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Miyamoto K, Tanaka H, Bagnou JH, Clavel C, Prigent E, Benamara A, Le Scanff C, Martin JC, Nakamura S. Impact of eye movements and facial expressions on social performance during a collaborative problem-solving task. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2025; 254:104782. [PMID: 39923549 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.104782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 12/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2025] [Indexed: 02/11/2025] Open
Abstract
Social performance is associated with producing good relationships in social communication. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the importance of collaborative problem- solving in social communication. Aiming to enhance collaborative problem-solving, we investigated the characteristics of behavioral signals that impact social performance. In this paper, we analyzed the eye movements and facial expressions of pairs of participants working on a collaborative problem-solving task online. Our eye movement analysis showed that the lower the percentage of looking at the conversation partner is and the higher the percentage of looking outside is, the lower is the social performance. Our facial expression analysis showed that the lower the intensity of expression is in inner brow raiser, the cheek raiser, and the lip corner puller, the lower is the social performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Miyamoto
- Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan.
| | | | - Jennifer Hamet Bagnou
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Sciences du Numérique, Orsay, France
| | - Céline Clavel
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Sciences du Numérique, Orsay, France
| | - Elise Prigent
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Sciences du Numérique, Orsay, France
| | - Amine Benamara
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Sciences du Numérique, Orsay, France
| | - Christine Le Scanff
- Université Paris-Saclay, Laboratoire Complexité, Innovation Activités Motrices et Sportives, Orsay, France; Université d'Orléans, Laboratoire Complexité, Innovation Activités Motrices et Sportives, CIAMS, Orléans, France
| | - Jean-Claude Martin
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Sciences du Numérique, Orsay, France
| | - Satoshi Nakamura
- Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan; School of Data Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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Aviv I, Shorer M, Fennig S, Aviezer H, Singer-Harel D, Apter A, Pilowsky Peleg T. The path from trait anxiety to post-concussion symptoms and posttraumatic stress symptoms in children with mTBI: the moderating role of alexithymia. Child Neuropsychol 2025:1-22. [PMID: 40139993 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2025.2482826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2025] [Indexed: 03/28/2025]
Abstract
Post-concussion symptoms (PCS) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are common after mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) in children. Psychological factors, especially pre-injury trait anxiety, are associated with the development of PCS and PTSS. However, the underlying mechanisms are understudied. The current study aimed to explore whether alexithymia (difficulty in identifying and describing emotions) moderates the associations between children's pre-injury trait anxiety and PCS, as well as PTSS in bothchildren and parents following mTBI. Participants were 53 children aged 8-16 with mTBI and their parents, recruited from the Emergency Department. Immediate mTBI symptoms were assessed by the Emergency Department physician within 24 hours post-injury. One-week post-injury, acute PTSS (children and parents), children's pre-injury trait anxiety, and alexithymia were measured using self-reported questionnaires. PCS were measured by symptom reports (including a baseline; reported by parents) and neuropsychological tests assessing cognitive functioning, including performance validity tests. PCS and cognitive functioning were assessed one-week and four-month post-injury. We found that alexithymia significantly moderated the associations between children's pre-injury trait anxiety and both PCS and PTSS in children and parents at one-week post-injury. Higher levels of alexithymia strengthened these associations. Alexithymia was found significantly associated with PCS at four-month post-injury. However, alexithymia did not moderate the association between pre-injury trait anxiety and PCS at four-month post-injury or cognitive functioning at one-week or four months. In conclusion, pre-injury trait anxiety and alexithymia are crucial in mTBI outcomes, being associated with PCS and PTSS development. Therefore, addressing emotional factors is important in TBI recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irit Aviv
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach-Tikva, Israel
| | - Maayan Shorer
- Department of Clinical Psychology, and the Lior Tzfati Center of Mental Pain, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek-Hefer, Israel
| | - Silvana Fennig
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach-Tikva, Israel
| | - Hillel Aviezer
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dana Singer-Harel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach-Tikva, Israel
| | - Alan Apter
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach-Tikva, Israel
| | - Tammy Pilowsky Peleg
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Neuropsychological Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach-Tikva, Israel
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Rogoza M, Marchlewska M, Rogoza R, Molenda Z, Szczepańska D, Maciantowicz O, Maison D. Emotional processes underlying national narcissism. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2025:1-17. [PMID: 40108808 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2025.2479783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2025] [Indexed: 03/22/2025]
Abstract
Within the current manuscript, we assumed that national narcissism should be linked to poor emotion recognition skills and negative emotionality. In a series of four mixed-methodology studies, we found positive relations between national narcissism and one's own impairment of emotion recognition, lower levels of facial emotion recognition, and higher levels of antagonistically oriented emotions. We also demonstrated that an inability to recognize emotions of others (characteristic for national narcissism) may, in turn, translate into dehumanization of in-group and out-group. By highlighting these relations, we argue that group defensiveness can be linked to a specific form of emotionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rogoza
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | | | - Radosław Rogoza
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
- University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Dagmara Szczepańska
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
- The Maria Grzegorzewska University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Oliwia Maciantowicz
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Poland
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Yöyen E, Kılıç AR. Mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between parental disapproval of the child and alexithymic personality. World J Psychiatry 2025; 15:100135. [PMID: 39974478 PMCID: PMC11758055 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.100135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2024] [Revised: 11/03/2024] [Accepted: 12/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia is defined as difficulties in identifying, expressing, and understanding emotions. An unapproving environment during childhood is defined as the child not receiving emotional approval from their parents, being punished, or having their emotions devalued. The formation of self-esteem is shaped by the influence of parental behavior during childhood. The communication that the child establishes with their parents contributes to their increased self-esteem and sense of importance. The absence of this may play a role in developmental psychopathology. AIM To examine the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between a disapproving environment in childhood and alexithymia. METHODS The research in the relational screening model was conducted with 404 participants. Demographic Information Form, Disapproving Environment Scale in Childhood, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used as data collection tools. Hayes' bootstrapping technique was used in the analysis of the data obtained from the research. RESULTS As a result of the analyses, parental disapproval positively predicted the level of alexithymia (rmother = 0.51, rfather = 0.52, P < 0.05) and negatively predicted self-esteem (rmother = -0.75, rfather = -0.67, P < 0.05). Additionally, self-esteem negatively predicted alexithymia (r = -0.58, P < 0.05). It was observed that self-esteem had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between parental disapproval and alexithymia. Family types were analyzed separately as chaotic, approving, perfect, and typical. Of these, the chaotic family type positively predicted alexithymia (r = 0.33, P < 0.05) and negatively predicted self-esteem (r = -0.60, P < 0.05). The approving family type negatively predicted alexithymia (r = -0.43, P < 0.05) and positively predicted self-esteem (r = 0.61, P < 0.05). The perfect family type negatively predicted alexithymia (r = -0.27, P < 0.05) and positively predicted self-esteem (r = -0.45, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The type of family in which the child grows up in and parental disapproval during childhood affected the child's self-esteem and caused alexithymic personality traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Yöyen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Sakarya University, Sakarya 54050, Türkiye
| | - Ali Rıfat Kılıç
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Göztepe, Marmara University, İstanbul 34722, Türkiye
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Mazurek MO, Pappagianopoulos J, Brunt S, Nevill R, Menezes M, Burroughs C, Sadikova E, Smith JV, Howard M. Inner experiences, mental health, and well-being in autistic and non-autistic adults. Autism Res 2024; 17:2676-2688. [PMID: 39539047 PMCID: PMC11638894 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 11/07/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
The nature of autistic adults' everyday inner experiences has been largely unstudied. The purpose of this study was to examine patterns of inner experiences and how they relate to mental health and wellness among autistic and non-autistic adults. Autistic (n = 303) and non-autistic (n = 289) adults (ages 21-82) completed online surveys assessing their anxiety, depression, happiness, life satisfaction, and inner thinking patterns, (inner speaking [i.e., verbal thinking], inner seeing [i.e., visual thinking], unsymbolized thinking, feelings, sensory awareness, self-talk). Group differences in inner thinking were examined using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests. Correlations and multiple linear regressions examined associations between inner experiences, mental health, and well-being. Autistic adults had greater use of inner speaking and sensory awareness, compared to non-autistic adults. The most common primary mode of inner experience for both groups was inner speaking, while fewer autistic adults reported that experiencing thoughts as feelings was their primary modality. Autistic adults reported greater use of self-talk for social assessment, self-criticism, and self-management purposes, compared to non-autistic adults. Experiencing thoughts as inner speech and as feelings were associated with anxiety in both groups. Using self-talk for social assessment and self-criticism purposes was correlated with anxiety and depression in both groups, while using self-talk for self-management was associated with depression and anxiety only among autistic adults. The results suggest that autistic and non-autistic adults have similarities in overall patterns of inner thinking, yet autistic adults may be more likely to engage in self-talk as a strategy to manage challenging day-to-day experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micah O. Mazurek
- Department of Human ServicesUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUSA
| | | | - Sophie Brunt
- Department of Human ServicesUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUSA
| | - Rose Nevill
- Department of Human ServicesUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUSA
| | | | - Christina Burroughs
- Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleUSA
| | - Eleonora Sadikova
- Department of Human ServicesUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUSA
| | - Jessica V. Smith
- Department of Human ServicesUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUSA
| | - Mya Howard
- Department of Human ServicesUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUSA
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Salokangas RKR, From T, Salokangas HRW, Lehtoranta L, Suvisaari J, Koskinen S, Hietala J, Joukamaa M, Karukivi M. Effects of childhood adversities on alexithymia features vary between sexes. Results of a prospective population study. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2407256. [PMID: 39391897 PMCID: PMC11485702 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2407256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) associate with various mental disorders, including personality features. Our understanding of how ACEs influence alexithymia features in the general population is limited. In a prospective population setting, we studied whether ACEs associate with alexithymia, and the role of sex and emotional symptoms in this association.Methods: In a Finnish population-based prospective study, 3,142 individuals aged between 30 and 64 years completed eleven ACE questions and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale in 2000 and 2011, and the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist in 2011. The effect of ACEs on alexithymia and its subdomains - difficulty identifying feelings (DIF), difficulty describing feelings (DDF), and externally oriented thinking (EOT) in 2000 and 2011 - was analysed using repeated measures ANOVA.Results: The number of ACEs and their main component, childhood social disadvantage, associated positively with total alexithymia scores and its subdomains DIF and DDF, and negatively with EOT. After controlling for the effect of depression and anxiety, the strength of these associations was reduced, but the effect of social disadvantage on DIF and EOT remained significant in females. Childhood family conflicts associated positively with DIF in males and negatively with EOT in females. Additionally, maternal mental problems associated positively with DIF and DDF in females.Discussion: In the general population, ACEs, particularly social disadvantage, are associated with adult alexithymia features. Alexithymia features, detectable from youth, may predispose individuals to emotional disturbances caused by childhood adversities. The effect of family conflicts and maternal mental problems on alexithymia features varies between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiina From
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Henri R. W. Salokangas
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Economics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | | | - Seppo Koskinen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jarmo Hietala
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, The Wellbeing Services County of Southwest Finland, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Joukamaa
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Science Unit, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Max Karukivi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, The Wellbeing Services County of Southwest Finland, Turku, Finland
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Sharma P, Sen MS, Sinha UK, Kumar D. Childhood Trauma, Emotional Regulation, Alexithymia, and Psychological Symptoms Among Adolescents: A Mediational Analysis. Indian J Psychol Med 2024:02537176241258251. [PMID: 39564212 PMCID: PMC11572369 DOI: 10.1177/02537176241258251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents' mental health is influenced by childhood trauma, emotional regulation, and psychological symptoms. This study aimed to explore these interconnections among adolescents attending a child and adolescent clinic. Method Adolescents aged 13-19 from a city were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20. Adolescents with severe mental or physical illnesses were excluded. Results A total of 100 participants were recruited aged 13-19. The CTQ scores positively correlated with DERS Scores (r = 0.246, P < .05) and Internalizing scores (r = 0.325, P < .01). DERS Scores strongly correlated with alexithymia (r = 0.624, P < .001) and Internalizing scores(r = 0.556, P < .001). Regression analyses revealed CTQ, Alexithymia, and DERS scores significantly predicted Internalizing scores (R 2 = 0.37). Mediation analysis showed that emotional regulation partially mediated the relationship between child trauma and Internalizing scores (B = 0.059, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.011 to 0.133, t = 1.92, P = .01), as well as the relationship between Alexithymia and Internalizing scores(B = 0.255, 95% CI = 0.129 to 0.465, t = 3.31, P < .001). Conclusion Findings highlight the importance of emotional regulation as a mediator in the connections between childhood trauma, alexithymia, and psychological symptoms among adolescents. This complementary mediation underscores the dual impact of direct and indirect effects on psychological well-being. The findings reveal intricate links between childhood trauma, emotional regulation, and alexithymia in adolescents with psychological symptoms. Emotional regulation proved to have a pivotal role in influencing psychological well-being. These results emphasize the importance of considering emotional regulation when assessing and maintaining mental health in adolescents, further contributing to understanding treatment needs.
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Kick L, Schleicher D, Ecker A, Kandsperger S, Brunner R, Jarvers I. Alexithymia as a mediator between adverse childhood events and the development of psychopathology: a meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1412229. [PMID: 39011338 PMCID: PMC11246998 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1412229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Victims of child abuse have an elevated risk of developing mental health issues later in life. Several variables have been suggested as mediators of this correlation, but little is known about the possible influence of alexithymia. Alexithymia is a sub-clinical personality trait that manifests as difficulties recognizing and verbalizing emotions. Methods In this study, two separate meta-analyses were conducted using questionnaire data, and Pearson correlations for overall effects were estimated. Results The correlation between child abuse and alexithymia showed to be significant (r = .26), as did the correlation between alexithymia and general psychopathology (r = .44). Further analyses revealed no indication for possible publication bias. When investigating differences between various subtypes of child maltreatment, each subtype significantly correlated with alexithymia. Emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect had stronger correlations than physical and sexual abuse. Discussion These results suggest that alexithymia plays a mediating role, at least in part, in the relationship between experiences of child abuse and general psychopathology in adulthood. Therefore, alexithymia may be relevant to further research and deserves attention in the prevention of and therapy for mental health issues in victims of child abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Kick
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Schleicher
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Angelika Ecker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Kandsperger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Romuald Brunner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Irina Jarvers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Burghart M, Sahm AHJ, Schmidt S, Bulla J, Mier D. Understanding empathy deficits and emotion dysregulation in psychopathy: The mediating role of alexithymia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301085. [PMID: 38718018 PMCID: PMC11078418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychopathy is a severe personality disorder marked by a wide range of emotional deficits, including a lack of empathy, emotion dysregulation, and alexithymia. Previous research has largely examined these emotional impairments in isolation, ignoring their influence on each other. Thus, we examined the concurrent interrelationship between emotional impairments in psychopathy, with a particular focus on the mediating role of alexithymia. Using path analyses with cross-sectional data from a community sample (N = 315) and a forensic sample (N = 50), our results yielded a statistically significant mediating effect of alexithymia on the relationship between psychopathy and empathy (community and forensic) and between psychopathy and emotion dysregulation (community). Moreover, replacing psychopathy with its three dimensions (i.e., meanness, disinhibition, and boldness) in the community sample revealed that boldness may function as an adaptive trait, with lower levels of alexithymia counteracting deficits in empathy and emotion dysregulation. Overall, our findings indicate that psychopathic individuals' limited understanding of their own emotions contributes to their lack of empathy and emotion dysregulation. This underscores the potential benefits of improving emotional awareness in the treatment of individuals with psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Burghart
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Alexander H. J. Sahm
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Sergej Schmidt
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jan Bulla
- Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Reichenau Psychiatric Center, Reichenau, Germany
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniela Mier
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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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] [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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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: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [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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12
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Howe-Davies H, Hobson C, Waters C, van Goozen SHM. Emotional and socio-cognitive processing in young children with symptoms of anxiety. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:2077-2088. [PMID: 35861892 PMCID: PMC10533571 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02050-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Many children with anxiety disorders exhibit significant and persistent impairments in their social and interpersonal functioning. Two components essential for successful social interaction are empathy and theory of mind (ToM). Both constructs develop rapidly in childhood, but no study has simultaneously examined these skills in young children with emerging mental health problems, including those with symptoms of anxiety. This study investigated empathy and ToM in children with anxiety symptomatology and examined their relationship with anxiety severity. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 174 children aged 4-8 years with emerging mental health difficulties who were referred by school teachers for an assessment because of emotional, cognitive, or behavioural problems at school. Participants completed empathy and ToM tasks. Parents were interviewed and rated children's emotional and behavioural problems. Correlational analyses indicated that elevated anxiety was associated with better cognitive ToM and worse affective empathy; there were no associations between anxiety and either cognitive empathy or affective ToM. Subsequent regression analyses demonstrated that whilst enhanced cognitive ToM was explained by age and verbal IQ, anxiety symptoms uniquely predicted impaired affective empathy. These results indicate that children with symptoms of anxiety have difficulty in sharing in other people's emotions. As a result, they may find it difficult to behave in socially adequate ways in interactions with others that involve affective sharing. These findings encourage the use of early and targeted interventions that improve affective empathy development in children with anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stephanie H M van Goozen
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Wales, UK.
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.
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13
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Chen X, Wu Z, Zhan B, Ding D, Zhang X. Effects of Alexithymia on Moral Decision-Making in Sacrificial Dilemmas: High Alexithymia is Associated with Weaker Sensitivity to Moral Norms. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:2315-2325. [PMID: 37396404 PMCID: PMC10314773 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s407744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Although several studies have investigated the association between alexithymia and moral decision-making in sacrificial dilemmas, the evidence remains mixed. The current work investigated this association and how alexithymia affects moral choice in such dilemmas. Methods The current research used a multinomial model (ie, CNI model) to disentangle (a) sensitivity to consequences, (b) sensitivity to moral norms, and (c) general preference for inaction versus action irrespective of consequences and norms in responses to moral dilemmas. Results Higher levels of alexithymia were associated with a greater preference for utilitarian judgments in sacrificial dilemmas (Study 1). Furthermore, individuals with high alexithymia showed significantly weaker sensitivity to moral norms than did those with low alexithymia, whereas there were no significant differences in sensitivity to consequences or a general preference for inaction versus action (Study 2). Conclusion The findings suggest that alexithymia affects moral choice in sacrificial dilemmas by blunting emotional reactions to causing harm, rather than through increased deliberative cost-benefit reasoning or general preference for inaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyou Chen
- Department of Psychology, School of Education Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Mind and Brain Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihui Wu
- Department of Psychology, School of Education Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Mind and Brain Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Daoqun Ding
- Department of Psychology, School of Education Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Mind and Brain Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangyi Zhang
- Department of Psychology, School of Education Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
- Cognition and Human Behavior Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
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14
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Farahani H, Azadfallah P, Watson P, Qaderi K, Pasha A, Dirmina F, Esrafilian F, Koulaie B, Fayazi N, Sepehrnia N, Esfandiary A, Abbasi FN, Rashidi K. Predicting the Social-Emotional Competence Based on Childhood Trauma, Internalized Shame, Disability/Shame Scheme, Cognitive Flexibility, Distress Tolerance and Alexithymia in an Iranian Sample Using Bayesian Regression. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2023; 16:351-363. [PMID: 37234828 PMCID: PMC10205962 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-022-00501-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to predict Social Emotional Competence based on childhood trauma, internalized shame, disability/shame scheme, cognitive flexibility, distress tolerance, and alexithymia in an Iranian sample using Bayesian regression. The participants in this research were a sample of 326 (85.3% female and 14.7% male) people living in Tehran in 2021 who were selected by convenience sampling through online platforms. The survey assessments included demographic characteristics (age and gender), presence of childhood trauma, social-emotional competence, internalized shame, the Toronto Alexithymia scales, Young's measure of disability/shame together with measures of cognitive flexibility and distress tolerance. The results from Bayesian regression and Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) indicated that internalized shame, cognitive flexibility and distress tolerance can be predictive of Social Emotional Competence. These results suggested that Social Emotional Competence can be explained by some important personality factors.
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15
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Macía L, Jauregui P, Herrero M, Iruarrizaga I, Micó V, Lamas J, Estévez A. Sex-comparative study of gambling disorder regarding alexithymia and symptoms of depression, anxiety and hostility. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 122:152364. [PMID: 36682199 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Alexithymia and psychological symptomatology have been closely associated with gambling disorder (GD). However, sex differences remain underexplored. This study aims, firstly, to explore the differences between groups (GD and no-GD) and sexes (women vs. men) in alexithymia and psychological symptomatology (depression, anxiety and hostility). Secondly, the relationship between alexithymia and psychological symptomatology was analysed by gambling and sex groups. Thirdly, it examines the moderation role of sex and gambling in the relationship between alexithymia and each psychological symptom. METHOD The sample was composed of 80 people with GD diagnosis and 80 without GD (40 women and 40 men in each group). RESULTS The results showed that alexithymia is positively related to depression, anxiety and hostility, with significantly higher scores in people with GD. Moderation analyses showed a threefold interaction, in which higher alexithymia was related to higher depression for men with GD but not for GD-women. However, in women with GD, depression levels are higher than in people without GD and tend to be more stable over time, despite the lack of effect of alexithymia. CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence indicating that dysfunctional psychological symptomatology affects people with GD to a greater extent than people without GD, but also that the aetiology and effect of underlying vulnerability factors on gambling is different according to sex. The need of prevention and treatment programmes that consider different psychological aspects depending on sex is reinforced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Macía
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Psychology Department, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Paula Jauregui
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Psychology Department, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Marta Herrero
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Psychology Department, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Iciar Iruarrizaga
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Faculty of Social Work, Complutense University of Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Virtu Micó
- Federación Española de Jugadores de Azar Rehabilitados [FEJAR; Spanish Federation of Rehabilitated Gamblers], 03400 Alicante, Spain
| | - Juan Lamas
- Federación Española de Jugadores de Azar Rehabilitados [FEJAR; Spanish Federation of Rehabilitated Gamblers], 03400 Alicante, Spain
| | - Ana Estévez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Psychology Department, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain.
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16
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Alexithymia as a Risk Factor for Social Indifference: A Quantitative Study with a Large Sample of Female Adolescents. SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12310-023-09568-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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17
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Barros F, Figueiredo C, Soares SC. Autism traits dimensionality and multivariate relationship with alexithymia and anxiety in the general population. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 131:104361. [PMID: 36240538 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [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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Morie KP, Crowley MJ, Mayes LC, Potenza MN. The process of emotion identification: Considerations for psychiatric disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 148:264-274. [PMID: 35151218 PMCID: PMC8969204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Emotional regulation is important for mental health and behavioral regulation. A relevant precursor to emotional regulation may involve identification of one's emotions. Here, we propose a model of seven components that may provide a foundation for emotion identification. These factors include baseline mood, monitoring, physiological responses, interoception, past personal experiences regarding emotions/metacognition, context, and labeling. We additionally examine how deficits in different components may contribute to the concept of alexithymia, which is defined by difficulty identifying and describing one's own emotions. Ultimately, we explore how the model may support a relationship between specific psychiatric disorders and alexithymia. The proposed model may help explain emotional identification impairment in multiple psychiatric disorders and guide future research and treatment development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen P Morie
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Michael J Crowley
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Linda C Mayes
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, 06109, USA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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19
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Lyvers M, Ryan N, Thorberg FA. Alexithymia, attachment security and negative mood. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00050067.2022.2045173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lyvers
- School of Psychology, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Natasha Ryan
- School of Psychology, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Fred Arne Thorberg
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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20
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Facial Emotion Recognition Predicts Alexithymia Using Machine Learning. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 2021:2053795. [PMID: 34621306 PMCID: PMC8492233 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2053795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective Alexithymia, as a fundamental notion in the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, is characterized by deficits in emotional processing and, consequently, difficulties in emotion recognition. Traditional tools for assessing alexithymia, which include interviews and self-report measures, have led to inconsistent results due to some limitations as insufficient insight. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to propose a new screening tool that utilizes machine learning models based on the scores of facial emotion recognition task. Method In a cross-sectional study, 55 students of the University of Tabriz were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and their scores in the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Then, they completed the somatization subscale of Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90-R), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and the facial emotion recognition (FER) task. Afterwards, support vector machine (SVM) and feedforward neural network (FNN) classifiers were implemented using K-fold cross validation to predict alexithymia, and the model performance was assessed with the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1-measure. Results The models yielded an accuracy range of 72.7–81.8% after feature selection and optimization. Our results suggested that ML models were able to accurately distinguish alexithymia and determine the most informative items for predicting alexithymia. Conclusion Our results show that machine learning models using FER task, SCL-90-R, BDI-II, and BAI could successfully diagnose alexithymia and also represent the most influential factors of predicting it and can be used as a clinical instrument to help clinicians in diagnosis process and earlier detection of the disorder.
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21
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Çoban ÖG, Önder A. Alexithymia Is Associated With Internalizing Disorders in a Clinical Adolescent Outpatient Sample. J Nerv Ment Dis 2021; 209:636-639. [PMID: 34280177 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate alexithymic traits in an adolescent clinical sample with internalizing and externalizing disorders. The study group consisted of 125 adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years who applied at our outpatient unit and diagnosed with an internalizing or externalizing disorder. The healthy control group consisted of 53 adolescents with no psychiatric disorder. All subjects fulfilled the Alexithymia Questionnaire for Children (AQC). Total AQC scores were higher in the study group than in the control group. When we divided the study group into two groups as internalizing and externalizing disorders, total AQC scores, AQC-difficulty identifying feelings, and AQC-difficulty describing feelings were significantly higher in the internalizing disorder group than in the externalizing disorder group. AQC-externally oriented thinking scores were significantly higher in the externalizing disorder group than in the internalizing disorder group. In future research, it would be useful to further increase understanding of alexithymia and its association with psychiatric disorders in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Gizli Çoban
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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22
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Lee M, Kim K, Lee YK, Park BK, Lee S, Jeon HH. Risk factors associated with surveillance loss after endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with gastric neoplasm. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1127. [PMID: 34430568 PMCID: PMC8350673 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background After endoscopic submucosal dissection of gastric neoplasms, surveillance endoscopy is required for patients with synchronous or metachronous neoplasms. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with surveillance loss in patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection. Methods Ninety-five patients treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric neoplasms between May 2015 and June 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathologic factors, sociodemographic factors, psychiatric measures, and associated risk factors for surveillance loss were evaluated. The chi-square or Fisher exact test, t-test, and logistic regression analysis were used in data analysis. Results Twenty-five (26.3%) patients were identified as having surveillance loss. Compared to the surveillance group, the surveillance loss group was old and had dysplasia, and a healthy American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status. Similarly, surveillance loss was related to low symptom perception, low incidence of alexithymia, mindful awareness, and high trait forgiveness. Logistic regression analysis showed that dysplasia (odds ratio, 15.23; 95% CI, 1.56-149.09, P=0.019), old age (odds ratio, 7.14; 95% CI, 1.90-26.88, P=0.004), and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 (odds ratio, 3.99; 95% CI, 1.09-14.60, P=0.037) were associated with surveillance loss. Conclusions Dysplasia, old age, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 were associated with surveillance loss in patients who underwent gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection. It could be helpful to proactively monitor patients with such conditions after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manwoo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Kyungchul Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Yong Kang Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Byung Kyu Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - San Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, South Korea.,Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Han Ho Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
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Stone KJ, Poquiz JL, Singh M, Fite PJ. Examining Incremental Validity of Dimensions of Alexithymia and Parental Psychological Control on Internalizing Symptoms of Youth Involved with the Juvenile Justice System. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-021-09626-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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DAYE M, MEVLİTOĞLU İ, ŞAHİNGÖZ M, ŞAHİN TK. Alexithymia And Behçet’s Disease. KONURALP TIP DERGISI 2021. [DOI: 10.18521/ktd.834163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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25
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Goetz DB, Johnson EC, Naugle AE, Borges LM. Alexithymia, state‐emotion dysregulation, and eating disorder symptoms: A mediation model. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/cp.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dana B. Goetz
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan,
| | - Erica C. Johnson
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan,
| | - Amy E. Naugle
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan,
| | - Lauren M. Borges
- Rocky Mountain MIRECC, Denver, Colorado,
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado,
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26
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Melin EO, Svensson R, Dereke J, Hillman M. Galectin-3 Binding Protein, Depression, and Younger Age Were Independently Associated With Alexithymia in Adult Patients With Type 1 Diabetes. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:672931. [PMID: 34045984 PMCID: PMC8144300 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.672931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Alexithymia has been linked to cardiovascular disease. The aim was to explore whether the immuno-inflammatory variables galectin-3 binding protein (Gal3BP), soluble (s)CD163 and galectin-3 were independently associated with alexithymia, while controlling for known risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as depression, anxiety, impaired glycemic control, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: Cross-sectional design. The participants were consecutively recruited from one diabetes out-patient clinic. Alexithymia, depression and anxiety were assessed by self-report instruments. Blood samples, anthropometrics, and blood pressure were collected, supplemented with data from electronic health records. High Gal3BP was defined as ≥3.3 μg/ml, high sCD163 as ≥0.6 μg/ml, high galectin-3 as ≥2.6 ng/ml, impaired glycemic control as HbA1c >70 mmol/mol (>8.6%) and abdominal obesity as waist circumference ≥ 1.02 m for men and ≥ 0.88 m for women. Results: Two hundred and ninety two patients participated (men 56%, aged 18-59 years, alexithymia prevalence 15%). Patients with alexithymia had higher prevalence of depression (34 vs. 6%, p < 0.001), anxiety (61 vs. 30%, p < 0.001), high Gal3BP levels (39 vs. 17%, p = 0.004), high HbA1c levels (46 vs. 24%, p = 0.006), and abdominal obesity (29 vs. 15%, p = 0.045). Depression [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 6.5, p < 0.001], high Gal3BP levels (AOR 2.4, p = 0.035), and age (AOR 0.96, p = 0.027) were independently associated with alexithymia. Abdominal obesity (AOR 4.0, p < 0.001), high Gal3BP levels (AOR 2.8, p = 0.002), and depression (AOR 2.9, p = 0.014) were associated with high HbA1c. Abdominal obesity and anxiety were associated [Crude odds ratio (COR) 2.4, p = 0.006]. Conclusions: T1D patients with alexithymia had higher prevalence of high Gal3BP levels, depression, impaired glycemic control, anxiety, and abdominal obesity, which are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Only high Gal3BP levels, depression, and younger age were independently associated with alexithymia in adult patients with T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva O Melin
- Diabetes Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Region Kronoberg, Department of Research and Development, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Ralph Svensson
- Department of Psychology, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Jonatan Dereke
- Diabetes Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Magnus Hillman
- Diabetes Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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27
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Chung MC, Chen ZS. The Interrelationship Between Child Abuse, Emotional Processing Difficulties, Alexithymia And Psychological Symptoms Among Chinese Adolescents. J Trauma Dissociation 2021; 22:107-121. [PMID: 32673192 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2020.1788689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the interrelationship between child abuse, emotional processing difficulties, alexithymia, and psychological symptoms with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms from past traumas adjusted among Chinese adolescents. Eight hundred adolescents completed questionnaires measuring the preceding psychological constructs. After controlling for PTSD from past trauma, structural equation modeling showed that child abuse correlated with emotional processing difficulty which correlated with alexithymia. In turn, alexithymia correlated with psychological symptom severity. To conclude, child abuse can affect psychological health among Chinese adolescents. This relationship, however, is influenced by the degree to which processing distressing emotions and getting in touch with internal feelings is avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Cheung Chung
- Department of Educational Psychology, Ho Tim Building, Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Zhuo Sheng Chen
- China University of Political Science and Law , Beijing, China
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Kashimura M, Ishizu K, Shimoda Y. Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of a New Scale to Assess Alexithymia-Like Features in Japanese Youth. J NIPPON MED SCH 2020; 87:285-293. [PMID: 32074538 DOI: 10.1272/jnms.jnms.2020_87-507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of alexithymia have primarily targeted adult populations. Although some recent studies of alexithymia have focused on children and young adolescents, the literature is not sufficient for development of an assessment tool. The aim of this study was to develop, and evaluate the psychometric properties of, a new scale to measure alexithymia-like features in young adolescents. METHODS A total of 1,444 Japanese junior high school students (701 males, 743 females; age range 12-15; mean [SD] age, 13.37 [0.98] years) participated in 2 surveys conducted at their own schools. RESULTS First, exploratory factor analysis of the first survey data (n=981) demonstrated that this new scale had a unifactor structure, as determined by minimum average partial analysis and parallel analysis. Second, confirmatory factor analysis of the second survey data (n=463) confirmed the unifactor structure of this new scale and acceptable goodness of model fit. The new scale had modest internal consistency. CONCLUSIONS The correlations of this new alexithymia scale with related variables were weak but significant, in accordance with our hypothesis. The scale had acceptable reliability and convergent validity and thus might be useful for measuring alexithymic tendency in young adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenichiro Ishizu
- Graduate School of Teacher Training Development, University of Toyama
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Pickard H, Hirsch C, Simonoff E, Happé F. Exploring the cognitive, emotional and sensory correlates of social anxiety in autistic and neurotypical adolescents. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2020; 61:1317-1327. [PMID: 32115711 PMCID: PMC7116440 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social anxiety is common in autistic adolescents. While emerging evidence indicates the importance of several mechanisms (including intolerance of uncertainty (IU), alexithymia and sensory processing) for maintaining anxiety, limited research has explored how these factors are associated with social anxiety in autistic adolescents. METHODS We investigated whether IU, emotional and sensory processing are related to social anxiety in autistic and neurotypical adolescents, gathering experimental and questionnaire data from 61 autistic and 62 neurotypical 11- to 17-year-olds recruited to have similarly high levels of anxiety. RESULTS In autistic and neurotypical adolescents matched for social anxiety, similar significant associations were observed between social anxiety and IU, alexithymia, maladaptive emotion regulation, sensory hypersensitivity and interoceptive sensibility. Taking a dimensional approach, we found that child- and parent-reported IU, alexithymia and sensory hypersensitivity mediated the relationship between autistic traits and social anxiety symptoms in the combined group of adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that similar correlates of social anxiety are evident in autistic and neurotypical youths experiencing social anxiety and further our understanding of mechanisms that may contribute towards social anxiety in both groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Pickard
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - C Hirsch
- Psychology Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - E Simonoff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - F Happé
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
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30
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Paniccia MF, Gaudio S, Puddu A, Di trani M, Dakanalis A, Gentile S, Di ciommo V. Alexithymia in parents and adolescents with generalised anxiety disorder. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/cp.12134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francesca Paniccia
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Division of Clinical Psychology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy,
| | - Santino Gaudio
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden,
| | - Alessia Puddu
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Division of Clinical Psychology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy,
| | - Michela Di trani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy,
| | - Antonios Dakanalis
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy,
| | - Simonetta Gentile
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Division of Clinical Psychology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy,
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31
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Sfeir E, Geara C, Hallit S, Obeid S. Alexithymia, aggressive behavior and depression among Lebanese adolescents: A cross-sectional study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2020; 14:32. [PMID: 32939221 PMCID: PMC7487493 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-020-00338-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For a long time, Lebanon has been considered an unstable country. This can have a negative impact on Lebanese adolescents that consequently face secondary emotional stress, leading to more mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and alexithymia. The objective of this study was to assess the association between alexithymia, depression and aggressive behavior in a sample of Lebanese adolescents. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study, conducted between September 2018 and February 2019, which enrolled 568 young adolescents aged between 15 and 18 years using a proportionate sample from two Lebanese governorates. Out of 750 questionnaires distributed, 568 (75.73%) were completed and collected back. RESULTS The mean age was 15.87 ± 0.82 years, with 302 (53.2%) females; 180 (31.7%) were alexithymic, 193 (34.0%) and 181 (31.9%) had moderate (scores between (89 and 111) and high (scores ≥ 112) aggression respectively, whereas 176 (31.0%) and 149 (26.2%) had moderate (scores between 3 and 4) and high (scores ≥ 5) depression respectively. Higher levels of alexithymia were significantly associated with higher depression (Beta = 0.44), higher total aggression (Beta = 0.78), higher physical aggression (Beta = 0.24), higher verbal aggression (Beta = 0.14), higher anger (Beta = 0.22), and higher hostility (Beta = 0.19). CONCLUSION The prevalence of alexithymic behaviors, as well as aggression and depression in Lebanese students appears to be very high in comparison with students worldwide. Alexithymia was significantly associated with higher depression, physical and verbal aggression, anger and hostility among adolescents. Factors underlying the high level of alexithymia remain not fully elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Sfeir
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon ,Department of Pediatrics, Notre-Dame des Secours University Hospital (CHU-NDS), Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Claudine Geara
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon ,INSPECT-LB, Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique Et Toxicologie- Liban, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon ,INSPECT-LB, Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique Et Toxicologie- Liban, Beirut, Lebanon ,Research and Psychology Departments, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, P.O. Box 60096, Jall-Eddib, Lebanon
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32
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Ng CSM, Chan VCW. Prevalence and associated factors of alexithymia among Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. Psychiatry Res 2020; 290:113126. [PMID: 32505928 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Alexithymia ("no words for feelings") is a personality construct characterized by an inability to identify, describe, and verbalize one's feelings, constricted imagination, and an externally oriented way of thinking. Alexithymia is commonly measured with self-report instruments. Data, in particular from Asian countries, regarding the epidemiology of alexithymia in adolescents are relatively limited. The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence and explore the relationship between alexithymia, family emotional expressiveness, parental acceptance-rejection, and depression. A total of 1606 Chinese adolescents aged between 10 and 17 years old were recruited from 11 schools across the three major geographical regions of Hong Kong. A self-report questionnaire was administered. About 36% of adolescents were classified as alexithymic in the whole sample (males: 34.3%, females: 40.0%) and no gender differences were found. Adolescents with lower family emotional expressiveness and depression were more likely to report alexithymia. The alexithymia rate among Chinese adolescents was higher than in most of the existing studies. The association of alexithymia with diminished family emotional expressiveness underscores the relevance of targeting adolescents with low family emotional expressiveness, and depressive symptoms to increase their capacity to identify and communicate emotions in order to improve their psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina S M Ng
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Victor C W Chan
- Hong Kong Community College, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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33
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Alslman ET, Hamaideh SH, Bani Hani MA, Atiyeh HM. Alexithymia, fibromyalgia, and psychological distress among adolescents: literature review. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2020; 32:ijamh-2017-0081. [PMID: 32750034 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2017-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to review the literature regarding the relationships between alexithymia, fibromyalgia (FM), and psychological distress among adolescents. Google Scholar and databases were searched using alexithymia, fibromyalgia, psychological distress, and adolescent keywords. Studies that examine the relationship between alexithymia and fibromyalgia and the contribution of psychological distress on this relationship among adolescents are lacking. However, based on previous studies on adult samples and theoretical background, there are possible relationship between alexithymia and fibromyalgia as well as possible mediating effect of psychological distress on this relationship in adolescents. Further studies are recommended to examine the relationships between alexithymia, fibromyalgia, and psychological distress among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Tariq Alslman
- Adjunct Faculty of Nursing, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Shaher H Hamaideh
- Faculty of Nursing, Community and Mental Health Nursing Department, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Manar Ali Bani Hani
- Director of National Emergency Medical Services Educational Center, Jordanian Royal Medical Services Amman, Jordan; and Faculty of Nursing, Albalqa Applied University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Huda Mohammad Atiyeh
- Health Educator, Ministry of Health-Princess Rahma Pediatric Teaching Hospital, Irbid, Jordan
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34
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Tang W, Hu T, Yang L, Xu J. The role of alexithymia in the mental health problems of home-quarantined university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2020; 165:110131. [PMID: 32518435 PMCID: PMC7273169 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective While it is well known that mental health problems are common consequences of deadly pandemics, the association with alexithymia is less clear. This study examined this association in an evaluation of home-quarantined university students during the 2019/2020 COVID-19 pandemic in China. Methods In total, 2501 home-quarantined students from six southwest Chinese universities completed the following questionnaires: the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL—C), and the Patients Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), after which structural equation modeling (SEM) and mediation analyses were employed to extract and evaluate the possible associations. Results It was found that participants with probable depression or PTSD also reported more severe alexithymia features, such as difficulties in identifying feelings (DIF) or describing feelings (DDF). Alexithymia was also found to partially mediate the effect of number of exposures on mental health problems. Conclusion These results suggested that implementing strategies to assist young people identify and deal with their own emotions and those of others could prevent or mitigate the mental health problems associated with deadly pandemic events. However, future longitudinal studies are needed to examine the specific involvement of DIF or DDF in people with mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanjie Tang
- Centre for Educational and Health Psychology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Institute of Emergency Management and Post-disaster Reconstruction, Sichuan University, No. 24, South Section 1, Yihuan Road Wuhou District, 610065 Chengdu, China.,Mental Health Center, State Key Lab of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Hu
- Department of Psychology, Chengdu Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Le Yang
- West China College of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiuping Xu
- Institute of Emergency Management and Post-disaster Reconstruction, Sichuan University, No. 24, South Section 1, Yihuan Road Wuhou District, 610065 Chengdu, China
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35
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Tang W, Xu D, Xu J. The mediating role of alexithymia between earthquake exposure and psychopathology among adolescents 8.5 years after the wenchuan earthquake. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.109881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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36
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Chung MC, Chen ZS. Gender Differences in Child Abuse, Emotional Processing Difficulties, Alexithymia, Psychological Symptoms and Behavioural Problems among Chinese Adolescents. Psychiatr Q 2020; 91:321-332. [PMID: 31900820 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-019-09700-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Child abuse among adolescents in China has been documented and can lead to a whole range of psychological and behavioural problems. This study examined whether male and female adolescents would differ in level of child abuse, emotional processing difficulties, alexithymia, psychological symptoms and behavioural problems, and whether the pattern of association between these variables would vary depending on gender. Eight hundred adolescents were recruited from China and completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Emotional Processing Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, General Health Questionnaire, and Prediction Test of Problem Children. Male adolescents reported significantly higher levels of emotional and physical neglect, and external oriented thinking style than female adolescents. Females reported significantly more anxiety symptoms and problems with learning than males. For males, child abuse was associated with emotional processing difficulties which were associated with alexithymia. In turn, alexithymia was associated with both psychological and behavioural problems. For females, the same association was established for predicting behavioural problems but not psychological symptoms. Male and female adolescents differed in level of child abuse, alexithymia, psychological symptoms and behavioural problems. These psychological constructs were connected in a specific pattern to trigger psychological and behavioural problems for male adolescents whereas for females, different patterns were involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Cheung Chung
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Department of Educational Psychology, Ho Tim Building, Faculty of Education, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.
| | - Zhuo Sheng Chen
- The Criminal Psychology Research Center, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China
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37
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Fang S, Chung MC, Wang Y. The Impact of Past Trauma on Psychological Distress: The Roles of Defense Mechanisms and Alexithymia. Front Psychol 2020; 11:992. [PMID: 32670128 PMCID: PMC7326135 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following past trauma could lead to psychological distress. Little is known, however, about the roles of defense mechanisms and alexithymia may play in the process. The current study aimed to examine the potential impact of alexithymia and defense mechanisms on the relationship between past trauma and distress among Chinese university students. Method 455 university students completed a set of questionnaires: PTSD Checklists for DSM-5, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Defense Style Questionnaire, and General Health Questionnaire-28. Results PTSD following past trauma was associated with increased psychological distress. Alexithymia and defenses (especially immature defense) mediated the path between PTSD and psychological co-morbidities. Conclusion Following past trauma, people developed PTSD and other psychological symptoms. The severity of these distress symptoms was influenced by the way they defended themselves psychologically, and their ability to identify, express, and process distressing emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Fang
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man Cheung Chung
- Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Yabing Wang
- Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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38
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Vergallito A, Mattavelli G, Gerfo EL, Anzani S, Rovagnati V, Speciale M, Vinai P, Vinai P, Vinai L, Lauro LJR. Explicit and Implicit Responses of Seeing Own vs. Others' Emotions: An Electromyographic Study on the Neurophysiological and Cognitive Basis of the Self-Mirroring Technique. Front Psychol 2020; 11:433. [PMID: 32296363 PMCID: PMC7136519 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Facial mimicry is described by embodied cognition theories as a human mirror system-based neural mechanism underpinning emotion recognition. This could play a critical role in the Self-Mirroring Technique (SMT), a method used in psychotherapy to foster patients’ emotion recognition by showing them a video of their own face recorded during an emotionally salient moment. However, dissociation in facial mimicry during the perception of own and others’ emotions has not been investigated so far. In the present study, we measured electromyographic (EMG) activity from three facial muscles, namely, the zygomaticus major (ZM), the corrugator supercilii (CS), and the levator labii superioris (LLS) while participants were presented with video clips depicting their own face or other unknown faces expressing anger, happiness, sadness, disgust, fear, or a neutral emotion. The results showed that processing self vs. other expressions differently modulated emotion perception at the explicit and implicit muscular levels. Participants were significantly less accurate in recognizing their own vs. others’ neutral expressions and rated fearful, disgusted, and neutral expressions as more arousing in the self condition than in the other condition. Even facial EMG evidenced different activations for self vs. other facial expressions. Increased activation of the ZM muscle was found in the self condition compared to the other condition for anger and disgust. Activation of the CS muscle was lower for self than for others’ expressions during processing a happy, sad, fearful, or neutral emotion. Finally, the LLS muscle showed increased activation in the self condition compared to the other condition for sad and fearful expressions but increased activation in the other condition compared to the self condition for happy and neutral expressions. Taken together, our complex pattern of results suggests a dissociation at both the explicit and implicit levels in emotional processing of self vs. other emotions that, in the light of the Emotion in Context view, suggests that STM effectiveness is primarily due to a contextual–interpretative process that occurs before that facial mimicry takes place.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emanuele Lo Gerfo
- Clinical Psychology Service of Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCSS IsMeTT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Anzani
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Viola Rovagnati
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Piergiuseppe Vinai
- "GNOSIS" Research and Psychotherapy Group, Mondovì, Italy.,Studi Cognitivi, Cognitive Psychotherapy School and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Psicologia Scientifica - Centro di Ricerca e Promozione Sociale, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Vinai
- "GNOSIS" Research and Psychotherapy Group, Mondovì, Italy
| | - Luisa Vinai
- Pôle de Psychiatrie et Psychothérapie du Centre Hospitalier du Valais Romand, Monthey, Switzerland
| | - Leonor J Romero Lauro
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,Studi Cognitivi, Cognitive Psychotherapy School and Research Center, Milan, Italy
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Pasparakis E, Koiliari E, Zouraraki C, Tsapakis EM, Roussos P, Giakoumaki S, Bitsios P. The effects of the CACNA1C rs1006737 A/G on affective startle modulation in healthy males. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 30:492-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractBackground:The CACNA1C rs1006737 risk A allele has been associated with affective psychoses and functional studies indicate that it is associated with increased hippocampal/amygdala activity during emotional face-processing. Here we studied the impact of the risk A allele on affective startle modulation.Methods:Hundred and ninety-four healthy males stratified for their CACNA1C rs1006737 genotype (GG:111, GA:67, AA:16) were presented with 18 pleasant, 18 unpleasant and 18 neutral pictures with acoustic probes (104 dB) occurring during 12 pictures in each affective category. Baseline startle was assessed during blank screens. State mood was self-rated on arrival, pre- and post-test and the emotional valence and arousal of affective pictures at post-test.Results:Relative to the other genotypes, risk A allele homozygotes presented with higher anxiety/negative affect at pre-test, reduced and exaggerated physiological responses to the pleasant and negative pictures respectively, negative affect with reduced arousal at post-test and rated the affective pictures as less arousing and inconsistently to their physiological responses (all P < 0.05). Sustained contextual negative mood predicted reduced baseline and affective startle reactivity in the AA group.Conclusions:Healthy homozygous males for the risk A allele appear to have marked contextual sensitivity, affective reactivity akin to anxiety and depression and inefficient emotional appraisal. Our findings provide phenotypic detail of the CACNA1C AA genotype in non-symptomatic individuals, which suggest primary effects in emotional circuitry, consistent with previously documented alterations in hippocampal/amygdala processing.
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40
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Greene D, Boyes M, Hasking P. The associations between alexithymia and both non-suicidal self-injury and risky drinking: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2020; 260:140-166. [PMID: 31494366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.08.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI; direct harm to the body without suicidal intent) and risky drinking are two behaviours that serve emotion regulatory functions. When underlying emotional problems are untreated, individuals may shift between NSSI and risky drinking. Both behaviours are associated with alexithymia, difficulties identifying and describing emotions and retaining an externally orientated thinking style. However, it is unknown to what extent the associations are similar and under what circumstances (e.g. sex, age) they may differ. METHOD To compare both associations we conducted an extensive review using several databases. Overall, 20 NSSI-related articles and 33 risky drinking-related articles met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS A meta-analysis revealed significant positive associations between total alexithymia scores, difficulties identifying feelings, difficulties describing feelings and both NSSI and risky drinking. However, these associations appear stronger for NSSI. Further, externally orientated thinking was associated with risky drinking but not NSSI. Age had opposing moderating effects on the relationships, with the association between alexithymia and NSSI being stronger in younger samples and the association between alexithymia and risky drinking being stronger in older samples. Further, the association between alexithymia and NSSI was stronger for female only samples compared to male only samples. LIMITATIONS The review was limited to English articles. High levels of heterogeneity were observed. The majority of the studies included were cross-sectional. CONCLUSION These results imply that NSSI and risky drinking may have both shared and distinguishable correlates. Alexithymia can be targeted in treatment to potentially reduce the likelihood of individuals shifting between behaviours to regulate their emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyelle Greene
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, 6845, Australia
| | - Mark Boyes
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, 6845, Australia
| | - Penelope Hasking
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, 6845, Australia.
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41
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Peng W, Yang H, Liu Q, Liu Z, Ling Y, Zhong M, Yi J. Measurement invariance and latent mean differences of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale across genders and across clinical and non-clinical samples. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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42
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Morie KP, Jackson S, Zhai ZW, Potenza MN, Dritschel B. Mood Disorders in High-Functioning Autism: The Importance of Alexithymia and Emotional Regulation. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:2935-2945. [PMID: 31028592 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04020-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have co-morbid anxiety and depression. Alexithymia and emotion regulation difficulties are commonly seen in individuals with ASD and in mood disorders. We hypothesized that alexithymia and emotional regulation would mediate the relationship between autistic features and anxiety/depression symptom severity. We collected data about emotional regulation, alexithymia, autistic symptoms and depression/anxiety in a sample of 64 young adults with ASD. We constructed two serial multiple mediator models, using autistic features as the independent variable and anxiety/depression symptoms as outcome variables. The serial relationship between alexithymia and emotional regulation mediated associations between autistic features and depression and anxiety, separately. The findings suggest that targeting alexithymia may benefit therapies designed to alleviate mood disorders in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen P Morie
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA. .,Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Scott Jackson
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA. .,Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA. .,Office of Assessment and Analytics, Southern Connecticut State University, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT, 06515, USA.
| | - Zu Wei Zhai
- Department of Psychology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, 06109, USA.,Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Barbara Dritschel
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 9JP, UK
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Hadji-Michael M, McAllister E, Reilly C, Heyman I, Bennett S. Alexithymia in children with medically unexplained symptoms: a systematic review. J Psychosom Res 2019; 123:109736. [PMID: 31376873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2019.109736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adult research investigating the link between alexithymia and medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) has found a significant relationship between increased alexithymia and MUS. This difficulty in expressing emotions is likely to begin in childhood so the objective of this paper is to present a quantitative review of studies focussing on the association between MUS and alexithymia in children. METHODS Databases were searched with predefined terms relating to alexithymia and MUS in children (0-17 years). Two reviewers independently assessed abstracts, extracted data and undertook quality analyses. Systematic review methods were used in accordance with Cochrane guidelines. RESULTS Ten studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Seven of the eight studies which focused on a comparison between children with MUS and healthy controls, found higher levels of self-reported alexithymia in the children with MUS. However, in the two studies where children were asked to complete tasks that objectively measure alexithymia, significant differences were not found. Results of studies comparing alexithymia in children with MUS and children with medical/psychiatric controls were inconsistent; there was some evidence of increased anxiety and depression in young people with alexithymia and MUS but inconsistency of measures across studies makes drawing conclusions difficult. CONCLUSION There is preliminary evidence that children with MUS have significantly higher levels of alexithymia than controls based on self-report measures; however, this finding was not replicated in objective tasks of alexithymia. Future studies should include validated tasks that objectively measure emotion recognition abilities and focus on possible mediating factors such as neurodevelopmental and mental health difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Hadji-Michael
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH),30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK.
| | - Eve McAllister
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH),30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Colin Reilly
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH),30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Research Department, Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, UK
| | - Isobel Heyman
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH),30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Sophie Bennett
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH),30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
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Romano L, Buonomo I, Callea A, Fiorilli C. Alexithymia in Young people's academic career: The mediating role of anxiety and resilience. The Journal of Genetic Psychology 2019; 180:157-169. [PMID: 31165680 DOI: 10.1080/00221325.2019.1620675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Alexithymia prevents people from understanding and adopting verbal language to describe and regulate one's emotions. Recent studies have found that alexithymia symptoms also impact on young people's academic achievement. Nevertheless, it is worth investigating risk and protective roles played by students' academic anxiety and resilience, respectively. The authors expected that students' anxiety and resilience mediated the effect of alexithymia symptoms on students' academic burnout and performance. A sample of 257 university students answered self-report questionnaires about alexithymia, academic anxiety and resilience, and academic burnout and performance. Mediation analyses were performed by the structural equation model. Anxiety acted as a mediator between alexithymia and academic burnout and performance. Furthermore, resilience mediated the effect of alexithymia on burnout, but not on academic performance. The study provides support for preventing alexithymia consequences on young people's academic career by reducing their anxiety and promoting academic resilience. Implications of intervention programs were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Romano
- Department of Human Sciences, Libera Università Maria SS. Assunta , Rome , Italy
| | - Ilaria Buonomo
- Department of Human Sciences, Libera Università Maria SS. Assunta , Rome , Italy
| | - Antonino Callea
- Department of Human Sciences, Libera Università Maria SS. Assunta , Rome , Italy
| | - Caterina Fiorilli
- Department of Human Sciences, Libera Università Maria SS. Assunta , Rome , Italy
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Slanbekova GK, Chung MC, Karipbaev BI, Sabirova RS, Alimbayeva RT. Posttraumatic Stress and Interpersonal Sensitivity: Alexithymia as Mediator and Emotional Expressivity as Moderator. Psychiatr Q 2019; 90:249-261. [PMID: 30515699 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-018-9612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study examined 1) the link between PTSD from past trauma, interpersonal sensitivity and psychiatric co-morbidity, 2) mediational effects of alexithymia on 1), and 3) moderated mediational effects with emotional expressivity as the moderator. Five hundred and fifteen Kazakh students completed the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale, General Health Questionnaire-28, Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, Berkeley Expressivity Questionnaire and Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure. The results showed that 28% met the criteria for full-PTSD. Controlling for academic year, age and university major, PTSD from past trauma was significantly correlated with interpersonal sensitivity and psychiatric co-morbidity. Alexithymia mediated the impact of PTSD on interpersonal sensitivity and psychiatric co-morbidity. Alexithymia, however, did not interact with type of emotional expressivity to influence outcomes. Moderated mediational effects were not found. To conclude, following trauma, Kazakh students can experience heightened levels of interpersonal sensitivity and psychological symptoms. These problems are particularly severe for those who have difficulty getting in touch with their emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Man Cheung Chung
- Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Ho Tim Building, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.
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van der Cruijsen R, Murphy J, Bird G. Alexithymic traits can explain the association between puberty and symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescent females. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210519. [PMID: 30650139 PMCID: PMC6334924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Symptoms of internalizing disorders such as depression and anxiety increase in adolescence, especially in females. However, gender differences in depression and anxiety symptoms emerge only after puberty onset. Levels of alexithymia, characterized by difficulties identifying and describing one's emotions, are elevated in depression and anxiety, and fluctuate across adolescence in a gender-specific manner. This study investigated changes in alexithymia across adolescence, and explored the potential role of alexithymia in the development of depression and anxiety, separately for females and males. Accordingly, 140 adolescents aged 11 to 21 years (77 female) completed self-report measures of alexithymia, depression and anxiety, and pubertal development. For females alone, pubertal maturation was associated with alexithymic traits (specifically difficulties identifying and describing feelings), as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety. After accounting for alexithymia, the relationship between puberty and depression and anxiety was absent or reduced in females. Thus, alexithymic traits may have differential consequences for males and females, and possibly contribute towards increased depression and anxiety symptoms in females during adolescence. We propose that developmental changes in alexithymia should be considered when studying the onset and development of internalizing psychological disorders during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske van der Cruijsen
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Leiden University, the Netherlands, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Murphy
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Bird
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Fang S, Chung MC. The impact of past trauma on psychological distress among Chinese students: The roles of cognitive distortion and alexithymia. Psychiatry Res 2019; 271:136-143. [PMID: 30472509 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Past traumatic events are distressing experiences which can result in the emergence of posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and other psychological symptoms among university students. However, little is known as to whether or not cognitive distortion and alexithymia would influence the severity of these distress outcomes. This study examined a cognitive-emotional framework depicting potential roles that cognitive distortion and alexithymia could play in influencing the relationship between past trauma and psychiatric co-morbidities among university students in China. One thousand one hundred and eleven participants completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, Cognitive Distortion Scale (CDS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Results indicated that PTSD following past trauma was significantly associated with increased psychiatric co-morbidities after controlling for covariates. Both alexithymia and distorted cognition mediated the association between PTSD and psychiatric co-morbidities. To conclude, university students can develop PTSD from past trauma and other mental health problems. The severity of psychological distress can be influenced by their distorted perceptions of themselves, the world, and the future, as well as their ability to identify, describe, and express distressing emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Fang
- Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, People's Repulic of China.
| | - Man Cheung Chung
- Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, People's Repulic of China.
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Gawęda Ł, Krężołek M. Cognitive mechanisms of alexithymia in schizophrenia: Investigating the role of basic neurocognitive functioning and cognitive biases. Psychiatry Res 2019; 271:573-580. [PMID: 30554105 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Alexithymia is an important but poorly understood emotional deficit in schizophrenia. We aimed at investigating the role of basic cognitive functions, cognitive biases, and symptom severity in alexithymia among patients with schizophrenia. Sixty patients (31 females) with schizophrenia were assessed with standardized clinical interviews for symptom severity. Cognitive functioning was assessed with neuropsychological tests. A self-report scale (Davos Assessment of Cognitive Biases, DACOBS), as well as two experimental tasks assessing jumping to conclusions (the Fish task) and source monitoring (Action memory task), were used to investigate cognitive biases. Alexithymia was assessed with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Alexithymia was related to the severity of hallucinations but not delusions. Patients with a lifetime history of more psychotic symptoms had higher alexithymia. Alexithymia has broad relationships with different cognitive biases, especially in the self-reported measure. These relationships were not affected by neurocognition and symtpoms severity. In particular, difficulties in identification of feelings were related to various cognitive biases. Dysfunctional information processing can thus be considered as potential psychological correlates of alexithymia. The theoretical and clinical implications of our findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Gawęda
- II Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Kondratowicza 8, 03-242 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Martyna Krężołek
- II Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Kondratowicza 8, 03-242 Warsaw, Poland
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Kajanoja J, Scheinin NM, Karukivi M, Karlsson L, Karlsson H. Alcohol and tobacco use in men: the role of alexithymia and externally oriented thinking style. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2018; 45:199-207. [DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2018.1528267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jani Kajanoja
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Noora M. Scheinin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Max Karukivi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Unit of Adolescent Psychiatry, Satakunta Hospital District, Pori, Finland
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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Zou Z, Qiu J, Huang Y, Wang J, Min W, Zhou B. The BDNF Val66Met gene polymorphism is associated with increased alexithymic and anticipatory anxiety in patients with panic disorder. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2018; 24:505-511. [PMID: 30269521 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2018.1516890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
A large body of evidence indicates that patients with panic disorder(PD) report more obvious alexithymia, and previous studies suggest genetic factors may be play an important role in alexithymia. This study aims to examine the association between the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism and alexithymia, and then to evaluate the association of the BDNFVal66Met polymorphism with PD risk. 223 patients with PD and 218 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) were administered to all subjects. And genotyping of the BDNF Val 66Met polymorphism was evaluated. Our results showed that both PD patients and normal controls with the BDNF Met/Met genotype had significantly higher total and difficulty describing feelings(DDF) subdimension scores on the TAS-20 than those with the Val/Val genotype.The patients with the BDNF Met/Met genotype were more severity of anticipatory anxiety than patients with Val/Val genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhili Zou
- a Department of Psychosomatic , Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital , Chengdu , Sichuan , China
| | - Jian Qiu
- a Department of Psychosomatic , Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital , Chengdu , Sichuan , China
| | - Yulan Huang
- a Department of Psychosomatic , Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital , Chengdu , Sichuan , China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- a Department of Psychosomatic , Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital , Chengdu , Sichuan , China
| | - Wenjiao Min
- a Department of Psychosomatic , Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital , Chengdu , Sichuan , China
| | - Bo Zhou
- a Department of Psychosomatic , Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital , Chengdu , Sichuan , China
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