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Benzi IMA, Fontana A, Di Pierro R, Parolin L, Ensink K. Unpacking the p-factor. Associations Between Maladaptive Personality Traits and General Psychopathology in Female and Male Adolescents. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2024; 52:473-486. [PMID: 37938410 PMCID: PMC10896943 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-023-01146-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, psychological, and neural maturation that makes youth vulnerable to emerging psychopathology, highlighting the need for improved identification of psychopathology risk indicators. Recently, a higher-order latent psychopathology factor (p-factor) was identified that explains latent liability for psychopathology beyond internalizing and externalizing difficulties. However, recent proposals suggest reconceptualizing the p-factor model in terms of impairments in personality encompassing difficulties in both self-regulation (borderline features) and self-esteem (narcissistic features), but this remains untested. To address this, this study examined the p-factor structure and the contribution of borderline and narcissistic features using two cross-sectional data collections. In Study 1, 974 cisgender adolescents (63% assigned females at birth; age range: 13-19; Mage = 16.68, SD = 1.40) reported on internalizing and externalizing problems (YSR) to test via structural equation models (SEM) different theoretical models for adolescent psychopathology. In Study 2, 725 cisgender adolescents (64.5% assigned females at birth; age range: 13-19; Mage = 16.22, SD = 1.32) reported internalizing and externalizing problems (YSR), borderline personality features (BPFSC-11), and narcissistic personality traits (PNI), to explore, via SEM, the contribution of borderline and narcissistic traits to the p-factor and accounting for gender differences. Results confirmed the utility of a bi-factor model in adolescence. Furthermore, findings highlighted the contribution of borderline features and narcissistic vulnerability to general psychopathology. The study provides the first evidence supporting a p-factor model reconceptualized in terms of personality impairments encompassing difficulties in self-regulation and self-esteem in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Maria Antonietta Benzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta Adorno Antoniotto, 11, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Andrea Fontana
- Department of Human Science, LUMSA University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Parolin
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Karin Ensink
- Department of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
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Locati F, Benzi IMA, Milesi A, Campbell C, Midgley N, Fonagy P, Parolin L. Associations of mentalization and epistemic trust with internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescence: A gender-sensitive structural equation modeling approach. J Adolesc 2023; 95:1564-1577. [PMID: 37500187 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mentalization, operationalized as reflective functioning (RF), allows individuals to interpret actions as caused by intentional mental states. Previous research highlighted the gender-specific associations between adolescents' internalizing and externalizing difficulties and mentalizing impairments. In addition, research suggested that mentalizing facilitates the creation of epistemic trust (ET) to evaluate social information as accurate, reliable, and relevant. However, few investigations explored the concurrent associations between RF, ET, and adolescent psychopathology. METHODS A sample of 447 Italian cisgender adolescents (57% assigned females at birth; age range 12-19 years old; Mage = 15.54, SD = 1.98) self-reported RF (RFQY-5), ET towards mother, father, and peers (IPPA) and mental health problems (YSR-112). Gender-specific structural equation modeling explored the associations between RF, ET, and internalizing/externalizing problems. RESULTS Results suggested an excellent fit for the theoretical model and revealed gender-related associations. In females, findings suggest that ET mediates the association between RF and psychopathology, with indirect associations from RF through ET to lower internalizing and externalizing problems. However, in males, RF and ET display independent associations with psychopathology. CONCLUSION Overall, findings suggest that ET might be a transdiagnostic factor playing different roles associated with adolescent psychopathology. Indeed, links between RF and ET might help to explore gender differences in mental health problems in this developmental phase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alberto Milesi
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Chloe Campbell
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, UCL London, and the Anna Freud Centre, London, UK
| | - Nicholas Midgley
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, UCL London, and the Anna Freud Centre, London, UK
| | - Peter Fonagy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, UCL London, and the Anna Freud Centre, London, UK
| | - Laura Parolin
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Benzi IMA, Fontana A, Barone L, Preti E, Parolin L, Ensink K. Emerging personality in adolescence: developmental trajectories, internalizing and externalizing problems, and the role of mentalizing abilities. J Adolesc 2022; 95:537-552. [PMID: 36564966 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12134] [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] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Identifying longitudinal trajectories of emerging personality (EP) is crucial to highlight developmental patterns that might foster personality pathology in adolescence and early adulthood. Research on the exacerbation of personality pathology in adolescence identifies the significant contribution of internalizing and externalizing problems and suggests the importance of considering aspects such as mentalization, while accounting for gender differences. METHODS In our study, we adopted a mixed-model approach to (1) explore longitudinally EP (Adolescent Personality Structure Questionnaire; APS-Q) over 12 months in a sample of adolescents (N = 178, 62% females, mAGE = 15.04, SD = 1.27), accounting for gender effects. Moreover, (2) we assessed the longitudinal effect of internalizing and externalizing problems (Youth Self-Report; YSR-112) on EP. Finally, (3) we addressed the moderating role of mentalization (Movie Assessment for Social Cognition; MASC) in this developmental pathway. RESULTS Results highlighted a two-way pattern of EP. No changes were found in the level of difficulties in Self-acceptance, Investments and Goals, and Relationships with family dimensions. However, significant changes were found in personality functioning in the dimensions of Sense of Self, Aggression, and Relationships with friends. More, changes in difficulties in Sexuality emerged only in females. Also, gender differences emerged in the level of severity of EP. In addition, Internalizing and Externalizing problems differentially predicted difficulties in personality dimensions. Finally, mentalizing features moderated the relationship between Internalizing problems and Sense of Self and Internalizing problems and Self-acceptance, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our contribution aligns with recent developmental models of personality pathology, suggesting that different personality dimensions develop at different paces. More, it highlights the predictive power of externalizing and internalizing problems on difficulties in personality dimensions. Finally, it advances the discussion on the contribution of mentalizing abilities to EP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Fontana
- Department of Human Science, LUMSA University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Barone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Emanuele Preti
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Parolin
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Karin Ensink
- Department of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
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Pace CS, Muzi S, Parolin L, Milesi A, Tognasso G, Santona A. Binge eating attitudes in community adolescent sample and relationships with interview-assessed attachment representations in girls: a multi-center study from North Italy. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:495-504. [PMID: 33846936 PMCID: PMC8933298 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01183-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare community girls at risk and not at risk for binge eating (BE) in attachment representations through a narrative interview and to test the predictive role of attachment pattern(s) on the risk of binge eating among community girls. METHODS From 772 community adolescents of both sexes (33% boys) screened through the Binge Eating Scale (BES), 112 girls between 14 and 18 years, 56 placed in a group at risk for binge eating (BEG), and 56 matched peers, not at risk (NBEG), were assessed in attachment representations through the Friends and Family Interview (FFI). RESULTS (1) Compared to NBEG, girls in the BEG showed more insecure-preoccupied classifications and scores, together with lower narrative coherence, mother's representation as a secure base/safe haven, reflective functioning, adaptive response, and more anger toward mother. (2) Both insecure-dismissing and preoccupied patterns predicted 15% more binge-eating symptoms in the whole sample of community girls. CONCLUSIONS Insecure attachment representations are confirmed risk factors for more binge eating, affecting emotional regulation and leading to "emotional eating", thus a dimensional assessment of attachment could be helpful for prevention and intervention. Implications and limits are discussed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III. Evidence obtained from cohort or case-control analytic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Serena Pace
- Department of Educational Sciences (DISFOR), University of Genoa, Corso Andrea Podestà, 2, 16128, Genova, GE, Italy.
| | - Stefania Muzi
- Department of Educational Sciences (DISFOR), University of Genoa, Corso Andrea Podestà, 2, 16128, Genova, GE, Italy
| | - Laura Parolin
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Milesi
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Tognasso
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santona
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, Milan, Italy
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The Validation of a Five-Item Screening Scale for Personality Disorders in Dutch-Speaking Community Adolescents and Adults. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-022-09951-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Fontana A, Benzi IMA, Cipresso P. Problematic internet use as a moderator between personality dimensions and internalizing and externalizing symptoms in adolescence. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-10. [PMID: 35068906 PMCID: PMC8761869 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02409-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Digital technology use plays an essential role in adolescents' psychological adjustment, impacting their mental health and well-being. In this scenario, Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is a risky condition for developing behavioral addiction in adolescence. Most of the research on PIU in adolescence focus on dimensions that may amplify or buffer it, finding significant associations between PIU and interpersonal problems with peers, maladaptive personality traits, low self-esteem, emotion dysregulation, and increasing psychological difficulties. It has been suggested that PIU might represent a maladaptive coping strategy to tackle problematic psychosocial functioning. In this line, the current cross-sectional study focused on PIU's role in the association between personality dimensions and internalizing/externalizing problems. Two-hundred thirty-one middle and late adolescents (age range 15-19 years; 62% Female) attending public junior high schools in Italy completed the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Adolescent Personality Structure Questionnaire (APS-Q), and the Youth Self Report (YSR). Moderation analyses were used to test the hypothesis that higher PIU amplifies the relationship between maladaptive personality dimensions and psychological symptoms. Results indicated that only high PIU influenced the relationship between difficulties in building significant relationships with peers and internalizing problems. Conversely, PIU buffered the relationship between difficulties in adolescents' sense of self (identity) and internalizing problems and the association between aggression regulation and internalizing problems, supporting the role of PIU as a maladaptive coping strategy. These findings encourage accurately evaluating PIU as a risk factor in adolescence: (1) considering how high PIU's presence should impact the relationship between adolescent personality and the quality of their relationships with peers; (2) acknowledging the role of PIU as a regulation strategy for identity difficulties and aggression dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Fontana
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University, Piazza delle Vaschette 101, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Cipresso
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
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Chirico A, Gaggioli A. The Potential Role of Awe for Depression: Reassembling the Puzzle. Front Psychol 2021; 12:617715. [PMID: 33981268 PMCID: PMC8107378 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.617715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, interest in the unique pathways linking discrete positive emotions to specific health outcomes has gained increasing attention, but the role of awe is yet to be elucidated. Awe is a complex and transformative emotion that can restructure individuals' mental frames so deeply that it could be considered a therapeutic asset for major mental health major issues, including depression. Despite sparse evidence showing a potential connection between depression and awe, this link has not been combined into a proposal resulting in specific intervention guidelines. The aim of this perspective was three-fold: (i) to provide a new unifying model of awe's functioning-the Matryoshka model; (ii) to show systematic and explicit connections between this emotion and depression; and (iii) to suggest specific guidelines of intervention utilizing the potential therapeutic role of awe for mental health, specifically for depression. This theoretical endeavor in its entirety has been framed within the health domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Chirico
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gaggioli
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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Parolin LAL, Benzi IMA, Fanti E, Milesi A, Cipresso P, Preti E. Italia Ti Ascolto [Italy, I am listening]: an app-based group psychological intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESEARCH IN PSYCHOTHERAPY (MILANO) 2021; 24:517. [PMID: 33937116 PMCID: PMC8082536 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2021.517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted individuals' psychological wellbeing resulting in heightened perceived stress, anxiety, and depression. However, a significant issue in accessing psychological care during a lockdown is the lack of access to in-person interventions. In this regard, research has shown the efficacy and utility of psychological app-based interventions. 'Italia Ti Ascolto' (ITA) has been developed as a population tailored internet-based intervention to offer an online professional solution for psychological support needs. The ITA app is available on iOS and Android systems. Users completed a baseline assessment on emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression), psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and perceived social support. Participants could select among several one-hour long clinical groups held by expert psychotherapists. After every session, people were asked to complete a quick users' satisfaction survey. Our contribution presents ITA's intervention protocol and discusses preliminary data on psychological variables collected at baseline. Data showed significant associations between emotion regulation strategies, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and level of stress. Moreover, the role of perceived social support is considered. Future developments and implications for clinical practice and treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pietro Cipresso
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Preti
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan
- Bicocca Center for Applied Psychology, Milan
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