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Cowan HR, McAdams DP, Ouellet L, Jones CM, Mittal VA. Self-concept and Narrative Identity in Youth at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis. Schizophr Bull 2024; 50:848-859. [PMID: 37816626 PMCID: PMC11283199 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbad142] [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: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS Disturbances of the narrative self and personal identity accompany the onset of psychotic disorders in late adolescence and early adulthood (a formative developmental stage for self-concept and personal narratives). However, these issues have primarily been studied retrospectively after illness onset, limiting any inferences about their developmental course. STUDY DESIGN Youth at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) (n = 49) and matched healthy comparison youth (n = 52) completed a life story interview (including self-defining memory, turning point, life challenge, and psychotic-like experience) and questionnaires assessing self-esteem, self-beliefs, self-concept clarity, and ruminative/reflective self-focus. Trained raters coded interviews for narrative identity themes of emotional tone, agency, temporal coherence, context coherence, self-event connections, and meaning-making (intraclass correlations >0.75). Statistical analyses tested group differences and relationships between self-concept, narrative identity, symptoms, and functioning. STUDY RESULTS CHR participants reported more negative self-esteem and self-beliefs, poorer self-concept clarity, and more ruminative self-focus, all of which related to negative symptoms. CHR participants narrated their life stories with themes of negative emotion and passivity (ie, lack of personal agency), which related to positive and negative symptoms. Reflective self-focus and autobiographical reasoning were unaffected and correlated. Autobiographical reasoning was uniquely associated with preserved role functioning. CONCLUSIONS This group of youth at CHR exhibited some, but not all, changes to self-concept and narrative identity seen in psychotic disorders. A core theme of negativity, uncertainty, and passivity ran through their semantic and narrative self-representations. Preserved self-reflection and autobiographical reasoning suggest sources of resilience and potential footholds for cognitive-behavioral and metacognitive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry R Cowan
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dan P McAdams
- Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Leah Ouellet
- Human Development and Social Policy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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Pedersen AM, Straarup KN, Holm T, Sawatzki D, Hansen MT, Thomsen DK. Illness and narrative identity: examining past and future life story chapters in individuals with bipolar disorder, diabetes mellitus or no chronic illness. Memory 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38949877 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2024.2366625] [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: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether narrative identity challenges are specific to Bipolar Disorder (BD) as a mental illness or a reflection of living with chronic illness. Nineteen individuals diagnosed with BD, 29 individuals diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) and 25 controls without chronic mental or somatic illness identified past and future life story chapters which were self-rated on emotional tone and self-event connections and content-coded for agency and communion themes. Individuals with BD self-rated their past chapters as more negative and less positive, and their chapters were lower on content-coded agency and communion themes compared to T1DM and controls. There were fewer group differences for future chapters, but BD was associated with lower self-rated positive emotional tone and self-stability connections as well as lower content-coded agency and communion themes. The results indicate that narrative identity is affected in individuals with BD above and beyond the consequences of living with chronic illness. This may reflect distinct effects of mental versus somatic illness on narrative identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mai Pedersen
- Department of Psychology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research (CON AMORE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Dermatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- National Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Tine Holm
- Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Dela Sawatzki
- Department of Psychology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research (CON AMORE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marie Tranberg Hansen
- Department of Psychology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research (CON AMORE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Dorthe Kirkegaard Thomsen
- Department of Psychology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research (CON AMORE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Deriu V, Altavilla D, Adornetti I, Chiera A, Ferretti F. Narrative identity in addictive disorders: a conceptual review. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1409217. [PMID: 38952822 PMCID: PMC11215194 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1409217] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Narrative identity allows individuals to integrate their personal experiences into a coherent and meaningful life story. Addictive disorders appear to be associated with a disturbed sense of self, reflected in problematic and disorganized self-narratives. In recent literature, a growing body of research has highlighted how narrative approaches can make a dual contribution to the understanding of addiction: on the one hand, by revealing crucial aspects of self structure, and, on the other, by supporting the idea that addiction is a disorder related to unintegrated self-states in which dissociative phenomena and the resulting sense of 'loss of self' are maladaptive strategies for coping with distress. This conceptual review identified the main measures of narrative identity, i.e., narrative coherence and complexity, agency, and emotions, and critically examines 9 quantitative and qualitative studies (out of 18 identified in literature), that have investigated the narrative dimension in people with an addictive disorder in order to provide a synthesis of the relationship between self, narrative and addiction. These studies revealed a difficulty in the organization of narrative identity of people with an addictive disorder, which is reflected in less coherent and less complex autobiographical narratives, in a prevalence of passivity and negative emotions, and in a widespread presence of themes related to a lack of self-efficacy. This review points out important conceptual, methodological and clinical implications encouraging further investigation of narrative dimension in addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela Altavilla
- Cosmic Lab, Department of Philosophy, Communication and Performing Arts, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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Bogie BJM, Noël C, Alftieh A, MacDonald J, Lei YT, Mongeon J, Mayaud C, Dans P, Guimond S. Verbal memory impairments in mood disorders and psychotic disorders: A systematic review of comparative studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 129:110891. [PMID: 37931773 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110891] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mood and psychotic disorders are both associated with verbal memory impairments. Verbal memory represents an important treatment target for both disorders. However, whether the neurocognitive and neurophysiological profiles of verbal memory impairments differ between specific disorders within these two diagnostic categories and healthy controls remains unclear. The current systematic review synthesized findings from comparative studies which used behavioural and neuroimaging tasks to investigate verbal memory impairments between: (1) mood disorder, psychotic disorder, and healthy control groups; and (2) mood disorder without psychotic features, mood disorder with psychotic features, and healthy control groups. METHODS The search strategy combined terms related to three main concepts: 'mood disorders', 'psychotic disorders', and 'verbal memory'. Searches were executed in Embase, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and PubMed databases. A total of 38 articles met the full eligibility criteria and were included in the final narrative synthesis. Findings were stratified by memory domain (overall composite score, verbal working memory, immediate recall, delayed recall, and recognition memory) and by illness phase (acute and non-acute). RESULTS Mood and psychotic disorders displayed consistent verbal memory impairments compared to healthy controls during the acute and non-acute phases. Few significant differences were identified in the literature between mood and psychotic disorders, and between mood disorders with and without psychotic features. Individuals with schizophrenia were found to have decreased immediate and delayed verbal recall performance compared to bipolar disorder groups during the acute phase. Major depressive disorder groups with psychotic features were also found to have decreased delayed verbal recall performance compared to those without psychosis during the acute phase. No consistent differences were identified between mood and psychotic disorders during the non-acute phase. Finally, preliminary evidence suggests there may be functional abnormalities in important frontal and temporal brain regions related to verbal memory difficulties in both mood and psychotic disorders. DISCUSSION The current findings have potential implications for the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairments in mood and psychotic disorders. Verbal recall memory may serve as a sensitive tool in the risk stratification of cognitive impairments for certain mood and psychotic disorders. Moreover, since no widespread differences between clinical groups were identified, the evidence supports providing targeted interventions for verbal memory, such as pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, through a trans-diagnostic approach in mood and psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce J M Bogie
- MD/PhD Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Chelsea Noël
- Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmad Alftieh
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Julia MacDonald
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ya Ting Lei
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Jamie Mongeon
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Claire Mayaud
- Department of Psychology, University of Bordeaux, France
| | - Patrick Dans
- Temerty Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Synthia Guimond
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Pedersen AM, Straarup KN, Thomsen DK. "My life disappeared in illness": bipolar disorder and themes in narrative identity. Memory 2022; 30:857-868. [PMID: 35297312 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2022.2051555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Bipolar Disorder (BD) has substantial consequences for the course of life and the formation of self and identity. In the present study, we extended the existing literature by examining narrative identity. Fifteen female outpatients with remitted BD and fifteen non-clinical control participants described past and future chapters in their life stories. The chapters were coded for agency, communion, redemption and contamination. Patients diagnosed with BD described their past chapters with lower agency, lower communion and more contamination compared to the control group. Contrary to our expectations, the future chapters described by the BD patients did not differ significantly from the control group. A focus on narrative identity may contribute to understanding the disorder and inspire interventions targeting personal recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mai Pedersen
- Department of Psychology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Center on Autobiographical Memory Research (CON AMORE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Dorthe Kirkegaard Thomsen
- Department of Psychology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Center on Autobiographical Memory Research (CON AMORE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Cowan HR, Mittal VA, McAdams DP. Narrative identity in the psychosis spectrum: A systematic review and developmental model. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 88:102067. [PMID: 34274799 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders face profound challenges as they attempt to maintain identity through the course of illness. Narrative identity-the study of internalized, evolving life stories-provides a rich theoretical and empirical perspective on these challenges. Based on evidence from a systematic review of narrative identity in the psychosis spectrum (30 studies, combined N = 3859), we argue that the narrative identities of individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders are distinguished by three features: disjointed structure, a focus on suffering, and detached narration. Psychotic disorders typically begin to emerge during adolescence and emerging adulthood, which are formative developmental stages for narrative identity, so it is particularly informative to understand identity disturbances from a developmental perspective. We propose a developmental model in which a focus on suffering emerges in childhood; disjointed structure emerges in middle and late adolescence; and detached narration emerges before or around the time of a first psychotic episode. Further research with imminent risk and early course psychosis populations would be needed to test these predictions. The disrupted life stories of individuals on the psychosis spectrum provide multiple rich avenues for further research to understand narrative self-disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vijay A Mittal
- Psychology, Psychiatry, Medical and Social Sciences, Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, United States
| | - Dan P McAdams
- Psychology, School of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University, United States
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