highest association with autism. Autistic children with anxiety also exhibited elevated IU symptoms in all domains compared to those without anxiety; behavioral IU symptoms had the highest association with anxiety. IU symptom profiles should be considered in assessment and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Keefer
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Baltimore, MD, US.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, US.
| | - Vini Singh
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Yeon Sik Jang
- Psychology Department, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, US
| | - Leigh Alon
- Psychology Department, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, US
| | - Madison Surmacz
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Calliope Holingue
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Stewart H Mostofsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, US
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, US
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Roma A Vasa
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Baltimore, MD, US
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, US
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6
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Delvecchio E, Cenci G, Lis A, Li JB, Vazsonyi AT, Nartova-Bochaver S, Zadworna M, Mazzeschi C. Anxiety and Stress among American, Chinese, Italian, and Russian Emerging Adults: Does Uncertainty Avoidance Matter? Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:3101. [PMID: 38131991 PMCID: PMC10742959 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11243101] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Levels of anxiety and stress vary throughout the lifespan and across cultures. Uncertainty appears particularly relevant during emerging adulthood, thus potentially affecting both stress and anxiety. Uncertainty as a construct was identified by Hofstede (i.e., Uncertainty Avoidance Index, UAI), who defined it as the extent to which members of a culture feel threatened by ambiguous or unknown situations and tend to avoid them. The UAI was considered as a means to understand cultures in addition to the "classic" distinction between collectivist and individualistic cultures. The present study compared levels of anxiety and stress in 1790 university students (18-21 years old) from two individualistic (Italy and the US) and two collectivistic (China and Russia) countries, with a consideration of country UAI levels. Results showed that country-level UAI scores were associated with levels of anxiety and stress, controlling for age and sex. Italian and Russian students reported greater anxiety than American and Chinese ones. Chinese emerging adults reported the lowest stress levels, followed by American, Italian, and Russian students. The study findings provide initial evidence that anxiety and stress in emerging adults are associated with how a culture deals with perceived instability and uncertainty about the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Delvecchio
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (G.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Giulia Cenci
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (G.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Adriana Lis
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Jian-Bin Li
- Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, China;
| | | | - Sofya Nartova-Bochaver
- Department of Psychology, National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University), Moscow 101000, Russia;
| | - Magdalena Zadworna
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Lodz, 90-128 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Claudia Mazzeschi
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (G.C.); (C.M.)
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7
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Powell HJ, He JL, Khalil N, Wodka EL, DeRonda A, Edden RAE, Vasa RA, Mostofsky SH, Puts NA. Perceptual alterations in the relationship between sensory reactivity, intolerance of uncertainty, and anxiety in autistic children with and without ADHD. Dev Psychopathol 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37990408 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423001360] [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: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Sensory differences and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in autistic individuals with and without ADHD. Studies have shown that sensory differences and anxiety are associated and that intolerance of uncertainty (IU) plays an important role in this relationship. However, it is unclear as to how different levels of the sensory processing pathway (i.e., perceptual, affective, or behavioral) contribute. Here, we used psychophysics to assess how alterations in tactile perception contribute to questionnaire measures of sensory reactivity, IU, and anxiety. Thirty-eight autistic children (aged 8-12 years; 27 with co-occurring ADHD) were included. Consistent with previous findings, mediation analyses showed that child-reported IU fully mediated an association between parent-reported sensory reactivity and parent-reported anxiety and that anxiety partially mediated an association between sensory reactivity and IU. Of the vibrotactile thresholds, only simultaneous frequency discrimination (SFD) thresholds correlated with sensory reactivity. Interestingly, we found that sensory reactivity fully mediated an association between SFD threshold and anxiety, and between SFD threshold and IU. Taken together, those findings suggest a mechanistic pathway whereby tactile perceptual alterations contribute to sensory reactivity at the affective level, leading in turn to increased IU and anxiety. This stepwise association can inform potential interventions for IU and anxiety in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen J Powell
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jason L He
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nermin Khalil
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ericka L Wodka
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alyssa DeRonda
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard A E Edden
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Roma A Vasa
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stewart H Mostofsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicolaas A Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
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Rashtbari A, Taylor DL, Saed O, Malekizadeh H. Psychometric Properties of the Iranian Version of Contrast Avoidance Questionnaires: Could Contrast Avoidance Be a New Transdiagnostic Construct? J Pers Assess 2023; 105:820-837. [PMID: 36719952 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2023.2169153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The contrast avoidance model (CAM) hypothesizes that individuals with chronic worry recruit worry to create and maintain a negative emotional state to avoid sudden increases in negative emotions. Preliminary evidence using the contrast avoidance questionnaires (CAQs) suggests that there might be a similar mechanism across mood and other anxiety disorders. To continue to assess the CAQs, they should be adapted for other languages and evaluated across multiple symptom domains. The present study aimed to develop the Persian versions of the CAQs and examine the transdiagnostic nature of CAM across two studies. A large Persian-speaking college student sample (Total n = 1438) was used to evaluate the factor structure of the CAQs (Study 1) and the psychometric properties of CAQs (Study 2). Results supported the two-factor structure of the CAQ-W (worry) and CAQ-GE (general emotion). Results showed that CAQ-W was a significant predictor of anxiety-related measures. However, CAQ-GE and IUS-12 significantly predicted depressive and other symptoms over the CAQ-W. Results demonstrated excellent psychometric properties. They indicate that contrast avoidance, measured via CAQ-GE, could be a transdiagnostic construct, and CAQ-W may be more sensitive to anxiety-specific contrast avoidance among Persian speaking and/or Iranian individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Rashtbari
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Danielle L Taylor
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Omid Saed
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Hossein Malekizadeh
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran
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Brennan SN, Rossell SL, Rehm I, Thomas N, Castle DJ. A qualitative exploration of the lived experiences of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1214803. [PMID: 37854447 PMCID: PMC10580279 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1214803] [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: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is characterized by an intense preoccupation with one or more perceived "defects" in physical appearance. Despite the distress and impairment associated with BDD, the disorder remains understudied and poorly understood. In particular, there are limited studies available which give voice to those with firsthand experiences of the disorder. A qualitative approach was employed to study lived experience of BDD. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants with BDD, aiming to understand their subjective experiences of the disorder. Data was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The results identified three superordinate themes; (1) consumed by the disorder, (2) the flawed self, and (3) intolerance of uncertainty about appearance. The qualitative findings of this study are discussed in relation to current conceptual understandings of BDD, including the cognitive behavioral model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N. Brennan
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Gatehouse Centre, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Susan L. Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Imogen Rehm
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Neil Thomas
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David J. Castle
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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Burnley A, St Clair M, Bedford R, Wren Y, Dack C. Understanding the prevalence and manifestation of anxiety and other socio-emotional and behavioural difficulties in children with Developmental Language Disorder. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:17. [PMID: 37322422 PMCID: PMC10268478 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09486-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well-documented that children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) have a higher likelihood of experiencing anxiety, as well as other socio-emotional and behavioural (SEB) difficulties. Despite this, there is little consensus as to how these difficulties manifest. This study aims to understand the prevalence of broader SEB difficulties and anxiety, informing intervention development by understanding the relationships between them. METHODS A mixed-methods, case-control study was conducted. First, an online survey was completed by 107 parents of either children with DLD ("DLD sample"; n = 57) or typically developing children ("typical sample"; n = 50), aged 6-12 years old. Binary SEB statements informed by previous qualitative work (e.g. "my child requires routine/sameness"; "my child has frequent tantrums") provided an insight into the prevalence of SEB difficulties in both DLD and typical samples. Validated measures of anxiety, emotion regulation, intolerance of uncertainty, insistence on sameness, family stress and coping mechanisms were also collected. Correlation and mediation analyses were run using these validated measures to understand the manifestation of anxiety in children with DLD in more detail. Qualitative interviews were then carried out with a select panel of survey respondents (n = 4). RESULTS The DLD sample scored significantly higher on all binary SEB statements than the typical sample: experiencing anxiety (80.7%, p < .05), requiring routine and sameness (75.4%, p < .001) and emotional dysregulation (75.4%; p < .001) were the most common difficulties reported for children with DLD. Using the validated scales, family stress and coping mechanisms were found to only correlate with the manifestation of anxiety in the typical group, not the DLD group. "Intolerance of uncertainty" and "insistence on sameness" were found to fully mediate the relationship between DLD diagnosis and symptoms of anxiety. Parent's interviews provided contextual support for the analysis, as well as highlighting sensory sensitivities as a focus for future research. CONCLUSIONS Parents of children with DLD appear to cope well with their children's complex SEB needs. Intervention focussing on intolerance of uncertainty may help the management of difficulties with anxiety. Behaviours such as insistence on sameness should be investigated further, as potential indicators for anxiety amongst children with DLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel Burnley
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset County UK
| | - Michelle St Clair
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset County UK
| | - Rachael Bedford
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset County UK
| | - Yvonne Wren
- Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol, Bristol County UK
| | - Charlotte Dack
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset County UK
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Schmalbach I, Bastianon CD, Afifi WA, Franke GH, Hinz A, Petrowski K. Factor structure and psychometric properties of the german version chronic uncertainty scale (CU-20). BMC Psychol 2023; 11:173. [PMID: 37254124 PMCID: PMC10228435 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01206-2] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The experience of uncertainty is ubiquitous and universal across the globe. Many available tools measuring uncertainty are focused on one aspect of uncertainty, e.g., patients with life-threatening illnesses, hence a measure considering (chronic) uncertainty as an integral experience reflect ongoing uncertainties from a socio-cultural perspective is missing. Additionally, current tools do not account for an extended timeframe to measure chronic forms of uncertainty. The objective of this study is to validate a translated German version of the 20 item Chronic Uncertainty Scale (CU-20). METHODS The full sample comprised N = 462 participants. Most of the participants were young German citizens and the sex distribution was relatively balanced (60% females; age in average: M = 24.56; SD = 4.78). Using equally split samples, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) evaluated the CU-20 factor structure, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test the established factor structure. Measurement invariance between male and female groups was evaluated. Internal consistency of the six-factor model was shown and scale discrimination was shown against chronic stress. RESULTS The EFA results showed decent model fit for the five-factor structure, however based on the CFA results, the theoretically established six-factor model fits the data significantly better. Measurement invariance between male and female groups was shown to be clearly scalar invariant. Cronbach's alpha, omega and lambda all support internal consistency and reliability of CU-20. CONCLUSIONS The CU-20 is a valid and reliable measure of one's state of chronic uncertainty reflecting the individuals' experiences of macrosocial forms of uncertainty, compared to the existing ones. This scale is especially useful in the context of migration, refugees or during global crises. Further psychometric testing is required in more diverse samples and a deeper look into measurement invariance is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Schmalbach
- Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 6 (Campus), 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christina Diane Bastianon
- Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 6 (Campus), 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Walid A Afifi
- Department of Communication, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Gabriele Helga Franke
- Psychology of Rehabilitation, University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg and Stendal, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Hinz
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Petrowski
- Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Department of General, Technische Universität Dresden, Practice/MK3, Dresden, Germany.
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Vujić A, Volarov M, Latas M, Demetrovics Z, Kiraly O, Szabo A. Are Cyberchondria and Intolerance of Uncertainty Related to Smartphone Addiction? Int J Ment Health Addict 2023:1-19. [PMID: 37363761 PMCID: PMC10155650 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-023-01054-6] [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] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Smartphones are a medium for performing online activities, and one such activity could be the compulsive online health information search - cyberchondria. This study aimed to test whether cyberchondria and intolerance of uncertainty (IU) positively predict smartphone addiction (SA), adjusted for age, gender, daily use duration, the reason for using smartphones, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The sample consisted of 471 adults (55.2% women) from the general population without chronic diseases (Mage = 38.67). Regression analysis showed that IU was a positive predictor of SA (β = .17, p < .001), as well as cyberchondria (β = .14, p < .001), which had a unique contribution to the explanation of SA, relative to IU. Other significant predictors were average daily smartphone use and entertainment use, the latter being the strongest predictor in the model. These results revealed cyberchondria as a unique predictor of SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Vujić
- Doctoral School of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marija Volarov
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Sport and Psychology, Educons University, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Milan Latas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Orsolya Kiraly
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Szabo
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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13
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Dirican AH, Kozak ED, Kavakcı Ö, Sönmez B. The Association of Child Abuse Experiences and Intolerance of Uncertainty in Young Adults. Psychiatry 2023; 86:214-228. [PMID: 37130031 DOI: 10.1080/00332747.2023.2205800] [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: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Drawing upon the identity disruption model, we investigated the association between child abuse experiences (emotional, physical, and sexual) and intolerance of uncertainty. We also addressed demographic differences in uncertainty intolerance in this study. Methods: Using online survey questionnaires, we collected data from a sample of 302 young adults in Turkey. The data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, one-way analysis of variance, and independent samples t-test. Results: The results showed that of the three types of child abuse analyzed, only emotional abuse was significantly and positively associated with intolerance of uncertainty. In contrast, age was negatively associated with intolerance of uncertainty. Regarding demographic differences, we found that the level of intolerance of uncertainty differed based on young adults' gender, psychiatric diagnosis, and education. Specifically, our findings indicated that intolerance of uncertainty is significantly higher in females compared to males. It is also significantly higher in young adults with a diagnosis for psychiatric disorders than those without. Moreover, intolerance of uncertainty is significantly higher in young adults who have a high school graduate degree than their undergraduate and graduate counterparts. We discussed how child abuse is associated with heightened intolerance of uncertainty in young adulthood as well as why demographic differences may exist in uncertainty intolerance. Conclusions: The present study expanded the existing research on the psychological consequences of childhood abuse experiences by linking child abuse to intolerance of uncertainty. Particularly, exposure to emotional abuse in early life can be a risk factor to cope with uncertainty in later life.
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de Lafontaine MF, Turcotte S, Denis I, Foldes-Busque G. Investigating the relationship between the five-factor model of distress tolerance, anxiety and anxiety sensitivity. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2023; 36:353-365. [PMID: 35587513 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2022.2077929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Distress tolerance (DT) has been conceptualized as a vulnerability factor for several psychopathologies. A five factor model of DT has been suggested, but its associations with anxiety and anxiety sensitivity have yet to be explored. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to further validate the five-factor model of DT, identify the associations between its factors and elevated anxiety, and assess if anxiety sensitivity mediates the association between DT and anxiety. DESIGN AND METHODS This observational study included 330 students and university workers (women = 82.7%; mean age = 27.7 years, SD = 9.4). They completed online questionnaires assessing DT, anxiety sensitivity and anxiety levels. RESULTS The five-factor model was a good fit to the data (RMSEA = .04). Two factors, and the sex of the participants, contributed to the variance in anxiety (r2 = .418, p < .001). Tolerance of negative emotion was directly (β = -1.98, 95% CI = [-2.53, -1.42]) and indirectly (β = -1.10, 95% CI = [-1.55, -.78]) associated with lower anxiety through anxiety sensitivity. Tolerance of uncertainty was also directly (β = -.08, 95% CI = [-.10, -.06]) and indirectly (β = -.04, 95% CI = [-.05, -.02]) associated with lower anxiety through anxiety sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS Tolerance of negative emotion and uncertainty were associated with anxiety independently of the other factors of DT. These associations seem partially explained by the effect of anxiety sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-France de Lafontaine
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Research Centre of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches, Lévis, Canada
- Research Centre of the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Québec, Canada
| | - Stéphane Turcotte
- Research Centre of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches, Lévis, Canada
| | - Isabelle Denis
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Research Centre of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches, Lévis, Canada
- Centre de recherche sur les jeunes et les familles (CRUJeF), Québec, Canada
| | - Guillaume Foldes-Busque
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Research Centre of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches, Lévis, Canada
- Research Centre of the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Québec, Canada
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15
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Wiese AD, Lim SL, Filion DL, Kang SS. Intolerance of uncertainty and neural measures of anticipation and reactivity for affective stimuli. Int J Psychophysiol 2023; 183:138-147. [PMID: 36423712 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a transdiagnostic construct referring to the aversive interpretation of contexts characterized by uncertainty. Indeed, there is a growing body of research examining individual differences in IU and how these are associated with emotional anticipation and reactivity during periods of certainty and uncertainty, however, how these associations are reflected via neurophysiological indices remain understudied and poorly understood. The present study examined the relationship between self-reported IU and neurophysiological measures of emotional anticipation and reactivity, namely stimulus preceding negativity (SPN) and late positive potential (LPP), and self-report measures of emotional experiences. These measures were captured during an S1-S2 picture viewing tasks in which participants were presented with cues (S1) that either indicated the affective valence of upcoming picture (S2) or provided no information about the valence. Findings here provide evidence for significant associations between SPN amplitude and IU scores during uncertain and certain-positive cueing conditions, and significant associations between LPP amplitude and IU scores during both certain- and uncertain-negative picture viewing conditions that appear driven by prospective IU sub-scores. These positive associations between IU and SPN amplitude are suggestive of heightened emotional anticipation following S1 cues, while positive associations between IU and LPP are suggestive of heightened emotional reactivity following S2 images. These findings are discussed in detail relative to existing IU literature, and potential implications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Wiese
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Seung-Lark Lim
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri - Kansas City, United States of America
| | - Diane L Filion
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri - Kansas City, United States of America
| | - Seung Suk Kang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri - Kansas City, United States of America.
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16
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Chiesi F, Marunic G, Tagliaferro C, Lau C. The psychometric properties and gender invariance of the Italian version of the Perceived Vulnerability to Disease Questionnaire (I-PVDQ) during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:321. [PMID: 36581890 PMCID: PMC9797899 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-01023-z] [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: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Perceived Vulnerability to Disease Questionnaire (PVDQ) measures beliefs associated with personal susceptibility to infectious diseases and behaviors or perceptions in the presence of potential risk of pathogen transmission. Given the onset of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 global pandemic, otherwise known as the COVID-19 pandemic, the construct being measured may function differently based on affective, behavioral, and cognitive changes along with the need to change norms and lifestyles in a global context. The present study aims to test the psychometric properties and the gender invariance of the Italian adaptation of the PVDQ to confirm that the scale can be used with Italian-speaking people, and that it functions effectively during a pandemic. METHODS A total of 509 participants filled out an online questionnaire including the Italian version of the I-PVDQ (I-PVDQ) and several measures of psychological constructs. Reliability and factor analyses (single and multigroup) were conducted. Bayesian correlation tests and Bayesian independent sample t-tests were used to assess the validity of I-PVDQ. RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis supported the two-factor structure of the I-PVDQ, and factor loadings loaded appropriately onto perceived infectability (PI) and germ aversion (GA). In terms of invariance, the scale showed configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance across genders. Decisive evidence in favor of correlation with the measure of COVID-19 related fears for both PI and GA was found. There was strong evidence for observed correlations with COVID-19 related constructs such as intolerance to uncertainty, psychological inflexibility, resilience, stress, and anxiety. Women showed higher GA than men, while there were no gender differences in PI. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results suggest that the I-PVDQ confirms the psychometric properties of the original version and that can be used to detect PVD when it is affected by environmental circumstances since its functioning is preserved during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Chiesi
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug, and Child’s Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Psychology, University of Florence, Via San Salvi 12-Padiglione 26, 50135 Florence, Italy
| | - Georgia Marunic
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug, and Child’s Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Psychology, University of Florence, Via San Salvi 12-Padiglione 26, 50135 Florence, Italy
| | - Carlotta Tagliaferro
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304School of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chloe Lau
- grid.155956.b0000 0000 8793 5925Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON Canada
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17
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DiCriscio AS, Wain KE, Smith J, Beiler D, Walsh LK, Holdren K, Troiani V. Higher scores on autonomic symptom scales in pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders of known genetic etiology. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2813. [PMID: 36423250 PMCID: PMC9759134 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2813] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Features of underlying autonomic dysfunction, including sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, and atypical heart rate, have been reported in neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current cross-sectional, between-groups study aimed to quantify symptoms of autonomic dysfunction in a neurodevelopmental pediatric cohort characterized by clinical diagnoses as well as genetic etiology. METHOD The Pediatric Autonomic Symptom Scales (PASS) questionnaire was used to assess autonomic features across a group of patients with clinical neurodevelopmental diagnoses (NPD; N = 90) and genetic etiologies. Patients were subdivided based on either having a clinical ASD diagnosis (NPD-ASD; n = 37) or other non-ASD neurodevelopmental diagnoses, such as intellectual disability without ASD, speech and language disorders, and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (NPD-OTHER; n = 53). Analyses focused on characterizing differences between the NPD group compared to previously published reference samples, as well as differences between the two NPD subgroups (NPD-ASD and NPD-OTHER). RESULTS Our results indicate higher PASS scores in our NPD cohort relative to children with and without ASD from a previously published cohort. However, we did not identify significant group differences between our NPD-ASD and NPD-OTHER subgroups. Furthermore, we find a significant relationship between quantitative ASD traits and symptoms of autonomic function. CONCLUSION This work demonstrates the utility of capturing quantitative estimates of autonomic trait dimensions that may be significantly linked with psychosocial impairments and other core clinical features of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette S DiCriscio
- Geisinger Health System, Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute (ADMI), Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - K E Wain
- Geisinger Health System, Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute (ADMI), Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - J Smith
- Geisinger Health System, Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute (ADMI), Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - D Beiler
- Geisinger Health System, Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute (ADMI), Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - L K Walsh
- Geisinger Health System, Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute (ADMI), Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - K Holdren
- Geisinger Health System, Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute (ADMI), Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vanessa Troiani
- Geisinger Health System, Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute (ADMI), Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Imaging Science and Innovation, Center for Health Research, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Basic Sciences, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
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18
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Quigley M, Whiteford S, Cameron G, Zuj DV, Dymond S. Longitudinal assessment of COVID-19 fear and psychological wellbeing in the United Kingdom. J Health Psychol 2022:13591053221134848. [DOI: 10.1177/13591053221134848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact global psychological wellbeing. To investigate the sustained impact of COVID-19 on wellbeing, the current study longitudinally assessed fear of COVID-19, anxiety, depression, intolerance of uncertainty, worry, sleep quality, loneliness and alcohol use during the pandemic in the United Kingdom. Timepoint 1 (T1; N = 445) took place in February 2021 following the highest number of pandemic-related deaths in the UK. Timepoint 2 (T2, N = 198) took place in June 2021 when pandemic-related deaths had declined considerably, and many had been vaccinated. At T1, COVID-19 fear predicted elevated levels of anxiety, depression, intolerance of uncertainty, worry, sleep quality and loneliness. At T2, we observed that levels of COVID-19 fear, depression, loneliness and sleep quality decreased. However, COVID-19 fear continued to predict elevated intolerance of uncertainty, worry and impaired sleep quality. These findings demonstrate the longitudinal impact of COVID-19 fear on psychological wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniel V Zuj
- Swansea University, UK
- University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Simon Dymond
- Swansea University, UK
- Reykjavík University, Iceland
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19
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Zhou H, Hung EPW, Xie L, Yuan Z, Wu AMS. The Application of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Model to Gambling Urge and Involvement. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14738. [PMID: 36429457 PMCID: PMC9690756 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drawing on the intolerance of uncertainty model, this study aimed to examine whether intolerance of uncertainty and emotion regulation difficulties (in terms of impulse control difficulties and limited access to emotion regulation strategies) contributed to individual differences in gambling urge and involvement. METHODS Convenience sampling was used to recruit Chinese adult participants who had engaged in buying lottery tickets and other gambling activities in the past year. They were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire survey, and a total of 580 valid cases (Mage = 34.07, SD = 13.36; 50.4% female) were collected for data analysis. RESULTS Path analysis showed that the total effect of intolerance of uncertainty on gambling urge and involvement was significant and positive. However, only impulse control difficulties and not limited access to emotion regulation strategies fully mediated the effect of intolerance of uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS As the first study to apply the intolerance of uncertainty model to real-life gambling, it found that individuals' intolerance of uncertainty and impulse control difficulties contributed to more gambling urge and involvement. Improving emotion regulation skill (e.g., impulse control training) may, therefore, be considered in programs for promoting responsible gambling among Chinese gamblers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Eva P. W. Hung
- Department of Social Science, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Xie
- School of Pre-School Education, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Zhen Yuan
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, China
- Bioimaging Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Anise M. S. Wu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, China
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20
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Intolerance of uncertainty as a transdiagnostic vulnerability to anxiety disorders in youth. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03645-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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21
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Venanzi L, Dickey L, Green H, Pegg S, Benningfield MM, Bettis AH, Blackford JU, Kujawa A. Longitudinal predictors of depression, anxiety, and alcohol use following COVID-19-related stress. Stress Health 2022; 38:679-691. [PMID: 34979053 PMCID: PMC9250546 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic imposed profound effects on health and daily life, with widespread stress exposure and increases in psychiatric symptoms. Despite these challenges, pandemic research provides unique insights into individual differences in emotion and cognition that predict responses to stress, with general implications for understanding stress vulnerability. We examined predictors of responses to COVID-19-related stress in an online sample of 450 emerging adults recruited in May 2020 to complete questionnaires assessing baseline stress and psychiatric symptoms, rumination, cognitive reappraisal use and intolerance of uncertainty. Stress and symptoms were re-assessed 3 months later (N = 200). Greater pandemic-related stressful events were associated with increases in symptoms of depression, anxiety and alcohol use severity. Additionally, individual differences in emotional and cognitive styles emerged as longitudinal predictors of stress responses. Specifically, greater rumination predicted increased depression. Reduced cognitive reappraisal use interacted with stress to predict increases in alcohol use. An unexpected pattern emerged for intolerance of uncertainty, such that stress was associated with increases in depression for those high in intolerance of uncertainty but increases in alcohol use at relatively low levels of intolerance of uncertainty. These results highlight unique vulnerabilities that predict specific outcomes following stress exposure and offer potential prevention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Venanzi
- Department of Psychology and Human Development Vanderbilt University
| | - Lindsay Dickey
- Department of Psychology and Human Development Vanderbilt University
| | - Haley Green
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario
| | - Samantha Pegg
- Department of Psychology and Human Development Vanderbilt University
| | | | - Alexandra H. Bettis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | | | - Autumn Kujawa
- Department of Psychology and Human Development Vanderbilt University
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22
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Coping with COVID Stress: Maladaptive and Adaptive Response Styles Predicting College Student Internalizing Symptom Dimensions. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2022; 44:1004-1020. [PMID: 35892122 PMCID: PMC9305060 DOI: 10.1007/s10862-022-09975-7] [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] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted daily life for undergraduates and introduced new stressors (e.g., campus closures). How individuals respond to stressors can interact with stress to increase disorder risk in both unique and transdiagnostic ways. The current study examined how maladaptive and adaptive stress response styles moderated the perceived severity of COVID-related stressors effect on general and specific internalizing dimensions at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in a combined undergraduate sample across two universities (N = 451) using latent bifactor modeling and LASSO modeling to identify optimal predictors. Results showed that perceived stress severity and maladaptive response styles (not adaptive response styles or interactions between stress and response styles) were associated with both common and specific internalizing dimensions. Results suggest additive associations of stress severity and maladaptive coping with internalizing symptoms during the pandemic’s beginning, and provide important insights for screening, prevention, and intervention during future public health crises.
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23
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Now I Always have to Perform Well! Effects of CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder on Negative Interpretations of Positive Social Events. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-022-10322-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Effects of the COVID-19 Restrictions on Eating Behaviour and Eating Disorder Symptomology in Female Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148480. [PMID: 35886334 PMCID: PMC9325224 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic imposes a burden on adolescents worldwide and may seriously impact patients with an eating disorder (ED). The current FRanconian Anorexia Nervosa during COVID-19 (FRANCO) study explored (1) perceived change of depressive and ED symptomology during lockdown, (2) the role of social media, and (3) coping strategies of anorexia nervosa (AN) patients and clinical as well as healthy comparison groups. From June 2021 to September 2021, 222 female adolescents (19 with AN, 20 with depression, 45 with a self-reported psychiatric disorder (SRPD), and 138 controls) aged 11.2 to 18.9 years completed a one-time anonymous survey retrospectively reporting back on ED and depressive symptomology before and during the pandemic, the impact of social media, and coping strategies. A reduced quality of life (QoL) due to confinement was observed in almost half of female adolescents. All groups reported a significant perceived increase of disordered eating, overeating, anxiety, and depressive symptoms and emotion-regulation problems. In AN patients, significantly higher percentual deterioration of disordered eating and anxiety and depressive symptoms was found. For controls, a younger age and higher susceptibility of the sociocultural body image significantly correlated with increased disordered eating. Large-scale media literacy interventions are recommended.
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25
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The role of relief, perceived control, and prospective intolerance of uncertainty in excessive avoidance in uncertain-threat environments. Int J Psychophysiol 2022; 179:89-100. [PMID: 35820508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Excessive avoidance is a key feature of pathological anxiety. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the development of excessive avoidance are still unknown. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that excessive avoidance, especially in individuals with high Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) is aimed at distress reduction via the enhancement of subjective perceived control in uncertain-threat environments. In our experiment, participants learned to avoid an uncertain aversive sound through a discriminated free operant procedure. In a later test phase in extinction, we manipulated the amount of avoidance responses available per trial by creating a limited and an unrestricted response condition. Nonetheless, the aversive sound could be effectively avoided in both conditions. We measured response frequency, avoidance confidence ratings and anxiety-predisposing traits such as intolerance of uncertainty, trait anxiety and distress tolerance. The degree of distress suffered during trials was inferred from post-trial relief ratings that were requested after trials in which the aversive sound had been omitted. In the avoidance acquisition phase, we found a positive association between prospective intolerance of uncertainty (P-IU) and the decline rate of distress. This relationship was not significant, however, when inhibitory intolerance of uncertainty (I-IU) was controlled for. At test, we found that the increase in avoidance responses led to distress reduction through the enhancement of avoidance confidence. Finally, we found a significant modulating role of P-IU in the effect of response limit on distress reduction that lends further support to our hypothesis. Specifically, P-IU was positively associated with the effect of response limit on distress. However, such modulating role was not significant when controlling for trait anxiety or I-IU.
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Carsten HP, Härpfer K, Riesel A. A rare scare: The role of intolerance of uncertainty in startle responses and event-related potentials in anticipation of unpredictable threat. Int J Psychophysiol 2022; 179:56-66. [PMID: 35787439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.06.018] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) represents a transdiagnostic risk factor for internalizing psychopathology. However, little is known regarding its psychophysiological correlates. IU is thought to render individuals hypersensitive to threatening events, even if the occurrence probability is low. To test this, we recruited 90 students who completed two NPU-threat tests separating temporal unpredictability from probabilistic unpredictability (i.e., probability of occurrence): First, a NPU version in which the timing of threat (i.e., shock) was either predictable or unpredictable but the shock probability was 100 % in each trial. Second, a probabilistic NPU version in which the timing of the shock was also either predictable or unpredictable, but the shock probability was 33 % in each trial. Startle reflex, event-related potentials N1 and P3 locked to auditory startle probes, and anxiety ratings were analyzed. As expected, temporally unpredictable threat modulated startle, N1, and anxiety ratings. IU predicted increased startle to lower shock probability, regardless of the temporal predictability. No evidence emerged for IU affecting N1 or P3. However, IU predicted anxiety ratings to threat conditions regardless of temporal or probabilistic predictability. Individual differences in IU shape startle responses to eventual threat: IU increases automatic defensive responding to unpredictable and potentially threatening situations if the threat probability is low. Individuals with higher IU may tend to "err on the side of caution" with a mismatch between physiological preparation and threat probability, such that the effects of IU are particularly observable in low threat probability conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kai Härpfer
- Department of Psychology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anja Riesel
- Department of Psychology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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An experimental investigation of intolerance of uncertainty and its impact on sub-clinical psychopathology. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2022; 75:101718. [PMID: 35081482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2021.101718] [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: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) is a transdiagnostic construct that is implicated in psychological difficulties, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and eating disorders (ED). However, most studies exploring IU have been correlational in nature. This study examined (1) whether a linguistic manipulation of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) would successfully manipulate IU in an undergraduate sample, (2) whether experimentally increased or decreased levels of IU affect symptoms of MDD, GAD, OCD and ED, and (3) whether increased baseline symptom severity influences the magnitude of change in symptom severity post-manipulation. METHODS A linguistic manipulation of the IUS was used to manipulate participants' beliefs about their ability to tolerate uncertainty. N = 106 undergraduate participants were randomised to one of two conditions: high IU (HIU; n = 54) or low IU (LIU; n = 52), and completed measures on symptom severity at baseline and one-week follow-up. RESULTS The manipulation successfully reduced IU in LIU. Participants in this group did not experience significant changes in symptom severity post-manipulation. However, individuals with higher baseline OCD in LIU demonstrated greater decreases in post-manipulation OCD symptoms, compared with individuals in HIU. LIMITATIONS Only the LIU manipulation was effective, limiting the findings from the HIU. The one-week follow-up and relatively small sample size of predominantly female undergraduate students may dilute and limit the generalisability of results. CONCLUSION Findings support the utility of this manipulation in reducing IU, and the significance of different levels of IU in OCD.
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Testing alternative models and predictive utility of the Death Anxiety Inventory-Revised: A COVID-19 related longitudinal population based study. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2022; 225:103539. [PMID: 35219041 PMCID: PMC8858691 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103539] [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: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound effect on all aspects of daily life and triggered a swell of anxiety across the world. Some suggest this emotional response to the pandemic can be explained through death anxiety (DA), a transdiagnostic dimension associated with numerous psychological disorders. However, it remains unclear as to whether DA is a unidimensional or multidimensional construct. The primary aim of this study was to examine the underlying structure of the Death Anxiety Inventory-Revised (DAI-R; Tomás-Sábado et al., 2005) and assess its associations with mental health and demographic variables during the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve these aims, we utilized data from Waves 1 (N = 2205: collected between March 23 and March 28, 2020) and 2 (N = 1406: collected between April 22 and May 1, 2020) of the COVID-19 Psychological Research Consortium (C19PRC), a multi-wave nationally representative study. Results showed that a 4-factor model provided the best fit to the data compared to a unidimensional and 4-factor second-order model. Further analyses showed that DA at Wave 1 was positively associated with somatic symptoms, paranoia, depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress symptoms at Wave 2, supporting previous research that suggests that the fear of death is predictive of psychopathology. Significantly, the factor labelled ‘Thoughts about Death’ at Wave 1 was the strongest predictor of the five main psychological variables at Wave 2, after statistically controlling for the other latent variables. These findings highlight the transdiagnostic nature of DA and support this important diagnostic construct becoming a measure of mental health more generally within the population. It is hoped that this research will shine a light on those suffering from DA and become a catalyst for increased therapeutic intervention, funding, and research in this area.
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PTSD Symptoms, Intolerance of Uncertainty, and Alcohol-Related Outcomes Among Trauma-Exposed College Students. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-022-10302-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Nishikawa Y, Fracalanza K, Rector NA, Laposa JM. Social anxiety and negative interpretations of positive social events: What role does intolerance of uncertainty play? J Clin Psychol 2022; 78:2513-2524. [PMID: 35435997 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23363] [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] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although previous studies have demonstrated the association between social anxiety symptom severity and the tendency to appraise positive social events negatively among individuals with social anxiety disorder, no study has examined mediators of this relationship. The current study sought to examine whether intolerance of uncertainty and its subfactors mediate the relationship between social interaction anxiety and the tendency to interpret positive social events negatively. METHOD One hundred and sixty-five individuals with social anxiety disorder completed measures of social interaction anxiety symptom severity, intolerance of uncertainty, and negative interpretations of positive social events. RESULTS Total intolerance of uncertainty and the inhibitory-intolerance of uncertainty subscale scores significantly mediated the relationship between social interaction anxiety and negative interpretations of positive events. Exploratory post-hoc analyses regarding the possible contributing role of depression demonstrated mixed results. The same mediation pattern was found in the full sample as well as those without a secondary comorbid mood disorder diagnosis. In contrast, serial mediation showed a mediating role of depressive symptom severity. CONCLUSION Inhibitory-intolerance of uncertainty plays a role in the relationship between social interaction anxiety and negative interpretations of positive social events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunori Nishikawa
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katie Fracalanza
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Neil A Rector
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Judith M Laposa
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Haghshomar M, Shobeiri P, Brand S, Rossell SL, Akhavan Malayeri A, Rezaei N. Changes of symptoms of eating disorders (ED) and their related psychological health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:51. [PMID: 35418108 PMCID: PMC9006500 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00550-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and its related social restrictions have profoundly affected people's mental health. It can be assumed that symptomatic behaviors and mental health of individuals with eating disorders (ED) deteriorated during this time. To get a thorough overview, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with the following aims: First, to provide a comprehensive overview of symptoms of ED during the COVID-19-related confinement; second, to identify psychological mechanisms which impacted the emergence and maintenance of ED symptoms; third, to describe changes of daily routine and changes of access to healthcare in individuals with ED during confinement. METHODS We searched Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases for observational studies published between January 1st, 2020, to July 1st, 2021, which investigated the symptomatology of ED during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS After the screening, 13 studies with 7848 participants were included in the present systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of exacerbation of binge eating, food restriction, purging behaviors, and concerns about food intake in the pooled sample of 7848 was 59.65% (95% CI: 49.30%; 69.60%), and the overall prevalence of improved symptoms of ED in the pooled sample of 741 individuals was 9.37% (95% CI: 3.92%; 16.57%). Furthermore, COVID-19-related social restrictions negatively impacted the psychological health, daily routines, and physical activity of individuals with ED. More specifically, symptoms of anxiety and depression related to ED were increased significantly over time. However, there were also positive aspects to the COVID-19 pandemic. The main positive consequences included more emotional support from the family, less pressure to engage in social activities, and more flexible meal planning. Individuals with ED reported having difficulties getting access to healthcare centers and using telemedicine. They also found a hard time communicating via online sessions. CONCLUSIONS According to our interpretation, based on the data included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, the COVID-19 pandemic and its related social restrictions detrimentally impacted the mental health of majority of individuals with ED. Limited and impaired access to healthcare interventions appeared to have further exacerbated mental health issues of individuals with ED. Given this background, it seems that individuals with ED demand more attention during the COVID-19 crisis, and it is necessary to ensure that their course of treatment remains uninterrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Haghshomar
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Students' Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parnian Shobeiri
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Gharib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Serge Brand
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders (ZASS), Psychiatric University Hospital Basel, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Division of Sport Science and Psychosocial Health, University of Basel, 4052, Basel, Switzerland.,Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia.,Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Gharib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran. .,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Health anxiety and attentional control interact to predict uncertainty-related attentional biases. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2022; 74:101697. [PMID: 34678633 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2021.101697] [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: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Current theories of health anxiety and a growing body of empirical literature suggest that those high in health anxiety symptoms might find uncertainty itself threatening and demonstrate attentional biases for uncertainty-related information (ABU). Moreover, a dual processes model of attention would suggest that individual differences in attentional control might modify such a relationship. The present study was designed to explore this proposed health anxiety-ABU relationship and also to consider attentional control as a moderator of theoretical and clinical relevance. METHODS Undergraduate participants (N = 148) completed a self-report measure of health anxiety symptoms and two performance-based tasks to assess ABU and attentional control. RESULTS Hierarchical regression analyses showed a significant interaction between health anxiety and attention control in predicting attentional disengagement from, but not engagement with, uncertainty-related words. Specifically, results of the simple slopes analysis suggested that those with elevated health anxiety symptoms and better attentional control may use top-down attentional control processes to disengage their attention from distressing uncertainty-related stimuli faster than those with worse attentional control. LIMITATIONS The analogue sample is a study limitation. CONCLUSIONS Results provide new insights into the nature of attentional biases within health anxiety. Results are discussed in light of recent work on attentional control and avoidance-based psychopathology.
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Hunt C, Exline JJ, Fletcher TL, Teng EJ. Intolerance of uncertainty prospectively predicts the transdiagnostic severity of emotional psychopathology: Evidence from a Veteran sample. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 86:102530. [PMID: 35033969 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102530] [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: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) has been conceptualized as a transdiagnostic vulnerability for emotional psychopathology, but few studies have tested whether it prospectively predicts emotional psychopathology, and none have utilized transdiagnostic and clinician-rated outcomes. To fill this gap, the present study tested whether IU prospectively predicted the clinician-rated severity of transdiagnostic emotional psychopathology six months later in a treatment-seeking Veteran sample. Participants completed the Intolerance of Uncertainty 12-item scale (IUS-12) and the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-5 (SCID-5) at Time 1 and again six-months later (Time 2); assessed emotional disorders included both anxiety-related disorders (i.e., post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, specific phobia) and depressive conditions (i.e., major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder). Linear regression analyses revealed a bidirectional prospective relation between IU and emotional psychopathology, wherein higher Time 1 IUS-12 predicted greater Time 2 emotional disorder severity and greater Time 1 emotional disorder severity predicted higher Time 2 IUS-12. Follow-up analyses revealed that IU prospectively predicted the maintenance (but not the development) of anxiety-related issues, whereas prediction of Time 2 depression was nullified when controlling for Time 1 anxiety pathology. These findings implicate IU as a transdiagnostic vulnerability for emotional psychopathology and suggest the construct can be particularly useful as a treatment target and prognostic indicator for anxiety-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hunt
- Michael E. Debakey Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Julie J Exline
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 11220 Bellflower Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Terri L Fletcher
- Michael E. Debakey Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA; Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 2450 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ellen J Teng
- Michael E. Debakey Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA; Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 2450 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Kaçar-Başaran S, Arkar H. Common vulnerability factors in obsessive-compulsive and major depressive disorders: a transdiagnostic hierarchical model. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02599-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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35
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Gvozden TV, Baucal A, Krstic K, Filipović S. Intolerance of Uncertainty and Tendency to Worry as Mediators Between Trust in Institutions and Social Support and Fear of Coronavirus and Consequences of the Pandemic. Front Psychol 2021; 12:737188. [PMID: 34858272 PMCID: PMC8631188 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.737188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this article is to formulate and test a model integrating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) findings regarding the importance of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and tendency to worry with findings regarding the importance of trust in institutions, other people, and social support. We assumed that trust in institutions, other people, and social support reduce fear of the coronavirus and of the consequences of the pandemic in a direct way, but also indirectly by enhancing one’s sense of control and diminishing the tendency to worry which, further, attenuates fear of the coronavirus and fear of the consequences of the pandemic. An online survey was conducted among the Serbian general population (N = 1409, 78.1% female, M = 38.82, SD = 9.24) at the end of April 2020, which included questionnaires on fear of SARS-CoV-2, fear of consequences of the pandemic, social support, trust in other people and trust in political and health institutions. The model has been validated by data from our study suggesting that it represents one possible pattern of interrelationships between social and intrapsychic variables in the pandemic situation. Results also showed that the COVID-19 related fears are related more strongly to intrapsychic variables – IU and tendency to worry – than to variables operationalizing social context relevant for coping with pandemic at the social and individual level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aleksandar Baucal
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ksenija Krstic
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Severina Filipović
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Assessment of intolerance of uncertainty: Validation of a modified anagram task. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2021; 73:101671. [PMID: 34182343 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2021.101671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is an individual difference factor that reflects difficulty tolerating emotional distress in the context of uncertainty and is a robust transdiagnostic risk factor for emotional disorders. A limitation of prior research on IU is the heavy reliance on self-report measures to assess this construct. The aim of the present study was to examine the validity of a brief, computerized anagram task modified to assess IU (the PACT Anagram Task; PAT). METHODS Participants were 221 unselected undergraduate students (71% female; Mage = 19; 89% Caucasian) who completed the PAT and a series of self-report measures of convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity, and measures of anxiety and depression symptoms online for course credit. RESULTS Greater PAT-Distress was positively correlated measures of convergent validity and demonstrated incremental validity in relation to self-reported IU above and beyond attentional control. None of the PAT indicators were associated with compassion or empathic concern, evidencing discriminant validity. PAT-Distress and PAT-Answers were each associated with greater worry above and beyond self-reported IU. LIMITATIONS Study limitations include the cross-sectional design and lack of diversity in terms of sample demographics. Furthermore, we did not examine convergence between this task and other behavioral measures of IU. CONCLUSION Subjective distress following completion of the PAT may serve as one indicator of IU. Further research is needed in order to replicate these results and validate the use of the PAT in clinical samples.
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Carnahan ND, Carter MM, Sbrocco T. Intolerance of Uncertainty, Looming Cognitive Style, and Avoidant Coping as Predictors of Anxiety and Depression During COVID-19: a Longitudinal Study. Int J Cogn Ther 2021; 15:1-19. [PMID: 34630822 PMCID: PMC8491961 DOI: 10.1007/s41811-021-00123-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased distress and uncertainty. Understanding the progression of mental health and factors underlying the perpetuation of distress during the pandemic is pivotal in informing interventions and public health messaging. This current study examined longitudinal effects of two cognitive vulnerabilities, looming cognitive style, and intolerance of uncertainty, as well as coping styles on anxiety and depression through online questionnaires at two time points in the pandemic, May 2020 (N = 1520) and August 2020 (N = 545). Depression, but not anxiety, significantly increased across time, which was moderated by coping style. Serial mediation modeling using path analysis demonstrated a significant pathway illustrating increased looming cognitive style in the beginning of the pandemic leads to increased intolerance of uncertainty, avoidant coping, and anxiety later in the pandemic. Results suggest a novel model in conceptualizing anxiety during the pandemic, namely highlighting looming cognitive style as an underlying cognitive vulnerability factor and antecedent of intolerance of uncertainty and illuminating the temporal directionality between looming cognitive style and intolerance of uncertainty. These findings provide important implications regarding intervention and public health messaging with modifiable behavioral and cognitive factors to improve mental health during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolette D Carnahan
- Department of Psychology, American University, 4801 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016 USA
| | - Michele M Carter
- Department of Psychology, American University, 4801 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016 USA
| | - Tracy Sbrocco
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD USA
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Mallett R, Coyle C, Kuang Y, Gillanders DT. Behind the masks: A cross-sectional study on intolerance of uncertainty, perceived vulnerability to disease and psychological flexibility in relation to state anxiety and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2021; 22:52-62. [PMID: 34603949 PMCID: PMC8464037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Early findings suggest the COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures negatively impact mental wellbeing. This study compared the contribution and relations of three factors to anxiety and wellbeing during the pandemic in June 2020. These factors were: i) Contextual factors (e.g. exposure to COVID-19, being a keyworker, feeling lonely); ii) Cognitive appraisals: perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD) and intolerance of uncertainty (IU); and iii) psychological flexibility (PF). 603 participants aged 18 or older completed an online survey of self-report measures. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated PVD, IU and PF predicted state anxiety, and IU and PF predicted mental wellbeing. Some, but not all of the contextual factors also predicted state anxiety and wellbeing. The findings support cognitive appraisal theories and the PF model, lending support to an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) approach to public health during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Mallett
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Clodagh Coyle
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Yingtu Kuang
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
| | - David T Gillanders
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
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Giles S, Toohey M, Hughes EK, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Krug I. Do orthorexia and intolerance of uncertainty mediate the relationship between autism spectrum traits and disordered eating symptoms? Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:2309-2316. [PMID: 33389701 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-020-01094-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Autism spectrum disorder traits have been implicated in the psychopathology of eating disorders and may also be relevant for the development of orthorexia symptoms. Further, intolerance of uncertainty (IUS) may indirectly contribute to the development of disordered eating, as the displacement of anxiety onto food may help achieve a sense of control and maximise certainty. We examined a new cognitive model of eating pathology which assessed the role of IU and orthorexia symptoms as potential mediators of the relationship between autistic traits and disordered eating in a community sample. METHODS Three-hundred-and-ninety-six female participants (M = 20.07, SD = 4.52 years old) completed an online self-report questionnaire which assessed the variables of interest. RESULTS Despite finding significant bivariate correlations, our model results showed that autistic traits did not directly predict disordered eating or orthorexia symptoms. Significant indirect relationships were found between autistic traits and eating disorder symptoms through both IU and orthorexia symptoms. CONCLUSION The findings provide partial support for our proposed model suggesting that autistic traits may increase the vulnerability for disordered eating, not directly, but through their associations with mechanisms such as IU and the development of problematic eating behaviours typical of orthorexia. Future research should focus on whether targeting IU may assist in preventing the development of disordered eating. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Giles
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 12th Floor Redmond Barry Building, Parkville Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Madeline Toohey
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 12th Floor Redmond Barry Building, Parkville Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Elizabeth K Hughes
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 12th Floor Redmond Barry Building, Parkville Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Isabel Krug
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 12th Floor Redmond Barry Building, Parkville Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
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YIĞMAN F, FİDAN S. Transdiagnostik Faktör Olarak Belirsizliğe Tahammülsüzlük. PSIKIYATRIDE GUNCEL YAKLASIMLAR - CURRENT APPROACHES IN PSYCHIATRY 2021. [DOI: 10.18863/pgy.827416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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O’Bryan EM, Stevens KT, Bimstein JG, Jean A, Mammo L, Tolin DF. Intolerance of Uncertainty and Anxiety Symptoms: Examining the Indirect Effect Through Anxiety Sensitivity Among Adults with Anxiety-Related Disorders. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-021-09912-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Sadeh N, Bredemeier K. Engaging in Risky and Impulsive Behaviors to Alleviate Distress Mediates Associations Between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Externalizing Psychopathology. J Pers Disord 2021; 35:393-408. [PMID: 31682196 PMCID: PMC8314479 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2019_33_456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite increasing recognition that intolerance of uncertainty is a transdiagnostic dimension of psychopathology, very little research has investigated its relevance for externalizing psychopathology and related risky/impulsive behavior. Ninety-five unselected adults (ages 19-55, 53% men) recruited from the community completed a measure of intolerance of uncertainty, externalizing traits and problems, and risky/impulsive behavior. Higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty were associated with greater endorsement of externalizing symptoms (e.g., aggression, alcohol/marijuana use, problematic impulsivity) and last-month risky and impulsive behaviors. Relations between intolerance of uncertainty and externalizing symptoms/risky behaviors were mediated by a motivation to engage in these behaviors to avoid distress, but not by the motivation to experience pleasurable emotions. Findings suggest that difficulty tolerating uncertainty may confer risk for the externalizing spectrum of psychopathology by increasing the likelihood that an individual will engage in risky behaviors to alleviate distressing or unpleasant emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Sadeh
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, 105 The Green, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Keith Bredemeier
- Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Bavolar J, Kacmar P, Hricova M, Schrötter J, Kovacova-Holevova B, Köverova M, Raczova B. Intolerance of uncertainty and reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Journal of General Psychology 2021; 150:143-170. [PMID: 34006200 DOI: 10.1080/00221309.2021.1922346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a threat to mental health worldwide. The current study aims to investigate the role of intolerance of uncertainty in cognitive, emotional and behavioral reactions to this pandemic and propose a path model of these reactions. In the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovakia, participants in a general sample (n = 1,011) as well as an older adult sample (n = 655) completed measures regarding intolerance of uncertainty, mental health (anxiety, well-being, perceived stress) and adherence to preventive measures. Two rounds of data collection were carried out in the first sample. Intolerance of uncertainty was found to be related to mental health indicators and the structural equation model showed a direct and indirect effect on them as well as on the adherence to preventive measures. However, the comparison of data from different time points has brought inconsistent results. The findings highlight the role of intolerance of uncertainty in reaction to threat and indicate the potential of uncertainty reduction e.g., getting clear messages from authorities, as a way of decreasing mental health problems.
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Reilly EE, Perry TR, Brown TA, Wierenga CE, Kaye WH. Intolerance of Uncertainty and Eating Disorder Symptoms Over the Course of Intensive Treatment. Behav Ther 2021; 52:698-708. [PMID: 33990243 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
There is a critical need to identify processes that may influence outcome in existing treatments for eating disorders (EDs). Intolerance of uncertainty (IU), which refers to excessive distress regarding uncertain situations, is a well-established feature of anxiety disorders. Emerging work suggests that IU decreases over the course of cognitive-behavioral treatments and may relate to better treatment outcomes. As some literature has suggested IU may functionally maintain ED symptoms, testing whether changes in IU over treatment relate to outcome may result in the identification of novel treatment targets. This study aimed to build upon past work documenting links between IU and ED symptoms by exploring changes in IU over treatment and links between early change in IU (1-month) and discharge symptoms. Participants (N = 274) receiving partial hospitalization treatment completed the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale at admission, 1-month post-admission, and discharge. Results suggested that IU significantly reduced from admission to discharge and that reductions in IU scores from admission to 1-month related to cognitive restraint, dietary restriction, and body image at discharge. However, this pattern did not hold for exercise, binge eating, or purging. Altogether, these results replicate past work supporting IU as a common feature across ED diagnoses and provide initial data suggesting that targeting IU early in treatment may enhance treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taylor R Perry
- Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research, University of California, San Diego
| | - Tiffany A Brown
- Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research, University of California, San Diego
| | - Christina E Wierenga
- Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research, University of California, San Diego
| | - Walter H Kaye
- Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research, University of California, San Diego
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Bretzke M, Wahl H, Plichta MM, Wolff N, Roessner V, Vetter NC, Buse J. Ventral Striatal Activation During Reward Anticipation of Different Reward Probabilities in Adolescents and Adults. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:649724. [PMID: 33958995 PMCID: PMC8093817 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.649724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescence has been linked to an enhanced tolerance of uncertainty and risky behavior and is possibly connected to an increased response toward rewards. However, previous research has produced inconsistent findings. To investigate whether these findings are due to different reward probabilities used in the experimental design, we extended a monetary incentive delay (MID) task by including three different reward probabilities. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, 25 healthy adolescents and 22 adults were studied during anticipation of rewards in the VS. Differently colored cue stimuli indicated either a monetary or verbal trial and symbolized different reward probabilities, to which the participants were blinded. Results demonstrated faster reaction times for lower reward probabilities (33%) in both age groups. Adolescents were slower through all conditions and had less activation on a neural level. Imaging results showed a three-way interaction between age group x condition x reward probability with differences in percent signal change between adolescents and adults for the high reward probabilities (66%, 88%) while adolescents demonstrated differences for the lowest (33%). Therefore, previous inconsistent findings could be due to different reward probabilities, which makes examining these crucial for a better understanding of adolescent and adult behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bretzke
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hannes Wahl
- Institute of Neuroradiology, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael M. Plichta
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nicole Wolff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nora C. Vetter
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Judith Buse
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Clarke E, Kiropoulos LA. Mediating the relationship between neuroticism and depressive, anxiety and eating disorder symptoms: The role of intolerance of uncertainty and cognitive flexibility. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Chen J, Tan Y, Cheng X, Peng Z, Qin C, Zhou X, Lu X, Huang A, Liao X, Tian M, Liang X, Huang C, Zhou J, Xiang B, Liu K, Lei W. Maladaptive metacognitive beliefs mediated the effect of intolerance of uncertainty on depression. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 28:1525-1534. [PMID: 33780079 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Both elevated intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and maladaptive metacognitive beliefs (MBs) were associated with depression. However, the relationship between MBs and IU in clinical depression is unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the putative impairment of MBs and IU in major depressive disorder (MDD) and explore the relationship between these two factors with depressive symptoms. Metacognition Questionnaire-30 Items (MCQ-30), Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-Short Form (IUS-12) and clinical rating scales were administered to 53 patients with MDD and 56 healthy controls (HCs). Stepwise regressions were performed to explore independent contributions of MBs and IU on depression. Mediation analysis was used to examine associations among variables. Patients with MDD reported higher IUS-12 and MCQ-30 scores than HCs. Stepwise regressions revealed a unique contribution of negative MBs concerning the consequences of not controlling thoughts (MCQ-NC) on depression symptoms while controlling the effects of age, gender, anxiety symptoms and IU. MCQ-NC and negative MBs concerning the uncontrollability and danger of negative thinking (MCQ-NEG) completely mediated the effects of IU on depression and anxiety symptoms. Our results provided clear evidence that maladaptive negative MBs are directly associated with depression symptoms, and mediated the effect of IU on depression and anxiety symptoms, suggesting that IU and MBs influence clinical symptoms in a hierarchical manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Youguo Tan
- Zigong Mental Health Center, Zigong, China
| | - Xiaotong Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhenlei Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Cheng Qin
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xingzi Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Anqi Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Mingyuan Tian
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xuemei Liang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Chaohua Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- School of Humanities and Management Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Bo Xiang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Kezhi Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
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Zemestani M, Didehban R, Comer JS, Kendall PC. Psychometric Evaluation of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale for Children (IUSC): Findings From Clinical and Community Samples in Iran. Assessment 2021; 29:993-1004. [PMID: 33682479 DOI: 10.1177/1073191121998769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study examined the psychometric properties of a Persian version of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale for Children (IUSC; Comer et al, 2009). METHOD Participating youth (n = 346) 8 to 18 years of age were nonreferred community youth (n = 279) or youth who met diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder (n = 67) and their parents. RESULTS Across child- and parent-report data, confirmatory factor analysis supported a shortened 12-item version of the IUSC, and the confirmatory factor analysis also confirmed a theory-driven correlated two-factor structure of the IUSC-12. (i.e., prospective/inhibitory IU). Results further supported reliability and validity of parent- and child-reports of the Persian IUSC-12 via evidence of internal consistency, 4-week retest, significant associations with established measures of internalizing problems, and the ability of the measure to reliably distinguish the clinical sample from the community sample. CONCLUSION Findings demonstrate sound psychometric properties of the Persian version of the IUSC-12 and provide additional support for the reliability and validity of the measure and its use in non-Western cultures. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for assessment, treatment, and study of anxiety and related internalizing problems in Iranian youth.
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I told you it was safe: Associations between intolerance of uncertainty and different parameters of uncertainty during instructed threat of shock. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2021; 70:101620. [PMID: 33035846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2020.101620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Self-reported Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) is the tendency to find uncertainty aversive. There is a lack of empirical research on how IU modulates anticipatory responding during threatening contexts with different parameters of uncertainty. METHODS Exploratory secondary analyses were conducted on an existing data set (n = 45) to examine whether IU is related to a particular parameter of uncertainty during instructed threat of shock (i.e. certain shock, certain safety from shock, outcome uncertainty of shock, temporal uncertainty of shock). RESULTS Analyses revealed that IU was associated with larger auditory startle blink during the anticipatory period for the certain safety from shock condition relative to the certain shock condition. LIMITATIONS The sample was relatively small. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with higher self-reported IU may be more inclined to generalize threat to safety cues in the context of instructed threat of shock.
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Díaz-García A, González-Robles A, García-Palacios A, Fernández-Álvarez J, Castilla D, Bretón JM, Baños RM, Quero S, Botella C. Negative and Positive Affect Regulation in a Transdiagnostic Internet-Based Protocol for Emotional Disorders: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e21335. [PMID: 33522977 PMCID: PMC7884218 DOI: 10.2196/21335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotional disorders (EDs) are among the most prevalent mental disorders. Existing evidence-based psychological treatments are not sufficient to reduce the disease burden of mental disorders. It is therefore essential to implement innovative solutions to achieve a successful dissemination of psychological treatment protocols, and in this regard, the use of information and communication technologies such as the internet can be very useful. Furthermore, the literature suggests that not everyone with an ED receives the appropriate treatment. This situation has led to the development of new intervention proposals based on the transdiagnostic perspective, which attempts to address the underlying processes common to EDs. Most of these transdiagnostic interventions focus primarily on downregulating negative affectivity (NA), and less attention has been paid to strengths and the upregulation of positive affectivity, despite its importance for well-being and mental health. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a transdiagnostic internet-based treatment for EDs in a community sample. METHODS A 3-armed randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 216 participants were randomly assigned to a transdiagnostic internet-based protocol (TIBP), a TIBP+ positive affect (PA) component, or a waiting list (WL) control group. The treatment protocol contained core components mainly addressed to downregulate NA (ie, present-focused emotional awareness and acceptance, cognitive flexibility, behavioral and emotional avoidance patterns, and interoceptive and situational exposure) as well as a PA regulation component to promote psychological strengths and enhance well-being. Data on depression, anxiety, quality of life, neuroticism and extraversion, and PA/NA before and after treatment were analyzed. Expectations and opinions of treatment were also analyzed. RESULTS Within-group comparisons indicated significant pre-post reductions in the two experimental conditions. In the TIBP+PA condition, the effect sizes were large for all primary outcomes (d=1.42, Beck Depression Inventory [BDI-II]; d=0.91, Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI]; d=1.27, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Positive [PANAS-P]; d=1.26, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Negative [PANAS-N]), whereas the TIBP condition yielded large effect sizes for BDI-II (d=1.19) and PANAS-N (d=1.28) and medium effect sizes for BAI (d=0.63) and PANAS-P (d=0.69). Between-group comparisons revealed that participants who received one of the two active treatments scored better at posttreatment than WL participants. Although there were no statistically significant differences between the two intervention groups on the PA measure, effect sizes were consistently larger in the TIBP+PA condition than in the standard transdiagnostic protocol. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the findings indicate that EDs can be effectively treated with a transdiagnostic intervention via the internet, as significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and quality of life measures were observed. Regarding PA measures, promising effects were found, but more research is needed to study the role of PA as a therapeutic component. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02578758; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02578758. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s12888-017-1297-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Díaz-García
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | | | - Azucena García-Palacios
- Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Diana Castilla
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatments, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Rosa María Baños
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatments, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Botella
- Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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