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Solano Durán P, Morales JP, Huepe D. Interoceptive awareness in a clinical setting: the need to bring interoceptive perspectives into clinical evaluation. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1244701. [PMID: 38933585 PMCID: PMC11199726 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1244701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Interoceptive awareness (IA) is crucial to understanding mental health. The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) scale, available in approximately 30 languages, has gained global recognition for its research applicability. This review highlights the critical importance of integrating IA evaluation in clinical settings, advocating for the MAIA scale's potential as a screening tool. Through an examination of academic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and J-STOR, our analysis spans seven mental health domains: eating disorders (ED), depression, stress, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), chronic pain, and suicide ideation (SI). Thirty-eight studies showed links between several dimensions of IA with different disorders. That is, ED was related to Body Trust and Self-Regulation; anxiety to Body Listening, Emotional Awareness, and Self-Regulation; depression to Noticing and Emotional Awareness; ASD to Trusting, Emotional Awareness, and Noticing; chronic pain to Not-Worrying and Self-Regulation; and SI with Trusting. These insights hold profound implications for both clinical practice and mental health research. Integrating IA assessments into standard clinical protocols has the potential to improve our understanding of pathology, enrich patient care, and enhance therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Solano Durán
- Center for Social and Cognitive Neuroscience (CSCN), School of Psychology, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago de Chile, Chile
- Oficina de Equidad de Género, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Juan-Pablo Morales
- Facultad de Educación Psicología y Familia, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile
- University of Sydney Business School, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - David Huepe
- Center for Social and Cognitive Neuroscience (CSCN), School of Psychology, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago de Chile, Chile
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Yan Y, Yu H, Han P. High perceived stress is associated with decreased sensory-specific satiety in humans. Physiol Behav 2024; 277:114482. [PMID: 38316171 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that chronic stress increases food intake. One possible mechanism may be due to altered sensory-specific satiety (SSS) among people with high level of chronic stress. In the current study, seventy-six participants were divided into either high-stress or low-stress groups according to their Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores. Participants were assigned to consume one of two foods (banana milk and corn soup) ad libitum until they felt comfortably satiated. Before and after eating, participants rated their liking and wanting for the flavor and the odor (via retronasal and orthonasal routes) of the eaten and uneaten foods. Individual interoceptive sensibility and eating behavior were measured using the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) and Reasons Individuals Stop Eating Questionnaire (RISE-Q-15), respectively. Compared to the low-stress group, the high-stress group demonstrated blunted SSS to the whole food flavor. No significant difference was found for olfactory-specific satiety (retronasal or orthonasal) between the two groups. In addition, across the whole sample of participants, MAIA total score was positively associated with the magnitude of SSS (r = 0.29, p = 0.01). These results indicate that chronic perceived stress may play a role in the experience of reward during eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Yan
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pengfei Han
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Koncz Á, Csala B, Ferentzi E. The effect of 10-week long yoga training on interoceptive abilities: cross-sectional and longitudinal investigation of cardiac and gastric accuracy. Biol Futur 2024; 75:41-50. [PMID: 37979130 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-023-00195-y] [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: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Based on their characteristics, it is likely that mind-body techniques develop interoception, the perception of bodily state. Nevertheless, findings on mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and body scan techniques are inconclusive. Additionally, the methodological scope is not exhaustive, neither in terms of the intervention nor the applied measure of interoception. This study investigated for the first time the effect of regular yoga training on cardiac and gastric perceptual ability (measured with the mental heartbeat tracking task and the water load task, respectively). With the involvement of 90 female university students (yoga group n = 57, control group n = 33) we did not find any connection between baseline heartbeat perception score and gastric fullness. Moreover, the applied 10-week-long regular yoga training did not develop any of the measured interoceptive abilities. We conclude that yoga might develop other abilities than these specific sensations. Very probably, the measured cardiac and gastric perceptual abilities do not represent bodily sensations in general. It would be worth to investigate, however, the effect of longer yoga training on interoception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ádám Koncz
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
- Ádám György Psychophysiology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Barbara Csala
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Ferentzi
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Ádám György Psychophysiology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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Todd J, Plans D, Lee MC, Bird JM, Morelli D, Cunningham A, Ponzo S, Murphy J, Bird G, Aspell JE. Heightened interoception in adults with fibromyalgia. Biol Psychol 2024; 186:108761. [PMID: 38309512 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2024.108761] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Previous research suggests that the processing of internal body sensations (interoception) affects how we experience pain. Some evidence suggests that people with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) - a condition characterised by chronic pain and fatigue - may have altered interoceptive processing. However, extant findings are inconclusive, and some tasks previously used to measure interoception are of questionable validity. Here, we used an alternative measure - the Phase Adjustment Task (PAT) - to examine cardiac interoceptive accuracy in adults with FMS. We examined: (i) the tolerability of the PAT in an FMS sample (N = 154); (ii) if there are differences in facets of interoception (PAT performance, PAT-related confidence, and scores on the Private Body Consciousness Scale) between an FMS sample and an age- and gender-matched pain-free sample (N = 94); and (iii) if subgroups of participants with FMS are identifiable according to interoceptive accuracy levels. We found the PAT was tolerable in the FMS sample, with additional task breaks and a recommended hand posture. The FMS sample were more likely to be classified as 'interoceptive' on the PAT, and had significantly higher self-reported interoception compared to the pain-free sample. Within the FMS sample, we identified a subgroup who demonstrated very strong evidence of being interoceptive, and concurrently had lower fibromyalgia symptom impact (although the effect size was small). Conversely, self-reported interoception was positively correlated with FMS symptom severity and impact. Overall, interoception may be an important factor to consider in understanding and managing FMS symptoms. We recommend future longitudinal work to better understand associations between fluctuating FMS symptoms and interoception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Todd
- School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - David Plans
- Department of Management, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom; Huma Therapeutics Ltd, London, United Kingdom; Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael C Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan M Bird
- Department of Management, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Davide Morelli
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sonia Ponzo
- Huma Therapeutics Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Murphy
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Bird
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jane E Aspell
- School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Reader AT, Salvato G. Investigating the relationship between self-reported interoceptive experience and risk propensity. Cogn Emot 2024; 38:148-162. [PMID: 37937819 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2023.2279160] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Risky behaviour may be associated with visceral experiences, such as increased heart rate. Previous studies examining the relationship between perception of such signals (interoception) and risk-taking typically used behavioural tasks with potential for monetary reward. This approach may be less informative for understanding general risk propensity. In addition, such research does not usually consider the varied ways individuals engage with interoceptive signals. However, examining these different forms of engagement may help us understand how subjective experience of interoception influences risk-taking. As such, we performed two surveys (n = 471, primarily young adults) to examine the relationship between self-reported engagement with interoceptive signals (measured using the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness) and a generalised measure of risk propensity (the General Risk Propensity Scale). Results indicated that different ways of interpreting or engaging with interoceptive signals were differentially associated with risk propensity. In particular, they provide preliminary evidence that those with the ability to ignore or not worry about visceral signals when they are uncomfortable display greater risk propensity (and these effects may possibly be gender-specific).
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Affiliation(s)
- Arran T Reader
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Gerardo Salvato
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Cognitive Neuropsychology Centre, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
- NeuroMi, Milan Center for Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
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Van Bael K, Ball M, Scarfo J, Suleyman E. Assessment of the mind-body connection: preliminary psychometric evidence for a new self-report questionnaire. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:309. [PMID: 37803484 PMCID: PMC10557351 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01302-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While interoceptive self-report scales provide a foundation for measuring the mind-body connection, they variably consider other important factors that could influence interpretations of internal bodily sensations and perceptions related to mind-body integration. The proposed Body-Mind Connection Questionnaire (BMCQ) aimed to operationalise the notion that this construct involves three major components: (a) Interoceptive Attention, (b) Sensation-Emotion Articulation, and (c) Body-Mind Values. METHODS Following panel review and piloting with the target population, the developed BMCQ was evaluated in 316 participants (189 identifying as female) aged 18-50 (MAge=30.78), alongside established self-report measures of interoceptive sensibility, body awareness, sensory processing sensitivity, and alexithymia. We examined the BMCQ factor structure through exploratory factor analysis and analysed convergent and discriminant validity. RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis supported three scales of the BMCQ, which explained 54.03% of variance. Factor loadings (>0.44) and reliability indices (0.74 to 0.85) were acceptable. Inter-scale correlations suggested that the scales are distinct but related (rs=0.38 to 0.59). BMCQ scales were supported by convergent (r=0.33 to 0.67) and discriminant evidence (rs=0.01 to 0.39, p range n.s. to <.05). CONCLUSIONS Preliminary psychometric properties indicate that the BMCQ is multidimensional and consists of three constructs that differentially relate to theoretically associated measures. Interoceptive Attention, Sensation-Emotion Articulation, and Body-Mind Values may serve as a basis for efficiently assessing the mind-body connection more holistically, which could be useful for developing interventions aimed at enhancing mind-body integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Van Bael
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Michelle Ball
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica Scarfo
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emra Suleyman
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Sweetnam TJ, Flack M. Ready, set, …and difficultly slowing down: What role does alexithymia, emotional regulation and interoceptive awareness play in exercise dependence? Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 237:103958. [PMID: 37311393 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.103958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia is associated with a diverse range of addictive behaviours including exercise addiction symptoms. In addition, emerging research indicates that emotional regulation and interoceptive processes may help explain this relationship. Thus, the current study tested the ability of emotion regulation to mediate the relationship between alexithymia and exercise addiction symptoms and whether interoceptive awareness moderates these relationships. A total of 404 physically active adults (86.8 % female) completed measures of alexithymia, exercise dependence symptoms, difficulties with emotion regulation and interoceptive awareness (Mage = 43.72, SD = 14.09). Alexithymia, emotion regulation, interoceptive awareness and exercise dependence symptoms were all significantly correlated. Further analysis revealed that emotional regulation mediated the relationship between alexithymia and exercise dependence, although the mediation model did not vary as a function of interoceptive awareness. These findings underscore the importance of considering emotion-focused processes in treatment planning and other initiatives designed to help individuals who display exercise dependence symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J Sweetnam
- Behavioural Addictions, Alcohol, and Drugs (BAAD) Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0909, Australia.
| | - Mal Flack
- Behavioural Addictions, Alcohol, and Drugs (BAAD) Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0909, Australia.
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