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International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2024The relationship between antisocial personality traits and the expression of somatic symptoms has been the subject of several theoretical and empirical investigations....
The relationship between antisocial personality traits and the expression of somatic symptoms has been the subject of several theoretical and empirical investigations. The present study sought to advance the understanding of the relationship between these variables by testing two moderation models. It was hypothesized that the relationship between antisocial traits and somatization would be moderated by alcohol use, such that the presence of alcohol dependence would strengthen the relationship between antisocial traits and somatization. It was also hypothesized that gender would play a moderating role in the relationship between ASPD and somatization, such that the relationship would be stronger among women than among men. These models were tested in a sample of 787 criminal offenders. Gender did not emerge as a significant moderator in the relationship between antisocial traits and somatization. Although substance use did significantly moderate the relationship between antisocial traits and somatization, the direction of the effect ran counter to expectations: among participants reporting a history of alcohol dependency, the relationship between antisocial features and somatization was diminished. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Alcoholism; Substance-Related Disorders; Alcohol Drinking; Criminals
PubMed: 38248526
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010061 -
Biological Psychiatry Jul 2023Parenting interventions reduce antisocial behavior (ASB) in some children with conduct problems (CPs), but not others. Understanding the neural basis for this disparity...
BACKGROUND
Parenting interventions reduce antisocial behavior (ASB) in some children with conduct problems (CPs), but not others. Understanding the neural basis for this disparity is important because persistent ASB is associated with lifelong morbidity and places a huge burden on our health and criminal justice systems. One of the most highly replicated neural correlates of ASB is amygdala hypoactivity to another person's fear. We aimed to assess whether amygdala hypoactivity to fear in children with CPs is remediated following reduction in ASB after successful treatment and/or if it is a marker for persistent ASB.
METHODS
We conducted a prospective, case-control study of boys with CPs and typically developing (TD) boys. Both groups (ages 5-10 years) completed 2 magnetic resonance imaging sessions (18 ± 5.8 weeks apart) with ASB assessed at each visit. Participants included boys with CPs following referral to a parenting intervention group and TD boys recruited from the same schools and geographical regions. Final functional magnetic resonance imaging data were available for 36 TD boys and 57 boys with CPs. Boys with CPs were divided into those whose ASB improved (n = 27) or persisted (n = 30) following the intervention. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data assessing fear reactivity were then analyzed using a longitudinal group (TD/improving CPs/persistent CPs) × time point (pre/post) design.
RESULTS
Amygdala hypoactivity to fear was observed only in boys with CPs who had persistent ASB and was absent in those whose ASB improved following intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that amygdala hypoactivity to fear is a marker for ASB that is resistant to change following a parenting intervention and a putative target for future treatments.
Topics: Male; Child; Humans; Case-Control Studies; Prospective Studies; Conduct Disorder; Fear; Amygdala; Parents; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 36642564
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.09.031 -
Iranian Journal of Nursing and... 2023Working as a child can have various effects on all aspects of children's health. Investigating and identifying issues related to the health of working children can be...
BACKGROUND
Working as a child can have various effects on all aspects of children's health. Investigating and identifying issues related to the health of working children can be useful in promoting their health. Therefore, in this qualitative study, we examined issues related to the mental health and behavior of working children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This qualitative study was conducted in Tehran, Iran, in 2021 with the contractual content analysis approach. The main participants (N = 32) in this study were working children aged 10 to 18 years. To collect data, in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with working children, their parents, and the center officials. In addition to the interview, some field notes were also taken from interactions between working children. After each interview, they were transcribed and coded. After 27 interviews, the data were saturated, no new code was extracted, and further interviews were conducted to ensure data saturation. Data analysis was performed based on the proposed method of Lundman and Graneheim.
RESULTS
The results revealed the three main categories of mental distress (fear and anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation, decreased self-confidence, and decentralized mind), social anger (negative social role modeling, harassment and harm of others, reprehensible and antisocial behavior, disregard for the property of others, disrupted relationships, and violence), and in-group commitment (self-censorship outside the group, individual independence and group cohesion, and caring for the group).
CONCLUSIONS
Most working children suffer from various forms of mental and behavioral issues, which, if not taken care of, can have irreparable consequences.
PubMed: 37869703
DOI: 10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_209_22 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research Nov 2023Using five independent non-clinical cross-cultural samples (total N = 3649; overall Mage = 29.31; 31% male and 69% female), this study explored the extent to which...
Using five independent non-clinical cross-cultural samples (total N = 3649; overall Mage = 29.31; 31% male and 69% female), this study explored the extent to which Dark Triad traits were indirectly associated with symptoms of psychopathology through mental toughness. Although Machiavellianism and psychopathy have not been studied extensively in this context, previous research (both cross-sectional and longitudinal) reports that grandiose narcissism increases mental toughness contributing indirectly to positive outcomes such as lower anxiety, stress, and depression. Accordingly, this study examined Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism in the context of mental toughness and psychopathology. A particular focus was placed on investigating negative relationships between grandiose narcissism and psychopathology. Participants completed self-report measures assessing the Dark Triad, mental toughness, and psychopathology. In all samples, grandiose narcissism exerted moderate negative, indirect associations with anxiety, stress, and depression through mental toughness. Relationships between Machiavellianism and psychopathy and psychopathology were generally weak and positive but varied across countries. Findings provided further cross-cultural support for a mediation model in which grandiose narcissism is related to higher mental toughness and lower psychopathology. Outcomes from this study indicate that exploration of the link between grandiose narcissism and resilience traits such as mental toughness can provide important conceptual insights into the adaptive properties of narcissism, and help to explain why grandiose narcissism is associated with a decrease in some psychopathological symptoms.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Narcissism; Adult; Machiavellianism; Young Adult; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Anxiety; Depression; Resilience, Psychological; Middle Aged
PubMed: 37856953
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.003 -
Belitung Nursing Journal 2023Adolescent problem behavior in research and practice has been traditionally categorized as Oppositional Deviant Disorder and Conduct Disorder. However, a significant...
BACKGROUND
Adolescent problem behavior in research and practice has been traditionally categorized as Oppositional Deviant Disorder and Conduct Disorder. However, a significant number of adolescents remain underdiagnosed. To address this issue, the term "Conduct Problem" has emerged as a commonly used descriptor for those who have not yet received a formal diagnosis, particularly within the community. It is crucial for nurses to comprehend the characteristics of these conduct problems to address them effectively.
OBJECTIVE
This concept analysis aimed to clarify the concept of conduct problems among adolescents aged 14 to 16, specifically within community settings.
METHODS
The concept analysis followed Walker and Avant's approach. The usage of the concept was examined in five databases (PsyINFO, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus), which yielded 41 relevant studies for comprehensive analysis.
RESULTS
The identified attributes of conduct problems in adolescents included oppositional problems, antisocial problems, and criminal-related problems. These conduct problems were found to have antecedents stemming from personal, parental, and environmental factors. Furthermore, the consequences of conduct problems significantly impacted both middle adolescents and their parents.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this concept analysis contribute to a better comprehension of the concept of conduct problems among middle adolescents in community settings. The insights gained from this analysis will assist in using this term more effectively in research and nursing practice, ultimately leading to improved care and support for affected adolescents and their families.
PubMed: 37645575
DOI: 10.33546/bnj.2670 -
PloS One 2024This study presents and validates the Italian adaptation of the Dark Tetrad at Work (DTW) scale, an instrument for assessing four socially aversive personality traits...
This study presents and validates the Italian adaptation of the Dark Tetrad at Work (DTW) scale, an instrument for assessing four socially aversive personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy and sadism) in the context of the workplace. A total of 300 Italian-speaking participants (50% female, M age = 32 years ± 9.2) and 253 English-speaking participants (38% female, M age = 39 years ± 12.1) were recruited via an online survey platform. The Italian-speaking sample was used to test the factorial structure, reliability and criterion-related validity of the Italian version of the DTW, whereas the English-speaking sample was used to test cross-language measurement invariance. Results from confirmatory factor analysis showed that the original four-factor model provided the best fit to the data. The Italian DTW scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, with reliability coefficients of ω = .77 for narcissism, ω = .80 for Machiavellianism, and ω = .81 for both psychopathy and sadism. Concurrent associations between the DTW scales and negative and positive workplace outcomes supported the criterion validity of the scale. Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism positively correlated with counterproductive work behaviors and workplace bullying, and negatively with organizational citizenship behaviors and affective organizational commitment. In contrast, narcissism exhibited a unique pattern: It correlated positively with positive workplace behaviors and negatively with counterproductive behaviors toward the organization, but it was also found to be a significant predictor of workplace bullying. This finding may reflect multidimensional nature of narcissism, but a note of caution is warranted in interpreting this result, as all measurements relied on self-report instruments, introducing the possibility of socially desirable associations influencing the outcomes. Finally, the comparison with the English sample established configural, full metric and partial scale invariance, allowing for valid cross-language comparisons between Italian and English-speaking populations in the future. Preliminary Italian normative data were provided to offer a benchmark for the interpretation of DTW values. This study provides a reliable and valid instrument tailored to the Italian workforce, enhancing our understanding of dark personality traits within organizational contexts and providing organizations with an effective means to address and manage dark personality traits for a healthier workplace culture.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Male; Reproducibility of Results; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Machiavellianism; Narcissism; Italy; Occupational Stress; Personality
PubMed: 38394098
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298880 -
Turk Psikiyatri Dergisi = Turkish... 2023The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of primary (PCs) and secondary capacities (SCs) in individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder...
Primary and Secondary Capacities in the Context of Positive Psychotherapy in Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder: The Relationship with Criminal Behaviors and Anger.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of primary (PCs) and secondary capacities (SCs) in individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and the effects of these capacities on delinquent behaviors and anger levels.
METHODS
101 male patients aged 18 years and over with a diagnosis of ASPD were divided into two groups as those with a criminal ASPD (cASPD) diagnosis (n=37) and those with a non-criminal ASPD (ncASPD) diagnosis (n=64). Participants were evaluated using a sociodemographic form, Wiesbaden's Inventory of Positive Psychotherapy and Family Therapy (WIPPF-2) and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI). Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 22.0 program; significance level was taken as p0.05.
RESULTS
PCs, SCs and anger control levels of people with ASPD were lower while trait anger, anger expression and anger import were higher than the control group. In cASPD, among the PCs, belief (β=0.796, p=0.032), hope (β=-1.069, p=0.011), relationship (β=-0.980, p=0.007) and sexuality (β=0.937, p=0.021) predicted anger-out, and among the SAs politeness (β=-1.020, p=0.002) and reliability (β=1.140, p=0.001) predicted trait anger level. In ncASPD, patience predicted anger-out (β=-1.752, p=0.001) and anger control (β=1.468, p=0.002); belief (β=1.468, p=0.005) and trust (β=-0.845, p=0.002) predicted anger control.
CONCLUSIONS
Positive psychotherapy can be effective in improving PCs and SCs of individuals with ASPD, improving interpersonal relationships, reducing criminal behaviors, anger management and psychotherapeutic treatment of ASPD.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adolescent; Adult; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Reproducibility of Results; Psychotherapy; Criminal Behavior; Anger
PubMed: 37724645
DOI: 10.5080/u27031 -
BMC Public Health Jul 2023A positive, prosocial classroom climate is associated with improved social competence and academic achievement, as well as with decreased internalizing problems and...
BACKGROUND
A positive, prosocial classroom climate is associated with improved social competence and academic achievement, as well as with decreased internalizing problems and antisocial behavior in children. It is expected that motivation to behave prosocially is needed to achieve a prosocial climate in the classroom, and that such motivation can be enhanced through three components of self-determination theory (SDT): competence, relatedness, and autonomy. The goal of this protocol is to describe the design of a study aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of a classroom-based program based on SDT components promoting a prosocial classroom climate.
METHODS
A cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to examine the effectiveness of the classroom-based program Meaningful Roles, aiming to improve prosocial classroom climate through increasing children's intrinsic prosocial motivation, stimulated by increasing social autonomy, social competence, and social relatedness. A multi-informant (i.e., children, teachers, and school leaders) and multi-method (i.e., questionnaires and focus groups) approach will be used to assess primary outcomes (i.e., prosocial behavior, intrinsic (prosocial) motivation, social autonomy, social competence, and social relatedness) and secondary outcomes (i.e., school wellbeing, social position, bullying, victimization, and civic skills), as well as moderators (i.e., working elements, child, teacher, school, and program characteristics, and program integrity).
DISCUSSION
The current study will provide information on the effectiveness of a classroom-based program promoting a prosocial classroom climate. It is of crucial importance that the school environment can provide a positive, prosocial classroom climate in which children feel safe and can achieve optimal social and academic competence and wellbeing.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials ( NCT05891067 ).
Topics: Child; Humans; Schools; Emotions; Educational Status; Social Skills; Motivation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37501078
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16362-8 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2023Schizophrenia is associated with a heightened risk of violent behavior. However, conclusions on the nature of this relationship remain inconclusive. Equally, the...
INTRODUCTION
Schizophrenia is associated with a heightened risk of violent behavior. However, conclusions on the nature of this relationship remain inconclusive. Equally, the empirical evidence on female patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) is strongly underrepresented.
METHODS
For this purpose, the first aim of the present retrospective follow-up study was to determine the risk factors of violence in a sample of 99 female SSD patients discharged from forensic psychiatric treatment between 2001 and 2017, using three different measures of violence at varying time points (i.e., violent index offense, inpatient violence, and violent recidivism). Potential risk factors were retrieved from the relevant literature on SSD as well as two violence risk assessment instruments (i.e., HCR-20 V3, FAM). Further, we aimed to assess the predictive validity of the HCR-20 V3 in terms of violent recidivism and evaluate the incremental validity of the FAM as a supplementary gender-responsive assessment.
RESULTS
The given results indicate strong heterogeneity between the assessed violence groups in terms of risk factors. Particularly, violence during the index offense was related to psychotic symptoms while inpatient violence was associated with affective and behavioral instability as well as violent ideation/intent, psychotic symptoms, and non-responsiveness to treatment. Lastly, violent recidivism was related to non-compliance, cognitive instability, lack of insight, childhood antisocial behavior, and poverty. Further, the application of the HCR-20 V3 resulted in moderate predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.695), while the supplementary assessment of the FAM did not add any incremental validity.
DISCUSSION
This article provides important insights into the risk factors of violence among female SSD patients while highlighting the importance of differentiating between various forms of violence. Equally, it substitutes the existing evidence on violence risk assessment in female offenders with SSD.
PubMed: 37457783
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1203824 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Sep 2023There is a high prevalence of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in individuals affected by substance use disorders (SUD). However, there is limited information on...
There is a high prevalence of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in individuals affected by substance use disorders (SUD). However, there is limited information on the specific patterns of association of ASPD with SUD severity and specific SUD diagnostic criteria. We investigated the association of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, opioid, and tobacco use disorders (AUD, CanUD, CocUD, OUD, and TUD, respectively) in 1,660 individuals with ASPD and 6,640 controls matched by sex (24% female), age, and racial/ethnic background in a sample ascertained for addiction-related traits. Generalized linear regressions were used to test the association of ASPD with the five DSM-5 SUD diagnoses, their severity (i.e., mild, moderate, severe), and their individual diagnostic criteria. We found that ASPD is associated with the diagnosis and severity of AUD (Odds Ratio, ORs=1.89 and 1.25), CanUD (ORs=2.13 and 1.32), and TUD (ORs=1.50 and 1.21) ( <.003). Of the specific diagnostic criteria, the "hazardous use" criterion showed the strongest association with ASPD across the five SUDs investigated (from OR =1.88 to OR =1.37). However, when criteria of different SUDs were included in the same model, ASPD was independently associated only with TUD "hazardous use" and CocUD "attempts to quit". Attempting to quit cocaine was inversely related to the presence of ASPD and remained significant (OR=0.57, 95% confidence interval = 0.36-0.89) after controlling for interactive effects with sex. The current work provides novel insights into how different SUDs, their severity, and their diagnostic criteria associate with ASPD, potentially furthering our understanding of the impact of polysubstance addiction on mental health.
PubMed: 37745497
DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.15.23295625