1
|
Liu X. Emotion dysregulation mediates the relationship between sleep problems and externalizing symptoms in early adolescents: A four-wave longitudinal study. J Affect Disord 2024; 363:221-229. [PMID: 39025439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.058] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the growing body of longitudinal research linking sleep problems and externalizing symptoms, regarding the direction of the effects of both variables, the results have been inconsistent. Given the mixed findings and inconsistent results in the literature, we propose that emotion dysregulation may link sleep problems and externalizing symptoms. METHODS The participants (N = 1281, 49.65 % female; M = 12.73 years at time 1, SD = 0.68) were middle school students who completed assessments for sleep problems, externalizing symptoms, and emotion dysregulation. The interval between each wave was six months, for two consecutive years. Autoregressive mediation models using longitudinal data and cross-sectional mediation models using baseline data were evaluated and compared through structural equation modeling. RESULTS The results revealed that severe sleep problems (at T1, T2, or T3) were associated with higher levels of externalizing symptoms later in adolescence (at T2, T3, or T4), but not vice versa. In addition, analyses of indirect effects indicated that emotion dysregulation mediated this link, such that greater sleep problems led to more emotion dysregulation, which, in turn, led to more externalizing symptoms. CONCLUSION The findings highlight the critical role that emotional regulation plays in the link between sleep problems and externalizing symptoms and emphasize the need for students as well as middle school administration to pay close attention to both the sleep and externalizing symptoms of early adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Liu
- School of Psychology, Key Laboratory of Behavioral and Mental Health of Gansu Province, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Smorti M, Milone A, Fanciullacci L, Ciaravolo A, Berrocal C. Parenting and Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties in a General Population Sample of Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Emotional Dysregulation. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:435. [PMID: 38671652 PMCID: PMC11049627 DOI: 10.3390/children11040435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Research has shown that both parenting and emotional dysregulation are associated with mental health outcomes in youth. This cross-sectional research was developed to replicate these noted findings and explore the mediating role of emotional dysregulation to explain the relationship between parenting and emotional and behavioral difficulties (internalizing and externalizing problems) in adolescents. A total of 104 adolescents (61.5% females; M = 15.62 yrs., SD = 1.38) participated in the study. Participants completed the Parental Bonding Instrument (measuring care, promotion of autonomy, and overprotection) referring to both the mother and father, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Youth Self-Report. The results showed that difficulties in emotion regulation fully mediated the relationship between overprotection (in both parents) and low maternal care with internalizing problems, on the one hand, and the relationship between maternal overprotection and low care (in both parents) with externalizing problems, on the other hand. Furthermore, emotional dysregulation partially mediated the effect of paternal care on internalizing problems. These findings help to clarify one of the mechanisms through which parenting can affect mental health in youth. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Smorti
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.S.); (L.F.); (A.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Annarita Milone
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, 56128 Calambrone, Italy
| | - Luisa Fanciullacci
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.S.); (L.F.); (A.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Alessia Ciaravolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.S.); (L.F.); (A.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Carmen Berrocal
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.S.); (L.F.); (A.C.); (C.B.)
- International Lab of Clinical Measurements, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Baetens I, Van Hove L, Azadfar Z, Van Heel M, Soyez V. The Effectivity of a School-Based Early Intervention Targeting Psychological Complaints and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1852. [PMID: 38610615 PMCID: PMC11012402 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13071852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent research suggests a concerning trend of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behaviors emerging at younger ages (as early as age 12). Early onset of NSSI is linked to more severe outcomes. While universal school-based prevention programs have shown promise in addressing suicidal behaviors, there is limited research on their effectiveness in preventing NSSI onset among adolescents. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a universal prevention program in schools for NSSI and mental complaints while enhancing resilience and mental health in 11-14-year-old adolescents. Methods: In total, 329 Flemish secondary school students (55.6% female), aged 11 to 14 years, participated in a 4 h classroom universal prevention, with a focus on emotion regulation, mental health, and specific strategies to prevent NSSI and reduce stigma. For both the intervention and control group (N = 124), a pre-, post-, and one-month follow-up questionnaire was administered, containing reliable and valid measures for NSSI and suicidality, emotion regulation, help-seeking behaviors, well-being, and psychological distress. Results: The prevention program effectively reduced NSSI and psychological distress, particularly for adolescents with a history of NSSI. Conclusions: These findings support previous research on the effectiveness of school-based programs in reducing mental complaints and suggest promising outcomes for NSSI prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imke Baetens
- Brussels University Consultation Centre (BRUCC), Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium; (L.V.H.); (Z.A.); (M.V.H.); (V.S.)
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ho CS, Chen YC, Lee MY, Chen CJ, Tsai HJ. Factors associated with Tourette syndrome among adolescents in Taiwan: A cross-sectional correlational study. J Pediatr Nurs 2023; 73:e75-e82. [PMID: 37544859 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.07.012] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adolescents with Tourette syndrome (TS) may suffer from learning difficulties (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), challenges in interpersonal interactions (especially with peers), disruptions of daily routines (disruptive behavior disorders), and increased psychosocial stress, which can result in internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, such as venting depression and stress through self-harm. The aim of this study was to investigate peer attachment in adolescents with TS and associated risk factors. DESIGN AND METHODS Adolescents with TS aged 13-18 years were recruited from the outpatient departments of 2 hospitals in Taiwan. Participants completed a basic data sheet, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Chinese version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Chinese version of the Youth Self-Report. Descriptive statistics were performed. Structural equation modeling was used to verify the model proposed in this study and to analyze the overall fit and internal structure. RESULTS A total of 452 adolescents with TS aged 10-19 years participated in this study, which aimed to investigate factors affecting peer attachment, depression, anxiety, and psychosocial maladaptation and to explore causal relationships between these factors. Peer attachment was significantly associated with grade point average (rs = -0.240, p < .001), birth order (rs = -0.118, p = .012), parental marital status (rs = -0.111, p = .018), parenting style (rs = -0.138, p = .003), family monthly income (rs = 0.124, p = .008), and weekly hours on the internet (r = -0.164, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that depression, anxiety, and peer attachment affect psychosocial development. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The findings may help clinical staff manage adolescents' severe emotional distress and psychosocial maladaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Che-Sheng Ho
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, MacKay Children Hospital and Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan. #92, Sec. 2, Chung-Shan N. Road, Taipei 10449, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Chang Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Jen-Teh Junior of Medicine Nursing and Management, Miaoli County, Taiwan. 3F.-3, No. 20-3, Ln. 128, Sec. 3, Taichung Port Rd., Situn Dist., Taichung City 40764, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Mei-Yin Lee
- Department of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan, No. 365, Ming-te Rd., Peitou Dist., Taipei City 252, Taiwan.
| | - Chen-Jung Chen
- Department of Nursing, MacKay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan. 46, Sec. 3, Zhongzheng Rd., Sanzhi Dist., New Taipei City 252, Taiwan.
| | - Huang-Ju Tsai
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Da-Yeh University, Changhua, Taiwan. No.168, University Rd., Dacun, Changhua, 515006, Taiwan, ROC.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Boullion A, Linde-Krieger LB, Doan SN, Yates TM. Parental warmth, adolescent emotion regulation, and adolescents' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1216502. [PMID: 37727752 PMCID: PMC10505753 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1216502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The United States (U.S.) Surgeon General Advisory has characterized the COVID-19 pandemic as a youth mental health crisis. Thus, elucidating factors affecting adolescents' mental health during the pandemic is important for supporting youth through current and future challenges. Parenting influences adolescents' ability to cope with stressors, and emotion regulation strategy use may underlie these effects. Methods This longitudinal study of 206 adolescents (49% female; 46.6% Latine) from the U.S. evaluated pathways from perceived parental warmth and affection at age 12 to changes in adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problems from before the pandemic (age 14) to the initial phase of the U.S COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020 (age 15) through adolescents' pre-pandemic cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression emotion regulation strategy use at age 14. Results Parental warmth and affection predicted decreased internalizing, but not externalizing, problems during the initial phase of the pandemic, and this effect was explained by adolescents' reduced reliance on expressive suppression as an emotion regulation strategy. Conclusion These findings illuminate parenting and emotion regulation strategy selection as modifiable processes to support adolescents' mental health in this crisis and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- AnnaMaria Boullion
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Linnea B. Linde-Krieger
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona, AZ, United States
| | - Stacey N. Doan
- Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, CA, United States
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Tuppett M. Yates
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ratliff EL, Morris AS, Cui L, Jespersen JE, Silk JS, Criss MM. Supportive parent-adolescent relationships as a foundation for adolescent emotion regulation and adjustment. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1193449. [PMID: 37546468 PMCID: PMC10400008 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1193449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The purpose of this investigation was to examine the influence of supportive parent-adolescent relationships on adolescent adjustment (i.e., prosocial behavior, aggression, depressive symptoms) both directly and indirectly (via adolescent emotion regulation). Scholars have posited that adolescent emotion regulation (ER) may serve as an underlying mechanism in the link between parenting and adolescent adjustment. Supportive parent-adolescent relationships (i.e., openness, acceptance, emotional responsiveness) may be a key emotion socialization mechanism influencing adolescent ER. Methods The sample included 206 adolescents (Age Range= 10-18years; 51% female; 70.4% ethnic minorities) and one primary caregiver (83.3% biological mothers, 38.7% single parents). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was implemented to investigate the direct and indirect (via adolescent ER) effects of supportive parent-adolescent relationships on adolescent adjustment. We also explored whether these indirect and direct effects varied by adolescent sex and age. Results Results suggested direct and indirect (via adolescent ER) links between supportive parent-adolescent relationships and adolescent prosocial behavior, aggressive behavior, and depressive symptoms. Moreover, evidence indicated that many of these pathways were significant for boys but not girls. No evidence of youth age as a moderator was found. Discussion These findings highlight the important role supportive parent-adolescent relationships play in adolescent emotional and behavioral adjustment. Parenting programs could focus on facilitating a mutually responsive parent-adolescent relationship with a specific focus on the dynamic nature of emotion socialization during adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin L. Ratliff
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Science, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Amanda S. Morris
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Lixian Cui
- Division of Arts and Sciences, New York University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jens E. Jespersen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Science, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Jennifer S. Silk
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Michael M. Criss
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, OK, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lan M, Pan Q, Tan CY, Law NWY. Understanding protective and risk factors affecting adolescents' well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2022; 7:32. [PMID: 36517514 PMCID: PMC9748907 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-022-00149-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the factors affecting adolescents' well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of their participation in digital activities, emotional regulation, self-regulated learning, and parental involvement. Using self-reported data from 932 pairs of adolescents and their parents, we performed multiple-group structural equation modeling, which revealed that self-efficacy in online learning during school suspension was a key factor influencing adolescents' perceived worries after schools resumed. During school suspension, boys' cognitive-emotional regulation played a protective role in their well-being, helping them to avoid cyberbullying incidents, while girls' participation in leisure-oriented digital activities compromised their self-efficacy in online learning and led to cyberbullying incidents. Furthermore, improvement in parent-child relationships during school suspension encouraged adolescents to use more positive emotional regulation strategies, enhanced their self-efficacy in online learning, and reduced their leisure-time digital activities. The findings indicate that the effective regulation of adolescents' online behaviors, emotions, and self-efficacy, especially when combined with an emotionally secure family relationship, can ensure adolescents' well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Lan
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Qianqian Pan
- Centre for Research in Pedagogy and Practice (CRPP), Office of Education Research, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng Yong Tan
- Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu J, Liu X, Wang H, Gao Y. Friend support buffers the relationship between maltreatment and nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescence. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2022; 52:802-811. [PMID: 35352850 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies have mostly focused on the risk factors for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), but only a few studies have emphasized the related protective factors. The present study examined whether maltreatment and behavioral problems were risk factors for NSSI. Moreover, we also sought to understand whether and how friend support provides a buffer against NSSI. METHOD A total of 436 adolescents completed self-report surveys that addressed maltreatment, behavioral problems, friend support, and NSSI at three different time points. RESULTS There were significant positive correlations between maltreatment and NSSI. In the mediation analyses, we found that maltreatment was indirectly associated with NSSI via behavioral problems. Friend support demonstrated a long-term buffering effect on NSSI. Specifically, friend support had a protective effect on NSSI not only under high maltreatment levels, but also under high behavioral problem levels. CONCLUSION These findings contribute to the understanding of the influences of both maltreatment, behavioral problems (risk factors), and friend support (protective factors) on NSSI. In the context of intervention and education, it is important to consider the value of friend support when discussing NSSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinmeng Liu
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yemiao Gao
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rueth JE, Lohaus A. Process-Oriented Measurement of Emotion Regulation: General and Specific Associations With Psychosocial Adjustment and Well-Being in (Pre-)Adolescence. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:904389. [PMID: 35815049 PMCID: PMC9259935 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.904389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of emotion regulation (ER) is associated with children's and adolescents' psychosocial adjustment and well-being. In this regard, previous studies have examined the role of different ER strategies, which can be characterized as being functional (e.g., reappraisal, problem solving) or dysfunctional (e.g., suppression, rumination). Based on the process model of emotion regulation, the strategies can also be classified according to their temporal position within the emotion generative process, with five families of ER strategies being proposed: situation selection, situation modification, attentional deployment, cognitive change, and response modulation. This study aimed to examine the role of ER for adolescents' psychosocial adjustment (internalizing and externalizing problems, prosocial behavior) and well-being. First, associations were investigated on a more general level by distinguishing between functional and dysfunctional ER. Second, relations were examined on a more specific level by additionally distinguishing between the five families of ER strategies as suggested in the process model of ER. Questionnaire self-reports of N = 1,727 German children and adolescents (55% girls) aged 9-18 years (M = 13.03, SD = 1.75) collected in schools were analyzed. Path analyses showed that more functional and less dysfunctional ER in general is associated with fewer internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and higher well-being. Prosocial behavior was only positively related to functional but not dysfunctional ER. Analyses of associations on the level of specific categories of ER strategies generally showed a similar pattern, but in part indicated differential associations with the dependent variables: Internalizing problems were particularly associated with functional situation selection, dysfunctional cognitive change, and dysfunctional response modulation. Externalizing problems were associated with functional situation selection and response modulation, as well as numerous dysfunctional strategies, none of which were particularly salient. Similarly, numerous rather than single specific associations emerged between prosocial behavior and the five categories of functional ER strategies. Well-being was particularly associated with functional situation selection and dysfunctional cognitive change. Overall, a more precise assessment of ER, as implemented in this study, could not only advance research in this field, but can also be helpful in planning and evaluating prevention and intervention programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana-Elisa Rueth
- Developmental Psychology and Developmental Psychopathology, Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Arnold Lohaus
- Developmental Psychology and Developmental Psychopathology, Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Stone KJ, Poquiz JL, Singh M, Fite PJ. Examining Incremental Validity of Dimensions of Alexithymia and Parental Psychological Control on Internalizing Symptoms of Youth Involved with the Juvenile Justice System. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-021-09626-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
11
|
Te Brinke LW, Menting ATA, Schuiringa HD, Deković M, Weisz JR, de Castro BO. Emotion regulation training as a treatment element for externalizing problems in adolescence: A randomized controlled micro-trial. Behav Res Ther 2021; 143:103889. [PMID: 34111699 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2021.103889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Improving interventions for externalizing problems in adolescence may require determining which treatment elements actually produce change. In this micro-trial, we tested a treatment element addressing one widely-hypothesized mechanism underlying externalizing problems: emotion regulation. We tested whether emotion regulation could be improved via training, whether adolescents who received such training would subsequently show reduced externalizing problems, and which training approach and sequence was most effective. We randomized 108 adolescents with elevated externalizing problems (71.3% boys, Mage = 13.66, SD = 1.10) to a control condition or an experimental condition teaching emotion regulation through either a cognitive or behavioral approach, in alternated sequences. Effects of the modules were assessed before and after the modules, and with weekly assessments. The results showed a positive effect of the experimental training on self-reported use of adaptive emotion regulation strategies. However, self-reported externalizing problems decreased more in the control condition than in the experimental condition. No mediation, approach (cognitive versus behavioral) or sequence (cognitive-behavioral versus behavioral-cognitive sequence) effects were found. These findings illustrate that change in a proposed mechanism may not be accompanied by change in targeted problems; this highlights the importance of testing the hypothesized impact of specific treatment elements on targeted mental health problems. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR7334, July 10th, 2018) and the study protocol was published (te Brinke, Schuiringa, Menting, Deković, & de Castro, 2018).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lysanne W Te Brinke
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584, CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Ankie T A Menting
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584, CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Hilde D Schuiringa
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584, CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Maja Deković
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584, CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - John R Weisz
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 33 Kirkland Street Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States.
| | - Bram O de Castro
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Utrecht University, 80125, 3508, TC, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|