Functional Dimensions Research Articles

A longitudinal study of the mediator role of physical activity in the bidirectional relationships of cognitive function and specific dimensions of depressive symptoms

BackgroundThe bidirectional relationship between cognitive function and depressive symptoms has been extensively reported. However, the potential mechanisms are still not clear. We aim to longitudinally investigate whether physical activity mediates the bidirectional relationships between cognitive function and specific dimensions of depressive symptoms. MethodsData from 6,787 individuals aged ≥50 of 2014/15 (T1), 2016/17 (T2), and 2018/19 (T3) waves of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Cognitive function was assessed by domains of memory, orientation in time, and executive function. Physical activity was measured with the intensity and frequency of participation. Specific dimensions of depressive symptoms were assessed by the 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, distinguishing between cognitive-affective and somatic symptoms. Cross-lagged panel models were used to investigate the mediating role of physical activity in the bidirectional relationships between cognitive function and two dimensions of depressive symptoms. ResultsPoorer cognitive function was indirectly associated with worse cognitive-affective symptoms (indirect effect = −0.002, 95%CI: −0.004, −0.001) through lower physical activity levels. Poorer cognitive function was also indirectly associated with worse somatic symptoms (indirect effect = −0.003, 95%CI: −0.006, −0.002) through lower physical activity levels, and the reverse mediation was observed as well (indirect effect = −0.002, 95%CI: −0.004, −0.001). LimitationsThere is no distinction between potential within-person and between-person effects. ConclusionsCollaborative interventions of physical activity are beneficial in protecting cognitive function and mental health in older adults.

The Z-scores of cardiac indices among healthy children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe application of z-scores in normalizing the cardiac size function and structural dimension will be of immense benefit to the clinician, especially in evaluating children with cardiac anomalies. However, heterogeneity in the obtained z- score results is high, thus a subgroup analysis by region (or continent) to assist healthcare practitioners is necessary.ObjectivesThe review aimed to ascertain the overall mean z-scores for cardiac structures and function.MethodsA thorough search of several databases, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google Scholar was made. Articles published between January 1999 and December 2023 were recruited, of which the last search was done in December 2023. Keywords used in the search were “z-scores”, Children; echocardiography; cardiac structures; cardiac function; and body surface area (BSA)”. We restricted our search to children. Besides, additional relevant articles were manually searched. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was used to highlight selected studies using a pre-defined search protocol. The I2 statistics were used to ascertain statistical heterogeneity.ResultsTwo hundred and forty citations were identified in our search strategy, of which a total of 34 studies were identified. Twenty-four were excluded from the thirty-four studies. A total of 11 studies met our inclusion criteria shown in the PRISMA. Apart from different z scores reading obtained from various countries and regions, some authors focused on few cardiac parameters while others were exhaustive. The mean z-scores of the cardiac structures from various countries/regions range as follows; The range of Z scores obtained by different studies and regions above are as follows; MV;-1.62-0.7 AV: -1.8 -0.5 TV: -2.71 -0.7; PV ; -1.52- (-0.99) MPA; -1-81 -0.8 LPA;-1.07-0.4; RPA;-0.92- 0.1 IVSD; -0.1.77–1.89 LVPWD; -0.12-1.5 LVPWS; -0.1-0.15 LVPWS; 0.03–0.18 LVIDD; -1.13- (-0.98) LVIDS; -0.84-10.3 respectively. The mean z-score from the pooled studies showed mitral valve diameter as -0.24 ± 0.9 and pulmonary valve annuls as -1.10 ± 0.3. The left ventricular end diastolic diameter is -0.93 ± 0.3 while the left ventricular end systolic diameter is -0.05 ± 0.5. The total pooled sample size of the eleven included studies was 9074 and the mean at 95% interval was 824.9 ± 537.344. The pooled mean is presented under the model of the Mean raw (MRAW) column. The heterogeneity discovered among the selected studies was statistically significant.ConclusionDue to heterogeneity involved in the reportage of the z-scores of cardiac structures and function, it may be necessary for every region to use their z-scores domiciled in their locale. However, having a pooled mean z-score of cardiac structures and function may be useful in the near future.

The Privilege of Well-Being in an Increasingly Unequal Society

This article provides an overview of a model of psychological well-being put forth over 30 years ago. The intent was to advance new dimensions of positive functioning based on integration of clinical, developmental, existential, and humanistic thinking along with Aristotle’s writings about eudaimonia. The operationalization and validation of the model are briefly described, followed by an overview of scientific findings organized around (a) demographic and experiential predictors of well-being, (b) well-being as predictors of health and biomedical outcomes, (c) pathway studies that examine intervening processes (moderators, mediators), and (d) underlying mechanistic processes (neuroscience, genomics). Much prior work underscores the benefits of well-being, including for longevity. Widening socioeconomic inequality is, however, increasingly compromising the well-being of disadvantaged segments of the population. These problems have been exacerbated by recent historical stressors (Great Recession, COVID-19 pandemic). Cumulative hardships from these events and their implications for health are critical targets for future science and practice.

MICFOA: A Novel Improved Catch Fish Optimization Algorithm with Multi-Strategy for Solving Global Problems.

Catch fish optimization algorithm (CFOA) is a newly proposed meta-heuristic algorithm based on human behaviors. CFOA shows better performance on multiple test functions and clustering problems. However, CFOA shows poor performance in some cases, and there is still room for improvement in convergence accuracy, getting rid of local traps, and so on. To further enhance the performance of CFOA, a multi-strategy improved catch fish optimization algorithm (MICFOA) is proposed in this paper. In the exploration phase, we propose a Lévy-based differential independent search strategy to enhance the global search capability of the algorithm while minimizing the impact on the convergence speed. Secondly, in the exploitation phase, a weight-balanced selection mechanism is used to maintain population diversity, enhance the algorithm's ability to get rid of local optima during the search process, and effectively boost the convergence accuracy. Furthermore, the structure of CFOA is also modified in this paper. A fishermen position replacement strategy is added at the end of the algorithm as a way to strengthen the robustness of the algorithm. To evaluate the performance of MICFOA, a comprehensive comparison with nine other metaheuristic algorithms is performed on the 10/30/50/100 dimensions of the CEC 2017 test functions and the 10/20 dimensions of the CEC2022 test functions. Statistical experiments show that MICFOA has more significant dominance in numerical optimization problems, and its overall performance outperforms the CFOA, PEOA, TLBO, COA, ARO, EDO, YDSE, and other state-of-the-art algorithms such as LSHADE, JADE, IDE-EDA, and APSM-jSO.

Left ventricular reverse remodeling after combined ARNI and SGLT2 therapy in heart failure patients with reduced or mildly reduced ejection fraction

BackgroundCardiac remodeling is an adverse phenomenon linked to heart failure (HF) progression. Cardiac remodeling could represent the real therapeutic goal in the treatment of patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), being potentially reversed through different pharmacotherapies. Currently, there are well-established drugs such as ACEi/ARBs and β-blockers with anti-remodeling effects. More recently, ARNI effects on cardiac remodeling were also demonstrated; additional potential benefits of gliflozins remain non clearly demonstrated. Aim of studyTo evaluate possible changes in cardiac remodeling in patients with HFrEF/HFmrEF in treatment with ARNI or ARNI plus SGLT2i and the potential benefit on cardiac remodeling of adding SGLT2i to ARNI. MethodsBetween June 2021 and August 2023, 100 consecutive patients with HFrEF/HFmrEF underwent conventional and advanced echocardiography (TDI, 2DSTE): patients were therefore divided into three groups according to therapy with neither ARNI nor SGLT2i, just ARNI or both. After 3 months, all patients underwent echocardiographic follow-up. ResultsAfter a 3 months of therapy, significant improvements were observed for LVEF, LVEDD, LVEDV, LVESV, LV mass, E/e’, LV GLS, TAPSE (ANOVA p< 0.01 in all cases), RV S’ velocity (ANOVA p< 0.001).The trend in favor of additional treatment with SGTL2i over ARNI remained statistically significant even after multivariable analysis (p< 0.001 for LVEF, LVEDD; p< 0.01 for LV GLS, TAPSE, TRVS; p< 0.05 for LV mass). ConclusionsSGLT2i therapy when added to the standard treatment for HFrEF and HFmrEF is associated with an improved biventricular function and ventricular dimensions at follow-up.

Cognitive impairment in patients with bipolar disorder alone versus those with bipolar disorder comorbid with borderline personality disorder.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe mental illness. BD often coexists with borderline personality disorders, making the condition more complex. To explore the differences in cognitive impairment between patients with BD and those with BD comorbid with borderline personality disorder. Eighty patients with BD and comorbid borderline personality disorder and 80 patients with BD alone were included in groups A and B, respectively, and 80 healthy volunteers were included as controls. Cognitive function in each group was evaluated using the Chinese version of the repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status (RBANS), the Stroop color-word test, and the Wechsler intelligence scale-revised (WAIS-RC). The indices of the RBANS, Stroop color-word test, and WAIS-RC in groups A and B were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Group A had significantly longer Stroop color-word test times for single-character, single-color, double-character, and double-color, lower scores of immediate memory, visual breadth, verbal function dimensions and total score of the RBANS, as well as lower scores of verbal IQ, performance IQ, and overall IQ of the WAIS-RC compared with group B (P < 0.05). Compared to group B, group A exhibited significantly longer single-character time, single-color time, double-character time, and double-color time in the Stroop color-word test (P < 0.05). The cognitive function of patients with BD complicated with borderline personality disorder is lower than that of patients with BD.

What is the Status of the Scientific Association of Midwifery in Iran based on the Criteria of the International Confederation of Midwives?

Introduction: Scientific midwifery associations can play a leading role in improving maternal health policies and practices. This study aimed to evaluate the Iran Scientific Association of Midwifery (ISAM) using a translated valid version of the Member Association Capacity Assessment tool (MACAT) and also to explain the needs and propose the related strategies and actions to improve ISAM capacities. Methods: This was a mixed sequential (Quantitative-Qualitative) explanatory research in 2022. The study was performed in three phases based on the study's objectives. In the first phase, the MACAT of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) was translated into Persian. Then, the validity of MACAT was assessed by 10 experts. After the validity approval of the Persian version of the MACAT, in the second phase, which was a descriptive study, the capacity of ISAM was assessed by two trained evaluators using MACAT. In the third phase of the study, with a qualitative research and using a focused group discussion and six in-depth individual interviews with 14 key informants, the demonstrated challenges in the first phase of the study and the related suggestions for the problem solutions were discussed. The data from the qualitative phase of the study were analyzed using directed Qualitative content analysis. Lincoln and Guba’s criteria were used to confirm the trustworthiness of the data. Then the needs were explained, and the strategies and actions were suggested to improve ISAM capacities in the seven dimensions of MACAT, including governance, management, financial resources, functions, communication, collaboration, and visibility. Results: In the first phase of the study, the MACAT was translated into Persian, and its validity assessment showed S-CVI= 0.91 and I-CVI= 0.89. CVR scores of all items were also above 0.62 and so acceptable. In the second phase of the study, the document review and the observations showed 88 out of 96 items scored 1 (91 percent) while 8 items scored zero. In the third phase of the study, 83 codes in the 6 dimensions were categorized from directed content analysis. Then, 53 actions were proposed for seven main strategies for improving the governance, enhancing the management practices and leadership methods, increasing functions, increasing collaboration, partnership, and networks, and expanding visibility and increasing sustainability to improve ISAM capabilities. Conclusion: The Scientific Midwifery Association obtained 91 percent of the scores. The most important challenges of the ISAM were (1) low advocacy, (2) a shortage of human and financial resources and sponsors, and (3) low contribution in policy and decision-making in midwifery affairs. The most necessary actions for the ISAM capacity improvement were suggested to be (1) considering more independence in a culturally and politically-based context governance, (2) paying attention to infrastructure improvement, and (3) defining the mechanisms in communication with the other midwifery-related sectors, other NGOs, and potential sponsors; (4) the ISAM involvement in making macro policies and midwifery affairs, and (5) using the ISAM capacity for participating in mega health projects for fundraising.

Construction and verification of rehabilitation nursing program for shoulder and neck discomfort after thyroid cancer surgery: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

To develop a nursing program for the prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder and neck discomfort after thyroid cancer surgery based on the empowerment theory, and to evaluate the application effect of the program. The prevention and rehabilitation nursing program for shoulder and neck discomfort after thyroid cancer surgery was established by literature review and the Delphi method. Between July 2022 and January 2023, a total of 62 postoperative thyroid cancer patients were recruited and randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n = 31) or the control group (n = 31) in this randomized controlled trial. Comparisons of shoulder and neck function, self-efficacy, and quality of life between the 2 groups were performed using a 2-sample independent t test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance. At the end of the study, the control group and intervention group were 30 cases each completed the study. After the intervention, the self-efficacy score of the intervention group was higher than the control group (P < .05), and the score of emotional function, cognitive function, and overall health dimension of the intervention group was higher than the control group (P < .05). The pain dimension score of the intervention group was lower than the control group (P < .05). There were significant differences in the group and time effects of the total shoulder joint scores between the 2 groups (P < .05). This study demonstrated that the shoulder and neck rehabilitation nursing program can alleviate the symptoms of shoulder and neck discomfort and improve patients' self-efficacy and quality of life.

Sport PRactice and its Effects on aortic size and valve function in bicuspid Aortic valve Disease: a cross-sectional report from the SPREAD study

ObjectiveConcerns exist about the possible detrimental effects of exercise training on aortic size and valve function in individuals with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). This multicentre international study aimed to determine...

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of Carolinas Comfort Scale to Brazilian Portuguese for inguinal hernia.

Inguinal hernias are highly prevalent worldwide and its surgical repair is one of the most common procedures in general surgery. The broad use of mesh has decreased the recurrence rates of inguinal hernia to acceptable levels, thus centering the attention on Quality of Life as a pivotal postoperative outcome. Carolinas Comfort Scale is a well-studied questionnaire designed to identify Quality of Life changes following hernia repair with mesh techniques. The aim of this study is to validate the CCS in Brazilian Portuguese for inguinal hernias. The original CCS was translated into Brazilian Portuguese according to cross-cultural adaptation guidelines. We conducted a cross-sectional study in individuals aged 18 and above who had undergone inguinal laparo-endoscopic hernia repair for at least 6months prior, between January 2019 and August 2022, at a Brazilian tertiary hospital. Participants answered an online survey containing the Brazilian CCS and the generic Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) Short-Form Health 36 (SF-36). Participants answered the same questionnaires in the follow-up after at least three weeks, with an additional question about satisfaction with surgery results. The survey was completed by 115 patients, of whom 78 (67%) responded to the follow-up questionnaire after 3 to 10weeks. CCS showed excellent internal consistency, with Cronbach's α of 0.94. Intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.60 to 0.82 in the test-retest analysis. Compared to SF-36, a strong correlation was observed in the physical functioning dimension, and a moderate correlation was found in role-physical and bodily pain (Pearson's Coefficient Correlation = 0.502, 0.338 and 0.332 respectively), for construct analysis. The mean CCS score was significantly lower (p < 0.001) among satisfied patients compared to the unsatisfied ones. The Brazilian version of CCS is a valid and reliable method to assess long-term quality of life after inguinal laparo-endoscopic hernia repair.

Compact Extended Formulations for Low-Rank Functions with Indicator Variables

We study the mixed-integer epigraph of a special class of convex functions with nonconvex indicator constraints, which are often used to impose logical constraints on the support of the solutions. The class of functions we consider are defined as compositions of low-dimensional nonlinear functions with affine functions. Extended formulations describing the convex hull of such sets can easily be constructed via disjunctive programming although a direct application of this method often yields prohibitively large formulations, whose size is exponential in the number of variables. In this paper, we propose a new disjunctive representation of the sets under study, which leads to compact formulations with size exponential in the dimension of the nonlinear function but polynomial in the number of variables. Moreover, we show how to project out the additional variables for the case of dimension one, recovering or generalizing known results for the convex hulls of such sets (in the original space of variables). Our computational results indicate that the proposed approach can significantly improve the performance of solvers in structured problems. Funding: This work was supported by the National Science Foundation Division of Computing and Communication Foundations [Grant 2006762].

Exploring Designer Trust in Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content: TAM/TPB Model Study

Traditionally, users have perceived that only manual laborers or those in repetitive jobs would be subject to technological substitution. However, with the emergence of technologies like Midjourney, ChatGPT, and Notion AI, known as Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content (AIGC), we have come to realize that cognitive laborers, particularly creative designers, also face similar professional challenges. Yet, there has been relatively little research analyzing the acceptance and trust of artificial intelligence from the perspective of designers. This study integrates the TAM/TPB behavioral measurement model, incorporating intrinsic characteristics of designers, to delineate their perceived risks of AIGC into functional and emotional dimensions. It explores how these perceived characteristics, risks, and trust influence designers’ behavioral intentions, employing structural equation modeling for validation. The findings reveal the following: (1) designer trust is the primary factor influencing their behavioral choices; (2) different dimensions of perceived risks have varying degrees of impact on trust, with functional risks significantly positively affecting trust compared to emotional risks; (3) only by enhancing the transparency and credibility of Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content (AIGC) can the perceived characteristics of designers be elevated; and (4) only by effectively safeguarding designers’ legitimate rights and interests can perceived risks be significantly reduced, thereby enhancing trust and subsequently prompting actual behavioral intentions. This study not only enhances the applicability and suitability of AIGC across various industries but also provides evidence for the feasibility of intelligent design in the creative design industry, facilitating the transition of AIGC to Artificial Intelligence-Generated Design (AIGD) for industrial upgrading.

Comprehensive characterization of protease inhibiting gene family, cis-regulatory elements, and protein interaction network in linseed and their expression upon bud fly infestation

Linseed, also known as flax is an important oilseed crop with many potential uses in paint, textile, food and pharmaceutical industries. Susceptibility to bud fly (Dasyneura lini Barnes) infestation is a serious biotic concern leading to severe yield penalty in linseed. Protease inhibitors (PIs) are potential candidates that activate during the insect-pest attack and modulate the resistance. In the present study, we explored the PI candidates in the linseed genome and a total of 100 LuPI genes were identified and grouped into five distinct subgroups. The analysis of cis-acting elements revealed that almost all LuPI promoters contain several regulatory elementary related to growth and development, hormonal regulation and stress responses. Across the subfamilies of PIs, the specific domains are consistently found conserved in all protein sequences. The tissue-specific in-silico expression pattern via RNA-seq revealed that all the genes were regulated during different stress. The expression through qRT-PCR of 15 genes revealed the significant up-regulation of LuPI-24, LuPI-40, LuPI-49, LuPI-53, and LuPI-63 upon bud fly infestation in resistant genotype EC0099001 and resistant check variety Neela. This study establishes a foundation resource for comprehending the structural, functional, and evolutionary dimensions of protease inhibitors in linseed.

Health-related quality of life in older hematological cancer survivors (70+) compared to older general population-A German cancer-register-based cross-sectional comparative study.

The extent of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) impairments in older hematological cancer survivors (HCS) has not been sufficiently studied. We therefore examined HRQOL in older HCS compared to a community sample (CS) and investigated sociodemographic, disease- and treatment-specific, geriatric, and psychosocial factors associated with reduced HRQOL. In this cancer-register-based cross-sectional comparative study 200 HCS, aged ≥70 years, and 252 persons of an age- and gender-matched CS completed validated questionnaires including the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-ELD14. Older HCS reported a reduced HRQOL in the dimensions of global QOL, physical, role, and social functioning (small clinical significance) and higher symptom burden of fatigue, nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, and poorer mobility compared to the CS (fatigue and mobility with medium, the others with small clinical significance). Perceived disease burden of comorbidities, functional disabilities, psychological distress, and depression showed statistical significance for reduced HRQOL in older HCS in multiple linear regression analysis (R2 = .602, p < .001). The screening and treatment of functional limitations and individual symptoms and the integration of a geriatric assessment into oncological practice can help to identify supportive care needs, to implement individualized, patient-centered cancer survivorship care programs and to improve older HCS's HRQOL.

Social function of urban property: environmental dimension of the social function of property and those responsible for its implementation

Social function of urban property: environmental dimension of the social function of property and those responsible for its implementation

Implementasi Edukasi Smart Parenting dan Pemberian Makan Tambahan Plus Sebagai Intervensi Pencegahan Stunting

The stunting is a condition of growth failure experienced by children, especially at the age of under 6 years. Failure to thrive means there is disorientation in physical growth that is disproportionate between age and height. Whereas developmental failure is more related to failure in mental function, namely cognitive, psychomotor and affective dimensions. The research design used was a cross-sectional study. Namely an observational study that analyzes variable data collected at a certain point in time across a predetermined sample population or subset. This research was conducted in the working area of Krembung District, Sidoarjo Regency in January-December 2022 where this area is one of the areas with stunting that is almost evenly distributed in every village. The population in this study were all toddlers in the working area of Krembung District, Sidoarjo Regency, consisting of 19 villages. The results of the study, namely that during a span of approximately one year a sensitive intervention program on the prevention and handling of stunting was carried out in the Krembung Subdistrict working area showed that out of 3275 toddlers measured, there were 4.90% or around 151 toddlers stunting, namely where 1.70% toddlers 'very short' and 2.80% 'short' and 0.40 are categorized as BGM (Below the Red Line).

On the box dimension of recurrent fractal interpolation functions defined with Matkowski contractions

On the box dimension of recurrent fractal interpolation functions defined with Matkowski contractions

The Strategic Effect of Hedonic and Utilitarian Value in Building Brand Trust and Brand Satisfaction

Customer value, divided into hedonic (emotional) and utilitarian (functional) dimensions, is crucial for competitive advantage, prompting the need for research in diverse contexts. Existing literature highlights the strategic importance of balancing these values to enhance brand trust and satisfaction, yet the cosmetics industry in Ghana remains underexplored. This study gathered data from 200 cosmetic product users in Ghana and used structural equation modelling to analyze the relationships between hedonic and utilitarian values, brand trust, and brand satisfaction. The findings indicate that hedonic values do not significantly affect brand trust or satisfaction, while utilitarian values are key drivers of both. Brand trust positively influences brand satisfaction but does not mediate the relationship between hedonic values and satisfaction. However, brand trust mediates the connection between utilitarian values and satisfaction. These insights are valuable for scientists studying consumer behaviour and for marketers aiming to meet customer expectations more effectively. This study, among the first of its kind in Ghana, underscores the strategic importance of utilitarian values in building brand trust and satisfaction in the cosmetic industry. Limitations include a single geographic focus and industry, suggesting future research should explore other contexts and include variables like brand loyalty and socioeconomic status to enhance understanding.

Persian Mobile Apps for Diabetic Patients: App Review and Evaluation Study

Background: The development of mobile apps in healthcare facilities helps users perform self-care effectively. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the quality, functionality, and features of Persian language diabetes mobile apps. Methods: Persian language diabetes self-management mobile apps were searched in the Android and iOS App Stores using relevant keywords such as "diabetes" and "blood sugar." Twelve apps met the inclusion criteria. Nine evaluators assessed the apps' quality based on the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), their functionality according to the IMS institute for healthcare informatics app functionality scoring system, and their features and content using a checklist. Results: The mean MARS score of the apps was 3.02 out of 5. Among the four dimensions of engagement, aesthetics, functionality, and information quality, functionality had the highest mean ± SD score (3.64 ± 1.13). Most of the apps used 5 - 7 out of the 11 defined functionalities. All self-management apps included the functionality of monitoring blood glucose levels, and the majority had health status monitoring features. Conclusions: The mobile apps had several drawbacks, including a lack of engagement strategies, insufficient evidence-based information for patients, limited guideline-based self-management functionalities, failure to evaluate clinical effectiveness in trials, and an absence of mutual communication with healthcare providers.

Exploring emotion dysregulation in adolescence and its association with social immaturity, self-representation, and thought process problems.

This study aimed to explore the complex phenomenon of emotional dysregulation, particularly in adolescence, which is associated with many mental health disorders and problems. Increasing the knowledge of clinicians and researchers in this area can be helpful in guiding future treatment plans. The aim of the study was to investigate, from an exploratory perspective, which structural aspects of adolescent functioning (assessed using the Rorschach test and administered and scored according to the Comprehensive System, CS, by Exner) were associated with different dimensions of emotional dysregulation (evaluated using the Difficulties in Emotion Dysregulation Scale, DERS). Secondary data were used for the study, which included 100 adolescents, with 50 in the clinical group (patients with complex trauma histories residing in therapeutic and socio-rehabilitative communities) and 50 in the nonclinical group (recruited from a scout group and middle and high schools). The two groups were compared on terms of the mean scores obtained in the DERS scales (one-tailed t-test) and the proportions of cases that obtained pathological values for selected Rorschach CS indicators (z-test). Partial correlations were calculated between the DERS scales and the Rorschach CS variables to explore which structural dimensions of functioning were associated with different characteristics of emotional dysregulation. The results indicated that the two groups differed in their outcomes on all DERS scales, except for Awareness and Goals, and on four Rorschach CS variables (EgoIndex, a:p, Wsum6, and MOR). Some significant positive and negative correlations between the Rorschach CS variables and the DERS scales also emerged. These results suggest that the dimensions of functioning associated with emotional dysregulation are related to self-representation, relational immaturity, and thought processes character and characterize membership in a therapeutic community. The correlations described in the article warrants further consideration. Finally, the study's limitations and future research prospects are presented.