Personality Functioning Research Articles

The impact of anal incontinence: psychosocial and sexual consequences and factors associated with QoL in a Norwegian outpatient population.

Anal incontinence (AI) is a distressing condition with grave impact on many aspects of life, including quality of life (QoL), social life and sexual activities. This study explored how AI and bowel symptoms impact QoL in a Norwegian population by (1) describing the psychosocial and sexual consequences of AI, and (2) investigating factors most often associated with AI-specific QoL. A cross-sectional study among patients with AI referred to hospital outpatient clinics was conducted. A Norwegian version of ICIQ-B was used to measure bowel control, bowel symptoms, sexual impact, and impact on QoL. A total of 208 persons with AI completed the questionnaire. The results demonstrated that these patients are overall embarrassed, make plans according to the bowels, ensure the presence of a nearby toilet, and many abstain from sexual activities. After adjusting for other variables included in a multivariable model, we found that having bowel accidents on one's mind had the greatest relative impact on QoL, followed by lower bowel control, using more medications to stop bowels, having more pain/soreness around the back passage, lower age, and more straining to open the bowels. AI has substantial consequences for the psychosocial function and sexual activities of persons with AI. This study indicates that worrying about potential faecal accidents and the social stigma associated with this have greater impact on QoL than actual bowel leakages. Future studies should therefore focus on the emotional burden, patient coping, and health education related to bowel function and AI.

Moral Intelligence –Theory and in Education

Morality and intelligence influence various aspects of human life and action. They contribute to a certain stabilisation of a young person's functioning in a given society. The development and technological progress that is taking place is conducive to the development of young people, the satisfaction of certain needs, but it cannot guarantee the possibility of shaping basic values such as freedom, justice or responsibility. Currently, material and individualistic values are increasingly promoted. References to moral ideals based on truth, honesty and love, on the other hand, are less frequent. These are important when making future choices or decisions. A particularly important task today, in the face of various threats, addictions and value crises, is to shape the moral intelligence of young people. It involves having strong ethical and moral convictions and acting in accordance with them. The purpose of this article is to introduce the concept of moral intelligence, to provide a definition and a conception of the research issue under consideration on a psychological level. It also shows some conditions of its formation during childhood and adolescence. The considerations undertaken in the article show the importance of moral intelligence in developing appropriate social attitudes, behaviour, acquiring moral principles, teaching responsibility, sensitivity to the suffering of others in adolescents.

Comparing the new concept of impairment in personality functioning with borderline personality disorder: differential psychosocial and psychopathological correlates in a clinical adolescent sample.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is an established diagnosis in adolescence with high comorbidity and psychosocial impairment. With the introduction of the alternative model for personality disorders in DSM-5 (AMPD), personality functioning is operationalized using the Level of Personality Functioning Scale (LPFS), which has been shown to be associated with severity of personality pathology. The present study aimed at examining differential psychopathological and psychosocial correlates of LPFS and BPD. A total of 526 adolescent in- and outpatients were interviewed with the STiP-5.1 (LPFS) and the SCID-II. Mixed linear regression was used to investigate the associations between the two interviews with measures of psychopathology and psychosocial impairment. 11.4% met the diagnostic threshold of both interviews, 16.1% only of the LPFS, and 64.1% were below the diagnostic threshold in both interviews (no PD). The BPD only group was larger than expected-8.4% of patients who met criteria for BPD did not fulfill criteria for significant impairment in the LPFS. The highest burden was found in individuals concurrently showing significant impairment in LPFS and fulfilling BPD diagnosis (LPFS + BPD). Differences between the LPFS only group and the BPD only group were found in risk behavior and traumatic experiences, with higher prevalence in the BPD group. Findings confirm the high psychopathological burden and psychosocial impairment associated with both BPD and LPFS. Those exceeding the diagnostic threshold of LPFS in combination with a BPD diagnosis are characterized by greatest disability. Not all adolescents fulfilling formal BPD diagnosis showed a clinically significant impairment in LPFS, which may refer to a distinct diagnostic group.

A cross-sectional evaluation of city firefighters' exposure to potentially traumatic events during opioid overdose responses and mental health

Firefighters often serve as emergency medical services providers and face repeated exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) while participating in opioid overdose responses (OORs), which may impact their mental health. A survey of 173 firefighters who had participated in an OOR in the previous 6 months was used to assess exposure to PTEs during such events, job stress, mental health symptoms, and resources used to address mental health symptoms. Most firefighters (97%) reported experiencing one or more PTEs while responding to an opioid overdose in the past 6 months. Associations between PTEs and mental health are reported. For example, there was a higher prevalence of high job stress (22.7% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.014) and meeting the screening definition of PTSD (15.4% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.047), depression (33.1% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.022), and anxiety (33.1% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.022) among those who experienced a needlestick injury during an OOR than those who did not experience a needlestick injury during an OOR. Seeking social support is recommended following PTEs; mental health care should be sought when symptoms interfere with personal, social, or occupational functioning. This survey identified important firefighter mental health characteristics which will assist fire departments in determining the appropriate mental health training, support, and services.

Designing a Measurement Feedback System for Personality Disorders: Should Outcome Monitoring be Based on Symptom Severity or Personality Functioning?

Measurement feedback systems (MFS) providing insight in treatment progress can improve mental healthcare outcomes. However, there is no uniform measurement feedback system that could be used to measure treatment progress for personality disorders (PD). This study compared two types of measures: a generic measure for symptom severity (Brief Symptom Index, BSI) and a specific measure for personality functioning (Severity Indices of Personality Problems, SIPP) at different points in time in order to provide insight in the most suitable measuring moment for a MFS for PD. This study is conducted in a sample of 996 Dutch PD patients (mean age 33.51 (SD 10.42), 73.1% female). Symptom severity and personality functioning were assessed before and multiple times during treatment, using a timespan of 24months. Outcomes were examined over time using multilevel modeling. Symptom severity (generic measure) and personality functioning (specific measure) improved equally after 24months. However, during these 24months, different patterns of change were observed for symptom severity compared to severity of personality problems. In general, symptom severity decreased most during the 1st months of treatment, whereas personality functioning improved only after 6months of treatment. A generic instrument of symptom severity is able to measure early changes in symptom distress but may not be able to measure longer term changes in personality functioning. The authors discuss policy implications for benchmarking using specific measures in the treatment of personality disorders.

Patientencharakteristika an einer psychodynamischen Ausund Weiterbildungsambulanz.

In the present study we examined the characteristics of patients in terms of symptomatology and psychodynamic dimensions. The study utilized online questionnaires completed by n = 421 patients between September 2020 and March 2021. These questionnaires gathered information on sociodemographics, symptomatology (PHQ-D), relationship dynamics (IIP), personality functioning (OPD-SQS, IPO-16), and intrapsychic conflicts (OPD-KF). The sample consisted of 71.0 % females, with 65 % having prior experience with psychotherapeutic treatments. Notably, 74.9 % of the patients fulfilled the criteria of a depressive disorder in PHQ-D (with 34.8 % identified as Major Depressive Disorder, MDD). Additionally, 53.1 % of all patients surpassed the threshold for the diagnosis of a personality disorder based on the IPO-16. Findings suggest that patients seeking treatment at these clinics exhibit significant psychological distress and often have a history of prior psychotherapeutic interventions.

Time to treatment of first-episode psychosis: the role of early intervention teams

Background/Aims Psychosis can affect a person's functioning, quality of life and physical health. Early intervention for service users presenting with psychosis has been implemented via early intervention teams, but there are inconsistencies in assessment and treatment. The aim of this study was to examine time to treatment (defined as the commencement of antipsychotic medication) for service users experiencing first-episode psychosis, the impact of this and engagement with teams. The authors explored the effect of patient characteristics (eg gender, deprivation, ethnicity, age) and early intervention teams on time to treatment for psychosis. Methods A retrospective cohort study was undertaken using routine data of service users accessing three early intervention teams from 2018–19. The care records of 457 service users were examined, including patient characteristics, assessments, time to first contact, treatment and time to discharge. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results Use of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale assessment tool differed across the three early intervention teams. Engagement with all teams varied by gender. Men were particularly slow to access treatment in one team (118 of 163 service users, 72.4%). Conclusions Increased emphasis on engaging male patients may improve service delivery. Improved communication between early intervention teams could increase standardisation of assessment and treatment.

Examining the Validity of the Levels of Personality Functioning Questionnaire for Adolescents Aged 12-18 (LOPF-Q 12-18): A Replication and Extension With a Sample of Lithuanian Adolescents.

With the shift to the dimensional model of personality pathology, the need for measures assessing personality functioning in adolescence has emerged. The Levels of Personality Functioning Questionnaire 12-18 (LoPF-Q 12-18) was developed specifically for adolescents, tailoring the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders in the DSM-5. Using the Lithuanian LoPF-Q 1218, we further investigate its validity by reexamining its factorial structure and extending convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity analyses. A total of 1,048 community-based and clinically referred 12-18-year-old adolescents completed the LoPF-Q 12-18 along with other self-report measures of personality pathology, psychopathological symptoms, and psychosocial functioning. In line with previous findings, the results supported the bifactor model consisting of a strong general factor and little multidimensionality caused by the group factors, overall suggesting an essentially unidimensional structure. Further analyses provided additional information on the construct validity of the LoPF-Q 12-18.

The Therapeutic Role of Lamotrigine in Borderline Personality Disorder: A Comprehensive Review of Outcomes, Mechanisms, and Treatment Strategies.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental health condition characterized by pervasive instability in mood, self-image, and interpersonal relationships, significantly impacting individuals' personal, social, and occupational functioning. Current treatment strategies primarily include psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, but there remains a need for more effective and targeted pharmacological options. This review examines the therapeutic role of lamotrigine in BPD, focusing on its efficacy, safety, mechanisms of action,and practical treatment strategies. A comprehensive review of the existing literature was conducted, including clinical trials, observational studies, and relevant pharmacological data. Key focus areas included lamotrigine's impact on BPD symptoms, pharmacological profile, and comparative effectiveness with other treatments. Lamotrigine has shown promise in managing BPD symptoms, particularly in stabilizing mood and reducing emotional dysregulation and impulsivity. Clinical trials suggest that lamotrigine can effectively address core symptoms of BPD, with a safety profile generally comparable to other treatments. The medication's mechanism of action, which involves modulation of glutamate release and mood stabilization, aligns with the therapeutic goals for BPD. Lamotrigine represents a potential adjunctive treatment for BPD, offering benefits in mood stabilization and symptom management. Integrating psychotherapy and other pharmacological options should be considered within a multimodal treatment approach. Further research is needed to better understand its long-term efficacy and safety and its role in combination therapy.

Inpatients with a history of suicide attempts in routine clinical care exhibit specific characteristics regarding sociodemographics, life events, personality, and symptom burden

Research indicates that patients with a lifetime history of suicide attempts are particularly burdened. However, investigations of their characteristics and comparisons with other patients are scarce. This study aimed to fill this research gap, using routine clinical data and guided by theoretical models. Data of N = 706 patients (54.4% women) was collected at the psychosomatic inpatient/day-clinic unit of a German university clinic. It comprised sociodemographic data and information about previous experiences (e.g., childhood abuse and neglect), symptom measures (e.g., the PHQ-9) and individual differences (e.g., the level of personality functioning assessed with the OPD-SQS). Groups were compared using independent t-tests or χ2-tests. Of the total sample, 118 patients (16.7%) reported suicide attempts. Those with a history of suicide attempts were more likely to have a migration background and a lower level of education, smoke (heavily) and use illegal substances. They reported lower levels of personality functioning, more current symptoms and traumatic previous experiences of abuse and neglect. Screening for previous suicidal behavior as well as associated factors can yield valuable information for clinical practice. Many group differences map onto previously observed specific risk factors for suicidal behavior, supporting the conceptual models and underscoring their relevance among clinical populations as well.

Cognitive assessment in multiple sclerosis patients: electrophysiological and subjective studies

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a persistent inflammatory condition affecting the central nervous system, often associated with cognitive impairment. This impairment frequently presents itself as deficiencies in short-term memory, attention, and information processing speed. This research was designed to investigate P300 in patients with MS and its correlation with their cognitive function and their state of fatigue and depression. This work included two groups: the control group (20 subjects) and the study group (30 MS patients). Evaluation encompassed clinical history, audiological assessment, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the fatigue severity scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination, and P300 component of event-related potentials (ERPs).ResultsThe study group exhibited varying degrees of fatigue and depression. The scores of Addenbrooke’s cognitive evaluation were reduced in the MS group. The MS group exhibited a considerably prolonged P300 latency compared to the control group.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the effectiveness of P300 in assessing cognitive function in persons diagnosed with MS.

Endothelial injury and decline in lung function in persons living with HIV: a prospective Danish cohort study including 698 adults.

Endothelial injury may promote declining lung function. We aimed to investigate in well-treated persons living with HIV (PLWH) whether elevated levels of thrombomodulin (TM) and syndecan-1 (SDC1) are associated with excess lung function decline and worsening dyspnea. A prospective cohort study comprising patients from the Copenhagen municipality. We included 698 PLWH with undetectable viral load. Biomarkers and demographics were measured at baseline, spirometry [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC)] and dyspnea score both at baseline and 2-year follow-up.Both biomarkers were dichotomized at the 3rd quartile. Decline in lung function was estimated using a linear mixed model with patient-specific random effect. Increase in dyspnea score was estimated using a general mixed logistic regression model. We did not find an association between elevated SDC1 or TM and an excess decline in neither FEV1: SDC1: 4.5 mL/year (95% CI: -3.9-12.9, p = 0.30), TM: 2.2 mL/year (95% CI: -6.0-10.4, p = 0.60) nor FVC: SDC1: 4.1 mL/year (95% CI: -6.0-14.2, p = 0.42), TM: 1.4 mL/year (95% CI: -8.3-11.1, p = 0.78). A subgroup analysis of never-smokers was consistent with the main analysis.Likewise, we did not find any association between elevated SDC1 and TM and increase in dyspnea score: SDC1: OR 1.43 (95% CI: 0.89-2.30, p = 0.14), TM: OR 1.05 (95% CI: 0.65-1.71, p = 0.26). We did not find a significant association between elevated biomarkers of endothelial injury and decline in lung function nor dyspnea.

Factors related to the level of personality functioning and implications for the mental health care system in Poland

Factors related to the level of personality functioning and implications for the mental health care system in Poland

Velocity-Based Training Affects Function, Strength, and Power in Persons with Parkinson's Disease.

Calaway, CC, Martinez, KJ, Calzada Bichili, AR, Caplan, JH, Milgrim, WP, Mann, JB, Haq, I, and Signorile, JF. Velocity-based training affects function, strength, and power in persons with Parkinson's disease. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Velocity-based training (VBT) is commonly associated with high-level athletes. No study has examined the effects of VBT on performance in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). The objective of the study was to compare the effects of 10 and 30% velocity-loss threshold protocols on changes in functional performance, strength, and power in persons with PD after 12 weeks of supervised VBT, 3 days per week. Twenty-one subjects with PD (72.9 ± 5.9 y) were randomly assigned to the 10% or 30% velocity-loss threshold group and performed the 6-m walk test at habitual and maximal gait speed (6MWTMax), the 5 time sit-to-stand test (5 × STS), 1 repetition maximum (1RM), and peak power (PP) testing for the chest press (CP) and leg press (LP) exercise. A mixed ANOVA with significance was set a priori at 0.05 revealed that significant time effects were seen for the 6MWT at maximal speed (MDiff ± SD = 0.22 ± 0.04 m·s-1, p < 0.001), 5-time sit-to-stand time (-1.48 ± 0.45 seconds, p = 0.005) and power (75.5 ± 22.7 W, p = 0.005), 1RM for CP (5.1 ± 1.1 kg, p < 0.001) and LP (12.6 ± 3.7 kg, p = 0.005), and LP-PP (43.6 ± 13.2 W, p = 0.006). Secondary analyses revealed time effects for the load at which PP was achieved for the CP exercise. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed no significant differences in the percentage of 1RM at which PP was achieved for either condition. Results indicate that VBT is an effective training modality for improving functional capacity, strength, and power in persons with PD; however, shifts in force-velocity relationships were not evidenced.

A review of the application of exercise intervention on improving cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease: mechanisms and clinical studies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, leading to sustained cognitive decline. An increasing number of studies suggest that exercise is an effective strategy to promote the improvement of cognition in AD. Mechanisms of the benefits of exercise intervention on cognitive function may include modulation of vascular factors by affecting cardiovascular risk factors, regulating cardiorespiratory health, and enhancing cerebral blood flow. Exercise also promotes neurogenesis by stimulating neurotrophic factors, affecting neuroplasticity in the brain. Additionally, regular exercise improves the neuropathological characteristics of AD by improving mitochondrial function, and the brain redox status. More and more attention has been paid to the effect of Aβ and tau pathology as well as sleep disorders on cognitive function in persons diagnosed with AD. Besides, there are various forms of exercise intervention in cognitive improvement in patients with AD, including aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, and multi-component exercise. Consequently, the purpose of this review is to summarize the findings of the mechanisms of exercise intervention on cognitive function in patients with AD, and also discuss the application of different exercise interventions in cognitive impairment in AD to provide a theoretical basis and reference for the selection of exercise intervention in cognitive rehabilitation in AD.

Causes and Consequences of Divorced Parents in Child Personality Development

By the nature of the concept, parents need to ensure the growth and development of their children, the creation of an appropriate, non-confrontational environment, their emotional preparation to face adverse life events so that they are manageable and not traumatic. In practice, post-divorce parental interactions are unsatisfactory and damaging because they often transmit to the child the hostility that the child feels towards the ex-spouse, with consequences for the child’s psycho-emotional balance. In this context, the HiPIC – Hierarchical Personality Inventory for Children test was used in order to assess the parents’ (the resident parent and the parents with organized family) perception of their child, to reflect on the child’s concrete and observable behaviours. The sample selected included children aged 9-12 and their parents. Scoring and interpretation of the HiPIC test and statistical processing revealed five dimensions of specific child personality functioning. The psychological analysis of research on divorced families, the relationship between the resident parent and the child is reviewed. Caught up in the hostility between them, parents often do not sense the emotional disorders and imbalances in the child’s personality that generate and lead to the formation of problematic personality patterns in the minor.

Daytime Sleep Problems Are Related to Fine Motor Function in Persons with Down Syndrome

ABSTRACT Given the high prevalence of sleep problems and fine motor deficits that have been reported in persons with Down syndrome (DS), this study was to investigate the effect of sleep-related problems occurring during the day on fine motor function (i.e. manual dexterity and handgrip strength) in persons with DS. We also tested the moderating role of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in the link between sleep-related problems occurring during the day and fine motor function. It was hypothesised that subtle sleep-related problems occurring during the day would significantly predict fine motor performance. Fifty-two persons with DS, aged 13–54, participated and caregivers completed a sleep questionnaire for their children with DS. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated a greater frequency of sleep-related problems occurring during the day significantly predicted greater manual dexterity deficits. Results also suggested that OSA was the moderator for the association between sleep-related problems occurring during the day and manual dexterity. This study has highlighted the importance of exploring sleep problems that might impair fine motor performance for the DS population in their everyday lives. Additional studies are needed to develop effective interventions to promote sleep hygiene and fine motor development in this population.

Associations of lipids in adolescence and adulthood with self- and other-directed compassion in adulthood.

Self- and other-directed compassion have been linked with better mental and physical health but research on factors contributing to their development is scarce. Previous studies indicate a possible causal relationship of lipids with personality and socioemotional functioning. As an extension to earlier research, in the present study we examine whether lipids assessed in adolescence and adulthood are associated with self-compassion and other-directed compassion in adulthood. The study utilizes data on lipids from two follow-ups in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 at ages 15-16 and 33-35. In the latter follow-up also self-compassion and other-directed compassion were assessed with the self-compassion scale - short form and the subscale for compassion in the dispositional positive emotions scale, respectively. The sample for the cross-sectional associations of lipids in adulthood with the compassion variables in adulthood includes 1,459 participants, whereas the sample for the longitudinal associations of lipids in adolescence and the compassion variables in adulthood consists of 1,509 participants. The associations were examined with hierarchical linear regression (lipids as continuous variables) and univariate general linear model (lipids as categorical variables). The results suggest that in women, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in adolescence is associated with high empathic concern (a component of other-directed compassion) in adulthood. The results show further that, in women, an HDL cholesterol level above 1.2 mmol/L in adulthood is associated with high other-directed compassion and empathic concern in adulthood. The present study provides tentative evidence that biological factors such as lipids might play a role in the development of empathic concern and other-directed compassion.

The possibility of forming the physical culture of the personality of adolescents

The article outlines and argues the question of the formation of physical culture of a teenager’s personality. Some technological techniques related to the process of forming the physical culture of a teenager’s personality are presented, which are reflected in pedagogical theory and practice and take into account all the positive aspects in the conceptual approaches proposed by various authors. These are: the humanistic orientation of education and recognition of the teenager’s inner potential for self-development in order to introduce him to the values of physical culture; the development of the adolescent’s own personal functions (motivation, reflection, self-realization) based on personality-oriented learning technologies. The focus is on the socio–cultural aspect of personal physical culture (first of all, a teenager’s conscious attitude to physical condition, motivation and value orientations for the manifestation of effectiveness in physical culture and sports; the desire to constantly engage in physical exercises based on physical education, the humanization of the educational process as one of the key areas for improving physical education of adolescents), which determines the problem field in the development and formation of a teenager’s personality. This circumstance is explained, in our opinion, by the correct and, perhaps, achievable goal of the process of physical education in secondary education.

Personality Functioning, Narcissism and Borderline Traits in the General Population Predict Deviations from the Optimal Time Perspective

Abstract The aim of this article is to clarify and describe the relationships between levels of personality functioning, pathological personality traits from the borderline and narcissistic functioning, and time perspective (TP). The study was conducted online, and 210 participants completed eight questionnaires: Inventory of Personality Organization, Boredom Proneness Scale, Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale, Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire, Depressive Experience Questionnaire, and Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory. The results reveal that the pathological personality functioning was consistently associated with a deviation on each dimension of TP and the Deviation from the Balanced Time Perspective (DBTP) while the higher functioning personality indicator was associated with a balanced time perspective. When accounting for all traits in the regression, pathological personality traits predicted variance of Past-Negative, Present-Hedonistic, Present-Fatalistic, and the DBTP. Borderline and narcissistic traits were associated with the DBTP but demonstrated different time perspective profiles. Borderline traits showed an overall negative TP with a tendency to seek quick and intense pleasure in the present with no regards toward the future. These results show that there can be TP profile differences between borderline personalities, depending on their specific trait profile. Impulsivity plays an important role in how borderline personalities cope with their negative temporalities. Vulnerable narcissism is characterized by a negative past with the ability to recruit the future, while grandiose narcissism denotes an overall more balanced time perspective than their vulnerable counterpart.