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Lassri D, Gewirtz-Meydan A. From trauma to intimacy: Examining the link between childhood maltreatment and adult sexual functioning - The mediating role of self-criticism. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 149:106663. [PMID: 38350402 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106663] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment has been linked to negative sexual functioning, but the underlying mechanisms for this association are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE Addressing this gap, this study investigates the mediating role of self-criticism in the association between childhood maltreatment and adult sexual functioning. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Two independent studies were conducted, each utilizing a distinct dataset to enhance the robustness and generalizability of the findings. The sample in Study 1 included 914 participants, while the sample in Study 2 consisted of 451 women. Both samples completed self-report online questionnaires; however, in Study 2, we purposefully oversampled for child sexual abuse survivors. METHODS This study employed a mediation model using PROCESS. RESULTS Study 1 confirmed the negative association between childhood maltreatment and sexual functioning, as well as the positive association between childhood maltreatment and self-criticism. Self-criticism was also negatively associated with sexual functioning. The mediation analysis revealed that self-criticism significantly mediated the association between childhood maltreatment and sexual functioning. Study 2 built upon these findings by oversampling childhood sexual abuse survivors and incorporating comprehensive measures of sexual functioning. The results in Study 2 replicated the findings of Study 1, providing a more representative understanding of the link between childhood maltreatment and sexual functioning. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the importance of self-criticism as a potential mechanism underlying the negative impact of childhood maltreatment on sexual functioning in adulthood. This knowledge can inform interventions and therapeutic approaches aimed at addressing self-criticism and improving sexual well-being in individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Lassri
- The Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Israel. agewirtz-@univ.haifa.ac.il
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Pinus M, Lassri D, Rahamim O, Schiller M, Soffer-Dudek N, Shahar G. Identifying state self-criticism subscales within the Brief Symptoms Inventory: Analyses of data from Israeli young adults. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Gewirtz-Meydan A, Lassri D. A profile analysis of COVID-19 stress-related reactions: The importance of early childhood abuse, psychopathology, and interpersonal relationships. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 130:105442. [PMID: 34920898 PMCID: PMC8666322 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little argument that COVID-19 is potentially highly stressful for many people, however, little research has broken down COVID-19-related distress into different aspects clustering together, and how these clusters differ in terms of the vulnerability of the individuals. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of the present study was to identify distinct profiles of individuals' reactions to COVID-19-related stress, and analyze potential differences and risk and protective factors associated with these profiles in relation to childhood abuse, psychopathology, and interpersonal relationships. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Data was collected online among a convenience sample of 914 men and women in Israel. METHODS A Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) for estimating distinct profiles in people's COVID-19-related distress was applied. Next, profiles were compared in childhood abuse, psychopathology, perceived social support and relationship satisfaction. RESULTS Five distinct profiles were identified: The distressed (23.75%), the worried (38.96%), the financially and socially distressed (15.20%), the caregivers (13.65%), and the untroubled (8.44Profiles in which individuals had more COVID-19 related distress are characterized by more childhood abuse, psychopathology, and less social support and relationship satisfaction. CONCLUSION An assessment of the psychological implications of COVID-19 (when screening the population and creating prevention/intervention programs) should take into account the different responses individuals have when facing COVID-19, and their vulnerability, including their history of abuse, psychopathology, social support and relationship satisfaction, so that these programs will be better tailored to each type of distress experienced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. agewirtz-@univ.haifa.ac.il
| | - Dana Lassri
- The Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
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Gewirtz-Meydan A. Sexual Dysfunction Among Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors: The "Functional" Dysfunction? JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022; 48:694-705. [PMID: 35287565 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2044944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Various studies have established the association between child sexual abuse and sexual dysfunction. Although sexual dysfunction can be a distressing and undesirable condition for survivors of child sexual abuse, the current article suggests viewing sexual dysfunction not solely as a negative outcome but as a condition with a potent psychological function in regulating various psychological and relational needs among survivors. The main question addressed in the current paper is: What are the functional aspects of sexual dysfunction among child sexual abuse survivors? Four main protective purposes for sexual dysfunction among survivors of child sexual abuse are proposed: avoiding re-traumatization, regulating closeness within the relationship, gaining a sense of power and control and avoiding vulnerability, and restoring a positive sense of self. Although healthy sexual functioning is a desirable long-term goal for survivors, therapists need to view sexual dysfunction within the context of trauma, and to understand the protective functions of dysfunctions, before attempting to restore sexual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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State and Trait Risk and Resilience Factors Associated with COVID-19 Impact and Obsessive-Compulsive Symptom Trajectories. Int J Cogn Ther 2021; 15:168-190. [PMID: 34873427 PMCID: PMC8635471 DOI: 10.1007/s41811-021-00128-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate common symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, such as fears of contamination or causing harm to others. To investigate the potential impact of COVID-19 on obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms, we utilized a frequent sampling prospective design to assess changes in OC symptoms between April 2020 and January 2021. We examined in a broad clinical and non-clinical sample whether baseline risk (e.g., emotion dysregulation, anxiety sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty) and protective (e.g., resilience) factors would predict OC symptom changes, and whether coping strategies would mediate week-to-week changes in COVID-19 impact and OC symptoms. Emotion dysregulation was associated with greater likelihood of OC symptom worsening, whereas resilience was associated with lower likelihood. Longitudinal mediation analyses revealed that coping strategies were not significant mediators; however, changes in adaptive coping were associated with subsequent-week OC symptom reductions. Regardless of perceived COVID-19 impact, implementing adaptive coping strategies may prospectively reduce OC symptoms. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41811-021-00128-4.
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Kotera Y, Dosedlova J, Andrzejewski D, Kaluzeviciute G, Sakai M. From Stress to Psychopathology: Relationship with Self-Reassurance and Self-Criticism in Czech University Students. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021; 20:2321-2332. [PMID: 33723485 PMCID: PMC7945603 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00516-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress has become a major concern, potentially leading to diverse health problems including psychopathology such as depression and anxiety. Transactional Model of Stress and Coping is an established model, conceptualizing stressful experiences via person–environment relationship. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the pathway from stress to depression/anxiety, with a focus on self-criticism (inadequate-self and hated-self) and self-reassurance (reassured-self) in Czech students who suffered from high prevalence of mental health problems. Convenience sample of 119 undergraduates completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 and the Forms of the Self-Criticizing/Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale. Correlation and path analyses were conducted. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines were used to aid an accurate and complete report of the study. Depression, anxiety, and stress were positively associated with inadequate-self and hated-self while negatively associated with reassured-self. Both inadequate-self and hated-self partially mediated the stress–depression and stress–anxiety relationships, whereas reassured-self only partially mediated the stress–depression relationship. Inadequate-self had greater impact on the stress–depression/anxiety pathways than hated-self and reassured-self. Findings indicate that clinical treatment may benefit from targeting the feelings of inadequacy to prevent stress progressing to psychopathology. This is particularly relevant as stress levels are rising globally. Our findings offer developments to the Transactional Model, and help practitioners and educators identify solutions to protect mental health of Czech university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Kotera
- Human Sciences Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | | | | | | | - Makoto Sakai
- School of Psychology, Chukyo University, Nagoya, Japan
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Besser A, Flett GL, Nepon T, Zeigler-Hill V. Personality, Cognition, and Adaptability to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Associations with Loneliness, Distress, and Positive and Negative Mood States. Int J Ment Health Addict 2020; 20:971-995. [PMID: 33230393 PMCID: PMC7673240 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-020-00421-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The current research examined personality and individual difference factors associated with the perceived ability to adapt to the significant challenges accompanying the ongoing public health crisis concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study investigated the associations among self-reported adaptability to the pandemic and personality predispositions (dependency, self-criticism, mattering, and self-esteem), cognitive factors (positive, negative, and loneliness automatic thoughts), loneliness, distress, and mood states. A sample of 462 college students from Israel completed an online questionnaire after 10 weeks of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results confirmed that personality vulnerability factors underscored by a negative sense of self (i.e., self-criticism and dependency) and individual difference factors reflecting self-esteem, feelings of mattering, and fear of not mattering are associated in meaningful ways with adaptability to the pandemic, loneliness, distress, negative mood states, and positive mood states. Most notably, higher self-reported adaptability to the pandemic is associated with lower dependency, self-criticism, and fear of not mattering, and higher levels of self-esteem and mattering. The findings attest to the central role of adaptability and related individual difference factors in acclimatizing to the numerous changes and challenges associated with the COVID-19 crisis. The theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avi Besser
- Department of Communication Disorders, Interdisciplinary School for Sciences, Health and Society, Hadassah Academic College, 37 Hanevi'im St., 9101001 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gordon L Flett
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3 Canada
| | - Taryn Nepon
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3 Canada
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Role of adolescent exposure to rockets in the links between personality vulnerability and psychopathology. Dev Psychopathol 2018; 31:1367-1380. [DOI: 10.1017/s0954579418000792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe aim of this study is to examine the role of repeated exposure to rocket attacks in the links between personality vulnerability (dependency and self-criticism) and internalizing/externalizing psychopathology. A main-effect vulnerability model (personality leads to psychopathology) was compared with a main-effect scarring model (psychopathology leads to personality vulnerability). Also, a stress-diathesis pattern (personality vulnerability is activated under stress) was compared to a dual-vulnerability pattern (either personality vulnerability or stress, but not both, lead to psychopathology). Israeli adolescents (N = 362) repeatedly exposed to rocket attacks were assessed annually over 3 years. In 2008 and 2010, personality and psychopathology were assessed. Cumulative exposure was measured as the sums of exposure across the three assessment waves. Theoretical models were tested via Autoregressive Cross-Lagged Structural Equation Modeling analyses. Baseline dependency and self-criticism were associated with an increase in anxiety, whereas baseline depression was associated with an increase in dependency. Under low, not high, levels of rocket exposure, self-criticism and depression were longitudinally associated. Violence commission was associated with an increase in dependency under high, not low, cumulative exposure. Results are consistent with both scarring and vulnerability models, and with both stress-diathesis and dual-vulnerability patterns of adolescent risk and resilience.
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Israeli H, Itamar S, Shahar G. The heroic self under stress: Prospective effects on anxious mood in Israeli adults exposed to missile attacks. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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McIntyre R, Smith P, Rimes KA. The role of self-criticism in common mental health difficulties in students: A systematic review of prospective studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mhp.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Dissociative absorption: An empirically unique, clinically relevant, dissociative factor. Conscious Cogn 2015; 36:338-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2015.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Kamboj SK, Kilford EJ, Minchin S, Moss A, Lawn W, Das RK, Falconer CJ, Gilbert P, Curran HV, Freeman TP. Recreational 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) or 'ecstasy' and self-focused compassion: Preliminary steps in the development of a therapeutic psychopharmacology of contemplative practices. J Psychopharmacol 2015; 29:961-70. [PMID: 25990558 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115587143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) produces diverse pro-social effects. Cognitive training methods rooted in Eastern contemplative practices also produce these effects through the development of a compassionate mindset. Given this similarity, we propose that one potential mechanism of action of MDMA in psychotherapy is through enhancing effects on intrapersonal attitudes (i.e. pro-social attitudes towards the self). We provide a preliminary test of this idea. Recreational MDMA (ecstasy) users were tested on two occasions, having consumed or not consumed ecstasy. Self-critical and self-compassionate responses to self-threatening scenarios were assessed before (T1) and after (T2) ecstasy use (or non-use), and then after compassionate imagery (T3). Moderating roles of dispositional self-criticism and avoidant attachment were examined. Separately, compassionate imagery and ecstasy produced similar sociotropic effects, as well as increases in self-compassion and reductions in self-criticism. Higher attachment-related avoidance was associated with additive effects of compassionate imagery and ecstasy on self-compassion. Findings were in line with MDMA's neuropharmacological profile, its phenomenological effects and its proposed adjunctive use in psychotherapy. However, although conditions were balanced, the experiment was non-blind and MDMA dose/purity was not determined. Controlled studies with pharmaceutically pure MDMA are still needed to test these effects rigorously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunjeev K Kamboj
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emma J Kilford
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Minchin
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Abigail Moss
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Will Lawn
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ravi K Das
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline J Falconer
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Gilbert
- Mental Health Research Unit, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - H Valerie Curran
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tom P Freeman
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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