Emotion Dysregulation In Relation Research Articles

Emotion dysregulation in relation to cannabis use and mental health among young adults

BackgroundEmotion dysregulation (ED) is a transdiagnostic variable that accounts for the onset and maintenance of mental health disorders. The interplay between ED, cannabis use and mental health has not been appraised in the young adult population and whether there are sex-dependent effects has yet to be examined. This study looked at whether ED mediates the association between past-month cannabis use and mental health, while considering sex as a moderator. Methods2,762 (64.2% women) undergraduate Spanish students completed an online battery. Among others, they fulfilled the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-28). A two-way ANOVA assessed the effects of sex and past-month cannabis use on participants’ DASS-21 scores. A set of moderated mediations tested whether the indirect effect of past-month cannabis use on DASS-21 through DERS differed by sex. ResultsPast-month cannabis female users showed higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress (M = 51.10, SD = 26.72) than did men [(M = 33.76, SD = 20.31); F(1, 2758) = 5.119, p =.024, η2p =.002]. In female young adults only, the effect of past-month cannabis use on mental health was mediated by ED (total score), non-acceptance of emotional responses, lack of emotional control, difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behavior, and lack of emotional clarity (all p’s < 0.005) ConclusionsFindings indicate the importance of considering ED in assessment and intervention practices. Interventions targeting ED may be particularly effective for female young adult cannabis users.

Military sexual trauma and alcohol misuse among military veterans: The roles of negative and positive emotion dysregulation.

Alcohol misuse is a significant clinical concern among military and veteran populations, particularly among individuals who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). Emotion dysregulation may be an important factor influencing alcohol misuse among individuals with a history of MST. The current study thus examined the role of negative and positive emotion dysregulation in the association between MST type and alcohol misuse among military veterans. Data were collected from a community sample of 515 veterans (Mage = 37.48, 71.3% male, 70.5% White). Mediation analyses indicated that negative and positive emotion dysregulation (separately) explained the relation between military sexual assault and alcohol misuse, but not military sexual harassment. Findings emphasize the clinical relevance of addressing negative and positive emotion dysregulation in relation to alcohol misuse among veterans with a history of sexual assault MST. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Changes in Risk Perception After Sexual Victimization: Are We Following the Right Track?

Sexual abuse is a major public health concern with detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. Several studies have reported that victims of sexual abuse have a decreased ability to recognize risk in potentially threatening situations compared with nonvictims, although others were not able to replicate this finding. In addition, although emotion dysregulation has been linked to risk perception and sexual victimization, results have been contradictory. To strengthen the theoretical framework needed for the development of interventions to reduce women’s likelihood of sexual assault, it is crucial to further examine the role of emotion dysregulation in relation to sexual victimization history and risk perception. The aim of the current study was to examine cross-sectional associations between sexual victimization, emotion regulation difficulties, and risk perception. In our sample of 276 female college students, 40% reported lifetime sexual victimization, 14% reported recent sexual victimization, and 12% reported childhood sexual abuse. In contrast to our hypothesis, we did not find risk perception to be related to lifetime sexual victimization, childhood sexual victimization, or recent sexual victimization. In addition, we did not find evidence for the expected relationship between sexual victimization, risk perception, and emotion regulation difficulties. The discussion of the current study specifically highlights the need for a clear conceptualization of risk perception and provides recommendations for future studies. More sophisticated measurement methods could lead to a higher applicability of findings to real-life situations. The potential relationships between victimization, risk perception, and emotion dysregulation need further clarification to reach the ultimate goal of contributing to the prevention of victimization.

Emotion dysregulation and cigarette dependence, perceptions of quitting, and problems during quit attempts among Spanish-speaking Latinx adult smokers

Latinx smokers in the United States (U.S.) represent an understudied health disparities group in terms of tobacco use. Despite scientific interest to elucidate individual difference risk factors for smoking, there is limited understanding of how emotional dysregulation relates to smoking outcomes among Spanish-speaking Latinx smokers. The purpose of the present investigation was therefore to explore emotion dysregulation in relation to cigarette dependence, perceived barriers for quitting, and severity of problems experienced during prior quit attempts. Participants were 363 Spanish-speaking Latinx daily smokers (58.7% female, Mage = 33.3 years, SD = 9.81). Results indicated that emotion dysregulation was significantly related to cigarette dependence, perceived barriers for quitting, and problems experienced during past quit attempts. Notably, the effects accounted for 7% to 15% of variance and were evident after adjusting for gender, income, education, number of medical conditions, depression symptoms, non-alcohol drug use, and alcohol consumption. The findings provide novel evidence that emotion dysregulation may represent an important individual difference factor for better understanding smoking-related outcomes among Latinx smokers and supports the need for greater attention to this affective vulnerability during smoking cessation treatment.

The role of emotion dysregulation in the association between subjective social status and eating expectancies among college students

Objective: Research suggests that college is a risky period for changes in eating behavior and beliefs. Although social health determinants relate to health behavior changes, research has not explored subjective social status, one’s societal standing, in terms of eating expectancies among college students. The present study examined the emotion dysregulation in association between subjective social status and eating expectancies among college students. Participants: Participants were a diverse sample of 1,589 college students (80.4% females; Mage = 22.2 years, SD = 5.27) from an urban university. Results: Results showed a significant indirect association of subjective social status via emotion dysregulation in relation to expectancies of eating to help manage negative affect, to alleviate boredom, and to lead to feeling out of control. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that college students with lower subjective social status may have a higher risk for dysregulated emotions, and consequently, expressing maladaptive eating expectancies.

Individual differences in emotion dysregulation and trajectory of withdrawal symptoms during a quit attempt among treatment-seeking smokers

ObjectiveCigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, and withdrawal symptoms are central to the maintenance of tobacco use. Previous research suggests that individual differences in the propensity to experience negative affect may be related to more severe withdrawal symptoms. However, little research has examined how individual differences in the ability to regulate affect (emotion dysregulation) may impact withdrawal symptoms over time. MethodTherefore, the current study examined the effects of emotion dysregulation on change in tobacco withdrawal symptoms over 12 weeks following a cigarette quit attempt among 188 (Mage = 38.52, SD = 14.00, 46.8% male) treatment seeking smokers. ResultsResults from the study indicated greater emotion dysregulation was associated with greater quit day withdrawal symptoms as well as with as slower decline in withdrawal symptoms over the 12-week period (B = −0.001, SE = 0.001, p = .046). ConclusionThe current study offers novel evidence into the role of emotion dysregulation in relation to withdrawal symptoms during a quit attempt. Assessing and reducing heightened emotion dysregulation prior to a quit attempt may be a potentially important therapeutic tactic for helping smokers achieve greater success in managing tobacco withdrawal. Public health significance statementThis study emphasizes the ways in which emotional dysregulation may affect tobacco withdrawal symptoms. This study can be utilized to further target smoking cessation programs for those attempting to quit smoking.

Emotion dysregulation and eating disorders-Associations with diagnostic presentation and key symptoms.

Emotion dysregulation seems involved in the development, maintenance, and outcome of eating disorders (EDs). The present study aimed to differentiate patients with EDs from a comparison group on emotion dysregulation, and to examine emotion dysregulation in relation to ED diagnostic presentation and ED symptoms. Participants, patients with EDs (N = 999) and a student comparison group (N = 252), completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Patients were compared to the comparison group and compared by diagnosis regarding emotion dysregulation, and unique associations between emotion dysregulation aspects and ED symptoms were examined. Patients reported greater general emotion dysregulation than the comparison group, especially poorer emotional awareness and clarity. There were very few diagnostic differences. In both patients and the comparison group, limited access to emotion regulation strategies was associated with cognitive ED symptoms, and presence of binge eating in the comparison group. In patients, poor emotional awareness and emotional non-acceptance were additionally associated with cognitive symptoms, and difficulties in impulse control and emotional non-acceptance were associated with binge eating. Emotion dysregulation is an important transdiagnostic characteristic of ED. Results suggest interventions that enhance emotional awareness and acceptance, as well as emotion regulation skills training, in both ED treatment and prevention.

The unique and interactive effects of anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation in relation to posttraumatic stress, depressive, and anxiety symptoms among trauma-exposed firefighters

BackgroundFirefighters are chronically exposed to traumatic events. Relatedly, past work has documented high rates of psychiatric problems, such as posttraumatic stress symptoms and depression, among firefighters. Less is known regarding anxiety symptoms among firefighters. Moreover, little work has examined risk/maintenance factors related to these symptoms among firefighters. Doing so may be important to developing interventions tailored to trauma-exposed firefighters. The current study examined symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, panic disorder, and social anxiety among trauma-exposed firefighters. ProcedureUsing structural equation modeling, the main and interactive effects of anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation were examined in relation to these symptom outcomes. Participants included 787 male urban firefighters reporting at least one past traumatic event. ResultsThere was a statistically significant main effect of anxiety sensitivity on each outcome. Emotion dysregulation exerted a statistically significant main effect on posttraumatic stress, depression, and social anxiety symptoms. Interactive effects of anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation did not reach statistical significance but examination of effect sizes suggests that interactive effects may be present for posttraumatic stress symptoms (R2 = 0.011), depression (R2 = 0.008), and panic (R2 = 0.016) such that emotion dysregulation is more strongly related to outcomes when anxiety sensitivity levels are relatively lower. All effects were evident after controlling for trauma severity and history of armed forces service. ConclusionOverall, results suggest that anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation represent unique risk/maintenance factors related to a broad range of emotional symptoms among trauma-exposed firefighters. These findings replicate patterns found among the general population and extend the findings to potentially vulnerable firefighters.

Gut interpretations: how difficulties in emotion regulation may help explain the relation of visceral sensitivity with depression and anxiety among young adults with gastrointestinal symptoms

It is widely recognized that abdominal pain and discomfort are common problems in the United States and are often associated with negative quality of life. The prevalence of anxiety/depression elevations and disorders among persons with gastrointestinal disturbances (GI) is estimated to be at least two to three times the rate in the general population. Visceral sensitivity reflects anxiety about GI sensations and its accompanying contexts and often leads to worsening of sensations (e.g. bloating, upset stomach, diarrhea). Among individuals with GI symptoms, visceral sensitivity may be associated with interpreting common sensations as catastrophic which may be related to greater difficulties with emotion dysregulation (e.g. severe anxiety and depression). The current study evaluated the indirect association of visceral sensitivity via emotion dysregulation in relation to depression, anxious arousal, and social anxiety symptoms among 344 young adults with a current history of GI symptoms and problems. Results indicated an indirect effect of visceral sensitivity via emotion dysregulation. These findings provide novel empirical support for the association of visceral sensitivity with emotional distress symptoms among young adults with GI symptoms. Based on the results, targeting emotion dysregulation may be a promising health promotion tactic among young adults with GI symptoms and disorders.

Emotion Dysregulation in the Context of Pain and Alcohol Use Among Latinos in Primary Care.

Latinos experience more severe pain relative to other racial/ethnic groups. Although pain is associated with alcohol use, little is known about pain/alcohol associations among Latinos. The current study examined whether emotion dysregulation explained associations between pain intensity/disability and alcohol use among Latinos in primary care. Participants were 252 low-income Latino adults (mean age = 38.7 years, SD = 10.8; 86.1% female; 95.2% reported Spanish as their first language) who completed self-report measures of pain, emotion dysregulation, and alcohol use. There was a significant indirect effect of pain intensity via emotion dysregulation in relation to alcohol use severity. In addition, there was a significant indirect effect of pain-related disability via emotion dysregulation in relation to alcohol use severity. Pain intensity and pain-related disability were each associated with emotion dysregulation, which in turn was associated with the severity of alcohol use. Effects were evident after controlling for sex, marital status, education, and years in the United States. Alternative models examined "reverse" indirect effects and were statistically rejected. Among Latinos in primary care, emotion dysregulation is a possible explanatory factor underlying pain and alcohol use associations.

Social exposure and emotion dysregulation: Main effects in relation to nonsuicidal self-injury

We examined the relation of interpersonal and media exposure to nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among 340 university students in the southeastern United States (73.5% female, M age = 19.38 years, SD = 1.15). We also assessed interactions and main effects of each exposure and emotion dysregulation in relation to NSSI, testing the social learning hypothesis of NSSI. Most participants endorsed medium to high levels of exposure to NSSI via media sources. More than one-third of participants were somewhat or very familiar with someone who engaged in NSSI. Almost half reported occasional or frequent conversations about NSSI. Both exposure forms were significantly related to NSSI history. However, hurdle regression analyses revealed that interpersonal exposure and emotion dysregulation, but not media exposure, were significantly associated with NSSI history and frequency. We did not find evidence for an emotion dysregulation-by-interpersonal-exposure interaction. We discuss implications for theoretical models of NSSI, limitations, and future directions.

Pain severity and emotion dysregulation among Latinos in a community health care setting: relations to mental health

Although pain severity is often related to poorer mental health and is one of the most common presenting complaints in community health care settings, there is little understanding of the pain experience in relation to anxiety/depressive symptoms and disorders among Latino populations in medical contexts. To address this gap, the current study explored an interactive model of pain severity and emotion dysregulation in relation to anxiety/depressive symptoms and psychopathology among 274 Latinos who attended a community-based primary health care clinic [86.9% female; Mage=39.3 (SD=11.2); 96.0% indicated Spanish as their first language]. Results indicated a statistically significant interaction between pain severity and emotion dysregulation for suicidal symptoms, social anxiety symptoms and number of mood/anxiety disorders, such that more severe pain and greater levels of emotion dysregulation related to poorer mental health. Both pain severity and emotion dysregulation were significant predictors of depressive symptoms, but only pain severity was a significant predictor of anxious arousal symptoms. These novel findings suggest a clinically significant interplay between pain severity and emotion dysregulation among Latinos in. The results are discussed in relation to the need for new screening and intervention tactics that address interrelations between pain severity and emotional dysregulation among Latinos seeking treatment in community health-care-based settings.

Negative Affectivity and Problematic Alcohol Use Among Latinos in Primary Care: The Role of Emotion Dysregulation

Objective: Latinos are the largest and most rapidly growing racial/ethnic group in the United States. In Latino communities, alcohol is the most widely abused substance, yet there is little empirical understanding of the factors underlying problematic alcohol use among Latinos. The current study explored whether negative affectivity exerted an indirect effect via emotion dysregulation in relation to two alcohol-related outcomes. Methods: Participants were 316 Latinos attending a community-based primary care facility (Mage = 39.3, SD = 11.3; 85.4% female; 95.3% first language Spanish), who completed a variety of self-report and interview measures. Mediation analyses evaluated the indirect effect of negative affectivity via emotion dysregulation on problematic drinking and symptoms of alcohol dependence. Results: While there was no direct or total effect of negative affectivity on either alcohol-related outcome, negative affectivity was significantly associated with both problematic alcohol use and symptoms of dependence via emotion dysregulation. Effect sizes were in the medium range, K2 = .09 and .10, respectively. Post-hoc multiple mediation analyses evaluated subfactors of emotion dysregulation as mediators of the negative affectivity–alcohol associations. These results suggested that difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior might be particularly important in explaining the association between negative affectivity and problematic alcohol use/symptoms of dependence. Last, independent mediation analyses evaluated emotion dysregulation subfactors and found that limited access to effective emotion regulation strategies and difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior were, independently, significant mediators for both outcomes. Nonacceptance of emotional responses may also mediate negative affectivity and problematic drinking. Surprisingly, impulse control difficulties was not a significant mediator in any model. Conclusions: These data provide novel insight that among Latinos in primary care, emotion dysregulation is a possible mechanism underlying the indirect relationship between negative affectivity and problematic alcohol use and symptoms of dependence. Results also highlight specific facets of emotion dysregulation as potential targets of intervention. Future research should be longitudinal in nature, be conducted among more representative samples, and utilize measures that will better assess the potential variability in these associations. Results of such work may inform the development of alcohol treatment interventions incorporating the use of adaptive emotion regulation among Latinos in primary care.

The Examination of Emotion Dysregulation as a Moderator of Depression and HIV-Relevant Outcome Relations Among an HIV+Sample

The present study examined whether emotion dysregulation moderated the relations between depressive symptoms and HIV symptoms, HIV medication adherence due to medication side effects, avoidant coping, and distress tolerance among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). Participants included 115 PLHA (16.8% female; Mage = 49.70, SD = 8.57). Results indicated that there was a significant interaction between depressive symptoms and emotion dysregulation in relation to HIV symptoms, HIV medication adherence due to medication side effects, avoidant coping, and distress tolerance. The form of the interaction indicated that PLHA experiencing higher depressive symptoms and higher levels of emotion dysregulation reported the highest levels of HIV symptoms and lowest levels of distress tolerance. Additionally, results indicated that at lower levels of depressive symptoms, very high levels of emotion dysregulation predicted higher rates of medication nonadherence, whereas at higher levels of depressive symptoms, very high levels of emotion dysregulation predicted the lowest rates of medication nonadherence. Moreover, those experiencing lower levels of depressive symptoms and higher levels of emotion dysregulation reported the greatest rates of avoidant coping. In total, the present results suggest a complex interplay between emotion dysregulation and depressive symptoms with regard to HIV symptoms, medication nonadherence, and self-regulatory processes (e.g., avoidant coping, distress tolerance) among PLHA.

An examination of the incremental contribution of emotion regulation difficulties to health anxiety beyond specific emotion regulation strategies

Given the potential transdiagnostic importance of emotion dysregulation, as well as a lack of research examining emotion dysregulation in relation to health anxiety, the present study sought to examine associations among specific emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression), emotion regulation difficulties, and health anxiety in a physically healthy sample of adults (N=482). As hypothesized, results of a series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that emotion regulation difficulties provided a significant incremental contribution, beyond the specific emotion regulation strategies, in predicting each of the three health anxiety variables. Among the six dimensions of emotion regulation difficulties, the dimension representing perceived access to effective emotion regulation strategies was the only emotion regulation difficulty dimension that predicted all three health anxiety variables beyond the effects of the specific emotion regulation strategies. Results indicate that emotion regulation difficulties, and particularly one's subjective appraisal of his/her ability to effectively regulate emotions, may be of importance to health anxiety. Clinical implications are discussed.