Associations of temporal and energetic characteristics of behavior with depressive symptoms: A population-based longitudinal study within Strelau's Regulative Theory of Temperament

Temperament, Life Satisfaction, and the Role of Psychological Flexibility

Abstract: Temperament is related to well-being. Establishing mediators of this relationship, especially mediators which can be influenced through psychological interventions, may contribute to tailoring these interventions to people’s needs determined by temperament. Psychological flexibility may be considered such a mediator. This study aims to examine the relationships between temperament traits and structures, satisfaction with life, and psychological flexibility, with the latter as a possible mediator of the relationship between temperament structures and life satisfaction. 538 participants (18–93 years old) took part in the study. They filled a set of self-reported questionnaires. Psychological flexibility explained a significant part of the variance in life satisfaction above and beyond temperament traits. People with harmonized temperament structures and higher stimulation processing capabilities (sanguine) exhibited higher psychological flexibility and satisfaction with life. Three temperament structures: phlegmatic, choleric, and melancholic in comparison to sanguine were found to be linked to lower satisfaction with life through lower psychological flexibility. The results suggest a meaningful role of stimulation processing capabilities in the development of both psychological flexibility and satisfaction with life.

The Structure of Temperament in Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia

The onset of schizophrenia symptoms usually occurs in early youth. As a result, the parents of these patients usually become their caregivers. The role of a caregiver for a person with schizophrenia is a considerable mental and physical burden. Therefore, an interesting issue is what motivates these people to take up this challenge. It is probable that, apart from the moral imperative or kinship, the factor determining this decision is the personality structure of the caregiver. The aim of our study was to compare the structure of temperament (according to the model of temperament as formal characteristics of behavior developed by Jan Strelau) in caregivers of young adults (age 18-25 years) with schizophrenia with the structure of temperament of parents of healthy young adults still living in the family home under their care. The study group consisted of 64 people (51 women), who were taking care of young adults (aged 18-25 years) with schizophrenia, while the control group (53 people, 42 women) consisted of parents of healthy adults still living in the family home. Both groups were asked to complete a questionnaire of the authors' own design on their demographic data as well as The Formal Characteristics of Behavior-Temperament Inventory to assess the temperament traits. The results were given in the number of points obtained on average in each dimension. Both groups did not differ in terms of size and age, with women predominating. Caregivers of young adults with schizophrenia had higher values of briskness (43.22 ± 4.45 vs. 42.90 ± 3.98, p = 0.032), emotional reactivity (46.02 ± 4.39 vs. 41.01 ± 3.12, p = 0.012) and activity level (44.01.89 ± 4.15 vs. 37.59 ± 4.77, p = 0.022) compared to the control group. The remaining dimensions of temperament: perseverance, sensory sensitivity, rhythmicity, and endurance did not differentiate between the two groups. The temperament structure of caregivers of young people with schizophrenia differs from the temperament structure of caregivers of healthy adults. Caregivers of sick people have higher values of briskness, emotional reactivity, and activity level compared to the control group.

Self-complexity mediates the relationship between temperamental perseverance and ruminative thoughts

The temperamental trait of perseverance is suspected to be a cause for ruminations present in many different affective disorders, especially depression. We predicted that higher-order cognition, including self-complexity, would mediate the role of perseverance. In the current study, we used the Formal Characteristics of Behavior–Temperament Inventory (FCB–TI), the Rumination–Reflection Questionnaire and Evans’ Self-Complexity Inventory (SCI) to measure the factors included in the tested model. We found that a strong positive relation between perseverance and ruminative thoughts is partially mediated by self-complexity. This result shows how important it is to include the complex cognitive processes in personality formation to understand the role of temperament in the development of ruminative thoughts.

Cross-cultural comparison of depressive symptoms on the Beck Depression Inventory-II, across six population samples

BACKGROUND

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and BDI-II (revised version) are some of the most widely used and comparable self-report scales for assessing the presence and severity of depressive symptoms in many countries. However, although the relative mean score of each symptom in different countries may vary, the cultural differences of BDI-II symptoms for each item have not been previously studied.

AIMS

To examine the overall picture of the magnitude of the symptoms in the Finnish population, and compare the relative mean score of each symptom between all published population-based samples from different countries fulfilling the search criteria.

METHOD

We conducted a search for population-based studies reporting BDI-II item, using Scopus, PsycINFO and PubMed, and five population-based samples were identified. Relative average scores for each item of the scale were calculated for the Finnish population and five populations from other countries. Meta-regression methods were used to test the differences in the relative score of each symptom between each country separately, and results were then visually compared with spider charts.

RESULTS

We found significant differences in several BDI-II item scores between countries: lower indecisiveness, higher changes in sleep pattern and higher irritability in Finland; higher loss of pleasure in Norway; higher loss of interest in the Dominic Republic; higher self-criticalness and feelings of punishment in Mexico; and higher sadness in Japan.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the study fundings and including all currently published population-based samples with BDI-II scores, cultural differences in depressive symptoms should be considered when interpreting BDI-II item scores.

The Association between Temperament, Chronotype, Depressive Symptoms, and Disease Activity among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease-A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

The psychological aspect may play an important role in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). The aims of this study were to explore the differences between patients with UC and CD regarding chronotype, temperament and depression, and to assess the psychological factors mentioned as predictors of disease activity. In total, n = 37 patients with UC and n = 47 patients with CD were included in the study. They underwent a clinical assessment, including the Mayo score or Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and completed questionnaires: a sociodemographic survey, Formal Characteristics of Behavior–Temperament Inventory (FCB-TI), Chronotype Questionnaire (CQ), and the Beck Depression Index II (BDI). The Sensory Sensitivity score was higher among patients with CD than UC (p = 0.04). The emotional reactivity and endurance scores were higher among women than men with CD (p = 0.028 and p = 0.012 respectively). CQ Morningness–Eveningness (ME) correlated with Endurance (p = 0.041), Emotional Reactivity (p = 0.016), and Activity (p = 0.004). ME correlated with Rhythmicity among CD patients (p = 0.002). The Mayo score was predicted by Perseverance. The CDAI score was predicted by the BDI score. The pattern of the relationship between chronotype and temperament may differentiate patients with UC and CD. Personal disposition may play a role in the clinical assessment of patients with IBD.

The Relationship Between Temperament Traits and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Its Moderators: Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic and disabling reaction to extreme stress. Because of the strong consequences of long-lasting PTSD symptoms, the research of risk and protective factors is needed. Presented meta-analysis aimed to verify temperament traits according to the Regulative Theory of Temperament as risk/protective factors of PTSD symptoms development. The studies for this meta-analysis were found in four main databases of scientific journals and due to contact with first authors, the unpublished data was accessed as well. The inclusion criteria allowed studies with traumatized adult populations and operationalization of the temperament according to the Regulative Theory of Temperament. Finally, data were included from 19 studies (5971 people: 3443 men and 2528 females, in the age of 13-85) with prospective, longitudinal and cross-sectional study designs, carried out among people exposed to combat trauma, occupational trauma (policemen and fire-fighters), disasters (flood, fire and mining catastrophes), motor vehicle accidents and chronic illnesses. The results show significant moderate and weak relations of all temperament traits to PTSD symptoms regardless of people's gender, type of study, type of trauma, DSM version and temperament measure as well as the time elapsed after the trauma. Among different moderators, a previously unrecognized effect of gender was revealed as it explained a significant amount of variance in the case of emotional reactivity, endurance, and perseveration - the relationship was significantly stronger among men than women. Methodological conclusions for further research on personality and trauma are drawn.

Temperament, parenting styles and the intensity of early maladaptive schemas: assessment of correlations in a non-clinical adult group

BACKGROUND

Prior research has partially verified the significance of child temperament and styles of upbringing for schema intensity. However, there is still a lack of understanding of the inter-relations between them.

AIM

The present study examined how temperament (stable and labile) and style of parenting (positive and negative) are related to each other, and to early maladaptive schemas.

METHOD

Participants (395 healthy adults) completed the Young Schema Questionnaire YSQ-S3 and the Retrospective Assessment of Parents' Attitudes and Formal Characteristic of Behaviour - Temperament Inventory (FCB-TI). Structural equation modelling was used to verify hypotheses.

RESULTS

Temperament and parental styles together explain more than 59% of the variance of schema intensity. The obtained path coefficients show one-way directions of inter-relations. Stable temperament connects to schemas directly with a negative path coefficient. Labile temperament shows a significant positive association with negative parental attitudes, but not directly with schemas. Negative parenting is positively connected with schemas. A positive style of parenting is not significantly connected with temperament and schemas.

CONCLUSIONS

Results show evidence that negative style of parenting and labile temperament features are more important for schema developing and may be treated as risk factors. Because temperament seems to be a relatively persistent feature, it may play a similar role in adulthood, reinforcing emotions and feelings in the context of environment, and then maintain the schemas.

Affective temperaments and procrastination as mediated by emotional reactivity in a nonclinical adult sample

Background

The study purpose was to assess the relationship between affective temperaments and procrastination and to examine the role of emotional reactivity as a mediator in this relationship. We hypothesized that depressive, cyclothymic, irritable and anxious tem-peraments as well as emotional reactivity would be positively correlated with procrastination while the hyperthymic temperament would be negatively correlated, and that emotional reactivity would mediate the relationship between affective temperaments and procrastination.

Participants and procedure

The sample consisted of 315 healthy Caucasian adults (193 women and 122 men) aged 18-69 (M = 31.64, SD = 12.14). The Polish version of the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Auto-Questionnaire (TEMPS-A) was used to assess affective temperaments (depressive, cyclothymic, hyperthymic, irritable and anxious). The temperament traits postulated by the regulative theory of temperament were measured with the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour – Temperament Inventory Revised (FCB-TIR). Procrastination was evaluated via a Polish version of the Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS).

Results

The affective temperaments positively correlated with procrastination, except for hyperthymic temperament (negative correla-tion). Emotional reactivity and perseveration had a positive relationship with procrastination, while briskness, endurance and rhythmicity had a negative correlation. Cyclothymic temperament and emotional reactivity were found to be significant predic-tors of procrastination; hyperthymic temperament, endurance and rhythmicity may provide buffers against procrastination.

Conclusions

Cyclothymic temperament is an important predictor of procrastination. Emotional reactivity significantly mediated between cy-clothymic temperament and procrastination. Hyperthymic temperament, endurance and rhythmicity may provide a buffer against procrastination.

Oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) variant rs1042778 moderates the influence of family environment on changes in perceived social support over time

BACKGROUND

Lack of social support is an established risk factor across health outcomes, making it important to examine its family environmental and genetic determinants.

METHODS

In a 27-year follow-up of the Young Finns Study (N = 2341), we examined with a latent growth curve model whether genes involved in the oxytocin signaling pathway-namely, oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) variants rs1042778, rs2254298, and rs53576-moderate the effect of early-life social experiences on perceived social support across the life span. Mothers reported the emotional warmth and acceptance towards their children at baseline when the participants were from 3 to 18 years old (1980). Perceived family support and support from friends and peripheral sources were assessed in five follow-ups 18 years apart (1989-2007).

RESULTS

Maternal emotional warmth and acceptance predicted the initial level of perceived social support across subscales, while the rate of change in family support was affected by the family environment only if participants carried the T-allele of OXTR rs1042778. This gene-environment interaction was not found for the rate of change in support from friends and peripheral sources and we also did not find associations between latent growth in perceived social support and OXTR variants rs53576 and rs2254298.

LIMITATIONS

Selective attrition in perceived social support, maternal emotional warmth and acceptance, gender, and SES. Family environment was assessed by a non-standardized measure.

CONCLUSIONS

OXTR rs1042778 polymorphism seems to contribute to changes in perceived family support in that way that some individuals (T-allele carriers) 'recover', to some extent, from the effects of early-life social experiences, whereas others (G/G genotype carriers) do not.

Temperament and chronotype among academic athletes – perspective of the regulative theory of temperament

<b>Background</b><br /> The aim of the research was to evaluate the relationship between chronotype and temperamental traits and temperament structure specified in the Regulative Theory of Temperament among physical education students who are actively engaged in sport. The analyses were performed separately in groups of men, women, and individual and team sports representatives. <br /> <br /> <b>Participants and procedure </b><br /> The study included 157 participants (women n = 35, men n = 122; individual sports n = 88 and team sports n = 69). Measures used in the study were the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour – Temperament Inventory (FCB-TI) and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). <br /> <br /> <b>Results </b><br /> Among women and men chronotype was positively correlated with Briskness (BR) and Endurance (EN). In women chronotype was negatively related to Emotional Reactivity (ER). Sensory Sensitivity (SS) was positively associated with chronotype in men. In the individual sport group chronotype was associated with four temperamental traits: BR, EN, ER (negatively) and SS. Activity (AC) significantly correlated with chronotype in the team sport group. Two out of three indicators of temperament structure – potential for stimulation processing (MPS) and structure harmony parameter (Zh1) – were related to chronotype in both genders. <br /> <br /> <b>Conclusions</b><br /> The results obtained in the present research indicate that temperament is significantly related to chronotype. Evening chronotype men and women might be overstimulated and morning types might be understimulated. These data might be useful for coaches and provide a guide for further individualization of the training process.