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Blinka L, Faltýnková A, Rečka K. Alexithymia in gaming addiction and engagement. J Affect Disord 2024; 354:104-109. [PMID: 38479516 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.060] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that alexithymia plays a significant role in substance and behavioral addictions. However, only a handful of studies investigated this construct in relation to gaming addiction, and no study analyzed its differential effect on gaming engagement and addiction. METHODS A total of u adult gamers (Mage = 26.04, SD = 5.78, 94 % male) completed a questionnaire that included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (and its subscales of difficulty identifying feelings, difficulty describing feelings, and externally oriented thinking), the Addiction-Engagement Questionnaire, and additional questions about gender, age, and time spent gaming. Structural equation modeling was used as the main analytical strategy. RESULTS Difficulty identifying feelings (β = 0.28) and externally oriented thinking (β = 0.19) showed a significant positive effect on gaming addiction. Contrary to addiction, externally oriented thinking showed a significant negative effect (β = -0.21) on gaming engagement. No other alexithymia subscales were significant. The model with alexithymia explained 32.7 % of the variance in gaming addiction while only 10.4 % of gaming engagement. CONCLUSIONS Alexithymia is a strong predictor of gaming addiction. Gaming engagement seems to be a qualitatively different phenomenon that shows an opposite association with alexithymia than gaming addiction. However, both are related to increased time spent gaming. This suggests a need to distinguish between problematic vs. non-problematic excessive gaming as they have different associations with affect dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Blinka
- Psychology Research Institute, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Czech Republic.
| | - Anna Faltýnková
- Psychology Research Institute, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Rečka
- Psychology Research Institute, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Czech Republic
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Théorêt V, Hébert É, Hébert M. Investigating the role of alexithymia in the association between cumulative childhood maltreatment and teen dating violence victimization. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 173:192-199. [PMID: 38547741 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.030] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment is increasingly recognized as an important risk factor for teen dating violence (TDV) victimization. However, far too little research has studied the mechanisms that could explain this higher risk of revictimization. The present study investigated the role of alexithymia in the association between cumulative childhood maltreatment, TDV victimization occurrence and chronicity, and TDV-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. METHODS A total of 2780 adolescents, aged 13 to 19, completed measures of childhood maltreatment and alexithymia at Time 1 and TDV victimization and TDV-related PTSD symptoms at Time 2 (6 months later). Two mediational models were tested to examine the role of alexithymia as a risk factor for revictimization. One model assessed TDV occurrence as an outcome, while the other explored TDV chronicity and TDV-related PTSD symptoms as outcomes. RESULTS Findings suggest that cumulative childhood maltreatment is associated with an increased probability of TDV occurrence through alexithymia. Cumulative childhood maltreatment and alexithymia are also associated with TDV chronicity and TDV-related PTSD symptoms. Notably, cumulative childhood maltreatment is associated with higher levels of alexithymia among adolescent victims of TDV, which, in turn, predicts higher TDV chronicity and TDV-related PTSD symptoms. LIMITATIONS This study relied on abbreviated measures and did not include all forms of child maltreatment (e.g., emotional and physical neglect). CONCLUSIONS Promoting emotional awareness and identification among youth victims of child maltreatment could reduce the risk of TDV occurrence, TDV chronicity, and TDV-related PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Théorêt
- School of Criminology, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Élizabeth Hébert
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Martine Hébert
- Canada Research Chair in Interpersonal Traumas and Resilience, Canada; Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Alturki LE, Alofisan GM, Alsaif LK, Alharbi SA, Alturki NM, Aldahash SS, Almutairi RJ, Abd-Elhaleem ZA. Alexithymia and Quality of Life in Saudi Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Community-Based Study. Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e943594. [PMID: 38600677 PMCID: PMC11020573 DOI: 10.12659/msm.943594] [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: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocrine metabolic disorder polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is quite common among women. Women with PCOS show a compromised health-related quality of life (HRQoL), impaired emotional well-being, and alexithymia, a neuropsychological phenomenon conceptualized as difficulty in recognizing and expressing one's emotions. However, the relationship between alexithymia and HRQoL in women with PCOS is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of alexithymia on HRQoL in women with PCOS in Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional, community-based study enrolled 518 female patients with a diagnosis of PCOS from all age groups. The patients were surveyed via a self-administered questionnaire from December 2022 to January 2023. The survey encompassed sociodemographic data, the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and HRQoL 15-dimensional scale (15D). RESULTS This study included 320 participants (61.8%) with alexithymia. A significant association was found between alexithymia and low HRQoL 15D scores in patients with PCOS. Specifically, scores on the TAS-20 subscales related to difficulty in identifying feelings and describing feelings were positively correlated with HRQoL (P=0.000). However, externally oriented thinking subscale scores were not positively correlated with HRQoL (P=0.44). CONCLUSIONS The presence of alexithymia is associated with poor HRQoL in women with PCOS, which is more pronounced among those who received a diagnosis ≥4 years ago. Alexithymia must be considered when assessing the HRQoL of patients with PCOS, considering the relatively high prevalence of alexithymia in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen E. Alturki
- Medical Student, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gomanh M. Alofisan
- Medical Student, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Layan K. Alsaif
- Medical Student, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saja A. Alharbi
- Medical Student, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nora M. Alturki
- Medical Student, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shekhah S. Aldahash
- Medical Student, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Razan J. Almutairi
- Medical Student, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeinab A. Abd-Elhaleem
- Department of Basic Science, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
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Daghigh A. Beyond sleepless nights: Unraveling the complexity of alexithymia and suicide risk among university students. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3476. [PMID: 38622877 PMCID: PMC11019149 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3476] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a solid relationship between alexithymia and suicide risk. Nonetheless, the specific impact of alexithymia's distinct subscales on suicide risk has received the attention it deserves. This article presents a comprehensive exploration of suicide risk among university students, focusing on the interconnections among alexithymia, insomnia, and suicidal behavior. Three components of alexithymia including difficulties in describing emotions or feelings (DDF), difficulties in identifying emotions or feelings (DIF), and the externally oriented thinking were considered. METHODS The study involved 208 participants from a Persian university sample, examining the significance of incorporating both alexithymia and insomnia in suicide risk assessment and intervention planning. Insomnia was positioned as a pivotal mediator. A secure electronic link in the Telegram application was employed to collect the data. Both linear and nonlinear prediction models were used to explore potential associations among alexithymia, insomnia, and suicide risk. RESULTS The study revealed substantial positive correlations between alexithymia and suicide risk, as well as between insomnia and suicide risk. Additionally, specific components of alexithymia exhibited noteworthy links to suicide risk. The inclusion of insomnia scores in suicide risk predictions is critical, as it greatly enhances the precision of risk assessments and facilitates the design of targeted and effective therapeutic interventions. The association between alexithymia and suicide risk showed a significant relationship (r = .29, p < .01). Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between alexithymia and insomnia (r = .32, p < .01). Additionally, insomnia exhibited a significant positive correlation with suicide (r = .35, p < .01). Interestingly, DDF and DIF showed positive correlations with suicide (r = .28, p < .01; r = .33, p < .01). CONCLUSION The findings carry profound implications for suicide prevention efforts, providing valuable insights to safeguard the well-being and resilience of university students facing suicide risk challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Daghigh
- Department of Brain, Mind, and EducationInstitute for Cognitive Science StudiesTehranIran
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Ke J, Wu J, Zhao W, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Tong Q, Guo Z, Wen Y, Li N, Yu F, Xie S, Zhu C, Wang K, Zhang L. Childhood maltreatment and engaging in NSSI for automatic-negative reinforcement: The mediating role of alexithymia and moderating role of help-seeking attitudes. J Affect Disord 2024; 350:295-303. [PMID: 38211755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.068] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence indicating that childhood maltreatment is linked to the occurrence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Nevertheless, the association between childhood maltreatment and the automatic-negative reinforcement aspect of NSSI remains understudied. Chapman's (2006) experiential avoidance model posits that the main factor in sustaining NSSI is negative reinforcement, specifically through the avoidance or escape from distressful emotional experiences. The current study examines a conceptual framework based on this theory and the available literature that explores the potential mediation role of alexithymia in the relation between childhood maltreatment and the automatic-negative reinforcement of NSSI. Additionally, this study investigates how this process may be influenced by individuals' attitudes toward seeking professional help. METHODS 3657 adolescents (1616 females) completed questionnaires regarding childhood maltreatment, alexithymia, help-seeking attitudes, the NSSI, and its functions. RESULTS The findings of the study exposed a positive link between childhood maltreatment and the automatic-negative reinforcement of NSSI, with the mediating role of alexithymia. Interestingly, it was unexpected to discover that individuals with high help-seeking attitudes experienced an intensification of the relationship between childhood maltreatment and both alexithymia and the automatic-negative reinforcement of NSSI. LIMITATION The study's cross-sectional design hindered the inference of causality. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that it is crucial to consider the impact of both alexithymia and help-seeking attitudes in adolescents who have experienced maltreatment. These findings hold implications for preventive interventions that target the reduction of NSSI behaviors driven by automatic-negative reinforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ke
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiayi Wu
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Weixiang Zhao
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuebing Wang
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qing Tong
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zixuan Guo
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Wen
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Nan Li
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Affective Computing & Advanced Intelligent Machine, Hefei, China
| | - Fengqiong Yu
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sisi Xie
- Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China
| | - Chunyan Zhu
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science of Anhui Province on Adolescent Mental Health and Crisis Intelligence Intervention, Hefei, China.
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Hamel C, Rodrigue C, Clermont C, Hébert M, Paquette L, Dion J. Alexithymia as a mediator of the associations between child maltreatment and internalizing and externalizing behaviors in adolescence. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6359. [PMID: 38493260 PMCID: PMC10944459 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56909-2] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Child maltreatment is a global concern that profoundly affects individuals throughout their lives. This study investigated the relationships between various forms of child maltreatment and behavior problems involving internalization and externalization during adolescence. Data obtained from a diverse sample of 1802 Canadians aged 14-18 years was used to examine the mediating role of alexithymia-a difficulty in recognizing and expressing emotions-in these associations. Results indicated that adolescents who experienced sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) in their childhood exhibited higher levels of alexithymia, which was correlated with elevated levels of both internalizing and externalizing problems. Physical abuse and parental neglect were only associated with externalizing problems. Gender differences also emerged, with gender-diverse adolescents reporting a higher prevalence of maltreatment, alexithymia, and behavior problems compared with their peers. However, alexithymia's mediating role was consistent across genders. Overall, this study highlights the intricate relationships between child maltreatment, alexithymia, and adolescent behavior problems. The findings of this study how different forms of child maltreatment significantly shape behavioral outcomes and indicate the importance of interventions in enhancing emotional awareness and expression in adolescents with a childhood history of maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Hamel
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H2V 2S9, Canada.
- Research Centre On Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), Université de Montréal, Montréal, H2V 2S9, Canada.
| | - Christopher Rodrigue
- Research Centre On Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), Université de Montréal, Montréal, H2V 2S9, Canada
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Camille Clermont
- Research Centre On Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), Université de Montréal, Montréal, H2V 2S9, Canada
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Martine Hébert
- Research Centre On Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), Université de Montréal, Montréal, H2V 2S9, Canada
- Département de Sexologie, Université du Québec À Montréal, Montréal, H2L 4Y2, Canada
| | - Linda Paquette
- Département Des Sciences de La Santé, Université du Québec À Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, G7H 2B1, Canada
| | - Jacinthe Dion
- Research Centre On Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), Université de Montréal, Montréal, H2V 2S9, Canada
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec À Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, G9A 5H7, Canada
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Li M, Yuan Y, Cheng X, Wang Y, Xu Z. Childhood maltreatment and insomnia in college students: The role of alexithymia and psychological distress. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 243:104149. [PMID: 38245937 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104149] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Insomnia, which is highly prevalent among college students, has been identified as one of the negative consequences of childhood maltreatment. While prior studies have uncovered distinct correlations between childhood maltreatment, insomnia, and other variables, the potential underlying mechanisms need to be further explored. This study focused on the chain-mediating role of alexithymia and psychological distress in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and insomnia. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Chinese college students, yielding 999 valid questionnaires that included demographic information, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). A chain-mediating model was then tested. The results revealed significant positive correlations between each pair of the four variables. Alexithymia and psychological distress separately mediated the link between childhood maltreatment and insomnia (effect of alexithymia was 0.06 with 95 % CI [0.03, 0.09]; effect of psychological distress was 0.24 with 95 % CI [0.19, 0.29]). Additionally, a chain-mediating effect of alexithymia and psychological distress was observed (chain-mediating effect was 0.12 with 95 % CI [0.09, 0.15]). The findings suggest that emotional interventions may mitigate the long-term effect of childhood maltreatment on sleep problems among college students, by improving the ability to recognize emotions and decreasing emotional problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Li
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education, Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; Tianjin Social Science Laboratory of Students' Mental Development and Learning, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Yidan Yuan
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Xinyue Cheng
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Yurou Wang
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Zhansheng Xu
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education, Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; Tianjin Social Science Laboratory of Students' Mental Development and Learning, Tianjin 300387, China.
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Morie KP, Lord KA, Diefenbach GJ, Basuchoudhary O, Lewis S, Assaf M. Subscales of alexithymia show unique pathways through reappraisal and suppression to anxiety, depression and stress. J Affect Disord 2024; 347:445-452. [PMID: 38007105 PMCID: PMC10842914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.11.038] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this work was to explore associations of constituent factors of alexithymia on mental health and potential mediating effects of emotion regulation strategies, specifically suppression and reappraisal. Data were collected through the crowd-sourcing platform Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTURK). Three hundred seventy-seven individuals completed questionnaires related to distress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales [DASS]), emotion regulation (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire [ERQ]) and Alexithymia (Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire [BVAQ]). Three mediation models were constructed for depression, anxiety and stress, with BVAQ subscales (verbalizing, identifying, emotionalizing, fantasizing, and analyzing) as predictors and ERQ subscales (suppression and reappraisal) as mediators. Results indicated 37.3 % variance in depression, 25.2 % variance in anxiety, and 35.3 % variance in stress was explained by each model. Direct associations revealed emotionalizing and fantasizing were negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress, while verbalizing was additionally associated with depression, identifying was additionally associated with anxiety, and all four BVAQ subscales were associated with stress. BVAQ subscales demonstrated negative associations with reappraisal and positive associations with suppression that mediated anxiety and depression. However, suppression did not mediate relationships between BVAQ subscales with stress. Findings support the importance of examining multiple factors of alexithymia and associations with emotion regulation strategies and distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen P Morie
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Kayla A Lord
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Anxiety Disorders Center, The Institute of Living, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Gretchen J Diefenbach
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Anxiety Disorders Center, The Institute of Living, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Oishani Basuchoudhary
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, The Institute of Living, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Stephanie Lewis
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, The Institute of Living, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Michal Assaf
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, The Institute of Living, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
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Palmer L, Font S, Herd T, Prindle J, Putnam-Hornstein E. Rates of Emotional Disturbance Among Children in Foster Care: Comparing Federal Child Welfare Data and Medicaid Records in Two States. Child Maltreat 2024; 29:8-13. [PMID: 35950631 PMCID: PMC10367964 DOI: 10.1177/10775595221118931] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to estimate the rate of emotional disturbance (ED) among children in foster care and assess the validity of the national foster care census data (AFCARS) measure of ED. This study used linked child protection and Medicaid records from 2014 and 2015, for the states of California and Wisconsin, as well as data from AFCARS, a federal population census of children in foster care which states are mandated to contribute to. ED is defined by AFCARS and includes an array of mental and behavioral health diagnoses. According to AFCARS, 13% of CA children in foster care and 15% of WI children in foster care had an ED, whereas Medicaid claims produce rates of 45% and 48%, respectively. Rates of ED among children in congregate care were underestimated by 43-46 percentage points, with substantial proportions having diagnoses of disruptive behavioral disorders. Despite the AFCARS ED measure being cited in congressional testimonies and its wide use in research, results from this study suggest that the AFCARS ED estimates are an unreliable metric for use in research, policy, or practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Palmer
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Children’s Data Network, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Font
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - Toria Herd
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - John Prindle
- Children’s Data Network, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily Putnam-Hornstein
- Children’s Data Network, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Di Carlo F, Vicinelli MC, Pettorruso M, De Risio L, Migliara G, Baccolini V, Trioni J, Grant JE, Dell'Osso B, Martinotti G. Connected minds in disconnected bodies: Exploring the role of interoceptive sensibility and alexithymia in problematic use of the internet. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 129:152446. [PMID: 38159504 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152446] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The ever-increasing prominence of the internet and digital technology in our society requires a deeper examination of how these developments alter perception of our bodies and emotions. One such consequence is the emergence of Problematic Use of the Internet (PUI) - an array of compulsive or addictive behaviors mediated by the web that detrimentally affect an individual's functioning. This suggests that some people may be shifting their consciousness from the physical realm to the digital world. The objective of this study was to investigate how shortcomings in interoception (the sensibility to bodily signals) and alexithymia (an inability to identify and express emotions) might contribute to PUI. METHODS The Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) were used to assess a sample of 1076 adolescents and young adults aged between 16 and 26 years via an online survey. Data analysis was based on t-test, correlations and multivariate regression. RESULTS 26.8% (n = 288) of participants met the criteria for moderate PUI. Individuals with PUI displayed higher levels of alexithymia (p < 0.001) and diminished abilities in certain aspects of interoceptive sensibility, including placing trust in their own bodily signals (p = 0.006), not responding excessively to uncomfortable sensations with worry (p < 0.001), and not denying them (p = 0.006). Multivariate modelling revealed associations between PUI and the following factors: having a boyfriend/girlfriend (aOR = 5.70), substance use (aOR = 1.78), difficulty in identifying feelings (aOR = 1.09), externally oriented thinking (aOR = 1.05), low disposition in perceiving body sensations (aOR = 0.25), tendency to become distracted (aOR = 0.82) or excessively worried (aOR = 0.11) in the face of pain. Furthermore, the analysis indicated how these aspects of body perception may be interrelated, either enhancing or reducing the risk of PUI when examined individually, collectively, or in combination. CONCLUSIONS This study underlines the potential connection between difficulties in the mind-body interaction and the development of PUI. It suggests a bidirectional relationship between excessive digital device use and distorted bodily interoceptive processes in PUI, reinforcing the notion that individuals struggling with emotion identification and expression may be more prone to excessive internet usage. To further comprehend the relevance of these constructs in PUI, it is necessary to conduct more targeted investigations and longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Di Carlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Vicinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mauro Pettorruso
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Luisa De Risio
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, ASL Roma 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Migliara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Baccolini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jacopo Trioni
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Jon E Grant
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco and Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Brain Therapeutic, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti, Chieti, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Clinical Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
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11
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Akkuş M, Avşar PA. 2D:4D ratio, alexithymia, impulsivity, aggression, and ADHD in men with opioid and methamphetamine use disorders: A comparative analysis with healthy controls. Early Hum Dev 2024; 189:105946. [PMID: 38280313 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2024.105946] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Substance use disorder is an important mental health problem with increasing frequency. This study aims to investigate the 2D:4D ratio, Dr-I values (right-left differences), alexithymia, aggression, impulsivity, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in male patients with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), opioid use disorder (OUD), and healthy controls. The study included a total of 57 male patients diagnosed with OUD, 42 male patients diagnosed with MUD, and 72 healthy male controls. The study indicated that the OUD and MUD patients were significantly different from the healthy controls in terms of the 2D:4D ratio, alexithymia, impulsivity, aggression, and ADHD. Compared to healthy controls, 2D:4D ratios, and Dr-I values were lower in OUD and MUD patients. OUD and MUD patients had higher scores of alexithymia, impulsivity, aggression, and ADHD compared to healthy controls. There were statistically significant negative correlations between the right-hand 2D:4D ratios and the ADHD, impulsivity, alexithymia and aggression scores and a significant negative correlation between Dr-I scores and the impulsivity scores of MUD and OUD patients. These findings contribute to the existing literature examining the complex relationship between prenatal testosterone exposure, substance use disorders and related psychological traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Akkuş
- Department of Psychiatry, Kutahya Health Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Kutahya, Vefa Alayunt Street, Kutahya Center, 43100 Kütahya, Turkey.
| | - Pınar Aydogan Avşar
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Alanya Alaaddın Keykubat Unıversıty Training And Research Hospıtal, Alanya, Universities Oba Neighborhood Alku Hospital Street. No. 13, 07400 Alanya, Antalya, Turkey.
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12
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Chizhova OA, Iuzbashian PG. [Alexithymia and self-harm in people with borderline personality disorder]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2024; 124:102-108. [PMID: 38261291 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2024124011102] [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] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of alexithymia and self-harm in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). To assess the role of alexithymia in the emergence of self-harm in patients with BPD. MATERIAL AND METHODS We studied 104 patients (85 women, 19 men aged 21 to 25 years (64.4%)), including 54 patients with and 50 patients without BPD. Most of them had incomplete higher education (55%). We used the Russian version of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) to reveal alexithymia and SCID-II to diagnose BPD. The presence of self-harm behavior was confirmed by the subjects' anamnesis data. RESULTS The prevalence of alexithymia in patients with BPD was 83.3%, in the control group it was 52% (p=0.001). The prevalence of self-aggression was 70.3% (n=38) in patients with BPD, and 12% (n=6) in people without BPD. Self-harm among persons with alexithymia was noted in 62.5% (n=45). During the analysis, a connection between auto-aggression and alexithymia was found at the level of a statistical trend (p=0.051). CONCLUSION Alexithymia and self-harm are more common in patients with BPD than in healthy people. This type of emotional dysregulation mediates self-harm in patients with BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- O A Chizhova
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - P G Iuzbashian
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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13
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Klinger-König J, Streit F, Erhardt A, Kleineidam L, Schmiedek F, Schmidt B, Investigators N, Wagner M, Deckert J, Rietschel M, Berger K, Grabe HJ. The assessment of childhood maltreatment and its associations with affective symptoms in adulthood: Results of the German National Cohort (NAKO). World J Biol Psychiatry 2023; 24:897-908. [PMID: 35302904 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2021.2011406] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Childhood maltreatment affects 20-30% of the German population and is an important risk factor for physical and mental diseases in adult life. This study reports first results of the distribution of childhood maltreatment in the population-based mega cohort German National Cohort (NAKO) and estimates associations with affective symptoms in adulthood. METHODS The Childhood Trauma Screener (CTS), a short version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, was used in 83,995 adults (age: 20-72 years; 47.3% men) of NAKO. The five-item CTS assesses the severity of three types of childhood abuse and two types of childhood neglect. RESULTS Overall, 21,131 participants (27.5%) reported at least one type of childhood maltreatment; 14,017 participants (18.3%) reported exactly one type and 250 participants (0.3%) reported all five types of childhood maltreatment. Small differences regarding age (mean absolute deviation around the mean (MAD)=0.47), sex (MAD = 0.07) and education (MAD = 0.82) were observed. The severity of childhood maltreatment was associated with more severe symptoms of depression (β = 0.23), anxiety (β = 0.21) and perceived stress (β = 0.23) in adulthood, validated particularly for emotional abuse and emotional neglect. CONCLUSIONS The distribution of childhood maltreatment in NAKO is similar to previous reports. Additionally, our results suggest differential associations with psychopathological symptoms for the five types of childhood maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Klinger-König
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Fabian Streit
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Angelika Erhardt
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, Julius-Maximilians-University, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Luca Kleineidam
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Florian Schmiedek
- Department of Education and Human Development, DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- IDeA (Individual Development and Adaptive Education of Children at Risk) Centre, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Börge Schmidt
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Michael Wagner
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Jürgen Deckert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, Julius-Maximilians-University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Klaus Berger
- Institute of Epidemiology & Social Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Hans J Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Partner Site Rostock/Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Peng P, Wang D, Wang Q, Zhou Y, Hao Y, Chen S, Wu Q, Liu T, Zhang X. Alexithymia in Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia: Prevalence, clinical correlates, and relationship with neurocognition and empathy. Asia Pac Psychiatry 2023; 15:e12547. [PMID: 37635651 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12547] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alexithymia is highly prevalent and strongly related to adverse consequences in patients with schizophrenia. However, its associated factors remain largely unexplored. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of alexithymia and its association with sociocultural characteristics, clinical symptoms, neurocognition, and empathy in 854 Chinese patients with schizophrenia. METHOD Demographic information was collected through a self-designed questionnaire. Alexithymia was assessed by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). We assessed clinical symptoms, neurocognition, and empathy via the following instruments: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, and Interpersonal Reactivity Index. A multiple logistic regression model was conducted to determine the independent correlates of alexithymia. RESULTS Approximately one-third (n = 277, 32%) of patients with schizophrenia had alexithymia. Patients with alexithymia had significantly more severe negative symptoms, neurocognition, and empathy impairment than patients without alexithymia. Being male, negative symptoms, personal distress, empathic concern, and language functioning were independently associated with alexithymia. DISCUSSION Our findings demonstrate a high prevalence of alexithymia and its strong association with clinical symptoms, neurocognition, and empathy, which calls for timely screening and intervention for alexithymia in patients with schizophrenia. Targeting impaired language function, negative symptoms, and impaired affective empathy might help reduce alexithymia and its related negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qianjin Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanan Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Yuzhu Hao
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shubao Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiuxia Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tieqiao Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Hashem MM, Abdalla AA, Mohamed AM, Mohamed LA, Shamaa HA, Ahmed GK. The relationship between alexithymia, emotion regulation, and sleep problems in school-aged children: A multicentric study. Sleep Med 2023; 112:39-45. [PMID: 37806034 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2023.09.032] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Alexithymia, mood dysregulation, and sleep quality have complicated effects on children's development. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between alexithymia, emotion regulation, psychiatric problems, and sleep problems among Egyptian school-aged children. METHODS A total of 564 Egyptian children, aged 6 to 14, were divided into two groups based on their total Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire abbreviated score: group 1 (N = 300) with sleep problems and group 2 (N = 264) with non-sleep problems. Their parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and subjectively assessed the children's emotions using the Children's Alexithymia Measure (CAM) and the Clinical Evaluation of Emotional Regulation-9 (CEER-9). RESULTS Males were more proportional in the sleep problems group than others. The sleep problem group was significantly younger and had a longer daily sleep duration than the non-sleep problem group. Alexithymia and emotion dysregulation had the highest mean in the sleep problem group. Furthermore, alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, emotion difficulty, conduct, and prosocial problems were the most significant contributing factors and risk factors for sleep problems in children. CONCLUSION Sleep problems in children were associated with younger male children with lengthy daily sleep duration and emotional, behavioural, and prosocial difficulties. Furthermore, alexithymia and emotion dysregulation are significant contributors and risk factors for sleep problems in school-aged children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa M Hashem
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Alaa A Abdalla
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | | | - Lobna A Mohamed
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hala A Shamaa
- General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, Demira Mental Health Hospital, Dakahlya Governorate, Egypt
| | - Gellan K Ahmed
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt; Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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Youssef L, Salameh P, Sacre H, Akel M, Hallit S, Obeid S. Association between alexithymia, emotional intelligence, smoking addiction, and alcohol use disorder among a sample of Lebanese adults. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295114. [PMID: 38033004 PMCID: PMC10688648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295114] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia can be associated with worse addictive traits, while emotional intelligence is associated with better addictive outcomes. In Lebanon, the prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe smoking is on the rise, although people are aware of the associated harms. Also, around 11% of Lebanese adults have experienced alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study aimed to assess the association between alexithymia, emotional intelligence, smoking (cigarette and waterpipe), and AUD among a sample of Lebanese adults. METHODS A web-based cross-sectional study carried out between February and April 2020, during the lockdown period, enrolled 408 community-dwelling adults. The survey link was shared on social media to reach participants from all Lebanese districts/governorates. RESULTS Taking antidepressants (Beta = 4.37) was significantly associated with more cigarette dependence, while female gender (Beta = -1.52) and having a high vs. low monthly income (Beta = 1.02) were significantly associated with less cigarette dependence. None of the variables, including alexithymia, were significantly associated with waterpipe dependence. Female gender (Beta = -0.15) and higher emotional intelligence (Beta = -0.003) were significantly associated with less AUD, whereas higher alexithymia (Beta = 0.003) was significantly associated with more AUD. CONCLUSION This study could demonstrate a significant association between alexithymia and cigarette smoking and alexithymia and alcohol consumption. Future research is warranted to investigate the mediating effect of emotional intelligence and how these results may be used to meet the needs of alexithymic individuals with addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Youssef
- Modern Dagher Medical Laboratories, Batroun, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
| | - Hala Sacre
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
- Drug Information Center, Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jall-Eddib, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
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Cherrez-Ojeda I, Thomsen SF, Giménez-Arnau A. Alexithymia prevalence in individuals with chronic urticaria and its association with illness severity and therapeutic profile. Br J Dermatol 2023; 189:766-767. [PMID: 37523778 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad272] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Forty-two per cent of patients with chronic urticaria in our study had alexithymia. Female patients had approximately 48% higher odds of having alexithymia. Patients with uncontrolled urticaria had 58% higher odds of having alexithymia. Among those with mild urticaria activity, the likelihood of having alexithymia was twice that of urticaria-free individuals. The use osf older first-generation antihistamines doubled the odds of having alexithymia. Patients with chronic urticaria with cardiovascular comorbidities had a 2.5-fold increased risk of alexithymia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda
- Universidad Espiritu Santo, Samborondon 0901952, Ecuador
- Respiralab Research Group, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Simon Francis Thomsen
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ana Giménez-Arnau
- Urticaria Center of Reference and Excellence (UCARE), Department of Dermatology, Hospital del Mar, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mediques, Universitat Autònoma, Barcelona, Spain
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Sarman A, Tuncay S. The associations of parental attitudes and peer bullying with alexithymia in adolescents: A structural equality model. J Pediatr Nurs 2023; 73:e372-e380. [PMID: 37806855 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.10.003] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between parental attitude and peer bullying and alexithymia in adolescents. METHODS This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with adolescents aged 13-18 years within high schools in eastern Turkey. Cluster sampling method was applied, and the study was completed within four high schools determined by random selection method. Sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire form, Peer Bullying Scale Adolescent Form, and Twenty-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) were used to collect the data. RESULTS Among the adolescents, 52% were female, 60% had a medium income level, 25.3% were in the 11th grade, 83% were living with their parents, 7.4% had chronic illnesses, 9.2% had psychiatric illnesses, 25.3% had suicidal thoughts, 10.1% engaged in suicidal behavior, and 25.3% used TV, smartphones, or tablets for 3-4 h a day. Rejecting and indifferent parental attitudes were found to be a possible risk factor for alexithymia, bullying and victimization. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the connections between parental attitudes, peer bullying, and alexithymia in adolescents. By targeting positive parental attitudes and addressing peer interactions, nurses can effectively contribute to reducing the risk of alexithymia. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Through collaboration with parents, nurses can establish supportive environments that nurture emotional understanding. Remaining attentive to risk factors, such as chronic illnesses and mental health issues in adolescents, empowers nurses to offer timely support or referrals. Partnerships with educators further enhance emotional awareness and encourage positive peer relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Sarman
- Bingöl University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Bingöl, Turkey.
| | - Suat Tuncay
- Bingöl University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Bingöl, Turkey
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Keskin AO, Altintas E, Yerdelen VD, Demir B, Colak MY. Effects of attachment styles, childhood traumas, and alexithymia in Turkish patients with epilepsy and functional seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 148:109458. [PMID: 37844436 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109458] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this cross-sectional study, we used self-report scales to compare childhood traumas, attachment styles, and alexithymia among patients with functional seizures (FS) to patients with epilepsy and healthy controls. We also investigated risk factors associated with FS. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 44 patients with epilepsy, 14 patients with FS, and 25 healthy controls were included. All participants were over the age of 18 and were referred to the Baskent University Adana Epilepsy and Video-EEG Center. The patients underwent neurological examinations, brain MRIs, and video-EEG evaluations. Epileptic seizures were classified based on video EEG. The control group consisted of healthy individuals without neurological or psychiatric illness and a history of epileptic seizures or syncope. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Adult Attachment Scale (AAS), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) were applied to all participants. RESULTS Patients with FS had lower educational levels, higher rates of unemployment and single-marital status. The FS group had higher depression, childhood trauma, and alexithymia scores than the other groups. Furthermore, FS patients had a higher prevalence of avoidant attachment. The alexithymia and childhood trauma scores were both correlated with depression. Through the logistic regression analysis, childhood trauma scores and alexithymia were significant risk factors for FS. CONCLUSION The use of video-EEG for diagnosing FS can reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and inappropriate antiepileptic treatment. Psychiatric comorbidities, childhood traumas, and alexithymia are prevalent in patients with FS. Therefore, implementing a multidisciplinary treatment approach that addresses the psychological, medical, and social aspects of FS can significantly improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Onur Keskin
- Baskent University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Turkey.
| | - Ebru Altintas
- Baskent University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Turkey.
| | | | | | - Meric Yavuz Colak
- Baskent University, Faculty of Medicine, Depatment of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Turkey.
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Scalone A, Santoro G, Cavallo J, Melita A, Gori A, Schimmenti A. Press Play to Feel: The Role of Attachment Styles and Alexithymic Features in Problematic Gaming. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6910. [PMID: 37887648 PMCID: PMC10606141 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206910] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Problematic gaming has been consistently associated with insecure attachment styles and alexithymia. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the impact of specific alexithymic features and insecure attachment styles on problematic gaming. The study included a sample of 358 online game players (242 males, 67.6%) between the ages of 18 and 59 (M = 28.46; SD = 8.76) who were recruited from online gaming communities. The participants completed a sociodemographic schedule and measures on attachment styles, alexithymia, and problematic gaming. The results provide evidence for a positive prediction of problematic gaming by dismissing attachment style and the alexithymic factors concerning the difficulty identifying feelings and externally oriented thinking, even when controlling for potentially confounding factors, such as age, sex, education, marital status, and self-reported time devoted to online games. Additionally, the analysis revealed a significant interaction effect between externally oriented thinking and dismissing attachment style in the prediction of problematic gaming. The interaction implies that the alexithymia factors pertaining to externally oriented thinking hold significant relevance in predicting problematic gaming behaviors, especially in cases where dismissive attachment levels are moderately to highly present. These findings emphasize the significance of considering specific insecure attachment styles and alexithymic features when studying problematic gaming behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Scalone
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE—Kore University of Enna, Piazza dell’Università, 94100 Enna, Italy; (A.S.); (J.C.); (A.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Gianluca Santoro
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE—Kore University of Enna, Piazza dell’Università, 94100 Enna, Italy; (A.S.); (J.C.); (A.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Josephin Cavallo
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE—Kore University of Enna, Piazza dell’Università, 94100 Enna, Italy; (A.S.); (J.C.); (A.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Alessandra Melita
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE—Kore University of Enna, Piazza dell’Università, 94100 Enna, Italy; (A.S.); (J.C.); (A.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Alessio Gori
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi 12, Pad. 26, 50135 Florence, Italy;
- Integrative Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Institute (IPPI), Via Ricasoli 32, 50122 Florence, Italy
| | - Adriano Schimmenti
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE—Kore University of Enna, Piazza dell’Università, 94100 Enna, Italy; (A.S.); (J.C.); (A.M.); (A.S.)
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Pei C, Fan C, Luo H, Bai A, Ni S, Luo M, Huang J, Zhou Y, Huo L. Sleep problems in adolescents with depression: Role of childhood trauma, alexithymia, rumination, and self-esteem. J Affect Disord 2023; 338:83-91. [PMID: 37269886 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.05.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While sleep problems are common in adolescents with depression, the exact prevalence has not been reported. Although previous studies have shown that childhood trauma, alexithymia, rumination, and self-esteem are related to sleep problems, the interactions between these factors remain unclear. METHODS This study, conducted from March 1, 2021 to January 20, 2022, employed a cross-sectional design. The participants were 2192 adolescents with depression with a mean age of 15 years. The Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, Ruminative Response Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used to measure sleep problems, childhood trauma, alexithymia, rumination, and self-esteem, respectively. We used PROCESS 3.3 for SPSS to determine the chain mediating effect of alexithymia and rumination and the moderating effect of self-esteem in the relationship between childhood trauma and sleep problems. RESULTS Up to 70.71 % of adolescents with depression had sleep problems. Furthermore, alexithymia and rumination played a chain mediation role in the relationship between childhood trauma and sleep problems. Finally, self-esteem moderated the relationships between alexithymia and sleep problems and rumination and sleep problems. LIMITATIONS Owing to the study design, we cannot derive causal relationships between variables. Further, the self-reported data may have been influenced by subjective participant factors. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals potential ways of how childhood trauma influences sleep problems in adolescents with depression. These findings suggest that interventions targeting alexithymia, rumination, and self-esteem in adolescents with depression may be effective in reducing their sleep problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenran Pei
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Science, Ministry of Education; Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changhe Fan
- Department of Psychiatry, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haocheng Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ayu Bai
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Science, Ministry of Education; Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengmiao Ni
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Science, Ministry of Education; Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Luo
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Science, Ministry of Education; Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junxuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Science, Ministry of Education; Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongjie Zhou
- Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Lijuan Huo
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Science, Ministry of Education; Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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22
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Grigorescu C, Chalah MA, Ayache SS, Palm U. [Alexithymia in Multiple Sclerosis - Narrative Review]. Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr 2023; 91:404-413. [PMID: 35948023 DOI: 10.1055/a-1882-6544] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Alexithymia is a multidimensional construct of personality implicating difficulties in identifying and describing another's feelings, and externally oriented thinking. It is broadly reported in psychiatric patients but has gained little attention regarding its occurrence and pathophysiology in multiple sclerosis (MS). This narrative review aims to address prevalence, etiology, neurobiological, and clinical findings of alexithymia. The prevalence of alexithymia in MS ranges from 10 to 53%. There seems to be an association with anxiety, depression, fatigue, and some aspects of social cognition, while the relationship with clinical and classical cognitive variables was rarely evaluated. Only a few studies referred to its pathophysiology assuming an aberrant interhemispheric transfer or regional cerebral abnormalities. The prevalence of alexithymia in MS and the potential negative impact on quality of life and interpersonal communication could severely impact clinical MS management and a screnning for these factors should be mandatory. Thus, further evaluation is needed concerning its relationship with clinical, emotional, and cognitive confounders. Large-scale studies employing neuroimaging techniques are needed for a better understanding of the neural underpinnings of this MS feature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Grigorescu
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Klinikum der Universität München, München
| | - Moussa A Chalah
- EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France
- Service de Physiologie - Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Samar S Ayache
- EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France
- Service de Physiologie - Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Ulrich Palm
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Klinikum der Universität München, München
- Medical Park Chiemseeblick, Bernau a. Chiemsee
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Di Trani M, Metallo C, Renzi A, Mariani R, Rosabianca A, Tomasini A, Celano A. Childhood traumatic events, alexithymia and perceived stress in patients with rheumatoid arthritis during the COVID-19 pandemic. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:2169-2181. [PMID: 37386736 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2229243] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease, causing joint-swelling and pain. International literature highlights that patients with RA are more likely to report high levels of alexithymia, adverse childhood events (ACEs) and stress, but studies investigating the association between these dimensions are lacking. The general aim of the present study is to investigate the association between alexithymia, ACEs, and stress in RA patients and to highlight possible predictors of greater perceived stress. One hundred and thirty-seven female patients with RA (mean age = 50.74; SD = 10.01) participated in an online survey between April and May 2021. Participants completed a questionnaire for the collection of sociodemographic and clinical information, the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Adverse Childhood Events questionnaire and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. The correlational analysis highlighted several significant associations between the dimensions evaluated. Regression analyses showed that alexithymia, ACEs and the perceived health status have a predictive effect on the perceived stress of RA patients. More specifically, the role of difficulty in identifying feelings, and the physical and emotional neglect, has been highlighted. ACEs and high levels of alexithymia are common in RA clinical populations and seem to affect the wellbeing of these patients. The use of a biopsychosocial approach to RA treatment appears essential in achieving a better quality of life and illness control in this specific clinical population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Di Trani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, of "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Metallo
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, of "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Renzi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, of "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rachele Mariani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, of "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rosabianca
- National Association of People with Rheumatological and Rare Diseases, Apmarr Aps, Lecce, Italy
| | - Andrea Tomasini
- National Association of People with Rheumatological and Rare Diseases, Apmarr Aps, Lecce, Italy
| | - Antonella Celano
- National Association of People with Rheumatological and Rare Diseases, Apmarr Aps, Lecce, Italy
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24
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Kun B, Alpay P, Bodó V, Molnár Á, Horváth A, Karsai S, Somlai RS, Takacs ZK, Kökönyei G. Differences in the associations between psychoactive substance use and alexithymia: A series of Meta-analyses. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 103:102297. [PMID: 37290244 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102297] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The present meta-analytic study examined the association between alexithymia and psychoactive substance use. Studies published from 1988 to August 20, 2022 were identified by a systematic search and 168 eligible studies were included in five meta-analyses. Results showed that (1) the correlation between substance use and alexithymia is small but significant (r = 0.177); (2) substance users have substantially higher alexithymia than nonusers (g = 0.545); (3) alexithymic participants have significantly but slightly higher levels of substance use than non-alexithymics (g = 0.242); (4) substance users are significantly but only slightly more likely to be alexithymic than nonusers (OR = 2.392); and (5) alexithymic individuals are not more likely to be substance users than non-alexithymics. Larger effects were observed among samples diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD), and the use of depressants, alcohol, opiates, and illicit stimulants had stronger relation to alexithymia. We found a tendency for a larger association with problematic use as compared to other indicators (e.g., frequency and duration) of substance use. Among the components of alexithymia, difficulties in identifying feelings has the strongest association with substance use. Our findings support clinical practice by suggesting the improvement of emotion regulation in SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Kun
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Pelin Alpay
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktória Bodó
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Molnár
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Horváth
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Karsai
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róza Sára Somlai
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsofia K Takacs
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Gyöngyi Kökönyei
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; SE-NAP2 Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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25
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Veliz PT, Berryhill ME. Gender Differences in Adolescents' Affective Symptoms and Behavioral Disorders After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2023; 38:308-318. [PMID: 36689685 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000851] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) are considered self-limiting and full recovery is expected. Recent studies identify deficits persisting years after mTBI. Large-scale prospective data permit testing the hypothesis that mTBI increases incidence of affective and behavioral symptoms after new, past , or new and past mTBI. SETTING The study involved secondary analyses of survey responses from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. PARTICIPANTS Adolescents in the ABCD Study ( n = 11 869; Wave 1, aged 9-10 years; Wave 2, aged 11-12 years) whose parents reported a new ( n = 157), past ( n = 1318), or new and past ( n = 50) mTBI on the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method short form were compared with controls who had no history of mTBI ( n = 9,667). DESIGN Multivariable binary logistic regression models examined associations between a new, past, or new and past mTBI and current affective (aggression, depression, anxiety) and behavioral (somatic, thought, social, attention, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct) disorders while controlling for demographic factors and baseline symptoms. MAIN MEASURES The primary measure was parental reports of psychiatric and behavioral symptoms on the Child Behavior Checklist. RESULTS Girls exhibited no significant effects after a new mTBI, although a past mTBI increased anxiety (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI: 1.15-2.90]) and attention (1.89 [1.09-3.28]) problems. Girls with new and past mTBIs reported elevated anxiety (17.90 [4.67-68.7]), aggression (7.37 [1.49-36.3]), social (9.07 [2.47-33.30]), thought (7.58 [2.24-25.60]), and conduct (6.39 [1.25-32.50]) disorders. In boys, new mTBI increased aggression (aOR = 3.83, 95% CI [1.42-10.30]), whereas past mTBI heightened anxiety (1.91 [1.42-2.95]), but new and past mTBIs had no significant effects. CONCLUSION Adolescents are at greater risk of affective and behavioral symptoms after an mTBI. These effects differ as a function of gender and time of injury. Extended screening for mTBI history and monitoring of affective and behavioral disorders after mTBI in adolescents are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip T Veliz
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Dr Veliz); and Department of Psychology, Programs in Cognitive and Brain Sciences, and Integrative Neuroscience, University of Nevada, Reno (Dr Berryhill)
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Lee SH, Lee KT. The impact of pandemic-related stress on attentional bias and anxiety in alexithymia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6327. [PMID: 37072486 PMCID: PMC10112327 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33326-5] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had negative consequences for mental health, yet it is unknown how and to what extent the psychological outcomes of this stressful event are moderated by individual traits. Alexithymia is a risk factor for psychopathology, and thus likely predicted individual differences in resilience or vulnerability to stressful events during the pandemic. This study explored the moderating role of alexithymia in the relationships of pandemic-related stress with anxiety levels and attentional bias. The participants were 103 Taiwanese individuals who completed a survey during the outbreak of the Omicron wave. Additionally, an emotional Stroop task including pandemic-related or neutral stimuli was used to measure attentional bias. Our results demonstrate that pandemic-related stress had a lesser impact on anxiety in individuals with a higher level of alexithymia. Moreover, we found that in individuals with higher exposure to pandemic-related stressors, a higher level of alexithymia indicated less attentional bias toward COVID-19-related information. Thus, it is plausible that individuals with alexithymia tended to avoid pandemic-related information, which could temporarily relieve stressors during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hui Lee
- Center for General Education, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Te Lee
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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27
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Habibi Asgarabad M, Salehi Yegaei P, Jafari F, Azami-Aghdash S, Lumley MA. The relationship of alexithymia to pain and other symptoms in fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Pain 2023; 27:321-337. [PMID: 36471652 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2064] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE People with fibromyalgia (FM) often report having difficulty with emotional identification and expression, and this "alexithymia" may contribute to their pain and other symptoms. Multiple studies have assessed alexithymia in FM, and we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed this literature to: (a) describe the prevalence of alexithymia in people with FM; (b) compare the level of alexithymia in FM to both healthy controls and controls with other pain conditions; and (c) determine the association of alexithymia to pain intensity, depression, and anxiety in people with FM. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched multiple databases (Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Google Scholar) from inception to May 31, 2022. Study quality was assessed with The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools for cross-sectional studies, and STATA:17 was used for meta-analysis. A total of 32 studies met eligibility criteria and were included in meta-analyses. RESULTS The prevalence of alexithymia in FM averaged 48%. People with FM had substantially higher alexithymia than healthy controls (SMD = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.79 to 1.22), as well people with other pain-related conditions (SMD = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.65), particularly rheumatoid arthritis (SMD = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.08-0.91). Alexithymia was positively associated with pain intensity (r = 0.24), anxiety (r = 0.50), and depression (r = 0.41) among people with FM. CONCLUSIONS Due to the high level of alexithymia in people with FM and the positive relationship of alexithymia with pain and psychological distress, interventions to improve emotional awareness, expression, and processing in FM are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Habibi Asgarabad
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Health Promotion Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Health Psychology, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Psychiatric Institute), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pardis Salehi Yegaei
- Health Promotion Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Jafari
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen Branch, Roudehen, Iran
| | - Saber Azami-Aghdash
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mark A Lumley
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Michigan, Detroit, USA
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Suárez-Relinque C, Del Moral G, León-Moreno C, Callejas-Jerónimo JE. Emotional Loneliness, Suicidal Ideation, and Alexithymia in Adolescents Who Commit Child-to-Parent Violence. J Interpers Violence 2023; 38:4007-4033. [PMID: 35861285 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221111414] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this research was to explore the relationship between involvement in child-to-parent violence (CPV) and the development of emotional loneliness, suicidal ideation, and alexithymia based on sex; 1,928 adolescents of both sexes participated (50.5% males and 49.5% females), aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 14. 67, SD = 1.77), enrolled in four educational centers in Spain. A multivariate analysis of variance (3 × 2 MANOVA) was applied using sex and CPV levels as independent variables. Univariate analyses were carried out to explore the significant relationships detected. Results showed that the adolescents with higher CPV scored higher in emotional loneliness, suicidal ideation, and alexithymia. Girls showed a greater prevalence of CPV at the medium and high levels. An interaction of sex and CPV with alexithymia was detected. Girls with high and moderate values of CPV presented a higher level of alexithymia. These results provide novel information in the field of CPV. Previous research has placed the main focus of analysis on the adolescents' behavior problems and not so much on their perceptions of personal adjustment and their emotional experiences. The information presented in this study contributes to achieve a more precise definition of the profile of adolescent who assault their parents for better prevention of CPV.
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Koval M, Venger O, Mysula Y. FEATURES OF AFFECTIVE SYMPTOMS IN COMBATANTS WITH NON-PSYCHOTIC MENTAL DISORDERS THAT HAVE SUFFERED FROM COVID-19. Wiad Lek 2023; 76:1936-1942. [PMID: 37898928 DOI: 10.36740/wlek202309106] [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] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim: To establish the level of anxiety and depressive disorders and the impact of covid-19 on affective pathology in combatants with non-psychotic mental disorders who have suffered from COVID-19 in a comparative aspect. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: 252 male combatants with non-psychotic mental disorders who suffered from COVID-19 were clinically examined using HRDS and HARS scales. RESULTS Results: A lower prevalence of anxiety or fear was found in combatants who did not have COVID-19: 70.5% vs. 80.8%; low mood - 55.3% vs. 66.7%; emotional lability - 44.7% vs. 58.3%; irritability - 40.9% vs. 55.0%; emotional sensitivity - 53.0% vs. 71.7%; dulling of emotions - 6.8% vs. 6.7%; anhedonia - 77.3% vs. 83.3% of patients, rapid fatigue - 51.5% vs. 65.8%, feelings of guilt, futility, anxiety or fear - 78.0% vs. 87.5%, dissomnia - 47.0% vs. 61.7%; inability to concentrate and make decisions - 25.8% vs. 43.3%; thoughts of death or suicide - 25.0% vs. 35.8% pessimism - 21.2% vs. 31.7%, low self-esteem - 21.2% vs. 31.7%, unstable appetite and weight loss-17.4% vs. 24.2%. The overall HDRS depression score in combatants with non-psychotic mental disorders who did not have COVID-19 was also significantly lower: 15.29±4.16 points vs. 18.05±4.29 points. Similar patterns were found for indicators of anxiety on the HARS scale: 20.52±7.14 points vs. 24.53±6.69 points. CONCLUSION Conclusions: Combatants with non-psychotic mental disorders are characterized by high levels of depressive and anxiety disorders. COVID-19 disease aggravates the course of affective pathology in combatants with non-psychotic mental disorders and increases the incidence of their depressive and anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Koval
- I. HORBACHEVSKY TERNOPIL NATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, TERNOPIL, UKRAINE
| | - Olena Venger
- I. HORBACHEVSKY TERNOPIL NATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, TERNOPIL, UKRAINE
| | - Yuriy Mysula
- I. HORBACHEVSKY TERNOPIL NATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, TERNOPIL, UKRAINE
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30
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Li X, Wang X, Sun L, Hu Y, Xia L, Wang S, Guo C, Shi Y, Yuan X, Zhang K, Liu H. Associations between childhood maltreatment and suicidal ideation in depressed adolescents: The mediating effect of alexithymia and insomnia. Child Abuse Negl 2023; 135:105990. [PMID: 36527985 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with depression appear to experience higher levels of childhood maltreatment (CM) and suicidal behaviour. However, no studies have discussed the factors through which CM influences suicidal ideation (SI) in adolescents with depression. The present study examined the effects of alexithymia and insomnia on the relationship between CM and SI in a population of Chinese adolescents with depression. METHODS A total of 262 adolescents with depression (198 females) completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, the Insomnia Severity Index, and the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation. RESULTS With the exception of sexual abuse (SA), four types of CM were associated with SI in depressed individuals. The highest incidence was found for physical neglect (PN) (65.27 %). Alexithymia and insomnia were both positively associated with SI. Externally oriented thinking (EOT) and insomnia had significant mediating effects on the relationship between emotional abuse (EA) and SI. EOT and insomnia also had significant mediating effects on the relationship between physical neglect (PN) and SI. LIMITATIONS The major limitations of this study include the impacts of cross-sectional studies and recall bias on the results. CONCLUSIONS Alexithymia and insomnia have an impact on SI in adolescents with depression who have experienced CM. Therefore, we should be aware of the impact of alexithymia and insomnia on depression patients. Rates of suicide among adolescents with depression should be reduced by identifying targeted measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Fourth People's Hospital in Wuhu, Wuhu 241002, China; Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 238000, China
| | - Xixin Wang
- Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Liang Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 238000, China; Fuyang Third People's Hospital, Fuyang 236000, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 238000, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 238000, China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 238000, China; School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Chunyan Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 238000, China
| | - Yudong Shi
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 238000, China; School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Xiaoping Yuan
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 238000, China; School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 238000, China; School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, China.
| | - Huanzhong Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 238000, China; School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, China.
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Barros F, Figueiredo C, Soares SC. Autism traits dimensionality and multivariate relationship with alexithymia and anxiety in the general population. Res Dev Disabil 2022; 131:104361. [PMID: 36240538 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104361] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism is characterized by social and non-social alterations observed beyond the clinical diagnosis. Research analyzing the expression of autism traits in the general population helps to unravel the relationship between autism dimensions and other associated variables, such as alexithymia and anxiety. The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) was developed to assess autism traits in the general population; however, inconsistent results regarding its dimensionality have emerged. AIMS This study aimed to extend evidence about the AQ measurement model, and explore the multivariate relationship between autism traits, alexithymia, and trait anxiety. METHODS 292 adults of the general population were recruited. An Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were performed to assess the factorial structure of AQ. A path analysis was carried out to explore the relationship between autism traits, alexithymia, and trait anxiety. RESULTS The results supported a three-factor model of AQ. The path analysis model showed evidence of a significant role of alexithymia as a mediator of the relationship between autism traits and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The present study provides empirical support for a three-factor model of AQ in the general population. The association between autism traits, alexithymia, and anxiety dimensions highlights the multidimensional nature of these variables and the need to account for their distinct impact on autism-related variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Barros
- William James Center for Research (WJCR), Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS@RISE), Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia Figueiredo
- Science and Engineer Education Group (SEE), Centre for Mechanical Engineering and Automation (TEMA), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Sandra C Soares
- William James Center for Research (WJCR), Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Pace CS, Rogier G, Muzi S. How are the youth? A brief-longitudinal study on symptoms, alexithymia and expressive suppression among Italian adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Psychol 2022; 57:700-708. [PMID: 35729091 PMCID: PMC9350129 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Studies documented the negative consequences on adolescents' mental health of the stay-at-home measures adopted in reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, few contributions focused on the psychopathological trajectories after the end of these stressful measures or investigated the moderating role of this context in the relationship linking psychological symptoms with emotion regulation. This brief longitudinal study was performed with two measurement times: during the severe lockdown (T1), and when the restrictive measures were relaxed (T2). Ninety-three community adolescents (45% boys; Mage = 14.94 years, SD = 1.64) completed the Youth Self Report, the Social Media Disorder Scale, the Binge Eating Scale, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20 items. Except for binge eating and externalising symptoms, all variables significantly decreased between T1 and T2. The relationship between expressive suppression and binge eating scores significantly decreased across time whereas the link between alexithymia and internalising symptoms increased with time. The study supported the idea that low-risk adolescents experienced psychological relief from the relaxation of stay-at-home measures. Results suggest the importance of considering contextual factors when explaining the role of expressive suppression and alexithymia in binge eating and internalising symptoms among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guyonne Rogier
- Department of Educational SciencesUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | - Stefania Muzi
- Department of Educational SciencesUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly
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Benfante A, Romeo A. Alexithymia Among People Living with HIV: A Scoping Review. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:1926-1941. [PMID: 36367612 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03926-9] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The present scoping review aimed to identify studies that investigated alexithymia, defined as a difficulty in identifying and describing one's own emotions, in people living with HIV (PLWH).A literature search, in line with the guidelines of PRISMA-ScR, was conducted in the following bibliographic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The databases were queried using the following strings (using Boolean operators): ("alexithymia" OR "alexithymic") AND ("HIV" OR "Human Immunodeficiency Virus"). In line with the eligibility criteria, fourteen articles were found.Ten studies showed the involvement of alexithymia in disease severity (e.g., viral load levels), and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Three studies revealed an association between alexithymia and cardiovascular disease, and three studies highlighted the implication of alexithymia in cognitive impairment.This review revealed the complex role of alexithymia in HIV disease. A careful clinical assessment of the emotional regulation process of PLWH can provide useful prognostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Benfante
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | - Annunziata Romeo
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124, Turin, Italy.
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Mullet N, Hawkins LG, Tuliao AP, Snyder H, Holyoak D, McGuire KC, Earl AK, McChargue D. Early Trauma and Later Sexual Victimization in College Women: A Multiple Mediation Examination of Alexithymia, Impulsivity, and Alcohol Use. J Interpers Violence 2022; 37:NP18194-NP18214. [PMID: 34388947 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211035876] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Childhood abuse and sexual violence against women are prevalent in the United States. However, researchers have not fully explored the intersection among important predisposing factors that predict recent sexual violence experienced by women who are also survivors of childhood abuse. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among early childhood trauma, alexithymia, impulsivity, alcohol use severity, and sexual victimization in later life among female college students from the United States (n = 1,178). Participants were part of a larger cross-cultural study, conducted between 2012 to 2014, which examined sexual aggression and victimization in the context of alcohol use. The current study aimed to examine if: (a) early trauma, impulsivity, alexithymia, and alcohol use severity impact sexual victimization in later life, and (b) if impulsivity, alexithymia, and alcohol use severity mediate the relationship between early trauma and victimization in later life. It was hypothesized that impulsivity, alexithymia, and alcohol use severity would significantly mediate the relationship between early trauma and sexual victimization in later life. Using a multiple mediation path analysis, results indicated that early childhood trauma was significantly linked with impulsivity, alcohol use severity, and sexual victimization in later life. A partial mediation through impulsivity and alcohol use severity was observed. Alexithymia did not produce mediation effects. These findings align with previous research examining how early childhood trauma influences the occurrence of sexual victimization in later life and provides further recommendations for helping professionals as they attempt to stifle the sexual victimization rates among female college students.
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Oakley BFM, Jones EJH, Crawley D, Charman T, Buitelaar J, Tillmann J, Murphy DG, Loth E. Alexithymia in autism: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with social-communication difficulties, anxiety and depression symptoms. Psychol Med 2022; 52:1458-1470. [PMID: 33028432 PMCID: PMC9226426 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720003244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia (difficulties in identifying and describing emotion) is a transdiagnostic trait implicated in social-emotional and mental health problems in the general population. Many autistic individuals experience significant social-communication difficulties and elevated anxiety/depression and alexithymia. Nevertheless, the role of alexithymia in explaining individual variability in the quality/severity of social-communication difficulties and/or anxiety and depression symptoms in autism remains poorly understood. METHODS In total, 337 adolescents and adults (autism N = 179) were assessed for alexithymia on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and for social-communication difficulties, anxiety and depression symptoms. A total of 135 individuals (autism N = 76) were followed up 12-24 months later. We used regression models to establish cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between alexithymia, social-communication difficulties, anxiety and depression symptoms. RESULTS Autistic individuals reported significantly higher alexithymia than comparison individuals (p < 0.001, r effect size = 0.48), with 47.3% of autistic females and 21.0% of autistic males meeting cut-off for clinically relevant alexithymia (score ⩾61). Difficulties in describing feelings were particularly associated with current self-reported social-communication difficulties [p < 0.001, β = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44-0.67] and predicted later social-communication difficulties (p = 0.02, β = 0.43, 95% CI 0.07-0.82). Difficulties in identifying feelings were particularly associated with current anxiety symptom severity (p < 0.001, β = 0.54, 95% CI 0.41-0.77) and predicted later anxiety (p = 0.01; β = 0.31, 95% CI 0.08-0.62). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that difficulties in identifying v. describing emotion are associated with differential clinical outcomes in autism. Psychological therapies targeting emotional awareness may improve social-communication and anxiety symptoms in autism, potentially conferring long-term benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany F. M. Oakley
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Emily J. H. Jones
- Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Daisy Crawley
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Tony Charman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), London, UK
| | - Jan Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Reiner Postlaan 12, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Julian Tillmann
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Applied Psychology: Health, Development, Enhancement, and Intervention, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Declan G. Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), London, UK
| | - Eva Loth
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
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Hamdan-Mansour AM, Alsalman ET, Hamaideh SH, El-Kurdy R, Hamdan-Mansour LA. Psychological Predictors of Fibromyalgia Among High School Students. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2022; 60:19-25. [PMID: 35412876 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20220325-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to examine prediction power of psychological factors (i.e., alexithymia and psychological distress) on fibromyalgia among high school students. A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. Data related to alexithymia, psychological distress, and fibromyalgia were collected from 483 high school students from the northern part of Jordan using stratified cluster random sampling. Results showed that psychological distress is a significant predictor of fibromyalgia (odds ratio = 1.1, p < 0.001). Significant differences were found between males and females in relation to alexithymia (t = -4.87, p < 0.001), psychological distress (t = -6.0, p < 0.001), and fibromyalgia (χ2 = 4.14, p = 0.04, phi = 0.07). Age was only significantly correlated with alexithymia (r = 0.06, p < 0.05). Given the relationship among psychological distress, alexithymia, and fibromyalgia, mental health professionals should carefully observe psychological disturbances among high school students. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].
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Warchoł-Biedermann K, Bugajski P, Budzicz Ł, Ziarko M, Jasielska A, Samborski W, Daroszewski P, Greberski K, Bączyk G, Karoń J, Mojs E. Relationship between stress and alexithymia, emotional processing and negative/positive affect in medical staff working amid the COVID-19 pandemic. J Investig Med 2022; 70:428-435. [PMID: 34815298 PMCID: PMC8616640 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2021-001942] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The psychological burden of the COVID-19 pandemic may have a lasting effect on emotional well-being of healthcare workers. Medical personnel working at the time of the pandemic may experience elevated occupational stress due to the uncontrollability of the virus, high perceived risk of infection, poor understanding of the novel virus transmission routes and unavailability of effective antiviral agents. This study used path analysis to analyze the relationship between stress and alexithymia, emotional processing and negative/positive affect in healthcare workers. The sample included 167 nurses, 65 physicians and 53 paramedics. Sixty-two (21.75 %) respondents worked in COVID-19-designated hospitals. Respondents were administered the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, Emotional Processing Scale, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. The model showed excellent fit indices (χ2 (2)=2.642, p=0.267; CFI=0.999, RMSEA=0.034, SRMR=0.015). Multiple group path analysis demonstrated physicians differed from nurses and paramedics at the model level (X2diff (7)=14.155, p<0.05 and X2diff (7)=18.642, p<0.01, respectively). The relationship between alexithymia and emotional processing was stronger in nurses than in physicians (difference in beta=0.27; p<0.05). Individual path χ2 tests also revealed significantly different paths across these groups. The results of the study may be used to develop evidence-based intervention programs promoting healthcare workers' mental health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paweł Bugajski
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Józef Strus Hospital, Poznan, Poland
| | - Łukasz Budzicz
- Department of Psychology, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Michał Ziarko
- Institute of Psychology, Uniwersytet im Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Poznan, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Jasielska
- Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences (FPCS AMU), Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Samborski
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Przemysław Daroszewski
- Department of Organization and Management in Health Care, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Greberski
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Józef Strus Hospital, Poznan, Poland
| | - Grażyna Bączyk
- Department of Practice Nursing, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jacek Karoń
- Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Józef Strus Hospital, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ewa Mojs
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Cartanyà-Hueso À, Lidón-Moyano C, González-Marrón A, Martín-Sánchez JC, Amigo F, Martínez-Sánchez JM. Association between Leisure Screen Time and Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Spanish Children. J Pediatr 2022; 241:188-195.e3. [PMID: 34571019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the relation between leisure screen time and emotional and behavioral problems in Spanish children aged 4-14 years. STUDY DESIGN This cross-sectional study used a representative sample of children aged 4-14 years included in the 2017 Spanish National Health Survey (n = 4073). Emotional and behavioral problems of children were assessed through the parent-report Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Daily leisure screen time in minutes was categorized as 0-59, 60-119, 120-179, and ≥180. We calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and their 95% CIs of being at risk of developing emotional and behavioral problems. Associations were adjusted for potential confounding variables. RESULTS Children spending 180 minutes or more of daily leisure screen time compared with children spending less than 1 hour were more likely to be at risk of developing emotional and behavioral problems: aPR≥180: 2.19 (95% CI 1.53-3.14), emotional symptomology: aPR≥180: 2.09 (95% CI 1.37-3.18), conduct problems aPR≥180: 1.85 (95% CI 1.34-2.54), peer problems aPR≥180: 1.78 (95% CI 1.15-2.75), and to behave less prosocially: aPR≥180: 2.20 (95% CI 1.43-3.37). CONCLUSIONS We have found significant associations between daily leisure screen time and emotional and behavioral problems in Spanish children between 6 and 14 years of age. However, these findings should be confirmed in cohort studies, so institutions might consider including screen time as a new risk factor for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Àurea Cartanyà-Hueso
- Group of Evaluation of Health Determinants and Health Policies, Department of Basic Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Cristina Lidón-Moyano
- Group of Evaluation of Health Determinants and Health Policies, Department of Basic Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Adrián González-Marrón
- Group of Evaluation of Health Determinants and Health Policies, Department of Basic Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Martín-Sánchez
- Group of Evaluation of Health Determinants and Health Policies, Department of Basic Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Franco Amigo
- Health Services Research Unit, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose M Martínez-Sánchez
- Group of Evaluation of Health Determinants and Health Policies, Department of Basic Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain.
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Topino E, Gori A, Cacioppo M. Alexithymia, Dissociation, and Family Functioning in a Sample of Online Gamblers: A Moderated Mediation Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:13291. [PMID: 34948900 PMCID: PMC8707594 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The diffusion of the internet and technological progress have made gambling on online platforms possible, also making it more anonymous, convenient, and available, increasing the risk of pathological outcomes for vulnerable individuals. Given this context, the present study explores the role of some protective and risk factors for problematic gambling in online gamblers by focusing on the interaction between alexithymia, dissociation, and family functioning. A sample of 193 online gamblers (Mage = 28.8 years, SD = 10.59; 17% females, 83% males) completed the South Oaks Gambling Screen, Twenty-Items Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Dissociative Experience Scale-II, and Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales-IV through an online survey. MANOVA, ANOVA and moderated mediation analyses were carried out to analyse the data. Significant differences in cohesive family functioning, alexithymia and dissociation have been found between online gamblers with problematic, at-risk or absent levels of gambling disease. Furthermore, the results showed a significant and positive association between alexithymia and problematic online gambling, partially mediated by dissociation, with the moderation of cohesive family functioning. Such data may have relevant clinical implications, highlighting the interaction of some core personal and environmental variables that may be involved in the etiology of online pathological gambling and could be kept in mind to tailor preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Topino
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University of Rome, Via della Traspontina 21, 00193 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessio Gori
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi 12, Pad. 26, 50135 Florence, Italy;
| | - Marco Cacioppo
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University of Rome, Via della Traspontina 21, 00193 Rome, Italy;
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Wojciechowska M, Jasielska A, Ziarko M, Sieński M, Różewicki M. Mediating Role of Stress at Work in the Relationship of Alexithymia and PTSD among Emergency Call Operators. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph182312830. [PMID: 34886555 PMCID: PMC8657674 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312830] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Aim: The main purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between alexithymia, stress at work, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in impact emergency call center operators working in Poland (province of Greater Poland). The risk of exposure to critical life events was also considered. Methods: Data were collected using self-report questionnaires administered after dispatchers’ shifts. The emergency call center operators (N = 66) completed the Impact of Event Scale—Revised, 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Workplace Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and a questionnaire measuring the frequency and intensity of potentially traumatic events faced by emergency operators (a questionnaire developed by the authors). Results: Twenty of the most frequent events (e.g., child sexual harassment, rape, etc.) were identified. Results indicated that post-traumatic stress positively correlated with (a) work-related stress and (b) one aspect of alexithymia: difficulty expressing feelings. Additionally, work-related stress was identified as a mediator for the relation between alexithymia and the intensity of post-traumatic stress. Conclusions: The results of this study confirm that emergency operators are a high-risk group for the development of PTSD. The study results suggest that performing the work of an emergency dispatcher is not only demanding but also inherently involves participation in potentially traumatic events (as encountered through emergency calls).
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Wojciechowska
- Department of Mother and Child Health, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, 60-535 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Jasielska
- Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, 89AB Szamarzewskiego Street, 60-568 Poznan, Poland; (M.Z.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-61292307
| | - Michał Ziarko
- Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, 89AB Szamarzewskiego Street, 60-568 Poznan, Poland; (M.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Michał Sieński
- Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, 89AB Szamarzewskiego Street, 60-568 Poznan, Poland; (M.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Maciej Różewicki
- Emergency Notification Centre, 13a Wiśniowa Street, 61-477 Poznan, Poland;
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Macarenco MM, Opariuc-Dan C, Nedelcea C. Childhood trauma, dissociation, alexithymia, and anger in people with autoimmune diseases: A mediation model. Child Abuse Negl 2021; 122:105322. [PMID: 34508924 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105322] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite research linking dissociation, alexithymia, and anger with childhood trauma and ADs, the investigation addressing the relationships between the potential mediators has not yet been established within the literature. OBJECTIVE The present study examined the relationship between childhood trauma and autoimmune disorders, using a multiple mediation model that included dissociation, alexithymia, and anger as hypothesized mediators. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 306 autoimmune patients and 292 self-declared healthy controls were included in the study. They completed self-report questionnaires regarding childhood abuse, alexithymia, dissociation, and anger. METHODS Multiple mediation analysis was conducted to investigate the study's proposed model. RESULTS The results of the Structural Equation Model (SEM) suggest an indirect relationship between childhood trauma and autoimmune disorders, mediated by dissociation [z = 4.57, p < .01, β = 0.19, 90% CI (0.08-0.10)], alexithymia [z = 10.74, p < .01, β = 0.43, 90% CI (0.08-0.10)], but not by anger [z = 1.58, p = .11, 90% CI (0.08-0.10)]. CONCLUSIONS These findings are in line with previous studies that show associations between childhood trauma, dissociation, alexithymia, and ADs. They indicate that mental health professionals and medical doctors should assess childhood trauma in autoimmune patients. They also should consider the possible maintaining role of dissociation and alexithymia in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Lee H, Noh Y, Seo JY, Park SH, Kim MH, Won S. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Adolescent Students in Daegu, Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2021; 36:e321. [PMID: 34845877 PMCID: PMC8629716 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In February 2020, as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread rapidly in Daegu, South Korea, students in that region experienced many emotional difficulties. In this study, we analyzed the stress and emotional crisis experienced by students during the COVID-19 pandemic, its causative factors, and the factors that affect negative emotions. METHODS We identified the demographic information related to the experiences of unbearable stress and emotional crisis and their causal factors at three points in time: before the pandemic, during its peak, and at the time of the survey (2-3 months after the peak). In addition, we analyzed the factors related to depression and anxiety experienced by students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 and the Korean version of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 was used to assess for depressive and anxiety symptoms in the subject students, respectively. RESULTS A total of 8,177 students participated in the analysis, with 4,072 boys (49.8%), 4,105 girls (50.2%), and 4,463 middle school students (54.6%) and 3,177 high school students (45.4%). The percentage of students who experienced unbearable stress was 9% before the COVID-19 pandemic, increased to 16% at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, then decreased to 12.7% at the time of the survey. Stress was experienced more by girls (18.1% versus 13.8% in boys; χ² = 28.159, P < 0.001) and high school students (19.0% versus 13.5% in middle school students; χ² = 45.437, P < 0.001). Overall, 7.6% experienced emotional crises during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was more prevalent in girls (10.1% versus 5.2% in boys; χ² = 71.025, P < 0.001) and in high school students (8.8% versus 6.7% in middle school students; χ² = 12.996, P < 0.001). Depression and anxiety was seen in 19.8% and 12.3% of students during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. The risk factors for depression and anxiety included unbearable stress before the COVID-19 pandemic (P < 0.001), mental health (P = 0.044), and age (P = 0.040), whereas resilience was identified as a protective factor for depression and anxiety (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Students in Daegu experienced lots of mental difficulties since the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be necessary to improve stress management and resilience to improve students' mental health in disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojun Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
| | - Yeseul Noh
- Daegu Student Suicide Prevention Center, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Ji Young Seo
- Daegu Student Suicide Prevention Center, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sang Hee Park
- Wee Center in Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Myoung Haw Kim
- Department of Physical Education and Health, Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education, Daegu, Korea
| | - Seunghee Won
- Daegu Student Suicide Prevention Center, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Korea
- Wee Center in Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
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Tambelli R, Cimino S, Marzilli E, Ballarotto G, Cerniglia L. Late Adolescents' Attachment to Parents and Peers and Psychological Distress Resulting from COVID-19. A Study on the Mediation Role of Alexithymia. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:10649. [PMID: 34682393 PMCID: PMC8535909 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The scientific literature has shown the key role played by attachment to parents and peers and difficulties in recognizing, processing, and regulating emotions (i.e., alexithymia) in the (mal-)adaptive psychological response to the COVID-19 pandemic during late adolescence. No study has yet explored the complex interplay between these variables. We recruited a sample of 454 late adolescents (Mage = 22.79, SD = 2.27) and assessed attachment to parents and peers, alexithymia, and peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19 through self-report instruments. Attachment to fathers and peers, but not to mothers, and alexithymia significantly predicted levels of peritraumatic distress. Alexithymia fully and partially mediated the effect of, respectively, attachment to mothers and attachment to peers on peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19. These findings suggested that intervention programs focused on the promotion of peer social relationships, supportive parent-adolescent relationships, and the ability to recognize and discriminate one's own and others' emotions are needed in helping late adolescents to face the current health emergency and preventing short- and long-term psychopathological consequences related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (R.T.); (E.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (R.T.); (E.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Eleonora Marzilli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (R.T.); (E.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Giulia Ballarotto
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy; (R.T.); (E.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, 00186 Rome, Italy;
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Zhang X, Bai X, Bian L, Wang M. The influence of personality, alexithymia and work engagement on burnout among village doctors in China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1507. [PMID: 34348678 PMCID: PMC8335472 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11544-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In China, as the "gatekeepers"of rural residents' health, the primary-level village doctors, play a very crucial role in ensuring and serving the health level of rural residents. However, the burnout of village doctors is gravely threatening the stability of rural primary medical system step by step. This study systematically evaluated the effects of personality, work engagement and alexithymia on burnout of village doctors, and further measured and assessed the mediating effect of alexithymia and work engagement in the association between personality and burnout. METHODS The subjects were 2684 village doctors in Jining, Shandong Province, China, from May to June 2019. Sociodemographic characteristics, alexithymia, personality, work engagement and job burnout were quantitated by self-completed questionnaire and measured by Likert 5-7 scale. One-way ANOVA, Person correlation analysis, and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used for statistical analysis and mediating effect evaluation. RESULTS 2693 questionnaires were collected in total, of which 2684 were valid, with an effective rate of 96.2%. 65.2% of village doctors were diagnosed with burnout, and 54.3% showed moderate to severe emotional exhaustion, 61.6% showed moderate to severe low sense of personal achievement, and 33.9% showed moderate to severe depersonalization burnout. Personality had a direct positive effect on work engagement (β = 0.50, p < 0.001), a direct negative effect on alexithymia (β = - 0.52, p < 0.001) and burnout (β = - 0.50, p < 0.001) respectively. Work engagement had a direct negative effect on burnout (β = - 0.10, p < 0.001), while alexithymia had a direct positive effect on burnout (β = 0.16, p < 0.001). In the path between personality and burnout, both work engagement 95%CI:(- 0.17)-(- 0.08), and alexithymia 95%CI:(- 0.36)-(- 0.09), have significant mediating effects. These results strongly confirm that personality, alexithymia, and work engagement are early and powerful predicators of burnout. CONCLUSION According to the results, medical administrators should pay attention to the personality characteristics of village doctors in vocational training, practice selection and job assignment, encourage village doctors to reflect on their own personality actively, and to reduce job burnout by obtaining necessary social support, constructing reasonable achievable career expectations, improving time management ability, and participating in psychological counselling programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Zhang
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067 China
| | - Xue Bai
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067 China
| | - Liyan Bian
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067 China
| | - Min Wang
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067 China
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Yu J, Mahendran R. COVID-19 lockdown has altered the dynamics between affective symptoms and social isolation among older adults: results from a longitudinal network analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14739. [PMID: 34282245 PMCID: PMC8289844 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94301-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 lockdown has drastically limited social interactions and brought about a climate of fear and uncertainty. These circumstances not only increased affective symptoms and social isolation among community dwelling older adults but also alter the dynamics between them. Using network analyses, we study the changes in these dynamics before and during the lockdown. Community-dwelling older adults (N = 419) completed questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, and social isolation, before the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of a cohort study, and during the lockdown period. The total scores of these questionnaires were compared across time. For the network analyses, partial correlation networks were constructed using items in the questionnaires as nodes, separately at both timepoints. Changes in edges, as well as nodal and bridge centrality were examined across time. Depression and anxiety symptoms, and social isolation had significantly increased during the lockdown. Significant changes were observed across time on several edges. Greater connectivity between the affective and social isolation nodes at lockdown was observed. Depression symptoms have become more tightly coupled across individuals, and so were the anxiety symptoms. Depression symptoms have also become slightly decoupled from those of anxiety. These changing network dynamics reflect the greater influence of social isolation on affective symptoms across individuals and an increased vulnerability to affective disorders. These findings provide novel perspectives and translational implications on the changing mental health context amidst a COVID-19 pandemic situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhong Yu
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Mind Science Centre, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
- Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Rathi Mahendran
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Mind Science Centre, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
- Academic Development Department, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, Singapore.
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Li Y, Cao L, Mo C, Tan D, Mai T, Zhang Z. Prevalence of burnout in medical students in China: A meta-analysis of observational studies. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26329. [PMID: 34190150 PMCID: PMC8257868 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of burnout among medical students in China.A systematic search from the following electronic databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wangfang database, VIP database, Chinese biomedical literature database, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was independently conducted by 2 reviewers from inception to September 2019. The data were analyzed using stata software Version 11. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 tests, and publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test. The source of heterogeneity among subgroups was determined by subgroup analysis of different parameters.A total of 48 articles with a sample size of 29,020 met the inclusion criteria. The aggregate prevalence of learning burnout was 45.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 38.1%-53.8%). The prevalence rate of high emotional exhaustion was 37.5% (95% CI: 21.4%-53.7%). The percentage was 44.0% (95% CI: 29.2%-58.8%) for low personal accomplishment. The prevalence rate was 36.0% (95% CI: 23.0%-48.9%) in depersonalization dimension. In the subgroup analysis by specialty, the prevalence of burnout was 30.3% (95% CI: 28.6%-32.0%) for clinical medicine and 43.8% (95% CI: 41.8%-45.8%) for other medical specialties. The total prevalence of burnout between men and women was 46.4% (95% CI: 44.8%-47.9%) and 46.6% (95% CI: 45.5%-47.6%), respectively. The prevalence of burnout with Rong Lian's scale was 43.7% (42.1%-45.2%), and that with the other scales was 51.4% (50.4%-52.4%). The prevalence rates were 62.9% (61.3%-64.6%), 58.7% (56.3%-61.1%), 46.5% (42.9%-50.2%), and 56.0% (51.6%-60.4%) from Grades 1 to 4, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference among the different grades (P = .000).Our findings suggest a high prevalence of burnout among medical students. Society, universities, and families should take appropriate measures and allot more care to prevent burnout among medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Li
- Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin
| | - Liang Cao
- Department of Experimental Teaching Center, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Chunbao Mo
- Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin
| | - Dechan Tan
- Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin
| | - Tingyu Mai
- Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin
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Hawkins LG, Mullet N, Tuliao AP, Gudenrath T, Holyoak D, Landoy BVN, Klanecky AK, McChargue DE. Alexithymia, Prior Trauma, Alcohol Use, and Sexual Aggression Perpetration: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of a Moderated Mediation Model. Sex Abuse 2021; 33:455-474. [PMID: 32248750 DOI: 10.1177/1079063220912451] [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] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we examined the relationships between prior trauma, alexithymia, and sexual aggression perpetration among 610 U.S. college students and 107 college students from the Philippines utilizing a cross-sectional retrospective design. We tested a moderated mediation model with alexithymia as the mediator between prior trauma and sexual aggression perpetration, and alcohol use as a moderator of the alexithymia-sexual aggression link. Moreover, given that cultural norms may influence these relationships, we also examined the structural invariance of the proposed moderated mediation model. Path analyses and multiple group analysis were used to examine the moderated mediation model, and examine model differences between samples. We did not find evidence for alexithymia as a mediator, but there was a significant interaction between alcohol use severity and alexithymia on sexual aggression perpetration across both samples. Alexithymia is a key variable in understanding the alcohol use-sexual aggression perpetration relationship. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research are also discussed.
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Raudales AM, Darosh AG, Contractor AA, Schatten HT, Dixon-Gordon KL, Weiss NH. Positive Emotion Dysregulation Identifies Trauma-Exposed Community Individuals at Risk for Suicide and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury. J Nerv Ment Dis 2021; 209:434-442. [PMID: 33660688 PMCID: PMC8159867 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001316] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Emotion dysregulation is associated with increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, research in this area has focused almost exclusively on dysregulation stemming from negative emotions. The present study aimed to address this gap in the literature by examining the associations between the specific domains of positive emotion dysregulation and both STBs and NSSI. Participants included 397 trauma-exposed community adults (Mage = 35.95; 57.7% female; 76.8% White). Results demonstrated significant associations between positive emotion dysregulation and both STBs and NSSI. In particular, higher levels of nonacceptance of positive emotions were found to be significantly related to risk for STBs (versus no risk), higher severity of STBs, and history of NSSI (versus no history). Findings suggest positive emotion dysregulation may play an important role in the etiology and treatment of both STBs and NSSI among trauma-exposed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Heather T. Schatten
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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John A, Stott J, Richards M. Associations between childhood reading problems and affective symptoms across the life course: Evidence from the 1946 British Birth Cohort. J Affect Disord 2021; 282:284-288. [PMID: 33418380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.054] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about long-term outcomes of reading problems in childhood on affective symptoms across the life course. The aim of this research was to test longitudinal associations between reading problems in childhood and affective symptoms from adolescence to early old age. METHODS Data were from the National Survey of Health and Development (British 1946 birth cohort). A measure of reading problems was available at age 11. Affective symptoms were assessed at ages 13, 15, 35, 43, 53, 60-64 and 69. Path analyses tested longitudinal associations between reading problems and affective symptoms from adolescence to early old age. Linear regressions tested associations between reading problems in childhood and accumulation of affective symptoms across the life course (age 13 to 69). Models were adjusted for sex, education, conduct problems, and socioeconomic position in childhood and adulthood. RESULTS After full adjustment, reading problems were significantly associated with higher affective symptoms in adolescence (ages 13 and 15) but not affective symptoms in adulthood (ages 36, 43, 53, 60-64, and 69). Reading problems were not associated with accumulation of affective symptoms across the life course. LIMITATIONS Attrition was limitation of this study, due to the long follow-up period. In order to account for missing data, full information maximum likelihood (FIML) was used. CONCLUSIONS Childhood reading problems are associated with higher affective symptoms in adolescence, but this does not persist into adulthood. These results highlight an important period in adolescence when reading problems may exert a particularly strong effect on affective symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcus Richards
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL, UCL, London, United Kingdom
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Asieieva Y. PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CYBER-ADDICTION IN YOUNGSTER ADOLESCENTS. Georgian Med News 2021:125-129. [PMID: 33814405] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to analyze empirically obtained data to identify psychoemotional states of adolescents with manifestations of cyber addiction. The study, conducted from 2016 to the present, involved 559 respondents, 408 of whom with certain types of cyber addictions made up the main group and 151 were relatively healthy, who were included in the control group. All respondents were diagnosed using a psychodiagnostic technique - Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). According to the results of the study, it was found that the majority (more than 80%) of respondents in the age group from 14 to 21 years old, who made up the control group, did not show signs of alexithymia (passive aggression, difficulty in choosing words when describing their own feelings and interpersonal contacts, depression and anxiety they were not typical), and respondents with cyber-addiction demonstrate manifestations of alexithymia in 30-50% of cases. The highest indicators of alexithymia manifestation were found among the respondents of the main group of males aged 16 to 18 years - 50.00% of the respondents, as well as high indicators of manifestation of alexithymia were revealed among young men of the main group aged 14 to 15 years - 45.76% and at the age from 19 to 21 years old - 46.27% of respondents. Among girls of the main group, manifestations of alexithymia were revealed in more than 25% of the respondents (MGG1 - 26.15%, MGG2 - 30.26%, MGG3 - 33.33% of the respondents). This made it possible for us to characterize cyber addicts as persons, mainly with manifestations of alexithymia, capable of reflection, prone to the manifestation of short-term, sharply expressed in the behavior of emotional outbursts, the causes of which are poorly understood, and also have manifestations of depression and anxiety. The study made it possible to include alexithymic manifestations in research markers for the further development of psychocorrectional programs for adolescents suffering from various types of cyber addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Asieieva
- Interregional Academy of Persоnnel Management, Odessa, Ukraine
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