Standardized Situation Research Articles

A Knowledge Graph-Based Consistency Detection Method for Network Security Policies

Network security policy is regarded as a guideline for the use and management of the network environment, which usually formulates various requirements in the form of natural language. It can help network managers conduct standardized network attack detection and situation awareness analysis in the overall time and space environment of network security. However, in most cases, due to configuration updates or policy conflicts, there are often differences between the real network environment and network security policies. In this case, the consistency detection of network security policies is necessary. The previous consistency detection methods of security policies have some problems. Firstly, the detection direction is single, only focusing on formal reasoning methods to achieve logical consistency detection and solve problems. Secondly, the detection policy field is not comprehensive, focusing only on a certain type of problem in a certain field. Thirdly, there are numerous forms of data structures used for consistency detection, and it is difficult to unify the structured processing and analysis of rule library carriers and target information carriers. With the development of intelligent graph and data mining technology, the above problems have the possibility of optimization. This article proposes a new consistency detection approach for network security policy, which uses an intelligent graph database as a visual information carrier, which can widely connect detection information and achieve comprehensive detection across knowledge domains, physical devices, and detection methods. At the same time, it can also help users grasp the security associations with the real network environment based on the graph algorithm of the knowledge graph and intelligent reasoning. Furthermore, these actual network situations and knowledge bases can help managers improve policies more tailored to local conditions. This article also introduces the consistency detection process of typical cases of network security policies, demonstrating the practical details and effectiveness of this method.

Variation in opinions on coercion use among mental healthcare professionals: a questionnaire study

Introduction Even if coercive measures are widely applied in psychiatry and have numerous well-known drawbacks, there is limited known on the agreement among mental healthcare professionals’ opinions on their use. In a questionnaire study using standardized scenarios, we investigated variation in staff opinions on coercion. Methods In a web-based survey distributed to staff at three psychiatry hospitals, respondents were asked to consider if and what coercion to use by introducing two hypothetical scenarios involving involuntary psychiatric admission and in-hospital coercion. Results One hundred thirty-two out of 601 invited staff members responded to the survey (Response Rate = 22%). There was large variation in participating staff members’ opinions on how to best manage critical situations and what coercive measures were warranted. In the first scenario, 57% of respondents (n = 76) believed that the patient should be involuntarily admitted to hospital while the remaining respondents believed that the situation should be managed otherwise. Regarding the second scenario, 62% of respondents responded that some in-hospital coercion should be used. The majority of respondents believed that colleagues would behave similarly (60%) or with a tendency towards more coercion use (34%). Male gender, being nursing staff and having less coercion experience predicted being less inclined to choose involuntary hospital admission. Conclusion There is a high degree of variation in coercion use. This study suggests that this variation persists despite staff members being confronted with the same standardized situations. There is a need for evidence-based further guidance to minimize coercion in critical mental healthcare situations.

Couples’ empathy and sensitive responsiveness to a crying baby simulator

Emotional empathy has been linked to prosocial behaviors and is deemed crucial for parenting and caring for infants. This study examined whether emotional empathy (dispositional and in response to infant crying) is associated with sensitive responsiveness, as observed in 221 heterosexual couples (half of whom were expecting their first child) during a standardized caregiving situation. Simulators resembling real infants were used. Caregiving performed by each partner individually and as a couple was observed using the Ainsworth sensitivity scale. The partners rated their own empathy and their perceived partner’s empathy toward the infant simulator. The Polish version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index was used to measure dispositional emotional empathy (empathic concern, EC; personal distress, PD). Multilevel modeling showed that self-reported and partner-reported empathy elicited by the infant simulator mediated the association between dispositional empathic concern and sensitive responsiveness during caretaking. Women were more empathic and responsive while caring for the infant simulator, and couple sensitive responsiveness was predicted by higher dispositional EC and lower PD in women but not in men. Our findings suggest that dispositional empathy and empathic reactions toward an infant simulator might translate into better adjustment to parenthood and more responsive parenting and coparenting.

Determinants of consensus in person judgments: The joint influence of information overlap, information quantity, cross-situational consistency, and shared meaning.

This study investigated the effects and interplay of several core determinants of consensus in person perception: information overlap, information quantity, cross-situational consistency, and shared meaning. Targets (N = 200) were filmed in different standardized situations. Perceivers either watched the same target in different situations (N = 1,395 perceivers) or different targets in the same situation (N = 3,963 perceivers) and then rated the targets' personalities after each video. Overlap of the observed situations was systematically varied across perceivers. Consensus was higher when perceivers (a) observed a target in more overlapping situations, (b) observed a target in more situations overall, judged characteristics (c) for which between-target differences were more consistent across situations, or (d) for which perceivers had more similar meaning systems. The effect of overlap was more important with low consistency or information quantity, but moderate in size overall. In light of prior research failing to adequately operationalize overlap and consider its interplay with other factors, this study presents the strongest evidence to date on these issues. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Distinguishing four types of Person × Situation interactions: An integrative framework and empirical examination.

People differ in their reaction to situations, resulting in Person × Situation interactions. These interactions have been emphasized by many theoretical accounts of personality. Nevertheless, empirical progress on Person × Situation interactions has been slow. This is in part attributable to an insufficient distinction of person and situation variables and of different types of interaction effects. We propose a framework distinguishing four nested types of interaction effects varying in specificity: (a) P × S: broad Person × Situation interaction variance, (b) P × Sspec: between-person differences in situation variable-outcome associations, (c) Pspec × S: between-situation differences in person variable-outcome associations, and (d) Pspec × Sspec: specific Person Variable × Situation Variable interactions. We conducted two large online studies (N = 622 and N = 818) with standardized situation stimuli (N = 62 pictures and N = 62 first-person perspective videos) and assessed Big Five traits, DIAMONDS situation characteristics, and Big Five states. Using preregistered multilevel models, we systematically quantified the different interaction types. We found (a) large Person × Situation interaction variance in personality states, (b) sizable individual differences in situation characteristic-state contingencies, (c) consistent but smaller between-situation differences in trait-state associations, and (d) some significant but (very) small Personality Trait × Situation Characteristic interactions. Our findings highlight Person × Situation interactions as potentially important predictors of psychological states, although the explanation of these interactions through specific person variables remains difficult. Individual differences in the reaction to situations should be incorporated into our models of personality. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploring the relationship between attributional style measured in virtual reality and bullying among children at familial high risk of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder compared with controls

BackgroundChildren of parents with severe mental illness report bullying more often compared with controls. We hypothesized that deviations in attributional styles may explain the increased prevalence of bullying experiences. We aimed to assess real-time responses to standardized ambiguous social situations, bullying experiences by children, their primary caregivers, and teachers, and to investigate potential associations between attributional styles and bullying. MethodThe study included 465 children aged 11–12, born to parents with schizophrenia, N =179, bipolar disorder, N = 105, or population-based controls, N = 181. Attributional style was evaluated using virtual reality environments depicting ambiguous social everyday situations. We created a tailored assessment since no suitable assessments were found. Bullying was assessed through self-reports and reports from primary caregivers and teachers. ResultsWe observed no group differences in the attributional style of the children. Reports from children, primary caregivers, and teachers revealed that compared with controls, children born to parents with schizophrenia were more likely to perceive bullying victimization, with high consistency among reports. No associations were found between bullying reports and attributional style. ConclusionsChildren of parents with schizophrenia consistently experienced more bullying, as reported by the children themselves, primary caregivers, and teachers. No differences in attributional style were found, indicating that attributional style did not explain the increased prevalence of bullying reports. While it cannot be ruled out that our virtual environments were insufficient to trigger a sense of social exclusion, the results suggest that the observed differences in reported bullying are genuine and not a result of the child's attributional style.

Nonverbal hand movements serve self-related functions in blind individuals

ObjectiveBlind individuals suffer from visual (i.e., sensory) deprivation. So-called “blindisms” (or “nervous” movements) have been described as the nonverbal consequence of such deprivation. However, the neuropsychological functions of such behaviours of blind individuals have not been investigated yet. We therefore analyzed the nonverbal hand movement and gestural behaviour of blind individuals with the hypothesis that their nonverbal expressions rather serve their own mental state than the nonverbal (/gestural) depiction of (mental) images. MethodsThe (entire) nonverbal hand movement and gestural behaviour of right-handed healthy blind, (matched) sighted, and (matched) sighted/blindfolded individuals was analyzed during a standardized interview situation (about emotions and actions) by four independent (certified) raters employing the Neuropsychological Gesture (NEUROGES) Coding System. ResultsThe results show no difference of the overall hand movement activity between blind, sighted, and sighted/blindfolded individuals. Increased position shifts and on body focused hand movements were found in blind individuals when compared to sighted and sighted/blindfolded individuals. Sighted but neither blind nor sighted/blindfolded individuals increase egocentric deictic and pantomime gestures during the re-narration of an audio story. DiscussionBlind individuals seem to desynchronize during conversation (shifts), increase self-stimulation behaviour due to sensory deprivation (on body), but reduce the nonverbal transfer of mental images via hand gestures. We therefore conclude that nonverbal hand movements of blind individuals rather serve their own mental state but not for the transfer of mental images.

Bystander Responses to Bullying and Harassment in Medical Education.

Bullying and harassment in medical education are common. The aims of this study were (a) to describe how medical trainees respond to harassment or bullying in medical settings, and (b) to determine whether trainees respond differently based on the type of harassment. Participants were medical students, residents, and fellows (N=80) recruited from a rural teaching hospital in Pennsylvania. We invited them to complete an electronic survey and react to four standardized situations that included common harassment types in graduate medical education. On average, 31.6% reported that they would consult with peer colleagues, 50.6% would provide direct support to the victim, 16.3% would approach the perpetrator or intervene directly, and 19.3% would file a formal report with a supervisor or human resources. Findings indicated that respondents as bystanders would intervene significantly more often when harassment was related to inappropriate racial or ethnic comments. Given that a sizable portion of trainees would speak directly with a victim, training bystanders in strategies to address or mentor others on how to address harassment more effectively could be useful in graduate medical education. Future research might explore trainees' differential reactions to harassment types toward developing more comprehensive intervention programs in graduate and undergraduate medical education.

Development and Verification of a Survey Scale on Academic Conditions in Higher Education

This paper focuses on the teaching practice research of front-line teachers in colleges and universities, and aims to explore a scientific, standardized, operative and flexible learning situation analysis framework through the development and verification of Learning Situation Survey Scale, including the learning situation survey tool “Series Questionnaire of Learning Situation Survey” and the strategy of data statistics and analysis. According to the psychological characteristics of learners, the research contents are divided into three-level index systems from top to bottom, and specific items are generated. Among them, the first level indicators include “identity information”, “learning orientation”, “learning style” and “cognitive level” . And the first draft of the scale was predicted, the research data was statistically analyzed by SPSS, and the scale items were revised according to the results of factor analysis. The revised scale has a good structure, high reliability and validity, and can be used as an effective survey tool for Learning Situation Analysis.

Fast-and-frugal means to assess reflection-related reasoning processes in teacher training—Development and evaluation of a scalable machine learning-based metric

Reflection is hypothesized to be a key component for teachers’ professional development and is often assessed and facilitated through written reflections in university-based teacher education. Empirical research shows that reflection-related competencies are domain-dependent and multi-faceted. However, assessing reflections is complex. Given this complexity, novel methodological tools such as non-linear, algorithmic models can help explore unseen relationships and better determine quality correlates for written reflections. Consequently, this study utilized machine learning methods to explore quality correlates for written reflections in physics on a standardized teaching situation. N = 110 pre- and in-service physics teachers were instructed to reflect upon a standardized teaching situation in physics displayed in a video vignette. The teachers’ written reflections were analyzed with a machine learning model which classified sentences in the written reflections according to elements in a reflection-supporting model. A quality indicator called level of structure (LOS) was devised and further used to validate machine learning classifications against experts’ judgements. Analyses show that LOS is positively correlated with experts’ judgements on reflection quality. We conclude that LOS of a written reflection is one important indicator for high-quality written reflections which is able to exclude typical quality correlates such as text length. With the help of the machine learning model, LOS can be useful to assess pre-service physics teachers written reflections.

Development of an Enhanced Surveillance and Epidemiology Program to Support the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in England: Outcomes and Lessons Learned

Introduction:The 2022 Commonwealth Games (B2022) was hosted by Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK) from July, 28 2022 to August 8, 2022. As a major global sporting event and mass gathering, B2022 included over 4,500 athletes (from 72 countries and territories) and attracted 1.5 million spectators. Robust public health surveillance and support for health protection incidents was required from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to protect the health of both those directly involved in B2022, and the local population.Method:UKHSA surveillance activities in the UK West Midlands region were enhanced, utilizing lessons learned from the response to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2021 G7 Summit (hosted in England). Enhancements included: adaptation of existing and development of new methods for the identification of increased activity of a range of pathogens/diseases/conditions of particular concern to a mass gathering; standardized daily situation reporting to inform both public health action and the B2022 organizing committee. Three streams of routine UKHSA surveillance data were assessed each day: a UKHSA health protection/clinical management system, statutory laboratory reports of infection, and syndromic surveillance. Bespoke surveillance was also implemented using B2022 health data sources.Results:Enhanced daily surveillance activities successfully met the need for next-day public health surveillance and reporting during B2022. No outbreaks or incidents of public health significance to the Games were identified. Syndromic surveillance reported an increased impact on local health services due to periods of extremely hot weather before and following the competition period, although these impacts were not unique to the Birmingham area.Conclusion:Surveillance and epidemiology reporting for B2022 provided reassurance there were no incidents/outbreaks of public health significance to the Games. The enhancements made will inform future routine surveillance and reporting activities and will be employed for similar activities during future mass gathering events.

Competence or Dominance? A Quasi-Experimental Test of Sense of Control, Status, and Power

ABSTRACT Sense of control has been conceived as an individual-level mechanism shaping the unequal distribution of life outcomes. Yet recent studies imply its potential to form interpersonal hierarchies through two distinct dimensions: status and power. As extant theorizing favors status processes over power dynamics, we investigated it as a status element using status characteristic theory and a modified standardized experimental situation. We successfully detected sense of control’s limited capacity to form status hierarchies. However, further analyses suggest that aspects of interactional power, instead of competence-based status generalization, explain more variance in the observed influence patterns. We conclude that the detected hierarchies may be power based, but another research design should test this possibility. We then discuss the implications of these thought-provoking outcomes.

Influence of Upper-Extremity and Lower-Extremity Resistance Exercise on Segmental Body Composition and Body Fluid Estimates.

Rodriguez, C, Florez, CM, Prather, J, Zaragoza, J, Tinnin, M, Brennan, KL, Taylor, L, and Tinsley, GM. Influence of upper-extremity and lower-extremity resistance exercise on segmental body composition and body fluid estimates. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1042-1051, 2023-The purpose of this analysis was to determine if acute, localized resistance exercise (RE) artificially influences total and regional estimates of body composition from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Recreationally active male ( n = 14) and female ( n = 18) subjects completed 3 testing visits: rest (R), upper-extremity RE (U), and lower-extremity RE (L). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans were completed before exercise and 60 minutes after exercise. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was completed immediately before and after exercise and at 15, 30, and 60 minutes after exercise. Subjects were not allowed to intake fluid during the exercise session or during the postexercise assessment period. The effects of the acute RE session on DXA and BIA estimates were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with a random intercept for subject. Condition by time interactions were observed for most BIA outcomes. Relative to the reference model (i.e., R condition at baseline), total body water and fat-free mass estimates were, on average, approximately 1 and approximately 1.2 kg higher, in the U condition. In contrast, lower-extremity RE exerted little or no impact on most BIA variables. Some DXA estimates exhibited time main effects, but the magnitude of changes was negligible. An acute bout of localized RE, particularly upper-extremity RE, can artificially influence BIA body fluid and composition estimates, whereas DXA may be robust to the acute biological error introduced by RE. Although body composition assessments should ideally be conducted under standardized conditions, DXA may be suitable in less standardized situations. In addition, BIA is differentially influenced by upper-extremity and lower-extremity resistance exercise.

Review of the neglected tropical diseases programme implementation during 2012-2019 in the WHO-Eastern Mediterranean Region.

IntroductionThe 2012–2020 WHO NTD roadmap set targets for control, elimination, and eradication of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). It recommends 5 strategies, out of which preventive chemotherapy (PC) and intensified disease management were key to achieve targets. WHO estimated that globally, between 2012 and 2019, the number of persons affected by NTDs decreased from nearly 2.1 to 1.7 billion people. We analysed the situation of NTDs in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) in 2020 to assess the progress with the 2012–2020 roadmap and to identify gaps.MethodsWe reviewed data repositories of national data sources for 2012 to 2019 including the Global Indicator Data Platform for Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Health Observatory data repository, the WHO PC databank, and the EMR data repository. We allocated countries a Red-Amber-Green (RAG) rating based on standardized criteria, on progress and current situation of each of 11 priority NTDs.ResultsAll 22 countries in EMR were affected by 1 or more autochthonous or imported NTDs. In 2019, WHO estimated that in EMR, 78 million people required interventions for NTDs, a 38% decline compared with 2012. Twelve of 22 countries needed priority public health action (i.e., red) for 1 or more NTD. Of these, Sudan needed priority public health action for 6 NTDs and Yemen for 5. Eleven countries also needed priority public health action for cutaneous leishmaniasis, and 5 countries for rabies and trachoma. Visceral leishmaniasis is on the increase in Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, and Yemen.ConclusionSince the first roadmap of NTDs in 2012, the EMR has made a substantial progress. Nevertheless, many challenges remain in the prevention and control of NTDs. EMR needs a regional approach to control NTDs in countries most affected and a coordinated strategy to stop the continuing increase of cutaneous leishmaniasis and a possible resurgence of visceral leishmaniasis.

Integration of Screen Printed Piezoelectric Sensors for Force Impact Sensing in Smart Multifunctional Glass Applications

Screen printed piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride–trifluoro ethylene (PVDF–TrFE)‐based sensors laminated between glass panes in the temperature range 80–110 °C are presented. No degradation of the piezoelectric signals is observed for the sensors laminated at 110 °C, despite approaching the Curie temperature of the piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric sensors, here monitoring force impact in smart glass applications, are characterized by using a calibrated impact hammer system and standardized impact situations. Stand‐alone piezoelectric sensors and piezoelectric sensors integrated on poly(methyl methacrylate) are also evaluated. The piezoelectric constants obtained from the measurements of the nonintegrated piezoelectric sensors are in good agreement with the literature. The piezoelectric sensor response is measured by using either physical electrical contacts between the piezoelectric sensors and the readout electronics, or wirelessly via both noncontact capacitive coupling and Bluetooth low‐energy radio link. The developed sensor concept is finally demonstrated in smart window prototypes, in which integrated piezoelectric sensors are used to detect break‐in attempts. Additionally, each prototype includes an electrochromic film to control the light transmittance of the window, a screen printed electrochromic display for status indications and wireless communication with an external server, and a holistic approach of hybrid printed electronic systems targeting smart multifunctional glass applications.

Human-directed attachment behavior in wolves suggests standing ancestral variation for human-dog attachment bonds.

Domesticated animals are generally assumed to display increased sociability toward humans compared to their wild ancestors. Dogs (Canis familiaris) have a remarkable ability to form social relationships with humans, including lasting attachment, a bond based on emotional dependency. Since it has been specifically suggested that the ability to form attachment with humans evolved post‐domestication in dogs, attempts to quantify attachment behavior in wolves (Canis lupus) have subsequently been performed. However, while these rare wolf studies do highlight the potential for wolves to express human‐directed attachment, the varied methods used and the contrasting results emphasize the need for further, standardized testing of wolves. Here, we used the standardized Strange Situation Test to investigate attachment behavior expressed in wolves and dogs hand‐raised and socialized under standardized and identical conditions up until the age of testing. We found that 23‐week‐old wolves and dogs equally discriminated between a stranger and a familiar person, and expressed similar attachment behaviors toward a familiar person. Additionally, wolves, but not dogs, expressed significantly elevated stress‐related behavior during the test, but this stress response was buffered by the presence of a familiar person. Together, our results suggest that wolves can show attachment behaviors toward humans comparable to those of dogs. Importantly, our findings demonstrate that the ability to form attachment with humans exists in relatives of the wild ancestor of dogs, thereby refuting claims that this phenotype evolved after dog domestication was initiated.

PLEASE TRY THIS AT HOME: STANDARDIZED BLOOD PRESSURE SELF-MEASUREMENT - WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE AND FEASIBILITY STUDY

Objective: Clinical and epidemiological research needs standardized resting blood pressure (BP) measurements, as even small mean differences of a few mmHg between treatment groups or populations have prognostic or public health relevance. Standardization of sitting and arm position, cuff choice and resting time are usually ensured by trained study staff. The MeinBlutdruck study investigates willingness to participate and feasibility of standardized blood pressure self-measurements at home. Design and method: 1) Willingness to self-measure BP with mailed devices: interview of 6,469 adults embedded in a nationwide telephone interview survey, on their willingness to measure their blood pressure on three days in the morning and in the evening with mailed devices and video and written instructions. 2) Barriers to participation: qualitative interviews (n = 20). 3) Explanatory video 4) Feasibility: self-measurements with mailed devices (n = 200) with accompanying online-interviews. Results: Willingness to participate was affirmed by 38% of 6,469 respondents and, after adjustment for sociodemographic, health and ehavioural aspects, was associated with higher educational attainment (highest to lowest educational attainment (OR:2.06 [95% CI:1.60–2.66] and absence of chronic disease (OR:0.58 [95% CI:0.47- 0.73]), but not with self-reported hypertension (OR = 0.83 [95% CI:0.66- 1.06]). The qualitative interviews showed that the time for standardized measurements due to resting time and multiple measurements was considered long. The focus of the video was on the motivation to participate and on conveying a standardized calm measurement situation. First results of the feasibility study (n = 96) were: 14% of the devices were not returned 4 weeks after sending (n = 13), 4% were damaged and data was lost (n = 4), and 20% of the collected blood pressure measurement data did not correspond to the standardization specifications with 2 measurements in the morning and 2 in the evening on 3 days (n = 19). Standardized blood pressure measurement data could be collected from 62% of those willing to participate. Conclusions: The first preliminary results suggest that a standardized blood pressure self-measurement under home conditions is possible, however, response and adherence to the measurement protocol are much lower compared to blood pressure measurement in a study center.

Behavioral paradigms for studying pro-environmental behavior: A systematic review.

In view of global environmental deterioration and climate change, researchers from multiple fields of the behavioral sciences examine the determinants of pro-environmental behavior. Research on pro-environmental behavior is dominated by the use of self-report measures, which relates to critical validity problems. Some of these problems can be addressed by studying consequential behavior in behavioral paradigms (i.e., systematically arranged situations of actual environmental relevance). However, pro-environmental behavior paradigms have been scattered across disciplines, and many researchers may not be aware of the wealth of available paradigms. The present review aims to acquaint researchers across disciplinary borders with the behavioral paradigms developed to study pro-environmental behavior in different domains. A systematic literature search revealed 99 ad hoc paradigms and five validated paradigms of pro-environmental behavior. I review how different authors have succeeded in implementing the consequences of pro-environmental behavior in standardized field, laboratory, or online situations, point to caveats in the use of behavioral paradigms, and illustrate how researchers can select a paradigm for their own research.

Long-term follow-up of young children and adolescents with parental alcoholism who attended a group support programme for children 1993-2000

Introduction The aim was to follow-up children, of parents with alcohol problems, who joined a group support programme in Malmö, Sweden from 1993–2000. Our intension was to investigate mental health and social well-being in these children over a long period of time. Method Two follow-ups were conducted, in 2003 and in 2018. In 2003 the follow-up, included a semi-structured interview and six self-report scales (SCL-90, Coping with parent´s abuse, Social interaction, AUDIT, DUDIT and a Stress questionnaire). In 2018 the same scales were used, complemented with the EQ5D questionnaire and a standardized life situation formula. Results In 2003, 50% of the 44 attendees worked full-time or part-time. However, sons showed higher values on AUDIT and DUDIT (alcohol and drug use). In 2018, half of the 25 attendees had continued to study. Coping, AUDIT and social interaction changed significantly over time, coping and AUDIT for the better. The EQ5D showed lower quality of life compared to the normal Swedish population, and the life situation questionnaire revealed high levels of stress. Conclusion Most attendees had completed their school education, and half of them reported further studies. However, in the 2018 follow-up, they showed increased mental and physical symptoms.

Relationship between Borderline Personality Disorder, Emotional Availability, and Cortisol Output in Mother-Child Dyads

Background: Mothers with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often show altered emotional availability toward their own child and heightened stress vulnerability. The aims of the present study were (1) to examine total cortisol output in saliva during mother-child interaction in mothers with BPD and their children and (2) to test whether maternal nonhostility as a subscale of emotional availability mediates the relationship between maternal BPD and child total cortisol output. Methods: We investigated 16 mothers with BPD and 30 healthy control mothers (HC) and 29 children of mothers with BPD and 33 children of HC mothers. Children were between 5 and 12 years old. Salivary cortisol was collected prior to and twice after an episode of a 21-min standardized play situation between mother and child. Nonhostility was rated using the emotional availability scales. Analyses of covariance were computed to test for group differences in total cortisol output (measured with area under the curve with respect to ground). Pearson’s correlation was calculated to test the association between maternal and child total cortisol output. To test the second question, a mediation analysis according to Preacher and Hayes was conducted. Results: Mothers with BPD and their children had lower total cortisol output. Maternal and child total cortisol output was significantly correlated. Contrary to our hypothesis, maternal nonhostility did not mediate the relationship between BPD and child total cortisol output. Conclusion: Results imply that the hormonal stress activity of mothers with BPD and their children is altered, which may reflect modified stress regulation and stress vulnerability in mother and child and may impact on mother-child interaction. The finding of a positive association between mother’s and child total cortisol output could indicate an intergenerational transmission of these alterations.