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Popolo R, Dimaggio G, MacBeth A, Ottavi P, Centonze A. Management of the therapeutic relationship in a patient with Complex PTSD and Personality Disorder. J Clin Psychol 2024. [PMID: 39169871 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Individuals diagnosed with Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) have experienced repeated and often prolonged traumatic events. From a therapeutic perspective this can lead to difficulties in emotion regulation within-session, challenges with patient-therapist attunement, and impaired coregulation of emotions during therapeutic interactions. As a result, frequent therapeutic alliance ruptures can emerge, which in turn pose challenges for symptom-focused work. We describe a case study involving a 38-year-old woman presenting with C-PTSD, dissociation, anxiety and borderline and dependent personality disorder traits. We explore how difficulties in attunement and emotion regulation during therapy were mostly attributable to (i) maladaptive ideas regarding the self and others; and (ii) difficulties in recognizing both her own mental states and those of her therapist. For instance, the patient believed that the therapist was distant and critical; which she held to be fact rather than reflective of a mental state. We show how the therapist addressed these difficulties, incorporating repair of the therapeutic alliance, which enabled a return to symptom focused work. The case description offers guidance on how to maintain a dual focus on therapeutic alliance alongside symptoms when treating C-PTSD (with or without comorbidity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Popolo
- Center for Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy, Rome, Italy
- DSM ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Angus MacBeth
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Paolo Ottavi
- Center for Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy, Rome, Italy
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2
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Blake JA, Thomas HJ, Pelecanos AM, Najman JM, Scott JG. Does attachment anxiety mediate the persistence of anxiety and depressive symptoms from adolescence to early adulthood? Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02737-8. [PMID: 39088095 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02737-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Depression and anxiety often emerge in adolescence and persist into early adulthood. Developing a greater understanding of the factors that influence their persistence may inform psychological interventions. Their association with an insecure attachment style is well established although the mediating role of attachment anxiety in the persistence of depression and anxiety over time has not been examined. This study aimed to examine if anxious attachment mediated depression and anxiety from adolescence to early adulthood. METHODS Data from 3,436 participants in a longitudinal birth cohort study were examined. At 14-years and 21-years, participants completed the Achenbach Youth Self Report (YSR) and the Achenbach Young Adult Self-Report (YASR) respectively. At 21-years, participants completed the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ). Attachment anxiety as a mediator for the persistence of anxiety/depressive symptoms from 14- to 21-years was examined. RESULTS Attachment anxiety accounted for approximately 60% of the persistence of anxiety and depressive symptoms at 14- and 21- years after adjusting for covariates. Results were similar when stratifying by males and females. CONCLUSIONS Attachment anxiety significantly contributes to the persistence of anxiety and depressive symptoms from adolescence into early adulthood for both males and females. Incorporating interventions that address attachment anxiety in adolescents may improve the response to therapy for anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Blake
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Queensland, Australia.
- Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Hannah J Thomas
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anita M Pelecanos
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jake M Najman
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - James G Scott
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Zhang Y. Advances in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience: Ten Highly Cited Articles Published in Brain Sciences in 2022-2023. Brain Sci 2024; 14:460. [PMID: 38790439 PMCID: PMC11118003 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In the realm of Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, researchers employ a variety of methods to address theoretical and practical questions that focus on the intricate interplay between social perception, cognition, and emotion across diverse populations and contexts [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences & Center for Neurobehavioral Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN 55455, USA
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Graf S, Schechter DS. The Impact of Maternal Interpersonal Violent Trauma and Related Psychopathology on Child Outcomes and Intergenerational Transmission. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024; 26:166-175. [PMID: 38427205 PMCID: PMC10978628 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01491-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to outline some consequences that maternal history of trauma with and without related psychopathology, such as posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), can have on their children's development and functioning. It then addresses mechanisms through which intergenerational transmission of interpersonal violence (IPV) and related psychopathology may occur. RECENT FINDINGS Findings include the effects of maternal IPV experience and related psychopathology on child social-emotional and biologically-based outcomes. This includes increased developmental disturbances and child psychopathology, as well as physiological factors. Secondly, the review focuses on psychobiological mechanisms by which maternal experience of IPV and related psychopathology likely trigger intergenerational effects. Maternal IPV and related psychopathology can have a negative impact on several areas of their child's life including development, interactive behavior, psychopathology, and physiology. This transmission may partially be due to fetal and perinatal processes, genetic and epigenetic effects, and interactions with their parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannen Graf
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), SUPEA-Unité de recherche, Avenue d'Echallens 9, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Daniel S Schechter
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), SUPEA-Unité de recherche, Avenue d'Echallens 9, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Quayle E, Larkin A, Schwannauer M, Varese F, Cartwright K, Chitsabesan P, Green V, Radford G, Richards C, Shafi S, Whelan P, Chan C, Hewins W, Newton A, Niebauer E, Sandys M, Ward J, Bucci S. Experiences of a digital health intervention for young people exposed to technology assisted sexual abuse: a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:237. [PMID: 38549096 PMCID: PMC10979588 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05605-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence that Technology Assisted Sexual Abuse (TASA) represents a serious problem for large numbers of children. To date, there are very few evidence-based interventions available to young people (YP) after they have been exposed to this form of abuse, and access to support services remains a challenge. Digital tools such as smartphones have the potential to increase access to mental health support and may provide an opportunity for YP to both manage their distress and reduce the possibility of further victimization. The current study explores the acceptability of a digital health intervention (DHI; the i-Minds app) which is a theory-driven, co-produced, mentalization-based DHI designed for YP aged 12-18 who have experienced TASA. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 YP recruited through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre and an e-therapy provider who had access to the i-Minds app as part of a feasibility clinical trial. Interviews focused on the acceptability and usability of i-Minds and were coded to themes based on the Acceptability of Healthcare Interventions framework. RESULTS All participants found the i-Minds app acceptable. Many aspects of the app were seen as enjoyable and useful in helping YP understand their abuse, manage feelings, and change behavior. The app was seen as usable and easy to navigate, but for some participants the level of text was problematic and aspects of the content was, at times, emotionally distressing at times. CONCLUSIONS The i-Minds app is useful in the management of TASA and helping change some risk-related vulnerabilities. The app was designed, developed and evaluated with YP who had experienced TASA and this may account for the high levels of acceptability seen. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered on the ISRCTN registry on the 12/04/2022 as i-Minds: a digital intervention for young people exposed to online sexual abuse (ISRCTN43130832).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethel Quayle
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amanda Larkin
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthias Schwannauer
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Filippo Varese
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kim Cartwright
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pauline Whelan
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Cindy Chan
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - William Hewins
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alice Newton
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Erica Niebauer
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marina Sandys
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jennifer Ward
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sandra Bucci
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Aldunate N, López-Silva P, Brotfeld C, Guerra E, Kronmüller E. Spanish version of Multidimensional Mentalizing Questionnaire (MMQ): Translation, adaptation and psychometric properties in a Chilean population. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296691. [PMID: 38498499 PMCID: PMC10947660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper presents the first translation and adaptation of the Multidimensional Mentalizing Questionnaire (MMQ) into Spanish for a native Spanish-speaking sample in Chile. The study examines the psychometric properties and internal consistency of the translated MMQ. The instrument undergoes modifications based on a confirmatory factor analysis of the original structure, resulting in the elimination of items with cross-loadings and improvement in model fit. The modified scale is then analyzed, demonstrating strong psychometric properties. Convergent evidence is assessed by correlating MMQ subscales with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and Empathy Quotient (EQ), while divergent evidence is assessed by correlating aggressive traits using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). The study also explores gender differences and age. Results reveal positive correlations between good mentalizing and empathy, particularly cognitive empathy, supporting the significance of positive mentalization in empathy. Negative mentalization is associated with difficulties in perspective-taking and social skills, as well as aggressive traits. Gender differences in mentalizing capacities are observed, and negative aspects of mentalization decrease with age. The availability of the Spanish translation of the MMQ, the first self-reporting scale measuring mentalization adapted to Chilean population, contributes to research aiming to understand its relationship with other psychological phenomena in different cultural context and facilitating clinical interventions with different population groups. We therefore encourage further investigation into cultural, gender and age differences in mentalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Aldunate
- Laboratorio de Comportamiento Animal y Humano, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo López-Silva
- Escuela de Psicología, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Instituto de Sistemas Complejos de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | | | - Ernesto Guerra
- Centro de Investigación Avanzada en Educación, Instituto de Educación, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Edmundo Kronmüller
- Escuela de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Borrelli G, Lamberti Zanardi A, Scognamiglio C, Cinquegrana V, Perrella R. The relationship between childhood interpersonal and non-interpersonal trauma and autobiographical memory: a systematic review. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1328835. [PMID: 38298520 PMCID: PMC10827865 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1328835] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood trauma can have negative effects on several domains of mental functioning, including Autobiographical Memory (AM). Conflicting results emerge in the scientific literature regarding the effects of childhood trauma on AM. In this review, we explored the relationship between the childhood trauma and AM, classifying childhood trauma as interpersonal, non-interpersonal and overall (interpersonal and non-interpersonal). We carried out a systematic literature review, following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA statement). From searching the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, we identified 48 studies conducted from 2014 to 2023, which were included when they: (a) were written in English, (b) investigated the relationship between AM and childhood trauma, (c) included a sample of children, adolescents, or adults who had experienced childhood interpersonal and/or non-interpersonal trauma. Of the 48 eligible studies, 29 referred to trauma of an interpersonal nature, 12 to trauma of a non-interpersonal nature, and 7 to overall trauma. Regarding the relationship between childhood trauma and AM, 24 studies found a negative relationship between childhood interpersonal trauma and AM; among the articles on non-interpersonal trauma, 10 studies found no relevant relationship; in the studies on overall trauma, 4 articles found negative relationship between overall trauma and AM. The literature explored in our systematic review supports the prevalence of a negative relationship between interpersonal childhood trauma and AM. This relationship is present regardless of psychiatric disorders (e.g., Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Personality Disorders), and in the presence of the latter, AM results even more fragmented. Future research should use more accurate methodologies in identifying and classifying childhood trauma in order to more precisely determine its effect on AM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Borrelli
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Vincenza Cinquegrana
- Department of Psychology, University of Study of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Raffaella Perrella
- Department of Psychology, University of Study of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
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Benzi IMA, Carone N, Parolin L, Martin-Gagnon G, Ensink K, Fontana A. Different epistemic stances for different traumatic experiences: implications for mentalization. RESEARCH IN PSYCHOTHERAPY (MILANO) 2023; 26:708. [PMID: 38156583 PMCID: PMC10772857 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2023.708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic experiences may impair reflective functioning (RF), making it difficult for individuals to understand their own and others' mental states. Epistemic trust (ET), which enables evaluating social information as reliable and relevant, may vary in association with RF. In this study, we explored the implications of different ET stances (i.e., trust, mistrust, and credulity) in the relation between different childhood traumatic experiences (i.e., emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect) and different types of RF impairments (uncertainty and certainty about mental states). A non-clinical community sample of 496 cisgender emerging adults (mage = 24.91, standard deviation = 2.66, 71.85% assigned female at birth, 63.63% heterosexual) reported on their childhood traumatic experiences, ET, and RF. We used structural equation models to examine direct and indirect associations. The results showed significant indirect effects between emotional abuse and uncertainty about mental states through credibility. We also observed significant indirect effects between emotional abuse and certainty about mental states through mistrust and credibility. The findings suggest that a lack of discrimination when evaluating knowledge from others (i.e., credulity) might promote increased uncertainty in RF when emerging adults have experienced emotional abuse in their childhood. Conversely, a tendency to view all information sources as unreliable or ill-intentioned (i.e., mistrust) may foster greater certainty in RF as a protective mechanism against an unreliable and potentially harmful world when combined with childhood emotional abuse. The implications for clinical practice and intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicola Carone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia.
| | - Laura Parolin
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan.
| | | | - Karin Ensink
- Department of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec.
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Laura B, Maisto D, Pezzulo G. Modeling and controlling the body in maladaptive ways: an active inference perspective on non-suicidal self-injury behaviors. Neurosci Conscious 2023; 2023:niad025. [PMID: 38028726 PMCID: PMC10681710 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niad025] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant number of persons engage in paradoxical behaviors, such as extreme food restriction (up to starvation) and non-suicidal self-injuries, especially during periods of rapid changes, such as adolescence. Here, we contextualize these and related paradoxical behavior within an active inference view of brain functions, which assumes that the brain forms predictive models of bodily variables, emotional experiences, and the embodied self and continuously strives to reduce the uncertainty of such models. We propose that not only in conditions of excessive or prolonged uncertainty, such as in clinical conditions, but also during pivotal periods of developmental transition, paradoxical behaviors might emerge as maladaptive strategies to reduce uncertainty-by "acting on the body"- soliciting salient perceptual and interoceptive sensations, such as pain or excessive levels of hunger. Although such strategies are maladaptive and run against our basic homeostatic imperatives, they might be functional not only to provide some short-term reward (e.g. relief from emotional distress)-as previously proposed-but also to reduce uncertainty and possibly to restore a coherent model of one's bodily experience and the self, affording greater confidence in who we are and what course of actions we should pursue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barca Laura
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council, Via San Martino della Battaglia 44, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Domenico Maisto
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council, Via San Martino della Battaglia 44, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Giovani Pezzulo
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council, Via San Martino della Battaglia 44, Rome 00185, Italy
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Allman M, Kulesz P, Marais L, Sharp C. Impact of the Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers on Mentalizing in Orphans and Vulnerable Children in South Africa. JOURNAL OF INFANT, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOTHERAPY : JICAP 2023; 22:386-398. [PMID: 38098641 PMCID: PMC10718512 DOI: 10.1080/15289168.2023.2275230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers (MISC) is a mentalization-based intervention which aims to enhance caregiver sensitivity and responsiveness. MISC has demonstrated treatment effects on mental health problems of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in South Africa working with Community-Based Organization (CBO) careworkers as the point of intervention. Recent elaboration of mentalization-based theory points to alternate figures in a child's early environment as critical resources for enhancing children's mentalizing capacity. In this study we evaluated the treatment effect of MISC on children's mentalizing capacity at baseline and following 12-months of the intervention, controlling for the effects of age, gender, orphan status, socioeconomic status, quality of the home environment, and mental health difficulties at baseline. MISC and Treatment as Usual (TAU) groups were compared using a mixed model linear regression. Results demonstrated significant effects of MISC, time, and mental health difficulties on mentalizing capacity. To our knowledge, this study is the first mentalization-based caregiver intervention to demonstrate treatment effects on child mentalizing capacity, and MISC is the first mentalization-based caregiver intervention to focus on paraprofessionals as the point of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lochner Marais
- University of the Free State, Centre for Developmental Support
| | - Carla Sharp
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology
- University of the Free State, Centre for Developmental Support
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Hammarlund M, Breitholtz M, Granqvist P, Forslund T. Parental mentalising among mothers with intellectual disability or ADHD: Links with experiences of abuse, neglect and psychosocial risk. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2023; 36:1206-1217. [PMID: 37194381 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental mentalising difficulties are robustly linked to caregiving problems. Mothers with intellectual disability are at risk for caregiving problems, but knowledge on their parental mentalising abilities is lacking. The present study aimed to fill this gap. METHOD Thirty mothers with mild intellectual disability, and 61 comparison mothers with ADHD, were assessed for parental mentalising using the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire. Contributions of intellectual disability, maternal exposure to childhood abuse/neglect and psychosocial risk to parental mentalising were examined through hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS Mothers with intellectual disability had a heightened risk for parental mentalising difficulties, in the form of elevated prementalising. Intellectual disability and cumulative childhood abuse/neglect uniquely predicted prementalising among the mothers, whereas cumulative psychosocial risk added to the risk for prementalising specifically among mothers with intellectual disability. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support contextual models of caregiving, and suggest a need for mentalisation-based support for parents with mild intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mia Breitholtz
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pehr Granqvist
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tommie Forslund
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- SUF Resource Center, Region Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden
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12
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Garon-Bissonnette J, Dubois-Comtois K, St-Laurent D, Berthelot N. A deeper look at the association between childhood maltreatment and reflective functioning. Attach Hum Dev 2023; 25:368-389. [PMID: 37131288 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2023.2207558] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment is theorized as impeding the development of reflective functioning (RF; ability to perceive and interpret oneself and others in terms of mental states). However, previous research typically failed to support this association or yielded small sized and mixed associations. This study aims to provide a deeper look at the association between childhood maltreatment and RF by characterizing two non-mentalizing categories. One-hundred-and-sixteen pregnant women (mean age = 27.62, SD = 4.52) from the community (48.3% with a university degree, 96.5% in a relationship with the other parent) retrospectively reported on childhood abuse and neglect using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. They also participated in the Adult Attachment Interview subsequently coded using the Reflective Functioning Scale. Participants with poor to low RF were allocated to one of two groups (disavowal-distancing or distorted-inconsistent) using indicators provided in the RF Scale. No association was found between childhood maltreatment and overall RF when controlling for education level. A multinomial logistic regression revealed that childhood maltreatment was strongly predictive of a disrupted, over-analytical and inconsistent reflection about mental states but not of a tendency to discourse little about mental states. This tendency was rather only predicted by education level. Findings suggest that childhood maltreatment would lead to specific impairments in RF and that not considering how individuals fail to mentalize about attachment relationships may mask strong associations between RF and its determinants and correlates, including childhood maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Garon-Bissonnette
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, CAN
- Centre d'études interdisciplinaires sur le développement de l'enfant et la famille (CEIDEF), Trois-Rivières, CAN
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec, CAN
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Partner Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), Montréal, CAN
- Groupe de recherche et d'intervention auprès des enfants vulnérables et négligés (GRIN), Trois-Rivières, CAN
| | - Karine Dubois-Comtois
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, CAN
- Centre d'études interdisciplinaires sur le développement de l'enfant et la famille (CEIDEF), Trois-Rivières, CAN
- Groupe de recherche et d'intervention auprès des enfants vulnérables et négligés (GRIN), Trois-Rivières, CAN
- Centre de recherche, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, CAN
| | - Diane St-Laurent
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, CAN
- Centre d'études interdisciplinaires sur le développement de l'enfant et la famille (CEIDEF), Trois-Rivières, CAN
- Groupe de recherche et d'intervention auprès des enfants vulnérables et négligés (GRIN), Trois-Rivières, CAN
- Centre de recherche universitaire sur les jeunes et les familles (CRUJeF), Québec, CAN
| | - Nicolas Berthelot
- Centre d'études interdisciplinaires sur le développement de l'enfant et la famille (CEIDEF), Trois-Rivières, CAN
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec, CAN
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Partner Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), Montréal, CAN
- Groupe de recherche et d'intervention auprès des enfants vulnérables et négligés (GRIN), Trois-Rivières, CAN
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, CAN
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