Gender Typicality, Pressure to Conform to Gender Norms, and Anti-Fat and Appearance Stereotypes in Girls.

This mixed-methods study investigated the relation among gender identity (i.e., self-perceived gender similarity to girls and boys; self-perceived parental and peer pressure to conform to gender norms) and stereotyping about weight (i.e., anti-fat stereotypes), weight change, and appearance in 83 girls ages 6-9 (Mage = 7.60 years, SD = .85; 65% White, 16% Mixed/Other, 11% Black, 8% Latina) in the U.S. Stereotypes about weight change were assessed with open-ended responses (i.e., qualitatively), and the rest of the constructs were assessed with closed-ended responses (i.e., quantitatively). There was a positive association between pressure from parents to conform to gender norms and appearance stereotypes, and between pressure from peers and negative stereotypes about the fat and thin figures. Girls who were more gender typical, or more similar to girls, were more likely to endorse appearance stereotypes. There was no significant relation among stereotypes about weight change and gender identity. Many girls deemed the fat figure as unattractive, physically restrained, unhealthy, and likely to be bullied and believed that the fat figure should change back to look like a thinner figure. Most girls were aware that exercising, eating healthy, and dietary restriction can lead to weight loss and that food consumption and lack of exercise can lead to weight gain. Findings suggest that certain aspects of weight (anti-fat) and appearance stereotypes are closely linked to gender identity in girls, whereas other aspects of weight stereotypes (e.g., stereotypes about weight change) are so pervasive that they are common in most girls, regardless of their gender identity.

Normative feedback and intentions to help friends with bulimic symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: The current study examined accuracy in estimating campus norms for eating disorder (ED) pathology and the impact of normative feedback on intentions to help friends. Participants: The sample included 130 undergraduate women. Method: Participants estimated prevalence of ED pathology and were randomly assigned to normative feedback or a control condition. Vignettes were presented describing bulimic and sleep disorder symptoms. After presentation of each vignette, participants reported sympathy for and intentions to help friends with similar symptoms. Results: Nine ED pathology estimates were significantly higher than comparison values documented in a larger survey of women attending their university in the previous year. Those who received normative feedback reported lower intentions to help and lower sympathy for a student with bulimic symptoms compared to sleep disorder symptoms. Conclusion: Results raise the possibility that normative feedback could reduce support for friends with bulimic symptoms.

A pilot study of brexpiprazole for bipolar depression.

BACKGROUND: Past studies suggest that brexpiprazole is an effective adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder and schizophrenia; however, no studies have examined brexpiprazole for bipolar depression. In this study, we examined the effects of brexpiprazole on mood, cognition, and quality of life in outpatients with bipolar depression. METHODS: Twenty-one adults with bipolar disorder (most recent episode depressed) and scoring at least a 25 on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) were recruited. Brexpiprazole was titrated up to 4 mg/day over the 8-week period. Depressive symptoms were measured using MADRS and Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-report (IDS-SR30). Manic symptoms were measured using Young Mania Rating Scale, quality of life with the Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorder (QOLBD), and cognition with Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Stroop Color Word Test, and Trail Making Test. RESULTS: MADRS and IDS-SR30 scores decreased from baseline at weeks 4 and 8. YMRS and cognitive scores did not change significantly. QOLBD scores increased from baseline to week 8. LIMITATIONS: A limitation to this study is the open-label design. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effects of brexpiprazole on bipolar depression. We found a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and an increase in quality of life.