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Fuchshuber J, Senra H, Löffler-Stastka H, Alexopolos J, Roithmeier L, Prandstätter T, Unterrainer HF. Investigating the network ties between affect, attachment, and psychopathology. J Affect Disord 2024; 367:263-273. [PMID: 39236881 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.219] [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: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent years have seen an increased interest regarding theoretical and empirical associations of adult attachment security and primary affective traits concerning psychiatric disorders. In this study, network analysis technique is applied to dissect the links between both psychodynamic personality constructs and an array of psychopathological symptoms. METHODS A total sample of 921 (69.9 % female) participants from the general population was investigated. A regularized cross-sectional partial correlation network between attachment (Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised [ECR-RD8]), primary affective traits (Brief Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales [BANPS-GL]) and psychopathological symptoms (ICD-10-Symptom-Rating Questionnaire [ISR]) was estimated via the EBICglasso algorithm. Node centrality, predictability and bridge centrality were analyzed. To evaluate the stability of the network and evaluate the significance of differences, we employed bootstrap techniques. RESULTS The network was found to be stable, allowing reliable interpretations. We observed SADNESS, as well as depressive, PTSD and anxiety symptoms as the most influential nodes within the investigated network. Attachment AV and SADNESS were observed as nodes with the highest bridge centrality. CONCLUSIONS The results provide a data-driven in-depth look into the complex dynamics between psychopathological symptoms, attachment security and basic affective traits. Results underscore the critical interconnections between affect, attachment, and psychopathology, advocating for a psychodynamically informed systems approach in psychological research that considers the affective dimensions underlying human mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Fuchshuber
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, Austria; Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University Vienna, Austria; Center for Integrative Addiction Research (CIAR), Grüner Kreis Society, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hugo Senra
- IEETA, University of Aveiro, Portugal; School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, UK
| | - Henriette Löffler-Stastka
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, Austria; Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | - Johanna Alexopolos
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, Austria; Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Roithmeier
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Austria; University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Human-Friedrich Unterrainer
- Center for Integrative Addiction Research (CIAR), Grüner Kreis Society, Vienna, Austria; University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria; Department of Religious Studies, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Faculty of Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Comtesse H, Edelhoff H, Rosner R, Lechner-Meichsner F. Cluster analysis of prolonged grief, posttraumatic stress, and depression symptoms in bereaved asylum seekers and refugees. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2383525. [PMID: 39082693 PMCID: PMC11293265 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2383525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Refugees and asylum seekers (ASRs) are frequently exposed to loss in addition to a variety of other stressors and often display high levels of various psychological symptoms.Objective: The study aimed to primarily determine clusters of prolonged grief disorder (PGD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression symptoms in bereaved ASRs and secondly identify predictors of cluster membership. Sociodemographic - and flight-related variables were investigated in exploratory analyses.Method: ASRs in Germany (N = 92) with interpersonal loss exposure, i.e. at least one missing or deceased relative or friend, were assessed with interview-based questionnaires for PGD, PTSD, and depressive symptoms. We used k-means cluster analysis to distinguish symptom profiles and logistic regression analyses to identify predictors of cluster membership.Results: We found a three-cluster-solution. The PGD-cluster (30%) was characterised predominantly by PGD symptoms, while the PGD/PTSD-cluster (32%) had high PGD and PTSD and moderate depressive symptoms. The resilient cluster (38%) showed low symptoms overall. insecure residence status predicted membership in the PGD and PGD/PTSD clusters relative to the resilient cluster, whilst higher attachment anxiety predicted membership in the PGD/PTSD cluster relative to the other clusters. Explorative analysis revealed duration of stay as a significant predictor.Conclusion: Findings can extend the current knowledge about different symptom profiles among bereaved ASRs in Europe. Insights to attachment - and migration-related variables distinguishing between these profiles offer starting points for interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Comtesse
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, Eichstaett, Germany
| | - Hannah Edelhoff
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rita Rosner
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, Eichstaett, Germany
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Freund A, Fuchshuber J, Silani G, Unterrainer HF. The relationship between attachment, primary emotions and positive/negative spirituality: a path analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1375850. [PMID: 38989127 PMCID: PMC11233724 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1375850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The present study investigates what may influence individuals to experience their religiosity/spirituality as either subjectively positive [religious or spiritual (r/s) wellbeing] or as negative (r/s struggles). Drawing on existing literature attachment insecurity and the seven primary emotions as outlined by Jaak Panksepp in Affective Neuroscience are identified as likely influences. Methods The final sample consisted of 340 participants (age: M = 36, SD = 14.2; 68.5% = female), among which 65% self-identified as religious/spiritual. A path analysis was conducted to test a proposed mediation model in which the expected effects of primary emotions (B-ANPS) on r/s wellbeing (MI-RSWB) and r/s struggles (RSSS) were mediated through attachment insecurity (ECR-RD8). Results The data indicated that attachment insecurity fully mediated the relationships between the primary emotions SADNESS and LUST with r/s struggles. Furthermore, the primary emotions FEAR and ANGER displayed small direct effects on both r/s struggles and r/s wellbeing. Overall, the model, which demonstrated excellent model fit, was able to explain 30% of the variance of r/s struggles, 24% of attachment insecurity and 5% of r/s wellbeing. Conclusions The findings suggest that primary emotions such as SADNESS and LUST substantially explain r/s struggles and that these relationships seem to be mediated through attachment. Moreover, r/s struggles seem to be qualitatively distinct from r/s wellbeing. Finally, a moderate link between LUST and attachment suggests that sexuality plays a significant role in (adult) attachment processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Freund
- Institute of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen Fuchshuber
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Giorgia Silani
- Institute of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Human-Friedrich Unterrainer
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- CIAR: Center for Integrative Addiction Research, Grüner Kreis Society, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Religious Studies, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Faculty of Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria
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Müller S, Spitzer C, Flemming E, Ehrenthal JC, Mestel R, Strauß B, Lübke L. Measuring Change in Attachment Insecurity Using Short Forms of the ECR-R: Longitudinal Measurement Invariance and Sensitivity to Treatment. J Pers Assess 2024; 106:218-229. [PMID: 37493362 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2023.2238816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Attachment insecurity is important for psychotherapy both as an aspect influencing the therapeutic process as well as potential outcome variable of a treatment. Two German short forms of the Experiences in Close Relationships - Revised (ECR-R) have been proposed to assess individual differences in attachment anxiety and avoidance. In this research, we examined whether these questionnaires are suitable for measuring change in attachment anxiety and avoidance by testing longitudinal measurement invariance in two independent clinical samples (N1 = 493, N2 = 273) using a pre-post design. Results indicated that strict longitudinal measurement invariance can be assumed for both measures. Thus, changes in scale scores before and after treatment can be interpreted as changes in the latent dimensions of attachment anxiety and avoidance. Both questionnaires were also sensitive to treatment in that attachment insecurity was overall reduced after therapy. Although both measures appear to be generally suitable for investigating treatment effects, they exhibited consistent problems with structural validity across samples that should be reexamined in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Müller
- Department of Psychology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Carsten Spitzer
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Eva Flemming
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Robert Mestel
- Department of Psychosomatics, VAMED Rehabilitation Clinic Bad Grönenbach, Bad Grönenbach, Germany
| | - Bernhard Strauß
- Institute of Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Laura Lübke
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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Roithmeier L, Fuchshuber J, Andres D, Prandstätter T, Schmautz B, Schwerdtfeger A, Unterrainer HF. Originalbeiträge (Originals). Primäremotionen und Bindung bei psychischer Störung. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PSYCHOSOMATISCHE MEDIZIN UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2024; 70:35-47. [PMID: 38229550 DOI: 10.13109/zptm.2024.70.oa1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Primaryemotions and attachment in mental disorder Objectives: There is increasing evidence for associations between primary emotions and attachment with mental illness. This study illuminates the mediation relationship of these psychodynamic constructs in relation to psychiatric disorders. METHODS 921 subjects (69.9 % female) were examined, who completed the questionnaires Brief Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales including a LUST Scale, Experiences in Close Relationships - Revised 8, and ICD-10 Symptom Rating online. A path analysis was conducted to evaluate the mediation effects of attachment anxiety. RESULTS A disease-specific pattern of direct associations between primary emotions, attachment anxiety, and psychological impairment emerged (all p < .01). Attachment exerted mediating effects primarily for SADNESS (p < .01), and to a lesser extent for LUST and CARE (p > .01).The model provided variance resolution ranging from7%(eating disorders) to 47%(depression). CONCLUSION The results demonstrate the relevance of affective explanations regarding the development of psychological symptoms, as well as therapeutic implications.
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Schmalbach I, Franke GH, Häuser W, Strauss B, Petrowski K, Brähler E. Attachment styles and healthcare utilization: exploring the role of the patient-doctor relationship. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:63. [PMID: 38212726 PMCID: PMC10785551 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10484-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the purpose of improving healthcare, past research has examined the link between healthcare utilization and attachment. It is suggested that an individual's attachment style influences both the quality of their patient-physician relationship and healthcare utilization patterns. Nevertheless, most studies concentrate on the individual aspect, overlooking the dyadic dimension; specifically, the investigation of how insecure attachment relates to health behavior within patient-physician relationships. This gap leaves the role of the patient-doctor relationship in this process unclear. Therefore, to elucidate this complex interplay, we hypothesized that the correlation between attachment and healthcare utilization is mediated by the quality of the patient-physician-relationship. METHOD Participant selection was based on electoral districts, a random-route procedure, and the Kish selection grid. The participants were visited by a trained interviewer who collected psychometric and sociodemographic information. Participants answered the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised questionnaire (ECR-RD8) and the Patient-Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ-9). Additionally, participants were asked about their healthcare utilization. The final sample consisted of N = 2.275 participants. RESULTS In average the participants reported consulting their primary health care practitioner M(SD) = 4.44 (4.76) times in the past 12 months. Generally, the participants rated the quality of the relationship with their primary health care practitioner close to "totally appropriate" (M = 4.12 ± .69). The degree of insecure attachment manifested towards the lower extremity of the scale. The total effect of the mediation analyses was significant. Regardless, the indirect effect indicated a trend result with minimal effect sizes. CONCLUSION The findings of the current study bridged the gap between attachment styles and healthcare utilization. Nonetheless, our results suggested insufficient support for the mediating role of the primary care physician in the relationship between attachment style and healthcare utilization. Considering the characteristics of the sample, this outcome may not apply in a clinical context. However, further research is needed to shed light in the revealed trends and indicate implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Schmalbach
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - G H Franke
- Psychology of Rehabilitation, University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg and Stendal, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - W Häuser
- Innere Medizin I, Klinikum Saarbrücken gGmbH, Winterberg 1, 66119, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - B Strauss
- Institut für Psychosoziale Medizin und Psychotherapie, Klinikum der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - K Petrowski
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
- Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Department of General Practice/MK3, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) Adiposity Diseases - Behavioral Medicine, Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Neumann E, Rohmann E, Sattel H. The 10-Item Short Form of the German Experiences in Close Relationships Scale (ECR-G-10)-Model Fit, Reliability, and Validity. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:935. [PMID: 37998682 PMCID: PMC10669102 DOI: 10.3390/bs13110935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present work was the development and validation of a short form of the Experiences in Close Relationship Scale (ECR) in German. Three studies were conducted. In study 1, the best items for the short form were selected from the item pool of the original version based on ant colony optimization (ACO), a recently developed probabilistic approach. Data from three samples collected at a university, an online portal, and a psychosomatic clinic with a total of 1470 participants were analyzed. A 10-item solution resulted, measuring avoidance and anxiety with five items each. This solution showed a good model fit and acceptable reliability in all three samples. The two new short scales were independent of each other. In study 2, the 10-item solution was validated by correlating the new short scales with external criteria. Data from previous studies that included student, community, and clinical samples were reanalyzed. Both short scales showed expected correlations with measures of romantic relationships, personality, psychopathology, and childhood trauma, indicating convergent and discriminant validity. The significant correlations were moderate to strong. In study 3, the selected ten items alone and several content-related scales were presented online to 277 participants, most of them students. The good results in terms of model fit, reliability, and validity observed in studies 1 and 2 could be replicated here. The new short form, called ECR-G-10, allows the measurement of attachment avoidance and anxiety in an economic way in research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Neumann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, 40629 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Elke Rohmann
- Department of Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University, 447801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Heribert Sattel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University, 81675 Munich, Germany;
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Khattar V, Huete N, Navarro R. Attachment insecurity and breadcrumbing engagement in young adults: a cross-sectional, cross-country study in India and Spain. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:356. [PMID: 37880762 PMCID: PMC10601106 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01404-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breadcrumbing, defined as the act of sending out flirtatious, but non-committal text messages to lure a sexual/romantic partner without expending much effort, has gained attention in popular culture and the media due to its relevance to contemporary dating dynamics. However, there is lack of evidence of the association between attachment insecurity and breadcrumbing This study aims to uncover the potential relationship between breadcrumbing engagement and attachment insecurity among Indian and Spanish young adults. METHODS Data were collected through an anonymous online survey answered by 334 adults in India and by 348 adults in Spain aged between 18 and 40 years old. A linear regression model in both countries was run to examine breadcrumbing engagement and its relationship with the set of sociodemographic variables included in the study (participants' age and sex, sexual orientation, relationship status and educational level) and the two dimensions of attachment insecurity (anxious and avoidant). RESULTS The results showed that insecure attachment, both anxious and avoidant, were associated with engaging in breadcrumbing in both the countries. However, there was a stronger association between anxious attachment and breadcrumbing in India compared to Spain, where the association was stronger between avoidant attachment and breadcrumbing. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study offer insight into an under-studied practice in the context of interpersonal relationships (i.e., breadcrumbing behaviour) and show the importance of attachment theoretical framework to hypothesize and analyse expectations regarding strategies to negotiate intimate relationships and the breadcrumbing experience particularly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Khattar
- Faculty of Education & Psychology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, 390002, India
| | - Nuria Huete
- Faculty of Business Economic, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, 02071, Spain
| | - Raúl Navarro
- Faculty of Education and Humanities, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, 16071, Spain.
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Schwarzer NH, Dietrich L, Gingelmaier S, Nolte T, Bolz T, Fonagy P. Mentalizing partially mediates the association between attachment insecurity and global stress in preservice teachers. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1204666. [PMID: 37671112 PMCID: PMC10475550 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1204666] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Considering the fact that the teaching profession is a highly stressful occupation and that teachers' ineffective coping strategies contribute to higher levels of stress, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether insecure attachment is related to global stress experiences in preservice student teachers. Furthermore, it was examined whether this link is mediated by the preservice teachers' mentalizing-the capacity to perceive and consider one's own and others' behavior based on intentional mental states. Methods Data of this cross-sectional study came from 202 preservice student teachers using self-report instruments (attachment: Expectation in Close Relationships; mentalizing: Reflective Functioning Questionnaire; stress: Trier Inventory of Chronic Stress). The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling. Results Anxious attachment was positively related to stress and impairments in mentalizing. In addition, the link between attachment-related anxiety and stress was partially mediated by mentalizing. Avoidant attachment was not associated with stress or mentalizing. Discussion Results indicate that anxious attachment is associated with higher perceived stress in preservice student teachers. Consequently, attachment-related anxiety may be a risk factor which, in turn, may foster perceptions of higher global stress experiences. Conclusion Additional research needs to focus on exploring the link between attachment insecurity and global stress experiences among preservice student teachers. An examination of preservice student teachers' own attachment experiences proves to be useful, for example in the context of mentalization-based supervision or reflective practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Dietrich
- Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Nolte
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tijs Bolz
- University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Peter Fonagy
- University College London, London, England, United Kingdom
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Altmann U, Lutz W, Rafaeli E, Uhl J. [Measurement Invariance and Validity of the Short Form of the Bielefeld Partnership Expectations Questionnaire (BPEQ12)]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol 2023; 73:25-33. [PMID: 35793667 DOI: 10.1055/a-1860-1100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The short form of the Bielefeld Partnership Expectations Questionnaire (BPEQ12) measures three partner-related attachment scales: fear of rejection, readiness for self-disclosure and conscious need for care. In addition to factor structure and reliability, the present study examined measurement invariance and validity using a non-clinical and a clinical sample of college students (N=208). Besides the BFPE12, the following Questionnaires were assessed: Short Form of Experiences in Close Relationships - Revised (ECR-RD8), Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-30), revised Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), and Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI-G). The factor structure is tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the internal consistency of the scales is quantified using McDonald's ω, the measurement invariance is investigated with two-group structural equation models, and the validity is examined using correlation and regression analyses. In both samples, the factor structure was confirmed (CFI>0.93; TLI>0.93; RMSEA<0.08; SRMR<0.08) and the reliability of all three scales was acceptable (ω>.7) - with the exception of need for care in the non-clinical group. We found configurational, metric and scalar measurement invariance regarding to the assignment in the clinical and non-clinical sample. In terms of convergent validity, fear of rejection and conscious need for care were associated with attachment-related anxiety (r=0.771 and r=0.539, p<0.001) and low readiness for self-disclosure was correlated with attachment-related avoidance (measured with ECR-RD8, r=- 0.704, p<0.001). Overall, the present study supports the factor structure, measurement invariance, reliability, and validity of the BPEQ12 in clinical and non-clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Altmann
- Institut für Psychosoziale Medizin, Psychotherapie und Psychoonkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Lutz
- Psychologie, Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Universität Trier, Trier, Germany
| | - Eshkol Rafaeli
- Department of Psychology and the Gonda Brain Science Center, Bar-Ilan University Faculty of Social Sciences, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Jessica Uhl
- Psychologie, Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Universität Trier, Trier, Germany
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Graetz C, Ehrenthal JC, Kowalski R, Cyris M, Geiken A, Dörfer CE. Periodontal maintenance: individual patient responses and discontinuations. BMC Oral Health 2022; 22:610. [DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02655-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Aim
There is a lack of data on long-term impact of different psychological variables on periodontitis. Aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of psychological factors in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP; according to the 1999 Classification of Periodontal Diseases) to explain adherence to or discontinuation of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) in a university setting.
Methods
A sample of n = 119 patients were examined in a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey. All patients had received active periodontal treatment (APT) and were reevaluated in a university setting (Kiel) before 2016 [T1: start SPT]. Patients who showed sufficient adherence to SPT of ≥ 2 years (maximum ± 6 months of deviation between SPT intervals, last visit and questionnaire at T2) were assigned to the adherence group (AG: n = 58), or, if they interrupted SPT or stopped treatment altogether, to the non-adherence group (NAG: n = 61). In addition to dental parameters, we assessed socio-demographic, treatment-related (critical attitudes/complaints), dental as well as psychological variables (especially psychological attachment, but also dental fear, patient participation style, personality functioning) and examined between-group differences as well as possible mediating factors of non-adherence to treatment continuation.
Results
For both groups we found similar average observation time (NAG/AG: 15.9(8.9)/14.9(10.6)years). There were significant differences in age, critical attitudes, dental fear, and patient participation style between the groups. With the help of exploratory sequential mediation models, we found a significant indirect pathway of the impact of attachment anxiety on discontinuation of treatment mediated through dental fear and number of critical attitudes/complaints.
Conclusion
Considering the limitations, dentists should be aware of personality-related risk-factors such as attachment anxiety as well as their interplay with levels of dental fear and critical attitudes which may influence adherence to SPT.
Trial registration: The clinical trial was retrospectively registered in the DRKS—German Clinical Trials Register (https://www.drks.de) with registration DRKS00030092 (26/08/2022).
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12
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Klein EM, Benecke C, Kasinger C, Brähler E, Ehrenthal JC, Strauß B, Ernst M. Eating disorder psychopathology: The role of attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and personality functioning. J Psychosom Res 2022; 160:110975. [PMID: 35763941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although the relationship between insecure attachment patterns and eating disorder (ED) psychopathology has repeatedly been demonstrated, the underlying mechanisms of this association are not fully understood. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine personality functioning, defined as an impairment in self and interpersonal functioning, as a mediator between attachment insecurity and ED psychopathology. METHODS In a representative population-based sample (N = 2508; age range 14-92 years) ED symptomatology, personality functioning, and attachment insecurity (anxiety and avoidance) were assessed. Besides descriptive uni-/bivariate analysis, path analysis was used to test a mediation model while controlling for the effects of age, gender, mental distress, and BMI. RESULTS ED symptomatology was associated with lower levels of personality functioning (r = 0.22) and higher levels of attachment anxiety (r = 0.14) but did not correlate with attachment avoidance (r = 0.02). Path analysis revealed that personality functioning fully mediated the effect of attachment anxiety on ED symptomatology: The indirect effect via personality functioning (β = 0.04, p < .001) accounted for 77% of the total effect. Fit indices were excellent. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the main results were mainly applicable to women and the middle age group. CONCLUSION The present findings contribute to the growing body of research using dimensional conceptualizations of personality functioning, suggesting that it provides an informative, overarching framework for understanding and treating ED psychopathology. Findings indicate that underlying individual differences, e.g., with respect to insecure attachment configurations, have relevant implications for symptom manifestations. Potential clinical implications and avenues for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Klein
- DFG Research Training Group "Life Sciences, Life Writing", University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Am Pulverturm 13, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Cord Benecke
- Department of Psychology, University of Kassel, Holländische Straße 36-38, 34127 Kassel, Germany
| | - Christoph Kasinger
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacherstr. 8, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacherstr. 8, 55131 Mainz, Germany; Integrated Research and Treatment Center Adiposity Diseases, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Philipp-Rosenthal-Strasse 27, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Johannes C Ehrenthal
- Department of Psychology, University of Cologne, Bernhard-Feilchenfeld-Str. 11, 50969 Cologne, Germany
| | - Bernhard Strauß
- Institute of Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Stoystr. 3, 07740 Jena, Germany
| | - Mareike Ernst
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacherstr. 8, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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13
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Barberis N, Cannavò M, Calaresi D, Verrastro V. Reflective functioning and Alexithymia as mediators between attachment and psychopathology symptoms: cross-sectional evidence in a community sample. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2022; 28:1251-1262. [PMID: 35193443 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2045331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study sought to examine the role of Reflective Functioning and Alexithymia as mediators in the association between Attachment and Psychopathology. Questionnaires were administered to 1099 adults aged between 18 and 30 years. Results showed relations between Attachment Anxiety, Reflective Functioning, Alexithymia and Psychopathology. Moreover, Alexithymia was a mediator between Attachment, Reflective Functioning and Psychopathology.Current results provided evidence of the role of both Reflective Functioning and Alexithymia in the relationship between Attachment and Psychopathology. Implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Barberis
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Della Salute, Università Degli Studi Magna Graecia Di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Cannavò
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Della Salute, Università Degli Studi Magna Graecia Di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Danilo Calaresi
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Sperimentale, Università Degli Studi Di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Valeria Verrastro
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Della Salute, Università Degli Studi Magna Graecia Di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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14
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Ernst M, Tibubos AN, Kubiak T, O'Connor RC, Beutel ME. Study Protocol for an Ecological Momentary Assessment Study: TempRes "Temporal Variability of Risk and Resilience Factors for Suicidal Ideation". Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:877283. [PMID: 35546923 PMCID: PMC9082499 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.877283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide prevention is an important public mental health issue that can be significantly brought forward by recent advances in psychological research methods and assessment. The project "TempRes" aims to harness the power of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to investigate the transdiagnostic risk and resilience factors associated with suicidal ideation drawn from the most recent research in suicide prevention and personality assessment. Participants will comprise the general population (planned: N = 100) and a risk group (patients currently in psychosomatic or psychiatric treatment) (planned: N = 50). After a comprehensive baseline assessment, they will complete up to ten short assessments per day over the course of 10 days at roughly equidistant intervals. In detail, the project examines the interplay of biography (previous suicidal behavior, experiences of childhood maltreatment), individual differences (level of personality functioning), and time-varying factors (entrapment, loneliness, mood) with respect to the emergence and fluctuation of suicidal ideation. There are two main research foci: First, the project will provide an operationalization and empirical verification of a core assumption of the integrated motivational-volitional model of suicide (IMV model). It will test whether the interaction of the time-varying predictors entrapment with loneliness (as a motivational moderator) explains reports of suicidal ideation over time. Second, it will be the first to examine personality functioning (a transdiagnostic, psychodynamically grounded conceptualization of vulnerability to psychological crises over the life span) as a time-invariant predictor of suicidal ideation assessed within an intensive longitudinal study design. The main analyses will be built on linear mixed models. The overarching aim of the project is to gain a better understanding of the psychological dynamics underlying suicidal ideation in different populations by bringing together concepts from different theoretical traditions. This will inform prevention efforts geared toward the general public as well as intervention in clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Ernst
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ana N Tibubos
- Diagnostics in Healthcare & E-Health, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
| | - Thomas Kubiak
- Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Rory C O'Connor
- Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Manfred E Beutel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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15
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Volz M, Zimmermann J, Schauenburg H, Dinger U, Nikendei C, Friederich HC, Ehrenthal JC. Erstellung und Validierung einer Kurzversion des Fragebogens zur Erfassung aversiver und protektiver Kindheitserfahrung (APK-18). DIAGNOSTICA 2021. [DOI: 10.1026/0012-1924/a000276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Die Erfassung von Kindheitserfahrungen stellt einen wichtigen Baustein für Verständnis und Behandlung psychischer Belastungen im Erwachsenenalter dar. Dabei kommt der Erfassung protektiver Kindheitserfahrungen neben etablierten aversiven Erlebnissen eine wachsende Bedeutung zu. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist die Erstellung einer validen, reliablen und zeitökonomischen Kurzform des Fragebogens zur Erfassung aversiver und protektiver Kindheitserfahrungen (APK). Mithilfe des Ant-Colony Optimization (ACO) Algorithmus wurden an einer klinisch-psychotherapeutischen Stichprobe ( n = 701) aus den 59 Items der Langversion ein Set von 18 Items identifiziert und an einer nicht-klinischen Stichprobe ( n = 643) validiert. Die Kurzversion (APK-18) zeigte gute Reliabilität und Validität und unterschied anhand latenter Mittelwertunterschiede zuverlässig zwischen klinischen und nicht-klinischen Teilnehmenden. Einschränkungen bezüglich der Reliabilität ergaben sich bei 2 der insgesamt 8 Sub-Skalen, „Sonstige traumatische Ereignisse“ und „Trennungserfahrungen“. Mit der Kurzversion APK–18 liegt ein ökonomisches und valides Messinstrument vor, welches in klinische Routineerhebungen integriert werden kann.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Volz
- Klinik für Allgemeine Innere Medizin und Psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
- Institut für Psychologie, Humanwissenschaften, Universität Kassel
| | | | - Henning Schauenburg
- Klinik für Allgemeine Innere Medizin und Psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
| | - Ulrike Dinger
- Klinik für Allgemeine Innere Medizin und Psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
| | - Christoph Nikendei
- Klinik für Allgemeine Innere Medizin und Psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
| | | | - Johannes C. Ehrenthal
- Klinik für Allgemeine Innere Medizin und Psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
- Institut für Psychologie, Humanwissenschaftliche Fakultät, Universität Köln
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