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Carvalho SA, Carvalho F, Fonseca L, Santos G, Castilho P. Beyond the Centrality of Shame: How Self-Concealment and Fear of Receiving Compassion From Others Impact Psychological Suffering in Transgender Adults. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2024; 71:1373-1391. [PMID: 36043899 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2114398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Shame-based social interactions are a minority social stressor commonly experienced by transgender individuals. However, few studies have explored the centrality of shame experiences in transgender identity and mental health. Also, the ability to receive care and soothing support may be influenced by intrapersonal shame- and fear-related factors, which may hinder openness, and support and care seeking, thus contributing to psychological distress. This study aims to examine the relationship between central shame experiences, fear of receiving compassion from others, self-concealment, and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms) in a sample of Portuguese transgender adults. Following a cross-sectional design, data from a convenience sample of 70 self-identified transgender individuals undergoing gender-affirming medical interventions (GAMIs) were analyzed, using SPSS PROCESS, to determine whether the relationship between central shame experiences and psychological suffering occurred indirectly through fear of receiving compassion from others, and self-concealment. Results suggest that fear of receiving compassion from others, but not self-concealment, was the underlying factor between central shame experiences, and depression and anxiety. Results suggest that the centrality of shame experiences and stress symptomatology associate sequentially through fear of compassion and, in turn, through self-concealment. Clinical implications for mental health interventions with transgender individuals undergoing GAMI are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio A Carvalho
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, School of Psychology and Life Sciences (EPCV), Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Frederica Carvalho
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Psychological Medicine (IPM), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lígia Fonseca
- CHUC, Centro de Responsabilidade Integrada de Psiquiatria (CRIP), Coimbra University Hospital, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Graça Santos
- CHUC, Centro de Responsabilidade Integrada de Psiquiatria (CRIP), Coimbra University Hospital, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Castilho
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Shevlin M, Redican E, McElroy E, Ben-Ezra M, Karatzias T, Hyland P. Measuring positive memories of home and family during childhood: The development and initial validation of the 'Memories of Home and Family Scale'. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-10. [PMID: 35756900 PMCID: PMC9205651 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03220-w] [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] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is a burgeoning evidence base highlighting the positive influence of benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs), even in the context of adversity. However, few measures are available to assess BCEs. The current study sought to develop and validate a measure which assesses positive recollections of experiences and emotions at home and with family during childhood called the 'Memories of Home and Family Scale'(MHFS). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to test the latent structure of the preliminary MHFS item scores in a sample of university students from the United Kingdom (N = 624). Following selection of the best-fitting model and final items for inclusion in the scale, total and subscale scores were correlated with a range of mental health outcomes. CFA results indicated that the latent structure of the MHFS items was best represented by a correlated six-factor first-order model. The final MHFS demonstrated high levels of internal reliability and convergent validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Shevlin
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Enya Redican
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Eoin McElroy
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | | | - Thanos Karatzias
- School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
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Waling A, Farrugia A, Fraser S. Embarrassment, Shame, and Reassurance: Emotion and Young People's Access to Online Sexual Health Information. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2022; 20:45-57. [PMID: 35035599 PMCID: PMC8743101 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-021-00668-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research suggests that embarrassment and shame are significant barriers to young people's access to sexual health information. In this article, we analyse the relationship between emotion and young people's engagement with online sexual health information. METHODS Drawing on the work of Ahmed on the performativity of emotion and Probyn's theorisation of shame, we analyse interviews conducted in 2020 with 37 young people in Australia on sources of sexual health information. RESULTS Based on themes emerging from the data, our analysis considers the role of embarrassment and shame in shaping young people's access to sexual health information, the sources they seek, and the forms of information provision they prefer. Overall, we find that shame, embarrassment, and judgement shape our participants' access to sexual health information in four key ways: (1) by enacting suitable sources of information; (2) by propelling curiosity in different directions; (3) by constituting 'normal' bodies, sexuality, and sexual health; and (4) by constituting desired forms of communication. CONCLUSIONS As part of these dynamics, our participants use a range of strategies to avoid potential embarrassment or judgement when seeking sexual health information. The article concludes by exploring the implications of these practices and dynamics. POLICY IMPLICATIONS Our analysis suggests the need for research, policy, and public health initiatives that are open to the multiple effects of emotion, including those traditionally thought of as negative, and their role in materialising encounters with sexual health information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Waling
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia
| | - Adrian Farrugia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Suzanne Fraser
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Krishnamoorthy G, Davis P, O'Donovan A, McDermott B, Mullens A. Through Benevolent Eyes: the Differential Efficacy of Perspective Taking and Cognitive Reappraisal on the Regulation of Shame. Int J Cogn Ther 2020; 14:263-288. [PMID: 32904830 PMCID: PMC7462113 DOI: 10.1007/s41811-020-00085-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Difficulties in regulating feelings of shame is a risk factor for the onset and recurrence of mental health disorders. The present research investigated the impact of the individual differences in propensity to experience shame (or shame-proneness) on two emotion regulation strategies-perspective taking and positive reappraisal. A total of 228 participants, undergraduate students, were allocated randomly to one of the eight experimental conditions. The results revealed that for high shame-prone participants, the use of perspective taking, without positive reappraisal, led to a heightened experience of shame. In contrast, the combination of perspective taking and positive reappraisal led to reductions in shame among high shame-prone participants. The findings highlight the relationship between individual differences, and the separate and combined effects of affect regulation strategies on the experience of shame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govind Krishnamoorthy
- University of Southern Queensland, 11 Salisbury Road, Ipswich, Queensland 4305 Australia
| | - Penelope Davis
- Griffith University, 176 Messines Ridge Road, Mount Gravatt, Queensland 4122 Australia
| | - Analise O'Donovan
- Griffith University, 176 Messines Ridge Road, Mount Gravatt, Queensland 4122 Australia
| | - Brett McDermott
- James Cook University, James Cook Drive, Douglas, Queensland 4814 Australia
| | - Amy Mullens
- University of Southern Queensland, 11 Salisbury Road, Ipswich, Queensland 4305 Australia
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Sheikh MA. Retrospectively reported childhood adversity is associated with asthma and chronic bronchitis, independent of mental health. J Psychosom Res 2018; 114:50-57. [PMID: 30314579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Several researchers have raised the concern that the cross-sectional association of retrospectively reported childhood adversity with self-reported onset of asthma and chronic bronchitis in adulthood may be confounded, as well as mediated by an individual's mental health. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of retrospectively reported childhood adversity on self-reported onset of asthma and chronic bronchitis in adulthood, independent of potential confounding and mediating variables (including respondent's mental health). We used data collected in 2007-2008 within the framework of the Tromsø Study (N = 12,981), a representative study of adult men and women in Norway. The associations of childhood adversity with asthma and chronic bronchitis were assessed with Poisson regression models. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated with bias-corrected bootstrapping. Childhood adversity was associated with a 9% increased risk of asthma (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.16) and a 14% increased risk chronic bronchitis (RR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.26) in adulthood, independent of age, sex, parental history of psychiatric problems/asthma/dementia, education, smoking, social support, and respondent's mental health. Controlling for indicators of respondent's mental health reduced the strength of associations of childhood adversity with asthma and chronic bronchitis; however, the associations were still present in the same direction (p < .05). These findings suggest that the association of retrospectively reported childhood adversity with asthma and chronic bronchitis is independent of respondent's mental health. We recommend controlling for indicators of the respondent's mental health to assess an unbiased association of retrospectively measured childhood adversity with self-reported asthma and chronic bronchitis.
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Hong FY, Cheng KT, Tran TPT. Study on the Relationship Among Perceived Emotionally Painful Events in Schools and Families, Self-esteem, and Health Problems of University Students in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF ADULT DEVELOPMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10804-018-9310-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Substance use to regulate intense posttraumatic shame in individuals with childhood abuse and neglect. Dev Psychopathol 2016; 29:737-749. [PMID: 27292103 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579416000432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Childhood abuse and neglect (CAN) is considered as a risk factor for substance use disorder (SUD). Based on the drinking to cope model, this study investigated the association of two trauma-relevant emotions (shame and sadness) and substance use. Using ecological momentary assessment we compared real-time emotion regulation in situations with high and low intensity of shame and sadness in currently abstinent patients with CAN and lifetime SUD (traumaSUD group), healthy controls with CAN (traumaHC group), and without CAN (nontraumaHC group). Multilevel analysis showed a positive linear relationship between high intensity of both emotions and substance use for all groups. The traumaSUD group showed heightened substance use in low, as well as in high, intensity of shame and sadness. In addition, we found an interaction between type of emotion, intensity, and group: the traumaHC group exhibited a fourfold increased risk for substance use in high intense shame situations relative to the traumaSUD group. Our findings provide evidence for the drinking to cope model. The traumaSUD group showed a reduced distress tolerance for variable intensity of negative emotions. The differential effect of intense shame for the traumaHC group emphazises its potential role in the development of SUD following CAN. In addition, shame can be considered a relevant focus for therapeutic preinterventions and interventions for SUD after CAN.
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Social defeat predicts paranoid appraisals in people at high risk for psychosis. Schizophr Res 2015; 168:16-22. [PMID: 26276306 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The experience of social defeat may increase the risk of developing psychotic symptoms and psychotic disorders. We studied the relationship between social defeat and paranoid appraisal in people at high risk for psychosis in an experimental social environment created using Virtual Reality (VR). METHOD We recruited UHR (N=64) participants and healthy volunteers (N=43). Regression analysis was used to investigate which baseline measures predicted paranoid appraisals during the VR experience. RESULTS At baseline, UHR subjects reported significantly higher levels of social defeat than controls (OR=.957, (CI) .941-.973, p<.000). Following exposure to the VR social environment, the UHR group reported significantly more paranoid appraisals than the controls (p<.000). Within the UHR sample, paranoid appraisals were predicted by the level of social defeat at baseline, as well as by the severity of positive psychotic and disorganised symptoms. CONCLUSION In people who are at high risk of psychosis, a history of social defeat is associated with an increased likelihood of making paranoid appraisals of social interactions. This is consistent with the notion that social defeat increases the risk of developing psychosis.
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Carvalho S, Dinis A, Pinto-Gouveia J, Estanqueiro C. Memories of Shame Experiences with Others and Depression Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Experiential Avoidance. Clin Psychol Psychother 2013; 22:32-44. [DOI: 10.1002/cpp.1862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Revised: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Carvalho
- Cognitive-Behavioral Research Centre; University of Coimbra; Coimbra Portugal
| | - Alexandra Dinis
- Cognitive-Behavioral Research Centre; University of Coimbra; Coimbra Portugal
| | - José Pinto-Gouveia
- Cognitive-Behavioral Research Centre; University of Coimbra; Coimbra Portugal
| | - Cátia Estanqueiro
- Cognitive-Behavioral Research Centre; University of Coimbra; Coimbra Portugal
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Pinto-Gouveia J, Matos M, Castilho P, Xavier A. Differences between Depression and Paranoia: The Role of Emotional Memories, Shame and Subordination. Clin Psychol Psychother 2012; 21:49-61. [DOI: 10.1002/cpp.1818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Revised: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcela Matos
- Cognitive-Behavioural Research Centre; University of Coimbra; Portugal
| | - Paula Castilho
- Cognitive-Behavioural Research Centre; University of Coimbra; Portugal
| | - Ana Xavier
- Cognitive-Behavioural Research Centre; University of Coimbra; Portugal
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Gale C, Gilbert P, Read N, Goss K. An evaluation of the impact of introducing compassion focused therapy to a standard treatment programme for people with eating disorders. Clin Psychol Psychother 2012; 21:1-12. [PMID: 22740105 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.1806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Revised: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored the outcome of introducing Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) into a standard treatment programme for people with eating disorders. In particular, the aim was to evaluate the principle that CFT can be used with people with eating disorders and improve eating disorder symptomatology. METHOD Routinely collected questionnaire data were used to assess cognitive and behavioural aspects of eating disorders and social functioning/well being (n = 99). RESULTS There were significant improvements on all questionnaire measures during the programme. An analysis by diagnosis found that people with bulimia nervosa improved significantly more than people with anorexia nervosa on most of the subscales. Also, in terms of clinical significance, 73% of those with bulimia nervosa were considered to have made clinically reliable and significant improvements at the end of treatment (compared with 21% of people with anorexia nervosa and 30% of people with atypical eating disorders). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential benefits of using CFT with people with eating disorders and highlights the need for further research on this new approach. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE CFT offers new ways to conceptualize and formulate some of the self-critical and shame-based difficulties associated with eating disorders. CFT offers a framework that can enable people with eating disorders to conceptualize their difficulties in different ways. CFT can be combined with standard therapies especially cognitive behavioural therapy. CFT can be especially useful in a group context where the relationships between members can become increasingly compassionate, validating, supportive and encouraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Gale
- Mental Health Research Unit, Kingsway, Derby, UK
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Matos M, Pinto-Gouveia J, Costa V. Understanding the Importance of Attachment in Shame Traumatic Memory Relation to Depression: The Impact of Emotion Regulation Processes. Clin Psychol Psychother 2011; 20:149-65. [DOI: 10.1002/cpp.786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Matos
- Cognitive and Behavioural Research Centre (CINEICC); University of Coimbra; Coimbra; Portugal
| | - José Pinto-Gouveia
- Cognitive and Behavioural Research Centre (CINEICC); University of Coimbra; Coimbra; Portugal
| | - Vânia Costa
- Cognitive and Behavioural Research Centre (CINEICC); University of Coimbra; Coimbra; Portugal
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The relationship between shame and different types of anger: A theory-based investigation. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2011.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Pinto-Gouveia J, Matos M. Can shame memories become a key to identity? The centrality of shame memories predicts psychopathology. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.1689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Finzi-Dottan R, Cohen O. Young Adult Sibling Relations: The Effects of Perceived Parental Favoritism and Narcissism. THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2010; 145:1-22. [DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2010.528073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explores the premise that shame episodes can have the properties of traumatic memories, involving intrusions, flashbacks, strong emotional avoidance, hyper arousal, fragmented states of mind and dissociation. METHOD A battery of self-report questionnaires was used to assess shame, shame traumatic memory and depression in 811 participants from general population (481 undergraduate students and 330 subjects from normal population). RESULTS Results show that early shame experiences do indeed reveal traumatic memory characteristics. Moreover, these experiences are associated with current feelings of internal and external shame in adulthood. We also found that current shame and depression are significantly related. Key to our findings is that those individuals whose shame memories display more traumatic characteristics show more depressive symptoms. A moderator analysis suggested an effect of shame traumatic memory on the relationship between shame and depression. LIMITATIONS The transversal nature of our study design, the use of self-reports questionnaires, the possibility of selective memories in participants' retrospective reports and the use of a general community sample, are some methodological limitations that should be considered in our investigation. CONCLUSION Our study presents novel perspectives on the nature of shame and its relation to psychopathology, empirically supporting the proposal that shame memories have traumatic memory characteristics, that not only affect shame in adulthood but also seem to moderate the impact of shame on depression. Therefore, these considerations emphasize the importance of assessing and intervening on shame memories in a therapeutic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Matos
- Cognitive-Behavioral Research Centre, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To identify and discuss recent research concerning the association between parent-child relationships and psychiatric symptoms in adulthood. RECENT FINDINGS Despite their methodological limitations such as small sample sizes and inadequate follow-up periods, recent studies have shown that early parental bonding may play an important role either as a risk or protection factor for the development of psychiatric symptoms in adulthood. Affective enhancement and encouragement of autonomy seem to exert a protective effect, whereas emotional neglect and overprotection seem to be risk factors for the development of psychiatric symptoms in adulthood. SUMMARY Current available data indicate that parent-child relationships may prevent or promote the development of psychiatric symptoms, mainly anxiety and depressive symptoms. In order to investigate the quality of parental bonding and its correlation with the level of psychological well being or psychiatric morbidity, further longitudinal studies with larger samples and adequate follow-up periods should be conducted.
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Gilbert P, McEwan K, Bellew R, Mills A, Gale C. The dark side of competition: How competitive behaviour and striving to avoid inferiority are linked to depression, anxiety, stress and self-harm. Psychol Psychother 2009; 82:123-36. [PMID: 19040794 DOI: 10.1348/147608308x379806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
This study was guided by the social rank theory of depression and aimed to explore the relationship between depression, anxiety, stress and self-harm with striving to avoid inferiority, feelings of shame and styles of attachment. Participants diagnosed with depression (n = 62) completed a series of questionnaires measuring striving to avoid inferiority, fears of missing out, being overlooked and active rejection, attachment, social rank and psychopathologies. Striving to avoid inferiority was significantly linked to social rank variables and anxious attachment. Mediator analyses revealed that the relationship between striving to avoid inferiority and depression was mediated by the social rank variable of external shame, and also anxious attachment. These findings suggest that elevated competitive behaviour can have a 'dark side'. When people feel insecure in their social environments, it can focus them on a hierarchical view of themselves and others, with a fear of rejection if they feel they have become too inferior or subordinate. This may increase vulnerability to depression, anxiety and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Gilbert
- The Mental Health Research Unit, Derbyshire Mental Health Trust, University of Derby, Derby, UK.
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Mental Symptoms in Different Health Professionals During the SARS Attack: A Follow-up Study. Psychiatr Q 2009; 80:107-16. [PMID: 19247834 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-009-9095-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2008] [Accepted: 02/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aims of the study were to assess the psychological impact of SARS bio-disaster on healthcare workers. METHODS The participants were 127 healthcare workers who had taken care of suspected SARS patients. All participants completed the Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, and Parental Bonding Instrument at the first stage and the CHQ again a year later. RESULTS Healthcare workers that had mental symptoms at follow-up reported the symptoms were associated with daily-life stress and not the SARS crisis. The physicians had more somatic symptoms than nurses, suggesting different professions have different impact on mental health. Additionally, individual's early maternal attachment and neuroticism were found to have greater effect on mental health of life-threatening stress. CONCLUSIONS Life-threatening and daily-life stress show two different patterns of influence on mental health. These results provided a preclinical model for understanding, and preventing, human stress-related psychiatric disorders in the future.
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Zohar AH, Goldman E, Calamary R, Mashiah M. Religiosity and obsessive–compulsive behavior in Israeli Jews. Behav Res Ther 2005; 43:857-68. [PMID: 15896283 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2004.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2003] [Revised: 05/11/2004] [Accepted: 06/01/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Individual differences in obsessive-compulsive (OC) behavior in various cultures correlate with religiosity. The current paper explored the so far unstudied relationship between religiosity and OC behavior in Israeli Jews. Two studies were conducted. Study 1 focused on the relationship between religiosity and OC behavior in a representative sample of Israeli students. Study 2 focused on religious change and OC behavior in a non-random sample of 31 individuals who had become more religious (the MR group), and 30 individuals who were less religious (the LR group) than their parents. Instruments used were the Maudsley obsessive-compulsive inventory (MOCI), the student religiosity questionnaire, and questions about parental home observance, upbringing, and changes in religiosity. In the first study, no association was found between religiosity and OC behavior. Religiosity was related to some degree to perfectionism and to the parental attitude to upbringing. In the second study, a significant difference was observed between the MR and the LR groups on OC behavior as measured by the MOCI. Conclusion, among Israeli Jews a lot of religious observance is non-reflective, and is not associated with individual differences in personality or OC symptoms. Those who undergo religious change may do so in response to their behavioral propensities. One such path is that the more OC become MR, and the less OC less religiously observant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada H Zohar
- Psychology, Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer 40250, Israel.
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Abstract
This opening article outlines some key themes of an evolutionary approach to psychopathology, and explores possible implications for cognitive therapy. Evolutionary psychology suggests that many of our mental mechanisms are designed to promote survival and reproduction, not happiness, or even mental health, as such. This article focuses on the concept of evolved strategies and their phenotypic expressions, to fit specific niches. It suggests that evolved strategies and their phenotypic expressions partly operate through two psychobiological systems, called the defense and safeness systems, which detect and respond to threats and punishments, and safeness and potential rewards, respectively. Various cognitive schemas, rules and automatic thoughts, especially those linked to psychopathology, are often products of the linkages in strategies as coded in defense and safeness systems. The latter part of the article gives a brief exploration of the view that self-to-self relationships (self-evaluations and “self-talk”) evolved from social cognitions and behavior. Negative self-evaluations, self-criticism, and self-attacking are viewed as internalized interactions between a hostile, dominant part of self, and an appeasing, subordinate part of self. One way of undermining this interaction is to introduce the notion of compassion for the self. A brief consideration is given to the development of “compassionate mind” in work with shame-prone people as expressed in high self-criticalness and/or self-hating. Throughout the text the main problems addressed are those of the more chronic, emotional difficulties often associated with some degree of what is called personality disorder.
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Claesson K, Sohlberg S. Internalized shame and early interactions characterized by indifference, abandonment and rejection: replicated findings. Clin Psychol Psychother 2002. [DOI: 10.1002/cpp.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Morrison D, Gilbert P. Social rank, shame and anger in primary and secondary psychopaths. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1080/09585180110056867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Gerlsma C. Recollections of parental care and quality of intimate relationships: the role of re-evaluating past attachment experiences. Clin Psychol Psychother 2000. [DOI: 10.1002/1099-0879(200010)7:4<289::aid-cpp261>3.0.co;2-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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