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Dobos B, Mellor D, Piko BF. Exploring fear of happiness among university students: The role of perfectionism, academic burnout, loneliness, and hopelessness. Scand J Psychol 2024; 65:559-567. [PMID: 38258953 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.13001] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Due to its impact on mental health and well-being, fear of happiness is beginning to receive more attention in research. This study, conducted in Hungary, explored the relationship between fear of happiness, perfectionism, loneliness, hopelessness, and academic burnout. Participants aged between 18 and 35 years (N = 1,148, M = 22 years, SD = 4.5) completed an online questionnaire that included self-report measures of these constructs. In the present study, males showed higher levels of fear of happiness and perfectionism than did females. Analyses also revealed that both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism, academic burnout, loneliness, and hopelessness were positively related to fear of happiness. In multiple regression analysis, gender had a positive and age had a negative role in the levels of fear of happiness. Maladaptive perfectionism, academic burnout, loneliness, and hopelessness were positive predictors, while adaptive perfectionism almost reached statistical significance. These findings highlight the predictive role of previously unexplored variables in fear of happiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianka Dobos
- Doctoral School of Education, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - David Mellor
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bettina F Piko
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Pescosolido BA, Green HD. Who has mental health problems? Comparing individual, social and psychiatric constructions of mental health. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:443-453. [PMID: 37069339 PMCID: PMC10108793 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02474-4] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The persistent gap between population indicators of poor mental health and the uptake of services raises questions about similarities and differences between social and medical/psychiatric constructions. Rarely do studies have assessments from different perspectives to examine whether and how lay individuals and professionals diverge. METHODS Data from the Person-to-Person Health Interview Study (P2P), a representative U.S. state sample (N ~ 2700) are used to examine the overlap and correlates of three diverse perspectives-self-reported mental health, a self/other problem recognition, and the CAT-MH™ a validated, computer adaptive test for psychopathology screening. Descriptive and multinominal logit analyses compare the presence of mental health problems across stakeholders and their association with respondents' sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS Analyses reveal a set of socially constructed patterns. Two convergent patterns indicate whether there is (6.9%, The "Sick") or is not (64.6%, The "Well") a problem. The "Unmet Needers" (8.7%) indicates that neither respondents nor those around them recognize a problem identified by the screener. Two patterns indicate clinical need where either respondents (The "Self Deniers", 2.9%) or others (The "Network Deniers", 6.0%) do not. Patterns where the diagnostic indicator does not suggest a problem include The "Worried Well" (4.9%) where only the respondent does, The "Network Coerced" (4.6%) where only others do, and The "Prodromal" (1.4%) where both self and others do. Education, gender, race, and age are associated with social constructions of mental health problems. CONCLUSIONS The implications of these results hold the potential to improve our understanding of unmet need, mental health literacy, stigma, and treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernice A Pescosolido
- Department of Sociology, College of Arts & Sciences and the Irsay Institute, Indiana University, IN, Bloomington, USA.
| | - Harold D Green
- Department of Applied Health, School of Public Health and the Irsay Institute, Indiana University, IN, Bloomington, USA
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Gallagher MR, Collins AC, Winer ES. A network analytic investigation of avoidance, dampening, and devaluation of positivity. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 81:101870. [PMID: 37201468 PMCID: PMC10524699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101870] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Reward Devaluation Theory suggests that devaluation of positivity may be integral in understanding depression (Winer & Salem, 2016). Specifically, the anticipatory (e.g., fear of happiness) and responsive (e.g., dampening) behaviors related to the processing of positivity may play a role in the development and maintenance of depression. METHODS The goal of this study was to examine the potential overlap between measures that operationalize positivity avoidance, two Fear of Happiness Scales (Gilbert et al., 2012; Joshanloo, 2013), as well as positivity dampening, measured via the dampening subscale of the Responses to Positive Affect Questionnaire (Feldman et al., 2008). Network and community analyses were employed to examine the extent to which the items of these measures clustered into their parent measures and investigate the dynamic interactions between items. RESULTS The results of the community analysis revealed that the three self-report measures overall clustered into their parent measures, except for the Gilbert et al. (2012) Fear of Happiness Scale, which clustered into two separate communities. The most influential nodes represented the concept that good feelings are often followed by negative outcomes. Additionally, nodes related to the theme of fear of letting oneself become happy emerged as the strongest bridge nodes. LIMITATIONS One limitation of this study is the use of a cross-sectional design; thus, causality cannot be inferred, but the results can guide future longitudinal network designs. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate how anticipatory avoidance and responsive dampening may influence depression, thus providing evidence for unique targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Gallagher
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA.
| | - Amanda C Collins
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA; Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - E Samuel Winer
- Department of Psychology, The New School for Social Research, New York, NY, USA
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Türkmen H, Sezer F. The Effect of Fear of Happiness as a Cultural Phenomenon on Anxiety and Self-Efficacy in the Puerperae. J Transcult Nurs 2023; 34:356-364. [PMID: 37554081 DOI: 10.1177/10436596231188361] [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] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals who believe that experiencing positive emotions such as happiness could lead to negative results can suppress their authentic positive feelings to prevent undesired consequences. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of fear of happiness as a cultural phenomenon among puerperal women and the effects of fear of happiness on anxiety and self-efficacy in these women. METHOD This cross-sectional study was conducted in the puerperal service of a hospital in Turkey between September 2021 and June 2022 (n = 287). The study data were collected through State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale (STAI-I and STAI-II), General Self-Efficacy (GSE) Scale, and Fear of Happiness Scale (FHS). RESULTS There was a significant relationship between STAI-II and GSE and FHS scores, which explained 43.4% (R2 = .434) of the variance (p < .001). Also, a significant relationship of GSE with working at an income-generating job, STAI-I, and STAI-II was found (p = .008, p = .040, p < .001, respectively). It was found that the puerperae who stated that they needed training on the postpartum process and baby care had high levels of fear of happiness (p = .007). DISCUSSION Screening puerperae in terms of fear of happiness is important for determining their psychological well-being. Health care professionals should be aware that fear of happiness as a cultural approach negatively affects anxiety and therefore self-efficacy levels of puerperae. Providing a comprehensive training to the puerperae on parenthood and self-efficacy as well as mental health support is important for them to cope with fear of happiness.
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Bryant JS, Gallagher MR, Collins AC, Winer ES. Individuals fearing positivity do not perceive positive affect treatments as strong fits: A novel experimental finding and replication. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 79:101830. [PMID: 36587466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Positive affect treatments, which hold great promise to connect with those who are otherwise resistant to depression treatments, attempt to upregulate positive emotions. These treatments have potential advantages over standard therapies because they target cross-diagnostic core symptoms (e.g., anhedonia) that may respond better to interventions aimed at increased positivity. However, the extent to which these treatments are a perceived fit by individuals for whom they were developed (i.e., individuals who are afraid of, avoid, or experience less positivity) is unclear. METHODS We conducted two independent studies utilizing a cross-sectional, experimental design to examine perceived treatment fit. Participants (Study 1: N = 416; Study 2: N = 321) read counterbalanced treatment descriptions of (1) positive affect treatment and (2) psychodynamic psychotherapy and answered questions regarding perceived treatment fit, effectiveness, and preference of the two treatments. RESULTS Our findings suggest that individuals fearful of happiness perceived a prospective depression treatment specifically targeting positivity as a poorer fit, demonstrating an opposite pattern to the overall samples' treatment preference in both studies. Thus, as predicted by Reward Devaluation Theory, those fearing positivity exhibited avoidance behaviors for treatments that are to an extent designed, and might otherwise be most effective, for them. LIMITATIONS The current study utilized a college student sample. CONCLUSION These empirical findings may ultimately inform psychoeducation of why positive affect treatments, which are in direct contrast with clients' preferences, may be the very treatments they need the most.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S Bryant
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR, USA
| | | | - Amanda C Collins
- Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA; Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
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Bogaert L, Dunn BD, Walentynowicz M, Raes F. ‘It just doesn't feel right’ and other reasons why some people fear and avoid positive emotions. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 235:103901. [PMID: 37018932 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.103901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The need to further our understanding of positive affect dysregulation in depression has been widely acknowledged. Two related relevant concepts in this realm, are Avoidance Of Positivity (AOP; referring to avoidance behaviour towards positivity) and Fear Of Positivity (FOP; referring to anxious or unpleasant feelings related to positivity). However, traditionally manifestations of AOP and FOP are considered in isolation, and self-report scales used to measure both concepts show considerable content overlap. Therefore, the first study aim was to examine how AOP and FOP relate to one another, depressive symptomatology and anhedonia, through new clearly delineated scales. For exploratory purposes, general and state-specific versions were developed. The second aim was to uncover beliefs that underlie the tendency towards AOP/FOP. An adult community sample (n = 197) completed online measures of AOP, FOP, depressive symptoms and anhedonia, and answered open-ended questions about reasons for AOP and FOP. Cross-sectionally, preliminary evidence was found for AOP and FOP being positively associated with one another, depressive symptomatology and anhedonia. Even after controlling for depressive symptomatology, anhedonia remained positively associated with AOP and FOP. So, AOP and FOP may be viable candidate mechanisms maintaining anhedonia that are worth further investigation and may be appropriate to target during treatment. Answers to the open-ended questions (n = 77) reflected various beliefs underlying AOP/FOP, which were broader than simply anticipating negative consequences of feeling positive and also touched on themes of unworthiness and social inappropriateness of feeling positive. Some theoretical and clinical implications of different beliefs underlying AOP/FOP are discussed.
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Collins AC, Lass ANS, Winer ES. Negative self-schemas and devaluation of positivity in depressed individuals: A moderated network analysis. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04262-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Blasco-Belled A. Character strengths and mental health as complex systems: a network analysis to identify bridge strengths. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03598-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe network approach poses an alternative focus to understand psychological constructs as emerging from mutual interactions among indicators. Network psychometrics has been applied to psychopathology to unravel the connections between symptoms, but it can also be applied to the study of well-being. The role of character strengths in mental health is at the forefront of research attention. Previous findings suggest that heart character strengths are more predictive of mental health than mind character strengths. Nevertheless, researchers have rarely applied the network approach in this context. The present study examines, from the network approach, the connections between heart and mind character strengths and mental health. Building upon the dual-factor model of mental health, positive (i.e., happiness and life satisfaction) and negative indicators (i.e., depression) were included in the assessment of this construct. A sample of 597 Spanish undergraduates (M = 23.52; SD = 5.25; 75.6% females) completed cross-sectional self-report measures. Network analysis was used to estimate a network composed of two communities: character strengths and mental health. We used centrality analysis to calculate the importance of each node and bridge centrality to examine the interactions between the communities. The results indicated that the heart strengths of love, zest, hope, and gratitude reported the highest bridge strength centrality, suggesting that they played an intermediary role activating and deactivating components of mental health. Adopting the network approach to explore the connections between character strengths and mental health can help design focused intervention strategies in psychology.
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Predictors of aversion to happiness: New Insights from a multi-national study. MOTIVATION AND EMOTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11031-022-09954-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Lyvers M, Ryan N, Thorberg FA. Alexithymia, negative moods, and fears of positive emotions. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02555-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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