Psychometric properties of the Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Questionnaire in a community sample of the Portuguese population.

BACKGROUND: Intrapersonal aspects of emotion regulation have been at the forefront of research, while interpersonal aspects have received less attention. The Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (IERQ) was developed to address this issue. However, this scale was neither adapted nor validated for European Portuguese. AIMS: The present study aims to adapt the IERQ to European Portuguese and explore the preliminary psychometric properties of the IERQ in a community sample, through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Construct validity was further supported by examining convergent validity with ERQ subscales. METHOD: Using a cross-sectional design, individuals were recruited online. Self-report questionnaires were used, namely the IERQ and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). RESULTS: The four-factor structure was confirmed through CFA. IERQ subscales correlated positively with the dimensions of the ERQ of cognitive reappraisal and correlated negatively with experiential suppression. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study showed that the IERQ has adequate psychometric properties in a Portuguese sample and supports that this instrument can be used to assess interpersonal emotion regulation strategies in non-clinical samples.

The effect of emotional regulation difficulties on sexual and psychological distress using repetitive negative thinking as a mediator.

BACKGROUND: Sexual distress, a determinant factor in diagnosing sexual dysfunction, plays a significant role in individuals' sexual well-being, yet it has been overlooked in research. AIM: This exploratory study adopted a transdiagnostic approach to sexual distress and sought to examine the association between emotional regulation difficulties and sexual and psychological distress, with repetitive negative thinking as a potential mediator. METHODS: We used a quantitative cross-sectional design with a sample of 509 partnered individuals. OUTCOMES: The survey included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the Persistent and Intrusive Negative Thoughts Scale, and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised. RESULTS: Correlational analysis revealed significant associations among emotional regulation difficulties, repetitive negative thinking, psychological distress, and sexual distress. Furthermore, a mediation model demonstrated that repetitive negative thinking significantly mediated emotion dysregulation and psychological and sexual distress. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings underscore the importance of considering emotion regulation difficulties and repetitive negative thinking as a maladaptive coping strategy when evaluating sexual distress and suggest that therapeutic interventions targeting such difficulties and thoughts may yield beneficial outcomes. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: These findings reinforce the importance of considering the role of emotional regulation difficulties and, consequently, repetitive negative thinking as a dysfunctional coping strategy, when studying and intervening in sexual distress. Future research with clinical samples should be developed to establish better the significance of considering these two dimensions in assessment and therapeutic intervention. CONCLUSION: Future research should corroborate and expand upon these findings to advance our understanding of sexual distress and optimize interventions in this domain.

Change detection versus change localization for faces, houses, and words.

Holistic processing aids in the discrimination of visually similar objects, but it may also come with a cost. Indeed holistic processing may improve the ability to detect changes to a face while impairing the ability to locate where the changes occur. We investigated the capacity to detect the occurrence of a change versus the capacity to detect the localization of a change for faces, houses, and words. Change detection was better than change localization for faces. Change localization outperformed change detection for houses. For words, there was no difference between detection and localization. We know from previous studies that words are processed holistically. However, being an object of visual expertise processed holistically, visual words are also a linguistic entity. Previously, the word composite effect was found for phonologically consistent words but not for phonologically inconsistent words. Being an object of visual expertise for which linguistic information is important, letter position information, is also crucial. Thus, the importance of localization of letters and features may augment the capacity to localize a change in words making the detection of a change and the detection of localization of a change equivalent.

Early maladaptive schemas, emotion regulation difficulties and alexithymia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Emotion regulation is an integral part of the schema therapy model. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the evidence on the associations between early maladaptive schemas (EMSs), difficulties with emotion regulation and alexithymia. METHOD: PsycINFO, PubMed and CINAHL Complete databases were searched on 28 May 2022 and 3 February 2023 in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Included studies were in English, in peer-reviewed journals and reported on the association between one or more of the 18 EMSs or five schema domains and emotion regulation difficulties or alexithymia. Methodological quality was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. Meta-analyses were conducted to examine difficulties with emotion regulation and alexithymia as correlates of each EMS and domain. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies published between 2008 and 2022 were included (Pooled N = 5957). Difficulties with emotion regulation were positively correlated with all 18 EMSs (range: entitlement r(7) = .28, 95% CI [.13, .42] to negativity pessimism r(5) = .53, 95% CI [.23, .74]) and schema domains (range: impaired limits r(5) = .34, 95% CI [.08, .56] to disconnection rejection r(5) = .44, 95% CI [.33, .73]). Alexithymia was positively correlated with the other-directedness domain (r(2) = .40, 95% CI [.09, .64]) and 16 of the 18 EMSs (range: unrelenting standards r(5) = .21, 95% CI [.12, .28] to emotional inhibition r(5) = .50, 95% CI [.34, .63]). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that almost all 18 EMSs are implicated in emotion regulation difficulties and alexithymia, particularly those relating to unmet needs for attachment and autonomy.

Minding my brain: Fourteen neuroscience-based principles to enhance psychotherapy responsiveness.

Intersections between psychotherapy and neurosciences are at its dawn. The quest to understand the neural underpinnings of psychological processes has led several generations of scientists to explore neural correlates between mind, brain and behaviour. Neuroscience methods and research have given psychology new perspectives and insights about the structure and function of complex neural pathways that underlie human functioning (cognition, emotion, motivation, somatic reactions and interpersonal behaviour). By translating neuroscientific findings into psychotherapeutic principles of change, it is possible to promote responsiveness towards brain dysfunction that underlies patients' psychological malfunctioning. In psychotherapy, responsiveness is a core aspect of the therapeutic change process, especially to adapt psychological interventions to patients' motivational stages and preferences, coping styles, neurobehavioural modes and emotional needs. Within a transtheoretical and translational approach, contemporary neuroscientific findings are revised, discussed and used to attempt to build on 14 theoretical brain-based principles that may be applied to psychotherapy. Translating these empirical findings into practical principles, clinical strategies and tasks is expected to enhance psychotherapy responsiveness grounded on a science-based knowledge of brain functioning.

Early maladaptive schemas and COVID-19 anxiety: The mediational role of mistrustfulness and vulnerability to harm and illness.

BACKGROUND: Early maladaptive schemas (EMS), as lifelong psychological structures, tend to be associated with psychopathological symptomatology. Previous research has suggested that schemas act as psychological vulnerabilities to stressful life situations, such as the present worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, anxiety and psychological distress have been documented as two of the main psychological symptoms associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the associations between specific EMS and COVID-19 anxiety remain unexplored. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationships between EMS, COVID-19 anxiety as well as other mental health variables such as psychological well-being, distress and life satisfaction. METHODS: In a cross-sectional design, 249 individuals (M = 34.2, SD = 12.0) completed several self-report measures. RESULTS: EMS from different schematic domains were positively associated with COVID-19 anxiety and psychological distress and negatively associated with psychological well-being and life satisfaction. An EMS hierarchical regression model predicted COVID-19 anxiety. Mistrustfulness and vulnerability to harm and illness mediated the relationships between COVID-19 anxiety, psychological distress and life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: According to these results, mistrustfulness and vulnerability to harm and illness can act as underlying variables for the decrease in mental health associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Path analysis from COVID-19 perceptions to psychological health: The roles of critical distance and mastery.

OBJECTIVE: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was previously associated with psychopathological symptoms. However, the psychological mechanisms underlying these associations are largely unexplored. Previous studies suggested associations between metacognitive abilities (e.g., mastery) and symptomatology, which may have impacts on COVID-19 perceptions. This study aims to explore, using path analysis, the mediational role of Critical Distance (differentiation and decentration abilities) and Mastery on the relationships between COVID-19 perceptions and psychological well-being and distress. METHODS: In a cross-sectional design, 227 participants (M = 34.21, SD = 10.9) filled self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: Metacognitive abilities were negatively correlated with psychopathological symptoms. Both Critical Distance and Mastery mediated the path from COVID-19 perceived severity and anxiety to psychological distress and well-being. Critical Distance seems to augment Mastery which tends to increase psychological well-being and limited psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: Metacognition seems to play a mediational role on the relationship between COVID-19 perceptions and mental health. Clinical psychologists and psychotherapists may enhance psychological interventions regarding COVID-19 psychopathological symptomatology by working on metacognitive Critical Distance and Mastery abilities.

Transdiagnostic perspective on psychological inflexibility and emotional dysregulation.

BACKGROUND: Psychological inflexibility and emotional dysregulation are a hallmark of psychopathology, being intrinsically embedded in emotional and personality disorders. However, the transdiagnostic mechanisms of psychological inflexibility and emotional dysregulation domains are still a matter of discussion. AIMS: The present study aims to explore the relationships between cognitive fusion (as a measure of psychological inflexibility), emotion regulation strategies, such as cognitive reappraisal and emotional suppression and emotional dysregulation domains in two different samples. METHOD: In a cross-sectional design, 297 individuals were assessed with self-report measures and divided into non-clinical (n = 231) and clinical samples (n = 66), according to diagnosis. RESULTS: Results showed that the degree of cognitive fusion was higher in the clinical sample. However, significant correlations between cognitive fusion, emotional regulation strategies and emotional dysregulation domains were found in the two samples. Cognitive reappraisal and emotional dysregulation domains predicted cognitive fusion and mediated the relationship between cognitive fusion and symptomatology in the two samples. CONCLUSIONS: Relationships between cognitive fusion and emotional dysregulation domains were found independent of diagnosis. The implementation of emotion regulation strategies may be related to individual differences. However, cognitive fusion, reappraisal and lack of strategies may be core transdiagnostic features in psychological inflexibility and emotion dysregulation.

COVID-19 Inventory and Mental Health: Preliminary Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed a set of drastic worldwide changes to and restrictions on daily life. Despite predictions of the harmful impacts of the pandemic on mental health, empirical data are lacking. This study sought to examine the relationship between individuals' perceptions about COVID-19 and scores on mental health indexes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 183 individuals answered self-report questionnaires. A new inventory based on the health belief model (HBM) developed in Portugal was explored with a factor analysis, which revealed two significant factors: COVID-19 anxiety and perceived severity of the disease. RESULTS: Results showed that anxiety about COVID-19 was positively correlated with psychological distress, somatization, and paranoid ideation and was negatively correlated with psychological well-being. COVID-19 anxiety mediated the relationship between symptomatology and mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions about COVID-19 seem to play pivotal roles in mental health. These results may inform interventions focused on reducing psychological distress and symptomatology and on increasing psychological well-being.

Relationships between emotional processing difficulties and early maladaptive schemas on the regulation of psychological needs.

Emotional processing difficulties may be viewed as dysfunctional emotional states emerging from non-adequately processed emotional experience while early maladaptive schemas are experienced-based dysfunctional mental structures associated with chronic and recurrent psychological disorders. Schemas and emotional difficulties were previously associated with impairments on the regulation of psychological needs. However, clarifications about the relationships between these constructs are lacking. In a cross-sectional study, a clinical sample of 66 participants (M = 46.4, SD = 13.1) completed self-report questionnaires. Emotional processing difficulties correlated positively with schemas and negatively with the regulation of psychological needs. Disconnection and rejection, lack of autonomy and impaired limits schema domains mediated the relationship between emotional processing difficulties and psychological needs. Emotional processing difficulties may be associated with impairments on the regulation of psychological needs, due to activation of early maladaptive schemas, which, in turn, prompts symptomatology. Transtheoretical intervention regarding marker-guided interventions and phase-by-phase schema restructuring may be used to promote the regulation of psychological needs.

Hemispheric asymmetry in holistic processing of words.

Holistic processing has been regarded as a hallmark of face perception, indicating the automatic and obligatory tendency of the visual system to process all face parts as a perceptual unit rather than in isolation. Studies involving lateralized stimulus presentation suggest that the right hemisphere dominates holistic face processing. Holistic processing can also be shown with other categories such as words and thus it is not specific to faces or face-like expertize. Here, we used divided visual field presentation to investigate the possibly different contributions of the two hemispheres for holistic word processing. Observers performed same/different judgment on the cued parts of two sequentially presented words in the complete composite paradigm. Our data indicate a right hemisphere specialization for holistic word processing. Thus, these markers of expert object recognition are domain general.

Introducing a Neuroscience-Based Assessment Instrument: Development and Psychometric Study of the Neural Networks Symptomatology Inventory.

Background: Neuroscience research methods contribute to the understanding of the underlying neural impairments associated with psychopathology. Previous research suggested that impairments in Default Mode Network, Fronto-Parietal Executive Network, Amygdaloid-Hippocampal Memory Network, and Attentional Salience Network are present in different psychopathological symptoms. However, a self-report measure based on this evidence is lacking. Aims: Therefore, the present study describes the development and preliminary psychometric study of the Neural Network Symptomatology Inventory (NNSI). Method: Two different samples were recruited (sample 1: N = 214, Mage = 21.0, SD = 7.10; sample 2: N = 194, Mage = 21.5, SD = 8.41) and responded to self-report instruments in a cross-sectional design. Standard methodologies to scale development and psychometric study were applied: Item development, Exploratory (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Pearson correlations. Results: EFA and CFA suggested a 4-factor model with adequate goodness-of-fit indices (χ2(449) = 808,9841, TLI = .89, CFI = .92, RMSEA = .048 (.042-.053). All NNSI subscales correlated positively with psychopathological domains and correlated negatively with psychological well-being. Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that NNSI may be a valid instrument to assess symptomatology associated with complex neural network impairments. Nevertheless, further research is required to deepen and improve NNSI psychometric characteristics.

Maladaptive and Adaptive Cognitions About the Self and Others: Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Brief Core Schemas Scales.

The presence of dysfunctional cognitions about how individuals see themselves and others is a hallmark of psychopathology. The Brief Core Schemas Scale (BCSS) was developed to evaluate adaptive and dysfunctional beliefs about the self and others. This study describes the first psychometric analysis of the BCSS in the Portuguese population. Participants were recruited from community (N = 320, Mage=27.31, DP = 12.75). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to confirm the BCSS factorial structure. Four-factor model revealed moderate to adequate goodness-of-fit indices (χ2/df = 717.1, (246) p = .01; SRMR = .044; RMSEA = .077; CFI/TLI < .90). Negative views of the self and others correlated positively with early maladaptive schemas, distress, and symptomatology and correlated negatively with psychological well-being. An inversed correlational pattern was found with the positive views of the self and others. Despite the model's moderate adherence to the data, results suggest that the BCSS may be an asset in the assessment of dysfunctional and adaptive cognitions about the self and others. Further analysis is required to deepen the psychometric properties of the BCSS in the Portuguese population.

Exploring relationships between executive functions and maladaptive cyclical patterns in a transdiagnostic sample.

Executive functions are described as a set of neurocognitive processes underlying human mental processing, while maladaptive cyclical patterns are the dysfunctional psychological elements associated with psychological distress and symptomatology that tend to be recurrent. Both psychological constructs tend to be studied by different scientific fields and with different methods which limits a coherent theoretical integration. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the relationships between executive functions and maladaptive cyclical patterns. A sample was gathered (N = 96, Mage = 20.78, SD = 4.63), and completed several self-report questionnaires along with several neuropsychological tests for the assessment of executive functions. Results showed that behavioral inhibition correlated negatively with maladaptive cyclical patterns while cognitive inflexibility correlated positively. Regression analysis showed that behavioral inhibition, psychological inflexibility, and recurring states of mind predicted emotional processing difficulties. These results emphasize previous assumptions that a difference between self-report questionnaires and behavioral tasks may limit the integrated study of psychological and neurocognitive processes.

Brief Form of the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales: Preliminary Psychometric Properties in a European Portuguese Community Sample.

Personality theory based on affective neuroscience research suggests the presence of seven affective neurobiological systems. These dimensions have been identified using psychometric instruments such as the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (ANPS) and its brief version known as the Brief Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (BANPS). Despite being a psychometric valid instrument, the BANPS was not adapted to European Portuguese. This study describes a psychometric analysis of the BANPS in a Portuguese population sample. A European Portuguese-speaking sample was recruited (N = 355, Mage = 27.31, DP = 12.75). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to confirm the BANPS factorial structure. Pearson correlations were used to explore convergent validity with self-reports for psychological distress and psychopathology. Six factor model was confirmed with adequate goodness-of-fit indices (χ2(449) = 808,9841, TLI = .90, CFI = .92, RMSEA = .048 (.042-.053). Non-agreeable affective systems (anger, fear, distress), correlated positively with psychological distress and symptomology, while play and care systems correlated negatively. Seek and care subscales showed the weakest psychometric properties. The original factor structure was confirmed, suggesting the BANPS may be a valid measure to assess affective behavioral traits in the Portuguese population. Further studies in clinical populations may improve the psychometric data of the BANPS.

Dialectical Core Schemas Mediate the Relationships Between Dissociative Experiences and Symptomatology in a Community Sample.

BACKGROUND: Maladaptive cognitions about the self and others are associated with a wide array of dysfunctional responses and psychopathological symptoms in non-clinical and clinical samples. Dissociative experiences (e.g., depersonalization and derealization) as a coping response to stressful situations lie on a continuum from healthy to unhealthy but are generally elevated in individuals experiencing mental illness. However, the extent to which Dialectical Core Schemas explain the relationship between dissociative experiences and symptomatology is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mediating role of Dialectical Core Schemas on the relationship between dissociative experiences and symptomatology. METHODS: A community sample of 179 participants were recruited (Mage = 21.2 years, SD = 8.2). Data were gathered through self-report questionnaires using a cross-sectional design. RESULTS: Maladaptive core schemas about self and others correlated positively with all dissociative experiences (e.g., depersonalization/derealization, amnesia), while adaptive core schemas about the self correlated negatively with depersonalization/derealization and distractibility. Maladaptive core schemas mediated the relationship between dissociative experiences and symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS: The relationships between dissociative experiences and symptomatology are bi-directional. Exploring the mediating factors may help clinicians and researchers better understand how to enhance case conceptualization and clinical decision-making.

Neurocognition applied to psychotherapy: A brief theoretical proposal based on the complex neural network perspective.

Impairments on executive functions, attention, memory, and self-perception had been systematically associated and document across several psychological disorders. Individuals with anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders tend to manifest difficulties in response modulation/inhibition, cognitive flexibility, selective attention, updating autobiographical memory patterns, and maintenance in the sense of self and boundaries of others. Difficulties in cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal functions in intrapsychic and interpsychic mental domains may be theoretically related to the maladaptive functioning of several neural networks. Frontal-Parietal Executive Network (FPEN), Salience Network (SN), Amygdaloid-Hippocampal Memory Network (AHMN), and Default Mode-Network (DMN) are four major complex neural pathways associated with these neurocognitive processes, sharing some neuroanatomical elements. These shared elements may support a latent factor that accounts for the common neurocognitive symptomatology across several psychopathological conditions. Based on these preliminary observations a new theoretical neurocognitive syndrome is hypothesized, potentially a productive target for clinical case conceptualization. Several articulations bettween neurocognition and psychotherapy are discussed and a new assessment measure is proposed.

Normative scores of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in a sample of the adult Portuguese population.

OBJECTIVES: The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is a neuropsychological instrument that is widely used for assessment of executive functioning in both clinical and research settings. The aim of this study was to provide the normative scores for the WCST in a sample of Portuguese healthy adults. METHODS: The data was collected from archival data in a total sample of 359 individuals, 149 men (41.5%, Mage = 38.3; SD = 20.3) and 210 women (58.5%, Mage = 52.2; SD = 19.4). Descriptive statistics were calculated to describe mean scores, standard-deviation and percentiles of the WCST indexes by gender, age and education. ANOVAs were used to explore the differences between these scores in sociodemographic variables. The normative scores were adjusted for age and educational level. RESULTS: Significant statistical differences in mean scores were found in several WCST indexes, such as, total errors, perseverations, perseverative errors and conceptual level responses regarding age and education. Percentiles for WCST indexes were stratified by age group and educational level. CONCLUSIONS: Age and education are important factors explaining performance on the WCST. This is the first study focused on the development of WCST normative scores for the adult Portuguese population, which can be applied in clinical, educational and research contexts.

The relation between holistic processing as measured by three composite tasks and face processing: A latent variable modeling approach.

We investigated the relationship between holistic processing and face processing using a latent variables approach. Three versions of the composite paradigm were used to measure holistic processing: Vanderbilt Holistic Face Processing Test, a sequential composite matching task, and a simultaneous composite matching task. Three tasks were used to measure face perception and face memory abilities respectively. We had three pairs of tasks such that within each pair (of memory and perception task), the stimuli involved, the requirement for matching across viewpoints, etc., are the same, such that the only difference is whether perception or memory is taxed. There were no significant correlations between the different versions of the composite task. We discovered no evidence to support a distinction between face perception and face memory, suggesting the existence of a general face processing factor. Finally, there was no evidence that holistic processing (as captured by either of the three composite tasks) is predictive of better face processing per se, casting doubts on the role of holistic processing in differentiating different levels of efficiency in face processing.

The relationships between reading fluency and different measures of holistic word processing.

Recently, paradigms in the face recognition literature have been adopted to reveal holistic processing in word recognition. It is unknown, however, whether different measures of holistic word processing share similar underlying mechanisms, and whether fluent word reading relies on holistic word processing. We measured holistic processing effects in three paradigms (composite, configural sensitivity, part-whole) as well as in reading fluency (3DM task: reading aloud high- and low-frequency words and pseudowords). Bin scores were used to combine accuracy and response time variables in the quest for a more comprehensive, reliable, and valid measure of holistic processing. Weak correlations were found between the different holistic processing measures, with only a significant correlation between the configural sensitivity effect and part-whole effect (r = .32) and a trend of a positive correlation between the word composite effect and configural sensitivity effect (r = .21). Of the three holistic processing measures, only one (part-whole effect) correlated with a lexical access measure of 3DM (r = .23). We also performed a principal component analysis (PCA) of performance in the three lists of 3DM, with the second most probably reflecting lexical access processes. There was a tendency for a positive correlation between part-whole bin measure and Component 2 of PCA. We also found a positive correlation between composite aligned in accuracy and Component 2 of PCA.Our results show that different measures of holistic word processing reflect predominantly different mechanisms, and that differences among normal readers in word reading do not seem to depend highly on holistic processing.