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Senese VP, Esposito G. Beyond Parental Acceptance and Rejection: A Commentary on the Findings From Empirical Studies on Forgiveness and Vengeance in the Muslim World. J Genet Psychol 2024; 185:162-166. [PMID: 38487856 DOI: 10.1080/00221325.2024.2328771] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Drawing on the framework of interpersonal acceptance-rejection theory (IPARTheory), this special issue edited by Ronald P. Rohner, Sumbleen Ali, and Jennifer E. Lansford explores forgiveness and vengeance within the context of the Muslim world. Examination of the precursors of forgiveness and vengeance holds significance because vengeance typically correlates with adverse physical and psychological health outcomes. We suggest ways to advance research outlined in the special issue, such as assessing cross-cultural invariance and using diverse research designs. Moreover, increasing the diversity of socioeconomic status in studies conducted in the Muslim world and exploring hypotheses in high-income countries are necessary for contextually nuanced research. Overall, this special issue offers valuable insights into the dynamics of forgiveness and vengeance and highlights the role of culture and gender on psychological well-being across diverse contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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Senese VP, Catone G, Pezzella A, Almerico L, Iorio M, Maresca M, Nasti C, Matascioli N, Pisano S. The association between social isolation, loneliness and psychological problems in young adults: A study during the acute phase of COVID-19 in Italy. Int J Psychol 2024; 59:184-191. [PMID: 37858316 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12962] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments had to impose social isolation measures to safeguard the citizens' health. However, this could have affected psychological problems. The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychological effects associated with social and emotional isolation during the acute phase of the COVID-19 in Italy. To this purpose, the degree of social isolation and loneliness and the presence of psychological problems (externalising and internalising) were investigated online in a sample of 395 young adults (18-30 years; 57% women). Results confirmed the relevant association between social isolation, loneliness and psychological problems, in both internalising and externalising dimensions. Particularly, loneliness showed the strongest association. Moreover, consistently with surveys conducted during the COVID-19-era, data highlighted that men were more vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness than women. These results underline the need for adequate interpersonal support during moments of isolation to prevent negative effects on psychological problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Gennaro Catone
- Department of Educational, Psychological and Communication Sciences, Suor Orsola Benincasa University, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Pezzella
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Luisa Almerico
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Maristella Iorio
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Marzia Maresca
- Institute of Relational and Family Psychology and Psychotherapy (ISPPREF), Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Nasti
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Nunzia Matascioli
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Simone Pisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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Mottola F, Abbamonte L, Ariemma L, Gnisci A, Marcone R, Millefiorini A, Perugini M, Senese VP, Sergi I. Construct and criterion validity of the HEXACO Medium School Inventory Extended (MSI-E). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292813. [PMID: 37831708 PMCID: PMC10575544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292813] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this cross-sectional study we aimed at: 1) validating the observer (Obs) version of HEXACO Medium School Inventory Extended (MSI-E); 2) establishing convergent and divergent construct validity of the HEXACO-MSI-E; 3) establishing criterion validity of HEXACO-MSI-E. We administered the HEXACO-MSI-E, the Big Five Questionnaire-Children (BFQ-C), the Internalizing and Externalizing scales of Youth Self Report (YSR), some items of the 2019 Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRB) and some items about adolescents' values, beliefs, behaviors, and desired features of a possible future job to 1175 adolescents (Mage = 12.03, SD = 0.89) and the observer version of these measures (except for BFQ-C) to 854 parents or legal guardians. The factorial structure and the reliability of the Observer Report of HEXACO-MSI-E were confirmed. Convergent and divergent validity were successfully established with a version of the inventory filled out by parents. Convergent and divergent validity were also established with BFQ-C notwithstanding some only apparent anomalies. Criterion validity was established with respect to four specific groups of criteria collected in both self-report and observer form. HEXACO-MSI-E traits were more predictive with respect to self-report than to observer criteria and the majority were common. Together with the positive results of this study, implications and issues for future studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mottola
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Lucia Abbamonte
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Lucia Ariemma
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Augusto Gnisci
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Roberto Marcone
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Andrea Millefiorini
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Marco Perugini
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Ida Sergi
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
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Salzano S, Zappullo I, Senese VP, Conson M, Finelli C, Mikulincer M, Shaver PR. Validation and psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Power Behavioural System Scale (PBSS). Res Psychother 2023; 26. [PMID: 36786227 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2023.617] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The power behavioural system is a neurobehavioral system that motivates a person to acquire and control resources that are important for survival and reproductive success. When activated, its function is to protect or restore the sense of power, influence, or dominance. Repeated experiences of failure in achieving this goal may result in hyperactivation or deactivation of power-oriented behaviours (analogous to the secondary strategies observed with respect to the attachment behavioural system). Gaining a reliable and valid measure of hyperactivation and deactivation of the power system can be important for understanding an individual's responses to different social contexts and, in clinical settings, can help the therapist identify the client's difficulties that may undermine the therapeutic process. In the present study, we developed the Italian version of the Power Behavioural System Scale (PBSS), a self-report measure developed by Shaver et al. (2011) to assess individual differences in hyperactivation and deactivation of the power system. Results indicated an adequate fit to the expected two-factor model, and the measure proved to be reliable and had good convergent and structural validity, allowing the quantification of individual differences in power system hyperactivation and deactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Salzano
- Studies of Integrated Neuropsychological Therapy, Salerno, Italy; Cognitive-Behavioral School of Psychotherapy 'Serapide SPEE', Naples.
| | - Isa Zappullo
- Studies of Integrated Neuropsychological Therapy, Salerno, Italy; Cognitive-Behavioral School of Psychotherapy 'Serapide SPEE', Naples, Italy; Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta.
| | | | | | - Carmela Finelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta.
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Gnisci A, Mottola F, Perugini M, Senese VP, Sergi I. Development and validation of an instrument to measure personality in adolescence: The HEXACO Medium School Inventory Extended (MSI-E). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280563. [PMID: 36662893 PMCID: PMC9858823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280563] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we aimed at developing and validating a novel instrument to evaluate personality in 10-14 years old adolescents with six basic traits, with two dedicated studies. In Study 1, we generated a large pool of items (384 items) from three basic items sources, which we administered to 714 Italian adolescents. Using principal component analysis (PCA) and extension factor analysis, we selected the best eight items for each facet, and so the best 32 items for each factor, except for the Unconventionality facet of Openness to Experience (O) for which we selected the best six items. This resulted in a total of 190 items. The 190-item HEXACO-MSI had very good levels of dimensional validity and reliability, but it fell short in containing 8 items for each facet (i.e., for Unconventionality) and in balancing normal and reversed items within each facet. Therefore, in a second study we added items to the scale and verified again the dimensionality and reliability with the goal of developing a final version of the scale. In Study 2, we administered a version of the HEXACO-MSI consisting of 219 items to 1175 Italian adolescents. Using principal component analysis (PCA), we selected the best eight items for each facet equally balanced between normal and reversed items within each facet and factor. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the six-factor structure and its invariance. The results showed that the HEXACO-MSI-E had a clear six-factor structure in adolescents, that was invariant across gender and across the three middle school classes, and was reliable. Finally, we established temporal stability of each factor in two measurements after one year. Together with the positive results of this contribution, we discussed some aspects for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Gnisci
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesca Mottola
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Marco Perugini
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Ida Sergi
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
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Russo C, Senese VP. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy is a useful tool for multi-perspective psychobiological study of neurophysiological correlates of parenting behaviour. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 57:258-284. [PMID: 36485015 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15890] [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: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The quality of the relationship between caregiver and child has long-term effects on the cognitive and socio-emotional development of children. A process involved in human parenting is the bio-behavioural synchrony that occurs between the partners in the relationship during interaction. Through interaction, bio-behavioural synchronicity allows the adaptation of the physiological systems of the parent to those of the child and promotes the positive development and modelling of the child's social brain. The role of bio-behavioural synchrony in building social bonds could be investigated using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). In this paper we have (a) highlighted the importance of the quality of the caregiver-child relationship for the child's cognitive and socio-emotional development, as well as the relevance of infantile stimuli in the activation of parenting behaviour; (b) discussed the tools used in the study of the neurophysiological substrates of the parental response; (c) proposed fNIRS as a particularly suitable tool for the study of parental responses; and (d) underlined the need for a multi-systemic psychobiological approach to understand the mechanisms that regulate caregiver-child interactions and their bio-behavioural synchrony. We propose to adopt a multi-system psychobiological approach to the study of parental behaviour and social interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Russo
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
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Pisano S, Sesso G, Senese VP, Catone G, Milone A, Masi G. The assessment of cyclothymic-hypersensitive temperament in youth with mood disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. J Affect Disord 2022; 298:322-328. [PMID: 34763030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.11.013] [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: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclothymic-hypersensitive temperament (CHT) has been related to both depression and bipolarity, as well as to suicidality. Recently, a psychometrically sound way of assessment has been validated in youth (Cyclothymic-Hypersensitive Temperament Questionnaire, CHTQ), but data on clinical populations are still scant. Aim of our study is to further explore the structure and other psychometric properties of the revised version of CHTQ and its clinical implications in clinical samples. METHODS The study is based on a dataset of patients with unipolar depression, bipolar disorder and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (243 patients, 135 males, mean age 14.22 ± 2.16 years, age range 9-18 years), compared to a community sample of adolescents (398 subjects, 95 boys, mean age 15.47 ± 1.96 years, age range 10-18 years) RESULTS: The two-correlated factor structure of CHT has been confirmed, with a moodiness/hypersensitiveness factor, correlated with internalizing symptoms, and an impulsiveness/emotional dysregulation factor, correlated with externalizing symptoms. All CHTQ scores correlate with global functioning. CHTQ total scores discriminate patients from healthy controls. Only CHTQ impulsiveness/emotional dysregulation subscale score is higher in bipolar patients, compared to unipolar depression and ADHD, whereas neither CHTQ moodiness/hypersensitiveness subscale score nor CHTQ total score discriminate between clinical groups. LIMITATION Data on current mood states are unavailable. Patients were recruited in a third level clinic. The unipolar depression group is relatively small. CONCLUSION CHT may be a rapid and reliable screening and diagnostic tool in the clinical practice with youth, exploring the cyclothymic dimension in different psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Pansini 5, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Sesso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Gennaro Catone
- Department of Educational, Psychological and Communication Sciences, Suor Orsola Benincasa University, Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Milone
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Masi
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
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Muratori P, Paciello M, Castro E, Levantini V, Masi G, Milone A, Senese VP, Pisano S, Catone G. At-risk early adolescents profiles in the community: A cluster analysis using the strengths and difficulties questionnaire. Psychiatry Res 2021; 305:114209. [PMID: 34543850 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Early adolescence, with its several changes and demands, represents a delicate period of life. Several studies highlighted that during early adolescence, emotional and behavioral problems tend to increase. Using a person-centered approach, the present study explored the emotional and behavioral functioning profiles in a sample of Italian preadolescent students. Participants were 2959 youths (1533 males and 1426 females; age 10-14 years); they completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Inventory of Callous Unemotional traits (ICU). Findings revealed four different profiles: "no psychopathology" (41.5%), "low psychopathology with sub-threshold hyperactivity" (33%), "predominantly internalizing" (19%), and "predominantly externalizing" (6.5%). The two latter clusters are characterized by high levels of SDQ Total Score. The "predominantly internalizing" is distinguished by a higher prevalence of females, and the "predominantly externalizing" by a higher prevalence of males and higher CU traits. A person-oriented approach allowed for identifying subgroups of early adolescents who may significantly vary in their configuration of internalizing and externalizing problems. Such subgroups may reflect youths for whom the creation of prevention and intervention programs could be more tailored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Muratori
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Emanuela Castro
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Levantini
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Masi
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annarita Milone
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Simone Pisano
- Department of Neuroscience, Santobono-Pausilipon Hospital, Naples, Italy; Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Catone
- Department of Educational, Psychological and Communication Sciences, Suor Orsola Benincasa University, Italy
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Catone G, Almerico L, Pezzella A, Riccio MP, Bravaccio C, Bernardo P, Muratori P, Pascotto A, Pisano S, Senese VP. The Relation of Callous-Unemotional Traits and Bullying in Early Adolescence Is Independent from Sex and Age and Moderated by Conduct Problems. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11081059. [PMID: 34439678 PMCID: PMC8394261 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In youths, callous–unemotional (CU) traits and conduct problems (CP) are independently associated with bullying perpetration and these effects are also observed when controlling for sex. Moreover, research indicates that the co-existence of high levels of both CU and CP further increase the risk. Although several studies have examined the relationship between CU traits and traditional bullying, few have also included a measure of cyberbullying and very few of them have focused the early adolescence. The aim of this study was to replicate and extend these findings in a large sample of Italian early adolescents considering both traditional and cyberbullying behaviors. Data were extracted from the Bullying and Youth Mental Health Naples study (BYMHNS) which included 2959 students of 10–15 years of age. CP, CU traits, traditional bullying behaviors, and cyberbullying behaviors were assessed by multi-item self-report scales. As expected, we replicated the significant and specific association between CU traits and traditional bullying, extending the findings to cyberbullying. In addition, in the latter case the effect was moderated by CP. The theoretical and clinical implications of these results were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Catone
- Department of Educational, Psychological and Communication Sciences, Suor Orsola Benincasa University, 80120 Naples, Italy;
| | - Luisa Almerico
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80120 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (A.P.); (V.P.S.)
| | - Anna Pezzella
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80120 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (A.P.); (V.P.S.)
| | - Maria Pia Riccio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, 80120 Naples, Italy; (M.P.R.); (C.B.)
| | - Carmela Bravaccio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, 80120 Naples, Italy; (M.P.R.); (C.B.)
| | - Pia Bernardo
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Santobono-Pausilipon Children Hospital, 80120 Naples, Italy;
| | | | - Antonio Pascotto
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80120 Naples, Italy;
| | - Simone Pisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, 80120 Naples, Italy; (M.P.R.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-817463398-801
| | - Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80120 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (A.P.); (V.P.S.)
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Senese VP, Nasti C, Mottola F, Sergi I, Massaro R, Gnisci A. The Relationship Between Loneliness and Psychological Adjustment: Validation of the Italian Version of the Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Loneliness Scale. Front Psychol 2021; 12:655410. [PMID: 34149540 PMCID: PMC8210846 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.655410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent literature, many researchers have highlighted that the feeling of loneliness can be considered a sign of relevant distress with short- and long-term consequences on the health of people who needs to be appropriately monitored and treated. In this view, the Interpersonal Acceptance–Rejection Loneliness Scale (IPARLS) has been developed to evaluate the subjective feelings and distress related to interpersonal loneliness and to overcome the limits of the previous scales; however, its psychometric characteristics have not yet been fully investigated. Starting from these considerations, two studies have been conducted. The first study, involving 688 adults (19–69 years; 51% females), assessed dimensionality, reliability, and validity of and tested the measurement invariance (MI) of the Italian version of the IPARLS. The second study, involving 205 adults (20–69 years; 51% females), investigated the relationship between loneliness and psychological adjustment. Results confirmed the unidimensionality of the scale and showed that it is reliable, valid, and fully invariant as a function of age and gender. Moreover, data showed a strong association between perceived loneliness and psychological adjustment. The IPARLS is confirmed to be a valid and reliable measure to investigate loneliness in the life cycle from clinical and research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carla Nasti
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesca Mottola
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Ida Sergi
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Rita Massaro
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Augusto Gnisci
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
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Pisano S, Catone G, Gritti A, Almerico L, Pezzella A, Santangelo P, Bravaccio C, Iuliano R, Senese VP. Emotional symptoms and their related factors in adolescents during the acute phase of Covid-19 outbreak in South Italy. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:86. [PMID: 33827644 PMCID: PMC8026329 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01036-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have shown that during COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, emotional symptoms increased in the general population. Less is known about youths. METHODS We surveyed a sample of Italian adolescents during the strictest quarantine period and assessed the effects of socio-demographic and psychological factors on current emotional symptoms. A convenient sample of 326 adolescents (age range 14-19 years) participated in a web-based survey. We collected data on several socio-demographic and psychological variables (summarized into three indexes: environmental context, changes in lifestyle, and worries about infection) and psychopathological symptoms (previous psychopathological status, current anxiety and depressive symptoms). RESULTS Descriptive analysis showed that adolescents have experienced quarantine under very different conditions; they reported 47.5 and 14.1% of anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. Regression analyses indicated that previous psychopathological status and worries about infection are linked to anxiety and that female gender, previous psychopathological status (moderated by change in lifestyle), worse environmental context are linked to depression. CONCLUSION This study indicates that, facing the COVID-19 pandemic and its related safety measures, adolescents show relevant emotional symptoms and therefore should be monitored, assessed and supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pisano
- Department of Neuroscience, Santobono-Pausilipon Children Hospital, via Mario Fiore 6, 80129, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Gennaro Catone
- Department of Educational, Psychological and Communication Sciences, Suor Orsola Benincasa University, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Gritti
- Department of Educational, Psychological and Communication Sciences, Suor Orsola Benincasa University, Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Almerico
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Pezzella
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Pia Santangelo
- Department of Neuroscience, Santobono-Pausilipon Children Hospital, via Mario Fiore 6, 80129, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Bravaccio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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Zappullo I, Conson M, Zoccolotti P, Trojano L, Senese VP. "Building blocks and drawing figures is not the same": Neuropsychological bases of block design and Rey figure drawing in typically developing children. Child Neuropsychol 2020; 27:371-389. [PMID: 33334206 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2020.1862075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Several studies investigated the neuropsychological bases of spatial construction in developmental samples. However, no study directly tested whether the pattern of the neuropsychological processes implied in spatial construction changed depending on whether a block building or a figure drawing task is considered. Here, we used the path analysis to test the direct and indirect effects of verbal abilities (naming and verbal knowledge), executive functions, figure disembedding and mental rotation on two classical spatial construction tasks: the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) and the Block Design (BD). We recruited a sample of 186 typically developing children (age range: 7-12 years). Results showed that ROCF copying was directly influenced by age and figure disembedding, and it was indirectly affected by executive functions, naming and verbal knowledge, whereas BD was influenced in a direct way by verbal knowledge, figure disembedding and mental rotation and indirectly affected by executive functions and naming skills. Moreover, the results showed a full measurement invariance of the path model between sexes, whereas only partial invariance was found for age. Thus, we tested the model in two age groups (age ranges: 7-9.5 and 9.6-12 years) and found that the relationships between the variables of the model changed across development. Although other variables might be relevant to spatial construction, the present findings demonstrate different neuropsychological bases of drawing figures and building blocks in typically developing children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isa Zappullo
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Conson
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Zoccolotti
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Institute for Cognitive Sciences and Technologies (ISTC - CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Trojano
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
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Rohner RP, Putnick DL, Molaver AD, Ali S, Butt MM, Ibrahim DM, Aurino C, Blom MJM, Darwesh FH, Auricchio S, Radha AH, Miranda MC, Adamsons K, Senese VP. Psychological maladjustment mediates the link between remembrances of parental rejection in childhood and loneliness in adulthood: A cross-cultural comparative study. Int J Psychol 2020; 55:590-600. [PMID: 31565809 PMCID: PMC7103494 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12621] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Drawing stimulus from interpersonal acceptance-rejection theory, this multicultural study examined relations between men's versus women's remembrances of maternal and paternal acceptance-rejection in childhood and their current level of loneliness, as mediated by adults' self-reported psychological maladjustment. Adults (N = 899) from five nations (Iraq, Italy, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United States) responded to the Adult version of the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire-short form for mothers and fathers, the Adult version of the Personality Assessment Questionnaire-short form, and the Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Loneliness Scale. Adults' remembrances of maternal and paternal rejection in childhood significantly and independently predicted feelings of loneliness but remembered paternal rejection was more strongly related to these feelings than were remembrances of maternal rejection. Psychological maladjustment fully mediated the effect of remembered maternal rejection but only partially mediated the effect of remembered paternal rejection on loneliness. There were no significant differences in these results across the five countries or genders. Overall, the results suggest that adults' remembrances of parental rejection in childhood-along with the theoretically expected development of psychological maladjustment-are likely to be associated panculturally with the experience of loneliness in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diane L. Putnick
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD
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14
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Pisano S, Senese VP, Bravaccio C, Santangelo P, Milone A, Masi G, Catone G. Cyclothymic-hypersensitive temperament in youths: Refining the structure, the way of assessment and the clinical significance in the youth population. J Affect Disord 2020; 271:272-278. [PMID: 32479326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.155] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although a better understanding of the prodromes of affective disorders in youth has important clinical and research implications, empirical data are still unconclusive. Cyclothymic-hypersensitive temperament (CHT) has been linked to both depression and bipolarity, as well as to suicidality. Its conceptualization is still debated, as well as a comprehensive, psychometrically sound way of assessment. METHODS factor structure, reliability, measurement invariance, convergent and divergent validity of the previously published CHT questionnaire (a youth version derived from Temperament Evaluation in Memphis Pisa and San Diego (TEMPS) was assessed in a school-based sample of 2959 students aged from 10 to 14 years (mean age = 11.8 ± 0.97 years). Furthermore, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated for a new cut-off score related to the presence of general psychopathology symptoms. RESULTS CHT is better conceptualized in a two-correlated factors model, a moodiness/hypersensitiveness factor, more associated with internalizing symptoms, and an impulsiveness/emotional dysregulation factor, more associated with externalizing symptoms. The revised 22-items version of the CHT questionnaire with a cut-off score of 15 for females and 17 for males results accurate, sensitive and specific enough for the recognition of cyclothymic adolescents with clinical symptoms. LIMITATION the cross sectional design and the self-report nature of the measures limit the findings. DISCUSSION Cyclothymic-hypersensitive temperament is a relevant concept in the realm of affective disorder and can be reliably assessed in youths. It may describe youths with the coexistence of both internalizing and externalizing symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose with a DSM perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pisano
- Department of Neuroscience, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy; Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
| | | | - Carmela Bravaccio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Pia Santangelo
- Department of Neuroscience, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Milone
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Masi
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gennaro Catone
- Department of Educational, Psychological and Communication Sciences, Suor Orsola Benincasa, Naples, Italy
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15
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Lasala A, Paparo F, Senese VP, Perrella R. An Exploratory Study of Adult Baby-Diaper Lovers' Characteristics in an Italian Online Sample. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17041371. [PMID: 32093315 PMCID: PMC7068517 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041371] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of the Adult Baby-Diaper Lovers (ABDL) phenomena is quite recent and there are, of yet, few studies on this phenomenon. AIM This study was conceived to investigate the functions of ABDL behaviours and the characteristics of ABDL in an online Italian community sample. We hypothesized that ABDL phenomena were associated with general psychological maladjustment and with an experience of parental rejection during childhood. It was also assumed that there would be differences in ABDL profiles based on the age of appearance of their first Adult Baby-Diaper Lover (ABDL) fantasies. METHOD An internet-based study was conducted and it involved 38 adults aged between 18 and 74 years (M = 34.95; SD = 12.25). Participants were first given an ad hoc questionnaire, which was devised to obtain information about the anamnestic variables related to ABDL. Then, the participants filled out the Cognitive Behaviour Assessment 2.0 battery to obtain anamnestic information regarding their psychological, medical, and personal history and to evaluate primary psychological dimensions in clinical practice. Finally, they filled out the Adult Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire, to evaluate their recollections of parental perceived rejection, and the Personality Assessment Questionnaire, to evaluate the primary psychological aspects related to parental rejection. RESULTS The data indicated that adults with ABDL showed the presence of anxious traits and recollections of parental rejection during childhood. Moreover, associations were observed between current or previous ABDL phenomena enuresis and negative mood states. CONCLUSION Specific kinds of parental modes, anxiety traits, and enuresis seem to be the source of ABDL interests. Moreover, ADBL behaviours seem to assume different functions and meanings.
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16
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Conson M, Senese VP, Baiano C, Zappullo I, Warrier V, Salzano S, Positano M, Baron-Cohen S. The effects of autistic traits and academic degree on visuospatial abilities. Cogn Process 2019; 21:127-140. [PMID: 31758361 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-019-00941-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we were interested to investigate how autistic traits (including systemizing and empathy) and academic degree influence individuals' visuospatial abilities. To this end, 352 university students completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), the Empathy Quotient, the Systemizing Quotient (SQ) and visuospatial tests measuring figure disembedding and mental rotation of two-dimensional figures. Engineering-design students (architecture and engineering) were the most accurate in disembedding and mentally rotating figures, followed by students of physical sciences (computer science, chemistry, physics, etc.) and fact-based humanities (languages, classics, law); biological (psychology and neuroscience, etc.) and systems-based social scientists (economics and commerce) were the least accurate. Engineering-design students also showed higher SQ scores with respect to the other four academic degree subjects, with students of biological sciences showing lower SQ scores. Importantly, results from a path analysis revealed that SQ (but not AQ) exerted an indirect effect on figure disembedding and mental rotations through the influence of the academic degree. Thus, the present findings reveal shady differences in systemizing degree and visuospatial performance within systemizing-based degree subjects. Implications for education are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Conson
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Chiara Baiano
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Isa Zappullo
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Varun Warrier
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Sara Salzano
- Cognitive-Behavioral School of Psychotherapy "Serapide SPEE", Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Positano
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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17
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Senese VP, Zappullo I, Baiano C, Zoccolotti P, Monaco M, Conson M. Identifying neuropsychological predictors of drawing skills in elementary school children. Child Neuropsychol 2019; 26:345-361. [PMID: 31390949 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2019.1651834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Much evidence indicates that drawing is related to different neuropsychological abilities in children. However, a comprehensive cognitive model of drawing in children is still lacking. Here, we conducted a study on the neuropsychological predictors of drawing in a sample of 142 typically developing elementary school children (M age = 8.8 years; SD = 1.1). Based on a path analysis, we examined the contribution of visual perception (matching geometrical figures), complex spatial abilities (e.g., complex figures identification and mental rotation), visual attention, working memory, verbal and visual-motor skills, as well as of gender, age and socio-economic status, to copying the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF). Results showed that ROCF copying was influenced in a specific and additive way by visual perception, visual-motor coordination, and verbal abilities as well as age, while it was indirectly related to visual attention, working memory, and to complex spatial abilities. These findings provide the grounds for identifying the neuropsychological bases of drawing in elementary school children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Isa Zappullo
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Chiara Baiano
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Zoccolotti
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Neuropsychological Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Monaco
- Cognitive-Behavioral School of Psychotherapy "Serapide SPEE", Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Conson
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
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18
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Marcone R, Caputo A, Esposito S, Senese VP. Prejudices towards people with intellectual disabilities: reliability and validity of the Italian Modern and Classical Prejudices Scale. J Intellect Disabil Res 2019; 63:911-916. [PMID: 30628119 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prejudices and negative attitudes towards intellectual disabilities (IDs) may hinder social inclusion of ID individuals, limiting their well-being. This study investigated the psychometric characteristics of the Italian Modern and Classical Prejudices Scale (MCPS-IT) towards people with ID and the effects of gender, age and socio-economic status (SES) on prejudices. METHOD The MCPS-IT was administered to 474 adults (69% women, age range 18-70 years, M = 33.13) in conjunction with a questionnaire evaluating socio-demographic information (SES), the contact and the education about ID people and the social dominance orientation. RESULTS Results confirmed that Italian MCPS has a two-factor structure that measures in a reliable and valid way prejudice towards people with ID. Multivariate analyses of variance confirmed a weak gender difference in both scales and age differences in modern scale. No SES differences were found. CONCLUSION The Italian MCPS represents a valid scale that can be used to monitor the social context of people with ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Marcone
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Caserta, Italy
| | - A Caputo
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Caserta, Italy
| | - S Esposito
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Caserta, Italy
| | - V P Senese
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Caserta, Italy
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Conson M, Siciliano M, Baiano C, Zappullo I, Senese VP, Santangelo G. Normative data of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure for Italian-speaking elementary school children. Neurol Sci 2019; 40:2045-2050. [PMID: 31111271 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-019-03929-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF) is a widely used neuropsychological test for the evaluation of drawing disorders in different clinical populations, and, in particular, in persons with neurodevelopmental disorders. The aim of the present study is to provide normative data for ROCF copying (ROCF-Direct copy) and drawing from memory (ROCF-Immediate recall) in Italian-speaking children. The sample consisted of 348 children (147 males and 199 females), aged 7-11 years, recruited from elementary schools in Southern Italy. Normative data were gathered from 312 participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria, and estimated centiles were obtained according to the LMS method providing normalized growth centile standards. Results showed a significant effect of age on performance in both tasks, with a steady increase of drawing accuracy, whereas participants' gender and mean level of parental education did not exert any significant effect. Thus, normative data were stratified by age, and percentile scores were provided allowing a practical use of the ROCF for the clinical evaluation of drawing abilities in both typical and atypical children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Conson
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy.
| | - Mattia Siciliano
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurologic, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Baiano
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Isa Zappullo
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Gabriella Santangelo
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy
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Catone G, Signoriello S, Pisano S, Siciliano M, Russo K, Marotta R, Carotenuto M, Broome MR, Gritti A, Senese VP, Pascotto A. Epidemiological pattern of bullying using a multi-assessment approach: Results from the Bullying and Youth Mental Health Naples Study (BYMHNS). Child Abuse Negl 2019; 89:18-28. [PMID: 30612071 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bullying is a widespread phenomenon that has captured attention from mental health researchers. Several studies have assessed bullying prevalence with some methodological concerns. OBJECTIVES Preliminary, we analyzed the psychometric properties of two bullying scales for victimization (the multidimensional peer victimization scale - MPVS) and for perpetration (the bully subscale of the Illinois bully scale - IBS-B); then, we estimated bullying prevalence; finally, we evaluated the effect of gender and classroom on the phenomenon. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 2959 students from the metropolitan city of Naples constituted the sample. METHODS Data collection was obtained using a multi-assessment approach that included both single-item questions and intensity scales in order to compare the two methods. RESULTS The two scales resulted valid and showed good reliability. The MPVS displayed a 1-factor second order model. The IBS-B had a mono-factorial structure. Both showed full invariance for gender and classroom. Prevalence of victimization was 37% whereas that for perpetration was 21%. As expected we obtained several bullying prevalence results depending on the specificity of questions and in particular repetitiveness of episodes. There was a good correspondence between results of single-item questions and multi-item scales. Finally results demonstrated several differences for gender and classroom attended. CONCLUSION In this epidemiological study the multi-assessment approach identified different but complementary features of bullying phenomena. The use of the two measurement approaches allowed us to obtain more precise and exhaustive information on bullying prevalence and compare it with previous findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Catone
- Faculty of Educational Science, Suor Orsola Benicasa University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Simona Signoriello
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Pisano
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Siciliano
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Katia Russo
- Faculty of Educational Science, Suor Orsola Benicasa University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marco Carotenuto
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Matthew R Broome
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Antonella Gritti
- Faculty of Educational Science, Suor Orsola Benicasa University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Pascotto
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
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Senese VP, Azhari A, Shinohara K, Doi H, Venuti P, Bornstein MH, Esposito G. Implicit associations to infant cry: Genetics and early care experiences influence caregiving propensities. Horm Behav 2019; 108:1-9. [PMID: 30592969 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adults' sensitive appraisal of and response to infant cry play a foundational role in child development. Employing a gene × environment (G × E) approach, this study investigated the interaction of genetic polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and oxytocin receptor genes (OXTR; rs53576, rs2254298) with early parental care experiences in influencing adults' implicit associations to infant cry. Eighty nulliparous adults (40 females, 40 males) responded to the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ), a measure of early care experiences, and participated in a Single Category Implicit Association Task (SC-IAT) to measure implicit associations to infant cry. Independent of parental experience, the valence of the implicit response to infant cry is associated with the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR), with LL-carriers showing more positive implicit associations than S-carriers. OXTR rs53576 moderated the relation between parental rejection and implicit appraisal of infant cry: A-carriers who experienced negative early care showed an implicit positive appraisal of infant cry, whereas in GG carriers, positive early care experiences were associated with an implicit positive reaction to infant cry. OXTR rs2254298 had no relation to implicit associations to infant cry or to early care experiences. These findings cast light on the possible interplay of genetic inheritance and early environment in influencing adults' responses to infant cry that may be incorporated into screening protocols aimed at identifying at-risk adult-infant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
| | - Atiqah Azhari
- Social & Affiliative Neuroscience Lab, Division of Psychology - School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Kazuyuki Shinohara
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior Unit of Basic Medical Sciences Course of Medical and Dental Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Doi
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior Unit of Basic Medical Sciences Course of Medical and Dental Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Paola Venuti
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Marc H Bornstein
- Child and Family Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, United States
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Social & Affiliative Neuroscience Lab, Division of Psychology - School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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Paolo Senese V, De Nicola A, Passaro A, Ruggiero G. The Factorial Structure of a 15-Item Version of the Italian Empathy Quotient Scale. European Journal of Psychological Assessment 2018. [DOI: 10.1027/1015-5759/a000348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. The Empathy Quotient (EQ) scale is a self-report measure designed to assess empathy in adults. Although the scale is widely used and has been validated into different languages, its dimensionality is still controversial, as well as it is not clear which scale version should be considered. The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the EQ scale. The Italian version of the EQ scale was administered to a sample of 633 adults. Results showed that the 15-item EQ scale version proposed by Muncer and Ling (2006) had excellent reliability and validity indices, with a gender invariant three-factor structure (Cognitive Empathy, Emotional Reactivity, and Social Skills) and a higher order factor of general empathy. The overall results confirmed that the 15-item EQ scale is an eligible and stable tool for the assessment of empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | - Annunziata De Nicola
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Passaro
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ruggiero
- Laboratory of Cognitive Science & Immersive Virtual Reality, Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Italy
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Senese VP, Shinohara K, Esposito G, Doi H, Venuti P, Bornstein MH. Implicit association to infant faces: Genetics, early care experiences, and cultural factors influence caregiving propensities. Behav Brain Res 2016; 325:163-172. [PMID: 27650102 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Genetics, early experience, and culture shape caregiving, but it is still not clear how genetics, early experiences, and cultural factors might interact to influence specific caregiving propensities, such as adult responsiveness to infant cues. To address this gap, 80 Italian adults (50% M; 18-25 years) were (1) genotyped for two oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms (rs53576 and rs2254298) and the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR), which are implicated in parenting behaviour, (2) completed the Adult Parental Acceptance/Rejection Questionnaire to evaluate their recollections of parental behaviours toward them in childhood, and (3) were administered a Single Category Implicit Association Test to evaluate their implicit responses to faces of Italian infants, Japanese infants, and Italian adults. Analysis of implicit associations revealed that Italian infant faces were evaluated as most positive; participants in the rs53576 GG group had the most positive implicit associations to Italian infant faces; the serotonin polymorphism moderated the effect of early care experiences on adults' implicit association to both Italian infant and adult female faces. Finally, 5-HTTLPR S carriers showed less positive implicit responses to Japanese infant faces. We conclude that adult in-group preference extends to in-group infant faces and that implicit responses to social cues are influenced by interactions of genetics, early care experiences, and cultural factors. These findings have implications for understanding processes that regulate adult caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Caserta, Italy.
| | - Kazuyuki Shinohara
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior Unit of Basic Medical Sciences Course of Medical and Dental Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Trento, Italy; Social & Affiliative Neuroscience Lab, Division of Psychology - School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Hirokazu Doi
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior Unit of Basic Medical Sciences Course of Medical and Dental Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Paola Venuti
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Marc H Bornstein
- Child and Family Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, United States
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Senese VP, Venuti P, Giordano F, Napolitano M, Esposito G, Bornstein MH. Adults' implicit associations to infant positive and negative acoustic cues: Moderation by empathy and gender. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2016; 70:1935-1942. [PMID: 27437762 DOI: 10.1080/17470218.2016.1215480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study a novel auditory version of the Single Category Implicit Association Test (SC-IAT-A) was developed to investigate (a) the valence of adults' associations to infant cries and laughs, (b) moderation of implicit associations by gender and empathy, and (c) the robustness of implicit associations controlling for auditory sensitivity. Eighty adults (50% females) were administered two SC-IAT-As, the Empathy Quotient, and the Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale. Adults showed positive implicit associations to infant laugh and negative ones to infant cry; only the implicit associations with the infant laugh were negatively related to empathy scores, and no gender differences were observed. Finally, implicit associations to infant cry were affected by noise sensitivity. The SC-IAT-A is useful to evaluate the valence of implicit reactions to infant auditory cues and could provide fresh insights into understanding processes that regulate the quality of adult-infant relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- a Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology , Second University of Naples , Caserta , Italy
| | - Paola Venuti
- b Department of Cognitive Science and Education , University of Trento , Trento , Italy
| | - Francesca Giordano
- a Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology , Second University of Naples , Caserta , Italy
| | - Maria Napolitano
- a Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology , Second University of Naples , Caserta , Italy
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- c Affiliative and Social Behaviour Lab, Department of Cognitive Science and Education , University of Trento , Trento , Italy.,d Social & Affiliative Neuroscience Lab, Division of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences , Nanyang Technological University , Singapore
| | - Marc H Bornstein
- e Eunice Kennedy Shriver, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
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De Lucia N, Trojano L, Senese VP, Conson M. Mental simulation of drawing actions enhances delayed recall of a complex figure. Exp Brain Res 2016; 234:2935-43. [PMID: 27324085 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-016-4696-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Motor simulation implies that the same motor representations involved in action execution are re-enacted during observation or imagery of actions. Neurofunctional data suggested that observation of letters or abstract paintings can elicit simulation of writing or drawing gestures. We performed four behavioural experiments on right-handed healthy participants to test whether observation of a static and complex geometrical figure implies re-enactment of drawing actions. In Experiment 1, participants had to observe the stimulus without explicit instruction (observation-only condition), while performing irrelevant finger tapping (motor dual task), or while articulating irrelevant verbal material (verbal dual task). Delayed drawing of the stimulus was less accurate in the motor dual-task (interfering with simulation of hand actions) than in verbal dual-task and observation-only conditions. In Experiment 2, delayed drawing in the observation only was as accurate as when participants encoded the stimulus by copying it; in both conditions, accuracy was higher than when participants were instructed to observe the stimulus to recall it later verbally (observe to recall), thus being discouraged from engaging motor simulation. In Experiment 3, delayed drawing was as accurate in the observation-only condition as when participants imagined copying the stimulus; accuracy in both conditions was higher than in the observe-to-recall condition. In Experiment 4, in the observe-only condition participants who observed the stimulus with their right arm hidden behind their back were significantly less accurate than participants who had their left arm hidden. These findings converge in suggesting that mere observation of a geometrical stimulus can activate motor simulation and re-enactment of drawing actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascia De Lucia
- Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Luigi Trojano
- Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy
- Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, IRCCS Institute of Telese Terme (BN), Telese Terme, BN, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Conson
- Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy.
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Senese VP, De Lucia N, Conson M. Cognitive predictors of copying and drawing from memory of the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure in 7- to 10-year-old children. Clin Neuropsychol 2015; 29:118-32. [PMID: 25562707 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2014.995711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive models of drawing are mainly based on assessment of copying performance of adults, whereas only a few studies have verified these models in young children. Moreover, developmental investigations have only rarely performed a systematic examination of the contribution of perceptual and representational visuo-spatial processes to copying and drawing from memory. In this study we investigated the role of visual perception and mental representation in both copying and drawing from memory skills in a sample of 227 typically developing children (53% females) aged 7-10 years. Participants underwent a neuropsychological assessment and the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF). The fit and invariance of the predictive model considering visuo-spatial abilities, working memory, and executive functions were tested by means of hierarchical regressions and path analysis. Results showed that, in a gender invariant way, visual perception abilities and spatial mental representation had a direct effect on copying performance, whereas copying performance was the only specific predictor for drawing from memory. These effects were independent from age and socioeconomic status, and showed that cognitive models of drawing built up for adults could be considered for predicting copying and drawing from memory in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- a Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology , Second University of Naples , 81100 Caserta , Italy
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Senese VP, De Falco S, Bornstein MH, Caria A, Buffolino S, Venuti P. Human infant faces provoke implicit positive affective responses in parents and non-parents alike. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80379. [PMID: 24282537 PMCID: PMC3840010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human infants' complete dependence on adult caregiving suggests that mechanisms associated with adult responsiveness to infant cues might be deeply embedded in the brain. Behavioural and neuroimaging research has produced converging evidence for adults' positive disposition to infant cues, but these studies have not investigated directly the valence of adults' reactions, how they are moderated by biological and social factors, and if they relate to child caregiving. This study examines implicit affective responses of 90 adults toward faces of human and non-human (cats and dogs) infants and adults. Implicit reactions were assessed with Single Category Implicit Association Tests, and reports of childrearing behaviours were assessed by the Parental Style Questionnaire. The results showed that human infant faces represent highly biologically relevant stimuli that capture attention and are implicitly associated with positive emotions. This reaction holds independent of gender and parenthood status and is associated with ideal parenting behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Caserta, Italy
| | - Simona De Falco
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Marc H. Bornstein
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrea Caria
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology Eberhard Karls, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simona Buffolino
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Caserta, Italy
| | - Paola Venuti
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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Maffei L, Iachini T, Masullo M, Aletta F, Sorrentino F, Senese VP, Ruotolo F. The effects of vision-related aspects on noise perception of wind turbines in quiet areas. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2013; 10:1681-97. [PMID: 23624578 PMCID: PMC3709342 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10051681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Preserving the soundscape and geographic extension of quiet areas is a great challenge against the wide-spreading of environmental noise. The E.U. Environmental Noise Directive underlines the need to preserve quiet areas as a new aim for the management of noise in European countries. At the same time, due to their low population density, rural areas characterized by suitable wind are considered appropriate locations for installing wind farms. However, despite the fact that wind farms are represented as environmentally friendly projects, these plants are often viewed as visual and audible intruders, that spoil the landscape and generate noise. Even though the correlations are still unclear, it is obvious that visual impacts of wind farms could increase due to their size and coherence with respect to the rural/quiet environment. In this paper, by using the Immersive Virtual Reality technique, some visual and acoustical aspects of the impact of a wind farm on a sample of subjects were assessed and analyzed. The subjects were immersed in a virtual scenario that represented a situation of a typical rural outdoor scenario that they experienced at different distances from the wind turbines. The influence of the number and the colour of wind turbines on global, visual and auditory judgment were investigated. The main results showed that, regarding the number of wind turbines, the visual component has a weak effect on individual reactions, while the colour influences both visual and auditory individual reactions, although in a different way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Maffei
- Department of Architecture and Industrial Design “L.Vanvitelli”, Second University of Naples, Via San Lorenzo ad Septimum, Aversa 81031, Italy; E-Mails: (M.M.); (F.A.); (F.S.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +39-081-501-0840; Fax: +39-081-814-9266
| | - Tina Iachini
- Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Viale Ellittico 31, Caserta 81100, Italy; E-Mails: (T.I.); (V.P.S.); (F.R.)
| | - Massimiliano Masullo
- Department of Architecture and Industrial Design “L.Vanvitelli”, Second University of Naples, Via San Lorenzo ad Septimum, Aversa 81031, Italy; E-Mails: (M.M.); (F.A.); (F.S.)
| | - Francesco Aletta
- Department of Architecture and Industrial Design “L.Vanvitelli”, Second University of Naples, Via San Lorenzo ad Septimum, Aversa 81031, Italy; E-Mails: (M.M.); (F.A.); (F.S.)
| | - Francesco Sorrentino
- Department of Architecture and Industrial Design “L.Vanvitelli”, Second University of Naples, Via San Lorenzo ad Septimum, Aversa 81031, Italy; E-Mails: (M.M.); (F.A.); (F.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Viale Ellittico 31, Caserta 81100, Italy; E-Mails: (T.I.); (V.P.S.); (F.R.)
| | - Francesco Ruotolo
- Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Viale Ellittico 31, Caserta 81100, Italy; E-Mails: (T.I.); (V.P.S.); (F.R.)
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Abstract
The Weinstein’s Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS) is one of the most widely used questionnaires to measure noise sensitivity, the most important subjective factor moderating the impact of noise on perceived annoyance. The present study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the WNSS, tests the measurement invariance of this scale as a function of internal and external factors, and evaluates the effect of age, sex, and context on noise sensitivity. The scale was administered to a sample of 413 adults (40% females) living in quiet or noisy contexts. Dimensionality, reliability, invariance, validity, and equivalence were analyzed. Results confirmed that the WNSS is a reliable, valid, and invariant scale. Furthermore, noise sensitivity is affected by both subjective factors, such as age and sex, and external factors, such as living context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Ruotolo
- Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Caserta, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ruggiero
- Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Caserta, Italy
| | - Tina Iachini
- Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Caserta, Italy
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Iachini T, Maffei L, Ruotolo F, Senese VP, Ruggiero G, Masullo M, Alekseeva N. Multisensory Assessment of Acoustic Comfort Aboard Metros: a Virtual Reality Study. Appl Cognit Psychol 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.2856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Iachini
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Cognitive Science and Immersive Virtual Reality; Second University of Naples; via Vivaldi; 81100; Caserta; Italy
| | - Luigi Maffei
- Built Environment Control laboratory R.I.A.S.; Second University of Naples; via San Lorenzo; 81031; Aversa (CE); Italy
| | - Francesco Ruotolo
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Cognitive Science and Immersive Virtual Reality; Second University of Naples; via Vivaldi; 81100; Caserta; Italy
| | - Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Cognitive Science and Immersive Virtual Reality; Second University of Naples; via Vivaldi; 81100; Caserta; Italy
| | - Gennaro Ruggiero
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Cognitive Science and Immersive Virtual Reality; Second University of Naples; via Vivaldi; 81100; Caserta; Italy
| | - Massimiliano Masullo
- Built Environment Control laboratory R.I.A.S.; Second University of Naples; via San Lorenzo; 81031; Aversa (CE); Italy
| | - Natalia Alekseeva
- Built Environment Control laboratory R.I.A.S.; Second University of Naples; via San Lorenzo; 81031; Aversa (CE); Italy
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Maffei L, Masullo M, Alexeeva N, Palmieri U, Senese VP. The Speech Intelligibility Aboard Metros in Different Running Conditions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.3813/aaa.918539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Senese VP, Bornstein MH, Haynes OM, Rossi G, Venuti P. A cross-cultural comparison of mothers' beliefs about their parenting very young children. Infant Behav Dev 2012; 35:479-88. [PMID: 22721746 PMCID: PMC3412566 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2012.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Revised: 02/18/2012] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Parental beliefs are relevant to child development because they shape parenting behaviors and help to determine and regulate child cognitive and socioemotional growth. Here we investigated cross-cultural variation in Italian and U.S. mothers' parental beliefs about their social and didactic interactions with their young children. To compare parental beliefs, the Parental Style Questionnaire (PSQ) was administered to samples of 273 Italian mothers and 279 U.S. mothers of 20-month-olds (55% male). To conduct substantive cross-cultural comparisons of beliefs, the measurement invariance of the PSQ was first established by hierarchical multi-group confirmatory factor analyses. The PSQ was essentially invariant across cultures. Italian mothers reported that they engaged in both social and didactic behaviors with their young children less frequently than U.S. mothers. Results of our study confirm that mothers in different cultures differentially value parental stimulation and its relevance for early child development.
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Senese VP, Sergi I, Iachini T. Comparison of activation level between true and false items in the DRM paradigm. Cogn Process 2009; 11:213-7. [PMID: 19609786 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-009-0271-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2008] [Accepted: 07/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi, 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy.
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Abstract
In the literature it is commonly reported that several spatial abilities decline with normal aging, even though such a decline is not uniform. So far, it is not yet clear which spatial components present a normal age-related decline, which ones are preserved and at what point the deficit is so severe to represent an index of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or a symptom of potential degenerative progression as in the early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular, AD (from early onset) is characterised by impairments in constructive abilities, visuospatial intelligence, spatial short-term memory deficits, and disorders of spatial orientation (topographical disorientation). MCI indicates a condition, generally affecting older individuals, characterized by cognitive deficits including memory and/or non memory impairments and at high risk of progression to dementia. Three MCI subgroups have been distinguished and a very high risk of developing AD is associated to the amnestic MCI subtypes. Further, recent studies have suggested that the allocentric component of spatial memory might be taken as predictor of AD from MCI. Given the frequency of visuospatial deficits in early-stage AD, evaluation of visuospatial processes is a promising approach to find predictive markers of AD. Here we report a review of the literature exploring specific visuospatial components in normal aging, MCI, and AD. In this way we could shed some light on the role of these components in the progression from MCI to AD and pave the way for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Iachini
- Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Italy.
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Iachini T, Borghi AM, Senese VP. Categorization and sensorimotor interaction with objects. Brain Cogn 2007; 67:31-43. [PMID: 18082300 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2007.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2007] [Revised: 10/30/2007] [Accepted: 11/03/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Three experiments were aimed at verifying whether the modality of interaction with objects and the goals defined by the task influences the weight of the properties used for categorization. In Experiment 1 we used everyday objects (cups and glasses). In order to exclude that the results depended on pre-stored categorical knowledge and to assess the role of a purely perceptual property such as colour, novel objects were used respectively in Experiment 2 and Experiment 3. Participants experienced objects in different modalities of interaction: Vision, Vision+Action, Action, and Mirror (they observed an experimenter touching and lifting them), then they were submitted to a similarity evaluation task and to a more action-based sorting task. Objects varied in intrinsic properties which had a different degree of interactivity: Grip, Shape, Size and Colour. Overall Grip, the most interactive property, was relevant for categorization, together with Size in Experiment 1 and with Shape in Experiment 2 and Experiment 3. The relevance of Grip in the sorting task confirms that goal-relevant properties are more weighted. The absence of a modality effect is discussed in the framework of the theories arguing that the vision of objects and of conspecifics interacting with objects automatically activates motor information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Iachini
- Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi, 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
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Abstract
This study investigated the extent to which the type of task influences children's prospective memory performance. 80 subjects, aged 7 to 11 yr. participated in an experiment in which the type of task (time-based vs event-based) and the retention interval (5 min. vs 10 min.) varied. The prospective memory task was embedded in a principal task lasting about 15 min. and required subjects perform an action at a given time or in response to a specific cue. Analysis indicated that the delay was associated with prospective memory performance only on a time-based task in which the intention has to be performed after 10 min. but not age. Analysis indicated also that time monitoring was associated with shorter latency between the target time and the execution of the intention on the time-based task. Implications were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Nigro
- Dipartimento did Psicologia, Second University of Naples, Italia
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