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Habibi Asgarabad M, Vesely S, Efe Biresselioglu M, Caffaro F, Carrus G, Hakan Demir M, Kirchler B, Kollmann A, Massullo C, Tiberio L, Klöckner CA. Promoting electricity conservation through behavior change: A study protocol for a web-based multiple-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0293683. [PMID: 38483850 PMCID: PMC10939288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS As a part of the framework of the EU-funded Energy efficiency through Behavior CHANge Transition (ENCHANT) project, the present paper intends to provide a "Research Protocol" of a web-based trial to: (i) assess the effectiveness of behavioral intervention strategies--either single or in combination--on electricity saving, and (ii) unravel the psychological factors contributing to intervention effectiveness in households across Europe. METHODS AND MATERIALS Six distinct interventions (i.e., information provision, collective vs. individual message framing, social norms, consumption feedback, competitive elements, and commitment strategies) targeting electricity saving in households from six European countries (i.e., Austria, Germany, Italy, Norway, Romania, and Türkiye) are evaluated, with an initial expected samples of about 1500 households per country randomly assigned to 12 intervention groups and two control groups, and data is collected through an ad-hoc online platform. The primary outcome is the weekly electricity consumption normalized to the last seven days before measurement per person per household. Secondary outcomes are the peak consumption during the last day before measurement and the self-reported implementation of electricity saving behaviors (e.g., deicing the refrigerator). The underlying psychological factors expected to mediate and/or moderate the intervention effects on these outcomes are intentions to save electricity, perceived difficulty of saving energy, attitudes to electricity saving, electricity saving habit strength, social norms to save electricity, personal norms, collective efficacy, emotional reaction to electricity consumption, and national identity. The intervention effectiveness will be evaluated by comparing psychological factors and consumption variables before and after the intervention, leading to a 14 (groups including 2 control groups) × 6 (time) mixed factorial design, with one factor between (group) and one factor within subjects (time)-6 measurements of the psychological factors and 6 readings of the electricity meters, which gives then 5 weeks of electricity consumption. RESULTS Data collection for the present RCT started in January 2023, and by October 2023 data collection will conclude. DISCUSSION Upon establishing feasibility and effectiveness, the outcomes of this study will assist policymakers, municipalities, NGOs, and other communal entities in identifying impactful interventions tailored to their unique circumstances and available resources. Researchers will benefit from a flexible, structured tool that allows the design, implementation and monitoring of complex interventions protocols. Crucially, the intervention participants will benefit from electricity saving strategies, fostering immediate effectiveness of the interventions in real-life contexts. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was preregistered in the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/9vtn4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stepan Vesely
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Federica Caffaro
- Department of Education Science, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education Science, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Muhittin Hakan Demir
- Department of Logistics Management, Izmir University of Economics, Izmir, Türkiye
| | | | - Andrea Kollmann
- Energie Institut, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Department of Education Science, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Tiberio
- Department of Education Science, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Christian A. Klöckner
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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2
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Filosa M, De Rossi E, Carbone GA, Farina B, Massullo C, Panno A, Adenzato M, Ardito RB, Imperatori C. Altered connectivity between the central executive network and the salience network in delusion-prone individuals: A resting state eLORETA report. Neurosci Lett 2024; 825:137686. [PMID: 38364996 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Although the Triple Network (TN) model has been proposed as a valid neurophysiological framework for conceptualizing delusion-like experiences, the neurodynamics of TN in relation to delusion proneness have been relatively understudied in nonclinical samples so far. Therefore, the main aim of the current study was to investigate the functional connectivity of resting state electroencephalography (EEG) in subjects with high levels of delusion proneness. Twenty-one delusion-prone (DP) individuals and thirty-seven non-delusion prone (N-DP) individuals were included in the study. The exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (eLORETA) software was used for all EEG analyses. Compared to N-DP participants, DP individuals showed an increas of theta connectivity (T = 3.618; p = 0.045) between the Salience Network (i.e., the left anterior insula) and the Central Executive Network (i.e., the left posterior parietal cortex). Increased theta connectivity was also positively correlated with the frequency of delusional experiences (rho = 0.317; p = 0.015). Our results suggest that increased theta connectivity between the Salience Network and the Central Executive Network may underline brain correlates of altered resting state salience detection, information processing, and cognitive control processes typical of delusional thinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Filosa
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Italy
| | - Elena De Rossi
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Benedetto Farina
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rita B Ardito
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Italy
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Tiberio L, Massullo C, Carrus G, Mastandrea S, Fagioli S. Impact of COVID-19 on Mothers Raising Children with Special Needs: Insights from a Survey Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5363. [PMID: 37629405 PMCID: PMC10455744 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Home confinement during the COVID-19 outbreak had psychological effects that continue to be explored by researchers. This study investigated factors influencing the mental health of mothers caring for special needs children in Italy's first lockdown. Specifically, we investigated the relationships between emotional states of depression, anxiety, stress, perceived distress related to home confinement, coping strategies, and other contextual variables (such as opportunities for distance learning and remote working) in a group of 68 mothers of children with special needs and 68 matched mothers of typically developing children. Data from an online survey showed no significant difference between the two groups. However, the research revealed that being a remote worker was a significant predictor of reduced stress in mothers of children with special needs, while distance learning was a significant predictor of reduced stress in mothers of typically developing children. In addition, the study found that hyperarousal symptoms were predictive of stress in mothers of children with special needs, while intrusive thoughts and avoidance coping were predictive of stress in mothers of typically developing children. In conclusion, further research is needed to develop effective support and intervention strategies for families with children with special needs and to deeply investigate the impact of flexible work arrangements and social aid on the mental health of mothers in non-emergency settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sabrina Fagioli
- Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Department of Education, “Roma Tre” University, via del Castro Pretorio 20, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.T.); (C.M.); (G.C.); (S.M.)
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4
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Massullo C, De Rossi E, Carbone GA, Imperatori C, Ardito RB, Adenzato M, Farina B. Child Maltreatment, Abuse, and Neglect: An Umbrella Review of Their Prevalence and Definitions. Clin Neuropsychiatry 2023; 20:72-99. [PMID: 37250758 PMCID: PMC10211430 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20230201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Objective Child maltreatment (CM) is a recognized public health problem, and epidemiologic data suggest that it is a widespread phenomenon, albeit with widely varying estimates. Indeed, CM as well as child abuse (CA) and neglect (CN) are complex phenomena that are difficult to study for several reasons, including terminological and definitional problems that pose a hurdle to estimating epidemiological rates. Therefore, the main aim of this umbrella review is to revise recent review data on the epidemiology of CM, CA, and CN. A second aim was to revise the definitions used. Method A systematic search of three databases was performed in March 2022. Recent reviews (published in the last 5 years: 2017-March 2022) addressing the epidemiological rates of CM, CA, and/or CN were included. Results Of the 314 documents retrieved by the selected search strategy, the eligibility assessment yielded a total of 29 eligible documents. Because of the great heterogeneity among them, a qualitative rather than a quantitative synthesis was performed. Conclusions The data from this umbrella review show that the different age groups, methods, and instruments used in the literature to collect the data on the epidemiology of CM make it difficult to compare the results. Although definitions appear to be quite homogeneous, CM categorization varies widely across studies. Furthermore, this umbrella review shows that the CM reviews considered do not examine some particular forms of CM such as parental overprotection. The results are discussed in detail throughout the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Massullo
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University
| | - Elena De Rossi
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome
| | | | | | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome
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Imperatori C, Barchielli B, Corazza O, Carbone GA, Prevete E, Montaldo S, De Rossi E, Massullo C, Tarsitani L, Ferracuti S, Pasquini M, Biondi M, Farina B, Bersani FS. The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma, Pathological Dissociation, and Behavioral Addictions in Young Adults: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study. J Trauma Dissociation 2023; 24:348-361. [PMID: 36814178 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2023.2181479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between childhood trauma (CT) and dissociation can contribute to psychiatric disturbances. We explored this phenomenon in relation to behavioral addictions (BAs) in a sample (n = 633) of young adults (age: 18-34 years). Self-report measures investigating CT, dissociation, and symptoms related to gambling disorder, internet gaming disorder, problematic social media use, exercise dependence and compulsive buying were used. Scales related to BAs were summarized into a single measure ("Total Behavioral Addiction Index" - TBAI) for inferential analyses. A model analyzing the direct and indirect effects of CT on TBAI through the mediation of pathological dissociation was performed, controlling for confounding factors. Measures on CT, dissociation, and TBAI were significantly associated with each other (all p < .001). The total effect of CT on TBAI was significant (B = 0.063; CI: 0.045; 0.081); pathological dissociation significantly mediated such association (B = 0.023; CI: 0.013; 0.036). Our findings support the possibility that the interaction between CT and dissociation contributes to increase disturbances related to BAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabeth Prevete
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Montaldo
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena De Rossi
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tarsitani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Biondi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Imperatori C, Massullo C, De Rossi E, Carbone GA, Theodorou A, Scopelliti M, Romano L, Del Gatto C, Allegrini G, Carrus G, Panno A. Exposure to nature is associated with decreased functional connectivity within the distress network: A resting state EEG study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1171215. [PMID: 37151328 PMCID: PMC10158085 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1171215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the well-established evidence supporting the restorative potential of nature exposure, the neurophysiological underpinnings of the restorative cognitive/emotional effect of nature are not yet fully understood. The main purpose of the current study was to investigate the association between exposure to nature and electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity in the distress network. Methods Fifty-three individuals (11 men and 42 women; mean age 21.38 ± 1.54 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: (i) a green group and (ii) a gray group. A slideshow consisting of images depicting natural and urban scenarios were, respectively, presented to the green and the gray group. Before and after the slideshow, 5 min resting state (RS) EEG recordings were performed. The exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA) software was used to execute all EEG analyses. Results Compared to the gray group, the green group showed a significant increase in positive emotions (F 1; 50 = 9.50 p = 0.003) and in the subjective experience of being full of energy and alive (F 1; 50 = 4.72 p = 0.035). Furthermore, as compared to urban pictures, the exposure to natural images was associated with a decrease of delta functional connectivity in the distress network, specifically between the left insula and left subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (T = -3.70, p = 0.023). Discussion Our results would seem to be in accordance with previous neurophysiological studies suggesting that experiencing natural environments is associated with brain functional dynamics linked to emotional restorative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena De Rossi
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Alessio Carbone,
| | - Annalisa Theodorou
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luciano Romano
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Del Gatto
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Allegrini
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Angelo Panno,
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Massullo C, Bersani FS, Carbone GA, Panno A, Farina B, Murillo-Rodríguez E, Yamamoto T, Machado S, Budde H, Imperatori C. Decreased Resting State Inter- and Intra-Network Functional Connectivity Is Associated with Perceived Stress in a Sample of University Students: An eLORETA Study. Neuropsychobiology 2022; 81:286-295. [PMID: 35130552 DOI: 10.1159/000521565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the study of the Triple Network (TN) model has gained attention in the exploration of stress-related processes, the neurophysiological mechanisms of TN in relation to perceived stress have been relatively understudied in nonclinical samples so far. The main objective of the present study was to investigate, in a sample of university students, the association of perceived stress with resting state electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity in the TN. METHODS Ninety university students (40 males and 50 females; mean age 22.30 ± 2.43 years; mean educational level 16.60 ± 1.62 years) were enrolled. EEG data were analyzed through the exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA). RESULTS Higher levels of perceived stress were associated with decreased delta EEG connectivity within the central executive network (CEN) and between the CEN and the salience network (SN). Higher levels of perceived stress were also associated with decreased theta EEG connectivity between the CEN and the SN. The associations between perceived stress and EEG connectivity data were significant even when relevant confounding factors (i.e., sex, age, educational level, and psychopathological symptoms) were controlled for. DISCUSSION Taken together, our results suggest that higher levels of perceived stress are associated with a dysfunctional synchronization within the CEN and between the SN and the CEN. This functional pattern might in part reflect the negative impact of high levels of perceived stress on cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eric Murillo-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Moleculares e Integrativas Escuela de Medicina, División Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac Mayab, Mérida, Mexico.,Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Tetsuya Yamamoto
- Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mérida, Mexico.,Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Sérgio Machado
- Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mérida, Mexico.,Department of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.,Laboratory of Physical Activity Neuroscience, Neurodiversity Institute, Queimados-RJ, Brazil
| | - Henning Budde
- Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mérida, Mexico.,Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute for Systems Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mérida, Mexico
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Panno A, Theodorou A, Massullo C, Bratman GN, Imperatori C, Carbone GA, Gross JJ. The psychological impact of the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy: The moderating role of gender and emotion regulation. Health Care Women Int 2022:1-18. [PMID: 35763322 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2022.2083622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Many researchers suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may have more negative effects on women than men. Accordingly, we hypothesized that women would experience greater COVID-19 related distress and more psychopathological symptoms than men during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. Moreover, we expected emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression, as protective and risk factors respectively) to interact with gender in shaping psychological health. We administered an online questionnaire to 1519 participants during the first national COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. As predicted, women reported greater COVID-19 related distress and more psychopathological symptoms than men. Furthermore, women who made greater use of reappraisal reported lower levels of distress and fewer psychopathological symptoms. Suppression was associated with more psychopathological symptoms, but there were no interaction effects with gender. Our findings have implications for policymakers wishing to sustain women's health during stressful situations such as the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Gregory N. Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe A. Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - James J. Gross
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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Bersani FS, Accinni T, Carbone GA, Corazza O, Panno A, Prevete E, Bernabei L, Massullo C, Burkauskas J, Tarsitani L, Pasquini M, Biondi M, Farina B, Imperatori C. Problematic Use of the Internet Mediates the Association between Reduced Mentalization and Suicidal Ideation: A Cross-Sectional Study in Young Adults. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10050948. [PMID: 35628085 PMCID: PMC9140488 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10050948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide is a major public health problem, and it is urgent to investigate its underlying clinical and psychological concomitants. It has been suggested that low mentalization skills and problematic use of the internet (PUI) are factors that can play a role in suicidal behaviors. It is possible that poor mentalization skills contribute to leading to forms of PUI, which, in turn, can represent triggers for suicidal ideation (SI). We tested this hypothesis through a quantitative and cross-sectional study on a sample (n = 623) of young adults (age range: 18−34). Self-report measures investigating symptoms related to Social Media Addiction (SMA), Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), mentalization capacity, and SI were used. A single mediation analysis with two mediators was carried out to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of mentalization on SI through the mediating role of SMA- and IGD-related symptoms, controlling for potential confounding factors (e.g., socio-demographic and addiction-related variables). The four explored variables were significantly associated with each other (all p < 0.001) across all subjects; the mediational model showed that the total effect of mentalization on SI was significant (B = −0.821, SE = 0.092 (95% CI: −1.001; −0.641)) and that both SMA- (B = −0.073, SE = 0.034 (95% CI: −0.145; −0.008)) and IGD-related symptoms (B = 0.046, SE = 0.027 (95% CI: −0.107; −0.001)) were significant mediators of such association. Our findings support the possibility that PUI severity plays a relevant role in mediating the association between low mentalization skills and levels of SI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saverio Bersani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.A.); (E.P.); (L.B.); (L.T.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tommaso Accinni
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.A.); (E.P.); (L.B.); (L.T.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (G.A.C.); (A.P.); (B.F.); (C.I.)
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK;
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (G.A.C.); (A.P.); (B.F.); (C.I.)
| | - Elisabeth Prevete
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.A.); (E.P.); (L.B.); (L.T.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Laura Bernabei
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.A.); (E.P.); (L.B.); (L.T.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
- Mental Health Department, ASL Roma 5 Hospital, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Julius Burkauskas
- Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 00135 Palanga, Lithuania;
| | - Lorenzo Tarsitani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.A.); (E.P.); (L.B.); (L.T.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.A.); (E.P.); (L.B.); (L.T.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Massimo Biondi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.A.); (E.P.); (L.B.); (L.T.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (G.A.C.); (A.P.); (B.F.); (C.I.)
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (G.A.C.); (A.P.); (B.F.); (C.I.)
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Bersani FS, Barchielli B, Ferracuti S, Panno A, Carbone GA, Massullo C, Farina B, Corazza O, Prevete E, Tarsitani L, Pasquini M, Biondi M, Imperatori C. The association of problematic use of social media and online videogames with aggression is mediated by insomnia severity: A cross-sectional study in a sample of 18- to 24-year-old individuals. Aggress Behav 2022; 48:348-355. [PMID: 34870339 DOI: 10.1002/ab.22008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
One of the worrying concomitants of problematic use of Internet (PUI) is aggression. Although the mechanisms underlying such link have not been completely clarified, it has been suggested that problematic use of social media and online videogames (i.e., two common forms of PUI among young adults) lead to increased sleep disturbances which, in turn, represent a relevant trigger for aggression. We have tested this hypothesis in a sample (N = 480) of young individuals (351 females and 129 males; mean age: 21.76 ± 1.92 years; range: 18-24). Self-report measures investigating symptoms related to social media addiction (SMA), Internet gaming disorder (IGD), insomnia severity, and aggression were used. Mediational models analyzing the direct and indirect associations of SMA- and IGD-related symptoms on aggression severity through insomnia-related symptoms were performed controlling for confounding factors. The models showed that the total effects of SMA-related symptoms (B = 0.018; p = .010) and of IGD-related symptoms (B = 0.018; p = .041) on aggression severity were significant and that these associations were mediated by insomnia-related symptoms (respectively, p < .001 and p = .003). Our findings support the potential mediating role of insomnia severity in the association of SMA- and IGD-related disturbances with levels of aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory European University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Giuseppe A. Carbone
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory European University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory European University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory European University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences University of Hertfordshire Hatfield UK
- Department of Medico‐Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies Sapienza University of Rome Latina Italy
| | - Elisabeth Prevete
- Department of Human Neurosciences Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tarsitani
- Department of Human Neurosciences Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Massimo Biondi
- Department of Human Neurosciences Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory European University of Rome Rome Italy
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11
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Imperatori C, Panno A, Carbone GA, Corazza O, Taddei I, Bernabei L, Massullo C, Prevete E, Tarsitani L, Pasquini M, Farina B, Biondi M, Bersani FS. The association between social media addiction and eating disturbances is mediated by muscle dysmorphia-related symptoms: a cross-sectional study in a sample of young adults. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:1131-1140. [PMID: 34176075 PMCID: PMC8235906 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01232-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although the association between problematic use of the internet and eating disorders (EDs) in young adults has been previously established, its underlying mechanisms have not been completely clarified. It has been suggested that exposure to idealized very thin and toned body images (e.g., "thinspiration" and "fitspiration" trends) on social media might lead to increased feelings of body dissatisfaction which, in turn, can represent a trigger for EDs. We have tested this hypothesis in a sample (N = 721) of young adults (504 females, mean age: 24.13 ± 3.70 years; range 18-34). METHODS Self-report measures investigating symptoms related to social media addiction (SMA), muscle dysmorphia (MD), and EDs were used. A mediational model analyzing the direct and indirect effects of SMA-related symptoms on ED-related symptoms through the mediating role of MD-related symptoms was performed controlling for confounding factors (e.g., socio-demographic variables, substances use, body mass index, psychopathological distress). RESULTS The model showed that the total effect of SMA-related symptoms on ED-related symptoms was significant (B = 0.213; p = 0.022) and that this association was mediated by MD-related symptoms (B = 0.083; p = 0.021). DISCUSSION Our findings support the possibility that MD-related symptoms play a relevant role in mediating the association between SMA severity and ED pathology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.,Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Ines Taddei
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Bernabei
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Mental Health Department, ASL Roma 5 Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabeth Prevete
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tarsitani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Biondi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Bersani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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12
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Massullo C, Imperatori C, De Vico Fallani F, Ardito RB, Adenzato M, Palmiero L, Carbone GA, Farina B. Decreased brain network global efficiency after attachment memories retrieval in individuals with unresolved/disorganized attachment-related state of mind. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4725. [PMID: 35304536 PMCID: PMC8933467 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The main aim of the study was to examine how brain network metrics change after retrieval of attachment memories in individuals with unresolved/disorganized (U/D) attachment-related state of mind and those with organized/resolved (O/R) state of mind. We focused on three main network metrics associated with integration and segregation: global (Eglob) efficiency for the first function, local (Eloc) efficiency and modularity for the second. We also examined assortativity and centrality metrics. Electroencephalography (EEG) recordings were performed before and after the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) in a sample of 50 individuals previously assessed for parenting quality. Functional connectivity matrices were constructed by means of the exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (eLORETA) software and then imported into MATLAB to compute brain network metrics. Compared to individuals with O/R attachment-related state of mind, those with U/D show a significant decrease in beta Eglob after AAI. No statistically significant difference among groups emerged in Eloc and modularity metrics after AAI, neither in assortativity nor in betweenness centrality. These results may help to better understand the neurophysiological patterns underlying the disintegrative effects of retrieving traumatic attachment memories in individuals with disorganized state of mind in relation to attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rita B Ardito
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco, 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Mauro Adenzato
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luigia Palmiero
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Massullo C, Panno A, Carbone GA, Della Marca G, Farina B, Imperatori C. Need for cognitive closure is associated with different intra-network functional connectivity patterns: A resting state EEG study. Soc Neurosci 2022; 17:143-153. [PMID: 35167428 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2022.2043432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Need for Cognitive Closure (NCC) is a construct referring to the desire for predictability, unambiguity and firm answers to issues. Neuroscientific literature about NCC processes has mainly focused on task-related brain activity. According to the Triple Network model (TN), the main aim of the current study was to investigate resting state (RS) electroencephalographic (EEG) intra-network dynamics associated with NCC. Fifty-two young adults (39 females) were enrolled and underwent EEG recordings during RS. Functional connectivity analysis was computed through exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (eLORETA) software. Our results showed that higher levels of NCC were associated with both i) decreased alpha EEG connectivity within the Central Executive Network (CEN), and ii) increased delta connectivity within the Default Mode Network (DMN). No significant correlations were observed between NCC and functional connectivity in the Salience Network (SN). Our data would seem to suggest that high levels of NCC are characterized by a specific communication pattern within the CEN and the DMN during RS. These neurophysiological patterns might reflect several typical NCC-related cognitive characteristics (e.g., lower flexibility and preference for habitual and rigid response schemas).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Della Marca
- Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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14
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Carbone GA, Imperatori C, Bersani FS, Massullo C, Orlando EM, Farina B. Dissociative-Traumatic Dimension and Triple Network: An EEG Functional Connectivity Study in a Sample of University Students. Psychopathology 2022; 55:28-36. [PMID: 34788760 DOI: 10.1159/000519563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We investigated the association among triple network electroencephalographic (EEG) functional connectivity, dissociative symptoms, and childhood trauma (CT) in a sample of university students. SAMPLING AND METHODS Seventy-six participants (30 males and 46 females; mean age 22.12 ± 2.35) completed self-report measures investigating dissociative symptoms, CT, and depressive symptoms. Participants also performed an eyes-closed resting-state EEG recording. EEG analyses were conducted through the exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA) software. RESULTS A 2-step cluster analysis revealed 2 groups: participants (N = 23) with high dissociative-traumatic dimension symptoms (DTD+) and participants (N = 53) with low DTD symptoms (DTD-). Compared to DTD- subjects, DTD+ participants showed decreased theta connectivity between the salience network (SN) and central executive network (CEN), specifically between the right anterior insula and the left posterior parietal cortex. No significant correlation was detected between EEG data and clinical variables. CONCLUSION Our results raise the possibility of a dysfunctional connectivity pattern occurring between the SN and CEN in individuals with high DTD symptoms. Such connectivity pattern might reflect the neuropsychophysiological disintegration related to pathological dissociation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Massullo
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Egle Maria Orlando
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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15
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Theodorou A, Panno A, Carrus G, Carbone GA, Massullo C, Imperatori C. Stay home, stay safe, stay green: The role of gardening activities on mental health during the Covid-19 home confinement. Urban For Urban Green 2021; 61:127091. [PMID: 35702591 PMCID: PMC9186381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Social distancing and home confinement during the first wave of Covid-19 have been essential to helping governments to flatten the infection curve but raised concerns on possible negative consequences such as prolonged isolation or sedentary lifestyles. In this scenario, gardening activities have been identified as a plausible tool to buffer the mental health consequences of forced home confinement. In this paper, we investigate the relation between gardening and psychopathological distress during the lockdown of the first wave of Covid-19 in Italy. It is hypothesized that engagement in gardening activities promotes psychological health, through a reduction of Covid-related stress. An online survey was administered through sharing using social media to N = 303 participants during the March-May 2020 lockdown in Italy, measuring Covid-19 related distress, psychopathological distress, engagement in gardening activities plus a series of socio-demographic and residential covariates. As expected, a mediation model tested using a bootstrapping procedure showed that gardening is related to lower psychopathological distress through decreased Covid-19 related distress. Interestingly, results also showed that psychopathological distress was higher for women and unmarried respondents, and negatively associated with age and square meters per person at home. The theoretical and practical implications for social policies contrasting the Covid-19 pandemic are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Theodorou
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Department of Human Science, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Department of Human Science, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Department of Human Science, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Department of Human Science, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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16
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Carbone GA, Zarfati A, Nicoli MS, Paulis A, Tourjansky G, Valenti G, Valenti EM, Massullo C, Farina B, Imperatori C. Online psychological counselling during lockdown reduces anxiety symptoms and negative affect: Insights from Italian framework. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:367-372. [PMID: 33950537 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have shown how COrona VIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the consequent isolation and quarantine measures could affect physical and mental well-being. Therefore, the increased request for support and assistance represents a critical challenge for clinicians requiring a reorganization of care systems. In this regard, online counselling has been identified as a useful tool in providing psychological assistance and support. Thus, the main purpose of the current study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of a single online counselling session in reducing psychopathological symptoms (i.e., state anxiety and negative affect) and increasing individual well-being and positive affect during the first Italian lockdown. Fifty-three subjects were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive an online counselling session [Online Counselling Group (OCG) = 26] or to act as controls [Waiting List Group (WLG) = 27]. In the post-assessment, compared to WLG, the OCG showed a significant decrease in negative affect (18.04 ± 6.30 vs. 30.26 ± 8.61; F1:47 = 29.45; p < .001; dppc2 = .92) and state anxiety (36.65 ± 8.35 vs. 48.04 ± 11.51; F1:47 = 17.86; p < .001; dppc2 = .49). Taking into account the cyclical nature of COVID-19, with the possibility of new peaks and waves, it would be appropriate to consider the versatility and usefulness of online psychological counselling in the management of COVID-19-related distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Giulia Valenti
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Massullo
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Janet Clinical Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Maggio CD, Massullo C, Imperatori C, Palazzolo O, Farina B, Brinciotti M, Ferrara M, Guidetti V, Terrinoni A. Triple network in adolescents with borderline personality disorder, early traumatic experiences and dissociative symptoms: An eloreta study. Eur Psychiatry 2021. [PMCID: PMC9471494 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Triple Network Model (TNM), which considers the dynamic interaction between Default Mode (DMN), Salience (SN), and Central Executive (CEN) networks, explains clinical features in mental disorders from a neurophysiological perspective. Some studies highlight the increased connectivity in TNM in adults with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but little is known about adolescents. Objectives The aim of our preliminary study was to investigate TN functional connectivity (FC) in BPD adolescents with a history of traumatic experiences, and its correlation with dissociative symptoms. Methods 15 BPD adolescents (DSM-5 criteria) with early traumatic experiences were compared to 15 healthy controls, matched for sex and age. Dissociation Questionnaire (DIS-Q) was administered. Eyes-closed resting-state (RS) EEG recordings were performed (19 electrodes; 10- 20 system) and analyzed using Exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). FC was computed for all frequency bands and 9 Regions of Interest for TNM. Results BPD adolescents showed a hyper-connection between CEN and DMN [dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC); PCC and left posterior parietal cortex (PPC)] and within the CEN (left and right PPC). The strength of PCC-dlPFC and left-right PPC connections was correlated with dissociative symptoms severity. Conclusions FC alterations can already be identified in BPD adolescents, supporting the need for early diagnosis. Normally DMN and CEN show opposite functioning. In our BPD adolescents, the absence of this “anti-correlation” reflects the typical confusion between internal and external mental states, which clarify their difficulties in metacognition or mentalization. Moreover, in dissociative symptoms, two CEN nodes are also involved, not only DMN as previously described. Disclosure No significant relationships.
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Imperatori C, Massullo C, Carbone GA, Farina B, Colmegna F, Riboldi I, Giacomo ED, Clerici M, Dakanalis A. Electroencephalographic (EEG) alterations in young women with high subclinical eating pathology levels: a quantitative EEG study. Eat Weight Disord 2020; 25:1631-1642. [PMID: 31667777 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-019-00801-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore electroencephalographic (EEG) alterations in young women with different eating disorder (ED) psychopathology levels. METHODS Thirty-seven young women completed general and ED psychopathology (i.e., the ED Examination Questionnaire; EDE-Q) measures. EEG power spectra data were investigated in two conditions: (a) 5 min of resting state (RS) and (b) 5 min of RS after a single taste of a milkshake (ML-RS). EEG analyses were performed using exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). RESULTS Cluster analysis performed on the EDE-Q responses revealed a group of 17 women with high levels of ED pathology falling into the subclinical (i.e., sub-threshold) EDs category and a group of 20 women with low levels of ED pathology (controls). In the RS conditions, no significant modifications were observed between groups. Compared to controls, women with subclinical EDs showed an increase in theta activity in the parieto-occipital areas in the ML-RS condition. After controlling for body mass index and general psychopathology, theta activity in these brain structures was positively associated with EDE-Q global and subscale (restraint, shape and weight concern) scores. CONCLUSIONS Our results may reflect the neurophysiological substrate of ED psychopathology core features like shape/weight concerns. Previous brain imaging and qEEG studies with full-syndrome ED patients also underscored the involvement of parieto-occipital areas in ED pathophysiology. These studies also found brain alterations in the RS condition, not observed here. This is notable given that full-syndrome and subclinical EDs are considered as different manifestations of the same disease along a severity spectrum. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, cross-sectional, electroencephalographic, descriptive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Colmegna
- Department of Psychiatry, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Via G. B. Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - Ilaria Riboldi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - Ester Di Giacomo
- Department of Psychiatry, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Via G. B. Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - Massimo Clerici
- Department of Psychiatry, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Via G. B. Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - Antonios Dakanalis
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900, Monza, Italy.
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Imperatori C, Panno A, Giacchini M, Massullo C, Carbone GA, Clerici M, Farina B, Dakanalis A. Electroencephalographic correlates of body shape concerns: an eLORETA functional connectivity study. Cogn Neurodyn 2020; 14:723-729. [PMID: 33014184 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-020-09618-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The main aim of the present study was to investigate the association between body shape concerns and electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity within body image network in a sample of university students (N = 68). EEG was recorded during 5 min of resting state. All participants were asked to complete self-report measures assessing certain psychopathological dimensions (i.e., body shape concerns, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms). EEG analyses were conducted by means of the exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography software (eLORETA). Our results showed that body shape concerns were positively associated with increased gamma functional connectivity between the left and right prefrontal cortex (PFC). Furthermore, our data revealed that this EEG pattern was independently associated with body shape concerns after controlling for potential socio-demographic and clinical confounding variables. This finding seems to suggest that increased EEG gamma connectivity between the left and right PFC might be a relevant neurophysiological alteration involved in the development and/or maintenance of dysfunctional concerns about one's body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Giacchini
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Clerici
- Department of Psychiatry, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Via G. B. Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonios Dakanalis
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
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Imperatori C, Bersani FS, Massullo C, Carbone GA, Salvati A, Mazzi G, Cicerale G, Carrara A, Farina B. Neurophysiological correlates of religious coping to stress: a preliminary EEG power spectra investigation. Neurosci Lett 2020; 728:134956. [PMID: 32278941 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Religious coping to psychological stress has been linked to positive outcomes on both physical and mental health, but no studies have explored its neurophysiological correlates. Ninety-six participants (43 men and 53 women, mean age: 22.30 ± 2.48 years) were enrolled in the present study; they underwent an evaluation of coping with the brief version of the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (brief-COPE) scale and performed an eyes-closed resting state electroencephalographic (EEG) recording. EEG analyses were conducted with the exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). Positive correlations between religious coping and EEG activity were observed in the theta frequency band in the right hemisphere, specifically in the superior temporal, inferior frontal, and middle temporal gyri. Religious coping scores were significantly positively associated with active coping and positive reframing coping strategies, with the latter not being significantly associated with EEG data. Taken together our results contribute to increase the knowledge on the neurophysiological concomitants of religious coping to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Bersani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Ambra Salvati
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Mazzi
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Greta Cicerale
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Carrara
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy; Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
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Panno A, Carbone GA, Massullo C, Farina B, Imperatori C. COVID-19 Related Distress Is Associated With Alcohol Problems, Social Media and Food Addiction Symptoms: Insights From the Italian Experience During the Lockdown. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:577135. [PMID: 33324256 PMCID: PMC7723899 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.577135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Several scholars hypothesize that one of the most negative impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis would concern the increase of prevalence and severity of both substances and behavioral addiction. Despite the general concerns about the increase of prevalence and severity of addictions related to the COVID-19 emergency, few data are still available. Thus, the main aim of this study was to investigate the association between COVID-19 related distress and: (i) alcohol problems, (ii) social media addiction (SMA) symptoms, (iii) food addiction (FA) symptoms. Methods: A national online-survey was carried out during the Italian lockdown (i.e., 9 March 2020-4 May 2020). In the current study, 1,519 participants (365 men and 1,154 women, mean age: 28.49 ± 10.89 years) were included. The survey included socio-demographic related items (e.g., age, sex, residential regions, education level, civil status, tobacco use, etc.), as well as ad-hoc developed questions aimed to investigate COVID-19 related variables (e.g., isolation/quarantine, personal diagnosis to COVID-19, friends or relatives with COVID-19 diagnosis, etc.). Participants also completed the following self-report measures in order to investigate: the psychological impact of COVID-19, alcohol problems, SMA symptoms, FA symptoms, and impulsivity. Results: The psychological impact of COVID-19 was independently associated with alcohol problems (β = 0.058, p = 0.043), SMA symptoms (β = 0.259, p < 0.001), and FA symptoms (β = 0.150, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Taken together, our results seem to confirm the general concerns about the negative impacts of the COVID-19 emergency on addictive behaviors, suggesting that this issue should be carefully monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Farina B, Della Marca G, Maestoso G, Amoroso N, Valenti EM, Carbone GA, Massullo C, Contardi A, Imperatori C. The Association among Default Mode Network Functional Connectivity, Mentalization, and Psychopathology in a Nonclinical Sample: An eLORETA Study. Psychopathology 2018; 51:16-23. [PMID: 29332091 DOI: 10.1159/000485517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We investigated default mode network (DMN) electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity differences between individuals with self-reported high mentalization capability and low psychopathological symptoms, versus participants with mentalization impairments and high psychopathological symptoms. METHODS Forty-nine students (35 women) with a mean age of 22.92 ± 2.53 years were administered the Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. Five minutes of EEG during resting state were also recorded for each participant. DMN functional connectivity analyses were conducted by means of the exact Low Resolution Electric Tomography software (eLORETA). RESULTS Compared to the individuals with high mentalization capability and lower self-reported psychopathological symptoms, participants with mentalization impairments and high psychopathological symptoms showed a decrease of EEG beta connectivity between: (i) the right and left medial frontal lobe, and (ii) the left medial frontal lobe and the right anterior cingulate cortex. Furthermore, while MZQ total score was positively associated with DMN network connections (i.e., right and left medial frontal lobes), several psychopathological symptoms (i.e., interpersonal sensitivity, depression, and psychoticism) were negatively associated with DMN connectivity. CONCLUSION Our results may reflect a top-down emotion regulation deficit which is associated with both internalizing and externalizing behavior problems.
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Imperatori C, Della Marca G, Amoroso N, Maestoso G, Valenti EM, Massullo C, Carbone GA, Contardi A, Farina B. Alpha/Theta Neurofeedback Increases Mentalization and Default Mode Network Connectivity in a Non-Clinical Sample. Brain Topogr 2017; 30:822-831. [PMID: 28936792 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-017-0593-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Several studies showed the effectiveness of alpha/theta (A/T) neurofeedback training in treating some psychiatric conditions. Despite the evidence of A/T effectiveness, the psychological and neurobiological bases of its effects is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the usefulness of the A/T training in increasing mentalization in a non-clinical sample. The modifications of electroencephalographic (EEG) functional connectivity in Default Mode Network (DMN) associated with A/T training were also investigated. Forty-four subjects were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to receive ten sessions of A/T training [neurofeedback group (NFG) = 22], or to act as controls [waiting list group (WLG) = 22]. All participants were administered the mentalization questionnaire (MZQ) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). In the post training assessment, compared to WLG, NFG showed a significant increase of MZQ total scores (3.94 ± 0.73 vs. 3.53 ± 0.77; F1;43 = 8.19; p = 0.007; d = 0.863). Furthermore, A/T training was also associated with a significant increase of EEG functional connectivity in several DMN brain areas (e.g. Posterior Cingulate Cortex). Taken together our results support the usefulness of the A/T training in enhancing mentalization and DMN connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Della Marca
- Sleep Disorders Unit, Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi Amoroso
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Maestoso
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Valenti
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Contardi
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
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Imperatori C, Valenti EM, Della Marca G, Amoroso N, Massullo C, Carbone GA, Maestoso G, Quintiliani MI, Contardi A, Farina B. Coping food craving with neurofeedback. Evaluation of the usefulness of alpha/theta training in a non-clinical sample. Int J Psychophysiol 2017; 112:89-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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