Impulse Control Difficulties Research Articles

The Daydream Spectrum: The Role of Emotional Dysregulation, Internalized Stigma and Self-Esteem in Maladaptive Daydreaming Among Adults With ADHD, ASD, and Double Diagnosis.

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is characterized by vivid, excessive fantasy activity that becomes prioritized over other activities and may result in avoidant coping strategies. Little is known about the relationship between MD and internalized stigma in the neurodivergent sample. The current study aimed to examine emotional dysregulation, escapism and self-perception (self-esteem and internalized stigma) as potential determinants of MD in three groups: adults on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, and both diagnoses ("AuDHD"), including their neurodivergent symptoms (autistic traits, empathizing, ADHD symptoms). A sample of 293 persons (139 with ADHD, 74 on the autism spectrum, and 80 with both diagnoses) completed self-report scales concerning ADHD symptoms, autism spectrum symptoms, empathizing, self-esteem, daydreaming as escapism, emotional dysregulation, maladaptive daydreaming, and internalized stigma. A correlation analysis was implemented. Additionally, a group comparison and quantile regression for the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile of maladaptive daydreaming in the three groups were executed. The results showed that internalized stigma, emotional dysregulation, escapism, and self-esteem have significant associations with MD in the neurodiverse sample. The ADHD group achieved the lowest scores in emotional dysregulation, discrimination experience, and social withdrawal. The groups did not vary in MD rates, stereotype endorsement, stigma resistance, nonacceptance of emotional responses, and impulse control difficulties. The AuDHD group achieved higher results than the ASD group only in the ADHD symptoms. Quantile regression revealed differences in the predictors of maladaptive daydreaming in the three groups. ADHD symptoms and self-suppression escapism were significant predictors for the higher levels of MD in persons with singular autism or ADHD diagnosis. The results showed no differences in MD rates, although there were significant variations in predictive features among the three samples. The role of internalized stigma and self-esteem was highlighted in the results as significant associates of MD prevalence. These outcomes expand the current knowledge in the context of maladaptive daydreaming, internalized stigma, self-esteem and emotional dysregulation in a neurodiverse sample and allow for proposing clinical applications and further research directions.

Do impulse control difficulties moderate the relationship between intermittent fasting and disordered eating?

BackgroundRecent findings suggest positive associations between intermittent fasting (IF, i.e., an eating pattern that consists of alternating between consuming and abstaining calories over specified periods of time) and disordered eating (DE), including binge eating, laxative use, and self-induced vomiting. However, as not all individuals who engage in IF present with DE, the current study aimed to investigate whether 1) IF was associated with elevated DE, and 2) impulse control difficulties differentially predict DE in intermittent fasters compared to non-intermittent fasters. MethodsParticipants included 929 undergraduates (M = 19.8, SD = 2.97) from a university in the United States. IF was assessed with a single item question, “Do you intentionally engage in intermittent fasting in order to lose/maintain your weight or due to health-related motivations?” The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire was used to measure DE (i.e., global score, restraint, eating, shape, and weight concerns). One subscale from the Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale was used to measure impulse control difficulties. Hierarchal regressions examined whether impulse control difficulties moderated the relationship between IF and DE while controlling for age, gender, race, and ethnicity. ResultsIF was significantly associated with all DE outcomes. Adjusted analyses indicated that impulse control difficulties moderated the relationship between IF and two DE outcomes (i.e., global score (b = 0.038, se = 0.017, t = 2.17, p < 0.05) and restraint (b = 0.042, se = 0.019, t = 2.22, p < 0.05)). DiscussionThese results support previous literature that suggests an association between IF and elevated DE. Further, individuals engaging in IF with impulse control difficulties may experience more feelings of restraint towards eating and increased overall DE though effects were small. Future research delineating who is at highest risk for DE when engaging in IF is needed.

Positive Emotion Dysregulation and Social Impairments in Adolescents with and without ADHD.

Although research suggests that emotion dysregulation may underlie adolescents' social impairments, studies have focused almost exclusively on the dysregulation of negative emotions. The present study addressed this gap in the literature by examining whether behavioral manifestations of positive emotion dysregulation are also implicated. A sample of 13-18-year-old adolescents (56.8% female) with and without a childhood diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was used, increasing variability in impairment profiles. Adolescents self-reported behavioral difficulties related to positive emotion dysregulation (i.e., impulse control difficulties, difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior, and non-acceptance of positive emotions), negative emotion dysregulation, and social impairments (i.e., peer rejection, friendship quality, deviant peer affiliation, aggression, and victimization); parents rated adolescent's ADHD symptoms. Regression analyses indicated that impulse control difficulties when experiencing positive emotions uniquely predicted greater conflict in the best friend relationship, deviant peer affiliation, aggression, and victimization, even when accounting for negative emotion dysregulation and current ADHD symptoms. The significant effect of impulse control difficulties on these social impairments was consistent when accounting for oppositional defiant disorder and depression symptoms and when examining the main predictors only in adolescents with childhood or adolescent clinical elevations in ADHD symptoms. These results are the first to indicate that even for adolescents with ADHD, positive emotion dysregulation, and specifically impulse control difficulties, may significantly predict social challenges.

Helicopter Parenting Behaviors and Emerging Adult Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Emotion Dysregulation

Helicopter parenting during emerging adulthood, a developmental period highlighting autonomy and self-reliance, can undermine college students’ well-being. The current study examined the mediating role of emotion dysregulation in the association between helicopter parenting and mental health outcomes among college-aged adults. A sample of 790 college students completed questionnaires on perceived helicopter parenting, emotion dysregulation, depression, social anxiety, and alcohol use. Results generally supported the hypothesized mediation model, but associations depended on the specific helicopter parenting behavior, emotion dysregulation dimension, and mental health outcome. Autonomy limiting was particularly detrimental to all emotion dysregulation dimensions and mental health, whereas information-seeking behaviors may be beneficial to emerging adults’ outcomes. Impulse control difficulties and lack of emotional clarity emerged as robust mediators. The findings highlight the importance of disentangling specific helicopter parenting behaviors as well as emotion dysregulation as a mechanism of risk, providing useful clinical implications for the improvement of college students’ well-being.

The Role of Emotion Dysregulation In Problematic Alcohol Use and Coping with Problems

Introduction: Emotional factors are often specified as playing an important role in the context of problematic alcohol use and alcohol addiction. Aims: This study focused on examining the relationship between difficulties in emotion regulation, perceived personal problems, and problematic alcohol use. Methods: 374 participants from the general population in Slovenia and Croatia (34.8% men, 65.2% women) with an average age of 44.28 years (range: 26 to 74 years) completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Individual Problems and Strengths Scale (IPS) and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale – Short Form (DERS-SF). Results: A higher level of problematic alcohol use positively correlated with difficulties in emotion regulation and the assessment of individual problems (p ≤ .010). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that higher AUDIT scores were positively associated with two dimensions of difficulties in emotion regulation: impulse control difficulties (β = 0.22, p = .008) and lack of emotional awareness (β = 0.15, p = .010). Difficulties in emotion regulation completely mediated the effect of individual problems on problematic alcohol use (indirect effect: 0.18, CI [–.06, –.31]; p &lt; .001): higher levels of individual problems contribute to higher levels of problematic alcohol use through the effect of difficulties in emotion regulation. Conclusions: The findings indicate the vulnerability of individuals with difficulties in emotion regulation to problematic alcohol use. Difficulties in emotion regulation are an important factor to consider for understanding the development, maintenance, and treatment of alcoholism and problematic alcohol use.

Difficulties in emotional regulation in a Tunisian university setting

IntroductionEmotion regulation is the conscious or automatic control of emotions to adapt, cope, and maintain well-being. Effective emotion regulation is central to mental health, impacting work, and relationships. University students, facing academic pressures and social transitions, represent a unique demographic where emotion regulation challenges are particularly relevant.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the emotion regulation difficulties in university students.MethodsA descriptive study was led from August to September 2023. An online questionnaire was distributed to a population of Tunisian university students. We administered a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Arabic version of the difficulties in emotion regulation scale short form (DRES-SF), a self-report measure developed to assess clinically relevant difficulties in emotion regulation.Results Participants in this study consisted of 307 undergraduate students, with 78.1% being women and 21.9% men, representing various academic disciplines at Tunis el Manar University in Tunisia. The mean age of the participants was 22 years, with a standard deviation of 2.84.In the assessment of emotional regulation difficulties, participants reported a mean total score of 42.47 ± 12.68. Participants who repeated years in college had more difficulties in emotional regulation (p&lt;0.05). Limited access to emotion regulation strategies had a mean score of 7.64 ± 3.0, while nonacceptance of emotional responses was rated at 7.40 ± 3.17. Additionally, impulse control difficulties were reported with a mean score of 6.46 ± 3.31, and difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behavior were observed with a mean score of 9.44 ± 3.18. Moreover, participants expressed a lack of emotional awareness, which was quantified with a mean score of 8.45 ± 2.69, and a lack of emotional clarity, which yielded a mean score of 7.12 ± 2.69. Additionally, a significant association was noted between gender (p &lt; 0.05), age (p &lt; 0.05), and the lack of emotional awareness, suggesting potential gender and age-related variations in emotional regulation difficulties within this university sample.ConclusionsOverall, these findings suggest the necessity of emotion regulation training in the university setting. Further studies are important to understand the impact of emotional regulation difficulties.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Altered Cortical Gyrification Morphology in Nonsucidal Self-injury

IntroductionNonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is defined as deliberate and direct damage to one’s body tissues without any suicidal intent. NSSI is now recognized as a major risk factor for suicide and is prevalent among adolescents, with prevalence rates ranging from 7.5% to 46.5%, leading to increased interest in the pathophysiology of NSSI. This study aimed to examine cortical gyrification morphology, a neurobiological index of cortical folding and patterning, among unmedicated individuals with NSSI, which is prevalent in adolescents and young adults.Objectives The main objective of this study is to compare cortical morphological abnormalities between individuals with NSSI and controls in terms of the local gyrification index (LGI), the ratio of the smooth cortical surface area at each vertex to the corresponding sulcal folds. In addition, we hypothesized that the LGI, a stable neurodevelopmental marker of cortical and subcortical circuit intergrity, would correlate with clinical measures in youth with NSSI.Methods A total of 101 individuals with NSSI and 100 age-, gender-, and handedness-matched controls completed self-report questionnaires and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were acquired on a 3T Siemens scanner. A surface-based analysis was conducted using the Computational Anatomy Toolbox (CAT12) in Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM12). Partial correlation analysis was also performed using R software to investigate the association between the LGI values extracted from the region of interest (ROI) and clinical symptoms, including depression, anxiety, emotion dysregulation, and anhedonia in individuals with NSSI.ResultsIndividuals with NSSI showed significantly increased LGI in the right insula sulcus and left superior temporal sulcus (STS), along with decreased LGI in the right calcarine and left superior parietal sulcus (SPS), compared to controls (5000 permutation correction, threshold-free cluster enhancement with a threshold of p &lt; .05). In addition, higher LGI in left STS was correlated with greater scores of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (r = 0.22, p &lt; .05) and of the Impulse Control Difficulties subscale of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (r = 0.34, p &lt; .001). Conversely, reduced LGI of the right calcarine was associated with a higher score on the Anhedonia subscale of the Beck Depression Inventory (r = -0.23, p &lt; .05) within individuals with NSSI.ConclusionsThis study identified hypergyria in the right insular and left STS and hypogyria in the right calcarine and left SPS in individuals with NSSI. The former pattern was associated with anxiety and impulse control difficulties, and the latter was with anhedonia. This study is the first to alter distinct neurodevelopmental patterns of local gyrification and their correlations with clinical manifestations in individuals with NSSI.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Assessing emotional intelligence domains and levels in substance use disorders

BackgroundMany individuals with substance use disorders face challenges in their social interactions and often have strained relationships with peers. Challenges related to problem-solving, stress management, and impulsivity often contribute to their substance use disorders. Emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in assisting individuals with substance use disorders in coping with stress, enhancing peer connections, resolving problems, and preventing relapse. Consequently, our study aimed to assess emotional intelligence in individuals with substance use disorders and explore the factors influencing it. A cross-sectional study compared 50 individuals with substance use disorders and 50 healthy individuals. We assessed various factors, including clinical data, sociodemographic variables, family socioeconomic status, Addiction Severity Index (ASI) scores, and Emotional Intelligence (EI) scale scores.ResultsIndividuals with substance use disorders had significantly lower mean scores in total EI and its subscales compared to the healthy control group. Additionally, a higher percentage of individuals with substance use disorders exhibited low EI levels, while healthy individuals demonstrated better EI. Furthermore, there was a substantial association between higher ASI scores in individuals with substance use disorders and lower EI scores.ConclusionsLower EI scores are associated with an increased risk of substance use disorders. Also, can contribute to difficulties in impulse control, and challenges in managing relationships and stress. These findings underscore EI crucial role in preventing and treating substance use disorders.

The AIP model as a theoretical framework for the treatment of personality disorders with EMDR therapy.

Research has shown that the impact of traumatic events and circumstances on individuals is cumulative and potentially has a wide range of harmful consequences, including negative consequences on mental health. One such consequence is the development of a personality disorder, a persistent mental condition characterized by a pronounced pattern of difficulties in impulse control, emotional regulation, cognitive functions, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. A wide array of studies indicates that the personal history of individuals with a personality disorder is often marked by exposure to traumatic events or other types of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Because existing treatments for personality disorders are usually long and costly, it is essential to continue exploring alternative and complementary interventions. Nowadays, knowledge and clinical experience in regard to personality disorders have been gained in addressing ACEs by processing memories of these events through eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. In this paper, we present a theoretical framework for this treatment approach, based on Shapiro's Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, describe its current empirical basis, and provide guidance on how to formulate a useful case conceptualization that can serve as a basis for the treatment of personality disorders with EMDR therapy. This approach is illustrated with a case example.

Liens entre les compétences émotionnelles, les difficultés de régulation émotionnelle et la qualité de vie professionnelle des psychologues médico-légaux francophones

ObjectivesDespite being less recognized as a specific subdomain of Psychology in French-speaking countries, forensic psychologists do face the same challenges as their Anglo-Saxon counterparts. Among these, the literature identifies the quality of life in the workplace, which can be divided into Compassion Satisfaction, and Compassion Fatigue, the latter being composed of Burn-out and Secondary Traumatic Stress. Previous research has acknowledged the role of emotional competence, especially the management of emotions, as a central factor of healthcare professionals’ relationship with their work assignments. However, Pirelli and collaborators recently highlighted the lack of empirical research among forensic psychologists. As an answer to their call, this study investigates the association and predictive factors of emotional competence, difficulties in emotional management, and the quality of professional life. Materials and methodsAn online survey (Lime Survey) was used to collect data regarding socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, years of experience, and training. The following self-questionnaires were then given to the subjects: Profile of Emotional Competence, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and Professional Quality of Life. Descriptive, correlational, and regressive analyses were undertaken to, respectively: (1) describe our sample and compare it to available norms (Student's t), (2) associate (Bravais-Pearson r) the mean scores of the three scales, and (3) evaluate the prediction (simple and multiple linear regression) of emotional competence and emotional dysfunction on the quality of professional life. These predictions were then reversed. Both regression analyses used the backward method. ResultsThe sample was composed of 44 French-speaking forensic psychologists (79.50% female), median age 34.20 (SD=7.96). They were mainly trained in clinical psychology (84.10%), followed by forensic psychology (18.20%). The majority of the sample worked as carceral psychologists (59.10%), and their main missions were support and guidance (78.70%), followed by recidivism risk assessment (52.30%) and crisis management (50.00 %). Descriptive results. The participants exhibited significantly higher emotional dysfunction scores (total score, p ≤ .001; Lack of Emotional Clarity, p=.10; Impulse Control Difficulties,p ≤ .001; Difficulties Engaging in Goal-Directed Behavior,p ≤ .001) when compared to available norms. Regarding their perceived quality of life, all scores were either significantly lower or higher based on the norms used. A similar analysis was not possible for emotional competence as available norms were gender-specific, and the sample gender distribution was clearly unbalanced. Associations and regression relations were confirmed between emotional competence, emotional dysfunction, and the quality of professional life, especially between Compassion Satisfaction and emotional competence (r=.33–.56) on the one hand and between Burn-out and emotional dysfunction on the other hand (r=.41–.65). Unexpectedly, Secondary Traumatic Stress was only predicted by emotional dysfunction (Impulse Control Difficulties, β=.39, t=2.71, R2=.13, p=.010). ConclusionsTaken as a whole, the results indicate that (a) Compassion Satisfaction and Burn-out are key elements to assess in the workplace, confirming previous studies among other health professionals, and (b) although correlated to specific emotional dysfunction such as Difficulties Engaging in Goal-Directed Behaviors and Impulse Control Difficulties, none of these factors predict nor is predicted by Secondary Traumatic Stress.

ADHD and hypersexual behaviors: The role of impulsivity, depressive feelings, hypomaniacal symptoms and psychotic prodromes

IntroductionNumerous studies in the literature correlate hypersexual symptomatology and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study aimed to investigate this correlation and the eventual mediation role of impulsivity. MethodsWe recruited through an online platform a sample of 309 subjects (mean age = 34.5, SD = 15.4; females: 67.31 %); then, a sociodemographic questionnaire, together with validated psychometric scales for assessing hypersexuality, ADHD symptomatology, depression, hypomania, prodromal symptoms of psychosis and impulsivity were administered. ResultsWe found a significant association between ADHD symptomatology and hypersexuality symptoms (β = 0.459; p < 0.001). We found a significant predictive model of hypersexuality related to age, gender, depression, hypomanic symptoms, psychotic prodrome, ADHD symptomatology, and impulsivity (adjusted R2 = 0.311; p < .001). Moreover, we found that impulsivity is a significant mediator of the relationship between ADHD and hypersexuality when we considered only the hyperactive-impulsive ADHD subscale (β = 0.103; p = 0.006). Depression and psychotic prodromes have been shown a more relevant mediator effect on the relationship between ADHD and hypersexuality. ConclusionsOur results clarified the well-known relationship between ADHD and hypersexuality, suggesting a significant mediating role of psychotic prodromes and depression in this association. This finding further reinforces the view of hypersexual symptomatology not as a disorder but rather as a psychopathological manifestation of distress, a maladaptive coping strategy that individuals enact due to increased difficulties experienced in the environment. The role of impulsivity as a predictor has shown mixed results, revealing that difficulties in impulse control may play a more marginal role, compared to depressive symptomatology and psychotic prodromes, in determining hypersexuality.

Relationship Between ADHD-Like Traits and Emotion Dysregulation in the Adult General Population

Abstract Objectives Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder classically characterised by inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. However, emotion-related problems are also common in people with ADHD, although there is disagreement about their relationship with the classical symptoms of ADHD. Here, we investigated the relationship between emotion dysregulation and ADHD-like traits in a non-clinical group of adults. Method In a group of 1074 individuals, average age 30.27 years, 656 females, 402 males and 16 who identified as ‘other’, with 76.8% describing themselves as ‘white’, were administered the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) to measure ADHD-like traits and emotion dysregulation, respectively. Results The Inattention subscale of the ASRS was significantly correlated with all subscales of the DERS. Similarly, the Hyperactivity/impulsivity subscale was correlated with all subscales of the DERS except for the Lack of emotional awareness. The Lack of emotional clarity and Difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviour subscales of the DERS were significant independent positive predictors of ASRS inattention scores. Non-acceptance of emotional responses, Difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviour, Impulse control difficulties and Lack of emotional clarity subscales of the DERS were significant independent positive predictors of ASRS hyperactivity/impulsivity scores. In other words, as inattention and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms increased in severity, there was a concomitant increase in the severity of most aspects of emotion dysregulation. Conclusions The close association between emotion dysregulation and the classical symptoms of ADHD suggests that they may arise from a common dysfunctional substrate and hence treating emotion dysregulation may provide a novel pathway by which to treat the classical symptoms.

Understanding Perceived Problematic Pornography Use with the Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model

Problematic pornography use and its adverse consequences are prevalent, but little is known about its psychosocial contributors. Drawing on the Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model (DSMM), this study explores whether and how perceived problematic Internet pornography use is associated with psychological factors from three domains: social (i.e., family adaptability), dispositional (i.e., self-acceptance), and development factors (i.e., impulse control difficulties). Analysis of an anonymous survey of 1,483 Chinese emerging adults showed that family adaptability and self-acceptance were negatively correlated with perceived problematic pornography use, whereas impulse control difficulties were positively correlated with perceived problematic pornography use. Self-acceptance mediated the association between family adaptability and perceived problematic pornography use. Impulse control difficulties moderated such mediation effect, in which the protective effect of family adaptability on self-acceptance and that of self-acceptance on perceived problematic pornography use were attenuated by impulse control difficulties. These findings advance understanding of the complex underlying psychosocial mechanisms of perceived problematic pornography use by providing evidence to the applicability of DSMM on such problematic use and clarifying the direct, indirect, and/or moderating role(s) of family adaptability, self-acceptance, and impulse control difficulties in those mechanisms. They also provide insights for targeted approaches in future intervention programs among emerging adults.

Emotion regulation tendencies and cardiovascular responses to repeated acute psychological stress

Poor emotion regulation has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) through maladaptive cardiovascular responses to psychological stress. However, there has been scant research examining the relationship between emotion regulation and habituation of cardiovascular responses to recurrent stress, which may be more directly applicable to the experience of stress in everyday life. The aims of the current study were to examine the associations between emotion regulation tendencies and cardiovascular stress reactivity, as well as habituation of cardiovascular reactivity across repeated stressors. A sample of 453 participants (mean (SD) age = 19.5 (1.3) years; 62 % women) completed a repeated stress paradigm, which consisted of two 10-minute baselines and two identical 4-minute stress tasks, separated by a 10-minute recovery period. Heart rate (HR) was measured continuously; systolic/diastolic blood pressures (SBP/DBP) were measured every 2 min. At the end of the visit, participants completed the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Results indicate that impulse control difficulties when distressed (a DERS subscale) were significantly associated with blunted SBP, DBP, and HR reactivity to both stressors, as well as impaired HR habituation across the stressors. None of the ERQ subscales (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression) were found to be associated with cardiovascular stress reactivity or habituation. The outcomes of this study demonstrate a potential underlying physiological pathway through which impulse control difficulties when distressed may contribute to CVD risk. This study also reveals the importance of extending traditional cardiovascular stress reactivity protocols to include multiple exposures of the same stress task.

Food Addiction and Grazing-The Role of Difficulties in Emotion Regulation and Negative Urgency in University Students.

University students are a vulnerable population to the development of disordered eating, such as food addiction (FA) and grazing. FA is an emerging concept characterized by an intense desire to eat hyper-palatable foods. Grazing is characterized by the repetitive and unplanned ingestion of food throughout a period of time. Both FA and grazing have been associated with increased scores of negative urgency (NU) and difficulties in emotion regulation (ER). This study aims to evaluate the frequency of FA and grazing in a university population and to test the direct, total, and indirect effects-via FA-of ER and NU on repetitive eating and compulsive grazing. A total of 338 participants responded to a set of psychological measures assessing these variables. Thirty-six (10.7%) participants met the criteria for FA diagnosis and 184 (54.4%) presented grazing. Confirmatory factor analysis showed acceptable fit indexes for the model tested (χ2(1695) = 3167.575; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.955; NFI = 0.908; TLI = 0.953; SRMR = 0.085; RMSEA = 0.051; CI 90% (0.048; 0.053); P[RMSEA ≤ 0.05] = 0.318) and suggested that FA partially mediated the effect of difficulties in ER and NU on grazing, specifically on compulsive grazing. The results indicate that individuals with difficulties in ER and impulse control under negative emotions are more likely to engage in grazing if food addiction scores are higher. These results highlight the importance of assessing these variables, particularly in at-risk populations such as university students.

An examination of college students’ unwanted pursuit of ex-romantic partners: relations to parental warmth and difficulties in emotion regulation

ABSTRACT Unwanted pursuit behaviours (UPBs) are behaviours that are often intended to initiate a relationship or restore romantic relationships following a break-up. Research shows relatively high prevalence rates of UPBs in college students. In the current study, we tested a conceptual mediation model, where perceived parental warmth would be indirectly related to UPBs via emotional regulation difficulties. College students (n = 314) completed online measures of parental warmth, emotion regulation difficulties, and perpetration of UPBs. We found that perceived parental warmth was significantly negatively related to perpetration of UPBs, and only impulse control difficulties showed a significant indirect effect. Parental warmth was directly associated with UPBs even after accounting for emotion regulation difficulties, suggesting that other factors may also explain the relation. Findings encourage future research into other developmental correlates of UPBs in prevention and intervention efforts.

Latent profiles of emotion dysregulation among individuals with binge-spectrum eating disorders: Associations with eating disorder pathology.

Emotion dysregulation (i.e., a multi-component term comprising nonacceptance of emotional responses, difficulty engaging in goal-directed behaviour, impulse control difficulties, lack of emotional awareness, limited access to emotion regulation strategies, and lack of emotional clarity) is a well-established transdiagnostic risk and maintenance factor for eating disorders. To date, there is limited information on how varying scores on subdomains of emotion dysregulation may yield distinct profiles in individuals with binge-spectrum eating disorders (B-EDs), and how these emotion dysregulation profiles may inform resultant symptomatology. In the current study, treatment-seeking individuals with B-EDs (n=315) completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Eating Disorder Examination. Latent profile analysis was conducted on the six subscales of the DERS. Identified latent profiles were examined as predictors of eating disorder pathology using linear regression, and a two-class model of emotion dysregulation fit the data. Class 1 (n=113) was low in all of the DERS subscales, while Class 2 (n=202) was high in all of the DERS subscales. Individuals in Class 2 had a significantly higher frequency of compensatory behaviours in the past month (F(1,313)=12.97, p<0.001), and significantly higher restraint scores (F(1,313)=17.86, p<0.001). The classes also significantly differed in terms ofeating concern (F(1,313)=20.89, p<0.001) and shape concern (F(1,313)=4.59, p=0.03), with both being higher for Class 2. We found only two distinct classes of emotion dysregulation in B-ED's such that individuals were simply high or low in emotion dysregulation. These results suggest that it may be more valuable for future research to evaluate emotion dysregulation as a cohesive whole rather than conceptualising the construct as having truly distinct subdomains.

Maladaptive Daydreaming, Overexcitability, and Emotion Regulation

ABSTRACT Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) was studied (N = 361) in pre-professional/professional dancers, college athletes, and active participants. The relationship among MD, overexcitability (OE), and emotion regulation was examined. Results indicated that MD was associated with imaginational OE and negatively with sensual OE. Difficulty with emotion regulation strategies in individuals with elevated MD included impulse control difficulties, decreased acceptance of negative emotions, and more difficulty mobilizing goal-directed behavior. Dancers had higher OEs compared to the active control group and similar to athletes for psychomotor OE. The three active groups were similar in emotion regulation. The investigation of MD is a relatively new field of study. Examining the relationship with OEs, emotion regulation, and MD adds to this field of inquiry.

Emotion Regulation Difficulties, Family Functioning, and Well-Being Involved in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Suicidal Risk in Adolescents and Young People with Borderline Personality Traits

Individuals with a borderline personality disorder (BPD) or BPD traits usually have a lifetime history of harmful behaviors. Emotion regulation difficulties are a risk factor for suicide, whereas adequate family functioning and well-being play an important protective role. This study aims to determine the role of emotion regulation difficulties, well-being, and family functioning in the suicide risk and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents and young people with BPD traits. From a sample of 285 young people, 103 (36.1%) had BPD traits (mean age = 16.82, SD = 2.71), and 68.93% were females. The results showed significant differences in personal and family variables according to the type of harmful behavior. Suicide attempts (SA) were mainly predicted by difficulties in impulse control, whereas NSSI was predicted by low family satisfaction. Programs designed to prevent SA and NSSI should consider individual differences, as well as the type of harmful behaviors exhibited.

Relationship Between Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Emotion Dysregulation Among Male and Female Young Adults.

Over recent years, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has been associated with emotion dysregulation. However, only a few quantitative studies have empirically investigated differences in emotion dysregulation among people who self-harm, while none have explored gender differences in this regard. Thus, this research study aimed to further examine the association between NSSI and emotion regulation deficits and strategies in young adults. A total of 201 participants (mean age = 21.82years) were recruited from different support groups dedicated to NSSI and from health care centres and were divided into two groups: a control group (CG, n = 100, mean age = 21.92years, comprised of 30% males) and an NSSI group (NSSIG, n = 101, mean age = 21.72years, comprised of 16% males). All participants completed the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. The results showed that compared to the CG participants, those from the NSSIG had increased emotion regulation deficits, higher expressive suppression scores, and lower cognitive re-evaluation scores. Within the NSSIG, females had higher impulse control difficulties and limited access to emotion regulation strategies, while males had higher expressive suppression scores. Factors associated with NSSI also differed by gender. These results indicate the necessity to take gender into account when planning treatment, since treatment protocols must be adapted to the specific emotion regulation difficulties concerned.