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Tipsword JM, McCann JP, Moloney M, Quinkert EM, Brake CA, Badour CL. "I Felt Dirty in a Way a Shower Wouldn't Fix": A Qualitative Examination of Sexual Trauma-Related Mental Contamination. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241268785. [PMID: 39105543 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241268785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Trauma-related mental contamination (MC) is a distressing sense of dirtiness that arises absent a contaminant following a traumatic event. Existing work has linked MC to more severe posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among individuals with sexual trauma histories and has begun to characterize some aspects of the experience of trauma-related MC. However, a more nuanced understanding of how individuals experience and respond to trauma-related MC is lacking. The present study explored lived experiences of trauma-related MC among a sample of 34 women with sexual trauma histories using semi-structured qualitative interviews. Women were asked about MC across several domains, including somatic locations where trauma-related MC is experienced; triggers for trauma-related MC; and engagement in MC-related coping strategies, including washing behaviors. Women reported experiencing trauma-related MC in various bodily locations (internal, external, and both). Both overtly trauma-related triggers (e.g., trauma-relevant people or words, sexual contact) and non-trauma-related triggers (e.g., sweating, being around other people) were mentioned. Women also reported experiencing a variety of emotions alongside trauma-related MC (e.g., disgust, shame, anger) and using a range of strategies to cope with trauma-related MC, including washing behaviors, distraction, and substance use. Findings suggest that triggers for and responses to trauma-related MC are heterogeneous. Future work should explore the role of context in individuals' experiences of and responses to trauma-related MC, as well as whether experiences of trauma-related MC may differ by gender or across settings. Increased understanding of trauma-related MC may inform efforts to more readily and effectively identify and target MC in clinical practice.
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Corkish B, Yap K. Does mental contamination mediate the association between childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in adults? CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 152:106789. [PMID: 38608420 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106789] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has shown that individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and OCD symptoms have higher rates of childhood trauma. Although it has been suggested that this relationship is due to mental contamination that developed in response to trauma, no studies have investigated the associations between childhood trauma, mental contamination, and OCD, and none have examined whether the relationship between childhood trauma and OCD is mediated by mental contamination. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that OCD, childhood trauma, and mental contamination are positively correlated, and that mental contamination would mediate the association between childhood trauma and OCD symptoms PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: We tested these hypotheses in a sample of 245 individuals, which comprised 158 MTurk workers recruited via CloudResearch.com and 87 individuals recruited through social media with OCD diagnoses or OCD symptoms above the clinical cutoff on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised. METHODS Participants completed online self-report questionnaires on childhood trauma, mental contamination, and OCD symptoms. RESULTS The results revealed statistically significant positive correlations between childhood trauma, mental contamination, and OCD, and statistically significant total and indirect effects for the simple mediational model. Exploratory re-analyses with participants who had high OCD symptoms (n = 87) showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS Our research shows that the association between childhood trauma and OCD may be explained by mental contamination. We recommend that mental contamination should be assessed and addressed in OCD patients with a history of childhood trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Corkish
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Australia
| | - Keong Yap
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Australia.
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Brouwer B, Borg C, de Jong PJ. Self-Disgust and Sexual Functioning: A Scenario-Based Study Testing the Ability of Sex-Related Experiences to Elicit Self-Directed Disgust. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:649-657. [PMID: 36598143 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2158301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that disgust might compromise sexual functioning and can contribute to sexual problems. Although the stimuli and conditions that elicit disgust vary greatly across individuals, they cluster in three categories of disgust elicitors: Stimuli that are associated with an increased risk of the transmission of infectious diseases (pathogen disgust), stimuli that signal poor mating quality and may jeopardize reproductive success (sexual disgust), and behaviors that violate social norms (moral disgust). It has been argued that each of these categories of disgust may interfere with sexual responses. Thus far, research on the role of disgust in sexual contexts focused on external stimuli (e.g., sperm). Yet, recently it has been proposed that disgust can also become directed to features of the self. Such self-directed disgust may also apply to sexual contexts and contribute to sexual problems. As a first step to explore the relevance of self-disgust in sexual functioning, we tested if indeed particular sexual experiences have the ability to elicit self-disgust. Using a within subject design, participants (N = 124; all women) imagined themselves as well as others experiencing a series of sex-related scenarios, each relevant for one of the three categories of disgust, and subsequently rated their self-disgust. For all types of disgust, the scenarios evoked self-disgust, and the "self-perspective" elicited significantly more self-disgust than the "other-perspective." These findings support theoretical models pointing to the relevance of taking self-disgust into consideration as a factor that may compromise sexual functioning. Future research should test whether this also holds for men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berber Brouwer
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Charmaine Borg
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J de Jong
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Fenlon EE, Pinciotti CM, Jones AC, Rippey CS, Wild H, Hubert TJJ, Tipsword JM, Badour CL, Adams TG. Assessment of Comorbid Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Assessment 2024; 31:126-144. [PMID: 37904505 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231208403] [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: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are commonly comorbid and share prominent features (e.g., intrusions, safety behaviors, and avoidance). Excellent self-report and clinician-administered assessments exist for OCD and PTSD individually, but few assess both disorders, and even fewer provide instruction on differential diagnosis or detection of comorbid OCD and PTSD. To address this gap in the literature, the current paper aims to (1) highlight diagnostic and functional similarities and differences between OCD and PTSD to inform differential diagnosis, (2) outline assessment recommendations for individuals with suspected comorbid OCD and PTSD, OCD with a significant trauma history or posttraumatic symptoms, or PTSD with significant obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and (3) explore future directions to evaluate and improve methods for assessing co-occurring OCD and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alyssa C Jones
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System, Charleston, SC, USA
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Thomas G Adams
- University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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5
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McCann JP, Tipsword JM, Brake CA, Badour CL. Trauma-Related Shame and Guilt as Prospective Predictors of Daily Mental Contamination and PTSD Symptoms in Survivors of Sexual Trauma. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:11117-11137. [PMID: 37386852 PMCID: PMC10602615 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231179721] [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] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Mental contamination (MC), the experience of dirtiness in the absence of a physical contaminant, has established links with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Shame and guilt have well-documented relationships with symptoms of PTSD and may play a role in the development and maintenance of MC. The present study examined whether trauma-related shame and guilt prospectively predicted daily MC and symptoms of PTSD among 41 women with a history of sexual trauma. Women completed baseline and twice-daily assessments of MC and symptoms of PTSD over a 2-week period and baseline measures of trauma-related shame and guilt. Two sets of hierarchical mixed linear regression models examined individual and combined fixed effects of baseline trauma-related guilt (guilt cognitions and global guilt) and shame in predicting daily trauma-related MC and symptoms of PTSD. Trauma-related shame positively predicted both daily MC and PTSD. This association remained robust even when accounting for the experience of trauma-related guilt. Neither trauma-related guilt cognitions nor global guilt predicted daily MC or PTSD. While other studies have addressed shame related to sexual assault, this is the first study to demonstrate a positive prospective relationship between shame and trauma-related MC. Findings regarding PTSD and shame are consistent with a growing literature. Further research is needed to better understand the temporal relationships between trauma-related shame, MC, and symptoms of PTSD, including how these variables interact and change over the course of PTSD treatment. A better understanding of the factors influencing the development and maintenance of MC can inform efforts to more easily target and improve MC, and subsequently PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - C. Alex Brake
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
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6
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Krause S, Radomsky AS. An Experimental Investigation of Moral Self-Violation and Mental Contamination. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2023; 47:1-11. [PMID: 37363745 PMCID: PMC10199425 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-023-10388-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Cognitive models of mental contamination (feelings of dirtiness/washing behaviour that arise without direct contact with a contaminant) highlight the central role of perceptions of violation in the onset and maintenance of these feelings. Little research has been done to clarify violation-specific appraisals relevant to mental contamination. Perceptions of violation of one's moral self-concept may represent one such appraisal domain. This experiment aimed to examine the impact of these appraisals on feelings of mental contamination. Methods One hundred and fifty participants received false feedback that they scored high on a morality subscale of a bogus personality test. They then completed a writing task wherein their degree of moral self-violation was manipulated. They received a writing prompt corresponding to one of three randomly assigned conditions (violated self (VS), bolstered self (BS), general negative (GN)). Finally, participants completed measures of mental contamination. Results The manipulation was effective at violating participants' moral self-concept. Those in the VS condition reported significantly higher levels of feelings of mental contamination than those in the BS or GN conditions. There were no significant differences between conditions regarding urges to wash. Conclusions Findings highlight the relevance of moral self-violation in the understanding and treatment of mental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Krause
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Adam S. Radomsky
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
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Tipsword JM, Southward MW, Adams AM, Brake CA, Badour CL. Daily Associations Between Trauma-Related Mental Contamination and Use of Specific Coping Strategies: Results of a Daily Monitoring Study. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:5699-5720. [PMID: 36184917 PMCID: PMC10145604 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221127205] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mental contamination (MC)-a sense of dirtiness experienced without contacting an identifiable pollutant-is a distressing and enduring experience among many survivors of sexual trauma. MC has been linked to more frequent use of avoidant coping behaviors (e.g., washing behavior, substance use, binge eating) and approach coping. However, it is unclear if specific approach and avoidant coping strategies are more consistently related to perseverative experiences of trauma-related MC, if the use of certain strategies predicts changes in MC, and if fluctuations in MC predict the use of certain strategies. The present study evaluated contemporaneous and prospective relationships between sexual trauma-related MC and use of 11 specific coping strategies among 41 women with a history of sexual trauma using an experience sampling design. Women completed twice-daily assessments of coping strategy use and MC for 14 days. Between-persons, women reporting more intense MC on average reported more frequent use of distraction, denial, giving up, self-blame, thought suppression, washing behavior, emotional processing, and emotional expression than those experiencing less intense MC. Within-person increases in MC were associated with more frequent concurrent use of all coping strategies except seeking support. Lastly, within-person increases in MC predicted more frequent use of giving up, substance use, and seeking support at the next assessment and within-person increases in substance use predicted less severe MC at the next assessment. Future work should aim to identify factors influencing the selection and/or quality of use of these specific coping strategies among individuals experiencing MC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - C Alex Brake
- Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, RI, USA
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Sauer KS, Wendler-Bödicker C, Boos A, Niemeyer H, Palmer S, Rojas R, Hoyer J, Hitzler M. Treatment of Comorbid Disorders, Syndromes, and Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Related to Childhood Maltreatment with STAIR-NT. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KLINISCHE PSYCHOLOGIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2023. [DOI: 10.1026/1616-3443/a000686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: Early interpersonal traumatic events, such as childhood maltreatment, increase the risk of developing complex posttraumatic stress symptoms. The biphasic treatment program STAIR-NT (Skills Training for Affective and Interpersonal Regulation with Narrative Therapy), developed specifically for this patient group, combines interventions to improve emotion regulation and interpersonal skills with narrative therapy. Objective: Many affected patients with PTSD after childhood maltreatment also suffer from various comorbid mental disorders and symptoms that can affect and impede the course and outcome of treatment with STAIR-NT. Method: Based on experience from a current treatment study, we provide recommendations for integrating treatment of comorbid mental symptoms into STAIR-NT. Results / Conclusion: Training affective and interpersonal regulation skills in the first treatment phase offers various interventions to efficiently adapt transdiagnostic mechanisms such as emotion dysregulation. In cases of severe comorbid mental disorders or symptoms, adding disorder-specific interventions to STAIR-NT may be indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Sophie Sauer
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Anne Boos
- Psychotherapy Practice in Großhartau, Germany
| | - Helen Niemeyer
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Palmer
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Germany
| | - Roberto Rojas
- University Psychotherapeutic Outpatient Clinic, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hoyer
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Melissa Hitzler
- Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Germany
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Badour CL, Tipsword JM, Jones AC, McCann JP, Fenlon EE, Brake CA, Alvarran S, Hood CO, Adams TG. Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms and Daily Experiences of Posttraumatic Stress and Mental Contamination Following Sexual Trauma. J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord 2023; 36:100767. [PMID: 37900357 PMCID: PMC10601737 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2022.100767] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Although cross-sectional research highlights similarities between symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among individuals exposed to sexual trauma, little is known about how these disorders relate over time. The goal of the present study was to examine whether 1) OCD symptoms prospectively predicted daily symptoms of PTSD, and 2) OCD and PTSD symptoms prospectively predicted daily experiences of sexual trauma-related mental contamination (i.e., dirtiness in the absence of a physical pollutant). Forty-one women with a sexual trauma history completed baseline measures of OCD and PTSD, as well as twice-daily assessments of PTSD symptoms and mental contamination over a two-week period. Total OCD symptoms and the unacceptable thoughts dimension significantly predicted daily PTSD symptoms after accounting for other OCD dimensions. Only total OCD symptoms significantly predicted daily mental contamination when examined together with total PTSD symptoms. No individual PTSD or OCD clusters/dimensions significantly predicted daily mental contamination when examined simultaneously. Findings from this study highlight the nuanced associations among OCD symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and experiences of mental contamination. Future research is needed to further understand the development of PTSD, OCD, and mental contamination over time to inform targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christal L. Badour
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jordyn M. Tipsword
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Alyssa C. Jones
- Southeast Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Centers, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jesse P. McCann
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Emily E. Fenlon
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - C. Alex Brake
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Sophia Alvarran
- College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Caitlyn O. Hood
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Thomas G. Adams
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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10
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Pinciotti CM, Wetterneck CT, Riemann BC. Symptom severity and presentation in comorbid OCD and PTSD: A clinical replication. Bull Menninger Clin 2022; 86:183-203. [PMID: 36047941 DOI: 10.1521/bumc.2022.86.3.183] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience more severe OCD symptoms and poorer treatment response. Despite some evidence linking OCD symptom domains to trauma, only one study to date has examined typical OCD and PTSD presentations in individuals with OCD+PTSD, and findings were based on a nonclinical sample. The current study sought to replicate findings in a clinical sample of 1,014 patients diagnosed with OCD (n = 928), PTSD (n = 40), and OCD+PTSD (n = 46) in specialty OCD and anxiety treatment programs. Consistent with previous research, patients with OCD+PTSD reported more severe OCD yet similar severity PTSD symptoms and did not evidence a unique phenotypic presentation once symptom overlap and comorbid mood and personality disorders were considered. OCD+PTSD is equally as heterogeneous as OCD and PTSD alone. Implications for the research and treatment of OCD+PTSD are discussed, and assessment and treatment recommendations are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chad T Wetterneck
- Clinical Director of Trauma Recovery Services, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
| | - Bradley C Riemann
- Chief Clinical Officer at Rogers Behavioral Health, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
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11
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Tang T, Fu Z, Wang J. Mental contamination among people in China: A replication of a moral manipulation experiment. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2022; 76:101741. [PMID: 35738688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101741] [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: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Mental contamination can be evoked by thoughts, images, and memories without having physically contacted any contaminants. Although several experiments have investigated the mechanism of mental contamination, none has been conducted in the Chinese socio-cultural context. Considering the potential cultural-sensitivity of mental contamination we replicated Elliott and Radomsky's experiment (2009) to examine whether an imagined immoral act would prompt mental contamination among female university students in China. METHODS We assigned participants (n = 148) to 4 conditions in which they listened to an audio recording asking them to imagine that they had (a) shared a consensual kiss with a moral man, (b) shared a consensual kiss with an immoral man, (c) received a non-consensual kiss from a moral man, (d) or received a non-consensual kiss from an immoral man. Afterwards, they completed questionnaires, and their personal hygiene behaviours were recorded. RESULTS As in the precedent study, participants who imagined a non-consensual kiss reported greater feelings of mental contamination than ones who imagined a consensual kiss. Unlike in that study, however, imagining a consensual kiss from a moral man also aroused strong mental contamination. LIMITATIONS It remains unclear which aspect of immoral acts (information or behaviour) weigh more in evoking mental contamination. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that imagining sexually immoral acts can evoke feelings of mental contamination among people in China. Nevertheless, cultural beliefs and attitude towards sexuality may play a role of causing the discrepancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Tang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, China; School of Ethnology and Sociology, Yunnan University, China
| | - Zhongfang Fu
- School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, China
| | - Jianping Wang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, China.
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12
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Using Imagery Rescripting to Treat Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Refugees: A Case Study. COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Tipsword JM, Brake CA, McCann J, Southward MW, Badour CL. Mental contamination, PTSD symptoms, and coping following sexual trauma: Results from a daily monitoring study. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 86:102517. [PMID: 34973537 PMCID: PMC8885963 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102517] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Mental contamination (MC) - dirtiness experienced in the absence of contact with a physical contaminant - has been linked to PTSD symptoms following sexual trauma. However, there is limited understanding regarding the temporal nature of this association. The present study utilized experience sampling to examine associations between baseline and daily experiences of MC and PTSD symptoms and the mediating role of avoidance and approach coping among a sample of 41 adult women with a history of sexual trauma and current MC. Participants completed baseline measures and 14 days of twice-daily assessments. Results indicated that daily MC and PTSD symptoms were bidirectionally related. The tendency to engage in avoidance coping positively mediated relations between 1) baseline MC and daily PTSD symptoms and 2) baseline PTSD symptoms and daily MC. Further, daily avoidance coping (T-1) positively mediated associations between daily MC (T-2) and subsequent daily PTSD symptoms (T). Approach coping was not a mediator (between- or within-) in any models. Findings lend support to a mutual maintenance model of PTSD symptoms and trauma-related MC mediated by avoidance coping. Future research over a more extended period is warranted to clarify whether PTSD symptoms and MC indeed mutually maintain or exacerbate one another over time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C. Alex Brake
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
| | - Jesse McCann
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky
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14
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Clinical Presentation and Treatment Trajectory of Gender Minority Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. J Cogn Psychother 2022; 36:42-59. [PMID: 35121678 DOI: 10.1891/jcpsy-d-20-00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Gender minorities experience unique minority stressors that increase risk for psychiatric disorders. Notably, gender minorities are four and six times more likely than their cisgender female and male peers, respectively, to be treated for or diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Despite higher rates of OCD, more psychiatric comorbidities, and minority stressors, little is known about the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of gender minorities with OCD. Using a sample of 974 patients in specialty treatment programs for OCD, the current study found that gender minorities reported more severe contamination symptoms and greater incidence of comorbid substance use/addiction, trauma/stressor-related, personality, and other/miscellaneous disorders compared to cisgender male and female patients. Despite significantly longer lengths of stay, gender minorities reported less symptom improvement across treatment compared to cisgender male and female patients. Findings underscore the need for continued research to improve the effectiveness and individualization of treatment for gender minorities with OCD.
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15
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Brake CA, Tipsword JM, Badour CL. Mental contamination, disgust, and other negative emotions among survivors of sexual trauma: Results from a daily monitoring study. J Anxiety Disord 2021; 84:102477. [PMID: 34627103 PMCID: PMC8599658 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mental contamination (MC)-feelings of dirtiness triggered by internal sources-is a potentially important yet understudied factor for survivors of sexual trauma. MC has been linked to disgust and other negative emotions (e.g., shame, guilt) cross-sectionally and in lab-based paradigms but not yet examined in ecological contexts. Additionally, links between MC and distinct negative emotions have not been studied systematically. The present study thus modeled relationships between MC and specific emotions both across and within days over a daily monitoring period. Forty-one females with sexual trauma history and associated MC completed twice-daily assessments of MC and seven emotions (disgust, shame, guilt, anger, hopelessness, sadness, anxiety) over 2 weeks via a smartphone app. Baseline MC and average daily MC were largely associated with higher daily averages of negative emotions. Concurrently, within-person changes in MC and negative emotions were also positively linked. Unexpectedly, intraindividual changes in MC were largely not associated with later negative emotions, whereas several emotions were negatively associated with later MC. Notably, MC among screened sexual trauma survivors was much more prevalent compared to prior research. Clinical relevance and future recommendations for ecological research in trauma-related mental contamination are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Alex Brake
- Brown University, Warren Alpert Medical School,Providence VA Medical Center
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16
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Üzümcü E, Evliyaoğlu ES, Inozu M. The role of gender, fear of self and disgust propensity in mental contamination: A model test using mental contamination induction. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02285-3] [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]
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17
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Sookman D, Phillips KA, Anholt GE, Bhar S, Bream V, Challacombe FL, Coughtrey A, Craske MG, Foa E, Gagné JP, Huppert JD, Jacobi D, Lovell K, McLean CP, Neziroglu F, Pedley R, Perrin S, Pinto A, Pollard CA, Radomsky AS, Riemann BC, Shafran R, Simos G, Söchting I, Summerfeldt LJ, Szymanski J, Treanor M, Van Noppen B, van Oppen P, Whittal M, Williams MT, Williams T, Yadin E, Veale D. Knowledge and competency standards for specialized cognitive behavior therapy for adult obsessive-compulsive disorder. Psychiatry Res 2021; 303:113752. [PMID: 34273818 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a leading cause of disability world-wide (World Health Organization, 2008). Treatment of OCD is a specialized field whose aim is recovery from illness for as many patients as possible. The evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatment for OCD is specialized cognitive behavior therapy (CBT, NICE, 2005, Koran and Simpson, 2013). However, these treatments are not accessible to many sufferers around the world. Currently available guidelines for care are deemed to be essential but insufficient because of highly variable clinician knowledge and competencies specific to OCD. The phase two mandate of the 14 nation International OCD Accreditation Task Force (ATF) created by the Canadian Institute for Obsessive Compulsive Disorders is development of knowledge and competency standards for specialized treatments for OCD through the lifespan deemed by experts to be foundational to transformative change in this field. This paper presents knowledge and competency standards for specialized CBT for adult OCD developed to inform, advance, and offer a model for clinical practice and training for OCD. During upcoming ATF phases three and four criteria and processes for training in specialized treatments for OCD through the lifespan for certification (individuals) and accreditation (sites) will be developed based on the ATF standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Sookman
- Department of Psychology, McGill University Health Center, 1025 Pine Ave W, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1A1, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0G4, Canada.
| | - Katharine A Phillips
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Gideon E Anholt
- Department of Psychology, Marcus Family Campus, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, P.O.B. 653 Beer-Sheva, 8410501, Israel.
| | - Sunil Bhar
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, 1 John St, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia.
| | - Victoria Bream
- Oxford Health Specialist Psychological Interventions Clinic and Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom.
| | - Fiona L Challacombe
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, United Kingdom.
| | - Anna Coughtrey
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford St, Holborn, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom.
| | - Michelle G Craske
- Anxiety and Depression Research Center, Depression Grant Challenge, Innovative Treatment Network, Staglin Family Music Center for Behavioral and Brain Health, UCLA Department of Psychology and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Box 951563, 1285 Franz Hall, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| | - Edna Foa
- Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania Perelman SOM, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
| | - Jean-Philippe Gagné
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St, West, Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada.
| | - Jonathan D Huppert
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem, 91905, Israel.
| | - David Jacobi
- Rogers Behavioral Health, 34700 Valley Road, Oconomowoc, WI, 53066, United States.
| | - Karina Lovell
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
| | - Carmen P McLean
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States.
| | - Fugen Neziroglu
- Bio-Behavioral Institute, 935 Northern Boulevard, Suite 102, Great Neck, NY, 11021, United States.
| | - Rebecca Pedley
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
| | - Sean Perrin
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Box 213, 22100, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Anthony Pinto
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Zucker Hillside Hospital - Northwell Health, 265-16 74th Avenue, Glen Oaks, NY, 11004, United States.
| | - C Alec Pollard
- Center for OCD and Anxiety-Related Disorders, Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute, 1129 Macklind Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, United States; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, United States.
| | - Adam S Radomsky
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St, West, Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada.
| | - Bradley C Riemann
- 34700 Valley Road, Rogers Behavioral Health, Oconomowoc, WI, 53066, United States.
| | - Roz Shafran
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Hospital Institute of Child Health, Holborn, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom.
| | - Gregoris Simos
- Department of Educational and Social Policy, University of Macedonia, 156 Egnatia Street, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Ingrid Söchting
- Departments of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Laura J Summerfeldt
- Department of Psychology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, K9L 0G2 Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jeff Szymanski
- International OCD Foundation, 18 Tremont Street, #308, Boston MA, 02108, United States.
| | - Michael Treanor
- Anxiety and Depression Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Box 951563, 1285 Franz Hall, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| | - Barbara Van Noppen
- Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, OCD Southern California, 2514 Jamacha Road Ste, 502-35 El Cajon, CA, 92019, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Suite 2200, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, United States.
| | - Patricia van Oppen
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute - Mental Health, Netherlands; GGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Netherlands.
| | - Maureen Whittal
- Vancouver CBT Centre, 302-1765 W8th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6J5C6, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Monnica T Williams
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Pvt, Ottawa, K1N 6N5, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Timothy Williams
- Department of Psychology, University of Reading, PO Box 217, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6AH, United Kingdom.
| | - Elna Yadin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
| | - David Veale
- South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust & King's College London, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8 AZ, United Kingdom.
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Krause S, Radomsky AS. "Was I asking for it?": An experimental investigation of perceived responsibility, mental contamination and workplace sexual harassment. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2021; 71:101633. [PMID: 33321247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2020.101633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Mental contamination (i.e., contamination concerns that arise in the absence of direct contact with a contaminant) is a common symptom in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Cognitive theories suggest that it results from individuals' misinterpretations of perceived violations. Cognitive theories of OCD also highlight the importance of appraisals of inflated responsibility in the maintenance of other OCD symptoms. However, the role of responsibility in mental contamination has not yet been examined experimentally. The present study examined the role of perceived responsibility and violation in the relationship between workplace sexual harassment imagery and subsequent mental contamination. METHODS One hundred and forty-nine participants listened to a workplace sexual harassment imagery task, wherein responsibility was manipulated. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (high responsibility (HR), low responsibility (LR), no responsibility (NR)). Participants completed questionnaires assessing mental contamination and completed a hand washing task. RESULTS Those in the NR condition reported significantly lower levels of responsibility than those in the LR or HR conditions. Accordingly, those in the NR condition also reported significantly lower levels of anxiety and dirtiness than in the LR condition. There were no significant differences between the LR and HR condition on variables of interest. LIMITATIONS The nature of the victim blaming used for the responsibility induction may have elicited compensatory responses from participants. CONCLUSIONS Findings may highlight the central role of perceptions of violation in the understanding and treatment of mental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Krause
- Concordia University, Department of Psychology, 7141 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, Quebec, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Adam S Radomsky
- Concordia University, Department of Psychology, 7141 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, Quebec, H4B 1R6, Canada.
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Lee M, Shafran R, Burgess C, Carpenter J, Millard E, Thorpe S. The induction of mental and contact contamination. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/cp.12003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Lee
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Science, University of Reading, Reading, UK,
| | - Roz Shafran
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Science, University of Reading, Reading, UK,
| | - Charlotte Burgess
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Science, University of Reading, Reading, UK,
| | - Jodi Carpenter
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Science, University of Reading, Reading, UK,
| | - Emma Millard
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Science, University of Reading, Reading, UK,
| | - Susan Thorpe
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK,
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Ching THW, Wetterneck CT, Williams MT, Chase T. Sexual Trauma, Cognitive Appraisals, and Sexual Intrusive Thoughts and Their Subtypes: A Moderated Mediation Analysis. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:2907-2917. [PMID: 32914249 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01809-5] [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: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The relationships between sexual trauma, cognitive appraisals, and subtypes of sexual intrusive thoughts have not been adequately examined in the context of obsessive-compulsive concerns. We employed variations of a moderated mediation model to test these relationships, situating sexual trauma as the predictor, sexual intrusive thoughts as the outcome, cognitive appraisals of these thoughts as the mediator, and subtypes of sexual intrusive thoughts as the moderator of the predictor-mediator link. Based on the continuum perspective, 180 individuals (159 females, 21 males) with or without a history of sexual trauma were recruited to complete measures assessing their most distressing sexual intrusion, cognitive appraisals, and severity of sexual intrusive thoughts. The results indicated that individuals with a history of sexual trauma reported more intrusions with sexual harm content, greater distress with sexual intrusions, more dysfunctional appraisals, and more severe sexual intrusions. The trauma-sexual intrusions link was also separately mediated by responsibility and importance/control appraisals (and when combined), with medium-to-large effect sizes, although this model was not moderated by whether intrusions contained sexual harm content or not. These findings shed light on the posttraumatic effects of sexual violence on sexual intrusions, their appraisals, and level of distress and functional impairment associated with sexual intrusive thoughts, with key clinical and research implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence H W Ching
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | | | - Monnica T Williams
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tannah Chase
- The Anxiety Counseling Clinic, New Braunfels, TX, USA
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Fong ZH, Sündermann O. Modulating disgust in mental contamination: Experimental evidence for the role of disgust. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2020; 68:101567. [PMID: 32197134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2020.101567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Disgust has been associated with mental contamination (MC), although the evidence has hitherto been nonexperimental. Furthermore, strategies that can target both disgust and MC have not been well explored. We investigated the role of disgust in MC by inducing disgust via olfaction within the "dirty kiss" paradigm and conversely, to see if pairing pleasant olfactory stimulus during re-exposure, based on counterconditioning, can reduce MC. We also examined whether disgust constructs (propensity and sensitivity) and trait MC are associated with state MC arising from the "dirty kiss". METHODS MC was first evoked using the "dirty kiss" paradigm, in which participants (N = 90) visualized receiving a non-consensual kiss from a physically dirty man (time 1). After a break, participants repeated the "dirty kiss" task in a room that was scented to smell either disgusting, pleasant or neutral (time 2). Participants completed measures of disgust and trait MC after the experiment. RESULTS Participants in the disgust condition reported increased feelings of dirtiness at time 2. Disgust propensity predicted feelings of dirtiness at time 1. Disgust sensitivity and trait MC were not associated with state MC indices. LIMITATIONS The use of a non-clinical female sample, extraneous factors during the break and contextual factors arising from room change at time 2 are some potential limitations. CONCLUSIONS Induced disgust within a MC paradigm resulted in increased feelings of dirtiness, suggestive of disgust-based emotional reasoning. Pairing pleasant olfactory stimulus was not effective at attenuating MC or disgust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Hui Fong
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Oliver Sündermann
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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‘I was treated like dirt’: evaluating links between betrayal and mental contamination in clinical samples. Behav Cogn Psychother 2020; 49:21-34. [DOI: 10.1017/s1352465820000387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackground:Little is known about the impact of interpersonal betrayal experiences on mental health. Research suggests a link between betrayal and mental contamination (MC) within some forms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This study represents an initial exploration of that link in clinical samples.Aims:A measure for assessing perceptions of betrayal was developed and evaluated (Study 1) in order to assess the extent of specificity of any association between the impact of betrayal and MC, and to estimate the extent of the impact of betrayal across common psychological disorders (Study 2).Method:In Study 1, the Perception of Betrayal Scale (POBS) was completed by 217 community participants; an exploratory principal components analysis identified the dimensional structure of the POBS. Study 2 was based on a cross-sectional, between-groups design, with three clinical groups [OCD (n = 23), other anxiety disorders (n = 21) and depression (n = 18)] and a non-clinical control group (n = 21). Three clinical groups (OCD, other anxiety disorders, and depression) and a community group completed a selection of measures via questionnaire.Results:In Study 1, the POBS was found to have an internal consistency of α = .95, and four factors were identified: preoccupation with betrayal events, belief that betrayal had caused major life change, lack of trust due to betrayal and betrayal leading to traumatic responses. In Study 2, the OCD group scored more highly in terms of maladaptive perceptions of betrayal than the other groups. Regression analysis showed betrayal scores to be a moderate predictor of the experience of MC; the POBS subscales lack of trust due to betrayal and betrayal leading to traumatic responses were found to be significantly associated with MC. Although there was some overlap with bitterness, betrayal better predicted MC.Conclusion:Findings support the hypothesis of a specific relationship between the construct of betrayal and MC.
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Arden MD, Rabinovitz S. Child Sexual Abuse and the Moralization of Purity. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2020; 29:697-716. [PMID: 31751186 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2019.1694118] [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: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies were able to associate disgust with the moral domain of purity, as well as a heightened sensitivity to disgust with sexual victimization. However, no empirical evidence has yet to document the exact relation between sexual victimization and its impact on the moralization of purity. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the relationship between child sexual abuse (CSA) and the moral domain of purity, by means of judgments toward three different types of disgust: pathogen, sexual and moral. To test this, The Three Domains of Disgust Scale (TDDS) was given to both CSA participants (n = 29) and to a non-sexually abused population (N-SAP; n = 31). . Results have shown a statistically significant difference between the CSA and N-SAP groups on the combined dependent variables (i.e., pathogen, sexual and moral disgust). However, only the sexual disgust domain, out of the other two domains has been found to hold significance. Furthermore, consistent with previous empirical findings, similar gender patterns of moral judgments have been found between the two groups (i.e., CSA and N-SAP), though with a statistical significance only in the sexual domain. Implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattan D Arden
- School of Criminology, University of Haifa , Haifa, Israel
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Aardema F. COVID-19, obsessive-compulsive disorder and invisible life forms that threaten the self. J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord 2020; 26:100558. [PMID: 32834943 PMCID: PMC7324330 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2020.100558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This communication explores unique characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in the context of the current coronavirus pandemic. When do irrational fears of contamination as seen in OCD start to diverge from rational fears and behaviors? The current paper argues that the personal meaning attributed to viruses and germs, including their personification as entities that possess human-like characteristics, allows them to threaten and violate an individual's identity. Specifically, it suggests that fears of contamination become obsessional when the threat of viruses and germs becomes personal, not solely in terms of its objective outcomes, but in how these life forms are able to threaten the self as the result of a fear of inner corruption characterizing those with OCD. The person with OCD may act as if, or believe that they are acting upon reality when they fear contagion, but are in effect only acting upon an underlying fear of inner corruption that is confused with reality itself. The current paper concludes with some clinical recommendations on how to treat obsessional fears of contamination in the context of the current pandemic.
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Ojserkis R, McKay D, Kim SK. Obsessive-compulsive symptom profiles in individuals exposed to interpersonal versus noninterpersonal trauma. Bull Menninger Clin 2020; 84:53-78. [PMID: 31967510 DOI: 10.1521/bumc_2020_84_04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms have been associated with trauma exposure. Although no studies have specified relations between type of trauma and OC symptom presentations, this information may inform personalized care for this complex population. Thus, this study used profile analysis via multidimensional scaling to characterize typical OC symptom profiles in individuals exposed to interpersonal versus noninterpersonal traumas. Profiles were also correlated with self-reported disgust and mental contamination, which have been related to OC symptoms and interpersonal trauma in prior research. The interpersonal trauma group revealed two profiles: (1) Obsessing (high obsessing, low neutralizing), and (2) Ordering (high ordering, low obsessing). The noninterpersonal trauma group showed two profiles: (1) Hoarding/Ordering (high hoarding and ordering, low washing), and (2) Hoarding Only (high hoarding, low ordering). No significant correlations were found between OC profiles and disgust-related constructs. Clinical implications, limitations, and future directions are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Ojserkis
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, and a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Dean McKay
- Professor of Psychology at Fordham University, Bronx, New York
| | - Se-Kang Kim
- Associate Professor of Psychometrics and Quantitative Psychology at Fordham University, Bronx, New York
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Poon KT. Do You Reap What You Sow? The Effect of Cyberostracism on Moral Impurity. BASIC AND APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/01973533.2019.1585353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Poli A, Melli G, Radomsky AS. Different Disgust Domains Specifically Relate to Mental and Contact Contamination Fear in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Evidence From a Path Analytic Model in an Italian Clinical Sample. Behav Ther 2019; 50:380-394. [PMID: 30824253 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Both contact contamination (CC) and mental contamination (MC) fears-which combined represent the most common manifestation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-have been widely associated with disgust propensity. However, extant research explored this relationship using measures assessing only pathogen-related disgust, not taking into account the potential role played by sexual and moral disgust, despite literature about MC suggesting that this might be particularly relevant. In Study 1, the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Three Domains of Disgust Scale (TDDS) were assessed in a large Italian community sample. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the three-factor structure of the TDDS. The scale also showed good internal consistency and construct validity. In Study 2, the differential patterns of relationships between CC and MC and the three disgust domains were explored in an Italian clinical OCD sample using a path analytic approach. The TDDS-Pathogen subscale was a unique predictor of CC while the TDDS-Sexual subscale was a unique predictor of MC, after controlling for anxiety and depression. Surprisingly, the TDDS-Moral subscale was not a predictor of either domain of contamination fear. Limitations and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Poli
- Institute for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology and Psychotherapy of Florence (IPSICO).
| | - Gabriele Melli
- Institute for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology and Psychotherapy of Florence (IPSICO); University of Pisa
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McNally RJ, Woud ML. Innovations in the Study of Appraisals and PTSD: A Commentary. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-018-09995-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Brake CA, Adams TG, Hood CO, Badour CL. Posttraumatic Mental Contamination and the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide: Effects via DSM-5 PTSD Symptom Clusters. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2019; 43:259-271. [PMID: 31289416 PMCID: PMC6615747 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-018-9959-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Research has yet to establish a relationship between posttraumatic mental contamination and suicide risk, despite theoretical overlap. The present study examined relationships between posttraumatic mental contamination and suicide risk via posttraumatic stress symptom clusters and appraisals of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Trauma-exposed participants (N=183) completed measures of posttraumatic mental contamination, posttraumatic stress symptoms, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and suicide risk. Findings revealed significant indirect effects of posttraumatic mental contamination on suicide risk via all posttraumatic stress symptom clusters. Significant serial indirect effects of posttraumatic mental contamination on suicide risk were observed via posttraumatic avoidance and arousal/reactivity and, subsequently, via thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. Serial models via posttraumatic re-experiencing and negative cognitions/mood symptoms were nonsignificant. Results suggest that posttraumatic mental contamination may increase suicide risk via posttraumatic stress symptom severity, and maladaptive interpersonal appraisals may explain these links through distinct symptom pathways. Implications for posttraumatic suicide risk are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Alex Brake
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Thomas G Adams
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Clinical Neuroscience Division of the VA National Center for PTSD, West Haven, CT
| | - Caitlyn O Hood
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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Mathes BM, McDermott KA, Okey SA, Vazquez A, Harvey AM, Cougle JR. Mental Contamination in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Associations With Contamination Symptoms and Treatment Response. Behav Ther 2019; 50:15-24. [PMID: 30661555 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The most common symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is contamination fear. Feelings of contamination can be provoked through contact with a physical contaminant, referred to as contact contamination (CC), as well as in the absence of one, referred to as mental contamination (MC). Prior research indicates that CC and MC are distinct, and MC may interfere with treatment for CC. However, no study to date has examined how MC may be associated with responses to physical contaminants and treatment response for CC. This study examined the relationships between CC and MC in a sample of individuals with elevated contamination symptoms (N = 88), half of whom met diagnostic criteria for OCD. Participants engaged in three sessions of exposure and response prevention (ERP) for CC and completed self-report measures and behavioral tasks assessing CC and MC at pretreatment, posttreatment, and follow-up. As hypothesized, at pretreatment, MC was positively associated with reactivity to physical contaminants, even after participants washed their hands. ERP for CC was associated with unique changes in CC and MC across self-report and behavioral measures, and greater pretreatment MC predicted greater posttreatment CC, though this effect was evident in only one of two CC measures. Additionally, specificity analyses indicated changes in MC were independent of changes in disgust propensity, a related construct. Pretreatment disgust propensity also predicted treatment outcome, though the addition of pretreatment disgust propensity as a covariate reduced the relationship between pretreatment MC and posttreatment CC to nonsignificance. Results suggest MC plays an important role in the manifestation and treatment of CC symptoms and may represent a manifestation of disgust proneness. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
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Aardema F, Wong SF, Audet JS, Melli G, Baraby LP. Reduced fear-of-self is associated with improvement in concerns related to repugnant obsessions in obsessive-compulsive disorder. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 58:327-341. [PMID: 30548626 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The potential causal and maintaining role of vulnerable self-themes and beliefs about the self in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have received increasing attention from cognitive-behavioural theorists. This interest was translated into the development of a self-report measurement of the feared self (the fear of who one might be or become), a construct theoretically and empirically pertinent to unwanted thoughts and impulses in OCD (i.e., repugnant obsessions). METHOD The current study aimed to provide converging evidence on the relevance of the feared self in OCD, by examining whether improvements in symptoms associated with repugnant obsessions (measured on the Vancouver Obsessional Compulsive Inventory [VOCI] obsessions subscale) would be predicted by reduced feared self-perceptions (measured on the Fear-of-Self Questionnaire [FSQ]) in a sample of 93 patients receiving psychotherapy for OCD. RESULTS Using a series of hierarchical linear regression models, we found that treatment-related reductions on the FSQ significantly and uniquely predicted reductions on the VOCI obsessions subscale and the contamination subscale. CONCLUSIONS The current study thus replicated previous research suggesting the relevance of the feared possible self in psychological disorders such as OCD, where negative self-perception is a dominant theme. PRACTITIONER POINTS Current results suggest that changes in feared self-perceptions may be the mechanism through which OCD symptoms improve via therapy. Interventions specifically aimed at changing feared self-perceptions may prove effective in improving cognitive-behavioural treatments for OCD. One limitation of the current study is the lack of behavioural measures of OCD to supplement self-report measures of OCD. Another limitation is that the small number of patients receiving some of the treatments precludes investigations into which treatments may be more effective in altering feared self-perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Aardema
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University of Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shiu F Wong
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Sebastien Audet
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University of Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gabriele Melli
- University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Institute of Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology and Psychotherapy, Florence, Italy
| | - Louis-Philippe Baraby
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Clarke A, Simpson J, Varese F. A systematic review of the clinical utility of the concept of self-disgust. Clin Psychol Psychother 2018; 26:110-134. [DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Clarke
- Division of Health Research; Lancaster University; Lancaster UK
| | - Jane Simpson
- Division of Health Research; Lancaster University; Lancaster UK
| | - Filippo Varese
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health; University of Manchester; Manchester UK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit; Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre; Manchester UK
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Fergus TA, Clayson KA, Dolan SL. Metacognitive Beliefs Predict Greater Mental Contamination Severity After an Evoking Source. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1784. [PMID: 30405464 PMCID: PMC6206213 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental contamination occurs when individuals experience feelings of internal dirtiness and distress in the absence of physical contact with a contaminant. Women who experience sexual trauma frequently report mental contamination. The self-regulatory executive function (S-REF) model proposes that metacognitive beliefs contribute to the appraisal and regulation of thinking, leading to expectations that metacognitive beliefs would predict greater mental contamination severity following an evoking source. Women who reported directly experiencing sexual trauma (N = 102) completed self-report measures of metacognitive beliefs and covariates during an online study session, and subsequently completed a task that evoked mental contamination during a follow-up in-person study session. Metacognitive beliefs surrounding the uncontrollability and danger of thoughts, cognitive confidence, and the need to control thoughts positively correlated with mental contamination severity following the evoking source. Metacognitive beliefs surrounding the uncontrollability and danger of thoughts predicted greater mental contamination severity following the evoking source in multivariate analyses that statistically controlled for baseline mental contamination severity, trait anxiety, and overlap among the metacognitive beliefs. The present results provide preliminary support for the S-REF model as a potential framework for conceptualizing mental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Fergus
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
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Knowles KA, Jessup SC, Olatunji BO. Disgust in Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: Recent Findings and Future Directions. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2018; 20:68. [PMID: 30094516 PMCID: PMC6422162 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-018-0936-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In the past 20 years, the role of disgust in anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been investigated with increasing precision. In this review, we examine recent evidence implicating disgust in anxiety and OCD, highlighting recent measurement and methodological improvements. Specific emphasis is placed on understanding the mechanisms that may account for the role of disgust in OCD and related disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Recent developments include clarification of the role of distinct disgust-relevant vulnerabilities in the etiology of anxiety and OCD, an improved understanding of the neurobiology of disgust processing in OCD, and an increased focus on disgust-related mechanisms that contribute to psychopathology, such as disgust-based learning and emotion regulation. Disgust proneness is increasingly linked with symptoms of anxiety and OCD. However, further examination of the mechanisms that account for the roles of distinct disgust-relevant vulnerabilities is needed, and studies that directly examine disgust during the course of treatment are limited. Increasingly, the field has moved toward experimental investigation of specific disgust-relevant mechanisms that influence the etiology and treatment of OCD and related anxiety disorders.
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A Structural Model of Relationship Between Disgust Propensity and Fear of Contamination: The Mediating Role of Mental Contamination. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.5812/ijpbs.11442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Fergus TA. Tolerance of negative emotion moderates the amplification of mental contamination following an evoking task: A randomized experimental study. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2018; 59:72-78. [PMID: 29197226 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Contamination is a near universal feeling, with mental contamination representing a contamination feeling in the absence of direct physical contact with a source. Extant research indicates that tolerance of negative emotion is important for understanding emotional reactions to images, thoughts, and memories, all of which are common sources of mental contamination. Extending research linking distress tolerance to mental contamination, this study examined if individual differences in the tolerance of negative emotion moderates the amplification of mental contamination following an evoking task. METHOD Unselected participants completed a self-report measure of tolerance of negative emotion during an online session. They later attended an in-person session and were randomized to an experimental scenario group: betrayal (n = 49) or control (n = 49). Participants imagined themselves in a scenario, with the betrayal scenario designed to evoke mental contamination. Mental contamination was assessed by self-report before and after the scenario. RESULTS The betrayal, but not control, scenario caused an increase in mental contamination. Tolerance for negative emotion moderated the effect of group on mental contamination. Group differences in mental contamination evidenced at low, but not high, distress tolerance. LIMITATIONS A novel experimental manipulation and an unselected sample were used. Future research could assess tolerance of negative emotion using a behavioral task. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that tolerance of negative emotion may be important for understanding when individuals experience mental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Fergus
- Baylor University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Waco, TX 76798, United States.
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Mental contamination: The effects of religiosity. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2018; 58:43-50. [PMID: 28843588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Mental contamination, which occurs in the absence of contact with a contaminant, has a moral element. Previous studies evoked feelings of mental contamination via listening to a scenario, which described a non-consensual kiss. Since mental contamination has a moral element, we tested the effects of the level of religiosity on feelings of mental contamination and related variables in an experimental design. METHODS Female undergraduates of high religiosity (n = 48) and low religiosity (n = 44) were randomly assigned to listen to one of two audio recordings involving a consensual or non-consensual kiss from a man described as moral. RESULTS Mental contamination feelings were evoked successfully in both groups. Effects of scenario condition and religiosity level were seen in mental contamination and related negative feelings. Participants who imagined a non-consensual kiss reported greatest feelings of mental contamination, and internal and external negative feelings. More importantly, high religiosity resulted in greater feelings of mental contamination, internal negative feelings, as well as urges to wash and actual washing behaviors. LIMITATIONS The current study was conducted on non-clinical Muslim females. This limits the generalization of the findings to the wider population. CONCLUSIONS Mental contamination and related feelings can be seen in different forms at different levels of religiosity.
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Zysk E, Shafran R, Williams TI. A Single-Subject Evaluation of the Treatment of Morphing Fear. COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICE 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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40
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Kennedy TS, Simonds LM. Does modifying personal responsibility moderate the mental contamination effect? J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2017; 57:198-205. [PMID: 28675809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Mental contamination is the psychological sense of internal dirtiness that arises in the absence of physical contact with a perceived contaminant. Mental contamination can be evoked through imagining perpetrating a moral transgression. This study experimentally evoked mental contamination by asking men to imagine perpetrating a non-consensual kiss. It explored whether reducing sense of personal responsibility for the kiss moderated the mental contamination effect. METHODS Male students (N = 60) imagined giving either a consensual or non-consensual kiss. Personal responsibility for the kiss was manipulated in one of two non-consensual kiss conditions by way of the inclusion of social influence information. Feelings of mental contamination were assessed by self-report and through a behavioural index. RESULTS Mental contamination was successfully induced in the two non-consensual kiss conditions. There was evidence to support the hypothesis that reducing personal responsibility might moderate specific components of mental contamination (shame, dirtiness and urge to cleanse). The effect of responsibility modification was evident in the self-report measures, but not in the behavioural index. LIMITATIONS The sample comprised male university students which limits generalizability of the findings. The behavioural assessment of mental contamination was limited to a proxy measure. CONCLUSIONS Imagined moral violations are associated with increases in indices of mental contamination. Further research should investigate whether feelings of shame, dirtiness and urge to cleanse are particularly responsive to responsibility modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinisha S Kennedy
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Laura M Simonds
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK.
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Kim Y, Kim J, Cohen A, Backus M, Arnovitz M, Rice T, Luber MJ, Coffey BJ. Medication Nonadherence Secondary to Choking Phobia (Phagophobia) in an Adolescent with Significant Trauma History: Addressing the Issue of Mental Contamination. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2017. [PMID: 28930500 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2017.29138.bjc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Youngjung Kim
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York
| | - Jungjin Kim
- 2 Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Abigail Cohen
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York
| | - Melissa Backus
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York
| | - Mitchell Arnovitz
- 3 State University of New York Upstate Medical University , Syracuse, New York
| | - Timothy Rice
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York
| | - Maxwell J Luber
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York
| | - Barbara J Coffey
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York
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Olatunji BO, Armstrong T, Elwood L. Is Disgust Proneness Associated With Anxiety and Related Disorders? A Qualitative Review and Meta-Analysis of Group Comparison and Correlational Studies. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/1745691616688879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that disgust may be linked to the etiology of some anxiety-related disorders. The present investigation reviews this literature and employs separate meta-analyses of clinical group comparison and correlational studies to examine the association between disgust proneness and anxiety-related disorder symptoms. Meta-analysis of 43 group comparison studies revealed those high in anxiety disorder symptoms reported significantly more disgust proneness than those low in anxiety symptoms. Although this effect was not moderated by clinical versus analogue studies or type of disorder, larger group differences were observed for those high in anxiety symptoms associated with contagion concerns compared to those high in anxiety symptoms not associated with contagion concerns. Similarly, meta-analysis of correlational data across 83 samples revealed moderate associations between disgust proneness and anxiety-related disorder symptoms. Moderator analysis revealed that the association between disgust proneness and anxiety-related disorder symptoms was especially robust for anxiety symptoms associated with contagion concerns. After controlling for measures of negative affect, disgust proneness continued to be moderately correlated with anxiety-related disorder symptoms. However, negative affect was no longer significantly associated with symptoms of anxiety-related disorders when controlling for disgust proneness. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of a novel transdiagnostic model.
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43
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Lights … action: Comparison of trauma films for use in the trauma film paradigm. Behav Res Ther 2017; 93:67-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Lorona RT, Rowatt WC, Fergus TA. Assessing State Mental Contamination: Development and Preliminary Validation of the State Mental Contamination Scale. J Pers Assess 2017; 100:281-291. [PMID: 28414548 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2017.1303774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wade C. Rowatt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University
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Melli G, Bulli F, Carraresi C, Tarantino F, Gelli S, Poli A. The differential relationship between mental contamination and the core dimensions of contact contamination fear. J Anxiety Disord 2017; 45:9-16. [PMID: 27886574 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Two types of contamination fear are recognized: contact and mental contamination. Contact contamination appears to be motivated both by harm avoidance and disgust avoidance. This study aimed to examine the relationships between disgust propensity, mental contamination and contact contamination while differentiating between harm avoidance and disgust avoidance in contact contamination. 169 OCD patients completed a set of questionnaires assessing mental contamination, contact contamination, disgust propensity, OCD, anxiety and depression. 1) Contact contamination based on disgust avoidance was more strongly associated with mental contamination and disgust propensity than contact contamination based on harm avoidance; 2) mental contamination significantly predicted contact contamination based on disgust avoidance, while it did not predict contact contamination based on harm avoidance; 3) mental contamination had a significant mediational role in the relationship between disgust propensity and contact contamination motivated by disgust avoidance. Mental contamination plays a role in contact contamination fear when disgust is primarily experienced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Melli
- Institute for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology and Psychotherapy of Florence (IPSICO), Italy; University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Francesco Bulli
- Institute for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology and Psychotherapy of Florence (IPSICO), Italy
| | - Claudia Carraresi
- Institute for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology and Psychotherapy of Florence (IPSICO), Italy
| | | | - Simona Gelli
- Institute for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology and Psychotherapy of Florence (IPSICO), Italy
| | - Andrea Poli
- Institute for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology and Psychotherapy of Florence (IPSICO), Italy
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Francese S, Bradshaw R, Denison N. An update on MALDI mass spectrometry based technology for the analysis of fingermarks – stepping into operational deployment. Analyst 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7an00569e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Expanded range of retrievable intelligence from fingermarksviaMALDI MS based methods and increased operational capabilities of the technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Francese
- Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging
- Biomolecular Research Centre
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Sheffield
- UK
| | - R. Bradshaw
- Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging
- Biomolecular Research Centre
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Sheffield
- UK
| | - N. Denison
- Identification Services Yorkshire and the Humber Region
- Wakefield
- UK WF27UA
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Badour CL, Feldner MT. Disgust and imaginal exposure to memories of sexual trauma: Implications for the treatment of posttraumatic stress. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA : THEORY, RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND POLICY 2016; 8:267-275. [PMID: 26390105 PMCID: PMC5014431 DOI: 10.1037/tra0000079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Emerging evidence identifies disgust as a common and persistent reaction following sexual victimization that is linked to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Importantly, evidence suggests that compared with fear, disgust may be less responsive to repeated exposure, which may have implications for the treatment of PTSD. The current study sought to fill a gap in the existing literature by examining reductions in sexual trauma cue-elicited disgust and anxiety upon repeated imaginal exposure. METHOD Seventy-two women with a history of sexual victimization completed a single laboratory-based session that involved repeated imaginal exposure to idiographic disgust- and fear-focused sexual trauma scripts. RESULTS Results demonstrated that although anxiety and disgust declined at similar rates across exposure trials (t = -.24, p = .81), ratings of disgust (B0 = 61.93) were elevated compared with ratings of anxiety at initiation (B0 = 51.03; t = 4.49, p < .001) of exposure even when accounting for severity of PTSD symptoms. Moreover, change in disgust significantly predicted improvement in script-elicited PTSD symptoms across the course of exposure for individuals exhibiting significant decline in anxiety (B = .006, t = 2.00, p = .048). Change in script-elicited PTSD symptoms was minimal (and was not predicted by the decline in disgust) for individuals exhibiting less change in anxiety (B = -.002, t = -0.46, p = .65). CONCLUSION These results add to an increasing literature documenting the importance of disgust in the development, maintenance, and treatment of sexual-trauma-related PTSD. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Waller K, Boschen MJ. Evoking and reducing mental contamination in female perpetrators of an imagined non-consensual kiss. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2015; 49:195-202. [PMID: 25168396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Mental contamination refers to feelings of internal dirtiness that can arise without physical contact with a contaminant. Previous research has demonstrated that contamination-related feelings and subsequent washing behaviours can be evoked by engaging in an imaginal task involving a non-consensual kiss. We sought to test the efficacy of neutralisation behaviours such as washing on experimentally induced mental contamination. METHODS The current study used a female undergraduate sample (N = 80) to act as the perpetrator of an imagined non-consensual kiss of a 14-year old boy, to examine whether mental contamination would be evoked, and whether neutralisation would be effective. RESULTS Mental contamination was successfully evoked in using the imaginal task. None of the neutralisation strategies (physical washing, mental washing, atonement) was more effective than a control group in reducing mental contamination. Groups using physical washing completed the experiment with higher levels of negative emotions than the control group, suggesting specific deleterious impact of this neutralisation behaviour. LIMITATIONS The use of a non-clinical sample, as well as a uniform mental contamination method (rather than one specifically tailored to each participant) are limitations of the current study. CONCLUSIONS Mental contamination is not reduced by a range of neutralisation strategies, and physical washing may have further negative effects such as increased negative emotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Waller
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Southport Australia
| | - Mark J Boschen
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Southport Australia.
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Main and Interactive Effects of Mental Contamination and Tolerance of Negative Emotions in Relation to Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Following Sexual Trauma. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-015-9511-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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50
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Steil R, Benner A, Müller-Engelmann M, Hadouch K. „Cognitive restructuring and imagery modification“. PSYCHOTHERAPEUT 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00278-015-0041-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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