Sex differences in entrapment in a multinational sample: a network analysis perspective.

Background: The concept of entrapment has been highlighted as a transdiagnostic element that manifests itself in disorders such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Although research has been conducted in different contexts independently, a comprehensive multi-country study to assess gender differences in entrapment through network analysis has not yet been carried out. The objective of this study was to evaluate the entrapment network in men and women at the multinational level. Methods: A sample of 2,949 participants, ranging in age from 18 to 73 years from six countries (Germany, Iran, Spain, Slovakia, El Salvador, and Peru), was considered. They completed the entrapment scale. A network analysis was performed for both men and women to identify the connectivity between indicators and the formation of clusters and domains, in addition to the centrality assessment in both sex groups. Results: The study findings revealed the presence of a third domain focused on external interpersonal entrapment in the network of men and women. However, in relation to the interconnectivity between domains, variations were evidenced in both networks, as well as in centrality, it was reported that men present a greater generalized entrapment in various aspects of life, while women tend to experience a more focused entrapment in expressions of intense emotional charge. Conclusion: The multinational study identified variations in the structure of entrapment between genders, with three domains (internal, external, and external-interpersonal) and differences in the interaction of indicators and groupings, as well as discrepancies in centrality.

A Network Analysis Approach to Understanding Centrality and Overlap of 21 Dark Triad Items in Adults of 10 Countries.

Background: Previous research has suggested that manipulation and callousness are central to Dark Triad traits, but it has not identified which specific manifestations are expressed across various countries. Objective: This study aimed to identify the core and overlapping manifestations of Dark Triad traits across 10 countries. Methods: We used the Short Dark Triad (SD3) scale and assessed a sample of 8093 participants (59.7% women, M(age) = 32.68 years). For graphical representation, the spinglass algorithm was applied to understand the cluster distribution among Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and subclinical narcissism traits. Centrality indices were used to identify the most influential items, and the clique-percolation algorithm was employed to detect shared attributes among multiple Dark Triad items. Results: Straightforward SD3-21 items demonstrated better interpretability as aversive traits within the broader system. Items with higher centrality values were those related to short-term verbal manipulation from the psychopathy domain, clever manipulation, strategic revenge-seeking from Machiavellianism, and narcissistic motivations for connecting with significant individuals. The most predicted items were linked to planned revenge, using information against others from Machiavellianism, short-term psychopathic verbal manipulation, and narcissistic belief of specialness based on external validation. Items like short-term verbal manipulation had overlaps with both psychopathy and narcissism clusters, while clever manipulation overlapped with Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Conclusion: This cross-cultural study highlights the central role of verbal manipulation within the Dark Triad traits, along with identifying overlapping items among traits measured using straightforward SD3 scale items. In line with our findings, future research that incorporates a wide range of cultural contexts is encouraged to establish the consistency of these findings with the SD3 Scale or alternative measures.

Centralidad y asociaciones entre la tríada oscura, inteligencia emocional rasgo y distancia social durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Perú: un análisis de redes

Pocos estudios en Sudamérica han examinado rasgos de personalidad que tuvieron impacto a nivel individual y social durante la pandemia. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar las variables centrales y asociaciones parciales en una red entre la tríada oscura, inteligencia emocional rasgo y distancia social durante la pandemia, y variables demográficas. Se hipotetizó a la edad como posible variable central en la red, y la relación negativa entre la tríada oscura con la distancia social y la inteligencia emocional rasgo, excepto el narcisismo. Se utilizó un muestreo no probabilístico donde participaron 311 adultos (M = 33.95 años, 65 % mujeres). Mediante encuestas en línea, se aplicaron las escalas Dirty Dozen Dark Triad, Trait Meta-Mood Scale y datos demográficos. La atención emocional fue clave al conectar la tríada oscura y la inteligencia emocional. Además, favoreció la adherencia a la distancia social, mientras lo inverso sucedió con el maquiavelismo. Los dominios de la tríada oscura e inteligencia emocional tuvieron asociación negativa, excepto por el narcisismo, que mostró una conexión positiva con la atención emocional. En síntesis, durante la pandemia, la evaluación de la atención a las emociones fue crucial para entender las motivaciones aversivas sociales y promover la adhesión al distanciamiento social. En contraste, debe investigarse más el maquiavelismo, que se asoció a los jóvenes, y no contribuyó a la normativa social de salud pública.

Poucos estudos na América do Sul examinaram os traços de personalidade que foram impactados a nível individual e social durante a pandemia. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar as variáveis centrais e associações parciais em uma rede entre a tríade sombria, o traço de inteligência emocional, o distanciamento social durante a pandemia e variáveis demográficas. As hipóteses foram de que a idade era uma possível variável central na rede, e de que havia uma relação negativa entre a tríade sombria e o distanciamento social e o traço de inteligência emocional, exceto para o narcisismo. Foi utilizado um método de amostragem não probabilístico, com a participação de 311 adultos (M = 33,95 anos, 65 % mulheres). Por meio de pesquisas online, foram aplicadas as escalas Dirty Dozen Dark Triad, Trait Meta-Mood Scale e dados demográficos. A atenção emocional foi fundamental ao conectar a tríade sombria e a inteligência emocional. Além disso, favoreceu a adesão ao distanciamento social, enquanto o inverso foi observado com o maquiavelismo. Os domínios da tríade sombria e da inteligência emocional tiveram associação negativa, exceto pelo narcisismo, que apresentou uma conexão positiva com a atenção emocional. Em resumo, durante a pandemia, a avaliação da atenção às emoções foi crucial para compreender as motivações sociais aversivas e promover a adesão ao distanciamento social. Em contraste, é necessário investigar mais o maquiavelismo, que se associou aos jovens, e não contribuiu para as normativas sociais de saúde pública.

Few studies in South America have examined personality traits that had an impact at an individual and social level during the pandemic. The aim of the study was to identify the most central variables and partial associations in a network among the dark triad, trait emotional intelligence, social distancing during the pandemic, and demographic variables. Age was hypothesized as a possible central variable in the network, and a negative relationship was found between the dark triad and social distancing and trait emotional intelligence, except for narcissism. A non-probabilistic sampling method was used, with 311 adults (M = 33.95 years, 65 % women). Online surveys as the Dirty Dozen Dark Triad, Trait Meta-Mood Scale, and demographic data were used. Emotional attention played a key role in linking the dark triad and emotional intelligence. Moreover, it favored adherence to social distancing, while the reverse was observed with Machiavellianism. Finally, dark triad and emotional intelligence domains showed a negative association, except for narcissism, which had a positive connection with emotional attention. In summary, during the pandemic, assessing emotional attention was crucial to comprehend social aversive motivations and promote adherence to social distancing. In contrast, Machiavellianism, associated with the youth, needs further investigation and did not contribute to public health social norms.

Network Analysis of Dark Triad Traits and Emotional Intelligence in Peruvian Adults.

Background: The study of Dark Triad traits and emotional variables has been conducted in numerous regions; however, there is a lack of research focusing on Latin American samples and considering variables such as sex and age. Incorporating these variables could enhance our understanding of underlying aversive patterns. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the associations between Dark Triad traits and emotional intelligence in Peruvian adults. Methods: Data were collected in 2021 and 272 adults (M=31.8 years, 68% female) participated through online surveys via non-probability purposive sampling. Dirty Dozen and Trait Meta-Mood Scales were used. Two partial correlation network models were applied between the study variables with and without controlling for gender and age. Bridge-expected influence and predictability analysis were calculated to find interconnected traits and higher connections, respectively. Results: Subclinical psychopathy primarily showed negative associations with emotional clarity (r=-0.17), followed by emotional attention (r=-0.08) and emotional repair in networks with and without age and gender variables. Machiavellianism consistently displayed a negative association with emotional repair (r=-0.13) in both estimated networks. Conversely, subclinical narcissism exhibited a positive association solely with emotional attention (r=0.15). Furthermore, younger age was linked to higher Machiavellianism (r=-0.23), females showed higher emotional attention (r=0.11), and narcissism connected intrapersonal emotional domains with Dark Traits (bridge expected influence >1.25) while Machiavellianism exhibited greater predictability (r2>0.45) due to reinforcement by other Dark Traits. Conclusion: This study revealed negative connections between the Dark Triad and emotional intelligence traits, except for narcissism, which was positively associated with emotional attention and functioned as a "bridge" between all traits. However, relying solely on this single positive emotional aspect of narcissism may not be adequate to characterize it as possessing fully adaptive emotional traits. Findings suggest that detailed aspects of emotional intelligence and sociodemographic factors can provide valuable insights into the complex nature of aversive patterns and their broader impact on society.

Validation of the Working Alliance Inventory- Short Form for Patient (WAI-S-P) in Peruvian Adults.

Background: Although the importance of the therapeutic alliance in the treatment process and health outcomes is recognized, so far, there has been no evaluation in the Peruvian context that considers possible individual differences that could influence this assessment. Purpose: This study assessed the psychometric properties of the WAI-S-P in a sample of individuals from Peru who are receiving psychological therapy. Furthermore, a network analysis was conducted to investigate the direct relationships between the therapeutic alliance and several relevant sociodemographic variables. Methods: The short version of the Working Alliance Inventory was used in a sample of 241 participants (Mage=32.58, SD=12.67) that had attended less than 6 sessions. Three models were considered, including a three-factor and a two-factor correlated model, as well as a bifactor model. In addition, a network of partial associations was created including the overall therapeutic alliance, sex, age, and number of psychotherapeutic sessions. Results: The bifactor model, with an overall therapeutic alliance factor and two specific factors ("contact" and "contract"), better fit the data. Invariance of the structure by sex and age showed equitable measurement. On the other hand, network analysis revealed a positive correlation between total session attendance and therapeutic alliance. Men reported higher therapeutic alliance, while women had higher total session attendance. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the therapeutic alliance is better represented by a bifactor model and demonstrates invariance across sex and age in Peruvian adults. Additionally, findings indicate that differences in life experiences and the sex of patients may need to be verified in future studies to better understand nuanced needs in forming therapeutic alliances at least in the early stages of session attendance.

Psychometric Properties of the Peruvian Version of the MOS Scale for Social Support in Cancer Patients and Convergent Network with Quality of Life.

Introduction: One of the key psychosocial factors that impact mental and emotional health is social support. While much research has been conducted on the role of social support in the lives of cancer patients, there is a lack of studies that consider populations who need specific tools to assess this concept. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the MOS Social Support Scale (1991) in 499 Peruvian cancer patients between the ages of 18 and 87 (M= 46.30, SD = 15.747). Methods: In this study, three models of the MOS were analyzed based on 19-item versions (four factor, second order and bifactor model). Results: The results showed a better psychometric fit in the 19-item bifactor model with optimal fit indices through the structural equation method (SB-χ2/df = 1.94, CFI = 0.966, TLI= 0.955, SRMR = 0.038 and RMSEA = 0.058). Additionally, there was evidence of configural, metric and scalar invariance with this instrument according to the gender of the surveyed cancer patients. Convergent validity using a network analysis approach revealed positive associations between social support dimensions and quality of life. Conclusion: Emotional support and positive interactions dimensions were found to be important interconnections in the overall network, as indicated by their greater centralities. Therefore, this instrument could be suggested as a reliable way to evaluate cancer patients and their perceived support.

Psychological impact of COVID-19: A cross-lagged network analysis from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging COVID-19 database.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent health restrictions had an unprecedented impact on mental health, contributing to the emergence and reinforcement of various psychopathological symptoms. This complex interaction needs to be examined especially in a vulnerable population such as older adults. Objective: In the present study we analyzed network structures of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and loneliness from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging COVID-19 Substudy over two waves (Months of June-July and November-December 2020). Methods: For this purpose, we use measures of centrality (expected and bridge-expected influence) in addition to the Clique Percolation method to identify overlapping symptoms between communities. We also use directed networks to identify direct effects between variables at the longitudinal level. Results: UK adults aged >50 participated, Wave 1: 5,797 (54% female) and Wave 2: 6,512 (56% female). Cross-sectional findings indicated that difficulty relaxing, anxious mood, and excessive worry symptoms were the strongest and similar measures of centrality (Expected Influence) in both waves, while depressive mood was the one that allowed interconnection between all networks (bridge expected influence). On the other hand, sadness and difficulty sleeping were symptoms that reflected the highest comorbidity among all variables during the first and second waves, respectively. Finally, at the longitudinal level, we found a clear predictive effect in the direction of the nervousness symptom, which was reinforced by depressive symptoms (difficulties in enjoying life) and loneliness (feeling of being excluded or cut off from others). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that depressive, anxious, and loneliness symptoms were dynamically reinforced as a function of pandemic context in older adults in the UK.