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Pickering CEZ, Weiss N, Yildiz M, Sullivan T. Self-Compassion and Emotion Dysregulation Mediate the Effect of Stress Appraisals on Elder Abuse and Neglect Behaviors in Dementia Family Caregiving. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2024; 79:gbae138. [PMID: 39136354 PMCID: PMC11439994 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbae138] [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: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the mechanistic process by which family caregivers' situational stress appraisals of behavioral symptoms of dementia (BSD) increase the likelihood of a caregiver engaging in abusive and neglectful behaviors toward their care recipient with dementia. We test the hypotheses that (1) the effect of daily BSD stress appraisals on elder abuse and neglect (EAN) is mediated by the caregivers' emotion dysregulation (2) and the mediation path is moderated by self-compassion. METHODS This study employed a multitime series design in which participants (N = 453) completed traditional longitudinal surveys at enrollment followed by 21 sequential days of diary surveys (n = 9,513). The hypothesized moderated mediation path was evaluated through a multilevel structural equation model. RESULTS Hypotheses were supported. At the within-person level, daily BSD stress appraisal has a significant direct effect on daily EAN. At the between-person level, the path was no longer significant implying a full mediation of emotion dysregulation. The main effect of self-compassion and the interaction term (emotion dysregulation × self-compassion) were also statistically significant indicating the path between emotion dysregulation and EAN is moderated by self-compassion. DISCUSSION This study significantly advances the field by empirically showing a mechanistic pathway for a theoretical explanation of EAN. These findings represent a breakthrough for the field and identify modifiable intervention targets for future behavioral interventions to prevent EAN. Emotion (dys)regulation and self-compassion are modifiable traits and skills that can be learned, with robust evidence bases of efficacious interventions that can be adapted for context to dementia family caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn E Z Pickering
- Department of Research, UTHealth Houston Cizik School of Nursing, Houston, Texas,USA
| | - Nicole Weiss
- Department of Psychology, College of Health Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Mustafa Yildiz
- Department of Research, UTHealth Houston Cizik School of Nursing, Houston, Texas,USA
- Department of Educational Sciences, Amasya University, Amasya, Turkey
| | - Tami Sullivan
- Division of Prevention and Community Research, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut,USA
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Alsamman S, Dajani R, Al-Delaimy WK. Self-compassion and association with distress, depression, and anxiety among displaced Syrians: A population-based study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0309051. [PMID: 39298519 PMCID: PMC11412651 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Displaced communities are at increased risk of poor mental health with limited resources for treatment. Self-compassion moderates the impacts of stressors on mental health in high-income country general population samples, but its impact has not been described among people who have experienced displacement and associated trauma. The aim of this study was to characterize the associations between self-compassion, mental health, and resilience in a sample of displaced Syrian adults living in Jordan. This is a cross-sectional study using four validated survey tools measuring self-compassion, resilience, mental health, and traumatic exposure. Syrian adults who presented to four different community organizations serving refugees within Amman, Jordan were invited to participate. A total of 272 displaced Syrians were included in the final analysis. A majority of those surveyed were positive for emotional distress (84.6%), depression (85.7%), and anxiety (76.5%). In univariate analysis there was a significant lower risk of emotional distress, depression, and anxiety, with both higher resilience and self-compassion. However, in the multivariate model only self-compassion remained significantly associated with less emotional distress, depression, and anxiety, independent of resilience and other covariates. Female gender, poor financial stability, and high levels of traumatic exposure were also identified as persistent predictors of mental health morbidity. The findings of this study suggest that self-compassion is associated with less distress, depression, and anxiety in displaced individuals; suggesting it might be protective against poor mental health. Self-compassion is a modifiable factor that can be utilized as a tool by healthcare professionals and communities caring for refugees to promote positive mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Alsamman
- University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Rana Dajani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
- MIT Refugee Action Hub (ReACT), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Wael K. Al-Delaimy
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
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Fan X, Yang Y. Whether and How Family Functioning Relates to the Development of Self-Compassion and Emotion Regulation in Chinese Migrant Children? A Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis. J Youth Adolesc 2024:10.1007/s10964-024-02088-2. [PMID: 39294483 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-024-02088-2] [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] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Given the heightened difficulties in social adjustment and the potential diminishment of social networks encountered by migrant children, family functioning may play a crucial role in their development. Existing research has highlighted the significance of family environment in shaping adolescent self-compassion and emotion regulation, which can serve as protective factors against adverse emotional outcomes. However, there remains a lack of comparative studies to examine the specific effects of family functioning on fostering self-compassion and emotion regulation in both migrant and their non-migrant counterparts. The present study utilized a three-wave longitudinal design with 12-month intervals to examine the longitudinal effects of family functioning on self-compassion and emotion regulation, while also examining potential variations in these associations between migrant and non-migrant children. A total of 244 migrant children and 491 non-migrant children from a high school in Guangdong Province (357 females; Mage = 15.3 at Time 1, SDage = 0.53) participated in this study. Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) were utilized to examine the longitudinal associations among family functioning, self-compassion, and emotion regulation in both groups. The results showed that, at the within-person level, family functioning reciprocally predicted self-compassion over time among migrant children, and it also exerted an indirect effect on emotion regulation, mediated by self-compassion. Among non-migrant children, emotion regulation positively predicted self-compassion over time, with no other observed cross-lagged effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinpei Fan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, Institute of Brain and Education Innovation, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, Institute of Brain and Education Innovation, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
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Blankenship P, Hogge I. Self-Compassion and Psychological Well-Being of Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors: Emotional Dysregulation and Trauma-Related Shame as Mediators. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241268781. [PMID: 39183692 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241268781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we explored explanations for the link between self-compassion and psychological well-being among a sample of adult childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors in the United States (n = 335). Informed by Neff's self-compassion theory, we hypothesized that the relationship between self-compassion and psychological well-being would be partially explained by a reduction in emotional dysregulation and trauma-related shame. We tested a parallel multiple mediation model with (a) emotion dysregulation and (b) trauma-related shame as the mediators. As hypothesized, we found a significant positive relationship between self-compassion and psychological well-being among the sample of CSA survivors. Emotional dysregulation and trauma-related shame were both significant mediators of this relationship. However, self-compassion had a significant direct effect even after accounting for the two mediators, which suggests partial mediation. Our results provide further support for the link between self-compassion and psychological well-being and identify reductions in both emotional dysregulation and trauma-related shame as potential mechanisms for this relationship. This study also has implications for clinical practice and prevention efforts that integrate self-compassion, emotion regulation, and trauma-related shame as salient areas of focus.
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Zhong Z, Jiang H, Wang H, Liu Y. Mindfulness, social evaluation anxiety, and self-regulation: exploring their association on impulsive behavior among athletes. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1404680. [PMID: 38807692 PMCID: PMC11130505 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1404680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Athletes, due to frequent physical interactions in competitive sports, are prone to impulsive behavior. Impulsive behavior is a prevalent psychological factor in sports, often leading to performance-affecting errors. This cross-sectional survey investigated the relationship between mindfulness and athletes' impulsive behavior. Methods We sampled 403 athletes from youth training centers, universities, sports academies, and clubs in China using convenience and snowball sampling. Using AMOS v23, we analyzed the data with a structural equation model. Results Our structural equation model confirmed that mindfulness and self-regulation inversely correlate with impulsive behavior, while social evaluation anxiety positively correlates with impulsive behavior. Furthermore, self-regulation and social evaluation anxiety serve as intermediaries in the link between mindfulness and impulsive behavior. Discussions This research suggests introducing mindfulness meditation practices in competitive settings to improve athletes' social evaluation anxiety and enhance their self-regulation abilities, thereby boosting their psychological health and curbing impulsive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyi Zhong
- School of Physical Education, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, China
| | - Hongyu Jiang
- School of Physical Education, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, China
| | - Huilin Wang
- School of Business, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, China
- Moray House School of Education and Sport, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Social and Political Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Berg SJ, Zaso MJ, Biehler KM, Read JP. Self-Compassion and Self-Forgiveness in Alcohol Risk, Treatment and Recovery: A Systematic Review. Clin Psychol Psychother 2024; 31:e2987. [PMID: 38769941 PMCID: PMC11360266 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2987] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Self-compassion and self-forgiveness are two self-focused, positive coping approaches that may reduce risk of problem drinking and/or aid in treatment/recovery from alcohol use disorder. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate support for the unique and complementary roles of self-compassion and self-forgiveness in alcohol outcomes. METHODS A systematic literature search yielded 18 studies examining self-compassion, 18 studies examining self-forgiveness and 1 study examining both constructs in alcohol outcomes. RESULTS Findings suggest greater self-compassion and self-forgiveness relate to lower likelihood of problem drinking. Self-forgiveness was considerably more researched in treatment/recovery outcomes than self-compassion; self-forgiveness-based interventions appear able to improve drinking-adjacent outcomes, and self-forgiveness may increase across various alcohol treatments. Finally, research suggests that associations of self-compassion and/or self-forgiveness with alcohol outcomes could be driven by numerous factors, including coping-motivated drinking, depression, psychache, social support perceptions, mental health status and/or psychiatric distress. CONCLUSIONS Self-compassion and self-forgiveness both appear protective against harmful alcohol outcomes. Nevertheless, many questions remain about the role of self-forgiveness and, particularly, self-compassion in alcohol treatment and recovery outcomes. Future research should examine whether targeted interventions and/or adjunctive therapeutic supports designed to increase self-compassion or self-forgiveness can reduce alcohol use disorder symptoms to facilitate alcohol treatment and recovery success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia J. Berg
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo – The State University of New York, 204 Park Hall, North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260
| | - Michelle J. Zaso
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo – The State University of New York, 204 Park Hall, North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244
| | - Kaitlyn M. Biehler
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo – The State University of New York, 204 Park Hall, North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260
| | - Jennifer P. Read
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo – The State University of New York, 204 Park Hall, North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260
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Rim H, Son H, Kim J. From classroom to life: Gender differences in the persistent effect of learning disabilities on adult depressive symptoms. Soc Sci Med 2024; 349:116886. [PMID: 38626503 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Despite the well-established link between adolescent learning disabilities (LD) and mental health, little is known about its long-term consequences. This study examines the relationship between adolescent LD and adult depressive symptoms, with a focus on gender differences and underlying mechanisms. Using a sibling sample from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 3,414), this study estimated sibling fixed effects models to account for unobserved family-level characteristics such as genes and early childhood family and social context. Sobel mediation analyses were conducted to examine social-psychological mechanisms, including the student-teacher relationship, the student-student relationship, and a sense of school belonging. LD in adolescence was positively associated with depressive symptoms in adulthood (b = 0.823, p < 0.05). This association remained robust when controlling for unobserved family-level confounders as well as educational attainment in adulthood. Gender-stratified models showed that only the association for women is statistically significant (b = 1.935, p < 0.05), and its magnitude is nearly three times that of the association for men. Sobel mediation tests indicate that a decline in a sense of school belonging mediates approximately 17% of the association between adolescent LD and adult depressive symptoms. This study's findings suggest that LD in adolescence is associated with an increase in depressive symptoms in adulthood, particularly in women, and a low sense of school belonging may be a potential mediator. Implementing interventions to improve the school integration of girls with LD could be an effective means of improving their long-term mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunseo Rim
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyewon Son
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Kim
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Center for Demography of Health and Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Wilson C, Misajon R, Brooker J. Self-compassion and self-coldness and their relationship with psychological distress and subjective well-being among community-based Hazaras in Australia. Transcult Psychiatry 2024; 61:229-245. [PMID: 38327149 DOI: 10.1177/13634615241227683] [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: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Hazaras are a newly emerging community in Australia and limited research has explored their mental health. The first aim of this study was to explore levels of psychological distress and subjective well-being reported by Hazaras in Australia, and whether scores on psychosocial variables (self-compassion, self-coldness, acculturation, resilience, spirituality), psychological distress and domains of subjective well-being differed by sociodemographic groups. The second aim had two parts: (a) to examine bivariate relationships between the psychosocial variables, psychological distress and subjective well-being; and (b) to examine whether the psychosocial predictor variables independently contributed to subjective well-being and psychological distress when controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Seventy-two Hazaras (58 men and 14 women), with a mean age of 28.82 years (SD = 8.84) and average length of time residing in Australia of 10.17 years (SD = 4.11), completed an online survey. There were sociodemographic differences in relation to key variables of interest; for example, participants who did not have family members in Australia reported lower levels of global life satisfaction. Moderate negative relationships were found between self-compassion and psychological distress and between self-coldness and subjective well-being. Self-coldness, self-compassion, resilience and acculturation contributed uniquely to psychological distress and subjective well-being when controlling for sociodemographic variables. Although migration programmes that provide permanent residency and allow family members to join refugees in Australia are limited, they appear important. Many of the difficulties facing Hazaras are ongoing, external and beyond their control (e.g. visa status); however, there is a possibility that self-compassion can play a role as a protective factor.
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Kayalar A, Hiçdurmaz D. Effects of metacognitions, self-compassion, and difficulties in emotion regulation on psychological resilience in oncology nurses. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2024; 70:102568. [PMID: 38574418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102568] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Providing care to individuals with cancer requires oncology nurses to have superior skills related to physical care and adaptation to the changing healthcare system, as well as witnessing and supporting the psychosocial difficulties experienced by patients and families in this process. It requires oncology nurses to be psychologically resilient. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the factors affecting the psychological resilience of oncology nurses. This study aimed to determine the effect of self-compassion, metacognitions, and difficulties in emotion regulation on psychological resilience in oncology nurses. METHODS This is a cross-sectional correlational study. The study was conducted with 121 oncology nurses providing active oncologic care and who volunteered to participate. The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS The regression model established to determine the effect of self-compassion, metacognitions, and difficulties in emotion regulation on psychological resilience was statistically significant (F(3,117) = 24.086 p < 0.001) and explained 36.6% of the change in resilience. Among the independent variables, only self-compassion had a significant contribution to the model (p = 0.001). According to the model, 1-unit change in self-compassion caused 0.571-unit change in psychological resilience. CONCLUSION Self-compassion, metacognitions, and difficulties in emotion regulation were significantly related to psychological resilience, but only self-compassion significantly affected psychological resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aycan Kayalar
- Gazi University Health Practice and Research Center Consultation-Liasion Psychiatry Unit, Hacettepe University Institute of Health Sciences Psychiatric Nursing PhD Programme Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Duygu Hiçdurmaz
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing Department, Ankara, Turkey
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Kummar AS, Correia H, Tan J, Fujiyama H. An 8-week compassion and mindfulness-based exposure therapy program improves posttraumatic stress symptoms. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023. [PMID: 37947043 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2929] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The persistence of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) can be debilitating. However, many people experiencing such symptoms may not qualify for or may not seek treatment. Potentially contributing to ongoing residual symptoms of PTSS is emotion dysregulation. Meanwhile, the research area of mindfulness and compassion has grown to imply emotion regulation as one of its underlying mechanisms; yet, its influence on emotion regulation in PTSS cohort is unknown. Here, we explored the potential effectiveness of an 8-week Compassion-oriented and Mindfulness-based Exposure Therapy (CoMET) for individuals with PTSS using a waitlist control design. A total of 28 individuals (27 females, age range = 18-39 years) participated in the study (17 CoMET; 11 waitlist control). Following CoMET, participants reported significant decreases in PTSS severity (from clinical to non-clinical levels), emotion dysregulation and experiential avoidance, as well as significant increases in mindfulness, self-compassion and quality of life. Electroencephalogram-based brain network connectivity analysis revealed an increase in alpha-band connectivity following CoMET in a network that includes the amygdala, suggesting that CoMET successfully induced changes in functional connectivity between brain regions that play a crucial role in emotion regulation. In sum, the current study demonstrated promising intervention outcomes of CoMET in effectively alleviating the symptoms of PTSS via enhanced emotion regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auretta Sonia Kummar
- School of Psychology, College of Health & Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Helen Correia
- School of Psychology, College of Health & Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Psychological Sciences, Australian College of Applied Professions, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jane Tan
- School of Psychology, College of Health & Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Hakuei Fujiyama
- School of Psychology, College of Health & Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Crede M, Tynan M, Harms PD, Lester PB. Clarifying the association between adverse childhood experiences and postdeployment posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity: A meta-analysis and large-sample investigation. J Trauma Stress 2023; 36:700-711. [PMID: 37282808 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We report on two studies designed to shed light on the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity in military personnel. In particular, we examined the evidence for both additive and multiplicative associations between ACEs and combat exposure in predicting PTSD symptom severity. Study 1 was a meta-analysis of 50 samples (N > 50,000), and we found evidence for a moderate linear association between ACEs and PTSD symptom severity, ρ = .24. We also found that ACEs explained substantial variance in PTSD symptom severity after controlling for combat exposure, ΔR2 = .048. In Study 2, which is preregistered, we relied on a large sample of combat-deployed U.S. soldiers (N > 6,000) to examine evidence of a multiplicative association between ACEs and combat exposure in predicting PTSD symptom severity. In line with theoretical arguments that individuals who have experienced childhood trauma are more vulnerable to subsequent trauma exposure, we found a weak but meaningful interaction effect, ΔR2 = .00, p < .001, between ACEs and deployment-related traumatic events in the prediction of PTSD symptom severity. Implications for clinical applications and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Crede
- Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Michael Tynan
- Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Peter D Harms
- School of Management, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Paul B Lester
- Graduate School of Defense Management, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, USA
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Zhang H, Li J, Sun B, Wei Q. Effects of Childhood Maltreatment on Self-Compassion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:873-885. [PMID: 34510982 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211043825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review aims to estimate the extent to which childhood maltreatment influences self-compassion in later life. METHOD Four English databases (Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed, and PsycARTICLES) and three Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Weipu) were systematically searched. We extracted data related to the associations between child maltreatment and self-compassion and pooled them using random effect models. FINDINGS A total of 20 eligible studies were included involving 6,877 participants in the analyses. Overall child maltreatment was negatively related to self-compassion (r = -.28, p < .001); emotional abuse and neglect were negatively related to self-compassion (r = -.28, p < .01; r = -.31, p < .01, respectively) at a moderate level; and physical abuse, sexual abuse, and physical neglect were negatively related to self-compassion (r = -.12, p < .01; r = -.10, p < .01; and r = -.22, p < .001, respectively) at a small level. CONCLUSION The results indicate that overall and subtypes of maltreatment are associated with decreased self-compassion, and child intervention programs focused on self-compassion should be designed to protect the well-being of individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Zhang
- Center for Studies of Sociology Theory and Method, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
- Department of Social Work and Social Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Jiming Li
- Department of Social Work and Social Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Bingyi Sun
- Department of Social Work and Social Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Qingong Wei
- National Academy of Development and Strategy, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
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Igra L, Shilon S, Kivity Y, Atzil-Slonim D, Lavi-Rotenberg A, Hasson-Ohayon I. Examining the associations between difficulties in emotion regulation and symptomatic outcome measures among individuals with different mental disorders. Front Psychol 2023; 14:944457. [PMID: 36998365 PMCID: PMC10043222 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.944457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Difficulties in emotion regulation (ER) abilities have been found to play a central role in different psychiatric disorders. However, researchers rarely compare ER across different diagnostic groups. In the current study, we examined ER and its relation to functional and symptomatic outcome among three distinct diagnostic groups: people with schizophrenia (SCZ), people with emotional disorders (EDs; i.e., depression and/or anxiety), and individuals without any psychiatric diagnosis (controls). Methods Participants in this study comprised 108 adults who requested psychotherapy at a community clinic in the year 2015 and between 2017 and 2019. Clients were interviewed and filled out questionnaires measuring depression, distress, and difficulties in ER abilities. Results Results showed that individuals with psychiatric diagnoses reported higher levels of difficulties in ER abilities than did controls. Moreover, there were very few differences in levels of ER difficulty between SCZ and EDs. Further, the associations between maladaptive ER and psychological outcomes were significant in each diagnostic group, and especially for SCZ. Conclusion Our study indicates that difficulties in ER abilities partially have a transdiagnostic nature, and that these difficulties are associated with psychological outcomes among both clinical populations and controls. There were very few differences in levels of ER ability difficulties between SCZ and EDs, suggesting that the two groups share difficulties in relating and responding to emotional distress. The associations between difficulties in ER abilities and outcome were more robust and stronger among SCZ than the other groups, highlighting the potential contribution of targeting ER abilities in the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libby Igra
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Wang Q, Luo X, Hu W, Tu R, Zhao F. Psychological maltreatment and adolescent internet harassment perpetration: The mediating role of deviant peer affiliation and the moderating role of self-compassion. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 135:105947. [PMID: 36399815 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological maltreatment has been regarded as a risk factor for adolescent internet harassment. However, previous studies failed to take family, peer, and individual factors into account comprehensively when comes to adolescent internet harassment perpetration. OBJECTIVE Based on the Social-Ecological Diathesis-Stress Model, the present study established a moderated mediation model to investigate the mediating role of deviant peer affiliation in the association between psychological maltreatment and adolescent internet harassment perpetration, as well as the moderating role of self-compassion. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A total of 1,592 Chinese adolescents (51.07 % girls, Mage = 13.23 years) participated in the current study. METHOD The participants completed questionnaires regarding demographics, psychological maltreatment, internet harassment perpetration, deviant peer affiliation, and self-compassion. RESULTS Psychological maltreatment was positively related to adolescent internet harassment perpetration. Mediation analyses revealed that deviant peer affiliation partially mediated this relationship (indirect effect = 0.14, 95 % CI = [0.09, 0.20]). Moderated mediation analyses further indicated that self-compassion not only moderated the link between psychological maltreatment and adolescent internet harassment perpetration, with the effect being significant only for adolescents with low levels of self-compassion, but also moderated the indirect association between psychological maltreatment and internet harassment perpetration via deviant peer affiliation, with the association being much more potent for adolescents with low levels of self-compassion. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of considering multiple circumstantial and individual factors to understand the development of adolescents' externalizing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wang
- School of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiao Luo
- School of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Information Engineering University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruilin Tu
- School of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fengqing Zhao
- School of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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15
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Bhuptani PH, Messman TL. Self-compassion and Shame Among Rape Survivors. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP16575-NP16595. [PMID: 34107808 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211021994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Women are at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression associated with rape, and shame plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of PTSD and depression. Thus, there is a need to identify factors that may decrease shame among female survivors of adult rape. Self-compassion may be one such factor. The present study used path analysis in MPlus version 7.3 to examine the indirect effect of self-compassion on PTSD and depression via rape-related shame. We hypothesized that higher levels of self-compassion would be associated with lower levels of rape-related shame, which in turn would be associated with lower levels of PTSD and depression. College women (N = 305) who reported experiencing rape completed anonymous online surveys assessing rape, self-compassion, rape-related shame, PTSD, and depression. Consistent with our hypothesis, results indicated that self-compassion was negatively associated with assault-related shame, which in turn was positively associated with PTSD and depression. There was also a significant indirect effect of self-compassion on PTSD and depression via rape-related shame. Further, rape-related shame fully explained the relation between self-compassion and PTSD. Findings suggest that self-compassion may be an appropriate target to reduce rape-related shame and may subsequently facilitate reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms.
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16
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Schleyer W, Zona K, Quigley D, Spottswood M. Group therapy in primary care settings for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic literature review. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2022; 77:1-10. [PMID: 35390567 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to summarize existing literature on group therapy for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in primary care. METHOD A PRISMA systematic literature review was performed through February 26, 2022 identifying existing studies of group trauma therapy in primary care. Articles were included if they discussed group trauma therapy for primary care patients. Bias was assessed based on sample sizes and presence of control groups. Results are presented as a weighted average of the engagement rate and a qualitative description of overlapping study traits. RESULTS Four studies of group PTSD treatment within primary care were identified with 70 total patients completing group treatment. The weighted treatment engagement rate was 65%. Each utilized distinct group trauma treatment models and reported significant patient improvements in PTSD symptoms on standardized trauma symptom scales. DISCUSSION Group trauma therapy models are available and can be disseminated within primary care settings. Limitations include both the small number of studies and participants. CONCLUSION There have been few studies of group therapy for PTSD in primary care, but these could represent a promising and scalable approach to meet the high need for trauma treatment. Further research is needed regarding implementation feasibility and impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Schleyer
- Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, 1493 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kate Zona
- Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, 1493 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Dan Quigley
- Smith College School for Social Work Lilly Hall, 23 West St, Northampton, MA 01063, United States of America
| | - Margaret Spottswood
- Community Health Centers of Burlington, 617 Riverside Ave., Burlington, VT 05401, United States of America; University of Vermont, Department of Psychiatry, 1 South Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05401, United States of America.
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17
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Cognitive reappraisal both buffers and mediates the negative effect of childhood emotional neglect on adult resilience: Findings from a Romanian sample. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03362-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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18
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Gould DJ, Sawarynski K, Mohiyeddini C. Academic Management in Uncertain Times: Shifting and Expanding the Focus of Cognitive Load Theory During COVID-19 Pandemic Education. Front Psychol 2022; 13:647904. [PMID: 35783760 PMCID: PMC9249437 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.647904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced medical education toward more "online education" approaches, causing specific implications to arise for medical educators and learners. Considering an unprecedented and highly threatening, constrained, and confusing social and educational environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to shift the traditional focus of the Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) from students to instructors. In this process, we considered recent suggestions to acknowledge the psychological environment in which learning happens. According to this fundamental fact, "Learning and instructional procedures do not occur in a situational vacuum." Following this assertion, we adapted and implemented principles of CLT to reduce the extraneous load for our faculty to facilitate continued scholarly activity and support the overall wellbeing of our faculty during these trying times. The adoption of these principles enabled our team to cultivate attitudes and skills across multiple domains, such as online presentation technologies, implementing and maintaining a "classroom atmosphere" in a virtual environment, encouraging discussion among large online groups of students, facilitating group work, providing virtual office hours, and proactively planning for subsequent sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Changiz Mohiyeddini
- Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, United States
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19
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Daneshvar S, Shafiei M, Basharpoor S. Compassion-Focused Therapy: Proof of Concept Trial on Suicidal Ideation and Cognitive Distortions in Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence With PTSD. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP9613-NP9634. [PMID: 33375899 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520984265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This proof of concept trial aimed to assess the pre-post differences in suicidal ideation and cognitive distortions in the compassion-focused therapy (CFT), and to compare the psychological improvement in the experimental group to a control group. A total of 42 women suffering from PTSD due to exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) were randomized to the experimental and control groups (21 per group). All participants completed the questionnaires of suicidal ideation and cognitive distortions as pretest measures. Subjects of the experimental group received 8 CFT sessions, while the controls did not receive any therapy. Then, all subjects responded to the questionnaires of suicidal ideation and cognitive distortions as the posttest measures. Data were analyzed using one-way repeated measures MANOVA. Subjects of the experimental group indicated a greater reduction in post-test scores of suicidal ideation and its subscales including passive suicidal ideation, preparation for suicide, and active suicidal ideation when compared to the controls. Moreover, the subjects of the experimental group indicated a greater reduction in the post-test scores of cognitive distortions than controls. These results provide support for a larger trial focusing on the efficacy of CFT on psychological outcomes of PTSD following exposure to IPV. This intervention has the potential to be deployed at higher scales for IPV-affected women with PTSD.
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20
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Shahsavarinia K, Amiri P, Mousavi Z, Gilani N, Saadati M, Soleimanpour H. Prediction of PTSD related to COVID-19 in emergency staff based on the components of self-compassion and perceived social support. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:368. [PMID: 35641937 PMCID: PMC9154198 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04017-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND On March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic. In addition to severe health problems, the disease has had a major psychological impact on the public. The aim of this research was to examine the association between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related to COVID-19 in emergency staff and self-compassion and perceived social support. METHODS Data were collected from 222 emergency staff working in two referral educational and health centers for COVID-19 affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. The participants were recruited six months following the first case of hospitalization for COVID-19 in these two hospitals in Tabriz, Iran. Four questionnaires were used to measure the variables, including a researcher-made demographic checklist, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS) and the Self-Compassion Scale. RESULTS The findings showed that age (r = 0.17, P = 0.034), self-judgment (r = 0. 36, P < 0.001), isolation (r = 0.44, P < 0.001) and over-identification (r = 0.15, P = 0.031) were associated with PTSD score, and there was also a statistically significant inverse relationship between the score of the self-kindness (r = - 0.19, P = 0.006) subscale and the overall score of PTSD in the emergency staff. CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency staff have persistently faced potentially traumatic situations as first-line healthcare workers, suggesting the direness of this group's mental health. By identifying the predisposing factors of the psychological pathology under study, this research can be applied in clinical practice and provide useful information for designing special interventions and protocols for emergency staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavous Shahsavarinia
- Road Traffic Injury Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Emergency and Trauma Care Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parastoo Amiri
- Road Traffic Injury Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Mousavi
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Neda Gilani
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Hassan Soleimanpour
- Road Traffic Injury Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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21
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Emotion regulation and subjective well-being among parents of children with behavioral and emotional problems – the role of self-compassion. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03228-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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22
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McQuillan K, Hyland P, Vallières F. Prevalence, correlates, and the mitigation of ICD-11 CPTSD among homeless adults: The role of self-compassion. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 127:105569. [PMID: 35240370 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105569] [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: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2018, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) was accepted into the International Classification of Diseases, edition 11 (ICD-11) to capture symptoms associated with exposure to chronic, inescapable trauma. Thereafter, the disorder's links with interpersonal trauma have been established. OBJECTIVE Within a sample of homeless adults in Ireland, the (1) prevalence of ICD-11 disorders specifically associated with stress; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and CPTSD, (2) nature of interpersonal trauma exposure, self-identified index events, and their association with the diagnostic criteria of CPTSD, and (3) relationship between cumulative interpersonal trauma exposure and CPTSD via self-compassion were examined. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Adults using homeless services (N = 56) completed self-report measures of socio-demographics, trauma-history, PSTD, CPTSD, and self-compassion. METHODS The data were analysed using chi-squared and mediation analyses (via PROCESS). RESULTS CPTSD was highly prevalent (33.9%) among the sample, but PTSD was not (3.6%). Emotional neglect was the most prevalent interpersonal trauma and the most common index event. Only lifetime sexual abuse (from someone other than a parent or guardian) was associated with CPTSD diagnostic status (χ2 = 3.94, (1), p = .047). When adjusted for gender, relationship status, and living situation, self-compassion mediated the relationship between cumulative interpersonal trauma exposure and CPTSD severity (B = 1.30, SE = 0.50, 95% CI = [0.43-2.35]). CONCLUSION Findings support the relevance of CPTSD to understanding psychopathology in homeless adults and the potential role of self-compassion in interventions. Further, they open debate on the nature of events that are considered traumatic - subjectively and in psychiatric canon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie McQuillan
- School of Counselling Psychology, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Spirasi, The National Centre for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture, Phibsborough, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland; Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Frédérique Vallières
- Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Ireland.
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23
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Daneshvar S, Shafiei M, Basharpoor S. Group-based Compassion-focused Therapy on Experiential Avoidance, Meaning-in-life, and Sense of Coherence in Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence with PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP4187-NP4211. [PMID: 32933348 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520958660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The current study was carried out to investigate the effects of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) on experiential avoidance, meaning-in-life, and sense of coherence (SoC) in women suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the intimate partner violence (IPV).42 women suffering from PTSD due to the IPV exposure were randomized to the two groups of experimental and control (21 per group). All participants completed the questionnaires of experiential avoidance, meaning-in-life, and SoC as pre-test measures. The experimental group received eight sessions of CFT, while the controls did not receive any treatment. After that, all subjects responded to the questionnaires of experiential avoidance, meaning-in-life, and SoC as the post-test measures. Data were analyzed using one-way repeated measures MANOVA.Subjects of the experimental group indicated a greater reduction in post-test scores of experiential avoidance, and a significant rise in the level of meaning-in-life and its subscales including the presence of meaning-in-life and search for meaning-in-life when compared to the controls. Nevertheless, there was no change in the level of SoC as a function of CFT.Applying CFT can result in reducing experiential avoidance and raising the meaning of life in women with PTSD due to IPV exposure. CFT is highly recommended to strengthen the well-being of patients with PTSD and reduce the PTSD symptoms.
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24
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Salzmann S, Salzmann-Djufri M, Euteneuer F. Childhood Emotional Neglect and Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:815508. [PMID: 35198614 PMCID: PMC8858943 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.815508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychosocial factors predict the incidence and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is accumulating evidence for the importance of childhood maltreatment for the development and progression of both CVD-related risk factors and CVD. However, past research has predominantly focused on active forms of childhood maltreatment such as emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. At the same time, childhood neglect as a relatively silent form of childhood maltreatment received less attention. Childhood emotional neglect is the most common form of neglect. This narrative review summarizes findings on the association between childhood emotional neglect and CVD and potential underlying mechanisms. These mechanisms may involve biological factors (i.e., elevated inflammation, autonomic dysregulation, dysregulated HPA axis, and altered brain development), psychological variables and mental health (i.e., depression and anxiety), and health behaviors (i.e., eating behavior, smoking, drug use, physical activity) and interpersonal aspects. Evidence suggests that emotional neglect is associated with CVD and CVD risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, inflammation, a dysregulated stress system, altered brain development, depression and other psychological abnormalities (i.e., emotion-regulation difficulties), interpersonal difficulties, and lack of health behaviors. Specific subtypes of childhood maltreatment may be associated with CVD via different mechanisms. This review further encompasses clinical suggestions, identifies research gaps, and has implications for future studies. However, more research with better study designs is desperately needed to identify the exact underlying mechanisms and opportunities for mitigating the negative health consequences of emotional neglect to reduce the prevalence and progression of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Salzmann
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Stefan Salzmann
| | | | - Frank Euteneuer
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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25
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Aggar C, Samios C, Penman O, Whiteing N, Massey D, Rafferty R, Bowen K, Stephens A. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic-related stress experienced by Australian nurses. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2022; 31:91-103. [PMID: 34636134 PMCID: PMC8653281 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Globally, the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers' mental health has been a major focus of recent research. However, Australian research involving nurses, particularly across the acute care sector, is limited. This cross-sectional research aimed to explore the impact of pandemic-related stress on psychological adjustment outcomes and potential protective factors for nurses (n = 767) working in the Australian acute care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses completed an online questionnaire with psychometrically validated measures of pandemic-related stress, psychological adjustment outcomes (depression, anxiety, and subjective well-being), and protective factors (posttraumatic growth and self-compassion). Descriptive analyses revealed that pandemic-related stress was reported by 17.7% of the participants. Psychological adjustment outcome scores above normal for depression (27.5%) and anxiety (22.0%) were found, and 36.4% of the participants reported poor subjective well-being. Regression analyses suggest that pandemic-related stress predicted greater depression (B = 0.32, SE = 0.02, 95% confidence interval [0.28, 0.35]) and anxiety (B = 0.26, SE = 0.01, 95% confidence interval [0.24, 0.29]) and less subjective well-being (B = -0.14, SE = 0.01, 95% confidence interval [-0.16, -0.12]). Self-compassion weakened the relationship between pandemic-related stress and greater depression, however, exacerbated the relationship between pandemic-related stress and less subjective well-being. Posttraumatic growth reduced the negative relationship between pandemic-related stress and psychological adjustment outcomes. These findings will inform strategies to facilitate psychological resources that support nurses' psychological adjustment, enabling better pandemic preparedness at both an individual and organizational level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Aggar
- School of Health & Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Bilinga, Queensland, Australia.,Northern New South, Wales Local Health District, Ballina, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christina Samios
- School of Health & Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Bilinga, Queensland, Australia
| | - Olivia Penman
- School of Health & Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Bilinga, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicola Whiteing
- School of Health & Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Bilinga, Queensland, Australia
| | - Deb Massey
- School of Health & Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Bilinga, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rae Rafferty
- Northern New South, Wales Local Health District, Ballina, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Bowen
- Northern New South, Wales Local Health District, Ballina, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandre Stephens
- Northern New South, Wales Local Health District, Ballina, New South Wales, Australia
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26
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Adaptation and validation of the self-compassion scale (SCS) in an argentine context. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02505-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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27
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Matos M, McEwan K, Kanovský M, Halamová J, Steindl SR, Ferreira N, Linharelhos M, Rijo D, Asano K, Vilas SP, Márquez MG, Gregório S, Brito-Pons G, Lucena-Santos P, Oliveira MDS, de Souza EL, Llobenes L, Gumiy N, Costa MI, Habib N, Hakem R, Khrad H, Alzahrani A, Cheli S, Petrocchi N, Tholouli E, Issari P, Simos G, Lunding-Gregersen V, Elklit A, Kolts R, Kelly AC, Bortolon C, Delamillieure P, Paucsik M, Wahl JE, Zieba M, Zatorski M, Komendziński T, Zhang S, Basran J, Kagialis A, Kirby J, Gilbert P. The role of social connection on the experience of COVID-19 related post-traumatic growth and stress. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261384. [PMID: 34910779 PMCID: PMC8673633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Historically social connection has been an important way through which humans have coped with large-scale threatening events. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns have deprived people of major sources of social support and coping, with others representing threats. Hence, a major stressor during the pandemic has been a sense of social disconnection and loneliness. This study explores how people's experience of compassion and feeling socially safe and connected, in contrast to feeling socially disconnected, lonely and fearful of compassion, effects the impact of perceived threat of COVID-19 on post-traumatic growth and post-traumatic stress. METHODS Adult participants from the general population (N = 4057) across 21 countries worldwide, completed self-report measures of social connection (compassion for self, from others, for others; social safeness), social disconnection (fears of compassion for self, from others, for others; loneliness), perceived threat of COVID-19, post-traumatic growth and traumatic stress. RESULTS Perceived threat of COVID-19 predicted increased post-traumatic growth and traumatic stress. Social connection (compassion and social safeness) predicted higher post-traumatic growth and traumatic stress, whereas social disconnection (fears of compassion and loneliness) predicted increased traumatic symptoms only. Social connection heightened the impact of perceived threat of COVID-19 on post-traumatic growth, while social disconnection weakened this impact. Social disconnection magnified the impact of the perceived threat of COVID-19 on traumatic stress. These effects were consistent across all countries. CONCLUSIONS Social connection is key to how people adapt and cope with the worldwide COVID-19 crisis and may facilitate post-traumatic growth in the context of the threat experienced during the pandemic. In contrast, social disconnection increases vulnerability to develop post-traumatic stress in this threatening context. Public health and Government organizations could implement interventions to foster compassion and feelings of social safeness and reduce experiences of social disconnection, thus promoting growth, resilience and mental wellbeing during and following the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Matos
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Kirsten McEwan
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Kanovský
- Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Institute of Social Anthropology, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Júlia Halamová
- Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Institute of Applied Psychology, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Stanley R. Steindl
- Compassionate Mind Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nuno Ferreira
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Mariana Linharelhos
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniel Rijo
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Kenichi Asano
- Department of Psychological Counseling, Faculty of Psychology, Mejiro University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sara P. Vilas
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Behavior, Emotions, and Health Research Group, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Margarita G. Márquez
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Behavior, Emotions, and Health Research Group, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sónia Gregório
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Behavior, Emotions, and Health Research Group, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Brito-Pons
- Escuela de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Lucena-Santos
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margareth da Silva Oliveira
- Evaluation and Treatment in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapies—Research Group (GAAPCC), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Noor Habib
- Neuroscience Department, Section of Psychiatry and Psychology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reham Hakem
- Neuroscience Department, Section of Psychiatry and Psychology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussain Khrad
- Neuroscience Department, Section of Psychiatry and Psychology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Alzahrani
- Neuroscience Department, Section of Psychiatry and Psychology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Simone Cheli
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Nicola Petrocchi
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elli Tholouli
- Center for Qualitative Research in Psychology and Psychosocial Well-being, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Philia Issari
- Center for Qualitative Research in Psychology and Psychosocial Well-being, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gregoris Simos
- Department of Educational and Social Policy, University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ask Elklit
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Russell Kolts
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA, United States of America
| | - Allison C. Kelly
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Catherine Bortolon
- Laboratoire Inter-universitaire de Psychologie: Personnalité, Cognition et Changement Social, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
- Centre Hospitalier Alpes Isère, C3R - Réhabilitation psychosociale et remédiation cognitive, Grenoble, France
| | - Pascal Delamillieure
- CHU de Caen, Service de Psychiatrie Adulte, Caen, France
- UNICAEN, ISTS, GIP Cyceron, University of Normandy, Caen, France
| | - Marine Paucsik
- Laboratoire Inter-universitaire de Psychologie: Personnalité, Cognition et Changement Social, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Julia E. Wahl
- The Mind Institute Poland, Warsaw, Poland
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw & Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariusz Zieba
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw & Poznań, Poland
| | - Mateusz Zatorski
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw & Poznań, Poland
| | - Tomasz Komendziński
- Department of Cognitive Science, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torún, Poland
- Neurocognitive Laboratory, Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torún, Poland
| | - Shuge Zhang
- School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Jaskaran Basran
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Antonios Kagialis
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - James Kirby
- Compassionate Mind Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul Gilbert
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
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Scoglio AAJ, Salhi C. Violence Exposure and Mental Health Among Resettled Refugees: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2021; 22:1192-1208. [PMID: 32238052 DOI: 10.1177/1524838020915584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Refugee populations are often characterized by their high exposure to violence, which are tied to various challenges upon resettlement. This systematic review synthesizes the empirical literature related to violence exposure for refugees resettled in high-income countries and the impact of that exposure on mental health symptoms. The authors reviewed quantitative studies published from 2000 to 2018 and found 12 studies met criteria for inclusion. Studies were excluded if the study did not include a measured mental health outcome, if violence exposure was not measured and reported on distinctly from nonviolent exposures, if the sample did not include a refugee population, or if the relationship between violence exposure and mental health of refugees was not empirically examined. Overall, studies found that resettled refugee populations were more likely to have higher rates of violence exposure than comparison groups. This violence exposure was significantly related to higher mental health symptoms, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and, most commonly reported, posttraumatic stress disorder. However, there is substantial heterogeneity in measurement of violence exposure, particularly in the use of author-created scales. The vast majority of included studies examined only exposure to violence prior to resettlement. The review shows significant evidence for the effect of violence prior to resettlement on mental health after resettlement and reveals a need for improved measurement and definitions of violence exposure at different time points for resettled refugee populations. Assessing current exposure to violence is an important step for effective intervention related to mental health dilemmas for refugee populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle A J Scoglio
- Institute of Health Equity and Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carmel Salhi
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Farr J, Ononaiye M, Irons C. Early shaming experiences and psychological distress: The role of experiential avoidance and self-compassion. Psychol Psychother 2021; 94:952-972. [PMID: 34296792 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Early shaming experiences have been suggested to be associated with later psychopathological symptoms. Understanding this relationship is complex, due to a number of psychological processes potentially influencing this. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to further explore the nature of the mediating effect of experiential avoidance in the association between early shame experiences and psychological distress, and whether self-compassion moderates this relationship by mitigating the effects of this. DESIGN A cross-sectional design was conducted using self-report measures of early shaming experiences, experiential avoidance, self-compassion, and psychological distress. METHOD An online study of 556 participants, comprised of participants from the general population and university students participated within this online study. RESULTS The moderated mediation model explained 51% of variance within depressive symptoms. Experiential avoidance was found to mediate the association between early shaming experiences and depressive symptoms. This mediating relationship was shown to be moderated by self-compassion, with higher levels of self-compassion being associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms across all levels of experiential avoidance levels (low, medium, and high). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that self-compassion may play a significant buffering role within attenuating the effects of experiential avoidance associated with depressive symptoms. Such findings present important clinical and theoretical implications in further understanding the protective role of self-compassion within early shaming experiences and the relationship between depressive symptoms. PRACTITIONER POINTS Early shaming experiences have been linked to later psychological distress. Experiential avoidance identified a core underlying psychological process in the relationship between early shaming experiences and psychological distress. Self-compassion offers a range of protective features that may alleviate the effects of experiential avoidance and depressive symptoms. Self-compassion-based interventions that target experiential avoidance may offer greater reductions within depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chris Irons
- University College London and Balanced Minds, UK
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Chi XL, Huang QM, Liu XF, Huang LY, Hu MJ, Chen ZJ, Jiao C, Stubbs B, Hossain MM, Zou LY. Self-compassion and resilience mediate the relationship between childhood exposure to domestic violence and posttraumatic growth/stress disorder during COVID-19 pandemic. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:1106-1115. [PMID: 34888177 PMCID: PMC8613750 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i11.1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have indicated that childhood exposure to domestic violence is a common factor in posttraumatic growth (PTG) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is unclear whether PTG and PTSD share a common/different underlying mechanism.
AIM To explore the common/different underlying mechanism of PTG and PTSD.
METHODS Between February 12 and 17, 2020, a nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted in China among 2038 university students, and a self-administered questionnaire was used for the data collection. The data included demographic characteristics, such as age, gender, and subjective social economic status, and childhood exposure to domestic violence scale that was selected from the Chinese version of revised Adverse Childhood Experiences Question, Self-compassion Scale, Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and the Abbreviated PTSD Checklist-Civilian version. A structural equation model was used to test the hypotheses.
RESULTS Exposure to domestic violence was significantly associated with PTG and PTSD via a 1-step indirect path of self-compassion (PTG: β = -0.023, 95%CI: -0.44 to -0.007; PTSD: β = 0.008, 95%CI: 0.002, 0.014) and via a 2-step indirect path from self-compassion to resilience (PTG: β = -0.008, 95%CI: -0.018 to -0.002; PTSD: β = 0.013, 95%CI: 0.004-0.024). However, resilience did not mediate the relationship between exposure to domestic violence and PTG and PTSD.
CONCLUSION PTG and PTSD are common results of childhood exposure to domestic violence, which may be influenced by self-compassion and resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Li Chi
- Institute of KEEP Collaborative Innovation, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qiao-Min Huang
- Guangdong Polytechnic, Foshan 528041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Liu
- Longhua No. 2 Experimental School Affiliated Hongchuang Kindergarten, Shenzhen 518100, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Liu-Yue Huang
- Institute of KEEP Collaborative Innovation, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Meng-Jian Hu
- Institute of KEEP Collaborative Innovation, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Jing Chen
- Institute of KEEP Collaborative Innovation, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Can Jiao
- Institute of KEEP Collaborative Innovation, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- Physiotherapy Department, South London & Maudsley NHS Fdn Trust, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - M Mahbub Hossain
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, Texas, TX 77843, United States
| | - Li-Ye Zou
- Exercise Psychophysiology Laboratory, Institute of KEEP Collaborative Innovation, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, China
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31
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Signore A, Semenchuk BN, Strachan SM. Self-Compassion and Reactions to a Recalled Exercise Lapse: The Moderating Role of Gender-Role Schemas. JOURNAL OF SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 43:477-487. [PMID: 34702786 DOI: 10.1123/jsep.2020-0300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Exercise is good for health and well-being, yet people experience lapses when trying to adhere to exercise. Self-compassion may help people cope with exercise lapses. Most research on self-compassion and exercise has been conducted with women; men may also benefit from self-compassion. No research has examined whether gender-role schema influences responses to exercise lapses. The authors examined both male and female adult exercisers (N = 220) who reported their self-compassion, recalled an exercise lapse, their reactions to the lapse, and their self-identification of masculinity and femininity. After controlling for self-esteem, age, and lapse importance, self-compassion negatively related to emotional responses (p < .001), rumination (p < .001), extrinsic motivation (p = .004), and positively related to intrinsic motivation (p < .001). Masculinity moderated the relationships between self-compassion and amotivation (p = .006), and identified regulation (p = .01). Self-compassion may be an effective resource for exercisers, especially those who identify as highly masculine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Signore
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB,Canada
| | - Brittany N Semenchuk
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB,Canada
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB,Canada
| | - Shaelyn M Strachan
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB,Canada
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Luo X, Che X, Lei Y, Li H. Investigating the Influence of Self-Compassion-Focused Interventions on Posttraumatic Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Mindfulness (N Y) 2021; 12:2865-2876. [PMID: 34584575 PMCID: PMC8460848 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-021-01732-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Self-compassion-focused interventions may be able to decrease posttraumatic stress symptoms. However, previous studies demonstrated mixed effects in which a series of confounders were not systematically quantified. In this study, a systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the effects of self-compassion-focused therapies on posttraumatic stress disorder. Methods Twelve eligible studies were included after a systematic search of databases. Outcome measures were extracted for posttraumatic stress disorder. Results Our data indicated a medium protective effect on posttraumatic stress symptoms (SMD = − 0.65), with most of the studies (8/12) coming from clinical settings. More importantly, longer interventions were associated with better posttraumatic stress outcomes (p < 0.001). Baseline or changes in self-compassion scores were not associated with posttraumatic stress outcomes post-interventions. Conclusions Overall, findings from this meta-analysis quantified the complex influence of self-compassion-focused interventions on posttraumatic stress symptoms and may provide insights for optimizing intervention strategies. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020208663. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-021-01732-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Luo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Centre for Studies of Psychological ApplicationsGuangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive ScienceKey Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, Ministry of EducationSchool of Psychology, South China Normal University, No.55, West Zhongshan Avenue, Guangzhou, 510631 China
| | - Xianwei Che
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Lei
- Institute for Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Centre for Studies of Psychological ApplicationsGuangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive ScienceKey Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, Ministry of EducationSchool of Psychology, South China Normal University, No.55, West Zhongshan Avenue, Guangzhou, 510631 China.,Institute for Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
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Cai RY, Brown L. Cultivating Self-Compassion to Improve Mental Health in Autistic Adults. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2021; 3:230-237. [PMID: 36605368 PMCID: PMC8992903 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2020.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Many autistic adults experience poor mental health. Research has consistently shown that cultivating self-compassion is a promising approach to strengthening resilience in nonautistic adults. Self-compassion is a trainable skill that is associated with several mental health benefits, such as higher levels of happiness and well-being as well as lower symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, no studies to date have explored self-compassion in autistic individuals. We suggest that self-compassion may be a relevant target in mental health interventions for autistic adults without severe or profound intellectual disability. Self-compassion may improve mental health in autistic adults through directly modifying emotions (as an emotion regulation strategy) or its interactions with emotion regulation processes. Existing approaches to cultivating self-compassion include identifying and practicing self-compassionate behaviors, using self-compassionate thought records, and practicing self-compassion meditations. Before self-compassion approaches are implemented by autistic adults, it will be necessary to evaluate their role and effectiveness in mental health through carefully designed studies. We suggest that researchers should first study the relationship between self-compassion and mental health outcomes in autistic adults. Once researchers have established the connection, we can then begin to study self-compassion-based interventions for autistic adults. Relevant clinical considerations include identifying the autistic groups that self-compassion practices are suitable for, determining how autistic adults with and without mental health conditions can effectively practice self-compassion (on their own and with the support of clinicians), and evaluating existing self-compassion tools or designing new tools. It is also relevant for future research to identify the enablers and barriers to using self-compassion in autistic adults. Lay summary What is self-compassion?: Self-compassion is when we: are friendly toward ourselves (kindness)are aware of our feelings and thoughts (mindful awareness)realize that everyone feels pain and makes mistakes (common humanity)What is the purpose of this article?: We think that practicing self-compassion is important for autistic adults. No research has studied self-compassion in autistic individuals. We provide examples of how to improve self-compassion. We make recommendations for future research on self-compassion for autistic adults.What perspectives do the authors bring to this subject?: We bring together different and unique perspectives in this article. One author is a researcher whose research has focused on emotion regulation and mental health in autistic youth and adults. The other author is a self-compassion researcher who is also a private practice clinical psychologist. We have practiced self-compassion and personally experienced the benefits of developing our self-compassion skills. We think that cultivating self-compassion has helped to improve our mental health and enriched our lives.Why is self-compassion important?: Self-compassion is associated with a lot of positive aspects of life in nonautistic individuals. These positive aspects include greater happiness and well-being, and lower levels of depression and anxiety symptoms.How is self-compassion relevant to autistic adults?: We know that as a group, autistic adults have poorer mental health when compared with nonautistic adults. That is, autistic adults experience higher rates of anxiety and depression. Research shows that practicing self-compassion in nonautistic people can improve their mental health. We think that cultivating self-compassion can also be helpful to autistic adults.What do the authors recommend?: We suggest that cultivating self-compassion may improve the mental health of autistic adults. There are several ways to improve self-compassion. Self-compassion can be improved by identifying and practicing self-compassionate behaviors. For example, we can take a walk outside. Another way to improve self-compassion is to record our thoughts. This can be performed by keeping a log of self-critical thoughts. We can also practice self-compassion by meditating. It is too early to tell how self-compassion should be practiced by autistic adults. Research is needed to observe if self-compassion is helpful to autistic adults. We made a series of recommendations for researchers and clinicians. Researchers should first check if there is a relationship between self-compassion and mental health in autistic adults. If more self-compassion is associated with better mental health, then researchers and clinicians can try and find out how we can improve autistic people's self-compassion.How will these recommendations help autistic adults now or in the future?: We hope that our recommendations will start a conversation on the relevance of self-compassion for autistic adults and lead to the development of self-compassion-related research programs that involve autistic adults. The ultimate goal is to improve the mental health and psychological well-being of autistic adults in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Ying Cai
- Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice, Autism Spectrum Australia, Flemington, Australia.,Macquarie School of Education, Faculty of Arts, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Address correspondence to: Ru Ying Cai, PhD, Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice, Autism Spectrum Australia, 173 Wellington Street, Flemington 3031, Australia.
| | - Lydia Brown
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,North Eastern Rehabilitation Centre, Healthscope Hospitals, Ivanhoe, Australia.,School of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
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Bates GW, Elphinstone B, Whitehead R. Self-compassion and emotional regulation as predictors of social anxiety. Psychol Psychother 2021; 94:426-442. [PMID: 33215812 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Self-compassion and emotional regulation have been identified as constructive attitudes towards the self which can reduce emotional distress. This study is the first to examine the role of a self-compassionate attitude towards the self in reducing symptoms of social anxiety. The study also explored the role of emotional regulation strategies of cognitive reappraisal (CR) and expressive suppression (ES) as mechanisms that mediate the impact of self-compassion on social anxiety. DESIGN Structural equation modelling (SEM) was conducted on cross-sectional correlational data with MPlus version 6. METHODS A sample of 750 undergraduate students (378 men and 372 women) completed an online survey comprised of well validated self-report measures of social anxiety, emotional regulation and self-compassion. RESULTS Structural equation modelling showed that self-compassion predicted lower social anxiety directly and indirectly through lower ES. Higher self-compassion also predicted higher CR. Contrary to expectation, CR did not predict lower social anxiety. Exploratory analyses of self-compassion divided into Compassionate Self-responding (CSR) and Refraining from Non-compassionate Responding (RUSR) identified RUSR as a predictor of lower social anxiety directly and indirectly via ES and CR. CSR had no direct effect on social anxiety but did so indirectly via CR. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide preliminary evidence that self-compassion can play an important role in alleviating social anxiety and that emotion regulation through ES and CR are important mechanisms of that influence. PRACTITIONER POINTS Adopting a more compassionate attitude towards the self can reduce the symptoms of social anxiety Emotional regulation through reducing emotional suppression may be a mechanism whereby higher levels of self-compassion reduce symptoms of social anxiety. Although higher levels of self-compassion predict greater use of emotional regulation through cognitive appraisal, cognitive appraisal does not predict levels of symptoms of social anxiety The capacity to refrain from non-compassionate self-responding may reduce symptoms of social anxiety directly and indirectly through lower levels of emotional suppression and greater cognitive reappraisal (CR). However, compassionate self-responding only influences symptoms of social anxiety through CR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen W Bates
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bradley Elphinstone
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Whitehead
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Xie GD, Chang JJ, Yuan MY, Wang GF, He Y, Chen SS, Su PY. Childhood abuse and borderline personality disorder features in Chinese undergraduates: the role of self-esteem and resilience. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:326. [PMID: 34210279 PMCID: PMC8252225 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03332-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although childhood abuse is considered to be related to borderline personality disorder (BPD), few studies have elaborated on the mediating role of self-esteem and resilience in it. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the potential mediating role of resilience and self-esteem between childhood abuse and BPD. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted with 4034 college students in Anhui Province, China. Participants were asked to complete Chinese versions of the following instruments: Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), Mclean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI-BPD), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the mediation effects. RESULTS Resilience and self-esteem were found to be mediators of all three types of childhood abuse (emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse) when the types were examined separately; however, when all three types of childhood abuse were entered into the model simultaneously, neither the indirect effects nor direct effects of physical abuse or sexual abuse were found to be significant, only the association between emotional abuse and BPD features was partially mediated by resilience and self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS Self-esteem and resilience mediate the links between childhood abuse and BPD features, and emotional abuse is uniquely associated with BPD features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Die Xie
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.410620.1Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No.12560 Fanhua Avenue, Hefei, 230601 Anhui China
| | - Jun-Jie Chang
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Meng-Yuan Yuan
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Geng-Fu Wang
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Yang He
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Shan-Shan Chen
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Pu-Yu Su
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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McAllister P, Vennum A. Sexual Violence and Mental Health: An Analysis of the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion Using a Feminist Lens. Violence Against Women 2021; 28:1341-1357. [PMID: 34018451 DOI: 10.1177/10778012211012097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Feminist theories describe how women who experience sexual violence often internalize cultural narratives which can lead to self-blame and disconnection. Self-compassion has the potential to provide a buffer against these negative outcomes. This study explored self-compassion as a mediator of the association between experiencing sexual violence and negative mental health outcomes. The sample consisted of 368 undergraduate women. A path analysis revealed that experiencing sexual violence prior to the beginning of the semester was positively associated with self-criticism, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms at the end of the semester directly and indirectly through self-compassion mid-semester. Clinical and research implications are also discussed.
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Blanden G, Butts C, Reid M, Keen L. Self-Reported Lifetime Violence Exposure and Self-Compassion Associated With Satisfaction of Life in Historically Black College and University Students. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:4717-4734. [PMID: 30095024 DOI: 10.1177/0886260518791596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, approximately 25% of minors have witnessed a violent act, specifically physical assault. African Americans from under-served backgrounds are more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to be exposed to traumatic events. However, there is scant literature examining violence exposure, SC, and life satisfaction collectively, specifically in an African American college sample. The current study sought to determine the associations among violence exposure, SC components, and life satisfaction in an African American college sample. The current sample was comprised of 356 participants (80% female) with a mean age of 20.23 (SD = 1.70). Eighty-eight participants (25%) reported being exposed to violence in their lifetime. Employing logistic regression, we determined violence exposed individuals were less likely to report high satisfaction of life than their non-exposed counterparts (OR = 0.58, 95% CIs = 0.33, 1.00). Individuals with high level of self-kindness were approximately two times more likely to have higher satisfaction of life (OR = 2.48; CI = 1.52, 4.05) compared to their low level self-kindness counterparts and in the presence of demographic covariates. These findings may educate and increase awareness of the impacts of traumatic events. This education could lead to the implementation of interventions to build upon overall well-being in order increase life satisfaction in college students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Larry Keen
- Virginia State University, Petersburg, USA
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Steen MP, Di Lemma L, Finnegan A, Wepa D, McGhee S. Self-Compassion and Veteran's Health: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF VETERANS STUDIES 2021. [DOI: 10.21061/jvs.v7i1.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Baziliansky S, Cohen M. Post-treatment Psychological Distress Among Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Relation to Emotion Regulation Patterns and Personal Resources. Int J Behav Med 2021; 28:591-601. [PMID: 33495979 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-020-09952-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-treatment psychological distress among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors is common, but changes over time. However, data on the effects of emotional factors on changes in psychological distress over time remain limited. The study sought to describe the patterns of change in psychological distress among CRC survivors in the short-term after treatment completion and to identify predictors of the change in psychological distress experienced by CRC survivors. METHODS A total of 153 CRC survivors, stages II-III at diagnosis, who were 4-24 months post-diagnosis (participation rate 89.5%) completed the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Resilience Scale-14, Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, and Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (psychological distress scale) at Time 1 (T1). Psychological distress was assessed again at Time 2 (T2), 6 months later. RESULTS Two patterns of change in post-treatment psychological distress among CRC survivors were identified: One group of patients experienced higher psychological distress at T1, which decreased at T2. A second group experienced lower psychological distress at T1, which increased at T2. Self-compassion and personal resilience predicted higher psychological distress at T2. Lower suppression and self-compassion and higher personal resilience increased the likelihood of being in the increased psychological distress group. CONCLUSIONS Psychological distress evaluation of CRC survivors at different time-points post-treatment is warranted. In addition, awareness is needed that self-compassion may be individually related to psychological distress among participants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miri Cohen
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Murray CV, Jacobs JIL, Rock AJ, Clark GI. Attachment style, thought suppression, self-compassion and depression: Testing a serial mediation model. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245056. [PMID: 33444358 PMCID: PMC7808589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Attachment anxiety has been consistently linked with increased vulnerability to depression, and hyperactivating emotion regulation strategies (e.g., rumination) have been shown to mediate this relationship. Investigations of mediators of the attachment avoidance to depression relationship have yielded inconsistent findings, and the nature of this relationship remains to be clarified. There is evidence to suggest that the constructs of thought suppression and self-compassion are associated with attachment avoidance and also with depressive symptomology. In order to further clarify the nature of this relationship, the present study tested a serial mediation model, whereby it was hypothesised that thought suppression and self-compassion were serial mediators of the relationship between attachment avoidance and depression. One hundred and forty-eight participants completed an online composite questionnaire consisting of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised Questionnaire, the White Bear Suppression Inventory, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21. Initial results supported the hypothesised serial mediation model (Model A); that is, higher attachment avoidance predicted higher thought suppression, higher thought suppression predicted lower levels of self-compassion and lower levels of self-compassion predicted higher depression. However, this model was no longer significant following the inclusion of attachment anxiety as a covariate within the post-hoc analysis. A second, post-hoc serial mediation model was tested (Model B), with the only difference being that attachment anxiety replaced attachment avoidance as the independent variable. This model was significant, with and without the inclusion of attachment avoidance as a covariate. The study provides evidence for the central role of thought suppression and self-compassion as mechanisms underlying the relationship between insecure attachment and depression, and indicates that these factors operate in opposing directions. The findings are discussed in terms of explicating some of the processes through which insecure attachment confers vulnerability to depression. The implications of the observed degree of shared variance between the two attachment dimensions suggests these constructs may be more appropriately considered overlapping, rather than orthogonal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara V. Murray
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
| | | | - Adam J. Rock
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
| | - Gavin I. Clark
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Scoglio AAJ, Kraus SW, Saczynski J, Jooma S, Molnar BE. Systematic Review of Risk and Protective Factors for Revictimization After Child Sexual Abuse. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2021; 22:41-53. [PMID: 30669947 DOI: 10.1177/1524838018823274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a widespread public health problem in the United States. It has been associated with multiple long-term deleterious outcomes including revictimization in adulthood. This systematic review of 25 studies synthesizes research examining possible risk and protective factors that might explain the established link between CSA and future victimizations. Specific risk factors identified included co-occurring maltreatment in the home, risky sexual behavior (particularly in adolescence), post-traumatic stress disorder, emotion dysregulation, and other maladaptive coping strategies. Only one protective factor was identified: perceived parental care. The review also revealed considerable variability in definitions and measurement of both CSA and adult victimization, particularly in terms of how researchers conceptualized age. Many of the studies were limited in generalizability by including only college-age women. These findings have clinical and research implications. Public health interventions working to prevent revictimization among CSA survivors can utilize these findings when designing programs. For researchers, the results highlight the need for standardized definitions of both CSA and revictimization, for well-validated and consistent measurement, and for inclusion of additional population groups in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle A J Scoglio
- Institute of Health Equity & Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Social & Community Reintegration Research Program, ENRM VA, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Shane W Kraus
- VISN 1 New England MIRECC, ENRM VA, Bedford, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jane Saczynski
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shehzad Jooma
- Mental Health Service Line, ENRM VA, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Beth E Molnar
- Institute of Health Equity & Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Hamrick LA, Owens GP. Exploring the potential moderating role of self-compassion on the relationships between event centrality and post-assault psychological outcomes. J Clin Psychol 2020; 77:156-172. [PMID: 32589806 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study examined whether post-assault internal processes (i.e., present control, event centrality, and compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding) were associated with distress and resilience among women who have experienced adult sexual assault. The authors also tested whether compassionate and uncompassionate self-responses would moderate the relationships between event centrality and outcomes. METHOD A convenience sample of women who had experienced sexual assault during adulthood (N = 253) completed an anonymous online survey. RESULTS Regression analyses showed that lower present control, higher event centrality, and higher uncompassionate responses to the self were associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. Additionally, higher present control and higher compassionate responses to the self were associated with resilience. Moderation analyses were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Endorsing greater levels of uncompassionate responses was associated with greater distress while engaging in greater compassionate responses was associated with greater resilience, even when accounting for levels of present control and event centrality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Hamrick
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Gina P Owens
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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Cowles M, Randle-Phillips C, Medley A. Compassion-focused therapy for trauma in people with intellectual disabilities: A conceptual review. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2020; 24:212-232. [PMID: 29759022 DOI: 10.1177/1744629518773843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder are more prevalent in people with intellectual disabilities (PWID) than in the general population, yet the evidence base for trauma interventions in this population is sparse. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) may be particularly well-suited to PWID for a number of reasons, including its adaptability to different developmental levels. PWID are more likely to have issues with self-relating (e.g. shame and self-criticism) and attachment than the general population, two issues that are compounded by trauma and which CFT explicitly seeks to address. Furthermore, compassion-focused approaches emphasize cultivating a sense of safeness while empowering people to make behavioural changes; this is particularly pertinent to PWID who have been traumatized and may feel unsafe and disempowered. An overview of CFT and its application to trauma are given, as well as some case studies using CFT with PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Cowles
- Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, UK
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Abstract
Resilience - a key topic in clinical science and practice - still lacks a clear conceptualization that integrates its evolutionary and human-specific features, refrains from exclusive focus on fear physiology, incorporates a developmental approach, and, most importantly, is not based on the negation (i.e., absence of symptoms following trauma). Building on the initial condition of mammals, whose brain matures in the context of the mother's body and caregiving behavior, we argue that systems and processes that participate in tuning the brain to the social ecology and adapting to its hardships mark the construct of resilience. These include the oxytocin system, the affiliative brain, and biobehavioral synchrony, all characterized by great flexibility across phylogenesis and ontogenesis. Three core features of resilience are outlined: plasticity, sociality and meaning. Mechanisms of sociality by which coordinated action supports diversity, endurance and adaptation are described across animal evolution. Humans' biobehavioral synchrony matures from maternal attuned behavior in the postpartum to adult-adult relationships of empathy, perspective-taking and intimacy, and extends from the mother-child relationship to other affiliative bonds throughout life, charting a fundamental trajectory in the development of resilience. Findings from three high-risk cohorts, each tapping a distinct disruption to maternal-infant bonding (prematurity, maternal depression, and early life stress/trauma), and followed from birth to adolescence/young adulthood, demonstrate how components of the neurobiology of affiliation confer resilience and uniquely shape the social brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Feldman
- Interdisciplinary CenterHerzliyaIsrael,Yale Child Study CenterUniversity of YaleNew HavenCTUSA
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs following acute threatening events in approximately 12.5% of the primary care population. OBJECTIVE The aim of this article is to advance evidence-based clinical practice and collaborative care approaches to PTSD by summarizing targeted-care guidelines. METHOD This narrative literature review addresses important aspects of PTSD and management options, in conjunction with expert opinion when indicated. Guidelines were included if they targeted treatment of PTSD in the primary care setting or if the treatments described could be provided in the primary care setting. RESULTS The implications regarding PTSD, comorbidities, differential diagnosis, screening tools, and treatment are presented. CONCLUSION Primary care providers can diagnose and offer initial management of PTSD. Future research should delineate therapies helpful for complex PTSD, including group therapies, those increasing self-compassion, and other optimally effective collaborative care interventions.
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Eichholz A, Schwartz C, Meule A, Heese J, Neumüller J, Voderholzer U. Self‐compassion and emotion regulation difficulties in obsessive–compulsive disorder. Clin Psychol Psychother 2020; 27:630-639. [DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Eichholz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy University Hospital, LMU Munich Munich Germany
| | - Caroline Schwartz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy University Hospital, LMU Munich Munich Germany
| | - Adrian Meule
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy University Hospital, LMU Munich Munich Germany
- Schoen Clinic Roseneck Prien am Chiemsee Germany
| | - Julia Heese
- Schoen Clinic Roseneck Prien am Chiemsee Germany
| | - Jakob Neumüller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy University Hospital, LMU Munich Munich Germany
| | - Ulrich Voderholzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy University Hospital, LMU Munich Munich Germany
- Schoen Clinic Roseneck Prien am Chiemsee Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy University Hospital of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
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James C. Towards trauma-informed legal practice: a review. PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY, AND LAW : AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION OF PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY AND LAW 2020; 27:275-299. [PMID: 32944127 PMCID: PMC7476614 DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2020.1719377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Vicarious or secondary trauma experience has always been part of legal practice although many do not acknowledge the risk it can have on the mental health, well-being and performance of legal professionals. The listening to, observing and then detailing of traumatic events for the purposes of legal process in some cases may harm lawyers who need to work closely with clients, victims and witnesses. This article reviews the research on trauma in many areas of professional human services that could inform and improve our understanding of legal practice. It examines the discursive history of trauma and recent studies on lawyer well-being, before discussing the controversies about recognising vicarious trauma and the stigma against mental health concerns in the legal profession. The article concludes by reviewing options to assist law firms in considering trauma-informed policy, practices and supervision strategies and to help individual lawyers recognise the value of self-care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin James
- School of Legal Practice, ANU College of Law, Australian National University, NSW, Australia
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Winders S, Murphy O, Looney K, O'Reilly G. Self‐compassion, trauma, and posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Psychother 2020; 27:300-329. [DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah‐Jane Winders
- Department of Clinical PsychologyUniversity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Orlagh Murphy
- Department of Clinical PsychologyUniversity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Kathy Looney
- Department of Clinical PsychologyUniversity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Gary O'Reilly
- Department of Clinical PsychologyUniversity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
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McLean CL, Fiorillo D, Follette VM. Self-Compassion and Psychological Flexibility in a Treatment-Seeking Sample of Women Survivors of Interpersonal Violence. VIOLENCE AND VICTIMS 2018; 33:472-485. [PMID: 30567859 DOI: 10.1891/0886-6708.v33.i3.472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Interpersonal violence is pervasive and is related to numerous negative psychological outcomes. This study examines self-compassion and psychological flexibility as potential protective factors for the range of diverse problems associated with interpersonal trauma. A community sample of 27 women (mean age = 37.74, SD = 16.16) participated in a larger pilot intervention study for psychological distress related to interpersonal violence. In this treatment-seeking sample, self-compassion was positively associated with psychological flexibility and negatively linked to higher levels of trauma-related distress, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as well as problems related to the self and relations with others. The results suggest that self-compassion and psychological flexibility may function as protective factors in the development of problems in survivors of interpersonal violence.
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Barlow MR, Goldsmith Turow RE, Gerhart J. Trauma appraisals, emotion regulation difficulties, and self-compassion predict posttraumatic stress symptoms following childhood abuse. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2017; 65:37-47. [PMID: 28110110 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Experiencing traumatic events and abuse is unfortunately common in general, non-clinical samples. Recent research indicates that the ways in which individuals interpret traumatic experiences, as well as the ways that they manage challenging emotions in general, may statistically predict post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms to a greater extent than does trauma itself. Negative trauma appraisals, generalized emotion regulation (ER) difficulties, and low levels of self-compassion have each been shown to influence the connection between trauma exposure and subsequent PTSD symptoms. However, little is known regarding how these processes interact, or their relative contributions to mental health after trauma. The current study analyzed data from 466 university students who completed self-report measures of childhood abuse, PTSD symptoms, trauma appraisals, ER difficulties, and self-compassion. Childhood abuse exposure and PTSD symptoms were positively associated with negative trauma appraisals and ER difficulties, and negatively associated with self-compassion. Self-compassion was inversely associated with negative trauma appraisals and ER difficulties. Multiple mediation analyses demonstrated that negative trauma appraisals, ER difficulties, and levels of self-compassion fully explained the link between abuse exposure and PTSD symptoms via several specific pathways. These findings suggest that researchers, clinicians, and abuse survivors can benefit from addressing these interconnected domains during treatment and recovery processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rose Barlow
- i4Health at Palo Alto University, 1791 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
| | - Rachel E Goldsmith Turow
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; Seattle University, 901 12th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122, USA.
| | - James Gerhart
- Rush University Medical Center, 1653 W. Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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