Arousal Scale Research Articles

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Insomnia in College Students with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with insomnia in college students with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Methods: College students with IBS (n=259) were recruited in 4 universities in Daegu city and Ulsan city, South Korea. Participants completed questionnaires measuring the following variables: insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]), dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep (Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale-16 [DBAS-16]), pre-sleep arousal (Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale [PSAS]), gastrointestinal symptoms during sleep (Gastrointestinal Symptoms during Sleep), sleep hygiene (Sleep Hygiene Practices Scale [SHPS]), psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory-18 [BSI-18]), and IBS symptom severity(IBS Severity Scoring System [IBS-SSS]). Results: In our participants, 53.3%(n=138) reported having insomnia (ISI score ≥10). Compared to the non-insomnia group (n=121), the insomnia group reported significantly higher scores in DBAS-16, PSAS, gastrointestinal symptoms during sleep, IBS-SSS, SHPS, and BSI-18 (p＜.001 for all). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that gastrointestinal symptoms during sleep (Odds Ratio [OR]=2.77, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.29~5.96), dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep (OR=1.04, 95% CI: 1.03~1.06), cognitive arousal before sleep (OR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.05~1.17), and somatization (OR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.02~1.23) were associated with insomnia in this sample. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that insomnia is a serious problem for college students with IBS and that gastrointestinal symptoms during sleep and sleep related dysfunctional cognitions should be managed to improve insomnia of them.

Sexual Arousal and Sexually Explicit Media (SEM): Comparing Patterns of Sexual Arousal to SEM and Sexual Self-Evaluations and Satisfaction Across Gender and Sexual Orientation.

IntroductionInvestigations of patterns of sexual arousal to certain groups of sexually explicit media (SEM) in the general population in non-laboratory settings are rare. Such knowledge could be important to understand more about the relative specificity of sexual arousal in different SEM users.Aims(i) To investigate whether sexual arousal to non-mainstream vs mainstream SEM contents could be categorized across gender and sexual orientation, (ii) to compare levels of SEM-induced sexual arousal, sexual satisfaction, and self-evaluated sexual interests and fantasies between non-mainstream and mainstream SEM groups, and (iii) to explore the validity and predictive accuracy of the Non-Mainstream Pornography Arousal Scale (NPAS).MethodsOnline cross-sectional survey of 2,035 regular SEM users in Croatia.Main Outcomes MeasuresPatterns of sexual arousal to 27 different SEM themes, sexual satisfaction, and self-evaluations of sexual interests and sexual fantasies.ResultsGroups characterized by sexual arousal to non-mainstream SEM could be identified across gender and sexual orientation. These non-mainstream SEM groups reported more SEM use and higher average levels of sexual arousal across the 27 SEM themes assessed compared with mainstream SEM groups. Only few differences were found between non-mainstream and mainstream SEM groups in self-evaluative judgements of sexual interests, sexual fantasies, and sexual satisfaction. The internal validity and predictive accuracy of the NPAS was good across most user groups investigated.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that in classified non-mainstream SEM groups, patterns of sexual arousal might be less fixated and category specific than previously assumed. Further, these groups are not more judgmental of their SEM-related sexual arousal patterns than groups characterized by patterns of sexual arousal to more mainstream SEM content. Moreover, accurate identification of non-mainstream SEM group membership is generally possible across gender and sexual orientation using the NPAS.Hald GM, Stulhofer A, Lange T, et al. Sexual Arousal and Sexually Explicit Media (SEM): Comparing Patterns of Sexual Arousal to SEM and Sexual Self-Evaluations and Satisfaction Across Gender and Sexual Orientation. Sex Med 2018;6:30–38.

Who is sleepier on the night shift? The influence of bio-psycho-social factors on subjective sleepiness of female nurses during the night shift

Sleepiness is a common complaint during the night shift and may impair performance. The current study aims to identify bio-psycho-social factors associated with subjective sleepiness during the night shift. Ninety-two female nurses working rotating shifts completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Munich ChronoType Questionaire for shift workers, the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, and the Pre-sleep Arousal Scale. Subjective sleepiness was measured hourly during two night shifts using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, and activity monitors assessed sleep duration 24-h before each shift. Findings showed that increased sleepiness was associated with increased age in nurses with early chronotypes and with more children. High cognitive pre-sleep arousal, but not sleep, was associated with increased sleepiness, especially in late chronotypes. The impact of bio-psycho-social factors on night shift sleepiness is complex, and depends on mutual interactions between these factors. Nurses most prone to increased sleepiness must develop personal strategies for maintaining vigilance on the night shift.Practitioner Summary: This study aims to identify bio-psycho-social factors associated with subjective sleepiness of female nurses during the night shift. Increasing sleepiness was associated with increased age in nurses with early chronotypes and with more children. Increased cognitive pre-sleep arousal, but not sleep, was associated with increased sleepiness, especially in late chronotypes.

Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS): psychometric study of a European Portuguese version

Objective/BackgroundPre-sleep arousal constitutes one of the major features of insomnia. As such, it is imperative to have adequate instruments to measure this construct in both clinical and research settings. The Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS) is the most well-known measure to evaluate pre-sleep arousal. The current study aimed to examine some of the psychometric properties of a European Portuguese version of the scale. Participants/MethodsFor this purpose, data from 691 undergraduate students from a medical school were analyzed. Internal consistency indices and factor analysis were performed. In addition, the association between the PSAS and its subscales with other measures was also examined. Finally, PSAS scores of self-reported insomniacs were compared with those of self-reported non-insomniacs. ResultsThe results indicated that the PSAS comprises a cognitive scale and a somatic scale, both with adequate internal consistency indices (α = 0.82 and 0.79, respectively). However, a three-factor solution also seemed plausible, suggesting that the original somatic arousal subscale might be divided into two subscales. Significant associations between the PSAS total score and its subscales were found with other concurrent measures such as sleep reactivity to stress, arousability and neuroticism. Self-defined insomniacs presented higher levels of cognitive and somatic arousal than healthy individuals. ConclusionsFurther investigations of the PSAS are needed to refine its psychometric properties and explore its research and clinical utility in other populations.

The role of anxious distress in immune dysregulation in patients with major depressive disorder

Although depression with anxious distress appears to be a clinically relevant subtype of major depressive disorder (MDD), whether it involves specific pathophysiology remains unclear. Inflammation has been implicated, but not comprehensively studied. We examined within a large MDD sample whether anxious distress and related anxiety features are associated with differential basal inflammation and innate cytokine production capacity. Data are from 1078 MDD patients from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. In addition to the DSM-5 anxious distress specifier, we studied various dimensional anxiety scales (e.g. Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology anxiety arousal subscale [IDS-AA], Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI], Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire Anxious Arousal scale [MASQ-AA]). The specifier was constructed using five self-report items from the IDS and BAI. Basal inflammatory markers included C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Innate production capacity was assessed by 13 lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory markers. Basal and LPS-stimulated inflammation index scores were created. Basal inflammation was not associated with anxious distress (prevalence = 54.3%) in MDD patients, except for a modest positive association for BAI score. However, anxious distress was associated with higher LPS-stimulated levels (interferon-γ, IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, TNF-α, LPS-stimulated index). Other anxiety indicators (anxious distress specifier score, BAI, MASQ-AA) were also associated with increased innate production capacity. Within a large MDD sample, the anxious distress specifier was associated with increased innate cytokine production capacity but not with basal inflammation. Results from dimensional anxiety indicators largely confirm these results. These findings provide new insight into the pathophysiology of anxious depression.

The perceptual responses to high-velocity, low-load and low-velocity, high-load resistance exercise in older adults

ABSTRACT The present study examined exercise affect during volume-load matched, high-velocity, low-load and low-velocity, high-load resistance exercise conditions in older adults. Ten older adults completed three sets of eight exercises on six separate occasions (three high-velocity, low-load and three low-velocity, high-load sessions) in a crossover study design. High-velocity, low-load was performed at 40% of predicted one repetition maximum, and low-velocity, high-load at 80%. The Physical Activity Affect Scale, Felt Arousal Scale, Feeling Scale, Rating of Perceived Exertion, Visual Analogue Scales, and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale examined exercise intensity and affect. There were moderate effects of exercise condition on positive exercise affect (P = 0.067; = 0.33), and trivial effects on negative exercise affect (P = 0.904; = 0.002). Rating of perceived exertion (P < 0.001; = 0.41) and fatigue (P = 0.012; = 0.52) were greater during low-velocity, high-load. Furthermore, high-velocity, low-load facilitated statistically insignificant, favourable changes (less exertion, more enjoyment etc.) for all other measures. These findings combined with emerging evidence that high-velocity, low-load is superior for improving muscle power and/or functional performance, indicates that high-velocity, low-load should be prescribed preferentially. However, both exercise conditions were enjoyed similarly, demonstrating that individual preference is an important consideration.

Integrating Dimensional and Discrete Theories of Emotions: A New Set of Anger- and Fear-Eliciting Stimuli for Children

ABSTRACTThe selection of appropriate stimuli for inducing specific emotional states has become one of the most challenging topics in psychological research. In the literature there is a lack of affective picture database specifically suited to investigate emotional response in children. Here the authors present the methodology that led us to create a new database (called Anger- and Fear-Eliciting Stimuli for Children) of affective stimuli inducing experiences of 3 target emotions (neutral, anger, and fear) to use in experimental session involving children. A total of 84 children were asked to (a) indicate the perceived emotion and its intensity and (b) rate the three affective dimensions of the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM). Based on concordance between labeled and expected target emotion, the authors decided to select 15 stimuli to be included in Multivariate modeling techniques were applied to evaluate the association between expected target emotion and SAM ratings. The authors found that the hit rate for the neutral pictures was good (greater than 81%), for fear-eliciting pictures it was greater than 64%, and for anger-eliciting pictures it was moderate (between 45% and 56%). The study results reveal also an age effect only in the arousal scale. However, the authors did not find significant gender-related differences in SAM ratings.

PERFORMANCE ANXIETY AND SLEEP PROBLEMS AS PREDICTORS OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

The present study investigated performance anxiety and sleep problems as predictors of academic achievement among a convenience sample of 100 university students (Male = 43, Female = 57).&#x0D; Method: The participants, aged 18 to 25 years, were selected from three different departments of University of Gujrat. Hamilton Anxiety Scale (Hamilton, 1959) and Pre Sleep Arousal Scale (Nicassio, Mendlowitz, Fussell, &amp; Petras, 1989) were individually administered to the participants in their respective departments. Academic achievement was measured in terms of GPA of previous semester of each respondent.&#x0D; Results: The Cronbach Alphas for both the scales for the present sample fell in acceptable range (α = 0 .84 - 0.87). Linear regression analyses indicated that performance anxiety significantly predicted (p &lt;.01, p&lt;.001) of low academic achievement among university students. It was also identified that the higher level of performance anxiety was also a strong predictor (p &lt; .0.001) of sleep problems among students.&#x0D; Conclusions: Discussion includes implications for future research and practices with reference to Pakistani culture.

Characterization of Patients Who Present With Insomnia: Is There Room for a Symptom Cluster-Based Approach?

This study examined empirically derived symptom cluster profiles among patients who present with insomnia using clinical data and polysomnography. Latent profile analysis was used to identify symptom cluster profiles of 175 individuals (63% female) with insomnia disorder based on total scores on validated self-report instruments of daytime and nighttime symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index, Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale), mean values from a 7-day sleep diary (sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency), and total sleep time derived from an in-laboratory PSG. The best-fitting model had three symptom cluster profiles: "High Subjective Wakefulness" (HSW), "Mild Insomnia" (MI) and "Insomnia-Related Distress" (IRD). The HSW symptom cluster profile (26.3% of the sample) reported high wake after sleep onset, high sleep onset latency, and low sleep efficiency. Despite relatively comparable PSG-derived total sleep time, they reported greater levels of daytime sleepiness. The MI symptom cluster profile (45.1%) reported the least disturbance in the sleep diary and questionnaires and had the highest sleep efficiency. The IRD symptom cluster profile (28.6%) reported the highest mean scores on the insomnia-related distress measures (eg, sleep effort and arousal) and waking correlates (fatigue). Covariates associated with symptom cluster membership were older age for the HSW profile, greater obstructive sleep apnea severity for the MI profile, and, when adjusting for obstructive sleep apnea severity, being overweight/obese for the IRD profile. The heterogeneous nature of insomnia disorder is captured by this data-driven approach to identify symptom cluster profiles. The adaptation of a symptom cluster-based approach could guide tailored patient-centered management of patients presenting with insomnia, and enhance patient care.

A cross-sectional survey of the nature and correlates of sleep disturbance in people with psoriasis.

Research suggests that sleep disturbance is common in psoriasis. While several sleep investigations have been conducted in psoriasis populations, many have methodological shortcomings, and no study has examined multiple dimensions of sleep-wake functioning. Moreover, research has yet to be performed comprehensively examining the range of physical and psychological factors that may affect sleep in people with psoriasis. To characterize sleep disturbance using validated measures and to identify physical and psychological predictors of sleep quality in people with psoriasis. An online survey was conducted (186 respondents; mean age 39·2 years) comprising validated measures assessing sleep [Pittsburgh Sleep; Quality Index (PSQI), Berlin Questionnaire, Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale]; chronotype (Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire); mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale); itch (5-D Itch Scale); and psoriasis severity (Simplified Psoriasis Index). Group comparisons and regression analyses were used to examine predictors of poor sleep. The mean PSQI score was 9·2 ± 4·3, with 76·3% scoring above the threshold for poor sleep (≥ 6 on the PSQI) and 32·5% scoring 'positive' for probable obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Poor sleep and high likelihood of OSA were associated with more severe psoriasis (P < 0·05; η = 0·07; η2 = 0·005). Cognitive arousal (β = 0·26, P = 0·001), itch (β = 0·26, P < 0·001) and depression (β = 0·24, P = 0·001) were the most robust predictors of poor sleep quality, which, together with somatic arousal (β = 0·17, P = 0·022), accounted for 43% of variance in PSQI scores. Poor sleep is common in psoriasis and associated with psychological and physical factors. Rates of probable OSA are also high. Given the importance of restorative sleep for health, sleep complaints should receive greater clinical attention in the management of psoriasis.

Neuropredictors of oromotor feeding impairment in 12 month-old children

BackgroundFeeding impairment is prevalent in children with neurodevelopmental issues. Neuroimaging and neurobehavioural outcomes at term are predictive of later neuromotor impairment, but it is unknown whether they predict feeding impairment. AimsTo determine whether neurobehavior and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at term predict oromotor feeding at 12 months in preterm and term-born children. Study designProspective cohort study. Subjects248 infants (97 born <30weeks and 151 born at term) recruited at birth. Outcome measuresNeurobehavioral assessments (General Movements (GMA), Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS)); and brain MRI were administered at term-equivalent age. Oromotor feeding was assessed at 12months corrected age using the Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment. Results49/227 children had oromotor feeding impairment. Neurobehavior associated with later feeding impairment was: suboptimal NNNS stress (odds ratio [OR] 2.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–6.01), non-optimal reflexes (OR 3.33; 95% CI 1.37–8.11) and arousal scales (OR 2.54; 95% CI 1.03–6.27); suboptimal HNNE total (OR 4.69; 95% CI 2.20–10.00), reflexes (OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.06–6.49), and tone scores (OR 3.87; 95% CI 1.45–10.35); and abnormal GMA (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.21–5.57). Smaller biparietal diameter also predicted feeding impairment (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.79–0.97). There was little evidence that relationships differed between birth groups. ConclusionsNeurobehavior and biparietal diameter at term are associated with oromotor feeding at 12months. These results may identify children at greatest risk of oromotor feeding impairment.

Affective responses in mountain hiking—A randomized crossover trial focusing on differences between indoor and outdoor activity

IntroductionAffective responses during physical activity (PA) are important for engagement in PA programs and for adherence to a physically active lifestyle. Little is known about the affective responses to PA bouts lasting longer than 45 minutes. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to analyse acute effects on affective responses of a three-hour outdoor PA intervention (mountain hiking) compared to a sedentary control situation and to an indoor treadmill condition.MethodsUsing a randomized crossover design, 42 healthy participants were randomly exposed to three different conditions: outdoor mountain hiking, indoor treadmill walking, and sedentary control situation (approximately three hours each). Measures included the Feeling Scale, Felt Arousal Scale and a Mood Survey Scale. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyse differences between the conditions.ResultsCompared to the control situation, the participants showed a significant increase in affective valence (d = 1.21, p < .001), activation (d = 0.81, p = .004), elation (d = 1.07, p < .001), and calmness (d = 0.84, p = .004), and a significant decrease in fatigue (d = -1.19, p < .001) and anxiety (d = -.79, p < .001) after mountain hiking. Outdoor mountain hiking showed significantly greater positive effects on affective valence, activation, and fatigue compared to indoor treadmill walking.DiscussionThe results indicate that a three-hour PA intervention (mountain hiking) elicits higher positive and lower negative affective responses compared to a sedentary control situation and to an indoor PA condition. Outdoor mountain hiking can be recommended by health professionals as a form of PA with the potential to positively influence affective responses.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02853760. https://clinicaltrials.gov/. Date of registration: 08/02/2016 (retrospectively registered). Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: 05/01/2014.

Heritability of Heart Rate Response to Arousals in Twins.

To determine if the large and highly reproducible interindividual differences in arousal intensity and heart rate response to arousal (ΔHR) during non-REM sleep are heritable. Polysomnograms of 55 monozygotic (14 male and 41 female pairs) and 36 dizygotic (15 male and 21 female pairs) same-sex twin pairs were analyzed. Arousals were scored using the 2012 American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria. Arousal intensity was scaled (between 0 and 9) using an automatic algorithm based on the change in electroencephalogram time and frequency characteristics. The ΔHR was determined at each arousal. We calculated average arousal duration, average arousal intensity, average overall ΔHR, average ΔHR at a given arousal intensity, slope of ΔHR per arousal intensity, and arousal intensity threshold of ΔHR. The intraclass correlations among monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs were 0.663 and 0.146, respectively, for average arousal intensity, and 0.449 and 0, respectively, for arousal intensity threshold of ΔHR controlling for age, sex, and race. These values imply large broad sense heritability (H2) for these traits. This evidence was confirmed by a robust maximum likelihood-based variance components estimation approach, with an additive genetic heritability of 0.64 (95% confidence interval: 0.48 to 0.80) for average arousal intensity and a combined additive and dominance genetic heritability and of 0.46 (0.25 to 0.68) for arousal intensity threshold of ΔHR. Results also suggested significant additive genetic effects for average arousal duration, ΔHR at arousal intensity scale 4 and the overall average ΔHR. Genetic factors explain a significant fraction of the phenotypic variability for average arousal intensity and arousal intensity threshold of ΔHR. Results suggest that the duration of arousals and specific average ΔHR values may also be heritable traits. NCT02827461.

Can intervals enhance the inflammatory response and enjoyment in upper-body exercise?

PurposeTo investigate the inflammatory and perceptual responses to three different forms of upper-body exercise.MethodsTwelve recreationally active, able-bodied males performed three work-matched arm-crank sessions in a randomised order: 30 min moderate-intensity continuous (CON), 30 min moderate-intensity with changes in cadence (CAD) and 20 min high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Blood samples were taken pre, post and 2-h post-exercise to determine plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1ra. Perceptual responses pre, during and following the trials were assessed using the Feeling Scale, Felt Arousal Scale, Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES).ResultsAll trials were evenly effective in inducing an acute inflammatory response, indicated by similar increases in IL-6 after exercise and in IL-1ra at 2-h post exercise for all trials. More negative affect and higher RPE were reported during HIIT compared to CON and CAD, whereas PACES scores reported after exercise were higher for HIIT and CAD compared to CON.ConclusionsWhen matched for external work, there was no difference in the inflammatory response to HIIT compared to moderate-intensity upper-body exercise. Although HIIT was (perceived as) more strenuous and affective responses were more negative during this mode, the higher ratings of enjoyment for both HIIT and CAD reported after exercise suggest that the inclusion of variation enhances enjoyment in upper-body exercise. As the fashion in which upper-body exercise is performed does not seem to influence the inflammatory response, it might be advised to prescribe varied exercise to enhance its enjoyment.

Anxious distress is associated with increased immune dysregulation in patients with major depressive disorder

IntroductionAlthough depression with anxious distress appears to be a clinically relevant subtype of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), whether it involves specific pathophysiology remains unclear. Inflammation has been implicated, but not comprehensively studied. We examined within a large MDD sample whether anxious distress and related anxiety features are associated with differential basal inflammation and innate cytokine production capacity.MethodsData are from 1078 MDD patients from the Netherlands study of depression and anxiety. Besides the DSM-5 anxious distress specifier, we studied various dimensional anxiety scales (e.g. Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology anxiety arousal subscale [IDS-AA], Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI], Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire Anxious Arousal scale [MASQ-AA]). Basal inflammatory markers included C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Innate production capacity was assessed by 13 lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory markers. Basal and LPS-stimulated inflammation index scores were created.ResultsBasal inflammation was not associated with anxious distress in MDD patients (anxious distress prevalence 54.3%), except for modest positive associations for IDS-AA and BAI scores. However, anxious distress was associated with higher LPS-stimulated levels (interferon-ɣ, IL-2, IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, matrix metalloproteinase-2, TNF-α, TNF-β, LPS-stimulated index). Oher anxiety indicators (number of specifier items and anxiety diagnoses, IDS-AA, BAI, MASQ-AA) were also associated with increased innate production capacity.ConclusionsWithin a large MDD sample, the anxious distress specifier was associated with increased innate cytokine production capacity but not with basal inflammation. Results from dimensional anxiety indicators largely confirm these results. These findings provide new insight into the pathophysiology of anxious depression.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Portuguese Version of the Arousal Predisposition Scale

The Arousal Predisposition Scale (APS) is an instrument aimed to assess individual differences in self-reported arousability, specifically physiologically arousal. Besides, it is a scale frequently used in stress and sleep-related researches. The principal purpose of this study is to determine the factor structure of the APS through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and to test the goodness-of-fit of one- and two-factor models. A sample of 341 undergraduate medical students of both genders aged 17 to 25 years was enrolled. Beyond the APS, the participants also filled out the Portuguese versions of the Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS), Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test (FIRST) and the Neuroticism scale of Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) for concurrent validity purposes. From the studied solutions, a modified two-factor model (F1 = emotional reactivity and F2 = trait anxiety) achieved the better fit to the data. The Portuguese version of the APS was also significantly correlated with measures of neuroticism, insomnia, sleep reactivity to stress, and cognitive and somatic arousal. The two-factor modified model appears to display a superior fit to the data, supporting a scoring model of the APS according to two different factors as suggested by a previous research on the Portuguese version. This study supports reliability and validity indicators of the APS and its use in research and applied settings.

Effect of carbohydrate ingestion during cycling exercise on affective valence and activation in recreational exercisers

ABSTRACTCarbohydrate (CHO) ingestion enhances “feel-good” responses during acute exercise but no study has examined the effect of regular ingestion of CHO on affective valence. We investigated the effect of CHO ingestion on perceptual responses and perceived work intensity of individual exercise sessions throughout a 10-week cycling (“spin”) exercise intervention. We also assessed whether any changes in affect and/or perceived work intensity would influence health and fitness parameters. Twelve recreational exercisers (46 ± 9 years; nine females and three males) were randomly allocated to either CHO (7.5% CHO; 5 mL · kg−1 per exercise session; n = 6; CHO) or placebo (0% CHO, taste- and volume-matched solution; n = 6; PLA) groups. Participants exercised 2 × 45-min per week, over a 10-week intervention period. Perceptual measures of exertion (RPE), affect (feeling scale, FS) and activation (felt arousal scale, FAS) were assessed after each exercise session. The FAS ratings increased over time in CHO but decreased throughout the intervention in PLA (P = 0.03). There were no differences in heart rate (P = 0.70), RPE (P = 0.05) and FS (P = 0.84) between trials. Furthermore, no changes in health and fitness parameters were observed over time or between groups. CHO ingestion enhanced ratings of activation in recreational exercisers throughout a 10-week cycling intervention.

The mediating role of sleep-related metacognitive processes in trait and pre-sleep state hyperarousal in insomnia disorder

ObjectiveTrait predisposition to hyperarousal and pre-sleep state hyperarousal are considered key factors in insomnia, but research also supports the role of cognitive and metacognitive processes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between unhelpful sleep-related beliefs, sleep-related metacognition and trait/pre-sleep state arousal in insomnia disorder. MethodSixty-eight subjects with insomnia disorder (DSM-5) and 36 good sleepers were evaluated with a set of questionnaires that included Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep scale (DBAS), Metacognitions Questionnaire – Insomnia (MCQI), Arousal Predisposition Scale (APS), and Pre-sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS). The statistical analyses included univariate, multivariate regression and mediation analyses. ResultsSubjects with insomnia reported higher scores on the DBAS, MCQI, APS, and PSAS (p's<0.001) compared to good sleepers. In the insomnia group, trait hyper-arousal was best determined by insomnia-related metacognition (p=0.02). Pre-sleep cognitive arousal was determined by insomnia-related metacognition (p=0.001) and trait hyperarousal (p<0.0001) after controlling for years of insomnia. Insomnia-metacognitive activity mediated the association between trait-hyperarousal and cognitive arousal (p=0.01, p=0.002) and the bidirectional association between pre-sleep cognitive and somatic arousal (p=0.002, p=0.04). ConclusionThis study suggests that a broad range of cognitive and metacognitive processes may be involved in the development of sleep-related arousal among people with insomnia. Insomnia metacognitive activity may influence trait factors and pre-sleep state factors depending on insomnia duration. Both insomnia evaluation and treatment may also be focused on insomnia metacognitive processes especially in subject with a long history of insomnia.

Do mind and body agree? Unconscious versus conscious arousal in product attitude formation

Marketing research addressing the role of arousal in attitude formation and change mostly looks at arousal as a merely conscious emotion. However, a substantial body of research, in cognitive psychology and neuroscience, now offers insights on the implicit, subliminal reactions of individuals to external stimuli, sustaining that unconscious emotions may drive to different attitudinal responses. Following a conceptualization of conscious and unconscious arousal and its influence on product attitude formation, this study provides empirical evidence of the hypothesised relationships through a laboratory experiment on 160 subjects. By employing electrodermal activity, a physiological measure, to assess unconscious arousal and self-reported scales to assess conscious arousal, the study reveals that conscious and unconscious arousal are two independent emotional responses and they influence attitude toward the product differently. The study extends theory on emotions and provides an initial step toward using physiological measures to evaluate consumer emotional response to new products.

Men's sexual response to female partner's intranasal oxytocin administration for hypoactive sexual desire disorder: an open prospective cohort study

To study sexual function, quality of life, and depression in men, whose female partners are undergoing double-blind placebo-controlled randomized treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Open prospective cohort study of 22weeks. Academic medical center. Male partners of 30 premenopausal and postmenopausal women with HSDD. Baseline, 3-month, and 5-month assessment (for 8weeks each) of male response to female partner's use of oxytocin nasal spray (32 IE) and placebo within 50minutes before sexual intercourse. Primary outcome parameters were Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire-Male, Sexual Activity Record, Partner Performance Questionnaire, and Hamilton Depression Scale. Male Sexual Life Quality questionnaire improved significantly from -7.4 ± 9.9 at baseline to 8.2 ± 12 with female partners' treatment with oxytocin nasal spray and to 10.8 ± 13.8 with placebo. Frequency of intercourse improved slightly but not significantly from 6.3 ± 3.9 at baseline to 7.3 ± 4 with female oxytocin therapy, but not with placebo. Male desire and arousal remained stable throughout the study period. Evaluation of female partners' performance by men improved significantly from 8.9 ± 2.8 at baseline to 10.6 ± 2.2 with oxytocin and to 11.2 ± 2.6 with placebo. Female treatment with either oxytocin or placebo for HSDD significantly improves male sexual quality of life and evaluation of female partner's sexual performance with no difference between oxytocin and placebo on any outcome parameters. A nonsignificant improvement was seen in the frequency of intercourse, male arousal, desire, satisfaction, and Hamilton depression scale. NCT02229721.