-
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2022Anxiety-related mental health problems constitute a health challenge, especially in the elderly population. At present, there are few psychological treatments to reduce... (Review)
Review
Anxiety-related mental health problems constitute a health challenge, especially in the elderly population. At present, there are few psychological treatments to reduce anxiety adapted to this group. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to determine the therapeutic effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on anxiety in older adults, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Two blinded reviewers participated in the search, selection and methodological quality assessment processes; reaching satisfactory levels of agreement between reviewers (κ > 0.70). The search was performed in PubMed, Proquest Central, Scopus and Web of Science; making use of standardized terms for the construction of the algorithm. In the general search 348 studies were found. After applying the eligibility criteria and excluding duplicates, seven articles were extracted for qualitative analysis. The total number of subjects was 633, with an average age of 68.89 years (68.94% women). The analysis of methodological rigor showed moderate indices on average. The publications focused primarily on samples with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, proposing a variety of assessment tests for related dependent variables, especially depressive symptoms and psychological flexibility. Critical analysis of the findings provides evidence for the efficacy of ACT in reducing anxious and depressive symptoms in older adults. This study proposes the use of this procedure as a non-pharmacological alternative for a group usually underrepresented in the scientific literature on this topic.
PubMed: 36311522
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.976363 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Oct 2022Alexithymia, including the inability to identify and express one's own feelings, is a subclinical condition responsible for some of the socioemotional symptoms seen... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Alexithymia, including the inability to identify and express one's own feelings, is a subclinical condition responsible for some of the socioemotional symptoms seen across a range of psychiatric conditions. The language hypothesis of alexithymia posits a language-mediated disruption in the development of discrete emotion concepts from ambiguous affective states, exacerbating the risk of developing alexithymia in language-impaired individuals. To provide a critical evaluation, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 empirical studies of language functioning in alexithymia was performed. A modest association was found between alexithymia and multi-domain language deficits (r = -0.14), including structural language, pragmatics, and propensity to use emotional language. A more theoretically-relevant subsample analysis comparing alexithymia levels in language-impaired and typical individuals revealed larger effects, but a limited number of studies adopted this approach. A synthesis of 11 emotional granularity studies also found an association between alexithymia and reduced emotional granularity (r = -0.10). Language impairments seem to increase the risk of alexithymia. Heterogeneous samples and methods suggest the need for studies with improved alexithymia assessments.
Topics: Affective Symptoms; Emotions; Humans; Language; Personality Inventory
PubMed: 36087760
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104864 -
Translational Psychiatry Sep 2022Predominant affective temperament may affect adherence to prescribed pharmacotherapeutic interventions, warranting systematic review and meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Predominant affective temperament may affect adherence to prescribed pharmacotherapeutic interventions, warranting systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
The Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and OVID MedLine databases were inquired since inception up to 31st of March 2022 for records of any study design documenting quantitative evidence about affective temperaments as measured by the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego (TEMPS-A) questionnaire and treatment adherence measured by the means of major rating scales on the matter. People with low vs. high levels of treatment adherence, matched for otherwise clinically relevant variables, were deemed as cases and controls, respectively, using standardized mean differences (SMDs) in pertinent scores under random-effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Nine studies encompassing 1138 subjects pointed towards significantly higher cyclothymic (SMD = -0.872; CI: [-1.51 to -0.24]; p = 0.007), irritable (SMD = -0.773; CI: [-1.17 to -0.37]; p < 0.001) and depressive (SMD = -0.758; CI: [-1.38 to -0.14]; p = 0.017) TEMPS-A scores both for psychiatric and nonpsychiatric samples with poorer adherence.
LIMITATIONS
Intrinsic limitations of the present report include the heterogeneity of the operational definitions documented across different primary studies, which nonetheless reported on the sole medication-treatment adherence, thus limiting the generalizability of the present findings based on a handful of comparisons.
CONCLUSIONS
Though further primary studies need to systematically account for different clinical and psychosocial moderators across different clinical populations and operational definitions, cyclothymic, depressive, and irritable temperament scores may nonetheless predict treatment adherence and, thus, overall treatment outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Irritable Mood; Personality Inventory; Surveys and Questionnaires; Temperament; Treatment Adherence and Compliance
PubMed: 36056016
DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02129-z -
Pain Mar 2023Placebo effects are ubiquitous yet highly variable between individuals and therefore strongly affect clinical trial outcomes such as pain relief. It is unclear whether... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Placebo effects are ubiquitous yet highly variable between individuals and therefore strongly affect clinical trial outcomes such as pain relief. It is unclear whether dispositional psychological traits influence responsiveness to placebo. This preregistered meta-analysis and systematic review synthesized the literature investigating the association between personality traits and placebo effects. Based on 21 studies with 798 participants, we performed formal meta-analyses for 10 different personality traits, including behavioral inhibition, fun seeking, goal-drive persistence, reward responsiveness, empathic concern, empathic fantasy, perspective-taking, personal distress, optimism, and anxiety. We did not find evidence of associations between any of these traits and magnitude of placebo effects, which was supported by equivalence tests. Furthermore, we did not find evidence for moderating factors such as placebo manipulation type (conditioning or nonconditioning) or condition (pain or nonpain). These findings challenge the notion that personality influences responsiveness to placebos and contradict its utility for identifying placebo "responders" and "nonresponders."
Topics: Humans; Placebo Effect; Personality; Empathy; Pain; Pain Management
PubMed: 35947877
DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002753 -
Journal of Personality Jun 2023The Acquired Preparedness (AP) model proposes that impulsive personality traits predispose some individuals to learn certain behavior-outcome associations...
OBJECTIVE
The Acquired Preparedness (AP) model proposes that impulsive personality traits predispose some individuals to learn certain behavior-outcome associations (expectancies), and that these expectancies in turn influence the escalation of risky behaviors. This theory has been applied to the development of behaviors such as drinking, drug use, gambling, and disordered eating. In the current study, we aimed to summarize empirical tests of this model over the 20 years since it was proposed.
METHOD
We used a descriptive approach to summarize tests of mediation across 50 studies involving n = 21,715 total participants.
RESULTS
We observed a consistent effect of personality on expectancies (median effect size = .22), of expectancies on behavior (.24), and a small mediated effect (.05) of personality on behavior via expectancies. Impulsive traits that involve positive or negative affect showed the most consistent support for AP, as did positive expectancies. Most studies testing AP focused on alcohol, but research on other behaviors also showed support for AP.
CONCLUSIONS
The literature appears to support a small mediated effect consistent with the AP model. Future research should continue to clarify which AP pathways are most influential in explaining risky behaviors, and supplement correlational research with experimental and quasi-experimental designs.
Topics: Humans; Personality; Learning; Personality Disorders; Impulsive Behavior; Behavior, Addictive; Alcohol Drinking
PubMed: 35900782
DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12761 -
Personality Disorders Jul 2022This review aims at examining the continuity between the categorical model for personality disorders (PDs) as defined by Section II of the Diagnostic and Statistical...
This review aims at examining the continuity between the categorical model for personality disorders (PDs) as defined by Section II of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, and the alternative model for personality disorders (AMPD) with respect to Section II avoidant personality disorder (AvPD). Because the Criterion A of the AMPD, that is, the Level of Personality Functioning Scale (LPFS), is a prerequisite for a PD diagnosis, only studies assessing the LPFS were included, whether or not the Criterion B, that is, pathological personality traits, were assessed as well. A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria, with 6 studies comprising community/undergraduate samples and 7 studies comprising clinical samples. Weighted correlation between global LPFS and AvPD was .39 (rw = .55 for community/undergraduate studies; rw =.17 for clinical studies). When AvPD-specific impairment was evaluated, that is, impairment of personality functioning characterizing AvPD in the AMPD, correlations were substantially larger. In studies using regression analyses, the Criterion B appeared to have incremental utility in predicting the presence of Section II AvPD. To capture Section II AvPD in a sufficient degree by the AMPD, it might be necessary to use an AvPD-specific impairment questionnaire. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Humans; Personality; Personality Disorders; Personality Inventory; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 35787131
DOI: 10.1037/per0000553 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2022Counterproductive academic behaviors (CAB) are a complex phenomenon that affects academic institutions in multiple geographical areas with different cultures, values,...
Counterproductive academic behaviors (CAB) are a complex phenomenon that affects academic institutions in multiple geographical areas with different cultures, values, and social norms. The high incidence of CAB causes problems of critical importance that transcend the educational domain. The current study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the CAB consequences by focusing on its impact on academic performance (AP). For this purpose, a meta-analysis was conducted in order to examine the relationship between CAB, its facets, and AP. The results show that overall CAB and students' performance are negatively related with a true effect size of ρ = -0.40 ( = 231, = 127,269). Particularly, absenteeism appeared to be the facet most strongly related to AP (ρ = -0.48, = 117, = 69,453). A meta-analytic path analysis model was carried out in order to test the predictive validity of CAB, students' personality characteristics, and intelligence on AP. Results show that conscientiousness and cognitive intelligence have a negative relationship with CAB (β = -0.28 and β = -0.20, respectively), and that conscientiousness, openness to experience, intelligence, and CAB can explain 58% of AP true variance. Meta-analyses of moderator variables and hierarchical meta-analyses are also presented. The implications for research and practice are discussed at the end.
PubMed: 35719594
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.893775 -
Ageing Research Reviews Aug 2022Apathy is frequent and persistent in Alzheimer's disease (AD), associated with poor prognosis and carer distress; yet our knowledge of risk factors remains limited. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Apathy is frequent and persistent in Alzheimer's disease (AD), associated with poor prognosis and carer distress; yet our knowledge of risk factors remains limited.
AIMS
To identify risk factors associated with apathy incidence and progression in AD over time.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed evidence based on longitudinal studies assessing risk factors for apathy in AD up to June 2021. Two authors independently assessed article eligibility and rated quality.
RESULTS
13,280 articles were screened, of which 13 met inclusion criteria. Studies had a mean follow-up of 2.7 years reporting on a total of 2012 participants. Most findings were based on single studies of moderate quality evidence. Risk factors increasing apathy onset were: being a carrier of the T allele of the PRND gene polymorphism, and having high levels of the IL-6 and TNFα cytokines at baseline. Risk factors for apathy worsening were: reduced inferior-temporal cortical thickness, taking antidepressants, being an ApoE ε4 carrier, living longer with AD, lower cognitive test scores, higher baseline apathy, premorbid personality traits (lower agreeableness, higher neuroticism), and higher midlife motivational abilities.
CONCLUSIONS
Although results are limited by the small number of studies, this review identified specific genetic, neurobiological, AD specific, and dispositional factors that may increase risk of apathy onset and worsening in AD.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Apathy; Humans; Neuropsychological Tests; Risk Factors; Temporal Lobe
PubMed: 35714852
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101672 -
Prevention Science : the Official... May 2024Poor parental mental health and stress have been associated with children's mental disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), through social,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Parental Depression, Antidepressant Usage, Antisocial Personality Disorder, and Stress and Anxiety as Risk Factors for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children.
Poor parental mental health and stress have been associated with children's mental disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), through social, genetic, and neurobiological pathways. To determine the strength of the associations between parental mental health and child ADHD, we conducted a set of meta-analyses to examine the association of parent mental health indicators (e.g., parental depression, antidepressant usage, antisocial personality disorder, and stress and anxiety) with subsequent ADHD outcomes in children. Eligible ADHD outcomes included diagnosis or symptoms. Fifty-eight articles published from 1980 to 2019 were included. We calculated pooled effect sizes, accounting for each study's conditional variance, separately for test statistics based on ADHD as a dichotomous (e.g., diagnosis or clinical cutoffs) or continuous measurement (e.g., symptoms of ADHD subtypes of inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity). Parental stress and parental depression were significantly associated with increased risk for ADHD overall and both symptoms and diagnosis. Specifically, maternal stress and anxiety, maternal prenatal stress, maternal depression, maternal post-partum depression, and paternal depression were positively associated with ADHD. In addition, parental depression was associated with symptoms of ADHD inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive subtypes. Parental antisocial personality disorder was also positively associated with ADHD overall and specifically ADHD diagnosis. Prenatal antidepressant usage was associated with ADHD when measured dichotomously only. These findings raise the possibility that prevention strategies promoting parental mental health and addressing parental stress could have the potential for positive long-term impacts on child health, well-being, and behavioral outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Child; Risk Factors; Antidepressive Agents; Stress, Psychological; Anxiety; Parents; Depression; Female
PubMed: 35641729
DOI: 10.1007/s11121-022-01383-3 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2021With the quickly rising popularity of smartphone among adolescents over the past decade, studies have begun to investigate the relationship between smartphone addiction...
With the quickly rising popularity of smartphone among adolescents over the past decade, studies have begun to investigate the relationship between smartphone addiction and Eysenck's personality traits. Despite numerous studies on this topic, however, findings have been mixed and there is a lack of consensus regarding this relationship. Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to explore the relationship between smartphone addiction and Eysenck's personality traits in Chinese adolescents, as well as its possible moderators. Through literature search and screening, 33 studies were included, comprising 79 independent effect sizes with a total of 17, 737 subjects. A random effects model was selected, and it was found that smartphone addiction was positively associated with psychoticism ( = 0.16, < 0.001) and neuroticism ( = 0.32, < 0.001), but not significantly associated with extroversion ( = -0.06, = 0.079). The moderating effect test showed that sex and year of study publication had significant influences on the relationship between smartphone addiction and psychoticism, and the year of study publication had a significant influence on the relationship between smartphone addiction and neuroticism. This study is the first meta-analysis on the relationship between smartphone addiction and Eysenck's personality traits among adolescents in China, and the results have helped to clarify the controversy of previous studies regarding this relationship.
PubMed: 35185692
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.794112