Mindfulness trait and the potential mediating role of emotional regulation strategies in bipolar disorder / Mindfulness rasgo y el potencial papel mediador de las estrategias de regulación emocional en el trastorno bipolar

En este estudio transversal se investiga la asociación entre los principales síntomas del Trastorno bipolar (TB) y las dificultades asociadas a las estrategias de regulación emocional (ERE) adaptativas y desadaptativas. Además, este estudio examina los efectos mediadores de las ERE con el mindfulness rasgo y el TB. Método. Veinticuatro adultos con TB completaron la Escala de Conciencia de Atención Plena (MAAS), el Inventario de Depresión de Beck (BDI-II), la Escala de Autoevaluación de Manía de Altman (ARSM), el Inventario de Ansiedad Rasgo (STAI-R), y el Cuestionario de Regulación Emocional Cognitiva (CERQ). Resultados. El análisis de regresión múltiple mostró cómo la depresión se relacionaba significativa y positivamente con la autoculpabilización, mientras que la ansiedad rasgo estaba positivamente asociada con la autoculpabilización y el catastrofismo. En segundo lugar, el análisis de mediación mostró un efecto de mediación significativo para la autoculpabilidad en la relación entre mindfulness y depresión (a*b = -.15; ICB 95% [-.36, -.03]) y entre mindfulness y ansiedad rasgo (a*b = -.09; ICB 95% [-.27, -.01]). Conclusiones. Nuestros resultados informan del papel de la auto-culpabilidad y el catastrofismo en el TB y de cómo éstas podrían mediar significativamente entre el mindfulness rasgo y el TB. Estos resultados sugieren que una práctica de meditación enfocada en el catastrofismo y la autoculpabilidad puede ser especialmente útil para reducir los síntomas en los pacientes bipolares.(AU)

This cross-sectional study investigates the association between the main symptoms of Bipolar disorder (BD) and emotional regulation dif-ficulties in adaptive and maladaptive emotional regulation strategies (ERS). In addition, this study examines the possible mediating effects of ERS with dispositional mindfulnessand bipolar symptoms. Method.Twenty-four adults diagnosed with BD completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Altman Mania Self-Assessment Scale (ARSM), the Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-R), and the Cognitive Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Results. First, mul-tiple regression analysis showed how depression was significantly positively related to self-blame, whereas trait anxietywas positively associated with self-blame and catastrophizing. Second, the results of the mediation analy-sis have shown a significant mediation effect for the self-blamein the rela-tionship between mindfulnessand depression (a*b = -.15; BCI 95% [-.36, -.03]) and between mindfulnessand trait anxiety (a*b = -.09; BCI 95% [-.27, -.01]). Conclusions. Our results report the role of self-blame and catastrophiz-ing in BD and how these might significantly mediate between dispositional mindfulness and symptoms of depression and anxiety. These results suggest that a meditation practice focused on reducing catastrophizing and self-blame may be especially helpful for symptoms of depression and anxiety in bipolar patients.(AU)

Modeling the relationship between depression in people with cancer and perceived stress, with the mediating role of eating problems, sexual satisfaction, emotion regulation and self-compassion.

Aim: With the rising prevalence of cancer and the adverse physical and psychological experiences endured by affected individuals, this study aims to establish a model illustrating the relationship between depression in people with cancer and perceived stress. Additionally, it examines the mediating influence of eating problems, sexual satisfaction, emotional regulation, and self-compassion. Method: This study employs a descriptive-correlational research method, utilizing structural equation analysis (modeling) to explore the role of mediators. The research sample comprised 200 individuals diagnosed with cancer, selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants completed Beck's 13-item depression questionnaire, a 10-item perceived stress questionnaire, an 8-item appetite measurement questionnaire, a 25-item sexual satisfaction questionnaire, a 10-item emotion regulation questionnaire, and a 12-item compassion questionnaire. The data were subsequently analyzed using SPSS-24 and Lisrel 80/8 software. Findings: The research findings indicate a significant positive relationship between perceived stress and depression in people with cancer. Furthermore, eating problems exhibited a mediating role in the relationship between perceived stress and depression, with a direct effect coefficient of (t = 0.28, ß = 0.02). However, the path from perceived stress to depression, mediated by sexual satisfaction, was found to be statistically insignificant, with a standard coefficient of 0.01 at the p < 0.05 level. Emotion regulation demonstrated a direct effect coefficient of (t = -3.52, ß = -0.33) on depression. Likewise, self-compassion exhibited a direct effect coefficient of (t = -3.08, ß = -0.28) on depression, while the path from perceived stress to depression was mediated by self-compassion, with a standard coefficient of 0.12 at the p < 0.05 level. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study sheds light on the interplay between depression and perceived stress in individuals with cancer, revealing a significant positive association. Eating problems emerged as a mediating factor, directly influencing the manifestation of depressive symptoms. However, the mediation pathway through sexual satisfaction was found to be statistically insignificant. Emotion regulation and self-compassion were identified as influential factors, with direct effects on depression and self-compassion also serving as a mediator in the relationship between perceived stress and depression. The findings emphasize the importance of targeted interventions addressing eating problems, enhancing emotion regulation, and fostering self-compassion to alleviate the impact of depression and perceived stress in individuals facing cancer-related challenges. Further research is encouraged to refine and expand upon these insights, advancing holistic care for this population.

Effects of Two Online Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Early Adolescents for Attentional, Emotional, and Behavioral Self-Regulation.

(1) Background: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown interesting preliminary effects on self-regulation processes in early adolescence. However, programs have typically combined different types of interventions with no understanding of the specific effect of each intervention type on attentional, emotional, and behavioral regulation. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of two MBIs-one focused on classic attentional practices and another focused on the recognition and expression of emotions-on attentional, emotional, and behavioral self-regulation in early adolescents. (2) Method: An experimental paradigm was used. A sample of 74 children aged between 8 and 12 years old were randomly assigned to three experimental conditions: (1) an MBI with a focus on attentional practices, (2) an MBI with a focus on recognition and expression of emotions, and (3) a control group. The interventions lasted 8 weeks, with a weekly, 1 h online synchronous session plus home practices. Children were evaluated before starting the intervention and at the end of the 8-week period. The assessed outcomes were (1) mindfulness; (2) emotional regulation; (3) attentional regulation, and (4) behavioral regulation. (3) Results: Children who participated in both intervention programs increased their mindfulness and emotional and behavioral regulation scores. Only children who participated in the MBI with a focus on attention showed significant changes in their ability to self-regulate attention. (4) Conclusions: The use of online MBIs, with attention to external and internal stimuli practices, can be a good strategy to strengthen self-regulation skills for attention, emotions, and behavior in early adolescence.

Sources of negative emotions and tactics of self-emotion regulation among college students during COVID-19 school closure in China.

Background: This study investigated the level of anxiety and depression in Chinese college students since the COVID-19 pandemic and explored the sources of their negative emotions and students' self-emotion regulation strategies. Methods: A stratified cluster sampling questionnaire was used to survey college students during the pandemic via the Anxiety Depression, Self-made Negative Emotion Source, and Negative Emotion Regulation Strategy Scales. Results: The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 23.3 and 20.1%, respectively. These levels were higher in women than in men. Furthermore, senior students reported higher levels than freshmen. Anxiety and depression mainly came from the pressure to grow and the narrowed scope of social activities. Proper relaxation via entertainment and communication with family and friends were popular ways of regulating their negative emotions. Conclusion: College students should confront their negative emotions and understand their source, use psychological methods to regulate their anxiety and depression or seek professional help, improve their psychological resilience, and adopt positive coping measures.

Positive effects of parent-child group emotional regulation and resilience training on nonsuicidal self-injury behavior in adolescents: a quasi-experimental study.

Background: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents is a growing global concern. However, effective interventions for treating NSSI are limited. Method: A 36-week quasi-experimental study design of parent-child group resilience training (intervention group) for adolescents aged 12-17 years was used and compared with treatment-as-usual (control group). The primary endpoint was the frequency of NSSI assessed with the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI), and the secondary endpoints were the levels of depression, hope, resilience, and family adaptability and cohesion as assessed by the 24-item Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD-24), Herth Hope Scale (HHS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale, second edition (FACES-II-CV), respectively. Result: A total of 118 participants completed the trial. Both groups showed a significant reduction in NSSI frequency after 12, 24, and 36 weeks of intervention (p< 0.05), although the intervention group did not differ significantly from the control group. After 12, 24, and 36 weeks of intervention, the CD-RISC, HHS, HAMD-24, and FACES-II-CV scores in the intervention and control groups improved over baseline (p< 0.05). Furthermore, the intervention group had higher scores on the CD-RISC, HHS, and FACES-II-CV and lower scores on the HAMD-24 than the control group after 12, 24, and 36 weeks of intervention (p  < 0.05). Conclusion: Parent-child group emotional regulation and resilience training showed promise as treatment options for NSSI among adolescents, leading to increased hope, resilience, and improved family dynamics among NSSI teens. Moreover, NSSI frequency significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to baseline.

The Relationship Between Interoceptive Awareness, Emotion Regulation and Clinical Symptoms Severity of Depression, Anxiety and Somatization.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to examine the associations among emotion regulation strategies, interoceptive awareness, and psychological distress measures-namely, depression, anxiety, and somatization. Additionally, we aimed to explore the predictive power of various facets of interoceptive awareness in determining the severity of symptoms for each mental disorder. METHODS: A cohort of 130 outpatients diagnosed with depression/anxiety disorder were recruited, and 20 subjects exhibiting incomplete responses were excluded from the dataset, leading to a final sample size of 110 outpatients. The clinical symptoms were measured by Patient Health Questionnaire-9, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y, and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, and the usage of emotion-regulation strategies and interoceptive awareness was assessed with Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA), respectively. A hierarchical regression analysis was performed to examine whether emotion-regulation strategies and interoceptive awareness explain the statistically significant variance in each of the symptoms. RESULTS: In the depression model, cognitive reappraisal, accept, and attention regulation showed significant associations, while in the anxiety model, cognitive reappraisal, attention regulation, trust, and notice emerged as significant factors. Lastly, cognitive reappraisal and attention regulation were found to be significant contributors to the final model for somatization. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of MAIA subscales improved the predictive ability of the regression model, highlighting the independent association between interoceptive awareness-particularly attention regulation-and clinical symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the study underscores the relevance of considering the specific pathological context when implementing interventions, as evidenced by the positive associations between the accept subscale and depression and between the notice subscale and anxiety, respectively.

In the mind of Narcissus: The mediating role of emotional regulation in the emergence of distorted cognitions.

INTRODUCTION: Currently narcissism is considered one of the most widespread phenomenon. As a consequence, its different types (grandiose and vulnerable narcissism) have been investigated from several different perspectives. The present research attempts to explore the differences between the two types of narcissism and their links with different cognitive components that are connected to these personality traits. The primary aim of our study is to investigate the possible connections among maladaptive schemas (entitlement, vulnerability, emotional deprivation) and cognitive evaluation systems (self-esteem, systemizing-empathizing) and narcissism. METHODS: We applied both correlation and path analyses to explore the hypothesized associations. RESULTS: The results show that early maladaptive schemas are strongly associated with narcissism and the empathizing system. The different subtypes of narcissism have different connections with self-esteem. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the two types of narcissism have different manifestations and connections with the early maladaptive schemas, Emphatizing Quotient, and self-esteem. Our empirical results serve as important and empirically supported inputs to counseling and clinical practice.

The mediating role of learning motivation in the relationship among perceived stress and emotional regulation among Saudi nursing students in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Nursing students often face high levels of stress due to demanding responsibilities during clinical placement. Emotional regulation, the ability to manage and regulate one's emotions effectively, is crucial for nursing students in dealing with stress and maintaining their overall well-being. Additionally, learning motivation plays a vital role in students' engagement and academic success. The current investigation aimed at studying the link that exists among stress, learning motivation, and emotional regulation among Saudi undergraduate nursing students. The study also aimed at investigating the sequential mediating effects that motivation might perform in this association. METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional methodology was used in the present research, which recruited 367 Saudi undergraduate nursing students. RESULTS: The results of the ANOVA showed that the level of perceived stress was linearly and negatively correlated with emotional regulation and motivation. Upon conducting structural equation modeling, significant direct and indirect effect pathways were identified between perceived stress, emotional regulation, and motivation, while only indirect pathways were identified between perceived stress and emotional regulation. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of the mediating role of learning motivation in the relationship between perceived stress and emotional regulation among Saudi nursing students. The results highlight the negative impact of stress on emotional regulation and learning motivation and emphasize the importance of addressing motivational factors in interventions aimed at enhancing emotional regulation among nursing students.

Cooperative behavior in adolescents: a contribution of empathy and emotional regulation?

Aim: This study aims to identify different levels of empathy and emotional regulation along adolescent years and their relationship with cooperative behavior. Methods: Eighty healthy males were divided into four age groups: 20 Early Adolescents, 20 Middle Adolescents, 20 Late Adolescents and 20 Adults. Participants responded to empathic and emotional regulation scales, then were assigned to an unknown partner to perform the prisoner's dilemma paradigm. Results: The statistical analyses allowed to distinguish the groups on the basis of the components making up the two scales: scores on the Perspective Taking component were higher for Adults and Late Adolescents participants than for Middle Adolescents and Early Adolescents groups (p < 0.05); scores on the Personal Distress component were higher for Early Adolescents group than for Late Adolescents and Middle Adolescents groups (p < 0.05); scores on the Difficulties engaging in goal directed behavior component were higher for Middle Adolescents and Early Adolescents groups than for Adults group (p < 0.05). We observed differences between groups (p < 0.001) with higher number of cooperation responses in Adults compared to Middle Adolescents (p < 0.05) and Early Adolescents groups (p < 0.001). Discussion: These findings suggest that the cooperative behavior changes during the different stages of adolescence seem to be related to the development of empathy and emotional regulation components.

Facing the Emotional Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening. The Roles of Reappraisal and Situation Selection.

BACKGROUND: Disgust, embarrassment, and fear can hinder the attendance of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. However, individuals can respond to these emotions differently. The present study tested whether reappraising a negative stimulus versus avoiding a negative stimulus is associated with age; whether these two emotion regulation strategies (reappraisal and situation selection) moderate the effects of disgust, embarrassment and fear on CRC screening intention; and the efficacy of a message based on participants' preferred emotion regulation strategy. METHODS: We recruited 483 Italian participants (aged 40-84 years) through snowball sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions differing for a message promoting CRC screening with an affective lever, a cognitive lever, both levers or none. Key variables included emotion regulation strategies, emotional barriers and intention to get screened. RESULTS: The preference for reappraisal over situation selection increased with age. Reappraisal neutralized the effect of disgust on CRC screening intention. The combined message with both affective and cognitive levers increased CRC screening intention (b = 0.27, ß = 0.11, SE = 0.13 p = .049), whereas reading the message based only on the affective (b = 0.16, ß = 0.06, SE = 0.14 p = .258) or the cognitive (b = 0.22, ß = 0.09, SE = 0.14 p = .107) lever was not effective. CONCLUSIONS: Communication campaigns should support the activation of a reappraisal strategy of emotion control, and messages promoting CRC screening should highlight both the instrumental (i.e., early detection) and affective (i.e., peace of mind) benefits of attendance.

La dependencia del ejercicio físico en deportes de resistencia: relación con la regulación emocional y el afecto negativo / Dependence on physical exercise in endurance sports: relationship with emotional regulation and negative affect

El ejercicio físico en altos volúmenes y descontrolado puede generar dependencia psicológica y cambios en el estado de ánimo. La regulación emocional y el afecto negativo son procesos relevantes para el desarrollo de patrones adictivos. Este estudio analizó las diferencias en afecto negativo y regulación emocional en función del perfil de práctica del ejercicio físico; la relación entre la dependencia del ejercicio, la regulación emocional y el afecto negativo; y el papel mediador de la regulación emocional en dicha relación. Participaron 375 practicantes de deportes de resistencia. Las diferencias en los perfiles de práctica del ejercicio físico fueron significativas en todas las variables de estudio. La dependencia del ejercicio correlacionó de forma positiva y significativa con las dificultades de regulación emocional y con el afecto negativo. Las dificultades de regulación emocional fueron predictoras de la dependencia del ejercicio. Hubo un efecto de mediación de las dificultades de regulación emocional entre el afecto negativo y la dependencia del ejercicio. Mejorar las habilidades de regulación emocional podría prevenir la aparición de la dependencia del ejercicio.(AU)

The copious and uncontrolled practice of exercise can generate psychologicaldependence and mood changes. Emotional regulation and negative affectivity arerelevant processes for the development of addictive patterns. This study analysedthe differences in negative affectivity and emotional regulation based on thepractice profile of exercise; the relationship between exercise dependence,emotional regulation, and negative affectivity; and the mediating role of emotionalregulation in such relationship. 375 endurance sports practitioners participated.The differences in the physical exercise practice profiles were significant in all thestudy variables. Exercise dependence correlated positively and significantly withemotional regulation difficulties and with negative affectivity. Emotional regulationdifficulties were predictors of exercise dependence. There was a mediating effectof emotional regulation difficulties between negative affect and exercisedependence. Improving emotional regulation skills could prevent the onset ofexercise dependence.(AU)

Competencia emocional y características sociodemográficas y profesionales de las enfermeras / Competência emocionais e características sociodemográficas e profissionais de enfermeiros / Emotional competence and sociodemographic and professional characteristics of nurses

Introducción: En los profesionales de la salud, las habilidades que les permitan lidiar con las emociones propias y ajenas garantizan la calidad de la atención brindada y una relación terapéutica eficaz. Por lo tanto, son fundamentales para los enfermeros, es decir, para aquellos que actúan en las unidades de salud de la familia. Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre la competencia emocional de las enfermeras que trabajan en unidades de salud de la familia en un grupo de centros de salud en el norte de Portugal y sus características sociodemográficas y profesionales. Método: Metodología cuantitativa, de tipo transversal descriptivo-correlacional. Datos recogidos a través de un cuestionario electrónico que constaba de dos partes: características sociodemográficas y profesionales de los participantes y cuestionario de competencia emocional. 66 enfermeras compusieron la muestra. Resultados: Las enfermeras del estudio mostraron altos niveles de competencia emocional (media = 205,1, desviación estándar = 20,9). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las características sociodemográficas y profesionales y la competencia emocional.Conclusiones: Aunque no está clara la relación entre la competencia emocional y las características sociodemográficas y profesionales, es cierta la importancia de la inteligencia emocional en la práctica asistencial. (AU)

Introdução: Em profissionais de saúde, competências que permitam lidar com as próprias emoções e com as dos outros garantem a qualidade dos cuidados prestados e uma relação terapêutica eficaz. Daí serem fundamentais para enfermeiros, nomeadamente para os que executem funções em unidades de saúde familiares. Objetivo: Analisar a relação entre a competência emocional dos enfermeiros das unidades de saúde familiar de um agrupamento de centros de saúde do norte de Portugal e as suas características sociodemográficas e profissionais. Método: Metodologia quantitativa, do tipo transversal descritivo-correlacional. Dados recolhidos através de um questionário eletrónico que consistia em duas partes: características sociodemográficas e profissionais dos participantes e questionário de competência emocional. 66 enfermeiros compuseram a amostra. Resultados: Os enfermeiros do estudo apresentaram elevados níveis de competência emocional (média = 205,1, desvio padrão = 20,9). Não se evidenciaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as características sociodemográficas e profissionais e a competência emocional. Conclusões: Apesar de não ser clara a relação entre a competência emocional e as características sociodemográficas e profissionais, é certa a importância da inteligência emocional na prática de cuidados. (AU)

Introduction: In health professionals, skills that allow them to deal with their own emotions and those of others guarantee the quality of care provided and an effective therapeutic relationship. Hence, they are fundamental for nurses, namely for those who work in family health units. Objective: To analyze the relationship between the emotional competence of nurses working in family health units in a group of health centers in the north of Portugal and their sociodemographic and professional characteristics.Method: Quantitative methodology, of the transversal descriptive-correlational type. Data collected through an electronic questionnaire that consisted of two parts: sociodemographic and professional characteristics of the participants and emotional competence questionnaire. 66 nurses composed the sample.Results: The nurses in the study showed high levels of emotional competence (mean = 205.1, standard deviation = 20.9). There were no statistically significant differences between sociodemographic and professional characteristics and emotional competence. Conclusions: Although the relationship between emotional competence and sociodemographic and professional characteristics is unclear, the importance of emotional intelligence in care practice is certain. (AU)

It's You and Me: Infants' cross-modal communicative signals and mother-infant interactive behavior predict infant regulatory patterns in the still-face paradigm at 3 months.

Infant regulatory behavior develops since birth and impacts their early social interactions. Infants differ in the relative coherence and incoherence of their cross-modal communicative signals during en-face infant-caregiver interactions. We expand this research by evaluating whether different infant regulatory patterns observed during the Face-to-Face Still-Face (FFSF) at 3 months are associated with the coherence or incoherence of infants' cross-modal communicative behaviors during en-face interactions or with multiple dimensions of mother-infant interactive behavior during free-play. Analyses were based on data collected from 100 mother-infant dyads from urban, working- and middle-class backgrounds in Portugal who were videotaped during the FFSF and free play at 3 months. Results confirm that infants' different regulatory behavior patterns in the FFSF at 3 months are associated with the coherence and incoherence of their cross-modal interactive behaviors and specific aspects of mother-infant interaction. Infants with a Social-Positive oriented regulatory pattern during the FFSF displayed more coherent and less incoherent communicative behaviors with their mothers and were more cooperative during free play. In turn, their mothers were more sensitive. Our findings support the perspective that infants' regulatory behavior strategies in the context of caregiver regulatory support and sensitivity are likely to increase dyadic correspondence and infant ability to engage with the world.

The association between family functioning and problem behaviors among Chinese preschool left-behind children: the chain mediating effect of emotion regulation and psychological resilience.

Objective: The family environment has a significant impact on the psychological and behavioral development of children, especially those who are left behind in preschool and experience parent-child separation at a young age. These children face a greater risk of family dysfunction, which can lead to internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors. While numerous studies have established a connection between family functioning and problem behaviors, few have explored the underlying mechanisms driving this relationship. Our study seeks to address this gap by examining how emotion regulation and psychological resilience mediate the link between family functioning and problem behavior. Methods: The sample consisted of 940 preschool children (51.5% male, 48.5% female) with a mean age of 5.07 ± 0.80. The main guardians of the children were given the Family Assessment Device, Preschool Children's Emotion Regulation Scale, the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment for Preschoolers (2nd edition), and the Social Skills Improvement System-Rating Scales to assess their family functioning, emotion regulation, psychological resilience, and problem behavior respectively. Results: Lower family functioning was associated with more severe problem behaviors in preschool left-behind children, and emotion regulation and psychological resilience partially mediated the relationship between family functioning and problem behaviors, respectively. In addition, emotion regulation and psychological resilience were also chain mediators between family functioning and problem behaviors. Conclusion: The study's findings highlighted the crucial role of emotional regulation and psychological resilience in the correlation between family functioning and problem behaviors. It is recommended that policymakers and educators place a high priority on the cultivation of internal psychological resources, such as emotional regulation and resilience, in preschool-aged children when designing interventions to address problem behaviors.

The Impact of Children's and Parents' Perceptions of Parenting Styles on Attention, Hyperactivity, Anxiety, and Emotional Regulation.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptomatology can be studied by examining the associated neurobiological factors or by looking at the environmental factors involved, such as parenting styles. Negative parenting styles have been associated with ADHD symptoms in childhood and adolescence. The present study aimed to analyze the predictive power of two parenting style dimensions (warmth-communication and criticism-rejection) and three factors about rule-setting and compliance (inductive, strict, and indulgent styles) in the explanation of ADHD symptoms (attention and hyperactivity) and associated emotional factors (anxiety and emotional regulation) considering parents' and children's perspectives. The results indicate that from the parents' perspective, the criticism-rejection variable was the most important in explaining attention difficulties, anxiety and emotional regulation. From the children's perspective, the strict parenting style was the most important variable in explaining hyperactivity and emotional regulation. In addition, for children, warmth-communication was significant in predicting fewer emotional regulation difficulties. Our results highlight the importance of considering family dynamics when assessing ADHD in order to implement comprehensive interventions that consider parental training in positive parenting styles.

Attachment Style and Emotional Regulation as Protective and Risk Factors in Mutual Dating Violence among Youngsters: A Moderated Mediation Model.

Violence in intimate partner relationships among young adults has become a global health problem given its prevalence and its negative effects on physical and psychological well-being. The severity of the problem has given rise to a large body of research that has attempted to find the variables associated with victimization in young couples (for example, attachment style, emotional regulation skills or empathy, among others). Moreover, traditionally, many of these investigations have only considered the point of view of female victims within a gender violence approach. However, in recent times, more and more evidence of the existence of mutual violence in young relationships has been found. These findings, combined with simplistic explanations of the phenomenon, have proven to be insufficient to prevent it. In this context, the main objective of this study was to investigate how some variables linked to dating violence interact with each other, modifying the mutual violence young people suffer and exercise. Considering this, different instruments were administered (the Experience in Close Relationships Scale (ECR-R); Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS-E); Basic Empathy Scale (BES); and Multidimensional Couple Violence Scale (EMVN)) to a sample of 557 young Chileans. The analysis of the results, based on the construction of a moderated mediation model, reveals that difficulties in emotional regulation are a predictor of violence in intimate partner relationships, whose direct and indirect effects on the violence exercised can be moderated by that partner's attachment style. The findings also reveal that there is no association between empathy and violence, and they highlight that both men and women are victims and aggressors at the same time. This demonstrate the need to consider prevention and intervention strategies aimed at both sexes, since intimate partner violence is mutual and reciprocal.

Exploring the Links between Physical Activity, Emotional Regulation, and Mental Well-Being in Jordanian University Students.

Background: University students face multiple stressors that negatively impact their mental well-being. Effective emotional regulation and physical activity are crucial for mood management and overall health. This study explored the connection between physical activity, emotional regulation, and mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress) in Jordanian university students. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey involved 416 students (146 male and 270 female) from Jordanian universities. The survey covered demographics, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), emotional regulation strategies (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire), and mental health symptoms (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales). Pearson's correlations examined relationships, and ANOVA compared differences in 'low', 'medium', and 'high' physical activity groups. Results: Greater use of expressive suppression was correlated with increased anxiety symptom severity (p = 0.029). Although physical activity levels were not significantly related to emotional regulation, the 'high' physical activity group reported lower depression (p < 0.001) and anxiety symptom severity (p < 0.001) than the 'low' and 'medium' groups. Conclusions: Increased physical activity and emotional expression suppression are independently associated with improved mental well-being in Jordanian university students. This study underscores the importance of integrating physical activity and emotional expression strategies to support student well-being.

Empathy in family medicine postgraduate education: A mixed studies systematic review.

PURPOSE: Empathy is an important construct in patient-physician relationships, particularly critical in family physicians' daily practice. We aimed to understand how empathy has been conceived and integrated into family medicine postgraduate training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medline, PsyINFO, and Embase were searched in this systematic mixed studies systematic review. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full texts. Disagreements were solved through research team consensus-based discussion. Included studies were synthesized thematically. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies were included. Four themes were identified. (1) Empathy definition. Included studies stressed the cognitive component of empathy, paired either with a behavioural or an affective response. (2) Empathy modifiers. Starting residency right after medical school, having a role model, having high empathy levels before residency, having children, being married, and being exposed to patient involvement in education were found to have a positive impact on empathy. (3) Empathy-burnout relationship. Whereas greater burnout was related to lower empathy levels, excess empathy seems to favour burnout through 'compassion fatigue.' (4) Educational programs for empathy development. Five programs were identified: a communication workshop, a patient-led program, a mindfulness program, a family-oriented intervention, and an arts-based program. CONCLUSIONS: Studies mostly measured the cognitive component of empathy. The moral component of empathy was underrepresented in the conceptualization of empathy and the development of educational interventions. Conflicting evidence exists regarding the decline of empathy levels during the family medicine residency. Longitudinal designs should be privileged when exploring the evolution of empathy levels across the continuum of medical education.

Aspiration removal of orbitofrontal cortex disrupts cholinergic fibers of passage to anterior cingulate cortex in rhesus macaques.

The study of anthropoid nonhuman primates has provided valuable insights into frontal cortex function in humans, as these primates share similar frontal anatomical subdivisions (Murray et al. 2011). Causal manipulation studies have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of this area. One puzzling finding is that macaques with bilateral aspiration removals of orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) are impaired on tests of cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation, whereas those with bilateral excitotoxic lesions of OFC are not (Rudebeck et al. 2013). This discrepancy is attributed to the inadvertent disruption of fibers of passage by aspiration lesions but not by excitotoxic lesions. Which fibers of passage are responsible for the impairments observed? One candidate is cholinergic fibers originating in the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) and passing nearby or through OFC on their way to other frontal cortex regions (Kitt et al. 1987). To investigate this possibility, we performed unilateral aspiration lesions of OFC in three macaques, and then compared cholinergic innervation of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) between hemispheres. Histological assessment revealed diminished cholinergic innervation in the ACC of hemispheres with OFC lesions relative to intact hemispheres. This finding indicates that aspiration lesions of the OFC disrupt cholinergic fibers of passage, and suggests the possibility that loss of cholinergic inputs to ACC contributes to the impairments in cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation observed after aspiration but not excitotoxic lesions of OFC.

Self-Regulation and Academic Learning in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Links to School Engagement and Levels of Autism Characteristics.

Children with autism spectrum disorder often demonstrate self-regulation challenges and academic difficulties. Although self-regulation has been well documented as an important factor for academic achievement in neurotypical children, little is known about how it is related to academic learning in autistic children, especially during preschool, a critical developmental period for both emergent academic skills and self-regulatory abilities. It is also unclear whether school engagement or autism characteristics influence the relation between self-regulation and academic learning in autistic children during preschool. Thirty-two autistic preschoolers participated in this study. Direct measures and parent reports were used to measure three dimensions of self-regulation, including executive function, effortful control, and emotion regulation. Classroom-based data from multiple academic programs were used to reflect their average rates of achieving new literacy and mathematics learning goals. Teachers reported the participants' levels of school engagement, and their autism characteristics were measured directly. Emotion regulation was significantly linked to the rate of meeting literacy learning goals in autistic preschoolers, whereas multiple executive function skills, including inhibitory and attentional control and working memory, were associated with their mathematics learning rate. Emotion regulation demonstrated a stronger association with literacy learning when autistic children were more engaged in classroom activities. Levels of autism characteristics did not mediate or moderate the association between self-regulation and academic learning. Future interventions and teaching should consider fostering self-regulation and facilitating school engagement for autistic preschoolers besides targeting their learning performance on specific academic content to promote their current and future academic success.