Automatic Self Recriminations: Development and Validation of a Measure of Self-Condemnatory Internal Dialogue.

This article introduces a measure of self-condemnatory internal dialogue as an element of the relationship with the self: The Automatic Self-Recrimination Scale (ASRS). Using the construct validation approach to test construction, we describe the initial development of items and report on findings from a clinical and nonclinical sample showing the ASRS is best understood as a multidimensional measure of self-critical internal dialogue composed of one higher-order factor and four lower-order facets: Not Mattering, Self as Failure, Undeserving Self, and Loathsomeness. The overall scale and four subscales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Moreover, there was evidence of good convergent and incremental validity of the ASRS subscales with measures of perfectionism, self-criticism, and dysfunctional attitudes. Overall, the ASRS appears to be a reliable and valid measure of an automatic self-recriminatory internal dialogue.

The equivalence of psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for depressive disorders in adults: A meta-analytic review.

BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses on the relative efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy (PDT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depressive disorders are limited by heterogeneity in diagnostic samples and comparators and a lack of equivalence testing. OBJECTIVE: We addressed this through a meta-analytic test of the equivalence of manualized PDT and CBT in treating adults with depressive disorders as determined by diagnostic interviews. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the impact of pretreatment differences, mixed diagnostic samples, author allegiance, study quality, year of publication and outliers on findings. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search across multiple databases using reliable screening methods identified nine randomized controlled trials directly comparing manualized PDT and CBT for diagnosed depressive disorders in adults. Following pre-registration, we employed random effect models for our meta-analyses and two one-sided test procedures for equivalence testing. RESULTS: Independent raters determined that all studies were of adequate quality. Immediately posttreatment, depressive symptoms were statistically equivalent across PDT and CBT (k = 9; g = -0.11, 90% confidence interval [90% CI]: -0.24 to 0.02, pequivalence = .048, pNHST = .212, I2 = 32.7). At follow-up, the longest time point within a year, depressive symptoms were neither statistically equivalent nor statistically different (k = 6; g = -0.16, 90% CI: -0.31 to -0.02, pequivalence = .184, pNHST = .126, I2 = 0.00). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of manualized PDT is equal to manualized CBT immediately at posttreatment for depressive disorders in the adult general population. Nevertheless, insufficient data exists to reach a conclusion regarding equivalence at follow-up.

A comparison of the effect of two types of brief psychodynamic group therapy on perfectionism-related attitudes, self-relatedness, and self-esteem.

Objective: This randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of dynamic relational group therapy (DRT) relative to group psychodynamic supportive therapy (PST) in improving perfectionism-related attitudes and components of the perfectionistic self-relationship. Method: Based on a comprehensive conceptualization of perfectionism, 80 community-recruited, highly perfectionistic individuals were randomly allocated to 12 sessions of group DRT (n = 41; 5 groups) or group PST (n = 39; 5 groups). Patients completed measures of dysfunctional attitudes, self-criticism, self-esteem, and self-reassurance at pre-, mid-, and post-treatment, and six months post-treatment. Results: Multigroup latent growth curve modeling revealed significant (p < .05) decreases in dysfunctional attitudes, concern over mistakes, two types of self-criticism, and self-esteem problems, along with a significant increase in self-reassurance, from pre-treatment to six-month follow-up in both DRT and PST. Moderate-to-large between-group differences favoring DRT over PST were found for dysfunctional attitudes and self-reassurance. A majority of patients in both conditions maintained reliable improvement at six-month follow-up in dysfunctional attitudes, concern over mistakes, and self-criticism focused on inadequacy. Conclusion: Findings provide evidence for the use of psychodynamic group therapy approaches in treating perfectionism-related attitudes and self-relational elements of perfectionism, and support the relative efficacy of DRT for dysfunctional attitudes and self-reassurance.

Other-Oriented Perfectionism in Children and Adolescents: Development and Validation of the Other-Oriented Perfectionism Subscale-Junior Form (OOPjr).

Research on adults indicates other-oriented perfectionism (requiring perfection from others) is associated with various consequential outcomes independent of self-oriented perfectionism (requiring perfection of the self) and socially prescribed perfectionism (believing others require perfection of the self). However, historically, the most widely used and researched measure of trait perfectionism in children, the Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale (CAPS), has omitted other-oriented perfectionism. In the present study, we address this by reporting on the multisource development and validation of the first self-report measure of other-oriented perfectionism specifically intended for youths: the Other-Oriented Perfectionism Subscale-Junior Form (OOPjr). Children (N = 107; Mage = 11.5, SD = 1.7) completed the OOPjr, CAPS, and measures of perfectionistic self-presentation, narcissism, social disconnection, depressive symptoms, and parental psychological control. Parents provided ratings of children's self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented perfectionism. Psychometric analyses indicated the OOPjr is a homogenous and internally reliable scale that, when factor analyzed alongside the CAPS, displays measurement invariance across gender and replicates the three-factor solution found in adults. Furthermore, parent ratings of other-oriented perfectionism showed unique positive relationships with OOPjr scores, but not CAPS scores. Likewise, other-oriented perfectionism had independent positive relationships with narcissistic superiority and achievement-oriented parental psychological control, after controlling for self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism. Overall, our findings provide preliminary support for the use of the OOPjr as a measure of other-oriented perfectionism in youths.

Social influences on binge drinking in emerging adults: Which social network members matter most?

BACKGROUND: Binge drinking peaks in emerging adulthood and is associated with a myriad of negative consequences. Research indicates that social network members have a significant influence on binge drinking. In particular, theory suggests that drinking habits of romantic partners and peers have a stronger influence on emerging-adult binge drinking than do drinking habits of siblings and parents. We investigated the relative influences of siblings, parents, romantic partners, and peers on emerging adults' binge drinking using a multisource design and a robust measure of binge drinking. We hypothesized peer and romantic partner binge drinking would more strongly predict emerging-adult (egos) binge drinking than would parent and sibling binge drinking. Methods: We recruited 321 participants (egos) aged 17-25 years, alongside 882 members of their social network (alters). Egos and alters completed self-report measures of binge drinking (frequency, quantity, and self-perception). Results: Structural equation modeling revealed that the direct positive effect from romantic partner binge drinking to ego binge drinking was significant. In contrast, the direct effects from peer, parent, and sibling binge drinking to ego binge drinking were nonsignificant. Conclusion: In emerging adulthood, romantic partners appear to have the strongest association with ego binge drinking.

Perfectionism and the Five-Factor Model of Personality: A Meta-Analytic Review.

Over 25 years of research suggests an important link between perfectionism and personality traits included in the five-factor model (FFM). However, inconsistent findings, underpowered studies, and a plethora of perfectionism scales have obscured understanding of how perfectionism fits within the FFM. We addressed these limitations by conducting the first meta-analytic review of the relationships between perfectionism dimensions and FFM traits (k = 77, N = 24,789). Meta-analysis with random effects revealed perfectionistic concerns (socially prescribed perfectionism, concern over mistakes, doubts about actions, and discrepancy) were characterized by neuroticism (rc+ = .50), low agreeableness (rc+ = -.26), and low extraversion (rc+ = -.24); perfectionistic strivings (self-oriented perfectionism, personal standards, and high standards) were characterized by conscientiousness (rc+ = .44). Additionally, several perfectionism-FFM relationships were moderated by gender, age, and the perfectionism subscale used. Findings complement theory suggesting that perfectionism has neurotic and non-neurotic dimensions. Results also underscore that the (mal)adaptiveness of perfectionistic strivings hinges on instrumentation.

Development of Perfectionism in Junior Athletes: A Three-Sample Study of Coach and Parental Pressure.

Perfectionism predicts cognitions, emotions, and behaviors in sport. Nonetheless, our understanding of the factors that influence its development is limited. The authors sought to address this issue by examining the role of coach and parental pressure in the development of perfectionism in sport. Using 3 samples of junior athletes (16-19 years; cross-sectional n = 212, 3-month longitudinal n = 101, and 6-month longitudinal n = 110), the authors examined relations between coach pressure to be perfect, parental pressure to be perfect, perfectionistic strivings, and perfectionistic concerns. Mini meta-analysis of the combined cross-sectional data (N = 423) showed that both coach pressure and parental pressure were positively correlated with perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns. In contrast, longitudinal analyses showed that only coach pressure predicted increased perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns over time. Overall, our findings provide preliminary evidence that coaches may play a more important role in the development of junior athletes' perfectionism than parents.

The perniciousness of perfectionism: A meta-analytic review of the perfectionism-suicide relationship.

OBJECTIVE: Over 50 years of research implicates perfectionism in suicide. Yet the role of perfectionism in suicide needs clarification due to notable between-study inconsistencies in findings, underpowered studies, and uncertainty about whether perfectionism confers risk for suicide. We addressed this by meta-analyzing perfectionism's relationship with suicide ideation and attempts. We also tested whether self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism predicted increased suicide ideation, beyond baseline ideation. METHOD: Our literature search yielded 45 studies (N = 11,747) composed of undergraduates, medical students, community adults, and psychiatric patients. RESULTS: Meta-analysis using random effects models revealed perfectionistic concerns (socially prescribed perfectionism, concern over mistakes, doubts about actions, discrepancy, perfectionistic attitudes), perfectionistic strivings (self-oriented perfectionism, personal standards), parental criticism, and parental expectations displayed small-to-moderate positive associations with suicide ideation. Socially prescribed perfectionism also predicted longitudinal increases in suicide ideation. Additionally, perfectionistic concerns, parental criticism, and parental expectations displayed small, positive associations with suicide attempts. CONCLUSIONS: Results lend credence to theoretical accounts suggesting self-generated and socially based pressures to be perfect are part of the premorbid personality of people prone to suicide ideation and attempts. Perfectionistic strivings' association with suicide ideation also draws into question the notion that such strivings are healthy, adaptive, or advisable.

The Structure of Multidimensional Perfectionism: Support for a Bifactor Model With a Dominant General Factor.

Evidence suggests perfectionism is a multidimensional construct composed of 2 higher order factors: perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns. However, the substantial overlap between perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns is problematic, as are the unanswered questions regarding the structure of perfectionism following removal of common variance. This research addressed this through bifactor modeling. Three student samples (N = 742) completed Hewitt and Flett's ( 1991 ) Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Frost, Marten, Lahart, and Rosenblate's ( 1990 ) Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, and Slaney, Rice, Mobley, Trippi, and Ashby's ( 2001 ) Almost Perfect Scale-Revised. Greater support was consistently found for the bifactor model, relative to the 2-factor model. Results suggest the bifactor model best represents the structure of perfectionism and provide preliminary support for the use of a general factor score. Researchers are cautioned that removal of general variance may render the reliability of specific factors (i.e., perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns) suspect.

Factor structure and correlates of the Mandarin version of the Managing the Emotions of Others (MEOS) scale.

The English-language version of the Managing the Emotions of Others (MEOS) scale has been found to have a six-factor structure. This includes two pairs (Enhance, Divert and Worsen, Inauthentic) that respectively describe prosocial and non-prosocial interpersonal emotion management, together with an emotional concealment factor (Conceal) and a factor assessing poor self-rated emotional skills. A Mandarin translation of the MEOS was completed by 277 Chinese student participants. Factor analysis indicated a four-factor structure comprising a merged Enhance/Divert factor, together with Worsen, Inauthentic and Conceal factors. The emergence of a different factor structure compared to Western samples may be related to culture-dependent attitudes to emotional expression. The associations of the MEOS factors with Five-Factor model personality, the Dark Triad and trait emotional intelligence (EI) were examined; these were similar to but generally weaker than those found for the English-language version.

Perfectionistic concerns and binge eating in mother-daughter dyads: An actor-partner interdependence model.

Perfectionism is linked to a range of psychopathology, including binge eating. Our study enhanced understanding of the role maternal perfectionistic concerns play in the maintenance of binge eating in emerging adult daughters. A sample of 73 mother-daughter dyads (mean age = 49.51 years for mothers and 19.89 years for daughters) reported on perfectionistic concerns (composite of doubt about actions and concern over mistakes), binge eating, and binge drinking (composite of frequency, severity, and perceptions). Using actor-partner interdependence modelling, mothers' and daughters' perfectionistic concerns were positively associated with their own binge eating (actor effects). Mothers' perfectionistic concerns were positively associated with daughters' binge eating (partner effect), but not vice versa. Perfectionistic concerns did not show significant actor or partner associations with binge drinking, supporting the specificity of our model. Findings suggest binge eating has characterological and interpersonal antecedents.

The efficacy of group psychotherapy for adults with perfectionism: A randomized controlled trial of dynamic-relational therapy versus psychodynamic supportive therapy.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of group dynamic-relational therapy (DRT) relative to group psychodynamic supportive therapy (PST) in treating perfectionism and improving psychological functioning. HYPOTHESIS: Psychodynamically informed therapies, particularly DRT, will be efficacious in treating perfectionism and functioning outcomes. METHOD: Based on a comprehensive conceptualization of perfectionism, 80 community-recruited, highly perfectionistic individuals were randomly allocated to 12 sessions of group DRT (n = 41; 5 groups) or group PST (n = 39; 5 groups). Patients completed measures of trait perfectionism, perfectionistic self-presentation, perfectionistic cognitions, symptom distress, life satisfaction, and work and social adjustment at pre-, mid-, and posttreatment and 6 months posttreatment. RESULTS: Multigroup latent growth curve modeling revealed significant (p < .05) decreases in all perfectionism components and improvements in all functioning outcomes from pretreatment to 6-month follow-up in both DRT and PST. Likewise, analyses revealed substantial reliable improvement across conditions for all perfectionism components. Last, moderate-to-large between-group differences favoring DRT over PST were found for self-oriented perfectionism, perfectionistic self-promotion, nondisplay of imperfection, nondisclosure of imperfection, and work and social adjustment. CONCLUSION: Findings provide evidence for the use of psychodynamic approaches in the treatment of perfectionism and support the relative efficacy of DRT for components of perfectionism. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Alcohol use and death by suicide: A meta-analysis of 33 studies.

INTRODUCTION: Decades of research show an association between alcohol use and death by suicide. However, findings on the temporal link between alcohol use and death by suicide are unclear. In the most comprehensive meta-analysis on the topic to date, we analyzed data from longitudinal studies to determine if alcohol use is a risk for death by suicide. We also explored moderators to uncover conditions where the alcohol use-suicide link is strengthened/weakened. METHODS: Our literature search of six databases yielded 33 eligible studies involving 10,253,101 participants (community, psychiatric, and military samples). RESULTS: Alcohol use was associated with a 94% increase in the risk of death by suicide. Specifically, random-effects meta-analysis revealed alcohol use displayed small-to-large significant risk and odds ratios with suicide for quantity of alcohol use and alcohol use diagnosis/alcohol-related problems. Meta-regression generally indicated larger effect sizes for studies with a higher percentage of women, younger age, unadjusted estimates, longer follow-up periods, military samples, and higher frequencies and quantities of alcohol use (relative to drinker/non-drinker status). CONCLUSION: Our study highlights alcohol use as a substantive risk factor for death by suicide and underscores the importance of monitoring alcohol use among suicidal individuals and screening for suicidality among heavier alcohol users.

Suicide behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: A meta-analysis of 54 studies.

COVID-19, and efforts to mitigate its spread, are creating extensive mental health problems. Experts have speculated the mental, economic, behavioral, and psychosocial problems linked to the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to a rise in suicide behavior. However, a quantitative synthesis is needed to reach an overall conclusion regarding the pandemic-suicide link. In the most comprehensive test of the COVID-19-suicidality link to date, we meta-analyzed data from 308,596 participants across 54 studies. Our results suggested increased event rates for suicide ideation (10.81%), suicide attempts (4.68%), and self-harm (9.63%) during the COVID-19 pandemic when considered against event rates from pre-pandemic studies. Moderation analysis indicated younger people, women, and individuals from democratic countries are most susceptible to suicide ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers and helping professionals are advised that suicide behaviors are alarmingly common during the COVID-19 pandemic and vary based upon age, gender, and geopolitics. Strong protections from governments (e.g., implementing best practices in suicide prevention) are urgently needed to reduce suicide behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is perfectionism a vulnerability factor for depressive symptoms, a complication of depressive symptoms, or both? A meta-analytic test of 67 longitudinal studies.

Decades of research implicates perfectionism in depressive symptoms. Yet, inconsistent findings, underpowered studies, and the tendency for researchers to assume one direction of influence have clouded understanding of whether perfectionism is a vulnerability factor for depressive symptoms, a complication of depressive symptoms, or both. Our primary aim was to address this by using meta-analytic structural equation modeling to test cross-lagged reciprocal relations between depressive symptoms and two perfectionism factors: perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings. Our secondary aim was to catalyze a search for moderators that might explain heterogeneity by conducting a bivariate random-effects meta-analysis. The literature search yielded 67 longitudinal studies (N = 20,583) composed of undergraduates, community members, medical students, treatment-seeking adults, and patients with mental health problems. The relationship between perfectionistic concerns and depressive symptoms was reciprocal, with perfectionistic concerns predicting increased depressive symptoms and vice versa. In contrast, the relationship between perfectionistic strivings and depressive symptoms was unidirectional, with perfectionistic strivings conferring vulnerability for depressive symptoms, but not the reverse. Clinicians who overlook the reciprocal relationship between perfectionistic concerns and depressive symptoms might miss information vital to accurate conceptualization, assessment, and treatment. Perfectionistic strivings may be distinguishable from perfectionistic concerns by being more in line with classical models of personality vulnerability.

Patient perfectionism and clinician impression formation during an initial interview.

OBJECTIVES: The negative impact of pre-treatment patient perfectionism on therapeutic alliance and outcomes has been well documented. However, there is much to learn about how patient perfectionism impacts the development of the therapeutic alliance. Our study addressed this by examining the extent to which trait and self-presentational components of perfectionism influence clinician's perceptions of patients during an initial interview. DESIGN: In a re-analysis of data from Hewitt et al., 2008, Psychiatry, 71, 93-122, participants were 90 treatment-seeking adults (aged 19-64, Mage  = 36.2; 40 men) recruited from outpatient mental health clinics. Each patient had a one-on-one, semi-structured interview with a clinician that lasted approximately 50 min. METHOD: Patients completed self-report measures assessing trait perfectionism, perfectionistic self-presentation, and symptom distress before the interview. Patients were then invited to discuss reasons for seeking treatment and to reflect on the two most challenging situations in their lives in which they had not coped well. Following the interview, clinicians indicated their overall impressions of patients by responding to three self-report questions and rated patients' distress and hostility via nine adjectives. RESULTS: After controlling for patients' symptom distress, other-oriented perfectionism and non-display of imperfection had small positive relationships with clinician-rated hostility; self-oriented perfectionism, socially prescribed perfectionism, and non-disclosure of imperfection had small-to-moderate negative relationships with clinician impressions. Additionally, path analysis revealed other-oriented perfectionism and non-display of imperfection indirectly predicted less favourable clinician impressions through clinician-rated hostility. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the importance of evaluating and addressing trait and self-presentation components of perfectionism early in the therapeutic process. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Higher levels of other-oriented perfectionism and non-display of imperfection were associated with greater clinician-rated hostility during an initial interview. Patient hostility mediated the relationship between patients' other-oriented perfectionism, non-display of imperfection, and less favourable clinician impressions. Our study highlights the importance of assessing and attending to patient perfectionism and displays of hostility during the earliest stages of therapeutic contact.

Relationships on the rocks: A meta-analysis of romantic partner effects on alcohol use.

The partner influence hypothesis postulates one partner's alcohol use influences the other partner's alcohol use over time. Although several studies have examined the partner influence hypothesis, the magnitude and gender-specific nature of partner influences on alcohol use are unclear and have yet to be examined meta-analytically. We addressed this by conducting a traditional bivariate meta-analysis and two-stage meta-analytic structural equation modeling across 17 studies (N = 10,553 couples). Studies that assessed both romantic partners' alcohol use at a minimum of two time-points were selected. Results suggest romantic partners do influence one another's drinking, to a small but meaningful degree, with women (ß = .19) exerting a statistically stronger (p < .05) influence than men (ß = .12). Results also suggest time lag between assessment, alcohol indicator, married, and year of publication may moderate partner influence. Thus, social influences on individual alcohol use include important partner influences. These influences can serve either risk or protective functions. Given the economic, social, and health consequences associated with alcohol misuse, advancing knowledge of social risk factors for alcohol misuse is essential. Therefore, assessment and treatment of alcohol misuse should extend beyond the person to the social context. We encourage clinicians to consider involving romantic partners when assessing and treating alcohol misuse. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

The perniciousness of perfectionism in group therapy for depression: A test of the perfectionism social disconnection model.

Half a century of theoretical accounts, case histories, and evidence implies perfectionism limits the success of psychotherapy and makes it hard for people to participate in and benefit from close relationships. Likewise, intimate relationships are crucial determinants of the success of treatment. However, the extent to which specific types of relationships explain why perfectionism leads to a poorer treatment outcome is unclear. We addressed this by, first, testing whether the perfectionism traits of self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism hindered symptom reduction in group psychotherapy for depression and, second, assessing the mediating role of romantic love, friendships, and familial love on the effects of perfectionism traits on change in depression. Psychiatric patients (N = 156) enrolled in short-term postdischarge group cognitive-behavioral therapy for residual depression completed measures of perfectionism at pretreatment; of romantic love, friendships, and familial love at posttreatment; and of depression at pre- and posttreatment. Multilevel modeling showed that other-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism were associated with lower posttreatment reductions in depression over treatment, and path analysis revealed that self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism indirectly predicted lower posttreatment reductions in depression through a perceived lack of quality friendships. Results lend credence and coherence to the perfectionism social disconnection model in a clinical context and underscore the importance of taking extratherapeutic social disconnection into account when treating perfectionistic patients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Perfectionism and a Healthy Attitude toward Oneself: Could Humor Be a Resource?

In the framework of the psychology of harmonization, the present study analyzes the relationships of humor styles with perfectionism, controlling for the effects of personality traits. One hundred and forty-eight Italian university students were administered the Italian versions of the HEXACO-60, the Humor Styles Questionnaire, and the short-form version of the Big Three Perfectionism Scale. Based on hierarchical regression analyses, humor styles accounted for a significant percentage of incremental variance beyond personality traits in relation to three major perfectionism factors. Humor styles may be a promising area for further research and intervention in relation to managing issues related to perfectionism in strengths-based preventative perspectives.

Development and Validation of Two Short Forms of the Managing the Emotions of Others (MEOS) Scale.

The 58-item MEOS assesses managing the emotions of others, a component of trait emotional intelligence (EI). Managing another person's emotions can be used with the intention of helping the target but also in a strategically manipulative manner; the subscales of the MEOS cover both these aspects of emotion management. In order to allow researchers to access shorter versions of the MEOS for use in studies where administering the full-length scale is not feasible, two short forms of the MEOS with six (MEOS-SF) and four (MEOS-VSF) items per sub-scale were developed and validated. Study 1 used factor analysis of pre-existing MEOS item data to select items for the short forms and also compared the bivariate correlations of the MEOS, MEOS-SF and MEOS-VSF with personality and global trait EI. Study 2 examined the MEOS-SF and MEOS-VSF in two new samples (N = 394/226). The results from both studies showed that the short forms had good psychometric properties and associations similar to those of the full-length MEOS with personality, global trait EI, and other measures. The MEOS-SF and MEOS-VSF are hence suitable for use in contexts where a brief assessment of the full range of the domain of managing the emotions of others is required. The availability of short subscales assessing the manipulative facets of the MEOS is especially relevant to the emerging area of "dark side" trait EI research.