Emotional Closeness Research Articles

Anhedonia in adolescents at transdiagnostic familial risk for severe mental illness: Clustering by symptoms and mechanisms of association with behavior

BackgroundAnhedonia is a transdiagnostic symptom of severe mental illness (SMI) and emerges during adolescence. Possible subphenotypes and neural mechanisms of anhedonia in adolescents at risk for SMI are understudied. MethodsAdolescents at familial risk for SMI (N = 81) completed anhedonia (e.g., consummatory, anticipatory, social), demographic, and clinical measures and one year prior, a subsample (N = 46) completed fMRI scanning during a monetary reward task. Profiles were identified using k-means clustering of anhedonia type and differences in demographics, suicidal ideation, impulsivity, and emotional processes were examined. Moderation analyses were conducted to investigate whether levels of brain activation of reward regions moderated the relationships between anhedonia type and behaviors. ResultsTwo-clusters emerged: a high anhedonia profile (high-anhedonia), characterized by high levels of all types of anhedonia, (N = 32) and a low anhedonia profile (low-anhedonia), characterized by low levels of anhedonia types (N = 49). Adolescents in the high-anhedonia profile reported more suicidal ideation and negative affect, and less positive affect and desire for emotional closeness than low-anhedonia profile. Furthermore, more suicidal ideation, less positive affect, and less desire for emotional closeness differentiated the familial high-risk, high-anhedonia profile adolescents from the familial high-risk, low-anhedonia profile adolescents. Across anhedonia profiles, moderation analyses revealed that adolescents with high dmPFC neural activation in response to reward had positive relationships between social, anticipatory, and consummatory anhedonia and suicidal ideation. LimitationsSmall subsample with fMRI data. ConclusionProfiles of anhedonia emerge transdiagnostically and vary on clinical features. Anhedonia severity and activation in frontostriatal reward areas have value for clinically important outcomes such as suicidal ideation.

The Reward-Related Shift of Emotional Contagion from the Observer's Perspective Correlates to Their Intimacy with the Expresser.

Although previous studies have found a bidirectional relationship between emotional contagion and reward, there is insufficient research to prove the effect of reward on the social function of emotional contagion. To explore this issue, the current study used electroencephalography (EEG) and the interactive way in which the expresser played games to help participants obtain reward outcomes. The results demonstrated a significant correlation between changes in emotional contagion and closeness, indicating that emotional contagion has a social regulatory function. Regarding the impact of reward outcomes, the results showed that compared to the context of a loss, in the context of a win, participants' closeness toward the expresser shifted to a more intimate level, their emotional contagion changed in a more positive direction, and the activity of the late positive component (LPC) of the event-related potentials (ERPs) changed to a greater extent. Significantly, the mediation results demonstrated the effect of reward and indicated that changes in the LPC elicited while experiencing the expressers' emotion predicted the subsequent shifts in closeness through alterations in emotional contagion of the anger emotion in the winning context and the happy emotion in the loss context. This study provides empirical evidence regarding the social function of emotional contagion and proves for the first time that the reward context plays a role in it.

Shinmi (親身): a Distinctive Japanese Medical Virtue?

In Western countries, the ideal professional and ethical attributes of healthcare providers and the ideal patient-doctor relationship have been analysed in detail. Other cultures, however, may have different norms, arising in response to diverse healthcare needs, cultural values and offering alternative perspectives. In this paper, drawing a case study, we introduce the concept of Shinmi, used in Japan to describe a desirable approach to medical care. Shinmi means kind or cordial in Japanese. In the medical context, it refers to doctors treating patients with a degree of emotional closeness as if they were the doctors’ own family. We analyse the concept of Shinmi, drawing on virtue ethics. We distinguish two different elements to a Shinmi-na attitude. As illustrated in our example, excessive Shinmi can be problematic for patients and doctors. Furthermore, elements of Shinmi may conflict with existing Western values (for example, norms that encourage emotional detachment and discourage doctors’ treatment of family members). However, if pursued appropriately, we argue that a balanced Shinmi-na approach can be conducive to the goals of medicine. The concept of Shinmi may be valuable for medical students, in Japanese and potentially other health care systems, and help them to cultivate a virtuous approach to meeting the emotional needs of patients.

Women's experiences with solitary childbirth support in Ohio during COVID-19: Results from a qualitative study.

Women, transgender men, and gender non-binary individuals who gave birth during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic experienced strict visitor restrictions that significantly disrupted their support networks. This study sought to examine women's perceptions and experiences of solitary support, particularly from male partners, during labor and delivery. From April 2020 through August 2021, I conducted in-depth interviews with women who had given birth in the previous 12 months in the state of Ohio. I used a multi-modal recruitment strategy and conducted all interviews virtually. I analyzed transcripts to identify themes using inductive and deductive techniques. I interviewed 12 women who gave birth after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and all opted to have their male partner as their solitary support person. Most women reported putting pressure on their male partners to "step up" in the absence of other sources of support, such as doulas. Couples engaged in intensive communication and planning prior to the delivery, which contributed to increased feelings of emotional closeness. Participants reported mixed feelings about birthing with a solitary support person including having a sense of increased privacy and an ability to focus while also feeling afraid and isolated. Women who gave birth in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and prior to the widespread availability of vaccines were particularly vulnerable to adverse perinatal outcomes, including stillbirth and postpartum depression. Understanding the impact of solitary support from male partners can help inform future person-centered and equitable maternity care visitor policies.

Strategi Pemecahan Masalah Learning Loss pada Peserta Didik Setelah Pandemi COVID-19 di SMA Negeri 5 Kupang

This study aimed to find out the strategy of problem-solving conducted at SMA Negeri 5 Kupang. This research uses qualitative methods. The subjects in this study were students at SMA Negeri 5 Kupang. Data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis techniques used data reduction, data presentation, and conclusions. The results of this research show that the strategy for solving the problem of learning loss among students after the COVID-19 pandemic at SMA Negeri 5 is that teachers can use methods that can be applied without having to gather and have physical contact, such as inquiry methods, case studies, problem-solving, recitation, and so on. By interacting a lot, it is hoped that it can help strengthen students' communication skills and create emotional closeness between fellow students and the teacher.

Взаимосвязь уровня самоактуализации родителей и особенностей их отношения к ребенку в младшем школьном возрасте

The article presents the results of the study of the relationship between the process of parents’ self-actualization and the peculiarities of their attitude towards their children of primary school age, which are found in the communication and interaction of mother or father with the child. It is emphasized that the parent acts as a significant adult in the eyes of primary school students, which is due to the psychological features of their age, so that its influence on the formation of minors’ personality is pronounced and appears to be conditioned by the parent’s own level of psychological maturity, which finds its expression in his desire for self-improvement and self-realization outside the family. Such a position of an adult seems to be a prerequisite for a positive parental attitude to the child and building a constructive interaction with him. During the study it was revealed that a high level of self-actualization of a significant adult (parent) mediates the formation of family relations with a child of primary school age on the principles of acceptance, cooperation, absence of educa-tional confrontation, and emotional closeness.

The Association between the Emotional Closeness, Negative and Positive Affection, and Agitation among Older Adult with Dementia: A Cross-sectional Study

The Association between the Emotional Closeness, Negative and Positive Affection, and Agitation among Older Adult with Dementia: A Cross-sectional Study

Impacts of grandparenting on older Chinese adults’ mental health: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe practice of grandparenting has been growing in popularity worldwide, particularly in Asian societies. Nevertheless, there is a lack of thorough studies investigating the mental health effects of grandchild care on grandparents, particularly within the family context. The present study aimed to explore the impact of grandparenting on depressive symptoms in older Chinese adults, taking into account the functional role of intergenerational support.MethodsUsing the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS, 2014 and 2018, N = 9,486), we employed the Pooled Ordinary Least Square method (POLS) to explore the association between depressive symptoms and grandparenting intensity as well as include the interaction terms to investigate the role of intergenerational support among grandparents aged from 60 to 80.ResultsAfter adjusting for control variables, both non-intensive (-0.17; 95% CI: -0.30, -0.03) and intensive (-0.69; 95% CI: -0.95, -0.43) childcare, as well as giving financial support to adult children (-0.06; 95% CI: -0.08, -0.04) and emotional closeness with them (-0.94; 95% CI: -1.15, -0.72), were found to have a positive impact on the mental health of grandparents. Giving financial support (non-intensive: -0.04, 95% CI: -0.07, -0.01; intensive: -0.06, 95% CI: -0.13, -0.01) and providing instrumental support to adult children (non-intensive: -0.12, 95% CI: -0.24, -0.01; intensive: -0.19, 95% CI: -0.37, -0.02) moderated the association between grandparenting and the mental health of older adults, regardless of care intensity. However, the moderating role of receiving financial support (-0.07; 95% CI: -0.12, -0.02) only existed when non-intensive childcare was provided.ConclusionGrandchild care predicted better mental health in grandparents, mainly when they engaged in intensive grandparenting. Emotional closeness and providing financial support to adult children brought mental health benefits to grandparents involved in childcare. Giving financial support and providing instrumental support to adult children moderated the association between grandparenting and the mental health of older adults. However, the moderating role of receiving financial support from adult children only existed when non-intensive childcare was provided.

Strategi Adaptif Dalam Meredakan Konflik Keluarga

This study aims to analyze the role of adaptive strategies in reducing conflict in the family environment. Through a qualitative approach with case studies, researchers investigate how families deal with and overcome conflict responsively and flexibly. These findings indicate that adaptive strategies, such as effective communication, healthy emotional management, respect for differences, and negotiation skills, have a crucial role in reducing family conflict. This strategy not only contributes to conflict resolution, but also to growth and emotional closeness among family members. The implications of this research provide insight into how families can address conflict challenges in a constructive way, promote harmonious relationships, and support collective growth.

Changes in Network Size, Quality, and Composition among Informal Caregivers in Different Welfare Clusters: Longitudinal Analyses Based on a Pan-European Survey (SHARE)

Introduction: This study analyzed the association between transitions into informal caregiving, inside and outside their own household, and changes in network size, quality, and composition among older adults (≥50 years) in four different welfare systems in Europe. Methods: Data from waves 4, 6, and 8 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe was used and included up to 110,823 participants (aged ≥50 years) from 12 countries. Participants were asked about informal caregiving inside and outside the household and their network size, quality (emotional closeness, contact frequency), and composition (family, friends, men, women). Adjusted linear and Poisson fixed effects regression analyses were conducted. Results: Participants transitioning into any caregiving (inside or outside the household) had a larger network. More women and family members were found among all those transitioning into caregiving, but only outside caregiving was associated with more men and friends in the network. Transitioning into caregiving outside was associated with reduced network closeness and contact. Changes among caregivers outside were similar in all welfare states but were more pronounced among caregivers inside the household of Eastern Europe. Conclusion: Different patterns of changes in network size, quality, and composition were found among adults transitioning into caregiving inside and outside the household. All parameters changed among caregivers outside the household. However, the welfare system played a key role in the network changes among inside household caregivers. Thus, the micro as well as the macro context of caregiving is important for the support network of informal caregivers.

Linking emotional solidarity with residents' support for religious tourism development: an empirical research from a cultural heritage context

PurposeThe aim of this research study is to examine the role of emotional solidarity on religious tourism support. Data for the present research work were attained from various groups of residents in Amasya province/Türkiye.Design/methodology/approachThe Google form-based questionnaires were self-managed by the participants. In the context of the survey, 306 complete questionnaires were gathered. For the data analysis, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was used via SmartPLS 4.0 software in conjunction with SPSS version 23.FindingsThe analysis results show that the emotional solidarity dimensions such as welcoming nature and sympathetic understanding were found to be positively related with religious tourism support at different coefficient levels; however, emotional closeness was not statistically related.Originality/valueThis study adds fresh insights into the field of tourist literature and has beneficial ramifications for business development in the area of religious tourism.

Literary and Aesthetic Competencies in Literature Course: Whether Innovative Information Technologies Hinder Their Growth?

The purpose of this article is (1) to determine the set of literary and aesthetic competencies when reading literature and (2) to quantify the possible effect for the formation of Literary and Aesthetic competence when using innovative information technologies. The establishment of the array of literary and aesthetic competencies was achieved through the synthesis of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (2018) and a comprehensive analysis of relevant scholarly literature. The researchers determined the substantial effect of mobile applications in building three out of five aesthetic competencies ( D = 1.12 for expressive perception, D = 1.55 for emotional closeness and D = 0.82 for cognitive elaboration). Hence, based on the research outcomes, the approach adopted by the experimental group (utilisation of mobile applications for reading) facilitates the attainment of heightened literary competence through a more aesthetically comprehensive experiential engagement with the study of literary works.

Parental Perspectives on Impact of Parental Presence Restrictions in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit During the COVID-19 pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To describe parental experiences in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during the COVID-19 restrictions. We explore what parents found most challenging, the impact these restrictions had on them and their infant, and how they coped. A cross-sectional online survey was completed by parents of infants who required care in a Canadian NICU during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from 3 questions were coded using thematic analysis. Participants ( n = 161) were primarily mothers (93%), with an average length of stay of 32.1 days. Three themes were identified from responses: (1) emotional and physical closeness of the parents to their infant; (2) physical and psychosocial well-being of the infant and parent; and (3) how parents coped, and strategies for moving forward. Parents reported that parental restriction policies adversely impacted their perceived physical and emotional closeness with their infant and their infant's physical and psychosocial well-being. Parents reported that being able to be present with their infant, having their partner able to be present with them, and effective communication helped them cope. Despite the need for some restrictive policies to control the spread of the virus, the benefits and risks to the overall well-being of the parents and infants must be weighed.

The Predictors of Negative and Positive Affect among People with Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: This cross-sectional study examined the predictors of negative and positive affect among individuals with dementia. Materials and Methods: A sample of 102 Jordanian participants diagnosed with dementia was recruited from residential care facilities, and data were collected using different measures. Results: The results revealed that higher levels of negative affect were significantly associated with increased physical and verbal agitation among individuals with dementia. Conversely, lower levels of positive affect were associated with residing in a nursing home. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of recognizing the impact of both negative and positive affect on the well-being of individuals with dementia. Interventions targeting the reduction of negative affect and promoting positive affect could alleviate agitation and enhance emotional closeness in this population.

Hubungan Ketergantungan Emosi Dan Kesepian Pada Emerging Adulthood Yang Menjalani Pacaran Jarak Jauh

Emerging adulthood those who are dating long distance feel insecure in their relationship and result in decreased emotional closeness which impacts on the level of loneliness. This study aims to determine the relationship between emotional dependency and loneliness in emerging adulthood who are in a long-distance relationship. Emotional dependence is a persistent pattern of unmet emotional needs that are attempted to be satisfied in a way that is not adaptive to others. Loneliness occurs when emotional and social needs are not met. This study uses a quantitative approach to the survey method. Participants in this study consisted of 156 emerging adults aged 18-25 years who underwent long-distance courtship. The measuring instrument used was The University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale Version 3 (UCLA Version 3) and Partner's Emotional Dependency Questionnaire. which has been adapted into Indonesian. Data analysis used the Pearson's product moment correlation test with the help of SPSS 27 for Mac. The results of the research data analysis showed that the correlation coefficient between emotional dependence and loneliness in emerging adulthood who underwent long-distance courtship was 0.226, with a significance level of 0.004 (p>0.05). These results indicate that there is a positive and significant relationship, which means that the higher the emotional dependency, the higher the loneliness of emerging adults who undergo long-distance courtship.

Multiple Factors Leading to Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents

Depression is a prevalent mental health issue that has a significant impact on teenagers across the globe. This paper reviews the current literature on adolescent depression and its relationship with family factors. In addition, this paper tries to analyze the associations between depression and family intimacy, parenting style, attachment patterns, and adaptability. The findings from the studies suggest that family factors play a critical role in adolescent depression. Adolescents who lack emotional closeness with their families, are subjected to harmful parenting practices, exhibit insecure attachment patterns, and struggle to adapt to changes are more likely to experience depression. While the existing literature provides valuable insights into the relationship between family factors and adolescent depression, much remains to be explored. Future research could further investigate how family factors impact adolescent mental health and the potential for interventions to improve family relationships to prevent or alleviate depression in this population. Additionally, future studies could examine the impact of cultural and socioeconomic factors on the relationship between family factors and adolescent depression. Exploring this subject in more depth could pave the way for evidence-based approaches that have the potential to impact the lives of adolescents and their families positively.

Longitudinal trajectories of adult sibling relationship quality and psychological well‐being: The effect of childhood maltreatment

AbstractObjectivesThis study examined (a) the effect of childhood maltreatment on the trajectory of emotional closeness with siblings and (b) whether and how a history of childhood maltreatment affects the longitudinal association between emotional closeness with siblings and older adults' psychological well‐being.BackgroundPrior studies have suggested that childhood maltreatment may have lasting adverse effects on later‐life relationships with family members of origin, which may include adult siblings.MethodsWe used three‐wave data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. Latent growth curve modeling was conducted to examine the associations between perceived sibling closeness and the psychological well‐being of 4,736 older adults.ResultsOur findings showed that the trajectory of perceived sibling closeness differed between older adults who experienced childhood maltreatment and those who did not. Perceived sibling closeness was lower at baseline for those who experienced maltreatment and did not change over time, whereas perceived sibling closeness increased over time for those who did not experience maltreatment. Further, older adults who reported greater sibling closeness over time showed less of a decline in psychological well‐being, of which patterns did not differ between the maltreated and nonmaltreated groups.ConclusionChildhood maltreatment was found to have long‐term negative effects on the emotional quality of sibling relationships in late adulthood.ImplicationsMore research is needed to explore potential mechanisms that explain these lifelong associations, which will inform the development of timely interventions that can help reduce the long‐lasting influence of adverse childhood experiences on the dynamics and relationships in later‐life families.

Modulation of dog–owner relationship and dog social and cognitive behavior by owner temperament and dog breed group

As companion dogs spend most of their lives with humans, the human–dog relationship and owner temperament may affect the dog behavior. In this study (n = 440), we investigated the relationship between the dog owner temperament (ATQ-R), owner-perceived dog–owner relationship (MDORS) and the dog behavior in three behavioral tests: the object-choice test, the unsolvable task, and the cylinder test. Dog owner temperament influenced the dog–owner relationship. Owners with high negative affectivity showed higher emotional closeness and perceived costs of their dog, whereas owners with high effortful control showed lower emotional closeness and perceived costs. Higher dog activity during the behavioral tests was also connected with owner-perceived lower emotional closeness. Furthermore, dog breed group modulated the connection between the owner temperament and dog behavior. Owner’s high negative affectivity correlated with herding dogs’ lower scores in the object choice test, while the behavior of primitive type dogs was unaffected by the owner temperament. Our results confirm that human characteristics are associated with the owner-reported dog–owner relationship, and owner temperament may have a modulatory effect on the dog social and cognitive behavior depending on the dog breed group, which should be investigated further.

Residents’ attitudes towards tourism development in a non-touristy destination: the moderating role of travel experience

ABSTRACT Residents’ perceptions of tourism development largely determine the success of a tourist destination. In recent years, the concept of Emotional Solidarity, that is, the affective bonds that people have with each other, has been used to explain the resident–tourist relationship. Emotional Solidarity encompasses three factors: welcoming nature, sympathetic understanding, and emotional closeness. The objective of this research is to examine residents’ perceptions about tourism development using the theory of Emotional Solidarity in the context of Rotuma, Fiji. Rotuma has little tourism development. We analyse 310 surveys completed by Rotuma residents. Using PLS-SEM model, we find residents’ emotional closeness with tourists and welcoming nature of tourists (but not sympathetic understanding of tourists) explained tourism’s contribution to the community and support for tourism development. Travel by residents strengthens the relationship between emotional closeness and welcoming nature to their perceptions of contribution to the community and support for tourism development.

Prosocial aggression tracks genetic relatedness distinctly from emotional closeness.

Altruistic behavior is understood to largely stem from adaptations for kin altruism, contingent on degree of relatedness, and/or reciprocal altruism, contingent on degree of benefits conferred in exchange for help. Because kin qualify for both kin and reciprocal altruism, they should receive greater support than friends, as has been demonstrated in prior research. Here, we tested this prediction with regard to willingness to punish on another's behalf, comparing inclinations to aggress against transgressors when the victim was framed as an acquaintance, close friend, cousin, sibling, or oneself. Participants endorsed comparably greater direct aggression on behalf of the self, kin, or friends relative to acquaintances, despite reporting substantially greater emotional closeness to friends, consistent with what has been termed a kinship premium. Kin engendered greater aid than is explicable by affiliative emotion. Participants also reported less anger-yet trends toward greater disgust-when victims were acquaintances relative to all other conditions, replicating prior work distinguishing the social functions of anger and disgust. These results are discussed as they inform both the kinship premium hypothesis and sociofunctional accounts of moral emotion. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).