A. Obadeji, L. Oluwole, B. Kumolalo, Kehinde O. Oderinde, A. S. Ajiboye, C. Piwuna
{"title":"Psychological Distress in a Population of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria: Association with Socio-demographics and Perceived Social Support","authors":"A. Obadeji, L. Oluwole, B. Kumolalo, Kehinde O. Oderinde, A. S. Ajiboye, C. Piwuna","doi":"10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2824","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2824","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Recent improvement in the care of People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) continues to change the face of HIV infection from a deadly disease to a chronic illness with attendance psychological sequelae. The objective of this present study was to examine the rate of psychological distress (PD), and its association with socio-demographics and perceived social support among PLHA. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among a population of PLHA in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Participants completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the 10-item Kessler Psychological distress scale. Relationship between sociodemographic variables, social support and PD were examined using bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Of 324 participants, 26.5% were experiencing PD. Being a female, unemployed, having no spouse, no post-test counseling or non-disclosure of status increases the odds of developing PD while the absence of complications significantly reduces the risk of developing psychological distress [OR=0.31 (95% CI: 0.17-0.56), AOR=0.20 (95% CI: 0.09-0.45)]. There was a significant negative correlation between PD and MSPSS (r= -0.116, p=0.037) and its Significant others subscale (r= -0.276, p=0.001). Conclusions: The study findings emphasize the importance of enhancing social support systems for people living with HIV/AIDS in a bid to reduce psychological distress. Similarly, disclosure of illness and ensuring post-test counseling are essential in preparing PLHA to cope effectively after testing. Incorporating psychological assessment as well as care for PLHA will go a long way in improving treatment outcomes.","PeriodicalId":18428,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2021-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43061344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Post-Traumatic Affects and Intimate Partner Violence: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis","authors":"Gina Troisi, A. Cesàro","doi":"10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2844","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2844","url":null,"abstract":"Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), violence perpetrated by a partner or ex-partner in an intimate relationship, is the most common form of violence against women. The role of affects in PTSD in particular shame, guilt and fear has proven to be even more relevant among women who experience IPV. The aim of the study was to explore the meaning of affects according to women who experienced IPV, particularly in the relationship with their partner and during the process of separation and help-seeking. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) (Smith & Osborn, 2003), a semi-structured interview was developed to investigate the experience that women victims of violence have of the affects of shame, guilt and fear in relationship to their history of violence and the process of help seeking. Eight women were selected, based on the following inclusion criteria: having suffered violence in a marital relationship and having terminated the relationship with the partner. \u0000Five main themes emerged, that highlighted the role of the affects investigated and the difference between guilt, shame, fear and terror. The deepening of the role of these affects could facilitate interventions with women who have experienced IPV, making the responses of the services more sensitive and structured.","PeriodicalId":18428,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2021-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43282492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
E. Rellini, V. Silvestri, Margherita Guidobaldi, Simona Turco, F. Amore, S. Fortini
{"title":"Self-help group for addressing depression and anxiety in the visually impaired. A Pilot Study","authors":"E. Rellini, V. Silvestri, Margherita Guidobaldi, Simona Turco, F. Amore, S. Fortini","doi":"10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2891","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2891","url":null,"abstract":"Background: This work describes a vision rehabilitation approach integrated with a self-help group, for psychological support of visually impaired people. The effectiveness and benefits of attending self- help group was analyzed in accordance to anxiety, depression symptoms and visual functions. Methods: The study, an observational perspective non randomized, was done on 31 visually impaired subjects, 16 females and 15 males, with a mean age of 63.7. Visual acuity, reading speed, anxiety and depression levels were valued before and after self-help group. Results: After the attending period of self-help group, a decrease to 0.74 LogMAR (± 0.3) and 1.08 LogMAR (± 0.3) for the best corrected visual acuity was registered for the best and the worst eye respectively (p>0.05). There were significant improvements in anxiety (p<0.01) and depression levels (p<0.01). The average reading rate increased to 61.7 (± 24.4) wpm (p<0.01), representing 23% improvement. We found that anxiety was significantly determinant on the reading speed (p=0.02). Conclusion: The results of this preliminary study suggest that this innovative approach can enhance visual functions with an effect on self-efficacy, it can offer support to the patients to cope with the onset of depression and anxiety and it can be a tool to promote psychological and social welfare.","PeriodicalId":18428,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2021-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44071412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Depression States, Behavioral, and Cognitive Components in Developmental age: factorial analysis of a short assessment tool","authors":"C. Pruneti, S. Guidotti","doi":"10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2842","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2842","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: Detecting clinically significant symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in childhood and adolescence is not easy. For this, the Depression State Scale (DSS) (a 42-items questionnaire that evaluates Depression, Anxiety and problems in Interpersonal relationships) has been developed and it seems to be able to detect clinically significant symptoms of depression. The main purpose of this study is to investigate a possible alternative subscale structure using the statistical process of factor analysis. Materials and methods: The DSS was administered to 601 students: 329 females, average age=13.1, SD = 0.7 and 272 males, average age=12.9, SD = 0.87. Principal component analysis with Varimax rotation was used to investigate the factor structure of the scale. The reliability of the new scales, built based on the results obtained, was then calculated. Analysis of variance was conducted with both new and original scales to assess whether significant gender differences emerged. Results: The factors that emerged reflect the DSM-5 criteria of MDD. The expectation of academic achievement is able to significantly influence anxiety and mood; the components of the depression seem to be closely related to the prevailing cognitive styles. Moreover, school performance and interpersonal relationships seem to influence each other. Finally, the school environment is generally seen as more repressive and strenuous rather than welcoming and stimulating. Conclusion: The DSS is able to detect the main symptoms of MDD and to describe the most affected psychopathological dimension. Finally, it emerged that the student's representation of the school can influence not only psychological well-being but also social functioning.","PeriodicalId":18428,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2021-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46309259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Santonocito, F. Indelicato, Alessandro Polizzi, G. Palazzo
{"title":"Impact of periodontitis and orthodontic treatment on dental anxiety and self-esteem","authors":"S. Santonocito, F. Indelicato, Alessandro Polizzi, G. Palazzo","doi":"10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2971","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2971","url":null,"abstract":"Background and aims : The concept of dental anxiety related to patients’ concerns about the psychosocial impact of their dental appearance has been demonstrated to have a significant influence on the initiation and adherence to certain dental treatments, particularly in adult patients with periodontitis undergoing orthodontic treatment. This study analyze the relationship between dental appearance and self-esteem and anxiety in adult periodontitis patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Methods : For the study were enrolled 38 patients, divided into test and control groups. The impact of dental appearance was measured using the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ). State anxiety was assessed with the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) and self-esteem with Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale. Results : In both groups, self-esteem correlates negatively with all dimensions of dental appearance impact except for the positive dental self-confidence dimension, where all correlations were positive. Anxiety correlates positively with social impact, psychological impact and aesthetic concern, although it maintains no significant correlations with dental self-confidence. Nevertheless, in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, anxiety plays a mediating role between dental impact dimensions and self-esteem, whilst for the control group anxiety only plays a mediator role between psychological impact and self-esteem. Conclusion : Anxiety plays a fundamental role in the effect of perceived dental impact on self-esteem in adult patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. These results have important practical implications for the design of bio-psycho-social intervention programs that contemplate cognitive-affective variables as an essential part of orthodontic treatment in adults with periodontitis.","PeriodicalId":18428,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2021-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44856837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J-P Mambou Nouemssi, N. Dumet, Jean-Baptiste Fotso Djemo
{"title":"Operative Thinking, Alexithymia, Feeling and Expression of the Theme of Persecution","authors":"J-P Mambou Nouemssi, N. Dumet, Jean-Baptiste Fotso Djemo","doi":"10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2920","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2920","url":null,"abstract":"Operative thinking and alexithymia have been understood as revealing psychic mechanisms dysfunction of most somatic patients in Western culture. In the African context, the feeling and expression of the theme of persecution in Africa are in order. This consists of considering a witchcraft attack as an etiological factor. The collectivist and spiritualist African culture favors the subjects of freedom and creativity, notably through the feeling and expression of the theme of persecution. These subjects are sources of a considerable richness of imaginary and affective expression, all phenomena in opposition to operative thinking and alexithymia, characterized by a poverty in fantasies and affects, and at the level of the nomination of affects. However, as much as operative thinking, the persecutory theme does not favor a higher level of mentalization and symbolization. For this reason, it is quite inappropriate to use symptoms to differentiate between Africa and the West, but rather the relevance of the psyche and culture’s richness.","PeriodicalId":18428,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2021-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43695910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Psychological resilience and depression in women with anorexia nervosa","authors":"Katarina Beroš, L. Brajković, Vanja Kopilaš","doi":"10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2662","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2662","url":null,"abstract":"Background: As with most mental disorders, a strong perceiving factor in the development of anorexia nervosa is exposure to severe life adversities. The success of adaptation to life situations represents the psychological resilience of the individual and is a potentially important factor in the prevention and treatment of mental disorder. Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the association of psychological resilience and depression with the presence and intensity of anorexia symptoms, and to examine the nature of the relationship between these variables. Methods: The study was conducted on 68 participants (M age = 24.74; SD = 5.530), where the clinic group of 31 participants (M age 24.58 years; SD = 5.714) with anorexia nervosa was equivalently matched to the control group (n=37; M age 24.86; SD = 5.448) in regard to relevant sociodemographic factors. A structured questionnaire of sociodemographic data, treatment data and body mass index, EDI-2, CD-RISC and BDI-II were administered. Results: The study found that people with anorexia have a higher intensity of depression and significantly lower psychological resilience compared to the control group. People who experience a stronger intensity of eating disorder symptoms have lower psychological resilience. In addition, the results indicate that the symptom of eating disorders, ineffectiveness, is the strongest negative predictors of psychological resilience in people with anorexia. Conclusion: Our findings suggest an important role of psychological resilience in the anorexia prevention, and the process of recovering from it. Moreover, they support the need for the integration of psychological resilience to existing treatment plans and prevention activities.","PeriodicalId":18428,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2021-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43697832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Opinion Article: The Emerging Role of Computational Psychopathology in Clinical Psychology","authors":"Liam Myles","doi":"10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2895","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2895","url":null,"abstract":"Clinical psychology has progressed at a rapid rate since its induction (Kramer et al., 2019). A multitude of interventions have been developed to help individuals with psychological difficulties, many with remarkable efficacy (Harris, 2019; Kennerley et al., 2016; Linehan, 2014; Schneider et al., 2014; Shedler, 2010; Von Sydow et al., 2013).","PeriodicalId":18428,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2021-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44016110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"On the Road Leading to Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Brief Report on Narcissistic Vulnerability and Shame","authors":"S. Zobel, R. Rossetti, G. Rogier, P. Velotti","doi":"10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2853","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2853","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Recent empirical research showed that pathological narcissism is related to Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI). However, both narcissistic vulnerability and narcissistic grandiosity were resulted related to NSSI and the differences between them and their role in NSSI remains unclear. Some authors underlined the potential role of shame in the genesis of self-directed aggression. Objectives : This study investigates the role of shame in the relationship between both vulnerable and grandiose narcissism and self-harm severity. Methods : We administered Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI), Test of Self-Conscious Affect (TOSCA) and Deliberate Self Harm Inventory (DSHI) to a sample of 149 community participants (42% males) with a mean age of 27.55 years ( SD =12.3). Results : Controlling for age and gender, we found that DSHI scores correlated significantly with the vulnerable dimension of narcissism but not with the grandiose one. But, both the vulnerable and grandiose dimension of narcissism correlated with interpersonal shame levels. Finally, we found a positive interaction between PNI vulnerable factor and shame levels in predicting Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) severity. Conclusions : Differentiating the grandiose from the vulnerable facet of narcissism appears central when investigating the relationship between NSSI and narcissistic personality. Moreover, our study suggests that shame experiences have a remarkable influence importantly account for this relationship. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.","PeriodicalId":18428,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2021-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41821865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Coping strategies and perceived social support among cancer patients: A cross-sectional analysis","authors":"P. Faraci, Rossella Bottaro, G. Craparo","doi":"10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2892","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.6092/2282-1619/MJCP-2892","url":null,"abstract":"Background : Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide. Being the second leading cause of death in the world, this fearsome disease is a stressful event capable to cause a time of considerable upheaval in people’s lives and their loved ones. The illness condition can influence the patients’ social relationships, even reducing social involvement and fostering isolation. Hence, cancer adjustment-related variables are worth studying. Specifically, the research on coping strategies is crucial since the patients’ response style can act on the quality of the psychosocial outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study was deepening the association between coping styles and perceived social support from family, friends, and significant others among a sample of 121 cancer patients. Method: Participants were 121 cancer patients (70.2% females), aged 26 to 88 (M=61.90, SD =12.16). We assessed the adopted coping strategies by means of the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (mini-MAC Scale), whereas the perceived social support was measured by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: We found: (1) a positive association between fighting spirit and the perception of social support from friends; (2) the hopelessness/helplessness strategy seemed negatively related with the perception of social support, regardless of the source; (3) higher levels of fatalism were connected with higher levels of perceived social support from family; (4) both anxious preoccupation and avoidance did not show any association with perceived social support. Conclusions: Working on maladaptive coping responses might be useful for the purpose of improving the receptivity to the support from family, friends and significant others. Further research focusing on patients’ coping styles is needed to promote holistic-oriented psychological treatments.","PeriodicalId":18428,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology","volume":"9 1","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2021-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44084910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}