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Rossi AA, Pizzoli SFM, Fernandez I, Invernizzi R, Panzeri A, Taccini F, Mannarini S. The Shield of Self-Esteem: Buffering against the Impact of Traumatic Experiences, Fear, Anxiety, and Depression. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:901. [PMID: 39457773 PMCID: PMC11505037 DOI: 10.3390/bs14100901] [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: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 09/28/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse life occurrences (e.g., severe accidents, violence/abuse, organic disorders such as COVID-19) can elicit traumatic responses that heighten fear, anxiety, and depression. However, scientific research has shown that certain variables, such as self-esteem, based on theories like terror management theory (TMT) and the anxiety-buffering hypothesis (ABH), can mitigate the negative effects of trauma. This study aimed to test the ABH by assessing the buffering role of self-esteem in the relationships among the impact of traumatic experiences, fear, anxiety, and depression. METHOD An observational research design was used. This study involved 321 participants who experienced COVID-19 as a traumatic experience. A sequential multiple-mediation model with observed variables (path analysis) was used to test the impact of the traumatic experience on fear, anxiety, and depression, examining the protective role of self-esteem. RESULTS A path analysis revealed that fear and anxiety mediated the relationship between the impact of the traumatic experience of COVID-19 and depression. Additionally, in line with the ABH, self-esteem was found to mediate the relationship between the predictors and their adverse psychological consequences. This suggests that self-esteem played a buffering role, mitigating the negative impact of traumatic experiences on mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the central mediating role of self-esteem, as well as fear and anxiety, in the pathway from trauma-related factors to depression. These insights advocate for evidence-based interventions aimed at alleviating the psychological suffering associated with traumatic experiences, fostering adaptation, and supporting psychological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (S.M.)
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family Studies—CIRF, Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Francesca Maria Pizzoli
- Humane Technology Laboratory, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 20123 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Invernizzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, ASST Lecco, 23900 Lecco, Italy;
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Panzeri
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Federica Taccini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (S.M.)
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family Studies—CIRF, Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (S.M.)
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family Studies—CIRF, Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Rossi AA, Panzeri A, Fernandez I, Invernizzi R, Taccini F, Mannarini S. The impact of trauma core dimensions on anxiety and depression: a latent regression model through the Post-Traumatic Symptom Questionnaire (PTSQ). Sci Rep 2024; 14:23036. [PMID: 39362897 PMCID: PMC11449904 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72274-6] [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: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse life events (e.g., severe accidents, violence/abuse, organic disorders) can elicit traumatic responses characterized by intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and avoidance-highlighting the need for sound assessment tools. Also, these traumatic components could heighten anxiety and depression symptoms. This study aims included to: (1) assessing the psychometric properties of the Post-Traumatic Symptom Questionnaire (PTSQ) and delineating clinical cut-offs; (2) investigating how distinct trauma components contribute to anxiety and depression symptoms. Involving 761 participants who experienced a traumatic event, Part I tested the PTSQ psychometric properties, defining clinical cut-offs. Part II tested the impact of traumatic components on anxiety and depression symptoms, using a multiple multivariate latent regression model. PTSQ exhibited exemplary fit indices and robust psychometric properties. Clinically relevant cut-offs were identified. The differential contributions of intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal to anxiety and depression symptoms were evaluated, elucidating the strength and nature of these relationships. This study reaffirms the PTSQ as a psychometrically sound and reliable instrument. It underscores the effects of intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal on anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals with traumatic experiences. These insights advocate for evidence-based interventions aimed at alleviating the psychological suffering associated with trauma components, fostering adaptation and supporting psychological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family studies - CIRF, Department FISPPA, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - Anna Panzeri
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Invernizzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Taccini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family studies - CIRF, Department FISPPA, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family studies - CIRF, Department FISPPA, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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Panzeri A, Bottesi G, Ghisi M, Scalavicci C, Spoto A, Vidotto G. Emotional Regulation, Coping, and Resilience in Informal Caregivers: A Network Analysis Approach. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:709. [PMID: 39199105 PMCID: PMC11351438 DOI: 10.3390/bs14080709] [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: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic can further strain the mental health of informal caregivers who provide unpaid assistance to family members or friends who need support due to illness, disability, or aging. However, there is a lack of research exploring the resources and adaptive strategies that promote resilience in informal caregivers. This cross-sectional study used psychometric network analysis to model the interplay between coping strategies, emotion regulation, trait resilience, and anxiety and depression symptoms in 351 Italian informal caregivers. The results showed that coping through a positive attitude, emotional reappraisal, and trait resilience were the most central and interconnected nodes in the network. These adaptive strategies buffered against the negative impact of anxiety and depression symptoms, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying resilience and well-being in informal caregivers. Clinically, it is crucial to assess and foster these resilience-promoting factors (positive attitude coping, cognitive reappraisal, and trait resilience) to help mitigate the mental health challenges faced by informal caregivers, especially in the context of public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Panzeri
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Gioia Bottesi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Marta Ghisi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Hospital Psychology, Padua University Hospital, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Cecilia Scalavicci
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Spoto
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Giulio Vidotto
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy
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Rossi AA, Mannarini S, Semonella M, Castelnuovo G, Pietrabissa G. The Association between Grazing and Food Addiction: The Italian Version of the Repetitive Eating Questionnaire (Rep(Eat)-Q) and Its Relationships with Food Addiction Criteria. Nutrients 2024; 16:949. [PMID: 38612983 PMCID: PMC11013059 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070949] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among the dysfunctional eating behaviors associated with excessive food intake, a construct that is gaining increasing attention is grazing-the constant, continuous, compulsive, and repetitive consumption of small/moderate amounts of food. Furthermore, in some cases, grazing seems to indicate a dependence on food and/or eating. Currently, the Repetitive Eating Questionnaire (Rep(Eat)-Q) appears to be the only questionnaire that comprehensively measures grazing, including its repetitive and compulsive eating component. Therefore, in a sample of individuals with severe obesity, the objective of this study was twofold: (A) to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Rep(Eat)-Q, and (B) to analyze the association between grazing and food addiction (FA). METHOD A cross-sectional research design was used. A total of 402 inpatients with severe obesity (BMI > 35) were recruited. Participants underwent a series of questionnaires to investigate structural validity and convergent validity and association with FA criteria. RESULTS The factorial structure of the Rep(Eat)-Q is robust and showed fit indexes: CFI = 0.973; RMSEA = 0.074; 90%CI [0.056-0.091]; and SRMR = 0.029. Also, it exhibited good internal consistency and convergent validity. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis highlights a specific association between certain FA criteria and grazing. CONCLUSIONS The Rep(Eat)-Q can be considered to be a concise, robust, reliable, and statistically sound tool to assess repetitive eating, specifically grazing. Its strong psychometric properties offer significant advantages for both research and clinical applications. Furthermore, in a sample of individuals with severe obesity, the results suggest that individuals with problematic grazing exhibit a typical behavioral profile of subjects with FA, indicating that FA can manifest through problematic grazing as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Michelle Semonella
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel;
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (G.P.)
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Giada Pietrabissa
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (G.P.)
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy
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