Psychosocial Conflicts Research Articles

Dissociative Aphonia Secondary to Nonorganic Vaginismus—A Case Report

Dissociative aphonia is a rare disorder with a point prevalence of 0.4%, while psychogenic vaginismus occurs at a prevalence of about 1–7%. The etiology roots down to underlying factors including dysfunctional sexual beliefs, fear of pain as well as other psychosocial conflicts. We report a 26-year-old married lady who presented with sudden onset aphonia in the background of nonorganic vaginismus. There were covert conflicts which seemed to stem from her early childhood and home atmosphere, the eventual spillover of this into her adulthood, precipitated her symptoms. This emphasizes the need for a broader outlook on the management of the disorder beyond the symptomatic treatment.

When therapists talk to voices: Perspectives from service-users who experience auditory hallucinations.

The purpose of the study was to investigate service-users' experiences of a therapist engaging with their voices (auditory hallucinations) using psychological formulation and direct dialogue. A nested qualitative study was conducted within a randomised controlled trial of a novel intervention for supporting voice hearers with a diagnosis of psychosis (Talking With Voices: TwV). Of 24 participants allocated to therapy, 13 (54%) consented to a semi-structured, in-depth interview which was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Participants described their experiences of using the intervention to improve the relationship between themselves and their voice(s). The findings are organised within three themes and associated subthemes: (1) A desire for suitable help (Motivation to reduce voice-related distress, Limitation of other treatment options); (2) Engaging with voices (Challenges, Support and safety, Exploration and revelation); and (3) Contemplating the future (The aftermath of adversity, Living well with voices, Resources for moving forward). Despite the emotional challenges of the work, many participants experienced tangible gains in the ways they related to their voices post-intervention. For those who responded well, the development of safety strategies, including a strong therapeutic alliance, could facilitate a basis for developing new insights about the origin/nature of the voices which could then be applied in constructive ways. Further research is needed to understand which client characteristics indicate suitability for TwV as opposed to relational therapies that require less direct engagement with voices and/or the psychosocial conflicts with which they may be associated.

Vulnerable advantages: Re-searching my self while navigating queer identity, research ethics, and emotional labour

Using an autoethnographic approach, I reflect on and unpack my journey towards my doctoral research on queer South Africans of Indian descent. I demonstrate how my decision to become an insider-researcher forced me to confront personal resistances towards turning the academic gaze upon myself. Although my journey towards intersectional LGBTQ+ research began with a yearning for epistemic visibility, prompted by a curious search for psychological literature about people like me, I now grapple with a flip side—doing the emotional labour of visibility and managing my vulnerabilities. Drawing on Gloria Anzaldúa's feminist theory of Borderlands, I (re)conceptualize these vulnerabilities as vulnerable advantages, that is, liminal spaces of heightened reflexivity that can ignite psychopolitical potential in scholar-activism. I discuss and theorize the productive possibilities of these emotionally complex spaces by drawing on four interconnected life experiences related to the epistemic, ethical, artistic, and activist dimensions of vulnerabilities. I consider the emotional labour embedded in researching insider communities, and my anxieties about traversing through these psychosocial conflicts. I argue that reflecting on one's own vulnerabilities can provide researchers with unique perspectives as scholar-activists. These vulnerable advantages exist because of—not in spite of —one's initial trepidations as valuable psychopolitical and decolonial resources.

Structural Brain Alterations in Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is one of three clusters of personality disorders characterized by a pattern of difficulty regulating emotion, impulse control, interpersonal relationships, and self-image. Emotional dysregulation, impulsive aggression, repetitive self-injury, and chronic suicidal tendencies make these individuals frequent users of mental health services. BPD has a variety of causes and involves several factors which interact in various ways with each other. Emotional dysregulation and impulsivity can be caused by genetic factors and traumatic childhood experiences and lead to dysfunctional behaviors, psychosocial conflicts, and deficits that may exacerbate emotional dysregulation and impulsivity. BPD has been linked to anatomical alterations in brain areas in the prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, corpus callosum, and frontolimbic network. These brain changes can lead to the manifestation of the inability to control behavior, feelings, and interpersonal relationships, which often leads to violence. These symptoms may begin at a young age or in early adulthood and tend to continue as the individual ages. The goal of this article is to review how structural changes in the brain can cause BPD. KEYWORDS Borderline personality disorder, MRI in BPD, BPD patients, personality disorders, structural imaging BPD, neurobiology BPD

Sexual dysfunction in women with increased cardiovascular risk

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Normal sexual function is considered as an essential aspect of quality of life. Distortions of the sexual activity can result in psychosocial conflicts, separation, depression and even increased morbidity and mortality. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is age related, progressive and more prevalent among women than men. An increased prevalence of SD has been reported in females with risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) disease. Aim To evaluate SD among women with increased CV risk compared with the general female population using Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Methods 107 women with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus (DM) and 75 healthy women were enrolled in the study. All participants completed questionnaires, evaluating their sociodemographic characteristics, health status, physical activity and sexual function (FSFI). Results Mean subject age was 50,4±6,62 y. in the group with increased CV risk and 47,1±6,97 y. in the control group, respectively (p<0,001). There were no significant differences between the groups due to the other baseline sociodemographic characteristics – marital status, educational level, employment and income. Higher prevalence of menopause in the group with increased CV risk was found (63,6% vs 37,3%, p<0,001). Dyslipidemia (52,9% vs 28,9%, p<0,01), obesity (34,6% vs 8%, p<0,001) and family history of premature coronary artery disease (20,6% vs 8,1%, p=0,02) were significantly more prevalent in females with increased CV risk. There was no significant difference between the groups due to the prevalence of smoking (72,9% vs 64%, NS). The majority of the study population had minimal or no everyday physical activity. No significant difference in physical activity between both groups was observed. According to FSFI, women with increased CV risk more often had SD (64% vs 33,3%, p<0,001). The scores in all domains of sexual function – desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain, were significantly lower in women with hypertension and/or DM compared with the control group. These trends seemed more prominent in premenopause females. No significant difference in the FSFI score was found between both groups in postmenopausal women. The FSFI score was significantly lower in the subgroup of premenopausal women with increased CV risk compared with premenopausal participants in the control group (21,02±10,98 vs 28,24±5,37, p<0,001). Conclusion Females with hypertension and/or DM more often have other CV risk factors like dyslipidemia, obesity and family history of premature coronary artery disease. They also have increased prevalence of SD, especially in premenopausal women. Screening for increased CV risk should be discussed in premenopausal women with SD.

Assessment of Type II Diabetes Patients' Caregivers' Burnout Level: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus type II (T2D) is a chronic condition that requires significant change in the family behavior and is associated with psychosocial conflicts for both patients and their family environment. The aim of this study is to assess burnout among relatives caring for patients with T2D.MethodsThis cross-sectional study with random sampling was conducted on 501 caregivers of patients with T2D between April and September 2021 at Prince Mansour armed forces hospital in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Data collection tool was a modified version of the caregiver stress self-assessment questionnaire. Data analysis was then carried out using t-test and chi-square test (SPSS v20).ResultsThe mean patient age was 64.4+12.0 years, female predominant with longstanding T2D. Metformin was the most prescribed T2D medication. The caregivers’ mean age was 34.9+12.4 years, male predominant, and around 45% of them report low level of education and income; 63.9% of the caregivers report little to no stress. Compared with caregivers with mild/moderate stress and moderate/severe stress, caregivers with little to no stress were more likely to be younger in age (P <0.001), male (P = 0.464), single (P = 0.035), patient’s offspring (P = 0.490), caring for T2D patients with younger age (P = 0.058) and shorter T2D duration (P = 0.074), patients who were less likely to use a wheelchair (P = 0.008), patients who were less likely to be prescribed a complex insulin regimen and with better glycemic control parameters (both P >0.05), and patients with higher HDL level (P = 0.037).ConclusionThere were no correlations between the caregivers’ levels of stress and the T2D patients’ HbA1c levels. There was a significant positive correlation between a caregiver’s stress score and the caregiver’s age. Future studies are needed to assess other caregivers’ parameters and their relation to metabolic control of T2D patients.

The Dialectics of Utopia and Utopian Impulse

This paper aims to offer a dialectical view of Utopia and utopian impulse in utopian theory. Politically, Utopia is associated with a reductionist leftist politics which overlooks essential human diversity and psycho-social conflicts by imposing harmony and progress through implicit violence. In aesthetic representation, Utopia is seen as an ideal society which offers a glorious transformation of mankind living in a society free of wants and conflicts. However, Utopian theory is essentially different from such meta narratives about Utopia and its pr-axis. Instead of focusing on the political or aesthetic concept of Utopia, it brings forth a dialectical analysis of Utopia and Utopian impulse to understand its aesthetic, political and theoretical dimensions. This paper claims that the utopian impulse is the central subtext of diverse utopian manifestations, which offers a narrative of critique and a continual process of theoretical sublimation and pursuit of an ideal society free of systemic ills.

Children's psychosocial and behavioural consequences during their siblings' hospitalisation: A qualitative content analysis from caregivers' perspectives.

This study aimed to comprehensively describe the psychosocial and behavioural consequences experienced by siblings of hospitalised children from the caregivers' perspective. After children are diagnosed with a major illness, their siblings may begin to exhibit psychological and behavioural problems, coupled with decreased quality of life. This study employed qualitative content analysis to describe the perspectives of 147 caregivers of siblings of hospitalised children, following the COREQ guidelines. From January to March 2015, data were collected from 33 medical institutions in Japan using a survey that utilised an open-ended question. Four themes comprising 13 comprehensive categories were extracted: (1) maintaining their usual self, (2) internalising difficulties, (3) externalising difficulties, and (4) personal growth. During data analysis, value judgments were avoided, with the focus instead placed on dividing the perspectives into positive and negative categories. The neutral data analysis enabled us to describe the psychosocial and behavioural adjustments that siblings make to 'maintain their usual self'. This study's results can be used to educate healthcare providers, teachers and families about the psychosocial and behavioural effects of hospitalisation on siblings of hospitalised children to ensure that siblings struggling with psychosocial conflicts receive the necessary support.

Eine aktualisierte systematische Übersichtsarbeit zur Wirksamkeit von Familienaufstellungen

BackgroundFamily constellations as system therapeutic individual interventions in a group setting are frequently part of psychiatric, psychological and psychotherapeutic care. They conduce the spatial enactment of relationship structures, particularly in psychosocial conflicts. So far there have been practically no systematic overviews on the effectiveness of these system therapeutic interventions.ObjectiveThe aim of this article is to fill this void.Material and methodsThe systematic literature search (databases: PsycINFO, Embase, MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Psyndex, PsycEXTRA, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and the database of the German Society for System Constellations: time period: up to April 2020, 6 languages) identified 4199 potentially relevant records, of which the full texts of 69 publications were reviewed for their suitability for further inclusion.ResultsA total of 14 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria (11 independent samples; altogether 590 participants, mostly from the general population). Outcome variables showed a high diversity (e.g. self-image, psychopathology, perceived family functioning). Statistically significant improvements after participation in family constellation therapy were reported in 11 studies. The studies showing no significant treatment benefits were of lower methodological quality. In nine studies, iatrogenic effects were investigated and six studies reported minor or moderate negative effects in a small proportion (5–9%) of participants.ConclusionThe results are indicative of the effectiveness of family constellation therapy; however, the quantity and overall quality of the evidence is low. Future randomized controlled studies are necessary to reproduce the effects found so far.

Overcoming Strategies of Behavior of Women With Endometriosis

The article highlights psychosomatic diseases in gynecology. A review of the literature indicates that the nature of psychosomatic relationships is largely determined by the personality, which should be considered taking into account the characteristics of his socialisation. Many diseases are increasingly viewed from the point of view of experiences, processing of experiences, mental and psychosocial conflicts. In gynecological diseases, in particular, various manifestations of psycho-emotional disorders, disorders of the system of significant relationships are possible. At the same time, the circle of contacts with people is narrowed, the importance of the female and social role, position in relation to all life situations is changing. One of the effective directions in the study of human psychosomatics can be the analysis of psychosomatic disorders, taking into account coping strategies in the period of overcoming stressful situations. An analysis of coping strategies for overcoming stress opens up the possibility of identifying its features that determine the nature of psychosomatic disorders.

Emotional awareness and other emotional processes: implications for the assessment and treatment of chronic pain.

Emotional awareness (EA) is a key emotional process that is related to the presence and severity of chronic pain(CP). In this report, we describe primary and secondary emotions, discuss the distinction between emotional states and emotional regulation/processing, and summarize theory and research highlighting the significance of EA for CP. We describe ways to assess EA and diagnose centrally-mediated CP, for which emotional processes appear most relevant. We review several psychological interventions designed to enhance EA as well as several broader emotional processing treatments developed to address trauma and psychosocial conflicts underlying many patients'pain. We conclude by offering our perspective on how future integration of emotional processing into pain care could promote recovery from CP.

Conflicts of adolescents and their homoeopathic management: A case series

Objectives: (1) The objectives of the study were to identify the various conflicts faced by adolescents and resolve them with multidimensional management strategies designed specifically for each case and (2) to explore the role of homoeopathy along with ancillary measures in conflict resolution for adolescents. Materials and Methods: The details of the chief complaints, developmental characteristics and the problems faced by the adolescents were studied and analysed. The specific conflicts were identified and individual multidimensional management strategies were devised accordingly. Homoeopathic management along with ancillary measures such as psychological counselling of patient and family, diet and lifestyle modification guidance, meditation and relaxation techniques and career guidance was the basic modalities used to resolve conflicts. Results: Positive outcomes were achieved with suitable interventions made at the right time; this not only resolved the conflicts but also helped in preventing any adverse consequences or faulty development of the adolescents. Conclusion: This study helps in appreciating the role of homoeopathy in the management of various physical, emotional, intellectual, psychosocial, sexual and behavioural conflicts faced by adolescents. The holistic approach used in the homoeopathic system of medicine along with ancillary measures can cause transformations at several levels, enabling individuals to lead a healthier and happier life as adolescents and adults.

Career Development of Sexual and Gender Minority Persons Living With Disabilities

Sexual and gender minority persons, as well as persons living with disabilities, encounter significant career development issues. However, the career development trajectories for sexual and gender minority persons living with disabilities have not been fully explored. The goal of our qualitative study was to explore factors that influence the career development trajectories of sexual and gender minority persons living with disabilities. Using constructivist grounded theory methods, we conducted semistructured interviews with 21 diverse individuals living in the United States. The core category, Intersectional Adaptation, described how study participants navigated their career development trajectory. The four remaining categories included Psychosocial Capital, Psychosocial Conflicts, Intersectional Identity Disclosure, and Work–Life Balance. We discuss the limitations of the study as well as the implications for future research and provide suggestions for career counseling.

Asymmetry In Belief Updating And Carcinogenesis

Accumulating evidence shows that the central nervous system (CNS) regulates the activity of the immune system. Concerning the role of immune system in cancer, psychosocial influences on immune function provide a mechanism of association between psychosocial factors (like interpersonal aggression) and cancer prognosis. Social conflicts between males, involving high aggression stress and threat (psychosocial conflicts) produce both an allostatic state and allostatic load. The costs for aggressors (Hawks) and victims (Doves) tested under semi laboratory conditions are quite different. Testosterone does not cause aggression, only exaggerates the pre-existing pattern and response to environmental triggers of aggression.

Psychosocial Aspects Regarding Student-Teacher Relationship in the Lesson of Physical Education

Knowledge and adjustment relations in the psychosocial sports groups should be a permanent concern of those who seek to obtain performance (coaches, teachers, psychologists, technical staff, etc.), by exploiting all the factors that contribute to obtain it. We approached this issue because we believe that the relations established between students on one hand and between teachers and students on the other hand within the collective of students and representative sports teams are very complex and insufficiently studied. Based on the dramatic and conflictual circumstances identified, one can conceive, direct and apply in practice (at the desk or directly on the ground) a number of shares stressful and / or actions charging the emotional through which to try reducing tensions, diminishing and psychosocial conflicts rebalancing construction of a collective class or representative teams of school sports games.

Therapy Goals for Children and Adolescents with ADHD and their Primary Caregivers. A Content Analysis and Examination of Agreement of ADHD Patients and their Primary Caregivers

The aim of this study was to identify individual therapy goals (ITGs) of children and adolescents with ADHD and their primary caregivers. Within the evaluation of the selective contract for children and adolescents with ADHD in Bremerhaven, Germany, ITGs of 42 study participants (aged 8-17) and their primary caregivers were collected with the psychotherapy basis documentation for children and adolescents (Psy-BaDo-KJ). ITGs were analysed following the classification of categories for individual therapy goals (KITZ) and their modification for children and adolescents. Analysis focused on the most frequently named ITGs and the agreement of patients and primary caregivers ITGs on the individual level. 235 ITGs were named. The greatest proportion of ADHD patients and their caregivers (47%) focused on interactional, psychosocial conflicts. In 19% of the cases (n=8) patients and their caregivers had the same main goal. 38% of patients and of caregivers (n=16) named the other ones main goal in one of his/her ITGs as well. ADHD patients and their primary caregivers both pursue ITGs related to ADHD symptoms. Few ITGs address medication related aspects. In case of differences in the ITGs of a patient and his/her primary caregivers, therapists should check whether differing ITGs address the same problem from different perspectives.

Fibromyalgia syndrome: A somatoform disorder?

Whether fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) can be classified as a somatoform disorder is under debate. Literature searches on the classification of FMS as a somatoform disorder were performed in Medline and in evidence-based guideline databases. A somatoform disorder is defined by medically unexplained somatic symptoms that persist for at least 6 months and lead to a significant impairment of the ability to function in everyday life. The nature and extent of the symptoms or the distress and pre-occupation of the patient cannot be explained fully by a general medical condition or by the direct effect of a substance, and are not attributable to another mental disorder. Emotional and psychosocial conflicts play a major role in the onset, severity, exacerbation or maintenance of the physical symptoms. There is disagreement in the FMS research community on the existence of somatic factors sufficiently explaining FMS symptoms. Psychosocial factors play a major role in the onset, exacerbation or maintenance of FMS symptoms in the majority of patients. A biopsychosocial model of interacting biological and psychosocial factors in the predisposition, onset and maintenance of FMS symptoms is more appropriate than the dichotomy between a somatic disease and a mental (somatoform) disorder. The clinical features of FMS and persistent somatoform pain disorder or somatization disorder according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 overlap in individuals with chronic widespread pain without specific somatic disease factors. FMS is not synonymous with somatoform disorder.

Psychosocial Development in South Korean Couples and Its Effects on Marital Relationships

This study explored psychosocial development in South Korean couples and its impact on their marital satisfaction and marital crisis. A sample of 100 cohabiting married Korean couples (n = 200) and 100 premarital couples (n = 200) participated in this study. Findings showed that partners in same-couple relationships were more likely to reach the same stages of psychosocial development. Married couples displayed different levels of marital satisfaction and marital crisis depending on which stage of psychosocial development they found themselves in. The results of this study also revealed that partners who successfully resolved psychosocial developmental tasks and conflicts had higher marital satisfaction and lower marital crisis. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

The Strauss-Kahn Syndrome

AbstractAccumulating evidence shows that the central nervous system (CNS) regulates the activity of the immune system. Concerning the role of immune system in cancer, psychosocial influences on immune function provide a mechanism of association between psychosocial factors (like interpersonal aggression) and cancer prognosis. Social conflicts between males, involving high aggression stress and threat (psychosocial conflicts) produce both an allostatic state and allostatic load. The costs for aggressors (Hawks) and victims (losers) tested under semi laboratory conditions are quite different. Testosterone does not cause aggression, only exaggerates the pre-existing pattern and response to environmental triggers of aggression. The individual's personality type (authoritarian Hawk or Dove) has major impact on psychoneuroimmune mechanisms linking aggression stress through inflammation to cancer. Due to the latest connotations we propose this personality phenomenon label as "the Strauss-Kahn syndrome".

Mechanism Linking Aggression Stress through Inflammation to Cancer

Accumulating evidence shows that the central nervous system (CNS) regulates the activity of the immune system. Concerning the role of immune system in cancer, psychosocial influences on immune function provide a mechanism of association between psychosocial factors (like interpersonal aggression) and cancer prognosis. Social conflicts between males, involving high aggression stress and threat (psychosocial conflicts) produce both an allostatic state and allostatic load. The costs for aggressors (Hawks) and victims (losers) tested under semi laboratory conditions are quite different. Testosterone does not cause aggression, only exaggerates the pre-existing pattern and response to environmental triggers of aggression. The individual’s personality type (authoritarian Hawk or Dove) has major impact on psychoneuroimmune mechanisms linking aggression stress through inflammation to cancer. Due to the latest connotations we propose this personality phenomenon label as “the Strauss-Kahn syndrome”.