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Bruno D, Galiani A, Golfeder M, Pagani Cassará F, Duncan J, Sinay V, Roca M. Perspective taking deficits and their relationship with theory of mind abilities in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2024; 31:1205-1215. [PMID: 36075215 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2114832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Introduction and objectives: In recent years, research has reported that between 45% and 70% of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have cognitive deficits, the most prominent being those associated with the frontal lobe. Among these deficits, we can find Theory of Mind (ToM), which is the ability to infer feelings and thoughts of others. Although it has been suggested that ToM relies on more basic skills, such as perspective taking (PT), no studies have investigated this association in patients with MS. The aim of this study was to investigate PT abilities in patients with MS and to establish their relationship with ToM deficits. Material and methods: 36 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and 42 healthy controls matched by age, sex and educational level were evaluated. Both groups were tested to estimate premorbid and current intellectual capacity, PT, ToM (Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test -RMET- and Faux Pas) and complementary scales (fatigue, depression and disability). Results: Patients with RRMS presented significant differences from controls in both PT and ToM tests. The PT test showed positive correlation with RMET, one of our ToM tests. Conclusion: The results show that there is a relationship between ToM and PT abilities. Our findings are of clinical and academic relevance to both the assessment and interpretation as well as the rehabilitation of social deficits in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Bruno
- Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities, Catholic University of Cuyo, Rivadavia, Argentina
- Institute of Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience (INCyT), INECO Foundation, Favaloro University, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agostina Galiani
- Institute of Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience (INCyT), INECO Foundation, Favaloro University, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Golfeder
- Institute of Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience (INCyT), INECO Foundation, Favaloro University, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fatima Pagani Cassará
- Institute of Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience (INCyT), INECO Foundation, Favaloro University, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - John Duncan
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Vladimiro Sinay
- Institute of Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience (INCyT), INECO Foundation, Favaloro University, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Roca
- Institute of Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience (INCyT), INECO Foundation, Favaloro University, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Marchesi S, De Tommaso D, Kompatsiari K, Wu Y, Wykowska A. Tools and methods to study and replicate experiments addressing human social cognition in interactive scenarios. Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:7543-7560. [PMID: 38782872 PMCID: PMC11362199 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-024-02434-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
In the last decade, scientists investigating human social cognition have started bringing traditional laboratory paradigms more "into the wild" to examine how socio-cognitive mechanisms of the human brain work in real-life settings. As this implies transferring 2D observational paradigms to 3D interactive environments, there is a risk of compromising experimental control. In this context, we propose a methodological approach which uses humanoid robots as proxies of social interaction partners and embeds them in experimental protocols that adapt classical paradigms of cognitive psychology to interactive scenarios. This allows for a relatively high degree of "naturalness" of interaction and excellent experimental control at the same time. Here, we present two case studies where our methods and tools were applied and replicated across two different laboratories, namely the Italian Institute of Technology in Genova (Italy) and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore. In the first case study, we present a replication of an interactive version of a gaze-cueing paradigm reported in Kompatsiari et al. (J Exp Psychol Gen 151(1):121-136, 2022). The second case study presents a replication of a "shared experience" paradigm reported in Marchesi et al. (Technol Mind Behav 3(3):11, 2022). As both studies replicate results across labs and different cultures, we argue that our methods allow for reliable and replicable setups, even though the protocols are complex and involve social interaction. We conclude that our approach can be of benefit to the research field of social cognition and grant higher replicability, for example, in cross-cultural comparisons of social cognition mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Marchesi
- Social Cognition in Human-Robot Interaction, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems Department, A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Davide De Tommaso
- Social Cognition in Human-Robot Interaction, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy
| | - Kyveli Kompatsiari
- Social Cognition in Human-Robot Interaction, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy
| | - Yan Wu
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems Department, A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Agnieszka Wykowska
- Social Cognition in Human-Robot Interaction, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy.
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Kakuszi B, Szuromi B, Tóth M, Bitter I, Czobor P. Alterations in resting-state gamma-activity is adults with autism spectrum disorder: A High-Density EEG study. Psychiatry Res 2024; 339:116040. [PMID: 38901364 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116040] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a wide range of symptoms that include deficits in social cognition and difficulties with social interactions. Neural oscillations in the EEG gamma band have been proposed as an important candidate neurobiological marker of higher order cognitive processes and social interactions. We investigated resting-state gamma-activity of patients with ASD (n=23) in order to delineate alterations as compared to typically developing (TD) subjects (n=24). EEG absolute power was examined in the gamma (30-100Hz) frequency band. We found significantly reduced spectral power across the entire gamma range in the ASD group. The decrease was most pronounced over the inferior-frontal and temporo-parietal junction areas. We also found a significant decrease in gamma-activity over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, especially in the left side. Since these brain areas have been associated with social functioning, the reduced gamma-activity in ASD may represent a cortical dysfunction that could underlie a diminished capacity to interpret socially important information, thereby interfering with social functioning. The alterations we found may lend support for an improved diagnosis. Furthermore, they can lead to focused therapies, by targeting the dysfunctional brain activity to improve social cognitive and interaction abilities that are compromised in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitta Kakuszi
- Semmelweis University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Budapest, Hungary.
| | | | - Máté Tóth
- Semmelweis University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Bitter
- Semmelweis University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pál Czobor
- Semmelweis University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Budapest, Hungary
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Kim HA, Kaduthodil J, Strong RW, Germine LT, Cohan S, Wilmer JB. Multiracial Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (MRMET): An inclusive version of an influential measure. Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:5900-5917. [PMID: 38630159 PMCID: PMC11335804 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02323-x] [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: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Can an inclusive test of face cognition meet or exceed the psychometric properties of a prominent less inclusive test? Here, we norm and validate an updated version of the influential Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), a clinically significant neuropsychiatric paradigm that has long been used to assess theory of mind and social cognition. Unlike the RMET, our Multiracial Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (MRMET) incorporates racially inclusive stimuli, nongendered answer choices, ground-truth referenced answers, and more accessible vocabulary. We show, via a series of large datasets, that the MRMET meets or exceeds RMET across major psychometric indices. Moreover, the reliable signal captured by the two tests is statistically indistinguishable, evidence for full interchangeability. We thus present the MRMET as a high-quality, inclusive, normed and validated alternative to the RMET, and as a case in point that inclusivity in psychometric tests of face cognition is an achievable aim. The MRMET test and our normative and validation data sets are openly available under a CC-BY-SA 4.0 license at osf.io/ahq6n.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heesu Ally Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, USA
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Jasmine Kaduthodil
- Department of Neurosciences and Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Roger W Strong
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
- The Many Brains Project, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Laura T Germine
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Cohan
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeremy B Wilmer
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, USA.
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Pousa E, Brébion G, López-Carrilero R, Ruiz AI, Grasa E, Barajas A, Cobo J, Gutiérrez-Zotes A, Lorente E, Barrigón ML, Ruiz-Delgado I, González-Higueras F, Frigola-Capell E, Ochoa S. Predictors of clinical insight in first-episode psychosis: Different patterns in men and women. Psychiatry Res 2024; 339:116036. [PMID: 38964140 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116036] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to explore gender-related differences in the associations of insight impairment with clinical symptoms, metacognition, and social cognition in psychosis. METHODS Regression analysis of several clinical insight dimensions was conducted on the data from 116 men and 56 women with first-episode psychosis. Various clinical symptoms and measures of metacognition and social cognition were entered as predictors. RESULTS In both men and women, delusions emerged as a strong predictor of all insight dimensions, and verbal hallucinations as a strong predictor of symptom relabelling. In men, certain negative symptoms as well as self-certainty, lack of self-reflectiveness, impaired theory of mind, attributional biases, and a jumping-to-conclusions bias were additional predictors of poor insight, while good insight was associated with depression, anxiety, avolition, blunted affect, and impaired emotional recognition. In women, poor insight was associated with a self-serving/externalising bias, impaired emotional recognition, and attention disorders. CONCLUSIONS Poor insight in first-episode psychosis is strongly linked to deficits in metacognition and social cognition, with marked differences between men and women with respect to the specific skills involved in the impairment. Meanwhile, good insight is linked to a variety of affective manifestations in men. These findings suggest new avenues for more targeted cognitive interventions to improve clinical insight in psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Pousa
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de La Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica-Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain; Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Raquel López-Carrilero
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain; Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain; MERITT, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ada I Ruiz
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Grasa
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de La Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica-Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain; Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Barajas
- Department of Research, Centre D'Higiene Mental Les Corts, Barcelona, Spain, Serra Húnter Programme, Government of Catalonia, Spain, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesus Cobo
- Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain; Mental Health Department, Corporació Sanitaria Parc Tauli, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona- Institutd'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Zotes
- Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain; Institut Pere Mata, Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata of Reus, Reus, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Tarragona, Spain, University of Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Ester Lorente
- Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain; Psychiatry Service, Hospital Clinico Universitario, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Luisa Barrigón
- Department of Psychiatry, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital, Madrid, Spain, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Eva Frigola-Capell
- Mental Health & Addiction Research Group, Fundació Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona Dr. Josep Trueta (IDIBGI), Institut d'Assistencia Sanitària, Girona, Spain
| | - Susana Ochoa
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain; Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain; MERITT, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
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Peristeri E, Vogelzang M, Tsimpli IM, Durrleman S. Bilingualism and second-order theory of mind development in autistic children over time: Longitudinal relations with language, executive functions, and intelligence. Autism Res 2024. [PMID: 39175368 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Theory of Mind has long been studied as a core weakness in autism spectrum disorder due to its relationship with social reciprocity, while bilingualism has been shown to compensate for autistic individuals' mentalizing weaknesses. However, our knowledge of the Theory of Mind developmental trajectories of bilingual and monolingual autistic children, as well as of the factors related to Theory of Mind development in autism spectrum disorder is still limited. The current study has examined first- and second-order Theory of Mind skills in 21 monolingual and 21 bilingual autistic children longitudinally across three time points, specifically at ages 6, 9, and 12, and also investigated associations between Theory of Mind trajectories and trajectories of the children's language, intelligence and executive function skills. The results reveal that bilingual autistic children outperformed their monolingual peers in second-order Theory of Mind at ages 9 and 12, and that intelligence and, especially, expressive vocabulary skills played a pivotal role in advancing bilingual autistic children's second-order Theory of Mind development. On the other hand, monolingual autistic children only managed to capitalize on their language and intelligence resources at age 12. The findings highlight the importance of investigating bilingualism effects on autistic children's advanced cognitive abilities longitudinally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Peristeri
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, School of English, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ianthi Maria Tsimpli
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, Faculty of Modern & Medieval Languages & Linguistics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephanie Durrleman
- Department of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Jakobsen KD, Callesen K, Larsen EB, Pedersen OBV, Didriksen M, Ostrowski SR, Christensen KB. Validity of the Systemizer Profile Questionnaire: A New Tool to Identify Cognitive, Mentalizing, Sensory, Social, and Systemizing Abilities in Adults with Autism-Spectrum-Disorders With and Without Comorbid ADHD. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06511-2. [PMID: 39153150 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06511-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Systemizer Profile Questionnaire (SPQ), which has not been used before, investigates difficulties in mentalisation, sensory- and/or social sensitivity and social cognition (MSSSC) in subjects with Autism-Spectrum-Disorders (ASD) with and without Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the SPQ domains, and to assess the predictive validity of the SPQ against the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale (RAADS). METHODS Three-hundred-fifty-four study subjects with ICD-10 verified ASD confirmed by RAADS and 354 controls matched on age group and gender were recruited and evaluated systematically with SPQ, standardized questions about demographic and clinical data. Hypothesized SPQ subscales formed from 85 items were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Resulting revised sub-scales were confirmed using item response theory (IRT) and the predictive validity of the SPQ scores was evaluated using RAADS scores above 64 as the standard. RESULTS Twenty-two of the original 85 items were removed, resulting in an instrument with 63 items across nine psychometrically valid domains. These domains had high sensitivity (range: 0.64 to 0.84), and high specificity (range: 0.73 to 0.90). Positive predictive values (range: 0.76 to 0.89) and negative predictive values (range: 0.69 to 0.90) were also high. For the total SPQ score the sensitivity was 0.95, the specificity was 0.87, the positive predictive value was 0.88 and the negative predictive value was 0.95. CONCLUSION SPQ domains are valid descriptions/profiles of MSSSC given that ASD is confirmed by RAADS, though irrelevant if not, as SPQ is not a diagnostic instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus D Jakobsen
- Psychiatric Private Practice, Jernbanegade 16, Fredensborg, DK-3480, Denmark.
- Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Centre St. Hans, Mental Health Services of the Capital Region of Copenhagen, Boserupvej 2, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Kirsten Callesen
- Psychological Resource Centre, Raadhusstraede 6, Copenhagen, DK-1466, Denmark
| | - Ejnar B Larsen
- Psychiatric Private Practice, Soeborg Hovedgade 199, Soeborg, DK-2860, Denmark
| | - Ole B V Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Zealand University Hospital, Ringstedgade 61, Naestved, DK-4700, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Didriksen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sisse R Ostrowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karl B Christensen
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Oester Farimagsgade 5, Copenhagen K, DK-1353, Denmark
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Cornaggia A, Bianco F, Castelli I, Belacchi C. Assessing metarepresentational abilities in adolescence: an exploratory study on relationships between definitional competence and theory of mind. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1456432. [PMID: 39188862 PMCID: PMC11345212 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1456432] [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: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Several developmental changes occur in adolescence, particularly in the metarepresentational domain, which allows and promotes adaptive sociality. We explored the possible relationships between theory of mind (ToM) and definitional competence, both metarepresentational, beyond age and gender effects. Methods To reach our goals, we involved 75 adolescents (age range 14-19 years, M = 15.7, and SD = 1.36). ToM was measured through "The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test" (RMET), and definitional competence was assessed through a new instrument, namely, the "Co.De. Scale". Attention was paid to check whether results were different when considering mental states vs. non-mental states of the scale and emotional words vs. non-emotional words. Results T-tests showed that older adolescents (third grade of high school) performed better than younger ones (first grade of high school) in both tasks. Only in the male group, there were no school grade differences in the ToM task. Regression analyses showed that RMET performance predicted the score of non-emotional mental states definitions and, even if marginally, of ToM word definitions. However, RMET was not a predictor of the general performance of the definitional task or emotion definitions. Discussion Connections with global adolescents' development and possible educational implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cornaggia
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Federica Bianco
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Castelli
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Carmen Belacchi
- Department of Communication Sciences, Humanities and International Studies, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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Trujillo-Llano C, Sainz-Ballesteros A, Suarez-Ardila F, Gonzalez-Gadea ML, Ibáñez A, Herrera E, Baez S. Neuroanatomical markers of social cognition in neglected adolescents. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 31:100642. [PMID: 38800539 PMCID: PMC11127280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100642] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Growing up in neglectful households can impact multiple aspects of social cognition. However, research on neglect's effects on social cognition processes and their neuroanatomical correlates during adolescence is scarce. Here, we aimed to comprehensively assess social cognition processes (recognition of basic and contextual emotions, theory of mind, the experience of envy and Schadenfreude and empathy for pain) and their structural brain correlates in adolescents with legal neglect records within family-based care. First, we compared neglected adolescents (n = 27) with control participants (n = 25) on context-sensitive social cognition tasks while controlling for physical and emotional abuse and executive and intellectual functioning. Additionally, we explored the grey matter correlates of these domains through voxel-based morphometry. Compared to controls, neglected adolescents exhibited lower performance in contextual emotional recognition and theory of mind, higher levels of envy and Schadenfreude and diminished empathy. Physical and emotional abuse and executive or intellectual functioning did not explain these effects. Moreover, social cognition scores correlated with brain volumes in regions subserving social cognition and emotional processing. Our results underscore the potential impact of neglect on different aspects of social cognition during adolescence, emphasizing the necessity for preventive and intervention strategies to address these deficits in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Trujillo-Llano
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Agustín Sainz-Ballesteros
- Department of Psychology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany
- Department for High-Field Magnetic Resonance, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - María Luz Gonzalez-Gadea
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Universidad de San Andres, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Ibáñez
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Universidad de San Andres, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Latin American Brain Health (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eduar Herrera
- Universidad Icesi, Departamento de Estudios Psicológicos, Cali, Colombia
| | - Sandra Baez
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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10
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Quesque F, Nivet M, Etchepare A, Wauquiez G, Prouteau A, Desgranges B, Bertoux M. Social cognition in neuropsychology: A nationwide survey revealing current representations and practices. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2024; 31:689-702. [PMID: 35486070 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2061859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
As a key domain of cognition, social cognition abilities are altered in a wide range of clinical groups. Accordingly, many clinical tests and theories of social cognition have been developed these last decades. Contrasting this abundant development from a research perspective, recent evidence suggests that social cognition remains rarely addressed from a clinial perspective. The aim of the present research was to characterize the current practices, representations, and needs linked to social cognition from the perspective of professional neuropsychologists and graduate students. A nationwide survey allowed us to determine the classical field conception of social cognition and its associated symptoms or notions. It also allowed us to quantify practice activities and the use of the different clinical tools available. This study revealed that neuropsychologists lack confidence regarding social cognition assessment and its rehabilitation, and that students are in demand for more knowledge and training. Suggestions of change in practices and dissemination of knowledge are discussed. Considering the importance of social cognition, an extension of initial and continuous training alongside an enrichment of interactions between researchers and clinicians were key recommendations to formulate, as well as the need for a consensual lexicon of current concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Quesque
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, LiCEND, DistALZ, Lille, France
- Centre National de Référence des Malformations et Maladies Congénitales du Cervelet, Département de Neurologie Pédiatrique, CHU de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Maxime Nivet
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, LiCEND, DistALZ, Lille, France
| | - Aurore Etchepare
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Hospital Center of Jonzac, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Grégoire Wauquiez
- Organisation Française des Psychologues spécialisés en Neuropsychologie, Paris, France
- Service de rééducation neurologique, CHU de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Antoinette Prouteau
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Hospital Center of Jonzac, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Béatrice Desgranges
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, PSL Université Paris, EPHE, Inserm, U1077, CHU de Caen, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, GIP Cyceron, Caen, France
| | - Maxime Bertoux
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, LiCEND, DistALZ, Lille, France
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Ophey A, Röttgen S, Pauquet J, Weiß KL, Scharfenberg D, Doppler CEJ, Seger A, Hansen C, Fink GR, Sommerauer M, Kalbe E. Cognitive training and promoting a healthy lifestyle for individuals with isolated REM sleep behavior disorder: study protocol of the delayed-start randomized controlled trial CogTrAiL-RBD. Trials 2024; 25:428. [PMID: 38943191 PMCID: PMC11214208 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08265-9] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is an early α-synucleinopathy often accompanied by incipient cognitive impairment. As executive dysfunctions predict earlier phenotypic conversion from iRBD to Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, cognitive training focusing on executive functions could have disease-modifying effects for individuals with iRBD. METHODS The study CogTrAiL-RBD investigates the short- and long-term effectiveness and the feasibility and underlying neural mechanisms of a cognitive training intervention for individuals with iRBD. The intervention consists of a 5-week digital cognitive training accompanied by a module promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. In this monocentric, single-blinded, delayed-start randomized controlled trial, the intervention's effectiveness will be evaluated compared to an initially passive control group that receives the intervention in the second, open-label phase of the study. Eighty individuals with iRBD confirmed by polysomnography will be consecutively recruited from the continuously expanding iRBD cohort at the University Hospital Cologne. The evaluation will focus on cognition and additional neuropsychological and motor variables. Furthermore, the study will examine the feasibility of the intervention, effects on physical activity assessed by accelerometry, and interrogate the intervention's neural effects using magnetic resonance imaging and polysomnography. Besides, a healthy, age-matched control group (HC) will be examined at the first assessment time point, enabling a cross-sectional comparison between individuals with iRBD and HC. DISCUSSION This study will provide insights into whether cognitive training and psychoeducation on a healthy, active lifestyle have short- and long-term (neuro-)protective effects for individuals with iRBD. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was prospectively registered in the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00024898) on 2022-03-11, https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00024898 . PROTOCOL VERSION V5 2023-04-24.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Ophey
- Department of Medical Psychology | Neuropsychology and Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Sinah Röttgen
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Pauquet
- Department of Medical Psychology | Neuropsychology and Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kim-Lara Weiß
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel Scharfenberg
- Department of Medical Psychology | Neuropsychology and Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christopher E J Doppler
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Aline Seger
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Clint Hansen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Gereon R Fink
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Sommerauer
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center of Neurology, Department of Parkinson, Sleep and Movement Disorders, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Elke Kalbe
- Department of Medical Psychology | Neuropsychology and Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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12
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Bendell R, Williams J, Fiore SM, Jentsch F. Individual and team profiling to support theory of mind in artificial social intelligence. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12635. [PMID: 38825652 PMCID: PMC11144695 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63122-8] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
We describe an approach aimed at helping artificial intelligence develop theory of mind of their human teammates to support team interactions. We show how this can be supported through the provision of quantifiable, machine-readable, a priori information about the human team members to an agent. We first show how our profiling approach can capture individual team member characteristic profiles that can be constructed from sparse data and provided to agents to support the development of artificial theory of mind. We then show how it captures features of team composition that may influence team performance. We document this through an experiment examining factors influencing the performance of ad-hoc teams executing a complex team coordination task when paired with an artificial social intelligence (ASI) teammate. We report the relationship between the individual and team characteristics and measures related to task performance and self-reported perceptions of the ASI. The results show that individual and emergent team profiles were able to characterize features of the team that predicted behavior and explain differences in perceptions of ASI. Further, the features of these profiles may interact differently when teams work with human versus ASI advisors. Most strikingly, our analyses showed that ASI advisors had a strong positive impact on low potential teams such that they improved the performance of those teams across mission outcome measures. We discuss these findings in the context of developing intelligent technologies capable of social cognition and engage in collaborative behaviors that improve team effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhyse Bendell
- Team Performance Laboratory, Institute for Simulation and Training, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA.
| | - Jessica Williams
- Team Performance Laboratory, Institute for Simulation and Training, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
- School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Stephen M Fiore
- Cognitive Sciences Laboratory, Institute for Simulation and Training, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
- Department of Philosophy, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Florian Jentsch
- Team Performance Laboratory, Institute for Simulation and Training, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
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13
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Flavell J, Nestor PJ. A systematic review of cognitive and behavioral tools to differentiate behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia from other conditions. PCN REPORTS : PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES 2024; 3:e210. [PMID: 38887313 PMCID: PMC11180949 DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is thought to be the commonest clinical presentation of frontotemporal lobar degeneration and is predominantly characterized by changes in behavior. In patients lacking unequivocal biomarker evidence of frontotemporal neurodegeneration, the clinical diagnosis of bvFTD is often unstable. In response, we conducted a systematic review and critical appraisal of cognitive and behavioral tools that have sought to differentiate bvFTD from other conditions. A systematic literature review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted on December 31, 2023 for cognitive and behavioral tools that differentiated bvFTD from other cohorts. Ninety-six studies were included. The quality appraisal of almost all studies was low and introduced a high risk of bias. The few studies that were of high quality had a prospective study design and recruited patients suspected (but not yet confirmed) to have bvFTD. These studies reported that behavioral tools (e.g., the Frontal Behavioral Inventory) and social cognition tests (e.g., the Ekman's Faces Test) had good test performance in differentiating bvFTD from a broad range of psychiatric and neurological conditions. Importantly, the review highlighted the extreme paucity of studies that have evaluated methods where, in Bayesian terms, there is genuine clinical uncertainty regarding a diagnosis of bvFTD. Most studies used healthy controls of typical Alzheimer's disease as comparators-groups that often have negligible pretest probability of bvFTD. In response, we propose a study design checklist for studies seeking to develop diagnostic algorithms in bvFTD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Flavell
- The Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
- The Mater HospitalBrisbaneAustralia
- Metro North Hospital and Health ServiceBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Peter John Nestor
- The Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
- The Mater HospitalBrisbaneAustralia
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14
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Marson F, Naor-Ziv R, Paoletti P, Glicksohn J, Harris T, Elliott MA, Carducci F, Ben-Soussan TD. When the body fosters empathy: The interconnectivity between bodily reactivity, meditation, and embodied abstract concepts. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2024; 287:217-245. [PMID: 39097354 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Empathy is a fundamental social ability that allows humans to infer others' emotions and intentions. Empathy is thought to be rooted in bodily sensations coming from the autonomic nervous system. In parallel, the functionality and perceptions coming from the autonomic nervous system could be improved by practicing activities that involve mind-body interactions, such as meditation. Furthermore, perceptions from the autonomic nervous system are thought to be important in the embodiment of abstract concepts. Consequently, in the current study, we collected data online from 581 participants and explored the associations between levels of empathy and (1) the practice of meditation, music, and sports; (2) the impact of self-report measures on bodily awareness and reactivity; and (3) the embodiment of abstract concepts in interoception. In line with previous studies, Meditators were found to have higher empathy scores than Non-Meditators. In addition, lower levels of autonomic reactivity in organs above the diaphragm were associated with higher empathy. Finally, we also observed that empathy was positively associated with interoceptive components of abstract concepts in those participants with high autonomic reactivity. Taken together, the results suggest that meditation practice and having low autonomic reactivity are associated with empathy, arguably through the downregulation of autonomic responses. Implications for mind-body interaction in meditation and its role in promoting empathy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Marson
- Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Patrizio Paoletti Foundation for Development and Communication, Assisi, Italy; Neurophysiology and Pharmacology Department, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Revital Naor-Ziv
- Department of Criminology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Patrizio Paoletti
- Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Patrizio Paoletti Foundation for Development and Communication, Assisi, Italy
| | - Joseph Glicksohn
- Department of Criminology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel; The Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tadhg Harris
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Mark A Elliott
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Filippo Carducci
- Neurophysiology and Pharmacology Department, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Tal Dotan Ben-Soussan
- Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Patrizio Paoletti Foundation for Development and Communication, Assisi, Italy
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15
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Cheang RT, Skjevling M, Blakemore AI, Kumari V, Puzzo I. Do you feel me? Autism, empathic accuracy and the double empathy problem. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241252320. [PMID: 38757626 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241252320] [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: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT The assumption that autistic people lack empathy, particularly imagining how others feel, has been much debated and is now being challenged by an alternative view: the 'double empathy problem'. This suggests that non-autistic people may find it equally difficult to imagine how autistic people feel. Although this perspective is gaining popularity, research testing whether non-autistic people can accurately imagine and feel an autistic person's emotions is still limited. Our study used video clips of autistic and non-autistic people recounting emotional events to test if participants from the general population could: track the intensity of the narrators' emotions; name and feel the same emotion; match where the narrator felt the emotion and indicate how intensely they felt the emotion using a body map. Our results show that participants found it significantly harder to track autistic narrators' emotions compared to non-autistic narrator's emotions, especially when viewing clips of narrators feeling happy and sad. We also found that participants felt emotions more intensely in the body when viewing clips of autistic narrators compared to non-autistic narrators, especially when describing anger and fear. These findings support the double empathy problem and have strong implications for therapeutic and interpersonal relationships with autistic people.
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16
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Huang K, Tian Z, Zhang Q, Yang H, Wen S, Feng J, Tang W, Wang Q, Feng L. Reduced eye gaze fixation during emotion recognition among patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. J Neurol 2024; 271:2560-2572. [PMID: 38289536 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12202-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the facial scan patterns during emotion recognition (ER) through the dynamic facial expression task and the awareness of social interference test (TASIT) using eye tracking (ET) technology, and to find some ET indicators that can accurately depict the ER process, which is a beneficial supplement to existing ER assessment tools. METHOD Ninety-six patients with TLE and 88 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. All participants watched the dynamic facial expression task and TASIT including a synchronized eye movement recording and recognized the emotion (anger, disgust, happiness, or sadness). The accuracy of ER was recorded. The first fixation time, first fixation duration, dwell time, and fixation count were selected and analyzed. RESULTS TLE patients exhibited ER impairment especially for disgust (Z = - 3.391; p = 0.001) and sadness (Z = - 3.145; p = 0.002). TLE patients fixated less on the face, as evidenced by the reduced fixation count (Z = - 2.549; p = 0.011) of the face and a significant decrease in the fixation count rate (Z = - 1.993; p = 0.046). During the dynamic facial expression task, TLE patients focused less on the eyes, as evidenced by the decreased first fixation duration (Z = - 4.322; p = 0.000), dwell time (Z = - 4.083; p = 0.000), and fixation count (Z = - 3.699; p = 0.000) of the eyes. CONCLUSION TLE patients had ER impairment, especially regarding negative emotions, which may be attributable to their reduced fixation on the eyes during ER, and the increased fixation on the mouth could be a compensatory effect to improve ER performance. Eye-tracking technology could provide the process indicators of ER, and is a valuable supplement to traditional ER assessment tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailing Huang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziwei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Spectroscopy of Xi'an, Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710119, China
- Key Laboratory of Spectral Imaging Technology, Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710119, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Haojun Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Shirui Wen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Feng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiting Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Quan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Spectroscopy of Xi'an, Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710119, China.
- Key Laboratory of Spectral Imaging Technology, Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710119, China.
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University (Jiangxi Branch), Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi, China.
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Schurz M, Berenz JP, Maerz J, Perla R, Buchheim A, Labek K. Brain Activation for Social Cognition and Emotion Processing Tasks in Borderline Personality Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Neuroimaging Studies. Brain Sci 2024; 14:395. [PMID: 38672044 PMCID: PMC11048542 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040395] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The present meta-analysis summarizes brain activation for social cognition and emotion-processing tasks in borderline personality disorder (BPD). We carried out two meta-analyses to elaborate on commonalities and potential differences between the two types of tasks. In the first meta-analysis, we implemented a more liberal strategy for task selection (including social and emotional content). The results confirmed previously reported hyperactivations in patients with BPD in the bilateral amygdala and prefrontal cortex and hypoactivations in bilateral inferior frontal gyri. When applying a stricter approach to task selection, focusing narrowly on social cognition tasks, we only found activation in prefrontal areas, particularly in the anterior cingulate and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. We review the role of these areas in social cognition in healthy adults, suggesting that the observed BPD hyperactivations may reflect an overreliance on self-related thought in social cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Schurz
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Sport Science, and Digital Science Center (DiSC), University of Innsbruck, Universitätsstrasse 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jan-Patrick Berenz
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Universitätsstrasse 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jeff Maerz
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Universitätsstrasse 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Raphael Perla
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Sport Science, and Digital Science Center (DiSC), University of Innsbruck, Universitätsstrasse 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anna Buchheim
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Universitätsstrasse 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Karin Labek
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Universitätsstrasse 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Özyurt G, Öztürk Y, Turan S, Çıray RO, Tanıgör EK, Ermiş Ç, Tufan AE, Akay A. Are Communication Skills, Emotion Regulation and Theory of Mind Skills Impaired in Adolescents with Developmental Dyslexia? Dev Neuropsychol 2024; 49:99-110. [PMID: 38466040 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2024.2325338] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates pragmatic language impairment, Theory of Mind (ToM), and emotion regulation in adolescents with Developmental Dyslexia(DD). The Social Responsiveness Scale-2(SRS) and Children's Communication Checklist-2(CCC-2) scores were found to be statistically significantly higher in the DD group than in healthy controls. DD group had lower performance in ToM skills and they have more difficulties in emotion regulation. We also found that CCC-2 and ToM scores were significantly correlated in adolescents with DD. These results may be important in understanding the difficulties experienced in social functioning and interpersonal relationships in adolescents with DD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonca Özyurt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Katip Çelebi University Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Öztürk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, School of Medicine, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Serkan Turan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bursa Uludağ University, School of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Remzi Oğulcan Çıray
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dokuz Eylul University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Karagöz Tanıgör
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Katip Çelebi University Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Çağatay Ermiş
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dokuz Eylul University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ali Evren Tufan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, School of Medicine, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Aynur Akay
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dokuz Eylul University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
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Onnink MLA, Teunissen LB, Verstraten PF, van Nispen RM, van der Aa HP. Experts' perspectives on the impact of visual impairment and comorbid mental disorders on functioning in essential life domains. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:209. [PMID: 38500080 PMCID: PMC10946163 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05635-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visual impairment (VI) with comorbid mental disorders (MDs) are expected to have a major impact on people's daily functioning, for which tailored support is needed. However, this has been barely investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) determine the impact of VI and comorbid MDs on functioning in essential life domains, (2) gain insight into best-practices that are currently used to support this target group, and (3) determine strategies to optimize care in the future. METHODS A four-step qualitative Delphi method was used to obtain input from 31 Dutch professionals who work with this target group (84% female, mean age 46 years, on average 11 years of experience in working with the target group). The Self-Sufficiency Matrices were used to determine the impact on various aspects of daily living, for people with VI and (1) autism spectrum disorder, (2) psychotic disorders, (3) obsessive-compulsive disorder, (4) antisocial personality disorder, (5) borderline personality disorder, (6) dependent personality disorder. RESULTS Experts describe a frail and vulnerable population, in which the VI and MD often have a cumulative negative impact on people's physical and mental health. People frequently experience anxiety, depression, fatigue and sleep disturbances. Also, many tend to neglect self-care and substance abuse is common. They often experience difficulty in trusting others while at the same time being dependent on them. Social interaction and relationships are complicated because of communication restrictions (e.g. no facial recognition) and social incompetence or withdrawal. Experts advise taking transdiagnostic factors into account, using evidence-based psychological treatment options based on an intermittent approach, and offering multidisciplinary care. They stress the importance of building trust, showing patience and empathy, stimulating empowerment, involving the informal network and building on positive experiences. CONCLUSION VI and comorbid MD have a major impact on people's daily functioning on a mental, physical, social and environmental level. This study provides insight into best-practices to support this target group. According to experts, more research is needed which could be aimed at investigating tailored diagnostic approaches and treatment options and include clients' perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein LA Onnink
- Robert Coppes Foundation, Vught, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Ophthalmology and The Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | - Ruth Ma van Nispen
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Ophthalmology and The Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde Pa van der Aa
- Robert Coppes Foundation, Vught, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Ophthalmology and The Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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Pérez-Vigil A, Ilzarbe D, Garcia-Delgar B, Morer A, Pomares M, Puig O, Lera-Miguel S, Rosa M, Romero M, Calvo Escalona R, Lázaro L. Theory of mind in neurodevelopmental disorders: beyond autistic spectrum disorder. Neurologia 2024; 39:117-126. [PMID: 38272257 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Theory of mind (ToM) is the human ability to perceive, interpret, and attribute the mental states of other people, and the alteration of this cognitive function is a core symptom of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). In such other neurodevelopmental disorders as childhood-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome (TS) that can present with cognitive dysfunctions, ToM has been less extensively studied, especially in the young population. The aim of the study was to compare advanced ToM between groups of young people diagnosed with OCD, TS, or ASD and a control group. METHODS Clinical interviews were conducted with male patients aged between 11 and 17 years with a main diagnosis of OCD (n = 19), TS (n = 14), or ASD (n = 18), and a control group (n = 20). We administered instruments for estimating intelligence quotient and severity of psychiatric symptoms, and tasks to evaluate ToM (the "Stories from everyday life" task and the "Reading the mind in the eyes" test). RESULTS Young people with TS and with ASD present similar difficulties in solving advanced ToM tasks, whereas patients with childhood-onset OCD present similar results to controls. CONCLUSIONS ToM is altered in other neurodevelopmental disorders beyond ASD, such as TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pérez-Vigil
- Departamento de Psiquiatría Infantil y Juvenil, Instituto de Neurociencias, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - D Ilzarbe
- Departamento de Psiquiatría Infantil y Juvenil, Instituto de Neurociencias, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B Garcia-Delgar
- Departamento de Psiquiatría Infantil y Juvenil, Instituto de Neurociencias, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Morer
- Departamento de Psiquiatría Infantil y Juvenil, Instituto de Neurociencias, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Pomares
- Departamento de Psiquiatría Infantil y Juvenil, Instituto de Neurociencias, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - O Puig
- Departamento de Psiquiatría Infantil y Juvenil, Instituto de Neurociencias, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - S Lera-Miguel
- Departamento de Psiquiatría Infantil y Juvenil, Instituto de Neurociencias, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Rosa
- Departamento de Psiquiatría Infantil y Juvenil, Instituto de Neurociencias, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Romero
- Departamento de Psiquiatría Infantil y Juvenil, Instituto de Neurociencias, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Calvo Escalona
- Departamento de Psiquiatría Infantil y Juvenil, Instituto de Neurociencias, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - L Lázaro
- Departamento de Psiquiatría Infantil y Juvenil, Instituto de Neurociencias, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
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21
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Mazza M, Donne IL, Vagnetti R, Attanasio M, Paola Greco M, Chiara Pino M, Valenti M. Normative values and diagnostic optimisation of three social cognition measures for autism and schizophrenia diagnosis in a healthy adolescent and adult sample. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2024; 77:511-529. [PMID: 37129426 DOI: 10.1177/17470218231175613] [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] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Awareness of the importance of assessing social cognition skills under conditions showing atypical social behaviours has increased over the years. However, the evaluation of the psychometric properties of the measures and the availability of normative values for the clinical context are still limited. This study aims to revise, provide normative values, and evaluate the clinical validity of the Italian version of three social cognition measures: Advanced Theory of Mind (A-ToM) task, the Emotion Attribution Task (EAT), and the Social Situation Task (SST). Measures were administered to 580 adolescents and adult healthy controls (age range 14-50). We performed differential item functioning and Rasch analysis to revise each task, so normative data of the revised measures were calculated. Moreover, the revised measures were administered to 38 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 35 individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD): ASD and SSD were matched by age, gender, and IQ with a control sample to evaluate clinical validity. ROC analysis showed that the SST is the best measure differentiating between healthy and clinical groups, compared to the A-ToM (AUCASD = 0.70; AUCSSD = 0.65) and EAT (AUCASD = 0.67; AUCSSD = 0.50), which showed poorer performance. For SSD diagnosis, two SST subscales (Violation and Gravity score) indicated the best accuracy (AUCs of 0.88 and 0.84, respectively); for the ASD diagnosis, we propose a combined score between the SST subscale and A-ToM (AUC = 0.86). The results suggest that the proposed measures can be used to support the diagnostic process and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Mazza
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ilenia Le Donne
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Roberto Vagnetti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Margherita Attanasio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Greco
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Pino
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Valenti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Abruzzo Region Health System, Reference Regional Centre for Autism, L'Aquila, Italy
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22
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Zhang Z, Peng Y, Jiang Y, Chen T. The pictorial set of Emotional Social Interactive Scenarios between Chinese Adults (ESISCA): Development and validation. Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:2581-2594. [PMID: 37528294 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02168-4] [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: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Affective picture databases with a single facial expression or body posture in one image have been widely applied to investigate emotion. However, to date, there was no standardized database containing the stimuli which involve multiple emotional signals in social interactive scenarios. The current study thus developed a pictorial set comprising 274 images depicting two Chinese adults' interactive scenarios conveying emotions of happiness, anger, sadness, fear, disgust, and neutral. The data of the valence and arousal ratings of the scenes and the emotional categories of the scenes and the faces in the images were provided in the present study. Analyses of the data collected from 70 undergraduate students suggested high reliabilities of the valence and arousal ratings of the scenes and high judgmental agreements in categorizing the scene and facial emotions. The findings suggested that the present dataset is well constructed and could be useful for future studies to investigate the emotion recognition or empathy in social interactions in both healthy and clinical (e.g., ASD) populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Zhang
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Yanqin Peng
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Yiyao Jiang
- College of Arts and Sciences, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - Tingji Chen
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
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23
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Higgins WC, Kaplan DM, Deschrijver E, Ross RM. Construct validity evidence reporting practices for the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test: A systematic scoping review. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 108:102378. [PMID: 38232573 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102378] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) is one of the most influential measures of social cognitive ability, and it has been used extensively in clinical populations. However, questions have been raised about the validity of RMET scores. We conducted a systematic scoping review of the validity evidence reported in studies that administered the RMET (n = 1461; of which 804 included at least one clinical sample) with a focus on six key dimensions: internal consistency, test-retest reliability, factor structure, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and known group validity. Strikingly, 63% of these studies failed to provide validity evidence from any of these six categories. Moreover, when evidence was reported, it frequently failed to meet widely accepted validity standards. Overall, our results suggest a troubling conclusion: the validity of RMET scores (and the research findings based on them) are largely unsubstantiated and uninterpretable. More broadly, this project demonstrates how unaddressed measurement issues can undermine a voluminous psychological literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy C Higgins
- Macquarie University, School of Psychological Sciences, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - David M Kaplan
- Macquarie University, School of Psychological Sciences, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Eliane Deschrijver
- Macquarie University, School of Psychological Sciences, NSW 2109, Australia; University of Sydney, School of Psychology, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Robert M Ross
- Macquarie University, Department of Philosophy, NSW 2109, Australia
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24
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Harada Y, Ohyama J, Sano M, Ishii N, Maida K, Wada M, Wada M. Temporal characteristics of facial ensemble in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: examination from arousal and attentional allocation. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1328708. [PMID: 38439795 PMCID: PMC10910007 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1328708] [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] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) show atypical recognition of facial emotions, which has been suggested to stem from arousal and attention allocation. Recent studies have focused on the ability to perceive an average expression from multiple spatially different expressions. This study investigated the effect of autistic traits on temporal ensemble, that is, the perception of the average expression from multiple changing expressions. Methods We conducted a simplified temporal-ensemble task and analyzed behavioral responses, pupil size, and viewing times for eyes of a face. Participants with and without diagnosis of ASD viewed serial presentations of facial expressions that randomly switched between emotional and neutral. The temporal ratio of the emotional expressions was manipulated. The participants estimated the intensity of the facial emotions for the overall presentation. Results We obtained three major results: (a) many participants with ASD were less susceptible to the ratio of anger expression for temporal ensembles, (b) they produced significantly greater pupil size for angry expressions (within-participants comparison) and smaller pupil size for sad expressions (between-groups comparison), and (c) pupil size and viewing time to eyes were not correlated with the temporal ensemble. Discussion These results suggest atypical temporal integration of anger expression and arousal characteristics in individuals with ASD; however, the atypical integration is not fully explained by arousal or attentional allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Harada
- Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
- Faculty of Humanities, Kyoto University of Advanced Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junji Ohyama
- Human Augmentation Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Misako Sano
- Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Naomi Ishii
- Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Keiko Maida
- Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Megumi Wada
- Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
- Graduate School of Contemporary Psychology, Rikkyo University, Niiza, Saitama, Japan
| | - Makoto Wada
- Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
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25
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Bozkurt A, Ayık Z. The Relationship between Giftedness and Sex and Children's Theory of Mind Skills and Social Behavior. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:253. [PMID: 38397365 PMCID: PMC10888180 DOI: 10.3390/children11020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Theory of mind (ToM), the ability to recognize the mental states and emotions of others, is central to effective social relationships. Measuring higher-order ToM skills in gifted children may be a useful way to identify the tendency to experience difficulties in social behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between intelligence and sex in children using ToM and social behavior measures. METHODS Children aged 10-12 years constituted both the gifted (n = 45) and non-gifted (n = 45) groups. The participants were assessed for prosocial behaviors and peer problems using the subscales of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and in terms of ToM using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test-Child Version (RMET-C) and the Faux Pas Recognition Test-Child Version (FPRT-C). RESULTS ToM test results were higher in gifted children and girls. Peer problems were lower in gifted children. Prosocial behavior was higher in girls. No relationship was determined between ToM tests and peer problems or prosocial behavior in gifted children, but such a relationship was observed in the non-gifted group. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that gifted children with high cognitive skills also possess superior social cognition skills. Advanced ToM skills in gifted children may be important to supporting their social and cognitive development. The differences between boys and girls should be considered in educational interventions applied to children in the social sphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Bozkurt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ataturk University, Erzurum 25240, Turkey
| | - Zekai Ayık
- Department of Special Education, Harran University, Şanlıurfa 63290, Turkey;
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26
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Bozkurt A, Yıldırım Demirdöğen E, Kolak Çelik M, Akıncı MA. An assessment of dynamic facial emotion recognition and theory of mind in children with ADHD: An eye-tracking study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298468. [PMID: 38329958 PMCID: PMC10852339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298468] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Deficits in social cognition in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been associated with difficulties in functioning. Since recognizing emotional facial expressions is essential for developing the perceptual components of the theory of mind (ToM), it is important to assess this relationship in children with ADHD. This study therefore compared the recognition of emotional stimuli and gaze patterns between children with ADHD and healthy children using eye-tracking with dynamic facial images. It also examined the relationship between facial emotion recognition accuracy, gaze patterns, ToM scores, and ADHD symptoms. Children with ADHD aged 8-13 (n = 47) and a control group (n = 38) completed a facial emotion recognition test, ToM tests, and the Conners' Parent Rating Scale. Participants' gaze patterns in response to dynamic facial emotion expressions were recorded using eye-tracking technology. Children with ADHD exhibited significantly lower accuracy in the recognition of the facial expressions of disgust and anger. The percentage fixation in the eye region was also significantly lower for happy, angry, sad, disgusted, and neutral emotions in the children with ADHD compared to the control group. No relationship was determined between the percentage of fixations on facial areas of interests and ADHD symptoms or ToM tests. This study provides evidence that children with ADHD experience deficits in visual attention to emotional cues. In addition, it suggests that facial emotion recognition deficits in children with ADHD represent a separate domain of social cognition that develops independently of ToM skills and core symptoms. Understanding and treating the social difficulties of individuals with ADHD may help improve their social functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Bozkurt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Türkiye
| | | | - Müberra Kolak Çelik
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Türkiye
| | - Mehmet Akif Akıncı
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Türkiye
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27
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Yeung EKL, Apperly IA, Devine RT. Measures of individual differences in adult theory of mind: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 157:105481. [PMID: 38036161 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105481] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Theory of mind (ToM), the ability to understand and reason about mental states, has been extensively studied in young children and clinical populations. A growing interest in examining ToM in adults has emerged over the past two decades, but the extent to which existing measures are suitable for studying adults, especially in detecting individual differences, remains understudied. In this systematic review of 273 studies, 75 measures used to investigate individual differences in adults' ToM were identified. Their sensitivity to individual differences, reliability, and validity were examined. Results suggest that ceiling effects were prevalent, and there was limited evidence to establish the reliability or validity of these measures due to the lack of reports of psychometric properties. Interrelations among measures were inconsistent. These findings highlight the need for future empirical and theoretical work to broaden the evidence base regarding psychometric properties of measures, to develop new measures, and to lay out more specific hypotheses about the relevance of ToM for different social outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Kit Ling Yeung
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
| | - Ian A Apperly
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Rory T Devine
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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28
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Lockrow AW, Setton R, Spreng KAP, Sheldon S, Turner GR, Spreng RN. Taking stock of the past: A psychometric evaluation of the Autobiographical Interview. Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:1002-1038. [PMID: 36944860 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02080-x] [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] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Autobiographical memory (AM) involves a rich phenomenological re-experiencing of a spatio-temporal event from the past, which is challenging to objectively quantify. The Autobiographical Interview (AI; Levine et al. Psychology and Aging, 17(4), 677-689, 2002) is a manualized performance-based assessment designed to quantify episodic (internal) and semantic (external) features of recalled and verbally conveyed prior experiences. The AI has been widely adopted, yet has not undergone a comprehensive psychometric validation. We investigated the reliability, validity, association to individual differences measures, and factor structure in healthy younger and older adults (N = 352). Evidence for the AI's reliability was strong: the subjective scoring protocol showed high inter-rater reliability and previously identified age effects were replicated. Internal consistency across timepoints was robust, suggesting stability in recollection. Central to our validation, internal AI scores were positively correlated with standard, performance-based measures of episodic memory, demonstrating convergent validity. The two-factor structure for the AI was not well supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Adjusting internal and external detail scores for the number of words spoken (detail density) improved trait estimation of AM performance. Overall, the AI demonstrated sound psychometric properties for inquiry into the qualities of autobiographical remembering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber W Lockrow
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Roni Setton
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | | | - Signy Sheldon
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gary R Turner
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - R Nathan Spreng
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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Özyurt G, Öztürk Y, Tufan AE, Akay A, İnal N. Differential Effects of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder Comorbidity in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Social Cognition and Empathy. J Atten Disord 2024; 28:458-468. [PMID: 38069496 DOI: 10.1177/10870547231215516] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate social cognition and empathy properties in children among Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) + Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD); ADHD and healthy controls from Türkiye. METHODS Twenty-two children with DMDD were compared to matched 30 children with ADHD and 60 healthy controls. We administered Affective Reactivity Index (ARI), KaSi Empathy Scale, Kiddie-SADS, and Reading Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) to evaluate Theory of Mind skills to all study participants. RESULTS DMDD + ADHD group had lower performance in ToM skills and empathy than in two groups. The ARI scores were found to be statistically significantly higher in the DMDD group than in two groups. It was also found that ARI, empathy, and ToM scores were significantly related in children with DMDD + ADHD. CONCLUSION These results might be important to understand the difficulties in social functioning and interpersonal relationship in children with DMDD and ADHD. Children with DMDD may attend specific therapeutic programs which include specific techniques in social cognition, emotion regulation, and irritability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonca Özyurt
- School of Medicine, Katip Çelebi University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Öztürk
- Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
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30
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Maggi G, Giacobbe C, Vitale C, Amboni M, Obeso I, Santangelo G. Theory of mind in mild cognitive impairment and Parkinson's disease: The role of memory impairment. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 24:156-170. [PMID: 38049608 PMCID: PMC10827829 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-023-01142-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social cognition is impaired in Parkinson's disease (PD). Whether social cognitive impairment (iSC) is a by-product of the underlying cognitive deficits in PD or a process independent of cognitive status is unknown. To this end, the present study was designed to investigate the weight of specific cognitive deficits in social cognition, considering different mild cognitive impairment subtypes of PD (PD-MCI). METHODS Fifty-eight PD patients underwent a neuropsychological battery assessing executive functions, memory, language, and visuospatial domains, together with social cognitive tests focused on theory of mind (ToM). Patients were divided into subgroups according to their clinical cognitive status: amnestic PD-MCI (PD-aMCI, n = 18), non-amnestic PD-MCI (PD-naMCI, n = 16), and cognitively unimpaired (PD-CU, n = 24). Composite scores for cognitive and social domains were computed to perform mediation analyses. RESULTS Memory and language impairments mediated the effect of executive functioning in social cognitive deficits in PD patients. Dividing by MCI subgroups, iSC occurred more frequently in PD-aMCI (77.8%) than in PD-naMCI (18.8%) and PD-CU (8.3%). Moreover, PD-aMCI performed worse than PD-CU in all social cognitive measures, whereas PD-naMCI performed worse than PD-CU in only one subtype of the affective and cognitive ToM tests. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that ToM impairment in PD can be explained by memory dysfunction that mediates executive control. ToM downsides in the amnesic forms of PD-MCI may suggest that subtle changes in social cognition could partly explain future transitions into dementia. Hence, the evaluation of social cognition in PD is critical to characterize a possible behavioral marker of cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianpaolo Maggi
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Viale Ellittico, 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy.
| | - Chiara Giacobbe
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Viale Ellittico, 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Carmine Vitale
- Institute of Diagnosis and Health, IDC-Hermitage Capodimonte, Naples, Italy
- Department of Motor Sciences and Wellness, University "Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Marianna Amboni
- Institute of Diagnosis and Health, IDC-Hermitage Capodimonte, Naples, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ignacio Obeso
- HM Hospitales - Centro Integral de Neurociencias AC HM CINAC, Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Avda. Carlos V, 70. 28938, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Psychobiology and Methods on Behavioural Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gabriella Santangelo
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Viale Ellittico, 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy.
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31
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Fernández-Fernández R, Lahera G, Fernández-Rodríguez B, Guida P, Trompeta C, Mata-Marín D, Gasca-Salas C. Social Cognition and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Mid-Stage Parkinson's Disease. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:101. [PMID: 38392454 PMCID: PMC10885927 DOI: 10.3390/bs14020101] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a relevant non-motor feature in Parkinson's disease (PD). Social cognition (SC) is a cognitive domain that refers to the ability to decode others' intentions and to guide behavior in social contexts. We aimed to compare SC performance in mid-stage PD patients compared to a healthy population and according to their cognitive state. Fifty-two PD patients were classified as being cognitively normal (PD-CN) or having mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) following the Movement Disorder Society (MDS) Level II criteria. SC assessment included facial emotion recognition (FER), affective and cognitive theory of mind (ToM), and self-monitoring (RSMS test). Twenty-seven age-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. PD-MCI patients scored worse than HC on affective and cognitive ToM task scores. Only cognitive ToM scores were significantly lower when compared with the PD-MCI and PD-CN groups. We found no differences in FER or self-monitoring performance. There were significant correlations between cognitive ToM and executive functions, memory, language, and attention, whereas FER and affective ToM correlated with memory. Our findings indicates that SC is normal in cognitively unimpaired and non-depressed mid-stage PD patients, whereas a decline in affective and cognitive ToM is linked to the presence of MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Fernández-Fernández
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, 28938 Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Infanta Cristina, Parla, 28981 Madrid, Spain
- PhD Program in Health Sciences, University of Alcalá de Henares, 28054 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Guillermo Lahera
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28054 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Psychiatry Service, Center for Biomedical Research in the Mental Health Network, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernández-Rodríguez
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, 28938 Madrid, Spain
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, Cajal Institute, Autónoma de Madrid University, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pasqualina Guida
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, 28938 Madrid, Spain
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, Cajal Institute, Autónoma de Madrid University, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Trompeta
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, 28938 Madrid, Spain
- PhD Program in Health Sciences, University of Alcalá de Henares, 28054 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - David Mata-Marín
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, 28938 Madrid, Spain
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, Cajal Institute, Autónoma de Madrid University, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Gasca-Salas
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, 28938 Madrid, Spain
- Network Center for Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- School of Medicine, University CEU-San Pablo, 28003 Madrid, Spain
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Feehan A, Charest M. A scoping review of oral language and social communication abilities in children with Tourette syndrome. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024; 59:143-164. [PMID: 37667569 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12949] [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: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with Tourette syndrome (TS) have historically experienced problems in academic and social settings, yet their language and communication abilities have not been extensively researched. AIMS This scoping review maps the literature on the oral language and social communication abilities of children with TS in order to describe the nature of the current literature, present a summary of major findings and identify where gaps exist. METHODS A scoping review was completed to identify studies measuring the oral language or social communication abilities of children with TS. A systematic search of six electronic databases was conducted to obtain published and unpublished literature. All English studies measuring the oral language or social communication abilities of children with TS were included. Information was extracted from records and knowledge was synthesised in a narrative summary. MAIN CONTRIBUTION We identified 56 records for inclusion. Almost all records were located in journals within the fields of psychology and psychiatry. Skills most often studied were verbal IQ and verbal fluency. The literature suggests an increased prevalence of language disorders and social communication problems in children with TS; however, literature comprehensively detailing these challenges was scarce. Language strengths were identified in verbal intelligence, story/sentence recall, categorisation and performance on tasks at the single-word level. CONCLUSIONS Oral language and social communication skills are important for academic and social success. This review brings scattered literature together to provide up-to-date information about language in children with TS and highlights that there are considerable gaps in our knowledge about language and communication in this population. This scoping review can inform future research and support speech language pathologists in the assessment of young people with TS. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in various contexts (e.g., schools, mental health teams) are likely to encounter children with Tourette syndrome (TS); however, the description of this population and potential communication characteristics is not well represented in the SLP literature. Previous literature reviews have reported strengths in verbal fluency and morphological processing. Challenges in expressive language, higher order language, social cognition and a propensity towards autistic traits have also been identified. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This review differs from previous narrative reviews by employing a systematic approach to searching for literature. As a result, we identified 25 additional studies that had not been cited in previous reviews and additional relevant findings in 23 previously reviewed studies. This review confirms several previous conclusions about language in children with TS and extends or clarifies several others, thereby providing the most current information on oral language and social communication abilities. The use of current taxonomies of language and social communication helps to organise this literature for clinicians and researchers in speech-language pathology and identifies a need for further research from the SLP perspective. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? These results imply that SLPs should screen children with TS for language disorders and investigate social communication and social interaction development. Clinicians can expect greater challenges in language and communication development for children with complex forms of TS (i.e., those who exhibit co-occurring conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). The multidisciplinary nature of the current literature implies that clinical collaboration with other disciplines will be of particular benefit to serving this group of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Feehan
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Monique Charest
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Frolli A, Cerciello F, Ciotola S, Ricci MC, Esposito C, Sica LS. Narrative Approach and Mentalization. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:994. [PMID: 38131850 PMCID: PMC10740439 DOI: 10.3390/bs13120994] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The core focus of this research centered on the intricate relationship between mentalization, the fundamental mental process underlying social interactions, and the narrative approach proposed by Bruner. Mentalization, encompassing both implicit and explicit interpretations of one's and others' actions, plays a pivotal role in shaping the complexity of social interactions. Concurrently, the narrative approach, as elucidated by Bruner, serves as the primary interpretative and cognitive tool through which individuals derive meaning from their experiences. Narrative, in essence, empowers individuals to imbue their experiences with significance, constructing knowledge and enabling a reinterpretation of their lives by reconstructing the meanings attached to events. This intertwining of mentalization and the narrative approach is particularly salient, given their shared reliance on autobiographical narratives and the inference of mental states. In the context of this study, our primary objective was to explore how practical and theoretical activities, rooted in the re-elaboration of personal life information and events, could serve as a catalyst for enhancing mentalization skills. By engaging students in activities specifically designed to encourage the reinterpretation of their life experiences, we aimed to bolster their ability to infer mental states effectively. These enhanced mentalization skills, we hypothesized, form the foundational basis for executing complex educational tasks rooted in constructed teaching methodologies. In summary, this research serves as a pioneering exploration into the synergistic interrelation of mentalization and the narrative approach, offering valuable insights for educators and practitioners aiming to foster enhanced social cognition and enriched educational experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Frolli
- Disability Research Centre, University of International Studies in Rome, 00147 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Cerciello
- FINDS—Italian Neuroscience and Developmental Disorders Foundation, 81040 Caserta, Italy; (F.C.)
| | - Sonia Ciotola
- FINDS—Italian Neuroscience and Developmental Disorders Foundation, 81040 Caserta, Italy; (F.C.)
| | - Maria Carla Ricci
- Disability Research Centre, University of International Studies in Rome, 00147 Rome, Italy;
| | - Clara Esposito
- FINDS—Italian Neuroscience and Developmental Disorders Foundation, 81040 Caserta, Italy; (F.C.)
| | - Luigia Simona Sica
- Department of Relational Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy;
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Alvarez R, Velthorst E, Pinkham A, Ludwig KA, Alamansa J, Gaigg SB, Penn DL, Harvey PD, Fett AK. Reading the mind in the eyes and cognitive ability in schizophrenia- and autism spectrum disorders. Psychol Med 2023; 53:7913-7922. [PMID: 37522512 PMCID: PMC10755246 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723002052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia (SZ) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by difficulties in theory of mind (ToM). We examined group differences in performance on a ToM-related test and associations with an estimated IQ. METHODS Participants [N = 1227, SZ (n = 563), ASD (n = 159), and controls (n = 505), 32.2% female] completed the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) and assessments of cognitive ability. Associations between IQ and group on RMET were investigated with regression analyses. RESULTS SZ (d = 0.73, p < 0.001) and ASD (d = 0.37, p < 0.001) performed significantly worse on the RMET than controls. SZ performed significantly worse than ASD (d = 0.32, p = 0.002). Adding IQ to the model, SZ (d = 0.60, p < 0.001) and ASD (d = 0.44, p < 0.001) continued to perform significantly worse than controls, but no longer differed from each other (d = 0.13, p = 0.30). Small significant negative correlations between symptom severity and RMET performance were found in SZ (PANSS positive: r = -0.10, negative: r = -0.11, both p < 0.05). A small non-significant negative correlation was found for Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule scores and RMET in ASD (r = -0.08, p = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS SZ and ASD are characterized by impairments in RMET. IQ contributed significantly to RMET performance and accounted for group differences in RMET between SZ and ASD. This suggests that non-social cognitive ability needs to be included in comparative studies of the two disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Alvarez
- Department of Psychology, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Eva Velthorst
- Community Mental Health Department GGZ Noord-Holland-Noord, Heerhugowaard, the Netherlands
| | - Amy Pinkham
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Kelsey A. Ludwig
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jorge Alamansa
- Department of Psychology, City, University of London, London, UK
| | | | - David L. Penn
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philip D. Harvey
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Research Service, Bruce W. Carter Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Anne-Kathrin Fett
- Department of Psychology, City, University of London, London, UK
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
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McArthur GE, Lee E, Laycock R. Autism Traits and Cognitive Performance: Mediating Roles of Sleep Disturbance, Anxiety and Depression. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:4560-4576. [PMID: 36138298 PMCID: PMC10627948 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05742-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Theories about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have addressed cognitive deficits however few have examined how comorbid diagnoses, including sleep disturbance, anxiety and depression contribute to the underlying deficits. We investigated potential mediations of common ASD comorbidities in the relationship between sub-clinical autism traits and cognitive performance using an international community sample. Cognitive tasks assessed working memory [executive functioning (EF) theory], mental state attribution [theory of mind (ToM)], and global/local visual processing [weak central coherence (WCC) theory]. Structural equation modelling (SEM) demonstrated sleep disturbance and anxiety mediated the relationship of autism traits on measures of EF, but not WCC and ToM. This suggests that treating the symptoms of sleep disturbance and anxiety may lead to improvements in working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaynor E McArthur
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Plenty Rd, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Eunro Lee
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Plenty Rd, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin Laycock
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Plenty Rd, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
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Lee TMC, Liang L, Hou WK, Tse AHY, Chan CCH. The Chinese "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" Test: A study with normal adults, and adults with Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 89:103785. [PMID: 37776815 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103785] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
We developed a 28-item Chinese Eyes Test and tested its psychometric properties with a mixed sample of high-functioning adults with autism or Asperger syndrome and neurotypical adults. The Chinese Eyes Test showed good convergent and divergent validity, satisfactory known-group discrimination, and acceptable internal consistency. The identified cutoff score of 18 or below (Sensitivity: 66.7%; Specificity: 84.0%) should be useful for identifying clinically significant levels of social cognitive deficits, in terms of difficulty with the perceptual understanding of others' mental states, in high-functioning adults with autism or Asperger syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatia M C Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China; Laboratory of Neuropsychology and Human Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
| | - Li Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China; Laboratory of Neuropsychology and Human Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Wai Kai Hou
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China; Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Alicia H Y Tse
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology and Human Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Chetwyn C H Chan
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
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Öztürk Y, Özyurt G, Turan S, Tufan AE, Akay AP. Emotion dysregulation and social communication problems but not ToM properties may predict obsessive-compulsive disorder symptom severity. Nord J Psychiatry 2023; 77:778-787. [PMID: 37665655 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2023.2251953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies have shown that theory of mind, emotion regulation and pragmatic abilities are negatively affected in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We aimed to investigate theory of mind (ToM) abilities, social responsiveness, pragmatic language, and emotion regulation skills in children with OCD and to compare them to healthy controls. METHODS This study was designed as a single-center, cross-sectional, case-control study. ToM abilities were evaluated via "Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test" (RMET), "Faces Test", "Faux-Pas Test", "Comprehension Test" and "Unexpected Outcomes Test". Social responsiveness, pragmatic language and emotion regulation were evaluated by Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Children's Communication Checklist- Second Edition (CCC-2), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS). Within the study period, we enrolled 85 adolescents (42 with OCD and 43 controls). RESULTS The OCD group performed significantly lower than healthy controls in the Faux Pass and Comprehension tests (p = 0.003 for both). We found a statistically significant difference between groups in terms of the goal, strategy, non-acceptance subscales of the DERS (p < 0.001, p = 0.006, p = 0.008, respectively) as well as the total DERS score (p < 0.001). CY-BOCS total scores correlated significantly and negatively with Comprehension, Faux Pas and Unexpected Outcomes tests, and positively with CCC total, SRS total and DERS total scores. In regression analysis the DERS, SRS and CCC tests emerged as significant predictors of CY-BOCS total score. CONCLUSION Addressing ToM, pragmatic, and ER difficulties when planning the treatment of young people with OCD may contribute to positive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Öztürk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Medical Faculty, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Gonca Özyurt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Izmir Katip Çelebi University Medical Faculty, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Serkan Turan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Uludağ University Medical Faculty, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ali Evren Tufan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Medical Faculty, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Aynur Pekcanlar Akay
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dokuz Eylul University Medical Faculty, Izmir, Turkey
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Ogonowski N, Santamaria-Garcia H, Baez S, Lopez A, Laserna A, Garcia-Cifuentes E, Ayala-Ramirez P, Zarante I, Suarez-Obando F, Reyes P, Kauffman M, Cochran N, Schulte M, Sirkis DW, Spina S, Yokoyama JS, Miller BL, Kosik KS, Matallana D, Ibáñez A. Frontotemporal dementia presentation in patients with heterozygous p.H157Y variant of TREM2. J Med Genet 2023; 60:894-904. [PMID: 36813542 PMCID: PMC10447405 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2022-108627] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 2 (TREM2) is a major regulator of neuroinflammatory processes in neurodegeneration. To date, the p.H157Y variant of TREM2 has been reported only in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Here, we report three patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) from three unrelated families with heterozygous p.H157Y variant of TREM2: two patients from Colombian families (study 1) and a third Mexican origin case from the USA (study 2). METHODS To determine if the p.H157Y variant might be associated with a specific FTD presentation, we compared in each study the cases with age-matched, sex-matched and education-matched groups-a healthy control group (HC) and a group with FTD with neither TREM2 mutations nor family antecedents (Ng-FTD and Ng-FTD-MND). RESULTS The two Colombian cases presented with early behavioural changes, greater impairments in general cognition and executive function compared with both HC and Ng-FTD groups. These patients also exhibited brain atrophy in areas characteristic of FTD. Furthermore, TREM2 cases showed increased atrophy compared with Ng-FTD in frontal, temporal, parietal, precuneus, basal ganglia, parahippocampal/hippocampal and cerebellar regions. The Mexican case presented with FTD and motor neuron disease (MND), showing grey matter reduction in basal ganglia and thalamus, and extensive TDP-43 type B pathology. CONCLUSION In all TREM2 cases, multiple atrophy peaks overlapped with the maximum peaks of TREM2 gene expression in crucial brain regions including frontal, temporal, thalamic and basal ganglia areas. These results provide the first report of an FTD presentation potentially associated with the p.H157Y variant with exacerbated neurocognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ogonowski
- Latin American Institute for Brain Health (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibanez, Adolfo Ibanez University, Santiago, Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Hernando Santamaria-Garcia
- Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. Ph.D Program of Neuroscience, Bogotá, Colombia
- Hospital Universitario San Ignacio. Centro de Memoria y Cognición Intellectus, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Andrea Lopez
- Hospital Universitario de la Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogota, Colombia
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrés Laserna
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia
- University of Rochester Medical Center. Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Rochester, NY, New York, USA
| | - Elkin Garcia-Cifuentes
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia
- Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paola Ayala-Ramirez
- Human Genomics Institute, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia
| | | | | | - Pablo Reyes
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Marcelo Kauffman
- Hospital General de Agudos Jose Maria Ramos Mejia Consultorio y Laboratorio de Neurogenetica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad Austral. IIMT-FCB. Conicet, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Daniel W Sirkis
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Weil Institute of Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Salvatore Spina
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jennifer S Yokoyama
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Weil Institute of Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Kenneth S Kosik
- University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Diana Matallana
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia
- Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Agustín Ibáñez
- Latin American Institute for Brain Health (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibanez, Adolfo Ibanez University, Santiago, Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
- Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San Andres & CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Doskas TK, Christidi F, Spiliopoulos KC, Tsiptsios D, Vavougios GD, Tsiakiri A, Vorvolakos T, Kokkotis C, Iliopoulos I, Aggelousis N, Vadikolias K. Social Cognition Impairments in Association to Clinical, Cognitive, Mood, and Fatigue Features in Multiple Sclerosis: A Study Protocol. Neurol Int 2023; 15:1106-1116. [PMID: 37755359 PMCID: PMC10536405 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint15030068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by the diffuse grey and white matter damage. Cognitive impairment (CI) is a frequent clinical feature in patients with MS (PwMS) that can be prevalent even in early disease stages, affecting the physical activity and active social participation of PwMS. Limited information is available regarding the influence of MS in social cognition (SC), which may occur independently from the overall neurocognitive dysfunction. In addition, the available information regarding the factors that influence SC in PwMS is limited, e.g., factors such as a patient's physical disability, different cognitive phenotypes, mood status, fatigue. Considering that SC is an important domain of CI in MS and may contribute to subjects' social participation and quality of life, we herein conceptualize and present the methodological design of a cross-sectional study in 100 PwMS of different disease subtypes. The study aims (a) to characterize SC impairment in PwMS in the Greek population and (b) to unveil the relationship between clinical symptoms, phenotypes of CI, mood status and fatigue in PwMS and the potential underlying impairment on tasks of SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triantafyllos K. Doskas
- Neurology Department, Athens Naval Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece; (T.K.D.); (K.C.S.)
- Neurology Department, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (F.C.); (A.T.); (I.I.); (K.V.)
| | - Foteini Christidi
- Neurology Department, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (F.C.); (A.T.); (I.I.); (K.V.)
| | - Kanellos C. Spiliopoulos
- Neurology Department, Athens Naval Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece; (T.K.D.); (K.C.S.)
- Neurology Department, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tsiptsios
- Neurology Department, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (F.C.); (A.T.); (I.I.); (K.V.)
| | | | - Anna Tsiakiri
- Neurology Department, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (F.C.); (A.T.); (I.I.); (K.V.)
| | - Theofanis Vorvolakos
- Psychiatry Department, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Christos Kokkotis
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, 69100 Komotini, Greece; (C.K.); (N.A.)
| | - Ioannis Iliopoulos
- Neurology Department, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (F.C.); (A.T.); (I.I.); (K.V.)
| | - Nikolaos Aggelousis
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, 69100 Komotini, Greece; (C.K.); (N.A.)
| | - Konstantinos Vadikolias
- Neurology Department, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (F.C.); (A.T.); (I.I.); (K.V.)
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Pasqualette L, Kulke L. Effects of emotional content on social inhibition of gaze in live social and non-social situations. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14151. [PMID: 37644088 PMCID: PMC10465544 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41154-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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In real-life interactions, it is crucial that humans adequately respond to others' emotional expressions. Emotion perception so far has mainly been studied in highly controlled laboratory tasks. However, recent research suggests that attention and gaze behaviour significantly differ between watching a person on a controlled laboratory screen compared to in real world interactions. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate effects of emotional expression on participants' gaze in social and non-social situations. We compared looking behaviour towards a confederate showing positive, neutral or negative facial expressions between live social and non-social waiting room situations. Participants looked more often and longer to the confederate on the screen, than when physically present in the room. Expressions displayed by the confederate and individual traits (social anxiety and autistic traits) of participants did not reliably relate to gaze behaviour. Indications of covert attention also occurred more often and longer during the non-social, than during the social condition. Findings indicate that social norm is a strong factor modulating gaze behaviour in social contexts. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: The stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on September 13, 2021. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.16628290 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pasqualette
- Department of Neurocognitive Developmental Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Developmental Psychology with Educational Psychology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Louisa Kulke
- Department of Neurocognitive Developmental Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
- Developmental Psychology with Educational Psychology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
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Petrovic SA, Kaurin N, Knezevic J, Maric NP. Theory of Mind in Typical Adults: Sex-Differences and Its Associations with Anxiety and Depression Symptoms. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 38:913-921. [PMID: 36715310 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite an increased interest in research of theory of mind (ToM) in recent years - both related to psychopathology (depression and anxiety spectrum disorders) and within the typical adults, the existing literature is scarce and presents some conflicting results. Present study aimed to explore sex differences in ToM, alongside its associations with current anxiety and depression symptoms, in a large sample of typical adults collected online. METHOD Participants completed the 15-minutes survey obtaining socio-demographic data, current self-reported depression and anxiety symptom severity, and ToM ability (the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task). The sample comprised 605 participants -mostly younger adults, women, and high school graduate/student population. RESULTS The majority of participants reported minimal/mild depressive and anxiety symptoms that were significantly more severe in women. Women also displayed significantly better overall ToM ability than men. Significant negative correlation between the severity of current depressive and anxiety symptoms and ToM ability was also observed, but only in individuals expressing the symptoms requiring clinical attention (such association was absent in those exhibiting minimal/mild symptoms). CONCLUSIONS Present research adds to the existing knowledge on the association between ToM ability, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in typical adults as well as on the sex-differences in this important social cognitive domain. Exploring the factors representing indicators of vulnerability for depression-anxiety spectrum disorders is important for their timely detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Andric Petrovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nina Kaurin
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Knezevic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nadja P Maric
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia
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Weiblen R, Robert C, Petereit P, Heldmann M, Münte TF, Münchau A, Müller-Vahl K, Krämer UM. Neural, physiological and behavioural correlates of empathy for pain in Tourette syndrome. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad212. [PMID: 37601409 PMCID: PMC10438210 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Persons with Tourette syndrome show altered social behaviours, such as echophenomena and increased personal distress in emotional situations. These symptoms may reflect an overactive mirror neuron system, causing both increased automatic imitation and a stronger tendency to share others' emotions. To test this, we measured the individual level of echophenomena with a video protocol and experimentally induced empathy for pain in 21 participants with Tourette syndrome and 25 matched controls. In the empathy for pain paradigm, pictures of hands and feet in painful or neutral situations were presented, while we measured participants' EEG and skin conductance response. Changes in somatosensory mu suppression during the observation of the pictures and pain ratings were compared between groups, and correlations were calculated with the occurrence of echophenomena, self-reported empathy and clinical measures. Our Tourette syndrome sample showed significantly more echophenomena than controls, but the groups showed no behavioural differences in empathic abilities. However, controls, but not patients with Tourette syndrome, showed the predicted increased mu suppression when watching painful compared to neutral actions. While echophenomena were present in all persons with Tourette syndrome, the hypothesis of an overactive mirror neuron system in Tourette syndrome could not be substantiated. On the contrary, the Tourette syndrome group showed a noticeable lack of mu attenuation in response to pain stimuli. In conclusion, we found a first hint of altered processing of others' emotional states in a brain region associated with the mirror neuron system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronja Weiblen
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Carina Robert
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Pauline Petereit
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marcus Heldmann
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Thomas F Münte
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Alexander Münchau
- Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Systems Motor Science, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kirsten Müller-Vahl
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrike M Krämer
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
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Ferguson AM, Inzlicht M. Reliability of the empathy selection task, a novel behavioral measure of empathy avoidance. Behav Res Methods 2023; 55:2638-2651. [PMID: 35995903 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-022-01919-z] [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] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The empathy selection task is a novel behavioral paradigm designed to assess an individual's willingness to engage in empathy. Work with this task has demonstrated that people prefer to avoid empathy when some other activity is available, though individual differences that might predict performance on this task have been largely unexamined. Here, we assess the suitability of the empathy selection task for use in individual difference and experimental research by examining its reliability within and across testing sessions. We compare the reliability of summary scores on the empathy selection task (i.e., proportion of empathy choices) as an individual difference metric to that of two commonly used experimental tasks, the Stroop error rate and go/no-go commission rate. Next, we assess systematic changes at the item/trial level using generalized multilevel modeling which considers participants' individual performance variation. Across two samples (N = 89), we find that the empathy selection task is stable between testing sessions and has good/substantial test-retest reliability (ICCs = .65 and .67), suggesting that it is comparable or superior to other commonly used experimental tasks with respect to its ability to consistently rank individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Ferguson
- Graduate Department of Psychological Clinical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Michael Inzlicht
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Sarig-Shmueli Y, Kurman J, Talmon S, Yoeli N, Gur E, Stein D, Rothschild-Yakar L. Mentalizing ability, mentalizing impairments, and anorexia nervosa: Validation of the Hebrew version of the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC). Clin Psychol Psychother 2023; 30:873-881. [PMID: 36869582 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to validate the Hebrew version of the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC)-an ecological measure for assessing mentalizing ability-among patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and healthy individuals. We examined the validity of the MASC's general mentalizing ability scale and of its mentalizing impairments subscales using validated measures of mentalizing ability (Reading the Mind in the Eyes test, Cambridge Mindreading Face-Voice Battery, and Reflective Function questionnaire) among female patients with AN (N = 35) and control participants (N = 42). ED symptoms were assessed via self-report questionnaires. The MASCHeb correlated with measures of mentalizing ability and was found to significantly differentiate patients with AN from controls. In addition to differing on general mental ability, the groups differed on hypomentalizing (but not hypermentalizing). Based on our findings, the MASCHeb proved to be an ecologically valid tool for assessing mentalizing ability and impairments among patients with AN. Moreover, our findings demonstrated the role played by general mentalizing ability in EDs and specifically pointed to the importance of hypomentalization in EDs. These findings have therapeutic implications, as outlined in the Discussion section.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenny Kurman
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shira Talmon
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Eitan Gur
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Daniel Stein
- Sheba Medical Center, Safra Children's Hospital, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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45
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Konstantin GE, Nordgaard J, Henriksen MG. Methodological issues in social cognition research in autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorder: a systematic review. Psychol Med 2023; 53:3281-3292. [PMID: 37161884 PMCID: PMC10277762 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723001095] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses conclude that similar social cognitive impairments are found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). While methodological issues have been mentioned as a limitation, no study has yet explored the magnitude of methodological heterogeneity across these studies and its potential impact for their conclusion. The purpose of this study was to systematically review studies comparing social cognitive impairments in ASD and SSD with a focus on methodology. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched all publications on PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase. Of the 765 studies identified in our data base searches, 21 cross-sectional studies were included in the review. We found significant methodological heterogeneity across the studies. In the 21 studies, a total of 37 different measures of social cognition were used, 25 of which were only used in 1 study. Across studies, the same measure was often said to be assessing different constructs of social cognition - a confusion that seems to reflect the ambiguous definitions of what these measures test in the studies that introduced them. Moreover, inadequate differential diagnostic assessment of ASD samples was found in 81% of the studies, and sample characteristics were markedly varied. The ASD and SSD groups were also often unmatched in terms of medication usage and substance use disorder history. Future studies must address these methodological issues before a definite conclusion can be drawn about the potential similarity of social cognitive impairments in ASD and SSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E. Konstantin
- Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, The State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, USA
- Mental Health Center Amager, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julie Nordgaard
- Mental Health Center Amager, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Gram Henriksen
- Mental Health Center Amager, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Subjectivity Research, Department of Communication, Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Ortega J, Chen Z, Whitney D. Inferential Emotion Tracking reveals impaired context-based emotion processing in individuals with high Autism Quotient scores. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8093. [PMID: 37208368 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35371-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Emotion perception is essential for successful social interactions and maintaining long-term relationships with friends and family. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience social communication deficits and have reported difficulties in facial expression recognition. However, emotion recognition depends on more than just processing face expression; context is critically important to correctly infer the emotions of others. Whether context-based emotion processing is impacted in those with Autism remains unclear. Here, we used a recently developed context-based emotion perception task, called Inferential Emotion Tracking (IET), and investigated whether individuals who scored high on the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) had deficits in context-based emotion perception. Using 34 videos (including Hollywood movies, home videos, and documentaries), we tested 102 participants as they continuously tracked the affect (valence and arousal) of a blurred-out, invisible character. We found that individual differences in Autism Quotient scores were more strongly correlated with IET task accuracy than they are with traditional face emotion perception tasks. This correlation remained significant even when controlling for potential covarying factors, general intelligence, and performance on traditional face perception tasks. These findings suggest that individuals with ASD may have impaired perception of contextual information, it reveals the importance of developing ecologically relevant emotion perception tasks in order to better assess and treat ASD, and it provides a new direction for further research on context-based emotion perception deficits in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jefferson Ortega
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Zhimin Chen
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - David Whitney
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Vision Science Program, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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Clark GT, Reuterskiöld C. Word Learning With Orthographic Support in Nonspeaking and Minimally Speaking School-Age Autistic Children. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37156246 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-22-00549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous research has demonstrated that typically developing children, verbal children with a diagnosis of autism, children with Down syndrome, children with developmental language disorder, and children with dyslexia can all benefit from orthographic support during word learning tasks. This study sought to determine if minimally speaking or nonspeaking children with a diagnosis of autism would also demonstrate an orthographic facilitation effect during a computer-based remote word learning task. METHOD Twenty-two school-age children with a diagnosis of autism and little to no spoken language learned four novel words by contrasting the words with known objects. Two novel words were taught with orthographic support present, and two were taught without orthographic support. Participants were exposed to the words a total of 12 times and then given an immediate posttest to assess identification. Parent report measures of receptive vocabulary, expressive vocabulary, autism symptomatology, and reading skills were also collected. RESULTS During learning tasks, participants performed equally well whether orthographic support was given or not. For the posttest, however, participants performed significantly better for words that were taught with orthographic support. The presence of orthography improved accuracy and supported a greater number of participants to reach the passing criterion compared to the absence of orthography. Orthographic representations aided the word learning of those with lower expressive language significantly more than those with higher expressive language. CONCLUSIONS Minimally speaking or nonspeaking children with a diagnosis of autism benefit from orthographic support when learning new words. Further investigation is warranted to determine if this effect holds during face-to-face interactions using augmentative and alternative communication systems. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22465492.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace T Clark
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, New York University, New York
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Winters DE, Sakai JT. Affective theory of mind impairments underlying callous-unemotional traits and the role of cognitive control. Cogn Emot 2023; 37:696-713. [PMID: 37017241 PMCID: PMC10330116 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2023.2195154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Affective theory of mind (aToM) impairments associated with the youth antisocial phenotype callous-unemotional (CU) traits predict antisocial behaviour above CU traits alone. Importantly, CU traits associate with decrements in complex but not basic aToM. aToM is modulated by cognitive control and CU traits associate with cognitive control impairments; thus, cognitive control is a plausible mechanism underlying aToM impairments in CU traits. Because cognitive control is dependent on the availability of cognitive resources, youth with CU traits may have difficulty with allocating cognitive resources under greater demands that impact complex aToM. To test this, 81 participants (ages 12-14, Female = 51.8%, Male = 48.2%) were recruited to complete a behavioural paradigm that involved an initial aToM task with complex and basic emotions followed by placing additional demands on cognitive control and a final repeat of the same aToM task. Results indicate adolescents higher in CU traits had intact basic aToM but less accuracy in complex aToM that worsened after taxing cognitive control; and this load only required a short duration to account for ToM decrements (200 ms [range 150-1600 ms]). These results demonstrate CU traits association with cognitive control limitations that impact complex aToM. This may partially explain antisocial behaviour associated with CU traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew E Winters
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Joseph T Sakai
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Aspesi D, Bass N, Kavaliers M, Choleris E. The role of androgens and estrogens in social interactions and social cognition. Neuroscience 2023:S0306-4522(23)00151-3. [PMID: 37080448 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.03.028] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal hormones are becoming increasingly recognized for their effects on cognition. Estrogens, in particular, have received attention for their effects on learning and memory that rely upon the functioning of various brain regions. However, the impacts of androgens on cognition are relatively under investigated. Testosterone, as well as estrogens, have been shown to play a role in the modulation of different aspects of social cognition. This review explores the impact of testosterone and other androgens on various facets of social cognition including social recognition, social learning, social approach/avoidance, and aggression. We highlight the relevance of considering not only the actions of the most commonly studied steroids (i.e., testosterone, 17β-estradiol, and dihydrotestosterone), but also that of their metabolites and precursors, which interact with a plethora of different receptors and signalling molecules, ultimately modulating behaviour. We point out that it is also essential to investigate the effects of androgens, their precursors and metabolites in females, as prior studies have mostly focused on males. Overall, a comprehensive analysis of the impact of steroids such as androgens on behaviour is fundamental for a full understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying social cognition, including that of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Aspesi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph
| | - Noah Bass
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph
| | - Martin Kavaliers
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph; Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph.
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de Belen RA, Pincham H, Hodge A, Silove N, Sowmya A, Bednarz T, Eapen V. Eye-tracking correlates of response to joint attention in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:211. [PMID: 36991383 PMCID: PMC10061704 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04585-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of differences in joint attention behaviour between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing (TD) individuals have previously been documented. METHOD We use eye-tracking technology to assess response to joint attention (RJA) behaviours in 77 children aged 31 to 73 months. We conducted a repeated-measures analysis of variance to identify differences between groups. In addition, we analysed correlations between eye-tracking and clinical measures using Spearman's correlation. RESULTS The children diagnosed with ASD were less likely to follow gaze compared to TD children. Children with ASD were less accurate at gaze following when only eye gaze information was available, compared to when eye gaze with head movement was observed. Higher accuracy gaze-following profiles were associated with better early cognition and more adaptive behaviours in children with ASD. Less accurate gaze-following profiles were associated with more severe ASD symptomatology. CONCLUSION There are differences in RJA behaviours between ASD and TD preschool children. Several eye-tracking measures of RJA behaviours in preschool children were found to be associated with clinical measures for ASD diagnosis. This study also highlights the construct validity of using eye-tracking measures as potential biomarkers in the assessment and diagnosis of ASD in preschool children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Anthony de Belen
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - Hannah Pincham
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | | | - Natalie Silove
- Children’s Hospital Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - Arcot Sowmya
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - Tomasz Bednarz
- School of Art & Design, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry South West Sydney, Ingham Institute, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
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