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Children (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Callous-unemotional (CU) traits refer to a cluster of characteristics such as low empathy, lack of remorse, and insensitivity to the emotions of others, delineating a...
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits refer to a cluster of characteristics such as low empathy, lack of remorse, and insensitivity to the emotions of others, delineating a group of youth at high risk for severe antisocial behavior. Two variants-primary and secondary CU-have been theorized to have different underlying mechanisms, although mixed findings have been reported. The current study examined if the variants differ in their level of anticipatory fear in 92 youths from the community (mean age = 14.2 years, range = 12.3-16.4 years; 43.5% female). Participants completed a countdown task while their heart rate and skin conductance responses were recorded. Parents and youths completed the inventory of callous-unemotional traits and the child behavior checklist. Compared to the control group (low CU/low anxiety), the primary CU group (high CU/low anxiety) showed prolonged heart rate deceleration in anticipation of the impending aversive stimulus. The secondary CU group (high CU/high anxiety) did not differ from the other two groups on heart rate or skin conductance responses. This prolonged heart rate deceleration in the primary CU group is interpreted in the context of the passive vagal coping theory of antisocial behavior which hypothesizes that an over-engagement of the parasympathetic nervous system reduces the impact of a socializing punishment, which in turn predisposes individuals to antisocial behavior. Findings provide further support for the distinct etiology of two variants of CU traits.
PubMed: 38539394
DOI: 10.3390/children11030359 -
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Mar 2024In recent years, social campaigns and high-profile cases have brought increased attention to violence against women. Athletes can be role models, shaping both prosocial...
In recent years, social campaigns and high-profile cases have brought increased attention to violence against women. Athletes can be role models, shaping both prosocial and antisocial attitudes. Their engagement in violence prevention could be an effective tool to tackle violence against women through bystander intervention. This part of a mixed-method feasibility study reports on the quantitative evaluation of an evidence-led bystander program, Football Onside, implemented at a football club in South West England in June 2018 to February 2020. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with intervention and control groups. Football coaches and club members ( = 50) completed measures of rape and domestic abuse myths, bystander intent and efficacy, self-reported bystander behaviors, readiness for change, perceptions of peer helping and myth acceptance, law knowledge, and program evaluation. Fidelity was also assessed. The analysis compared between- and within-group differences in mean changes over time using mixed-effects models. Participant ratings of learning outcomes were high, and fidelity was maintained throughout the intervention. Between-group comparison revealed mixed results, with greater improvements in the intervention group for bystander intent and efficacy at post-test and follow-up, domestic abuse myths at post-test, and rape myth acceptance at follow-up. Model contrasts for within intervention group revealed improvements in rape and domestic abuse myth acceptance, bystander intent and efficacy, perceived law knowledge at both time points, and perceived peer myths and helping at post-test. At follow-up, intervention participants reported significantly higher engagement in bystander behaviors. No significant effects were found for perceived importance of legal knowledge. Our research highlights the potential efficacy of a bystander program tailored for football club members. Cluster-randomized control trials are now required to examine bystander attitudes and behavior change processes among professional athletes.
PubMed: 38529918
DOI: 10.1177/08862605241239452 -
Evolutionary Psychology : An... 2024While a wealth of research has focused on testing several arguments from Moffitt's developmental taxonomy of antisocial behavior-mainly the presence of...
While a wealth of research has focused on testing several arguments from Moffitt's developmental taxonomy of antisocial behavior-mainly the presence of life-course-persistent vs. adolescence-limited offending and predictors of each trajectory-much less attention has been devoted to examining how evolutionarily adaptive lifestyle factors common during adolescence may condition the relationship between the maturity gap and delinquent offending. One factor that may play a role during this period of development is alcohol use, as many adolescents begin to experiment with consuming alcohol in varying degrees in social settings to model adult-like behaviors. Yet presently much is unknown about the role of alcohol use on the association between the maturity gap and delinquency. The current study aims to address this void in the literature by analyzing data from a U.S. sample of adolescent males ( = 1,276) to assess whether alcohol use moderates the relationship between the maturity gap and delinquent behavior. Findings suggest that the maturity gap is associated with delinquent behavior and that the association becomes weaker at higher levels of alcohol use. The implications of these findings for Moffitt's maturity gap thesis and male offending from an evolutionary perspective are discussed.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Adolescent; Alcohol Drinking; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Biological Evolution; Juvenile Delinquency; Adolescent Behavior
PubMed: 38528754
DOI: 10.1177/14747049241241432 -
Comprehensive Psychiatry May 2024There are few psychiatric epidemiology studies among Kenyan youth and fewer among those at high psychosis risk (HR).
INTRODUCTION
There are few psychiatric epidemiology studies among Kenyan youth and fewer among those at high psychosis risk (HR).
METHODS
This study assessed the epidemiology of DSM-5 psychiatric disorders in HR and low-risk (LR) individuals to inform research and mental health services. 567 participants (aged 15-25) in HR (n = 246) and LR (n = 260) groups based on Washington Early Recognition Center Affectivity and Psychosis (WERCAP) Screen scores. Diagnostic Interview Schedule, version 5 (DIS-5) assessed DSM-5 psychiatric disorder prevalence. Diagnostic comorbidity and demographic relationships were investigated.
RESULTS
A higher prevalence was observed for all DSM-5 disorders in the HR group, significantly for gambling disorder (13% vs. 5.8%), major depressive disorder (9.8% vs. 3.8%), antisocial personality disorder (5.7% vs. 2.3%), general anxiety disorder (4.9% vs. 0.4%), oppositional defiant disorder (3.3% vs. 0.4%), panic disorder (2.8% vs. 0.8%), and anorexia nervosa (2.8% vs. 0%). Gambling disorder was the most prevalent and showed significant gender effects (males>females).
DISCUSSION
Psychiatric disorders occur at increased rates among HR compared to LR. Prevalence rates found are lower than in US studies, except for gambling disorder which was highly prevalent. Large-population-based epidemiology studies in Africa are needed to estimate rates, particularly of disorders such as schizophrenia, accurately.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Adolescent; Kenya; Depressive Disorder, Major; Mental Disorders; Psychotic Disorders; Anorexia Nervosa; Comorbidity; Prevalence; Substance-Related Disorders; Anxiety Disorders
PubMed: 38503003
DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152473 -
Acta Psychologica May 2024This study explored demographic, ideological, self-rating and personality traits correlates of the Dark Tetrad (DT4) which measures Narcissism (Special),...
This study explored demographic, ideological, self-rating and personality traits correlates of the Dark Tetrad (DT4) which measures Narcissism (Special), Machiavellianism (Crafty), Psychopathy (Wild), and Sadism (Mean) traits. In total, 447 adults completed three tests: a bright-side, work-related, personality test (HPTI: High Performance Type Indicator), a dark-side test (Short Dark Tetrad) and a number of self-ratings. Correlations and regressions showed that all four dark traits were associated with low Adjustment (Neuroticism), but also with high Risk-Taking and Competitiveness (low Agreeableness). The various measures accounted for a third of the variance in explaining the Mean (Sadistic) score, and 40 % for Special (Narcissism). Trait Competitiveness was most closely associated with all four dark traits.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Machiavellianism; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Sadism; Cognition; Neuroticism; Personality
PubMed: 38502994
DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104222 -
BMC Psychiatry Mar 2024Visual impairment (VI) with comorbid mental disorders (MDs) are expected to have a major impact on people's daily functioning, for which tailored support is needed....
BACKGROUND
Visual impairment (VI) with comorbid mental disorders (MDs) are expected to have a major impact on people's daily functioning, for which tailored support is needed. However, this has been barely investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) determine the impact of VI and comorbid MDs on functioning in essential life domains, (2) gain insight into best-practices that are currently used to support this target group, and (3) determine strategies to optimize care in the future.
METHODS
A four-step qualitative Delphi method was used to obtain input from 31 Dutch professionals who work with this target group (84% female, mean age 46 years, on average 11 years of experience in working with the target group). The Self-Sufficiency Matrices were used to determine the impact on various aspects of daily living, for people with VI and (1) autism spectrum disorder, (2) psychotic disorders, (3) obsessive-compulsive disorder, (4) antisocial personality disorder, (5) borderline personality disorder, (6) dependent personality disorder.
RESULTS
Experts describe a frail and vulnerable population, in which the VI and MD often have a cumulative negative impact on people's physical and mental health. People frequently experience anxiety, depression, fatigue and sleep disturbances. Also, many tend to neglect self-care and substance abuse is common. They often experience difficulty in trusting others while at the same time being dependent on them. Social interaction and relationships are complicated because of communication restrictions (e.g. no facial recognition) and social incompetence or withdrawal. Experts advise taking transdiagnostic factors into account, using evidence-based psychological treatment options based on an intermittent approach, and offering multidisciplinary care. They stress the importance of building trust, showing patience and empathy, stimulating empowerment, involving the informal network and building on positive experiences.
CONCLUSION
VI and comorbid MD have a major impact on people's daily functioning on a mental, physical, social and environmental level. This study provides insight into best-practices to support this target group. According to experts, more research is needed which could be aimed at investigating tailored diagnostic approaches and treatment options and include clients' perspectives.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Male; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Psychotic Disorders; Mental Health; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Vision Disorders; Comorbidity; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 38500080
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05635-0 -
BMC Public Health Mar 2024In the present study, we investigated the relationship between personality and motivation for physical activity while introducing perceived parental support and social...
In the present study, we investigated the relationship between personality and motivation for physical activity while introducing perceived parental support and social physical anxiety in adolescent girls (N = 318, M: 16.19 ± 0.51 years). The present study was a retrospective correlational study that was conducted to analyze of a path model. Dark triad traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, student's motivation for physical activity, social physique anxiety, and participants' perceptions of parents' behaviors were measured. The findings indicated that psychopathy and Machiavellianism were directly and indirectly associated with motivation for physical activity, but Narcissism could only directly predict the motivation for physical activity. Also, need-thwarting (the most), need-supportive and social physical anxiety could predict motivation for physical activity. This model of the result suggests that among adolescent girls, dark triad personality could, directly and indirectly, predict motivation with need-supportive and need-thwarting and also social physical anxiety. It seems that the sense of importance and more attention to oneself in adolescent girls, which exists in the narcissistic personality, can directly lead to more motivation for physical activity. Also, the duplicitous ways of Machiavellian people in pursuing their motives were confirmed in this research.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adolescent; Motivation; Retrospective Studies; Personality; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Machiavellianism; Exercise; Parents; Anxiety
PubMed: 38481212
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18060-5 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Jun 2024The prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is twice as high in women as in men and this difference already emerges during adolescence. Because the mechanisms...
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is twice as high in women as in men and this difference already emerges during adolescence. Because the mechanisms underlying this sex-difference remain poorly understood, we took a bottom-up approach to identify factors explaining the sex-MDD relationship.
METHODS
Data came from the TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS), a population study investigating youths' development from age 11 into adulthood. We assessed multiple baseline covariates (e.g., demographic, social and psychological) at ages 11-13 years and MDD onset at ages 19 and 25 years. In regression analyses, each covariate's role in the sex-MDD association as an effect modifier or confounder/explanatory variable was investigated. Replicability was evaluated in an independent sample.
RESULTS
The analyses identified no effect-modifiers. Baseline internalizing problems, behavioral inhibition, dizziness, comfort in classroom, physical complaints, attention problems, cooperation, self/effortful control, interpersonal life events and computer use partially explained the association between sex and MDD at age 19. The association between sex and MDD at age 25 was explained by largely the same variables, but also by shyness, acne, antisocial behavior, aggression, affection from peers and time spent shopping. The explanatory roles of internalizing problems, behavioral inhibition, negative events involving gossip/rumors and leisure-time spending (computer-use/shopping) were replicated.
LIMITATIONS
Potentially important baseline variables were not included or had low response rates. Gender roles or identification were not considered. Baseline MDD was not adjusted for.
CONCLUSION
The sex-MDD association is partially explained by sex differences in symptoms and vulnerability factors already present in early adolescence.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adolescent; Female; Young Adult; Adult; Child; Depressive Disorder, Major; Depression; Risk Factors; Peer Group; Research Design; Sex Factors
PubMed: 38479503
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.031 -
Clinical Psychology Review Apr 2024Callous-unemotional (CU) traits have been measured in a variety of sample-types (e.g., community or forensic) and from the perspective of different informants (e.g.,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits have been measured in a variety of sample-types (e.g., community or forensic) and from the perspective of different informants (e.g., self-report or parent-report) using the inventory of callous-unemotional traits total score (ICU-T). Although the positive association between CU traits and antisocial behavior is uncontroversial, the degree to which sample-types are different from each other has received little attention despite such knowledge being important for generalization and interpretation of research findings. To address this gap in the literature, we estimated the implied distribution of the ICU-T across sample-types, informants, and their interaction using meta-analytic models of sample means and variances. In unconditional models, we found that sample-type significantly moderated mean ICU-T scores but not variance, while informant significantly moderated the variance of ICU-T scores but not means. There was also a significant interaction between sample-type and informant. Mean parent-reported ICU-T scores were significantly lower than self-reported scores in community samples, but not significantly different in samples with elevated levels of antisocial behavior. Implications of our findings include improved research efficiency, the need for different ICU-T norms across informants, and greater understanding of informant biases.
Topics: Humans; Conduct Disorder; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Self Report; Personality Inventory; Attention; Emotions
PubMed: 38479319
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102407 -
Journal of Education and Health... 2023Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) begins in childhood, and its symptoms persist into adulthood. Students with ADHD symptoms will be at increased risk of...
BACKGROUND
Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) begins in childhood, and its symptoms persist into adulthood. Students with ADHD symptoms will be at increased risk of antisocial behavior, depression, and loss of inhibition. This study determines the relationship between ADHD and life satisfaction level among medical students in the city of Hail, KSA.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in a public-sector medical college. A total of 200 students were recruited through stratified cluster sampling. Validated, structured scales of ADHD and life satisfaction were used, and known psychiatric disorders among students were excluded from the study. Correlation and linear regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between ADHD and life satisfaction and identify the determinants of ADHD. value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULT
The prevalence rate of ADHD among medical students was 33.3%. Female gender, third-year academic year student, and 21-26-year-old age group were the high-risk groups of ADHD. Inattention ( = -0.263, value -0.000) and hyperactivity ( = -0.260, value 0.000) were significantly correlated with life satisfaction level, with 92% of the variability in life satisfaction determined by inattention and hyperactivity.
CONCLUSION
The burden of ADHD is high among medical students, and it negatively correlates with life satisfaction level. Students' academic and social functioning was affected due to ADHD. There is a need to address this issue with early diagnosis and management of this disorder.
PubMed: 38464643
DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_334_23