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Yang Y, Wang C, Shi J, Zou Z. Joyful growth vs. compulsive hedonism: A meta-analysis of brain activation on romantic love and addictive disorders. Neuropsychologia 2024; 204:109003. [PMID: 39293637 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.109003] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Due to the similarities in behavioral characteristics between romantic love and addictive disorders, the concept of being "addicted to someone" transcends mere literary metaphor, expanding perspectives on the study of romantic love and inspiring interventions for addiction. However, there has been a lack of studies systematically exploring the similarities and differences between romantic love and addiction at the neural level. In this study, we conducted an extensive literature search, incorporating 21 studies on romantic love and 28 on addictive disorders, focusing on fMRI research utilizing the cue reactivity paradigm. Using Activation Likelihood Estimation, we examined the similarities and differences in the neural mechanisms underlying love and addiction. The results showed that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) exhibited both shared and distinct activation clusters between romantic love and addictive disorders. Furthermore, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) was more frequently activated in romantic love than in addictive disorders, while greater activation within the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) was found in addictive disorder compared with romantic love. We discussed that the activation of ACC and VMPFC may symbolize self-expansion, a process that characterizes the development of romantic love, contributing to a more enriched self. Our study suggests that while romantic love and addictive disorders share a common neural foundation, the discernible differences in their neural representations distinguish them as joyful growth versus compulsive hedonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Yang
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Southwest University), Chongqing, China
| | - Chuan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiannong Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhiling Zou
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Southwest University), Chongqing, China.
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2
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Van der Watt ASJ, Du Plessis S, Ahmed F, Roos A, Lesch E, Seedat S. Hippocampus, amygdala, and insula activation in response to romantic relationship dissolution stimuli: A case-case-control fMRI study on emerging adult students. J Affect Disord 2024; 356:604-615. [PMID: 38631423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Romantic relationship dissolutions (RRDs) are associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Functional magnetic resonance imaging in RRD studies indicate overlapping neural activation similar to posttraumatic stress disorder. These studies combine real and hypothetical rejection, and lack contextual information and control and/or comparison groups exposed to non-RRD or DSM-5 defined traumatic events. AIM We investigated blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) activation in the hippocampus, amygdala, and insula of participants with RRDs compared with other traumatic or non-trauma stressors. METHODS Emerging adults (mean age = 21.54 years; female = 74.7 %) who experienced an RRD (n = 36), DSM-5 defined trauma (physical and/or sexual assault: n = 15), or a non-RRD or DSM-5 stressor (n = 28) completed PTSS, depression, childhood trauma, lifetime trauma exposure, and attachment measures. We used a general and customised version of the International Affective Picture System to investigate responses to index-trauma-related stimuli. We used mixed linear models to assess between-group differences, and ANOVAs and Spearman's correlations to analyse factors associated with BOLD activation. RESULTS BOLD activity increased between index-trauma stimuli as compared to neutral stimuli in the hippocampus and amygdala, with no significant difference between the DSM-5 Trauma and RRD groups. Childhood adversity, sexual orientation, and attachment style were associated with BOLD activation changes. Breakup characteristics (e.g., initiator status) were associated with increased BOLD activation in the hippocampus and amygdala, in the RRD group. CONCLUSION RRDs should be considered as potentially traumatic events. Breakup characteristics are risk factors for experiencing RRDs as traumatic. LIMITATION Future studies should consider more diverse representation across sex, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S J Van der Watt
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa.
| | - S Du Plessis
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; SAMRC Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - F Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - A Roos
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - E Lesch
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - S Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; SAMRC Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
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Li S, Cao X, Li Y, Tang Y, Cheng S, Zhang D. Enhancing ventrolateral prefrontal cortex activation mitigates social pain and modifies subsequent social attitudes: Insights from TMS and fMRI. Neuroimage 2024; 292:120620. [PMID: 38641257 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120620] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Social pain, a multifaceted emotional response triggered by interpersonal rejection or criticism, profoundly impacts mental well-being and social interactions. While prior research has implicated the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (rVLPFC) in mitigating social pain, the precise neural mechanisms and downstream effects on subsequent social attitudes remain elusive. This study employed transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) integrated with fMRI recordings during a social pain task to elucidate these aspects. Eighty participants underwent either active TMS targeting the rVLPFC (n = 41) or control stimulation at the vertex (n = 39). Our results revealed that TMS-induced rVLPFC facilitation significantly reduced self-reported social pain, confirming the causal role of the rVLPFC in social pain relief. Functional connectivity analyses demonstrated enhanced interactions between the rVLPFC and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, emphasizing the collaborative engagement of prefrontal regions in emotion regulation. Significantly, we observed that negative social feedback led to negative social attitudes, whereas rVLPFC activation countered this detrimental effect, showcasing the potential of the rVLPFC as a protective buffer against adverse social interactions. Moreover, our study uncovered the impact role of the hippocampus in subsequent social attitudes, a relationship particularly pronounced during excitatory TMS over the rVLPFC. These findings offer promising avenues for improving mental health within the intricate dynamics of social interactions. By advancing our comprehension of the neural mechanisms underlying social pain relief, this research introduces novel intervention strategies for individuals grappling with social distress. Empowering individuals to modulate rVLPFC activation may facilitate reshaping social attitudes and successful reintegration into communal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijin Li
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610066, China; School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xueying Cao
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yiwei Li
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Yuyao Tang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Si Cheng
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610066, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen 518055, China; Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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4
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Saito T, Nouchi R, Ishibashi R, Motoki K, Matsuzaki Y, Kobayashi A, Sugiura M, Kawashima R. Perceiving humanness across ages: neural correlates and behavioral patterns. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1361588. [PMID: 38638518 PMCID: PMC11024291 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1361588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Humanness perception, which attributes fundamental and unique human characteristics to other objects or people, has significant consequences for people's interactions. Notably, the failure to perceive humanness in older adults can lead to prejudice. This study investigates the effect of a target's age on humanness perception in terms of two dimensions: agency (the ability to act and do) and experience (the ability to feel and sense). We also examined brain activity using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner in order to understand the underlying neural mechanisms. Healthy university students viewed the facial images of older and younger individuals and judged the humanness of each individual in terms of agency and experience while inside the MRI scanner. The results indicated that older adults were rated higher on experience, and no difference was found in ratings for agency between younger and older face images. Analysis of brain imaging data indicated that positive functional connectivity between the ventral and dorsal regions of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was greater when judging the humanness of younger faces than older faces. We also found that the negative functional connectivity between the left inferior frontal gyrus and postcentral gyrus was greater when judging the humanness of older faces as compared to that of younger faces. Although the current study did not show distinct brain activities related to humanness perception, it suggests the possibility that different brain connectivities are related to humanness perception regarding targets belonging to different age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiki Saito
- Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rui Nouchi
- Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Smart Ageing Research Center, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryo Ishibashi
- Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Smart Ageing Research Center, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kosuke Motoki
- Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Management, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Matsuzaki
- Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akiko Kobayashi
- Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
- School of Economics and Management, Kochi University of Technology, Kochi, Japan
| | - Motoaki Sugiura
- Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryuta Kawashima
- Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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Bershad AK, Hsu DT, de Wit H. MDMA enhances positive affective responses to social feedback. J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:297-304. [PMID: 38279662 PMCID: PMC11406195 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231224153] [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] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prosocial compound ± 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an amphetamine derivative that has shown promise as an adjunct to psychotherapy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. MDMA increases positive responses to social images, and it has been suggested that the ability of MDMA to positively bias social perception may underlie its therapeutic efficacy as a psychotherapy adjunct. However, the effect of the compound on affective responses to positive or negative social feedback has not been tested. AIMS In this study, we aimed to test the effects of MDMA compared to placebo and the prototypical stimulant, methamphetamine (MA), on responses to positive and negative social feedback. METHODS This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial (NCT03790618), comparing the effects of two doses of MDMA (0.75 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg) to both placebo and MA (20 mg) on responses to a personalized social feedback task, similar to a dating app, in healthy adult volunteers ages 18-40 (N = 36, 18 women, 18 men). RESULTS/OUTCOMES The high dose of MDMA increased positive affective responses to social feedback. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATIONS These findings suggest one process by which MDMA may facilitate social connection. Further work is needed to understand how MDMA affects responses to more generalized types of social feedback and to understand these effects in clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya K Bershad
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David T Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Harriet de Wit
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Blumenthal SA, Young LJ. The Neurobiology of Love and Pair Bonding from Human and Animal Perspectives. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:844. [PMID: 37372130 PMCID: PMC10295201 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Love is a powerful emotional experience that is rooted in ancient neurobiological processes shared with other species that pair bond. Considerable insights have been gained into the neural mechanisms driving the evolutionary antecedents of love by studies in animal models of pair bonding, particularly in monogamous species such as prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Here, we provide an overview of the roles of oxytocin, dopamine, and vasopressin in regulating neural circuits responsible for generating bonds in animals and humans alike. We begin with the evolutionary origins of bonding in mother-infant relationships and then examine the neurobiological underpinnings of each stage of bonding. Oxytocin and dopamine interact to link the neural representation of partner stimuli with the social reward of courtship and mating to create a nurturing bond between individuals. Vasopressin facilitates mate-guarding behaviors, potentially related to the human experience of jealousy. We further discuss the psychological and physiological stress following partner separation and their adaptive function, as well as evidence of the positive health outcomes associated with being pair-bonded based on both animal and human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Blumenthal
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Larry J. Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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7
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Kim MJ, Sul S. On the relationship between the social brain, social connectedness, and wellbeing. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1112438. [PMID: 36911115 PMCID: PMC9998496 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1112438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of social neuroscience in the past two decades has offered a useful neurocognitive framework for understanding human social behavior. Of importance, social neuroscience research aimed to provide mechanistic explanations for the established link between wellbeing and social behavioral phenomena-particularly those reflective of social connectedness. Here, we provide an overview of the relevant literature focusing on recent work using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In general, fMRI research demonstrated that aspects of social connectedness that are known to either positively (e.g., social acceptance) or negatively (e.g., social isolation) impact wellbeing also modulated the activity of subcortical reward system accordingly. Similar modulatory influence was found for the activity of other brain regions such as the medial prefrontal cortex, which are typically regarded as components of the "social brain" that support a wide range of functions related to social cognition and behavior. Elucidating such individual differences in brain activity may shed light onto the neural underpinnings of the link between social connectedness and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Justin Kim
- Department of Psychology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunhae Sul
- Department of Psychology, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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Zablocki-Thomas PB, Rogers FD, Bales KL. Neuroimaging of human and non-human animal emotion and affect in the context of social relationships. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:994504. [PMID: 36338883 PMCID: PMC9633678 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.994504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term relationships are essential for the psychological wellbeing of humans and many animals. Positive emotions and affective experiences (e.g., romantic or platonic love) seem to be closely related to the creation and maintenance of social bonds. When relationships are threatened or terminated, other emotions generally considered to be negative can arise (e.g., jealousy or loneliness). Because humans and animals share (to varying degrees) common evolutionary histories, researchers have attempted to explain the evolution of affect and emotion through the comparative approach. Now brain imaging techniques allow the comparison of the neurobiological substrates of affective states and emotion in human and animal brains using a common methodology. Here, we review brain imaging studies that feature emotions characterized by the context of social bonding. We compare imaging findings associated with affective and emotional states elicited by similar social situations between humans and animal models. We also highlight the role of key neurohormones (i.e., oxytocin, vasopressin, and dopamine) that jointly support the occurrence of socially contextualized emotions and affect across species. In doing so, we seek to explore and clarify if and how humans and animals might similarly experience social emotion and affect in the context of social relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Forrest D. Rogers
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Psychology Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Karen L. Bales
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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9
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Li S, Xie H, Zheng Z, Chen W, Xu F, Hu X, Zhang D. The causal role of the bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortices on emotion regulation of social feedback. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 43:2898-2910. [PMID: 35261115 PMCID: PMC9120569 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The ventrolateral prefrontal cortices (VLPFC) are crucial regions involved in voluntary emotion regulation. However, the lateralization of the VLPFC in downregulating negative emotions remains unclear; and whether the causal role of the VLPFC is generalizable to upregulating positive emotions is unexplored. This study used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to examine the causal relationship between the left/right VLPFC and social emotion reappraisal. One hundred and twenty participants were randomly assigned to either active (left and right VLPFC groups, n = 40/40) or sham (vertex, n = 40) TMS groups. Participants were instructed to passively receive social feedback or use reappraisal strategies to positively regulate their emotions. While the subjective emotional rating showed that the bilateral VLPFC facilitated the reappraisal success, the electrophysiological measure of the late positive potential (LPP) demonstrated a more critical role of the right VLPFC on social pain relief (decreased LPP amplitudes) and social reward magnification (enhanced LPP amplitudes). In addition, the influence of emotion regulation on social evaluation was found to be mediated by the memory of social feedback, indicating the importance of memory in social behavioral shaping. These findings suggest clinical protocols for the rehabilitation of emotion-regulatory function in patients with affective and social disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijin Li
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China.,School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zixin Zheng
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weimao Chen
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Shenzhen Yingchi Technology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoqing Hu
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China.,School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen, China.,Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Structural Modeling of Object Relations Mediated by Cognitive Emotion Regulation to Predict the Love Trauma Syndrome in Female Students. PREVENTIVE CARE IN NURSING AND MIDWIFERY JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.52547/pcnm.10.2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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