Evidence for a competitive relationship between executive functions and statistical learning.

The ability of the brain to extract patterns from the environment and predict future events, known as statistical learning, has been proposed to interact in a competitive manner with prefrontal lobe-related networks and their characteristic cognitive or executive functions. However, it remains unclear whether these cognitive functions also possess a competitive relationship with implicit statistical learning across individuals and at the level of latent executive function components. In order to address this currently unknown aspect, we investigated, in two independent experiments (NStudy1 = 186, NStudy2 = 157), the relationship between implicit statistical learning, measured by the Alternating Serial Reaction Time task, and executive functions, measured by multiple neuropsychological tests. In both studies, a modest, but consistent negative correlation between implicit statistical learning and most executive function measures was observed. Factor analysis further revealed that a factor representing verbal fluency and complex working memory seemed to drive these negative correlations. Thus, the antagonistic relationship between implicit statistical learning and executive functions might specifically be mediated by the updating component of executive functions or/and long-term memory access.

Impact of confrontation to patient suffering and death on wellbeing and burnout in professionals: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Palliative care and oncology generate a risk of burnout and psychological distress in professionals. The purpose of this study is to identify both psychopathological and positive factors related to mental health at work. It aims (i) to explore the extent to which these professionals are confronted with suffering, illness, and death; and to explore the prevalence of psychological distress and/or burnout, (ii) to identify potential determinants of burnout and psychological wellbeing at work, (iii) to develop an integrative model of mental health; and to identify frequency and impact of confrontations with death, and (iv) to identify profiles of professionals are at risk of developing a mental health disorder or, conversely, characterized by wellbeing. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in palliative care and oncology evaluating confrontations with death, coping, burnout, psychological distress, personality, self-esteem, well-being and meaning at work. Regressions, clustering, and structural equation modeling analyses were performed. RESULTS: 109 professionals participated (58% from oncology and 42% from palliative care), of which 79% were female, and 65% were between 30 and 49 years old. Aim i: 30% witnessed an intolerable suffering at least 9 times a month, 45% reported moderate to high levels of burnout, 39% suffered from anxiety and 11% from depression. Aim ii: the determinants of burnout were the personality traits conscientiousness and neuroticism, low meaning of work, and low wellbeing (R2 = 0.44). The determinants of wellbeing were work meaning, depersonalization, self-esteem, fulfillment and low emotional exhaustion (R2 = 0.71). Aim iii: the integrative model included both well-being (self-esteem, conscientiousness) and psychopathology (neuroticism, anxiety) parameters, and strongly satisfied the standard SEM goodness of fit indices (e.g., CFI, IFI, and TLI ≥ 0.95). Aim iv: three profiles were identified: (a) a "distressed profile" with a majority of professionals at the patient's bedside, (b) a "disengaged profile" with professionals working as second-line consultants, (c) a "wellbeing profile" contains profiles of caregivers insensitive to psychological distress and with a high level of positive Impact of confrontation on different areas of their lives. CONCLUSIONS: An integrative approach is essential to understand the full range of mental health issues for professionals. Meaning of work is a key factor in professional interventions that should primarily affect front-line professionals with limited experience.

Are thoughts and behaviours of individuals with schizophrenia more susceptible to being influenced during pandemic situations? A glimpse provided by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Individuals with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia may be more vulnerable during pandemics, but research on this topic is limited. This study examined COVID-19 impact on a population affected by schizophrenia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Levels of psychological distress and COVID-19-related behaviours, from the COVID-related Thoughts and Behavioral Symptoms (Cov-Tabs) Scale, were compared between 107 patients with schizophrenia and 70 control participants. Participants with schizophrenia had significantly higher Cov-Tabs scores than non-clinical participants. These results suggest a higher vulnerability in this population, emphasising the need for targeted support and further assessment.

Validation of the French COVID-Related Thoughts and Behavioral Symptoms Questionnaire (Cov-Tabs): A self-report assessment.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-Related Thoughts and Behavioral Symptoms (Cov-Tabs) is a self-reported questionnaire developed to identify the presence of psychological distress and anxiety-related behavior associated with COVID-19. This scale has been used since the first episodes of mass contamination of COVID-19 disease in the USA without psychometric validation analysis. The objective of this paper is to validate the French version of the Cov-TaBS. METHOD: In this study, we assessed a French translation of Cov-Tabs in 300 subjects from the general population. Moreover, we assessed convergent and discriminant validities using an anxiety and depression scale and a paranoid ideation scale. Statistical analyses consisted of evaluating internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity as well. RESULTS: The French translation of the Cov-Tabs demonstrated high internal consistency and reliability, as well as good temporal stability over a period of less than 2 weeks. It also showed strong convergent validity with anxiety and depression traits and divergent validity with paranoid ideation. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that the French version of the Cov-Tabs has robust psychometric properties and is a valid tool for evaluating behavioral symptomatology and thoughts related to COVID-19 disease. Therefore, the French version of the Cov-Tabs is a valid tool that can be used in French-speaking individuals.