Self-images in the present and future: Role of affect and the bipolar phenotype

Martina Di Simplicio,Emily A Holmes,Clare J Rathbone

doi:10.1016/j.jad.2015.08.042

Abstract

BackgroundBipolar Spectrum Disorder (BPSD) is associated with changes in self-related processing and affect, yet the relationship between self-image and affect in the BPSD phenotype is unclear. Methods47 young adults were assessed for hypomanic experiences (BPSD phenotype) using the Mood Disorders Questionnaire. Current and future self-images (e.g. I am… I will be…) were generated and rated for emotional valence, stability, and (for future self-images only) certainty. The relationship between self-image ratings and measures of affect (depression, anxiety and mania) were analysed in relation to the BPSD phenotype. ResultsThe presence of the BPSD phenotype significantly moderated the relationship between (1) affect and stability ratings for negative self-images, and (2) affect and certainty ratings for positive future self-images. Higher positivity ratings for current self-images were associated with lower depression and anxiety scores. LimitationsThis was a non-clinical group of young adults sampled for hypomanic experiences, which limits the extension of the work to clinical levels of psychopathology. This study cannot address the causal relationships between affect, self-images, and BPSD. Future work should use clinical samples and experimental mood manipulation designs. ConclusionsBPSD phenotype can shape the relationship between affect and current and future self-images. This finding will guide future clinical research to elucidate BPSD vulnerability mechanisms and, consequently, the development of early interventions.

Highlights

It is increasingly recognised that the way we view ourselves is related to our mood (Rathbone et al, 2015)
In line with predictions, 75% of the participants in the high MDQ group generated at least one negative current self-image, compared to 48% of participants in the low MDQ group (χ2[1, N1⁄447] 1⁄43.67, p 1⁄4.055)
We showed that the presence of a bipolar phenotype modifies (1) the relationship between affect and the stability of present negative self-images and (2) the relationship between affect and the certainty of positive future self-images; (3) levels of low mood and anxiety predict the valence of present self-images only, regardless of bipolar phenotype

Summary

Introduction

It is increasingly recognised that the way we view ourselves (self-image) is related to our mood (Rathbone et al, 2015). Very little work has directly addressed the relationship between self and affect in BPSD, or young adults in particular. Bipolar Spectrum Disorder (BPSD) is associated with changes in self-related processing and affect, yet the relationship between self-image and affect in the BPSD phenotype is unclear. The relationship between self-image ratings and measures of affect (depression, anxiety and mania) were analysed in relation to the BPSD phenotype. Results: The presence of the BPSD phenotype significantly moderated the relationship between (1) affect and stability ratings for negative self-images, and (2) affect and certainty ratings for positive future selfimages. Conclusions: BPSD phenotype can shape the relationship between affect and current and future selfimages. This finding will guide future clinical research to elucidate BPSD vulnerability mechanisms and, the development of early interventions

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