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Corso CB, Hoppe R, Kliewer W, Wike T, Winter MA. Emotion Regulation in Families: Exploring the Link between Parent-Child Alexithymia and Child Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024:10.1007/s10578-024-01728-9. [PMID: 38874751 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-024-01728-9] [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] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic comprises a mass trauma for children and families, and children may face particular vulnerability to post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) through processes of parent and child emotional dysregulation, such as alexithymia. With 88 U.S. children (Mage = 9.94 years; 54.5% female; 59.1% White) and their parents/caregivers (68.2% female; 59.1% White), a path model was tested in which child alexithymia symptoms partially mediated the association between parent alexithymia symptoms and child COVID-19-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). We also tested an alternative model in which child alexithymia symptoms moderated the association between parent alexithymia symptoms and child PTSS. The hypothesized mediation model was supported (β = 0.15, SE = 0.05, 95% CI: [0.07, 0.25], p < 0.001), whereas the hypothesized moderator model was not (β = 0.06, p = 0.44). Findings highlight the importance of parents' emotional understanding and regulation for child mental health during mass traumas such as pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey B Corso
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 808 West Franklin St, Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
| | - Rebecca Hoppe
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 808 West Franklin St, Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
| | - Wendy Kliewer
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 808 West Franklin St, Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
| | - Traci Wike
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 842027, Richmond, VA, 23284-2027, USA
| | - Marcia A Winter
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 808 West Franklin St, Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA.
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Zsigo C, Greimel E, Primbs R, Bartling J, Schulte-Körne G, Feldmann L. Frontal alpha asymmetry during emotion regulation in adults with lifetime major depression. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 24:552-566. [PMID: 38302819 PMCID: PMC11078823 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-024-01165-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Emotion regulation (ER) often is impaired in current or remitted major depression (MD), although the extent of the deficits is not fully understood. Recent studies suggest that frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) could be a promising electrophysiological measure to investigate ER. The purpose of this study was to investigate ER differences between participants with lifetime major depression (lifetime MD) and healthy controls (HC) for the first time in an experimental task by using FAA. We compared lifetime MD (n = 34) and HC (n = 25) participants aged 18-24 years in (a) an active ER condition, in which participants were instructed to reappraise negative images and (b) a condition in which they attended to the images while an EEG was recorded. We also report FAA results from an independent sample of adolescents with current MD (n = 36) and HC adolescents (n = 38). In the main sample, both groups were able to decrease self-reported negative affect in response to negative images through ER, without significant group differences. We found no differences between groups or conditions in FAA, which was replicated within the independent adolescent sample. The lifetime MD group also reported less adaptive ER in daily life and higher difficulty of ER during the task. The lack of differences between in self-reported affect and FAA between lifetime MD and HC groups in the active ER task indicates that lifetime MD participants show no impairments when instructed to apply an adaptive ER strategy. Implications for interventional aspects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Zsigo
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstr. 5, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Ellen Greimel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstr. 5, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Regine Primbs
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstr. 5, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bartling
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstr. 5, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerd Schulte-Körne
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstr. 5, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Feldmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstr. 5, 80336, Munich, Germany
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Blinka L, Faltýnková A, Rečka K. Alexithymia in gaming addiction and engagement. J Affect Disord 2024; 354:104-109. [PMID: 38479516 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that alexithymia plays a significant role in substance and behavioral addictions. However, only a handful of studies investigated this construct in relation to gaming addiction, and no study analyzed its differential effect on gaming engagement and addiction. METHODS A total of u adult gamers (Mage = 26.04, SD = 5.78, 94 % male) completed a questionnaire that included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (and its subscales of difficulty identifying feelings, difficulty describing feelings, and externally oriented thinking), the Addiction-Engagement Questionnaire, and additional questions about gender, age, and time spent gaming. Structural equation modeling was used as the main analytical strategy. RESULTS Difficulty identifying feelings (β = 0.28) and externally oriented thinking (β = 0.19) showed a significant positive effect on gaming addiction. Contrary to addiction, externally oriented thinking showed a significant negative effect (β = -0.21) on gaming engagement. No other alexithymia subscales were significant. The model with alexithymia explained 32.7 % of the variance in gaming addiction while only 10.4 % of gaming engagement. CONCLUSIONS Alexithymia is a strong predictor of gaming addiction. Gaming engagement seems to be a qualitatively different phenomenon that shows an opposite association with alexithymia than gaming addiction. However, both are related to increased time spent gaming. This suggests a need to distinguish between problematic vs. non-problematic excessive gaming as they have different associations with affect dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Blinka
- Psychology Research Institute, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Czech Republic.
| | - Anna Faltýnková
- Psychology Research Institute, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Rečka
- Psychology Research Institute, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Czech Republic
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Burghart M, Sahm AHJ, Schmidt S, Bulla J, Mier D. Understanding empathy deficits and emotion dysregulation in psychopathy: The mediating role of alexithymia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301085. [PMID: 38718018 PMCID: PMC11078418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychopathy is a severe personality disorder marked by a wide range of emotional deficits, including a lack of empathy, emotion dysregulation, and alexithymia. Previous research has largely examined these emotional impairments in isolation, ignoring their influence on each other. Thus, we examined the concurrent interrelationship between emotional impairments in psychopathy, with a particular focus on the mediating role of alexithymia. Using path analyses with cross-sectional data from a community sample (N = 315) and a forensic sample (N = 50), our results yielded a statistically significant mediating effect of alexithymia on the relationship between psychopathy and empathy (community and forensic) and between psychopathy and emotion dysregulation (community). Moreover, replacing psychopathy with its three dimensions (i.e., meanness, disinhibition, and boldness) in the community sample revealed that boldness may function as an adaptive trait, with lower levels of alexithymia counteracting deficits in empathy and emotion dysregulation. Overall, our findings indicate that psychopathic individuals' limited understanding of their own emotions contributes to their lack of empathy and emotion dysregulation. This underscores the potential benefits of improving emotional awareness in the treatment of individuals with psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Burghart
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Alexander H. J. Sahm
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Sergej Schmidt
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jan Bulla
- Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Reichenau Psychiatric Center, Reichenau, Germany
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniela Mier
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Aharon G, Aisenberg-Shafran D, Levi-Belz Y. Adherence to Masculinity Norms and Depression Symptoms Among Israeli Men: The Moderating Role of Psychological Flexibility. Am J Mens Health 2024; 18:15579883241253820. [PMID: 38794957 PMCID: PMC11128175 DOI: 10.1177/15579883241253820] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Being a man has been recognized as a salient risk factor for suicide. Adopting uncompromised masculine perceptions (i.e., conforming to the masculine gender role norms) may restrict emotional expressiveness in men, which, in turn, may contribute to depression and somatization symptoms. We examined the moderating role of psychological flexibility and alexithymia in the relationship of masculinity with depression and somatization symptoms. A sample of 119 men completed measures of masculinity, alexithymia (difficulty identifying and delivering subjective feelings), psychological flexibility, depression, and somatization symptoms in a cross-sectional design study. Psychological flexibility levels moderated the relationship between masculinity and depression symptoms: Masculinity contributed as positively associated with depression symptoms when psychological flexibility was low, but no such association was found at moderate or high levels of psychological flexibility. As a cognitive factor promoting adaptive emotional regulation, psychological flexibility might reduce depression symptoms among inflexible masculine men. Clinical implications relate to diagnosing at-risk subgroups and their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Aharon
- Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
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6
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Liu Y, Duan L, Shen Q, Ma Y, Chen Y, Xu L, Wu Y, Zhang T. The mediating effect of internet addiction and the moderating effect of physical activity on the relationship between alexithymia and depression. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9781. [PMID: 38684733 PMCID: PMC11058241 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60326-w] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a certain relationship between alexithymia and depression, but further investigation is needed to explore their underlying mechanisms. The aims of this study was to explore the mediating role of internet addiction between alexithymia and depression and the moderating role of physical activity. A total of 594 valid responses were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 18.72 years (SD = 1.09). The sample comprised 250 males (42.09%) and 344 females (57.91%). These responses were utilized for descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis, and the development of mediation and moderation models. Alexithymia showed positive correlations with depression and internet addiction, and physical activity was negatively correlated with internet addiction and depression. Internet addiction partially mediated the relationship between alexithymia and depression, while physical activity weakened the association between internet addiction and depression, acting as a moderator. Our findings suggest that excessive Internet engagement may mediate the relationship between alexithymia and depression as an emotional regulatory coping strategy, and that physical activity attenuates the predictive effect of Internet addiction on depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Sports Science, Jishou University, Jishou, China
| | - Liangfan Duan
- School of Sports Science, Jishou University, Jishou, China
| | - Qingxin Shen
- School of Sports Science, Jishou University, Jishou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ma
- School of Sports Science, Jishou University, Jishou, China
| | - Yiyi Chen
- School of Sports Science, Jishou University, Jishou, China
| | - Lei Xu
- School of Sports Science, Jishou University, Jishou, China
- Institute of Physical Education, Shanxi University of Finance and Economics, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yawen Wu
- School of Sports Science, Jishou University, Jishou, China
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Hong YC, Chen SJ, Chang YC, Chang CW, Chiang HH. The role of alexithymia in suicide ideation among Taiwanese army military personnel: A serial mediation model investigating the effects of perceived stress and depression. Stress Health 2024:e3405. [PMID: 38660797 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining the good mental health of Taiwanese military personnel is crucial, especially in light of incidents such as the Taiwan Strait crisis. Suicide is a leading cause of death among military personnel and alexithymia is a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation. However, the mechanisms linking alexithymia and suicidal ideation in this psychologically burdened population remain poorly understood. In total, 863 voluntary army military personnel from Taiwanese reserve brigades and combined-arms brigades were enroled between May 2020 and February 2021. Structured questionnaires about alexithymia, perceived stress, depression, suicidal ideation, and background characteristics were used. Mediation analyses were conducted to examine the serial mediation roles of perceived stress and depression in the relationship between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Significant positive correlations were observed between alexithymia, perceived stress, depression, and suicidal ideation in bivariate analyses. Serial mediation analyses revealed that alexithymia significantly predicted higher levels of perceived stress, subsequently leading to depressive symptoms, which were associated with suicidal ideation. Depression served as a significant mediator between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. The strongest mediating effect (71.4%) was observed in the pathway from alexithymia through perceived stress and depression to suicidal ideation. Limitations included the utilization of cross-sectional data and a reliance on retrospective self-report measures. Perceived stress and depression were identified as serial mediators in the association between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Clinically, it is crucial to prioritise interventions that target emotional regulation skills and assess the presence of alexithymia to effectively reduce suicidal ideation in military personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chia Hong
- Department of Nursing, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sy-Jou Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yue-Cune Chang
- Department of Mathematics, Tamkang University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Hsun Chiang
- School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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8
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Wang Y, Cao J, Wei J. Case report: Short-term psychotherapy for alexithymia in a patient with generalized anxiety disorder. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1342398. [PMID: 38686127 PMCID: PMC11056504 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1342398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia is common among patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and may negatively affect the efficacy of treatment. This case report described a sole short-term psychotherapy focusing on alexithymia for a GAD patient. The intervention extends over 3 weekly 50-minute sessions and incorporates components of: (a) understanding the basic categories of emotions and the importance of processing them consciously and building one's own vocabulary of emotions; (b) developing skills in identifying and labeling emotions and learning to register both positive and negative emotions in daily life; (c) observing and interpreting emotion-related body sensations and learning to get in touch with, be empathetic to, and take care of one's own inner feelings in daily life. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) were used to evaluate depression, anxiety, and alexithymia before and after the sessions. The results suggested that the treatment was not only effective in reducing alexithymia helping the patient to clarify, identify and describe her feelings, but also effective in reducing anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Wang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- 44 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinya Cao
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Barnes GL, Ozsivadjian A, Baird G, Absoud M, Hollocks MJ. Investigating the Effects of Transdiagnostic Processes on Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Autistic Young People: the Mediating Role of Emotion Dysregulation. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06246-0. [PMID: 38438816 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06246-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Internalising symptoms are elevated in autism compared to the general population. Few studies have investigated emotional dysregulation (ED) as a potential mediator between specific transdiagnostic processes and anxiety and depression symptoms in autistic youth. In a sample of 94 autistic young people aged 5-18 years referred to a specialist clinic for an autism evaluation, we tested the effects of ED as a mediator between cognitive inflexibility (CI), intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and alexithymia with anxiety and depression symptoms, using structural equation modelling. Effect sizes were compared to a non-autistic comparison group (n = 84). CI and alexithymia did not significantly predict depression symptoms in autistic young people, directly nor via ED. Relationships between CI/alexithymia and depression were fully mediated by ED in the non-autistic sample. There was a direct effect of CI on anxiety in the non-autistic group but not in those with a diagnosis. IU predicted depression symptoms in the autism group; and ED mediated this relationship only in those who did not receive a diagnosis. IU directly predicted anxiety in both groups and this relationship did not occur via ED. The finding of a direct pathway from IU to anxiety and depression in autistic youth is consistent with the literature. The finding that CI did not predict anxiety or depression in those with autism is novel, as was the finding that ED mediated relationships between alexithymia and anxiety/depression symptoms in both samples. The findings may have important implications for the delivery of psychological interventions for autistic youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina L Barnes
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ann Ozsivadjian
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gillian Baird
- Newcomen Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Michael Absoud
- Newcomen Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew J Hollocks
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, London, UK.
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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10
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Morie KP, Lord KA, Diefenbach GJ, Basuchoudhary O, Lewis S, Assaf M. Subscales of alexithymia show unique pathways through reappraisal and suppression to anxiety, depression and stress. J Affect Disord 2024; 347:445-452. [PMID: 38007105 PMCID: PMC10842914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this work was to explore associations of constituent factors of alexithymia on mental health and potential mediating effects of emotion regulation strategies, specifically suppression and reappraisal. Data were collected through the crowd-sourcing platform Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTURK). Three hundred seventy-seven individuals completed questionnaires related to distress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales [DASS]), emotion regulation (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire [ERQ]) and Alexithymia (Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire [BVAQ]). Three mediation models were constructed for depression, anxiety and stress, with BVAQ subscales (verbalizing, identifying, emotionalizing, fantasizing, and analyzing) as predictors and ERQ subscales (suppression and reappraisal) as mediators. Results indicated 37.3 % variance in depression, 25.2 % variance in anxiety, and 35.3 % variance in stress was explained by each model. Direct associations revealed emotionalizing and fantasizing were negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress, while verbalizing was additionally associated with depression, identifying was additionally associated with anxiety, and all four BVAQ subscales were associated with stress. BVAQ subscales demonstrated negative associations with reappraisal and positive associations with suppression that mediated anxiety and depression. However, suppression did not mediate relationships between BVAQ subscales with stress. Findings support the importance of examining multiple factors of alexithymia and associations with emotion regulation strategies and distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen P Morie
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Kayla A Lord
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Anxiety Disorders Center, The Institute of Living, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Gretchen J Diefenbach
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Anxiety Disorders Center, The Institute of Living, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Oishani Basuchoudhary
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, The Institute of Living, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Stephanie Lewis
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, The Institute of Living, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Michal Assaf
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, The Institute of Living, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
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Ramya K, Jagadeswaran D. Alexithymia, Suicidal Ideation, and Self-Esteem As Psychological Factors Affecting Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Under Haemodialysis: A Contextual Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e54383. [PMID: 38371441 PMCID: PMC10874471 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is a universal topic gravitating towards various aspects of widespread illness, impacting the overall well-being of human beings. Patients with longstanding renal complaints under dialysis encounter challenges correlated with physical, intuitive, and socio-economic conditions to a greater extent in their daily existence. These portions may include changes in the appearance of a person, restricted physique movements, curbed diet, duration of surgical protocols, travelling time during the period of prevention, financial load, role reversal in the family followed by ruining their livelihood, deprived social rank, difficulty in relational, cordial relationships, and so on. Excluding these details, the sick may be profoundly influenced by sorrow, health anxiety, despair, itching, the impoverished essence of vitality, dysfunction in sexual intimacy, impaired cognition, disturbances in disposition, sleeping fluctuations, frequent panic attacks, delirium, brain-afflicted degeneration disabilities, etcetera. Our analysis focuses on exploring a few unidentified intrinsic factors that distinguish these views over combined elements due to the existing disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ramya
- Clinical Psychology, Saveetha College of Allied Health Sciences, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - D Jagadeswaran
- Renal Science and Dialysis Technology, Saveetha College of Allied Health Sciences, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
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Helmy M, Ebrahim AH, Faqeeh A, Engel E, Ashraf F, Isaac BA. Relationship Between Alexithymia, Smartphone Addiction, and Psychological Distress Among University Students: A Multi-country Study. Oman Med J 2024; 39:e593. [PMID: 38590451 PMCID: PMC10999754 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2024.50] [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: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Increasing dependence on smartphones results in the appearance of psychological problems, especially among young people. This study aims to determine the rates of alexithymia and its relationship with smartphone addiction and psychological distress in university students. Methods A total of 2616 students (mean age = 22.5±3.5 years; 73.1% female) from universities in Egypt, Oman, and Pakistan were included in a cross-sectional and comparative study conducted through a web survey during the COVID-19 pandemic from October to December 2021. The following scales were used: Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). The survey also included questions related to sociodemographic and smartphone usage patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Helmy
- Psychology Department, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Arts, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H. Ebrahim
- Rehabilitation Department, Governmental Hospitals, Manama, Bahrain
- Graduate Studies and Research Department, Ahlia University, Manama, Bahrain
- Research and Studies Department, Bahrain Corporate Social Responsibility Society, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Aysha Faqeeh
- Research and Studies Department, Bahrain Corporate Social Responsibility Society, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Ethan Engel
- Computer Science Department, Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Denver, Denver, USA
| | - Farzana Ashraf
- Department of Humanities, COMSATS University Islamabad (Lahore campus), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Buremoh Ayotunde Isaac
- Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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13
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Bastoni I, Guerrini Usubini A, Gobetti M, Sanna M, Pagnoncelli G, Uboldi L, Villa V, Castelnuovo G, Sartorio A, Mendolicchio L. Let the Body Talk: Preliminary Data of an Open Trial of Dance Movement Therapy for Eating Disorders. J Clin Med 2023; 13:5. [PMID: 38202012 PMCID: PMC10779718 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010005] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing support for considering Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) as an effective approach to improving physical and psychological symptoms in eating disorders (ED), but additional evidence is needed. The current study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a DMT intervention for inpatients with ED during an in-hospital rehabilitation program for ED in reducing emotion dysregulation and alexithymia and improving interoceptive awareness. METHODS Forty-nine consecutive inpatient young women with ED (aged between 18 and 34 years) recruited from a clinical center for the rehabilitation of obesity and ED received four group sessions of DMT intervention. All participants completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), and the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Scale (MAIA) before (Time 0) and after the intervention (Time 1). Paired-sample t-tests were run to assess differences between Time 0 to Time 1. RESULTS From pre-to-post interventions, there was a significant reduction in the means of all of the subscales of DERS, suggesting an improvement in emotion regulation competencies, with the only exception for difficulties in awareness that increased (p = 0.016). We also found a significant reduction in alexithymia, as proved by significant differences in all of the subscales and the total score of TAS (p < 0.001), and significant improvements in interoceptive awareness as suggested by increased scores of the noticing (p = 0.043), emotional awareness (p < 0.001), body listening (p < 0.001), and trusting (p < 0.001) subscales of MAIA. CONCLUSION Overall, our results point towards the efficacy of dance/movement in reducing symptoms of eating disorders. Our findings also suggest that dancing can be considered a useful intervention to increase emotional regulation, reduce alexithymia, and enhance interoceptive awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bastoni
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20145 Milan, Italy; (I.B.); (V.V.); (G.C.)
- Centro Arti Terapie, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.S.); (G.P.); (L.U.)
| | - Anna Guerrini Usubini
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20145 Milan, Italy; (I.B.); (V.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Maria Gobetti
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy;
| | - Mila Sanna
- Centro Arti Terapie, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.S.); (G.P.); (L.U.)
| | - Glenda Pagnoncelli
- Centro Arti Terapie, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.S.); (G.P.); (L.U.)
- Politecnico di Milano—METID: Metodi e Tecnologie Innovative per la Didattica, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Uboldi
- Centro Arti Terapie, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.S.); (G.P.); (L.U.)
| | - Valentina Villa
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20145 Milan, Italy; (I.B.); (V.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20145 Milan, Italy; (I.B.); (V.V.); (G.C.)
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Sartorio
- Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-Endocrinological Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20145 Milan, Italy;
| | - Leonardo Mendolicchio
- Division of Eating and Nutrition Disorders, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 28824 Verbania, Italy;
- Experimental Laboratory for Metabolic Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 28824 Verbania, Italy
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14
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Estévez A, Macía L, Macía P. Looking at Sex Differences in Gambling Disorder: The Predictive Role of the Early Abandonment Schema, Gambling Motives and Alexithymia in Depression. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1815-1832. [PMID: 37733147 PMCID: PMC10628046 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10251-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of research indicates differences between men and women with gambling disorder. However, although alexithymia, gambling motives or abandonment have been associated with GD, women's clinical profile remains unexplored. This study aims, firstly, to explore mean differences in gambling motives (i.e. enhancement, coping and social [SOC]), the early maladaptive abandonment schema, alexithymia and depression in women and men with GD. Secondly, to analyse the correlation between the aforementioned variables as a function of sex. Thirdly, to examine the predictive role of gambling motives, early abandonment schema and alexithymia in depression as a function of sex. Lastly, to analyse the mediating role of COP between the early maladaptive abandonment schema and depression in women with GD, and the mediating role of ENH and the early maladaptive abandonment schema between alexithymia and depression in men with GD. The sample comprised 108 adults with GD diagnosis, of whom 60 were women and 48 were men. Regression and mediation analyses were carried out to explore possible sex differences in GD, through the SPSS programme. Results showed that depressive symptoms are predicted by alexithymia in men with GD and by the early maladaptive abandonment schema in women with GD. Regarding mediation analyses, the results suggest that COP mediated the relationship between early abandonment schema and depressive symptoms in females; and ENH and abandonment schema mediated the relationship between alexithymia and depressive symptoms in males. These results provide evidence of the relevance of considering sex differences when establishing therapeutic strategies in GD rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Estévez
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, Apartado 1, 48080, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Laura Macía
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, Apartado 1, 48080, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Patricia Macía
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and Their Development, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), 20018, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
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15
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Fynn DM, Preece DA, Gignac GE, Pestell CF, Weinborn M, Becerra R. Alexithymia as a risk factor for poor emotional outcomes in adults with acquired brain injury. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2023; 33:1650-1671. [PMID: 37988367 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2022.2140680] [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: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Emotional disorders are pervasive in the acquired brain injury (ABI) population, adversely affecting quality of life and rehabilitation. This study aimed to explore the unique associative effects of alexithymia as measured by the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ; i.e., difficulty identifying positive/negative feelings, difficulty describing positive/negative feelings, and externally orientated thinking), on emotional outcomes as measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory (MPAI-4) Adjustment index, in 83 adults with ABI. The addition of alexithymia to hierarchical multiple regression models (controlling for demographic, injury-related, and functional outcome variables) yielded statistically significant changes in R2 for all emotional outcome measures (i.e., Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Adjustment). Difficulty identifying negative feelings was found to be a significant unique predictor of Depression (β = .43 p = <.001), Anxiety (β = .40, p <.001), Stress (β = .49, p <.001), and Adjustment (β = .26, p = .001). Externally oriented thinking was found to be a significant unique predictor of Adjustment (β = -.15, p = .033). These findings strengthen the argument that alexithymia, especially difficulties identifying negative feelings, may be an important risk factor for psychological distress in ABI and should be considered during early rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Fynn
- School of Psychological Science, The university of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - David A Preece
- School of Psychological Science, The university of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Population Health and Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Gilles E Gignac
- School of Psychological Science, The university of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Carmela F Pestell
- School of Psychological Science, The university of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Michael Weinborn
- School of Psychological Science, The university of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Rodrigo Becerra
- School of Psychological Science, The university of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
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16
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Jansen JM. Mediating effects of impulsivity and alexithymia in the association between traumatic brain injury and aggression in incarcerated males. Aggress Behav 2023; 49:629-642. [PMID: 37405946 DOI: 10.1002/ab.22101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Studies suggest both alexithymia and impulsivity (partially) explain aggressive behavior in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, but none of these studies use both questionnaire and performance-based measures as recommended, nor simultaneously investigate both impulsivity and alexithymia. The available studies therefore likely miss part of the constructs of alexithymia and impulsivity, and do not comprehensively assess the mediating effects of both constructs in the relationship between TBI and aggression. A sample of N = 281 incarcerated individuals were recruited from Dutch penitentiary institutions, and completed the Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (aggression), BIS-11 (impulsivity) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (alexithymia) questionnaires, as well as a stop-signal task and an emotion recognition paradigm. Several multiple mediation analyses were conducted using structural equation modelling, to assess the viability of a causal theoretical model of aggression. The final planned models were the original models with a good fit with the data (comparative fit index > 0.95, root mean square error of approximation and Standardized root mean square residual < 0.05), and results indicate that only questionnaire-based impulsivity mediated the relationship between TBI and aggression. TBI was unrelated to alexithymia, stop-signal or emotion recognition performance. Aggression was predicted by both alexithymia and impulsivity, but not by the performance measures. Post hoc analyses shows that alexithymia moderates the relationship between impulsivity and aggression. These results imply that aggressive incarcerated individuals showing impulsive behavior should be screened for TBI, since TBI is often overlooked or misdiagnosed, and indicate that both impulsivity and alexithymia are potential focus points for aggression reduction treatment in TBI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochem M Jansen
- Institute for Criminal Law & Criminology, Faculty of Law, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Arkin, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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17
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Meyer K, Hindi Attar C, Fiebig J, Stamm T, Bassett TR, Bauer M, Dannlowski U, Ethofer T, Falkenberg I, Jansen A, Juckel G, Kircher T, Mulert C, Leicht G, Rau A, Rauh J, Ritter D, Ritter P, Trost S, Vogelbacher C, Walter H, Wolter S, Hautzinger M, Bermpohl F. Daring to Feel: Emotion-Focused Psychotherapy Increases Amygdala Activation and Connectivity in Euthymic Bipolar Disorder-A Randomized Controlled Trial. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2023; 8:750-759. [PMID: 36898634 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In bipolar disorder (BD), the alternation of extreme mood states indicates deficits in emotion processing, accompanied by aberrant neural function of the emotion network. The present study investigated the effects of an emotion-centered psychotherapeutic intervention on amygdala responsivity and connectivity during emotional face processing in BD. METHODS In a randomized controlled trial within the multicentric BipoLife project, euthymic patients with BD received one of two interventions over 6 months: an unstructured, emotion-focused intervention (FEST), where patients were guided to adequately perceive and label their emotions (n = 28), or a specific, structured, cognitive behavioral intervention (SEKT) (n = 31). Before and after interventions, functional magnetic resonance imaging was conducted while patients completed an emotional face-matching paradigm (final functional magnetic resonance imaging sample of patients completing both measurements: SEKT, n = 17; FEST, n = 17). Healthy control subjects (n = 32) were scanned twice after the same interval without receiving any intervention. Given the focus of FEST on emotion processing, we expected FEST to strengthen amygdala activation and connectivity. RESULTS Clinically, both interventions stabilized patients' euthymic states in terms of affective symptoms. At the neural level, FEST versus SEKT increased amygdala activation and amygdala-insula connectivity at postintervention relative to preintervention time point. In FEST, the increase in amygdala activation was associated with fewer depressive symptoms (r = 0.72) 6 months after intervention. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced activation and functional connectivity of the amygdala after FEST versus SEKT may represent a neural marker of improved emotion processing, supporting the FEST intervention as an effective tool in relapse prevention in patients with BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Meyer
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité Campus Mitte, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Catherine Hindi Attar
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité Campus Mitte, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Fiebig
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité Campus Mitte, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Stamm
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité Campus Mitte, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Tyler R Bassett
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Bauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Udo Dannlowski
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Ethofer
- University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, University Clinic for Radiology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Irina Falkenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Jansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Germany; Core-Facility Brainimaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Georg Juckel
- Department of Psychiatry, Ruhr University Bochum, LWL University Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tilo Kircher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Mulert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Center for Psychiatry, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gregor Leicht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne Rau
- University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonas Rauh
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Ritter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Philipp Ritter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Sarah Trost
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Universitäre Altersmedizin FELIX PLATTER, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Vogelbacher
- Translational Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité Campus Mitte, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Wolter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Martin Hautzinger
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix Bermpohl
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité Campus Mitte, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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18
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Küchler AM, Kählke F, Bantleon L, Terhorst Y, Ebert DD, Baumeister H. Moderators and mediators of change of an internet-based mindfulness intervention for college students: secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1179216. [PMID: 37441226 PMCID: PMC10333756 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1179216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Existing evidence suggests internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) improve depressive symptoms in college students effectively. However, there is far less knowledge about the potential mechanisms of change of mindfulness-based IMIs, which could contribute to optimizing target groups and interventions. Hence, within this secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT), potential moderators and mediators of the effectiveness of the IMI StudiCare Mindfulness were investigated. Methods Moderation and mediation analyses were based on secondary data from a RCT that examined the effectiveness of the 7-module IMI StudiCare Mindfulness in a sample of college students (intervention group: n = 217; waitlist control group: n = 127). Assessments were collected before (t0; baseline), 4 weeks after (t1; during intervention), and 8 weeks after (t2; post-intervention) randomization. Longitudinal mediation analyses using structural equation modeling were employed, with depressive symptom severity as the dependent variable. For moderation analyses, bilinear interaction models were calculated with depressive symptom severity and mindfulness at t2 as dependent variables. All data-analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results Mediation analyses showed a significant, full mediation of the intervention effect on depressive symptom severity through mindfulness (indirect effect, a*b = 0.153, p < 0.01). Only the number of semesters (interaction: β = 0.24, p = 0.035) was found to moderate the intervention's effectiveness on depressive symptom severity at t2, and only baseline mindfulness (interaction: β = -0.20, p = 0.047) and baseline self-efficacy (interaction: β = -0.27, p = 0.012) were found to be significant moderators of the intervention effect on mindfulness at t2. Conclusion Our results suggest a mediating role of mindfulness. Moderation analyses demonstrated that the intervention improved depressive symptom severity and mindfulness independent of most examined baseline characteristics. Future confirmatory trials will need to support these findings. Clinical Trial Registration The trial was registered a priori at the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform via the German Clinical Studies Trial Register (TRN: DRKS00014774; registration date: 18 May 2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Marie Küchler
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Fanny Kählke
- Department for Sport and Health Sciences, Professorship for Psychology & Digital Mental Health Care, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Leandra Bantleon
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Yannik Terhorst
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - David Daniel Ebert
- Department for Sport and Health Sciences, Professorship for Psychology & Digital Mental Health Care, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Zhou Y, Peng P, Yuan N, Xiong Y, Luo Y, Liu L, Tan R, Nie W, Wang Y, Zhang X. Suicidal ideation in Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia: prevalence, clinical correlates, and relationship with alexithymia. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023:10.1007/s00406-023-01630-w. [PMID: 37310424 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01630-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Suicidal ideation (SI) is common among people with schizophrenia. However, it has received less attention than suicide attempts (SA), especially in the Chinese population. Alexithymia is a well-established risk factor for SI across different populations. Nevertheless, very few studies evaluated their relationship in schizophrenia patients. We aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical correlates of SI and its relationship with alexithymia in 812 Chinese chronic schizophrenia inpatients. We assessed SI, clinical symptoms, and alexithymia by the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, respectively. A multiple logistic regression model was conducted to identify independent correlates of SI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) were performed to determine the ability of our model to distinguish between patients with and without SI. 10% (n = 84) reported current SI. Lifetime SA (OR, 4.68; 95% CI 2.76-7.94, p < 0.001), PANSS depressive factor (OR, 1.24; 95% CI 1.12-1.38, p < 0.001), PANSS positive subscale (OR, 1.055; 95% CI 1.004-1.108, p = 0.035), and difficulty identifying emotions (OR, 1.07; 95% CI 1.03-1.12, p = 0.002) were associated with SI. The AUC value was 0.80, indicating excellent distinguishing capabilities. Timely assessments of these factors may help identify schizophrenia patients who are at risk for SI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Pu Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ning Yuan
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Yifan Xiong
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Yinli Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Lini Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Rongrong Tan
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Wei Nie
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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20
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Castellini G, Merola GP, Baccaredda Boy O, Pecoraro V, Bozza B, Cassioli E, Rossi E, Bessi V, Sorbi S, Nacmias B, Ricca V. Emotional dysregulation, alexithymia and neuroticism: a systematic review on the genetic basis of a subset of psychological traits. Psychiatr Genet 2023; 33:79-101. [PMID: 36729042 PMCID: PMC10158611 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuroticism, alexithymia and emotion dysregulation are key traits and known risk factors for several psychiatric conditions. In this systematic review, the aim is to evaluate the genetic contribution to these psychological phenotypes. A systematic review of articles found in PubMed was conducted. Search terms included 'genetic', 'GWAS', 'neuroticism', 'alexithymia' and 'emotion dysregulation'. Risk of bias was assessed utilizing the STREGA checklist. Two hundred two papers were selected from existing literature based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among these, 27 were genome-wide studies and 175 were genetic association studies. Single gene association studies focused on selected groups of genes, mostly involved in neurotransmission, with conflicting results. GWAS studies on neuroticism, on the other hand, found several relevant and replicated intergenic and intronic loci affecting the expression and regulation of crucial and well-known genes (such as DRD2 and CRHR1). Mutations in genes coding for trascriptional factors were also found to be associated with neuroticism (DCC, XKR6, TCF4, RBFOX1), as well as a noncoding regulatory RNA (LINC00461). On the other hand, little GWAS data are available on alexythima and emotional dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Valentina Bessi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandro Sorbi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Benedetta Nacmias
- Neurology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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21
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Cole RH, Elmalem MS, Petrochilos P. Prevalence of autistic traits in functional neurological disorder and relationship to alexithymia and psychiatric comorbidity. J Neurol Sci 2023; 446:120585. [PMID: 36807974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120585] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In a cohort of adults with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), we aim to: METHODS: 91 patients participating in a FND 5-week outpatient program completed baseline self-report questionnaires for total phobia, somatic symptom severity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia. Patients were grouped by Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10) score of <6 or ≥ 6 and compared for significant differences in tested variables. This analysis was repeated with patients grouped by alexithymia status. Simple effects were tested using pairwise comparisons. Multistep regression models tested direct relationships between autistic traits and psychiatric comorbidity scores, and mediation by alexithymia. RESULTS 36 patients (40%) were AQ-10 positive (scoring ≥6 on AQ-10). A further 36 patients (across AQ-10 positive and AQ-10 negative groups) (40%) screened positive for alexithymia. AQ-10 positive patients scored significantly higher for alexithymia, depression, generalised anxiety, social phobia, ADHD, and dyslexia. Alexithymia positive patients scored significantly higher for generalised anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms severity, social phobia, and dyslexia. Alexithymia score was found to mediate the relationship between autistic trait and depression scores. CONCLUSION We demonstrate a high proportion of autistic and alexithymic traits, in adults with FND. A higher prevalence of autistic traits may highlight a need for specialised communication approaches in FND management. Mechanistic conclusions are limited. Future research could explore links with interoceptive data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael S Elmalem
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, Box 95, London WC1N 3BG, UK; High-Dimensional Neurology, UCL IoN, Queen Square, Box 19, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - Panayiota Petrochilos
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, Box 19, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
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22
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Salles BM, Maturana de Souza W, Dos Santos VA, Mograbi DC. Effects of DBT-based interventions on alexithymia: a systematic review. Cogn Behav Ther 2023; 52:110-131. [PMID: 36426727 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2022.2117734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
While dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) appears effective for some psychiatric conditions commonly associated with alexithymia, it is unclear whether DBT improves difficulties experienced by alexithymic individuals. This review investigated the current evidence on the effectiveness of DBT-based interventions in improving alexithymia. A qualitative synthesis of studies that investigated the efficacy of DBT on self-reported alexithymia was performed, identifying eligible studies using EBSCO/Essentials, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and PsychINFO databases. Eight studies were identified. Overall, the results were inconclusive due to the heterogeneity of the studies but suggest that DBT-based interventions may be associated with self-reported decreases in alexithymia and increases in the ability to identify emotional states. The literature is limited by significant methodological problems, such as the low number of controlled trials, small samples, and high variability between DBT programs, which increases the risk of bias across study outcomes. More research is needed to reach conclusions regarding the effectiveness of DBT in improving alexithymia. Future studies should conduct randomized controlled trial designs (primarily with active treatment control conditions), greater standardization of DBT-based interventions, and a more in-depth examination of the level of participant involvement in long-term DBT-based interventions may help to understand whether DBT improves alexithymia difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno M Salles
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wayson Maturana de Souza
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Veruska Andrea Dos Santos
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Mograbi
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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23
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Suárez-Relinque C, Del Moral G, León-Moreno C, Callejas-Jerónimo JE. Emotional Loneliness, Suicidal Ideation, and Alexithymia in Adolescents Who Commit Child-to-Parent Violence. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:4007-4033. [PMID: 35861285 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221111414] [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
The objective of this research was to explore the relationship between involvement in child-to-parent violence (CPV) and the development of emotional loneliness, suicidal ideation, and alexithymia based on sex; 1,928 adolescents of both sexes participated (50.5% males and 49.5% females), aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 14. 67, SD = 1.77), enrolled in four educational centers in Spain. A multivariate analysis of variance (3 × 2 MANOVA) was applied using sex and CPV levels as independent variables. Univariate analyses were carried out to explore the significant relationships detected. Results showed that the adolescents with higher CPV scored higher in emotional loneliness, suicidal ideation, and alexithymia. Girls showed a greater prevalence of CPV at the medium and high levels. An interaction of sex and CPV with alexithymia was detected. Girls with high and moderate values of CPV presented a higher level of alexithymia. These results provide novel information in the field of CPV. Previous research has placed the main focus of analysis on the adolescents' behavior problems and not so much on their perceptions of personal adjustment and their emotional experiences. The information presented in this study contributes to achieve a more precise definition of the profile of adolescent who assault their parents for better prevention of CPV.
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24
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Gori A, Topino E. The Association between Alexithymia and Social Media Addiction: Exploring the Role of Dysmorphic Symptoms, Symptoms Interference, and Self-Esteem, Controlling for Age and Gender. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13010152. [PMID: 36675813 PMCID: PMC9865469 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the popularity of social media and the growing presence of these tools in the daily lives of individuals, research about the elements that can be linked to their problematic use appears to be of great importance. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors that may contribute to the levels of social media addiction, by focusing on the role of alexithymia, body image concern, and self-esteem, controlled for age and gender. A sample of 437 social media users (32.5% men, 67.5% women; Mage = 33.44 years, SD = 13.284) completed an online survey, including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Body Image Concern Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Twenty-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, together with a demographic questionnaire. Results showed a significant association between alexithymia and social media addiction, with the total mediation of body image concern (and more in detail, body dissatisfaction) and the significant moderation of self-esteem. Gender and age showed significant effects in these relationships. Such findings may offer further insights into the field of clinical research on social media addiction and may provide useful information for effective clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gori
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi 12, Pad. 26, 50135 Firenze, Italy
- Integrated Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Institute (IPPI), Via Ricasoli 32, 50122 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Eleonora Topino
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University of Rome, Via della Traspontina 21, 00193 Rome, Italy
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25
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Biolcati R, Ambrosini F, Albani A, Di Stefano G. Videoconferencing analytic psychodrama in treating young adults' psychological suffering: preliminary results. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1112711. [PMID: 37143590 PMCID: PMC10153097 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1112711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The study aims to explore the effects that videoconferencing Analytic Psychodrama (AP) has on the psychological wellbeing and emotional competence of young adults who are suffering from mental health problems. Twenty-two undergraduate students, asking for help at the Psychological Counselling Service of the University of Bologna for anxiety-depressive problems, took part in the three online groups that met weekly from October 2020 to July 2021. The Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome Measure, the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire Short Form, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and the Group Climate Questionnaire were used as test-retest questionnaires for clinical outcomes, emotional competence, and group climate evaluations. There was a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and 10-month scores for patients in clinical outcomes. Alexithymia significantly decreased and emotional intelligence and group engagement increased post-intervention. Videoconferencing AP sounds promising for alleviating psychological problems and to improve young adults' emotional competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Biolcati
- Department of Education Studies “Giovanni Maria Bertin”, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- *Correspondence: Roberta Biolcati,
| | - Federica Ambrosini
- Department of Education Studies “Giovanni Maria Bertin”, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Albani
- Department of Education Studies “Giovanni Maria Bertin”, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Stefano
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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26
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Liu J, Zhao K, Kang W, Tong S, Xu Y, Jin W, Qiao M, Li Y, Hong L, Yao K, Zheng T. The Association of Borderline Personality Features and Self-Injury Among Adolescents with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: The Mediating Role of Alexithymia. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:1741-1754. [PMID: 37187782 PMCID: PMC10178905 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s404057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is becoming an increasingly prevalent phenomenon among adolescents, endangering their health. The aims of this study were to 1) explore the associations between borderline personality features, alexithymia and NSSI and 2) examine if alexithymia mediates the relationships between borderline personality features and both the severity of NSSI and the various functions that maintain NSSI in adolescents. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 1779 outpatient and inpatient aged 12-18 years from psychiatric hospitals. All adolescents completed a structured four-part questionnaire including demographic items, the Chinese version of the Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation, the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Results The structural equation modelling results indicated that alexithymia partially mediated the associations between borderline personality features and both the severity of NSSI and the emotion regulation function of NSSI (B = 0.058 and 0.099, both p < 0.001), after controlling for age and sex. Discussion These findings suggest that alexithymia may play a role in the mechanism and treatment of NSSI among adolescents with borderline personality features. Further longitudinal studies are essential to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Lishui Second People's Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Kang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siyu Tong
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Xu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Jin
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengxuan Qiao
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Li
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lan Hong
- The Third Hospital of Quzhou, Quzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Keqing Yao
- Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
- Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Keqing Yao, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-755-82927264, Email
| | - Tiansheng Zheng
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Tiansheng Zheng, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China, Email
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27
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Wen J, Wu Y, Peng L, Chen S, Yuan J, Wang W, Cong L. Constructing and Verifying an Alexithymia Risk-Prediction Model for Older Adults with Chronic Diseases Living in Nursing Homes: A Cross-Sectional Study in China. Geriatrics (Basel) 2022; 7:geriatrics7060139. [PMID: 36547275 PMCID: PMC9777669 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics7060139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia is a critical global public health concern. This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study explored the risk factors of alexithymia in older adults living in nursing homes with chronic diseases. It also developed and evaluated an alexithymia risk-prediction model. A total of 203 older adults with chronic diseases were selected from seven nursing homes in Changsha, China, using simple random and cluster sampling. The participants were surveyed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and a socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire. The alexithymia total score was 43.85 ± 9.570, with an incidence rate of 8.9%. Alexithymia had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between social support and psychological resilience (the effect value was 0.12), accounting for 19.04% of the total effect. Gender, depression, and psychological resilience were the main independent influencing factors of alexithymia (p < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) curve of the risk-prediction model was 0.770. The participants, especially those who were male and depressed, exhibited a certain degree of alexithymia. Additionally, it partially mediated the association between social support and psychological resilience, which is a protective factor against alexithymia. The risk-prediction model showed good accuracy and discrimination. Hence, it can be used for preliminary screening of alexithymia in older adults with chronic diseases living in nursing homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wen
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Ying Wu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Lixia Peng
- Shuda College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Siyi Chen
- Shuda College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Jiayang Yuan
- Shuda College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Weihong Wang
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Li Cong
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
- Shuda College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410000, China
- Correspondence:
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28
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Kang Y, Kim A, Kang W, Han KM, Ham B. The Association of White Matter Tracts with Alexithymia among Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder. Exp Neurobiol 2022; 31:343-352. [PMID: 36351844 PMCID: PMC9659491 DOI: 10.5607/en22030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia is characterized by impairments in the processing of emotions. Although the disruptions in the white matter (WM) integrity in Major depressive disorder (MDD) has frequently been reported, the underlying relationship with alexithymia remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated WM tracts with Tracts Constrained by UnderLying Anatomy approach to discover potential associations between alexithymia and WM integrity to identify the neural basis of impaired emotional self-awareness in MDD. 101 patients with MDD and 99 healthy sex- and age-matched individuals underwent diffusion-weighted imaging. All participants were assessed with the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). TAS scores were significantly higher in MDD patients than in controls. Patients with MDD exhibited significantly lower FA values in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus and it also showed negative associations with TAS. These results contribute to the neurobiological evidence on the association between MDD and alexithymia. Additionally, they suggest that reduced white matter integrity in the regions constitutes a principal pathophysiology underlying impaired emotional recognition and description in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youbin Kang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Aram Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Wooyoung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Kyu-Man Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Byoungjoo Ham
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
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29
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Kyranides MN, Christofides D, Çetin M. Difficulties in facial emotion recognition: taking psychopathic and alexithymic traits into account. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:239. [PMID: 36303236 PMCID: PMC9615175 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00946-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymic and psychopathic traits are closely associated, but distinct constructs. Both have been associated with facial emotion processing deficits reflecting empathy deficits, however the underlying mechanism contributing to these deficits is not well-understood. METHODS This study investigated facial emotion recognition performance in a non-clinical sample (N = 110) including both male and female participants, with varying levels of psychopathic and alexithymic traits. Facial emotion recognition was assessed using a computerized task, that presented different expressions depicting five emotional states (pain, fear, sadness, anger, happiness) and neutral expressions. RESULTS Results suggest that the high psychopathic traits group reported lower accuracy compared to the low psychopathic traits group, indicating a more generalized deficit in facial affect recognition, across all emotions. The alexithymic groups (high vs. low) on the other hand did not differ in their performance on the task for any of the emotions presented. CONCLUSION These findings add to the current body of research regarding face processing categorization deficits in relation to psychopathic and alexithymic traits and can inform prevention and intervention efforts that aim to facilitate facial emotion recognition in individuals with these personality traits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Demetris Christofides
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Mind Mental Health Care, London, UK
| | - Melis Çetin
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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30
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Dirzyte A, Antanaitis F, Patapas A. Law Enforcement Officers’ Ability to Recognize Emotions: The Role of Personality Traits and Basic Needs’ Satisfaction. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12100351. [PMID: 36285920 PMCID: PMC9598174 DOI: 10.3390/bs12100351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study intended to explore the role of personality traits and basic psychological needs in law enforcement officers’ ability to recognize emotions: anger, joy, sadness, fear, surprise, disgust, and neutral. It was significant to analyze law enforcement officers’ emotion recognition and the contributing factors, as this field has been under-researched despite increased excessive force use by officers in many countries. Methods: This study applied the Big Five–2 (BFI-2), the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS), and the Karolinska Directed Emotional Faces set of stimuli (KDEF). The data was gathered using an online questionnaire provided directly to law enforcement agencies. A total of 154 law enforcement officers participated in the study, 50.65% were females, and 49.35% were males. The mean age was 41.2 (age range = 22–61). In order to analyze the data, SEM and multiple linear regression methods were used. Results: This study analyzed variables of motion recognition, personality traits, and needs satisfaction and confirmed that law enforcement officers’ personality traits play a significant role in emotion recognition. Respondents’ agreeableness significantly predicted increased overall emotion recognition; conscientiousness predicted increased anger recognition; joy recognition was significantly predicted by extraversion, neuroticism, and agreeableness. This study also confirmed that law enforcement officers’ basic psychological needs satisfaction/frustration play a significant role in emotion recognition. Respondents’ relatedness satisfaction significantly predicted increased overall emotion recognition, fear recognition, joy recognition, and sadness recognition. Relatedness frustration significantly predicted decreased anger recognition, surprise recognition, and neutral face recognition. Furthermore, this study confirmed links between law enforcement officers’ personality traits, satisfaction/frustration of basic psychological needs, and emotion recognition, χ2 = 57.924; df = 41; p = 0.042; TLI = 0.929; CFI = 0.956; RMSEA = 0.042 [0.009–0.065]. Discussion: The findings suggested that agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and neuroticism play an essential role in satisfaction and frustration of relatedness needs, which, subsequently, link to emotion recognition. Due to the relatively small sample size, the issues of validity/reliability of some instruments, and other limitations, the results of this study should preferably be regarded with concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiste Dirzyte
- Institute of Psychology, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities 20, LT-08303 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Correspondence:
| | - Faustas Antanaitis
- Institute of Psychology, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities 20, LT-08303 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aleksandras Patapas
- Institute of Public Administration, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities 20, LT-08303 Vilnius, Lithuania
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31
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Association between Alexithymia and Depression among King Khalid University Medical Students: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10091703. [PMID: 36141315 PMCID: PMC9498473 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia is a condition in which a person is unable to explain his/her emotions, bodily sensations, or discuss sentiments. This study aims to determine the prevalence of alexithymia and its relationships with socio-demographics and depression among medical students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students at King Khalid University (KKU), Saudi Arabia. A stratified random sampling technique was utilized for data collection using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). A multiple logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with alexithymia. A total of 333 students participated in this study, almost two-thirds (64.6%) were from clinical years, and 51.4% were females. The prevalence of alexithymia and depression was 47.4% and 88.9%, respectively. Regression analysis showed females had a doubled risk (OR = 2.09), and students with high-income status showed less probability of having alexithymia (OR = 0.39), whereas people with chronic health problems showed a doubled risk for alexithymia (OR = 2.04). Moreover, depression was significantly associated with alexithymia (OR = 1.91). Our study revealed that the prevalence of alexithymia was high along with depression among studied samples. This raises attention towards finding measures to reduce it for the better performance of students and to avoid psychological problems in the future.
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32
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Akram A, Arshad T. Alexithymia Reduction Treatment: A pilot quasi‐experimental study for remediation of alexithymia and its consequent effects on the general mental health of university students. COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/capr.12571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Akram
- Centre for Clinical Psychology University of the Punjab Lahore Pakistan
| | - Tehreem Arshad
- Centre for Clinical Psychology University of the Punjab Lahore Pakistan
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33
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Falter-Wagner CM, Bloch C, Burghof L, Lehnhardt FG, Vogeley K. Autism traits outweigh alexithymia traits in the explanation of mentalising performance in adults with autism but not in adults with rejected autism diagnosis. Mol Autism 2022; 13:32. [PMID: 35804399 PMCID: PMC9264711 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00510-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pronounced alexithymia traits have been found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and recent research has been carving out the impact alexithymia traits might have on mentalising deficits associated with ASD. Method In this cross-sectional study, a large representative referral population for diagnostic examination for possible ASD (n = 400) was screened for clinical alexithymia with a German version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test (RME). In contrast to previous attempts to carve out the impact of alexithymia traits on mentalising deficits though, we employed dominance analysis to account for the correlation between predictors. The relative relationship between alexithymia traits and autism traits with RME performance was investigated in the group of individuals with confirmed ASD diagnosis (N = 281) and compared to the clinical referral sample in which ASD was ruled out (N = 119). Results Dominance analysis revealed autism traits to be the strongest predictor for reduced mentalising skills in the ASD sample, whereas alexithymia contributed significantly less. In the sample of individuals with ruled out diagnosis, autism traits were the strongest predictor, but alexithymia traits were in sum equally associated to mentalising, with the External-Oriented Thinking subscale as an important predictor of this association. Limitations It needs to be considered that the cross-sectional study design does not allow for causal inference. Furthermore, mentalising is a highly facetted capacity and measurements need to reduce this complexity into simple quantities which limits the generalizability of results. Discussion While alexithymia traits should be considered for their mental health importance, they do not dominate the explanation of reduced mentalising skills in individuals with ASD, but they might do to a larger degree in individuals with ruled out ASD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-022-00510-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Falter-Wagner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Carola Bloch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lana Burghof
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Fritz-Georg Lehnhardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kai Vogeley
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
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34
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Aggression, Alexithymia and Sense of Coherence in a Sample of Schizophrenic Outpatients. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10061078. [PMID: 35742130 PMCID: PMC9223291 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia elevates the risk for aggressive behavior, and there is a need to better understand the associated variables predicting aggression for treatment and prevention purposes. The aim of the present study is to determine the relationship between alexithymia, sense of coherence and aggressive behavior in a sample of schizophrenic outpatients. Using a correlational research design, standardized self-report questionnaires assessed aggression (brief aggression questionnaire—BAQ), alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale—TAS) and sense of coherence (sense of coherence questionnaire—SOC) in a sample of 100 schizophrenic outpatients in clinical remission. Participants reported high levels of aggression and alexithymia along with reduced sense of coherence. Significant negative correlations were evidenced among scores on the SOC scale (p < 0.001) with both the TAS as well as with the BAQ scales. However, a positive correlation (p < 0.001) was observed between the TAS and BAQ scales. Regression indicated that 27% of the variation in the BAQ rating was explained by the TAS, while an additional 17.8% was explained by the sense of coherence. The difficulty identifying feelings of alexithymia and the comprehensibility and manageability components of sense of coherence significantly predicted anger, hostility and physical aggression. Sense of coherence mediated the relationship between alexithymia and aggression. From the path analysis, comprehensibility emerged as the key factor counterbalancing alexithymic traits and aggressive behaviors, and manageability effectuated higher anger control. The findings hold practical implications for the treatment and rehabilitation of schizophrenic patients.
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Dobrushina OR, Dobrynina LA, Arina GA, Kremneva EI, Novikova ES, Gubanova MV, Pechenkova EV, Suslina AD, Aristova VV, Trubitsyna VV, Krotenkova MV. Enhancing Brain Connectivity With Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback During Aging: A Pilot Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:891547. [PMID: 35712529 PMCID: PMC9195620 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.891547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with decreased functional connectivity in the main brain networks, which can underlie changes in cognitive and emotional processing. Neurofeedback is a promising non-pharmacological approach for the enhancement of brain connectivity. Previously, we showed that a single session of infra-low frequency neurofeedback results in increased connectivity between sensory processing networks in healthy young adults. In the current pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the possibility of enhancing brain connectivity during aging with the use of infra-low frequency neurofeedback. Nine females aged 52 ± 7 years with subclinical signs of emotional dysregulation, including anxiety, mild depression, and somatoform symptoms, underwent 15 sessions of training. A resting-state functional MRI scan was acquired before and after the training. A hypothesis-free intrinsic connectivity analysis showed increased connectivity in regions in the bilateral temporal fusiform cortex, right supplementary motor area, left amygdala, left temporal pole, and cerebellum. Next, a seed-to-voxel analysis for the revealed regions was performed using the post- vs. pre-neurofeedback contrast. Finally, to explore the whole network of neurofeedback-related connectivity changes, the regions revealed by the intrinsic connectivity and seed-to-voxel analyses were entered into a network-based statistical analysis. An extended network was revealed, including the temporal and occipital fusiform cortex, multiple areas from the visual cortex, the right posterior superior temporal sulcus, the amygdala, the temporal poles, the superior parietal lobule, and the supplementary motor cortex. Clinically, decreases in alexithymia, depression, and anxiety levels were observed. Thus, infra-low frequency neurofeedback appears to be a promising method for enhancing brain connectivity during aging, and subsequent sham-controlled studies utilizing larger samples are feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga R. Dobrushina
- Third Neurological Department, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Olga R. Dobrushina
| | | | - Galina A. Arina
- Faculty of Psychology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena I. Kremneva
- Department of Radiology, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Mariia V. Gubanova
- Third Neurological Department, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Vlada V. Aristova
- Third Neurological Department, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Psychology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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Kliem S, Zenger M, Beller J, Brähler E, Ernst M. [Psychometric Properties of a Short Alexithymia Scale (SAS-3) in the German General Population]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol 2022; 72:329-334. [PMID: 35584777 DOI: 10.1055/a-1785-5644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The literature on alexithymia has multiplied in recent decades as the construct has important implications for mental health. The so far used inventories are of limited use in epidemiological research, primary care, and other clinical settings where time and effort are important factors in assessment. Based on items of the authorized German version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the aim of this study was to develop an ultra-short questionnaire for a condensed and unidimensional assessment of alexithymia. METHODS Criteria for the abbreviated scale were: (a) one-dimensionality (necessary to calculate a global score), (b) one item from each of the originally postulated dimensions, and (c) no reverse-coded items (to avoid method artifacts). Data were drawn from two nationwide representative population surveys in Germany: a survey conducted in 1996 to develop the SAS-3 (N=2.047); and a survey conducted in 2013 (N=2.508) for the evaluation and calculation of SAS-3 percentiles. RESULTS Reasonable correlations between the SAS-3 and the PHQ-2, the GAD-2, and the GBB-8 were observed. Based on a confirmatory factor analysis, the one-dimensionality of the SAS-3 could be confirmed, achieving very good fit indices. An additional invariance analysis regarding gender and different age groups resulted in (partial) strict invariance for the different multi-group analyses. Percentile ranks for SAS-3 sum score are reported stratified by gender and by age groups. CONCLUSIONS The SAS-3 appears to be suitable in epidemiological research and other instances requiring an economical assessment of alexithymia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sören Kliem
- Fachbereich für Sozialwissenschaften, Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Markus Zenger
- Fachbereich Angewandte Humanwissenschaften, Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal, Magdeburg, Germany.,Integriertes Forschungs- und Behandlungszentrum Adipositaserkrankungen, Forschungsbereich Verhaltensmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Lepzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johannes Beller
- Medizinische Soziologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mareike Ernst
- Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Weak Hand Grip Strength Is Associated with Alexithymia in Outpatients in a Mexican Population. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050576. [PMID: 35624963 PMCID: PMC9138985 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hand grip strength has been considered as a possible marker for metabolic and psychiatric disease. To date, however, no research has focused on the association between alexithymia and hand grip strength. The objective of the present study was to investigate the correct association between hand grip strength and alexithymia. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Comalcalco, Tabasco, México. A total of 246 individuals were included. Hand grip strength was evaluated in the dominant hand using a Takei® portable digital dynamometer. Alexithymia was measured using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Two linear regression models adjusted by confounders were used to determine the association between alexithymia and hand grip strength. The rate for positive alexithymia was 39.0% (n = 94). Individuals with alexithymia showed a weaker hand grip strength than the comparison group (t = 2.4, 244 df, p = 0.01). Individuals with alexithymia had significantly reduced levels of hand grip strength (β = −0.39 ± 0.14; p = 0.006); after additional adjustment for clinical variables, decreased hand grip strength remained (β = 8.00 ± 1.86; p ≤ 0.001). Our results suggest that a decrease in hand grip strength could be associated with alexithymia. This measurement could be useful as a predictive marker for the identification of alexithymia in Mexican individuals who attend outpatient clinics.
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O’Dell CC, Fite PJ, Díaz KI. Relations between reactive and proactive aggression and internalizing symptoms among detained adolescents. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-022-09684-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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The Relationship between Alexithymia and Mental Health Is Fully Mediated by Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Psoriasis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063649. [PMID: 35329336 PMCID: PMC8950845 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a common skin disease that affects quality of life, especially mental health. Alexithymia has been considered a relevant feature in psoriasis patients. Moreover, psoriasis was found to be associated with negative psychological health, including anxiety and depression. As the pathways linking alexithymia and mental health remain unclear among patients with psoriasis, we aimed to examine the mediating role of anxiety and depression in the relationship between alexithymia and mental health in these patients. Methods: To explore our variables of interest, we used the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Forty-four percent of patients were alexithymic and reported higher anxiety and depression, and lower quality of life compared to non-alexithymic patients. Alexithymic patients also had lower educational attainment. A correlation analysis showed positive associations between alexithymia and both anxiety and depression, whereas mental and physical health were negatively associated with alexithymia. Moreover, anxiety and depression fully mediated the relationship between alexithymia and mental health. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of assessing alexithymia and psychological distress in clinical practice to identify vulnerable patients and to implement interventions aimed at improving negative emotional states.
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Rivera LA, Liang CTH, Johnson NL, Chakravorty S. Military sexual trauma: Exploring the moderating role of restrictive emotionality among male veterans. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA : THEORY, RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND POLICY 2022; 14:410-420. [PMID: 34180685 PMCID: PMC8712608 DOI: 10.1037/tra0000647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Military Sexual Trauma (MST) has been found to be positively associated with mental health outcomes, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depressive symptoms, symptoms of anxiety, and insomnia severity (Jenkins et al., 2015; O'Brien & Sher, 2013). Male survivors of MST face unique challenges, including concerns associated with hypermasculinity (e.g., restrictive emotionality [RE]). Men with high RE (difficulty expressing emotions) report more negative mental health outcomes compared to men with low RE (Good et al., 1995). The present study investigated whether RE moderated the relationship between MST and negative mental health outcomes, while controlling for combat exposure (CE) and age to further assess confounding variables. Method: One hundred thirty-four adult male veterans in behavioral health treatment at a large VA medical center in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States were recruited. Participants provided self-reported data on MST and symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia, as well as their endorsement of restrictive emotionality. PROCESS v3.3 (Hayes, 2017) regression analytic method was used to test main and interaction effects. Results: MST was a significant predictor of PTSD symptoms and insomnia severity-but not depressive symptoms or symptoms of anxiety. RE also moderated the relationship between MST and PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and insomnia, after controlling for CE and age. Conclusion: These findings suggest that restricting emotions has a negative influence on men's mental health functioning. Therefore, assessing male veterans' experiences of expressing their emotions within the context of masculinity and their military training will likely have implications on trauma processing and treatment outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Subhajit Chakravorty
- Cpl. Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center - Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Bordalo F, Carvalho IP. The role of alexithymia as a risk factor for self-harm among adolescents in depression - A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2022; 297:130-144. [PMID: 34695502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Considering the suggested role of alexithymia in increasing the risk of self-harm, especially when depression is also present, and that rates of self-harm tend to peak in adolescence, the aim of this systematic review was to synthetize the most relevant research studies on this topic and provide an understanding on whether alexithymia can be considered as an important risk factor for non-suicidal self-harm among adolescents with depression. METHODS Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, resulting in 290 records. After removal of duplicates, 273 records were left and after reading the titles and abstracts, 231 articles were excluded, leaving 42 articles that were read in full. Of these 42, nine articles were included in this review. RESULTS The sample of this review consists of eight case-control studies and one cross-sectional and longitudinal survey. All nine studies concluded that the most important variables associated with self-harming behavior were depression and alexithymia, among all other variables assessed. The self-harming groups showed significantly higher scores on alexithymia (overall and particularly Factor 1- difficulties identifying feelings and differentiating them from bodily sensations), when compared to the control (no self-harming) groups, and the mean depression scores for self-harming groups were significantly higher than those for non-harming groups. All nine studies included in this review shared the limitation of self-reported information. CONCLUSION These results indicate that alexithymia is a risk factor for non-suicidal self-harm among adolescents with depression, even when other variables were also inspected, and may be a prevention and therapeutic target in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felícia Bordalo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal.
| | - Irene P Carvalho
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal; Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal; CINTESIS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal
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Wang Z, Cheng Y, Li Y, Han J, Yuan Z, Li Q, Zhong F, Wu Y, Fan X, Bo T, Gao L. The Relationship Between Obesity and Depression Is Partly Dependent on Metabolic Health Status: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:880230. [PMID: 35692399 PMCID: PMC9174461 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.880230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Some studies have demonstrated a bidirectional association between obesity and depression, whereas others have not. This discordance might be due to the metabolic health status. We aimed to determine whether the relationship between obesity and depression is dependent on metabolic health status. METHODS In total, 9,022,089 participants were enrolled and classified as one of four obesity phenotypes: metabolically healthy nonobesity (MHNO), metabolically unhealthy nonobesity (MUNO), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). We then divided the population into eight phenotypes based on obesity and the number of metabolic risk factors. Furthermore, the associations of eight phenotypes, based on obesity and specific metabolic risk factors, with depression were assessed. RESULT Among all participants, a higher risk of depression was observed for MUNO, MHO and MUO than for MHNO. The risk was highest for MUO (OR = 1.442; 95% CI = 1.432, 1.451). However, the association between MHO and depression was different for men and women (OR = 0.941, men; OR = 1.132, women). The risk of depression increased as the number of metabolic risk factors increased. Dyslipidemia was the strongest metabolic risk factor. These relationships were consistent among patients ≥ 45 years of age. CONCLUSIONS The increased risk of obesity-related depression appears to partly depend on metabolic health status. The results highlight the importance of a favorable metabolic status, and even nonobese populations should be screened for metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
| | - Yiping Cheng
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
| | - Junming Han
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
| | - Zhongshang Yuan
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qihang Li
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fang Zhong
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yafei Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
| | - Xiude Fan
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiude Fan, ; Tao Bo, ; Ling Gao,
| | - Tao Bo
- Central Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiude Fan, ; Tao Bo, ; Ling Gao,
| | - Ling Gao
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Central Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiude Fan, ; Tao Bo, ; Ling Gao,
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Mancinelli E, Li JB, Lis A, Salcuni S. Adolescents' Attachment to Parents and Reactive-Proactive Aggression: The Mediating Role of Alexithymia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413363. [PMID: 34948969 PMCID: PMC8704311 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive behaviors can serve different functions, which might be understood by distinguishing between reactive (RA) and proactive (PA) aggression. Few studies were conducted on adolescents’ family precursors and emotional processes associated with RA or PA. Accordingly, the current study compared RA and PA by evaluating their association with adolescents’ attachment to parents and alexithymia. N = 453 Italian adolescents aged 15–19 years (Mage = 16.48; SD = 0.69; 33.6% males) participated in the study filling in self-report measures. Results showed that PA and RA are significantly associated and that PA was higher among males. Moreover, four mediational models were performed to assess the influence of adolescents’ attachment to mothers vs. fathers on RA or PA, considering the mediating role of alexithymia. Gender was included as a covariate. Mediational models’ results showed a direct and indirect effect, through lower alexithymia, of adolescents’ attachment to mothers and fathers on RA. Differently, only attachment to mothers showed a direct effect on PA, while attachment to fathers only an indirect effect, mediated by lower alexithymia, on PA was shown. Findings support the greater relevance of emotional processes for RA while highlighting the differential contribution of adolescents’ attachment to mothers vs. fathers upon PA. Implications are discussed, and suggestions for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mancinelli
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.L.); (S.S.)
- Digital Health Lab, Centre for Digital Health and Wellbeing, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, 38123 Trento, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-334-2799698
| | - Jian-Bin Li
- Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Adriana Lis
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Salcuni
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.L.); (S.S.)
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Facial Emotion Recognition Predicts Alexithymia Using Machine Learning. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 2021:2053795. [PMID: 34621306 PMCID: PMC8492233 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2053795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective Alexithymia, as a fundamental notion in the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, is characterized by deficits in emotional processing and, consequently, difficulties in emotion recognition. Traditional tools for assessing alexithymia, which include interviews and self-report measures, have led to inconsistent results due to some limitations as insufficient insight. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to propose a new screening tool that utilizes machine learning models based on the scores of facial emotion recognition task. Method In a cross-sectional study, 55 students of the University of Tabriz were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and their scores in the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Then, they completed the somatization subscale of Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90-R), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and the facial emotion recognition (FER) task. Afterwards, support vector machine (SVM) and feedforward neural network (FNN) classifiers were implemented using K-fold cross validation to predict alexithymia, and the model performance was assessed with the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1-measure. Results The models yielded an accuracy range of 72.7–81.8% after feature selection and optimization. Our results suggested that ML models were able to accurately distinguish alexithymia and determine the most informative items for predicting alexithymia. Conclusion Our results show that machine learning models using FER task, SCL-90-R, BDI-II, and BAI could successfully diagnose alexithymia and also represent the most influential factors of predicting it and can be used as a clinical instrument to help clinicians in diagnosis process and earlier detection of the disorder.
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Hemming L, Pratt D, Haddock G, Bhatti P, Shaw J. Male prisoners' experiences of taking part in research about suicide and violence: a mixed methods study. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2021; 7:65. [PMID: 34521482 PMCID: PMC8438986 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-021-00303-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an apparent reluctance to engage 'vulnerable' participants in conversation about sensitive topics such as suicide and violence and this can often lead to a paucity of research in these areas. This study aimed to explore the experiences of male prisoners taking part in quantitative and qualitative research on suicide and violence. METHODS Participants at four male prisons completed a visual analogue scale of mood before and after data collection for both a cross-sectional study and also a qualitative interview. Participants were also asked to give three words to describe their experience of participation. A paired samples T-test was conducted to explore the difference in pre- and post-mood ratings, and content analysis was conducted to explore the positive and negative comments on participants' experiences. RESULTS Overall, participants' mood significantly improved after participating in a cross-sectional study about suicide and violence (from 4.8 out of 10 to 5.3, p = 0.016), and there was no significant change in mood following participation in a related qualitative study (5.1 to 5.0, p = 0.793). Participants primarily described their experiences as positive, stating that the process had been satisfying, calming, interesting, enlightening and beneficial. A smaller number of participants described their experiences as stressful, challenging, saddening, uncomfortable and bizarre. CONCLUSIONS This study has found that researching sensitive topics such as suicide and violence with male prisoners did not have a negative impact on mood, rather that participants largely enjoyed the experience. These findings dispel the myth that research about sensitive topics with prisoners is too risky and could inform how future researchers assess levels of risk to participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hemming
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel Pratt
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
| | - Gillian Haddock
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Peer Bhatti
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Jennifer Shaw
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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46
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Redondo Pedregal C, Heaton P. Autism, music and Alexithymia: A musical intervention to enhance emotion recognition in adolescents with ASD. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 116:104040. [PMID: 34329821 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Difficulties identifying and describing emotions in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been linked with an increased prevalence of Type 2 Alexithymia. Alexithymia is associated with difficulties in interpreting and verbally labelling physiological arousal. Children and adults with ASD show typical patterns of physiological arousal to music and can attribute verbal labels to musical emotions. AIM This pilot study aimed to develop a music-based intervention to improve facial and vocal emotion recognition (ER) and Alexithymia in adolescents with ASD. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Adolescents with ASD completed 5 music sessions and pre and post-tests of Alexithymia, ER and language. Each intervention began with a researcher-led group analysis of the emotions expressed in a series of musical excerpts, followed by a group-led discussion of the participants' experiences of these emotions and the ways they may be communicated. Finally, the likely causes and outward expression of these emotions were discussed. OUTCOME AND RESULTS Results showed that at pre-test, chronological age (CA) and receptive vocabulary were significantly associated with recognition of facial and verbal emotions and Not hiding emotions. At post-test, older children showed a greater increase in recognition of voices and in emotional bodily awareness. Correlations suggested a trend towards increased ER in voices and faces in children with lower language scores. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Music-based interventions may enhance ER in adolescents with ASD and Alexithymia. Limitations and recommendations for future investigations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Redondo Pedregal
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths University of London, New Cross, SE14 6NW London, United Kingdom.
| | - Pamela Heaton
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths University of London, New Cross, SE14 6NW London, United Kingdom.
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Çoban ÖG, Önder A. Alexithymia Is Associated With Internalizing Disorders in a Clinical Adolescent Outpatient Sample. J Nerv Ment Dis 2021; 209:636-639. [PMID: 34280177 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate alexithymic traits in an adolescent clinical sample with internalizing and externalizing disorders. The study group consisted of 125 adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years who applied at our outpatient unit and diagnosed with an internalizing or externalizing disorder. The healthy control group consisted of 53 adolescents with no psychiatric disorder. All subjects fulfilled the Alexithymia Questionnaire for Children (AQC). Total AQC scores were higher in the study group than in the control group. When we divided the study group into two groups as internalizing and externalizing disorders, total AQC scores, AQC-difficulty identifying feelings, and AQC-difficulty describing feelings were significantly higher in the internalizing disorder group than in the externalizing disorder group. AQC-externally oriented thinking scores were significantly higher in the externalizing disorder group than in the internalizing disorder group. In future research, it would be useful to further increase understanding of alexithymia and its association with psychiatric disorders in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Gizli Çoban
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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48
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Meneguzzo P, Garolla A, Bonello E, Todisco P. Alexithymia, dissociation and emotional regulation in eating disorders: Evidence of improvement through specialized inpatient treatment. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:718-724. [PMID: 34432335 PMCID: PMC9291290 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The research into emotional regulation in eating disorders (EDs) has shown specific impairments and maladaptive coping strategies in patients, and there is an increasing interest in the role of the emotional domain in the treatment outcome. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a specialized inpatient treatment characterized by both an intensive and comprehensive standardized multidisciplinary programme based on cognitive–behavioural therapy and a flexible and personalized component implemented by third‐wave interventions. A cohort of 67 female ED patients (anorexia nervosa = 28, bulimia nervosa = 28 and binge eating disorder = 11) underwent an evaluation of emotional regulation difficulties, alexithymia and dissociative symptomatology at admission to a specialized ED ward. The psychological modifications were subsequently re‐evaluated upon discharge, after an inpatients treatment of 60 days, examining specific changes in the specific psychopathology. A significant improvement after specialized ED treatment was shown in alexithymia, emotional regulation difficulties and dissociation symptoms, with higher effect sizes in patients with higher alexithymia scores. As regards the specific effect of the psychological improvement, changes into alexithymia scores have shown specific correlations with ED psychopathology (p < 0.010) and with difficulties in emotional regulation (p < 0.010) in patients with higher alexithymia levels at admission. Emotional regulation and dissociation should therefore be evaluated in ED patients and may be improved with specific therapeutic approaches, while alexithymia remains a clinical trait, even with a significant reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Meneguzzo
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita", Arcugnano, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alice Garolla
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita", Arcugnano, Italy
| | - Elisa Bonello
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita", Arcugnano, Italy
| | - Patrizia Todisco
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita", Arcugnano, Italy
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49
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Bakhshesh-Boroujeni M, Farajpour-Niri S, karimi A. Sleep quality and child abuse: the mediating role of alexithymia. EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL DIFFICULTIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/13632752.2021.1958498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sepideh Farajpour-Niri
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education & Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali karimi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education & Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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50
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Barbar S, Haddad C, Sacre H, Dagher D, Akel M, Kheir N, Salameh P, Hallit S, Obeid S. Factors associated with problematic social media use among a sample of Lebanese adults: The mediating role of emotional intelligence. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2021; 57:1313-1322. [PMID: 33217009 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the relationship of smoking (cigarettes or waterpipe), alcohol drinking, alexithymia, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress, social phobia, emotional intelligence, impulsivity, insomnia, physical health, and loneliness with problematic social media use (PSMU) in a sample of Lebanese citizens. METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 466 participants (January-May 2019). RESULTS Higher anxiety, alcohol use disorder, and social phobia were correlated with elevated PSMU, while older age was associated with lower PSMU. Emotional intelligence partially mediated the association between alexithymia and PSMU by 4.55%. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Since these manifestations are preventable, spreading awareness through our schools, educational programs, and even healthcare professionals would considerably reduce the pace at which young adults are transforming into anxious and distorted individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Barbar
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Chadia Haddad
- Departments of Research and Psychology, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Hala Sacre
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dina Dagher
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon.,School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nelly Kheir
- Departments of Research and Psychology, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.,INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Departments of Research and Psychology, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.,Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
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