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Alacha HF, Walbridge FC, Harton HC, Vasko JM, Bodalski EA, Rother Y, Lefler EK. Cognitive emotion regulation and learning effectiveness in college students with ADHD symptoms. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2024:1-17. [PMID: 39021066 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2024.2379986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND College students with ADHD have difficulties with emotion regulation and have poorer academic skills than peers without ADHD; however, less is known regarding the relation between ADHD symptoms, maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (CERS), and learning effectiveness. OBJECTIVES We examined whether maladaptive CERS predicted learning effectiveness, and whether this relation was moderated by ADHD symptoms. DESIGN A cross-sectional online survey. METHODS College students (N = 4,183; Mage = 19.24; 70.1% female) at eight universities completed a battery as part of a larger study. RESULTS College students in our elevated ADHD group used significantly more maladaptive CERS and performed worse in three domains of learning effectiveness (i.e., Academic Self-Efficacy [ASE], Organization and Attention to Study [OAS], Stress and Time Press [STP]) than college students in our non-ADHD group. Further, ADHD symptoms moderated the relation between maladaptive CERS and OAS, such that individuals with the highest levels of ADHD symptoms were less impacted by maladaptive CERS. CONCLUSION Increased use of maladaptive CERS is unique to ADHD rather than lack of adaptive CERS. Also, maladaptive CERS and low ADHD symptoms interact to predict poor OAS. Interventions for college students, regardless of ADHD status, should incorporate emotion regulation components to improve learning effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena F Alacha
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Fayth C Walbridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Helen C Harton
- Department of Psychology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
| | - John M Vasko
- Department of Wyoming, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Bodalski
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Yvette Rother
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Lefler
- Department of Psychology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
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Nordby ES, Guribye F, Schønning V, Andersen SL, Kuntsi J, Lundervold AJ. A Blended Intervention Targeting Emotion Dysregulation in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Development and Feasibility Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e53931. [PMID: 38231536 PMCID: PMC10831671 DOI: 10.2196/53931] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience difficulties related to emotion regulation. Such difficulties are known to substantially impact quality of life and overall functioning. Yet, there is a lack of treatment interventions specifically designed to address these challenges. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the development and assess the feasibility, along with the initial clinical outcomes, of a novel blended intervention for adults with ADHD. The blended intervention combines both face-to-face and digital components and is specifically designed to address emotion dysregulation in ADHD. METHODS This intervention was an 8-week blended intervention combining weekly face-to-face group sessions with a supplementary digital companion app. The intervention is based on elements from dialectic behavioral therapy skills training and positive psychology. To evaluate its feasibility, we performed a 10-week feasibility study with an uncontrolled pre-post study design, including 16 adults with ADHD and co-occurring emotion dysregulation. The feasibility measures encompassed adherence, satisfaction, and perceived credibility of the intervention. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by self-reported symptoms of emotion dysregulation, inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, executive function, depression, anxiety, and a measure of quality of life. Paired sample 2-tailed t tests were used to analyze clinical outcomes with a Bonferroni-corrected significance level. RESULTS Both treatment credibility and treatment satisfaction were rated favorably by the majority of the participants. In particular, the participants emphasized meeting others with ADHD as beneficial. In terms of adherence, 3 participants withdrew before initiating the intervention, while another 4 participants did not complete the intervention. On average, the participants who enrolled in the intervention attended 6.2 of the 8 group sessions and completed 6.7 of the 8 skills training modules in the companion app. In terms of clinical outcomes, there was a reduction in symptoms of emotion dysregulation from before to after the intervention (d=2.0). Significant improvements were also observed in measures of inattention (d=1.1) and hyperactivity-impulsivity (d=0.9). However, no significant improvements were found in the domains of depression, anxiety, quality of life, and executive functioning. CONCLUSIONS The results are encouraging, both in terms of feasibility and the preliminary clinical results on emotion dysregulation. The blended format, combining digital and face-to-face elements, may also seem to offer some advantages: the group-based format was valued as it facilitated peer interaction, while a rather high completion of modules in the companion app highlights its potential to enhance skills training between the group sessions. Future randomized controlled trials are called for to further evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05644028; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05644028.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie S Nordby
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Frode Guribye
- Department of Information Science and Media Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Viktor Schønning
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Jonna Kuntsi
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Astri J Lundervold
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Abed M, Mansureh HH, Masoud GAL, Elaheh H, Mohammad-Hossein NHK, Yamin BD, Abdol-Hossein V. Construction of Meta-Thinking Educational Program Based on Mental-Brain Simulation ( MTMBS) and Evaluating its Effectiveness on Executive Functions, Emotion Regulation, and Impulsivity in Children With ADHD: A Resting-State Functional MRI Study. J Atten Disord 2023; 27:1223-1251. [PMID: 36843348 DOI: 10.1177/10870547231155436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of present research was to make a Meta-Thinking educational program based on mental-brain simulation and to evaluate its effectiveness on executive functions, emotion regulation and impulsivity in children with ADHD. METHODS The research method was Embedded Design: Embedded Experimental Model. The research sample included 32 children with ADHD who were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The intervention was implemented for eight sessions of 1.5 hr for the experimental group, and fMRI images were taken from them, while the control group didn't receive any treatment. Finally, using semi-structured interviews, coherent information was collected from the parents of the experimental group about the changes made. Data were analyzed with SPSS-24, MAXQDA, fMRIprep, and FSL software. RESULTS The Meta-Thinking Educational Program had effect on performance of ADHD children and suppressed brain regions related to DMN. CONCLUSION The Implementation of this educational program plays a vital role in improving psychological problems of children with ADHD.
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Dhruve DM, Russo JE, Oliveros AD. The impact of social support and emotion dysregulation on COVID-19 depressive symptoms. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1165889. [PMID: 37691798 PMCID: PMC10484516 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1165889] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stress resulting from the global COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to psychological consequences, such as depressive symptoms, for individuals worldwide. Outbreaks and pandemics are known to accentuate stressors or generate new ones owing to health-related worries, reduced mobility, and social activity due to quarantine, and sudden life changes. Although post-lockdown U.S. research findings suggest a greater risk of depression among 18- to 25-year-olds, familiarity with technology and virtual socializing may offer college students some protective effect, warranting research with such groups. Methods The current study thus explored emotion dysregulation (ED) and perceived social support (PSS) as potential mechanisms for the relationship between COVID-19 stress and depressive symptoms among students at a southern university in the United States. Participants (N = 489) completed a cross-sectional survey assessing their current levels of COVID-19 stress, ED, PSS, and depressive symptoms. Results Path analysis showed that PSS buffered the effect of ED on depressive symptoms. The results support the explanatory role of ED in the relationship between COVID-19 stress and depressive symptoms. Discussion The perceived social connection may be an essential factor for psychological outcomes during periods of stress and isolation, particularly for those reporting high ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepali M. Dhruve
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
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Halmøy A, Ring AE, Gjestad R, Møller M, Ubostad B, Lien T, Munkhaugen EK, Fredriksen M. Dialectical behavioral therapy-based group treatment versus treatment as usual for adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:738. [PMID: 36443712 PMCID: PMC9706966 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04356-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on structured skills training groups have indicated beneficial, although still inconclusive, effects on core symptoms of ADHD in adults. This trial examined effects of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-based group treatment (DBT-bGT) on the broader and clinically relevant executive functioning and emotional regulation in adults with ADHD. METHODS In a multicenter randomized controlled trial, adult patients with ADHD were randomly assigned to receive either weekly DBT-bGT or treatment as usual (TAU) during 14 weeks. Subsequently, participants receiving TAU were offered DBT-bGT. All were reassessed six months after ended DBT-bGT. Primary outcomes were the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-A) and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Secondary outcomes included self-reported ADHD-symptoms, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and quality of life. We used independent samples t- tests to compare the mean difference of change from pre- to post-treatment between the two treatment groups, and univariate linear models adjusting for differences between sites. RESULTS In total, 121 participants (68 females), mean age 37 years, from seven outpatient clinics were included, of whom 104 (86%) completed the 14-week trial. Entering the study, 63% used medication for ADHD. Compared to TAU (n = 54), patients initially completing DBT-bGT (n = 50) had a significantly larger mean reduction on the BRIEF-A (-12.8 versus -0.37, P = 0.005, effect size 0.64), and all secondary outcomes, except for symptoms of anxiety. All significant improvements persisted at 6 months follow-up. Change on DERS did not differ significantly between the groups after 14 weeks, but scores continued to decrease between end of group-treatment and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This DBT-bGT was superior to TAU in reducing executive dysfunction, core symptoms of ADHD and in improving quality of life in adults with ADHD. Improvements sustained six months after ended treatment. The feasibility and results of this study provide evidence for this group treatment as a suitable non-pharmacological treatment option for adults with ADHD in ordinary clinical settings. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS The study was pre-registered in the ISRCTN registry (identification number ISRCTN30469893, date February 19th 2016) and at the ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT02685254, date February 18th 2016).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Halmøy
- Division of Psychiatry, Kronstad District Psychiatric Center, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Anna Edith Ring
- grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Division of Psychiatry, Research Department, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf Gjestad
- grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Division of Psychiatry, Research Department, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway ,grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Center for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Merete Møller
- grid.412938.50000 0004 0627 3923District Psychiatric Center, Østfold Hospital Trust, 1714 Grålum (Sarpsborg), Norway
| | - Bente Ubostad
- grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Regional Resource Center for Autism, AD/HD, and Tourettes Syndrome, Western Norway Regional Health Authority, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway ,grid.417292.b0000 0004 0627 3659Division of Mental Health & Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, 3101 Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Tage Lien
- grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485Regional Resource Center for Autism, AD/HD, and Tourettes Syndrome, South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Kathrine Munkhaugen
- grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485Regional Resource Center for Autism, AD/HD, and Tourettes Syndrome, South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway ,grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485Norwegian National Advisory Unit On Mental Health in Intellectual Disabilities, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mats Fredriksen
- grid.417292.b0000 0004 0627 3659Division of Mental Health & Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, 3101 Tønsberg, Norway
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