The Role of Emotion Regulation Strategies for Sexual Function and Mental Health: A Cluster Analytical Approach.

We investigated distinct profiles in emotion regulation strategies (reappraisal and suppression) and their associations with sexual function and mental health. The online survey sample consisted of 5436 adult participants. The gender stratified cluster analysis resulted in a four-cluster solution for both men and women. Better sexual function and mental health scores were found for participants with high cognitive reappraisal and low expressive suppression. High expressive suppression was associated with higher anxiety and depression and worse sexual function. Sexological care should take into account the assessment of emotion regulation abilities and emotion regulation training interventions to support reappraisal strategies.

Sexual satisfaction and sexual behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from the International Sexual Health And REproductive (I-SHARE) health survey in Luxembourg.

AIM: To identify the impact of COVID-19 measures on sexual behaviors and sexual satisfaction in Luxembourg residents. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of adults (> 18 years of age) residing in Luxembourg, while COVID-19 restrictions were in place. The survey was available from January 15 to February 12, 2021 in four languages (French, German, English and Portuguese). Survey questions focused on masturbation, cuddling, condom use, sex frequency, sexting, cybersex, watching porn, and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: 557 volunteers completed the survey (35.5% men, 64.3% women). Sexual satisfaction and sexual problems variables were assessed on 4-point Likert scales (0 = not at all/never to 3 = very/often). Sexual problems increased during the COVID-19 measures while sexual satisfaction decreased compared to before the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions (assessed retrospectively). Factors associated with increased odds of sexual satisfaction included having a steady relationship before COVID-19 restrictions, engaging in sexting, reporting good mental health and not altering alcohol intake. CONCLUSIONS: The context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented in Luxembourg affected sexual behaviors and sexual satisfaction. Sexual and reproductive health care centers and health professionals in general should take these results into consideration when providing care. Recommendations on the importance of sexual health for general wellbeing and behaviors associated with sexual satisfaction should be offered and possibilities to experience sexuality while reducing contamination risks be discussed.

Developmental screening tools: feasibility of use at primary healthcare level in low- and middle-income settings.

An estimated 150 million children have a disability. Early identification of developmental disabilities is a high priority for the World Health Organization to allow action to reduce impairments through Gap Action Program on mental health. The study identified the feasibility of using the developmental screening and monitoring tools for children aged 0-3 year(s) by non-specialist primary healthcare providers in low-resource settings. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify the tools, assess their psychometric properties, and feasibility of use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Key indicators to examine feasibility in LMICs were derived from a consultation with 23 international experts. We identified 426 studies from which 14 tools used in LMICs were extracted for further examination. Three tools reported adequate psychometric properties and met most of the feasibility criteria. Three tools appear promising for use in identifying and monitoring young children with disabilities at primary healthcare level in LMICs. Further research and development are needed to optimize these tools.

The Relationship Between Emotion Regulation and Sexual Function and Satisfaction: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual problems are characterized by difficulties in the ability to respond sexually or to obtain sexual pleasure. Their etiology is assumed to be multifactorial, demanding a biopsychosocial treatment approach. Positive sexual experiences involve the dynamic interplay between cognitive, emotional, and motivational factors. Difficulties in emotion identification or impairment in emotion regulation may thus play a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of sexual problems. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a scoping review of the literature on the effects of emotion regulation on sexual function and satisfaction. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review using Cinahl, Lilacs, Scielo, Scopus, PsycInfo and Pubmed electronic databases using search terms related to emotion regulation and sexual function and satisfaction. RESULTS: 27 articles met the inclusion criteria and were further analyzed. Overall, emotion regulation difficulties were associated with poorer sexual health outcomes, difficulties in the sexual response cycle and overall lower sexual satisfaction. Laboratory studies and intervention trials found positive effects of promoting emotion regulation change on sexual function and satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the methodological diversity of studies, it can be concluded from this review that difficulties in emotion regulation are related to sexual difficulties and sexual dissatisfaction. Future research should consider emotion regulation-focused interventions to mitigate sexual health problems. Fischer VJ, Andersson G, Billieux J, et al. The Relationship Between Emotion Regulation and Sexual Function and Satisfaction: A Scoping Review. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:195-208.

A randomized controlled trial of an Internet-based emotion regulation intervention for sexual health: study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Emotion regulation difficulties have been associated with mental disorders and sexual dysfunctions. Traditional face-to-face transdiagnostic emotion regulation interventions have shown positive results for emotional and personality disorders. Only recently have the effects of these interventions on sexual health started to be investigated. Internet-delivered psychological interventions have several advantages over face-to-face interventions, such as cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and suitability for people who experience shame because of their stigmatized problematic behaviors and those who avoid seeking help. The aims of the SHER 2-TREpS (Portuguese acronym for Emotion Regulation training for sexual health) project are as follows: (a) determine the efficacy of an Internet-based emotion regulation intervention for sexual health and sexual satisfaction and (b) explore the effects of the intervention on (1) emotion regulation skills, (2) mental health, and (3) sexual self-perception. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The study will use a randomized controlled trial design. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups: intervention (Internet-based emotion regulation training) or waitlist control. Assessments will take place before the start of the trial, at the end of the trial, and at 6-month follow up, after which participants assigned to the waitlist control condition will receive the same intervention. Primary outcomes include sexual function and satisfaction and secondary outcomes self-report measures of depression, anxiety, difficulties in emotion regulation, and sexual self-perception. This intervention study is financed by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNS). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Review Panel of the University of Luxembourg. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Validação brasileira do Alcohol Craving Questionnaire ­ Short Form Revised (ACQ-SFR) / Brazilian validation of Alcohol Craving Questionnaire ­ Short Form Revised (ACQ-SFR)

Introdução: A avaliação do craving é importante para o tratamento de pacientes com Transtornos por uso de substâncias psicoativas. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a validação do Alcohol Craving Questionnaire-Short Form Revised- Versão Brasileira (ACQ-SFR ­ Versão Brasileira). Métodos: Foi um estudo observacional transversal, com uma amostra não aleatória de 121 participantes alcoolistas, do sexo masculino, internados para desintoxicação em unidade especializada. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: entrevista clínica com dados sociodemográficos e de padrão de uso de substâncias, MMSE, ACQ-SFR ­ Versão Brasileira, EAV do craving, BDI, BAI, estímulo visual indutor de craving. Resultados: Na análise fatorial, foram encontrados dois fatores: o fator 1 representa o craving pelo reforço positivo e negativo do álcool, e o fator 2, o propósito de consumir o álcool associado ao prazer. O alfa de Cronbach total foi de 0,91 (12 itens), o do Fator 1 foi 0,92 (8 itens) e o do Fator 2 foi 0,70 (3 itens). O total de pontos da escala foi correlacionado com a Escala Analógico-Visual (r=0,658; p<0,01). Conclusão: Conclui-se que o ACQ-SFR ­ Versão Brasileira demonstrou ter propriedades psicométricas satisfatórias. (AU)

Introduction: The assessment of craving is important in the treatment of patients with psychoactive substance use disorders. The purpose of this study was to validate the Brazilian version of the Alcohol Craving Questionnaire ­ Short Form Revised (ACQ­SFR ­ Brazilian Version). Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted, with a non-random sample of 121 male alcoholic participants admitted for detoxification in a specialized unit. The instruments used to collect data were clinical interview with sociodemographic data and substance use pattern, MMSE, ACQ-SFR ­ Brazilian version, VAS of craving, BDI, BAI, and visual inducer of craving. Results: In a factorial analysis, two factors were found: factor 1 represents craving due to positive and negative reinforcement of alcohol use, and factor 2, the purpose of consuming alcohol associated with pleasure. Overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.91 (12 items), while factor 1 was 0.92 (8 items) and factor 2 was 0.70 (3 items). Total scale score correlated with VAS score (r = 0.658; p < 0.01). Conclusions: AACQ-SFR ­ Brazilian version presented satisfactory psychometric properties. (AU)

Induction and comparison of craving for tobacco, marijuana and crack

Abstract Background The literature findings report that use of multiple substances can produce adverse clinical and behavioral effects, which may affect craving and the results of drug treatment. Also, the understanding of craving construct and its interaction in the use of smoked substances is underexplored. Objectives To induce and compare craving for tobacco, marijuana and crack-cocaine on hospitalized dependents whose drug of choice is crack-cocaine. Methods Quasi-experimental study with a convenience sample consisting of 210 males divided into 3 equal groups (Group-1: craving induced by crack; Group-2: craving induced by tobacco; and Group-3: craving induced by marijuana). All participants met ICD-10 dependence criteria for cocaine/crack, marijuana and tobacco, were aged between 18 and 65 and had used these substances for at least one year. Photos were used to induce craving and self-report instruments to evaluate possible alterations. Results This study showed that craving for tobacco was more intense than for marijuana and crack, when the groups were compared by VAS. Using specific scales, both craving for tobacco and craving for marijuana were more intense than craving for crack. Discussion These results would imply interventions at the initial stages of abstinence with cognitive-behavioural techniques and pharmacotherapy in order to reduce craving.

Validação psicométrica do Marijuana Craving Questionnaire-Short Form – versão Brasil / Psychometric validation of Marijuana Craving Questionnaire-Short Form – Brazil version

Introdução: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a validação psicométrica do Marijuana Craving Questionnaire-Short Form - Versão Brasil (MCQ-SF – Versão Brasil). Métodos: Neste estudo transversal, uma amostra não aleatória de 120 participantes do sexo masculino foi dividida em dois grupos: Grupo 1, incluindo usuários de cannabis da população geral (n=34) e Grupo 2, incluindo pacientes internados em unidade de dependência química e que preenchiam critérios diagnósticos para dependência de cannabis pela CID-10 (n=86). Os indivíduos do Grupo 1, que foram recrutados pelo método snow-ball, deviam estar utilizando a cannabis há pelo menos um ano, tê-la utilizado pela última vez há no mínimo 24 e no máximo 48 horas, e não ser dependentes de outras substâncias psicoativas salvo a nicotina. Os indivíduos do Grupo 2 deviam apenas preencher critérios diagnósticos para dependência de cannabis, não sendo necessário que não fossem dependentes de outras substâncias psicoativas. Além disso, deviam estar utilizando a cannabis há pelo menos um ano e tê-la utilizado pela última vez há no mínimo 24 horas. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: entrevista clínica com dados sociodemográficos, SRQ20, MMSE, MCQ-SF – Versão Brasil, EAV do craving, BDI, BAI, estímulo visual indutor de craving. Resultados: Na análise fatorial, foram encontrados três fatores: Emocionalidade, Intencionalidade e Compulsividade. Os três fatores apresentaram variância total de 66,74%. O alfa de Cronbach do seu total de pontos foi 0,89. O instrumento no total de pontos foi correlacionado com a Escala Analógico-Visual (r=0,644; p<0,01) Conclusões: Conclui-se que o MCQ-SF – Versão Brasil demonstrou ter propriedades psicométricas satisfatórias.

Introduction: We aimed to conduct a psychometric validation of the Marijuana Craving Questionnaire-Short Form – Brazil Version (MCQ-SF – Brazil Version). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a non-random sample of 120 males were allocated into two groups: Group 1, including cannabis users in the general population (n=34) or Group 2, including patients admitted to a chemical dependency unit and who met diagnostic criteria for cannabis dependence in the ICD-10 (n=86). The subjects in Group 1, who were recruited by the snowball method, should be using cannabis for at least 1 year and for the last time between 24 and 48 hours before data collection. Additionally, they should not have any other addiction except nicotine. Subjects in Group 2 should only fulfill diagnostic criteria for cannabis dependence and may also be dependent on other psychoactive substances. The subjects should be using cannabis for at least one year and for the last time at least 24 hours before data collection. The instruments used were: clinical interview with sociodemographic data, SRQ20, MMSE, MCQ-SF Brazil Version - VAS of Craving, BDI, BAI, and visual stimulus inducing craving. Results: Factor analysis revealed three factors: Emotionality, Intentionality and Compulsivity. The three factors showed a total variance of 66.74%. Cronbach’s alpha of the total score was 0.89. The instrument total score was correlated with the VAS (r=0.644, p<0.01). Conclusions: We conclude that the MCQ-SF – Brazil Version has demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties.