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UNLABELLED: Concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of digital technology use on youth mental health and well-being are high. However, most studies have several methodological limitations: relying on cross-sectional designs and retrospective reports, assessing technology use as an omnibus construct, and focusing on between- instead of within-person comparisons. This study addresses these limitations by prospectively following young adolescents (n = 388) over a 14-day ecological momentary assessment study to test whether adolescents digital technology use is linked with self-reported emotional dysregulation and self-esteem and whether these relationships are stronger for adolescent girls than boys. We found no evidence that adolescents experienced higher emotional dysregulation (b = - .02; p = .07) and lower self-esteem (b = .004; p = .32) than they normally do on days where they use more technology than they normally do (within-person). Adolescents with higher average daily technology use over the study period did not experience lower levels of self-esteem (between-person, b = - .02; p = .13). Adolescents with higher average daily technology use across the two-week period did report higher levels of emotional dysregulation (p = .01), albeit the between-person relation was small (b = .08). There was no evidence that gender moderated the associations, both between and within adolescents (bs = - .02-.13, p = .06 - .55). Our findings contribute to the growing counter-narrative that technology use does not have as large of an impact on adolescents mental health and well-being as the public is concerned about. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42761-024-00282-w.

Building on recent findings by Fournier and colleagues (2023), the present study examined the fit of a bi-dimensional model of problematic Instagram use, distinguishing between non-pathological high engagement and problematic symptoms mirroring addictive tendencies. A sample of 696 Italian adults completed an online survey assessing problematic Instagram use, personality traits, psychological distress, usage motives for Instagram use, and Instagram usage metrics. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the bi-dimensional model, with high engagement (salience and tolerance) and problematic symptoms (relapse, withdrawal, conflict, and mood modification) as distinct factors. Neuroticism, depression, emotional dysregulation, loneliness, and FoMO and the diversion motive were more strongly correlated with problematic symptoms. In turn, social interaction, documentation, and self-promotion were more associated with high engagement. Frequency of sharing posts and stories were also more strongly correlated with high engagement. These findings highlight the importance of distinguishing between high engagement and addiction-like symptoms in understanding problematic Instagram use and inform the development of targeted interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gambling disorder is viewed by many as a behavioral addiction involving significant functional impairment and a deterioration in the quality of life. The aim of the present study was to explore the factors that can influence problematic gambling by specifically focusing on the role of attachment, alexithymia, dissociation, and impulsivity. The sample comprised 368 regular gamblers (59% males, 41% females; Mage=33.5 years). They completed an online survey consisting of the South Oaks Gambling Screen, Relationship Questionnaire, Twenty-Items Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Dissociative Experiences Scale‐II, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale–11. Path modeling was performed to analyze the collected data. Results showed a significant multiple mediation model: CMIN/DF = 4.447, GFI = 0.984, NFI = 0.964, CFI = 0.971, SRMR = 0.046. Fearful and preoccupied attachment patterns showed significant and positive associations with problematic gambling, and which were mediated by alexithymia, dissociation, and impulsivity. These results provide useful information to orient clinical practice and preventive intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinicians working with people suffering from psychological disorders involving emotional dysregulation often focus on treating the patient. To some extent, this is logical given the urgency and severity of the patient's problems. However, caregivers of these patients experience high levels of burden, depression, and other types of distress. Therefore, not caring for family members means first, neglecting these people who are also suffering, and secondly missing the opportunity to help patients from other perspectives focused on the context around them that can be very helpful. Currently, there is growing interest in studying interventions to help relatives of people with severe mental disorders. This special section presents some studies that analyze several variables that may influence the course of treatment, such as the influence of personality traits of parents of people with eating disorders and affective disorders or the family alliance for therapeutic change, and the level of hopelessness in family members of people with borderline personality disorders. Second, empirically supported interventions are presented for psychological disorders involving emotional dysregulation, for example, in relatives of people with borderline personality disorder and eating disorders. It is essential to make progress in the psychological care of people with psychological disorders and we think a good way to do this is to integrate into our clinical practice the possibility of offering skills training and psychoeducation to family members. So far, good results have been obtained, and we believe it is essential to disseminate these interventions among clinicians and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depressive symptoms in adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are common. Clinical evidence suggests that affective temperaments and emotional dysregulation are reasonable putative explanatory factors of this association. In this study, we thus investigated the role of these features in influencing concomitant depressive symptoms in adults with ADHD. Outpatients with ADHD were consecutively enrolled. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90-R), while the Temperament Evaluation Memphis for Pisa, Paris, and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) was used to assess the affective temperament dimensions. We tested emotional dysregulation using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Structural equation modeling was performed to test the interplay between temperament, emotional dysregulation, and depressive symptoms, accounting for other clinical variables that showed an association with depressive symptoms at univariate level. A total of 164 individuals with ADHD (mean age of 29.8 ± 10.7 years), of which 61 (37.2%) women, were recruited. Data showed that, accounting for the possible influence of psychopharmacological treatment and ADHD severity, both emotional dysregulation (p < 0.001) and dysthymic temperament (p = 0.003), though not other affective temperament dimensions, might influence depressive symptoms in people with ADHD. Despite some limitations, our study emphasizes the role of dysthymic temperament and emotional dysregulation in contributing to levels of depressive symptoms among individuals with ADHD. A comprehensive temperament assessment in adults with ADHD can offer valuable insights for developing tailored treatment strategies and enhancing overall patient care. • Depressive symptoms are frequent in adults with ADHD. • We tested the joint contribution of temperament and emotional dysregulation on depression in ADHD. • Both dysthymic temperament and emotional dysregulation correlate with depressive symptoms. • Assessing dysthymic temperament and emotional dysregulation may inform tailored treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) compared to treatment as usual in managing psychotic symptoms, emotional dysregulation, recovery and psychological flexibility in inpatients with primary psychoses. The Primary outcome assessed the positive and negative syndrome scale, while the secondary outcomes were to assess difficulties in the emotion regulation scale, recovery assessment scale and acceptance and action questionnaire. An open‐label, two‐arm parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants diagnosed with primary psychoses were randomly assigned to either the ACT (n = 33) or treatment‐as‐usual (n = 32) group. The intervention included six structured sessions of ACT. ACT significantly reduced psychotic symptoms from 128 to 104 (Z = 5.01) compared to treatment as usual from 130 to 117 (Z = 4.88). Emotional regulation improved significantly in the ACT group from 73 to 55 (Z = 4.835) compared to treatment as usual from 73 to 70 (Z = 2.406). Recovery increased in the ACT group from 50 to 88 (Z = 5.01) compared to treatment as usual from 51 to 61 (Z = 4.93). Psychological flexibility improved in the ACT group from 33 to 25 (Z = 4.98) compared to treatment as usual from 33 to 31 (Z = 4.75). Between‐group differences after intervention were significant for psychotic symptoms, emotional regulation, recovery and psychological flexibility (Z = 2.356, 4.652, 3.881 and 4.453, respectively). Accordingly, the current study demonstrates the effectiveness of ACT in reducing psychotic symptoms and improving emotional regulation, recovery and psychological flexibility in patients with primary psychoses. Integrating ACT into standard care protocols can enhance treatment outcomes, offering a comprehensive approach to managing complex mental health conditions. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06160869 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mood symptoms and disordered eating behaviors are common in adolescents with overweight and obesity. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between mood symptoms, difficulties in emotion regulation, and emotional eating behaviors in adolescents with overweight and obesity. In this cross-sectional study, adolescents with normal weight (N = 45), overweight (N = 45), or obesity (N = 55) were assessed using semi-structured clinical interviews and self-report scales. Path analysis was used to examine factors contributing to emotional eating behaviors, considering psychiatric comorbidities, mood symptoms, emotional/binge/restrictive eating behaviors, difficulties in emotion regulation, and self-esteem. Adolescents with overweight and obesity exhibited more depressive, anxiety, and anger symptoms; restrictive, emotional, and external eating behaviors; and psychopathologies such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with normal-weight adolescents. ADHD diagnosis, difficulties in emotion regulation, hypomanic/manic symptoms, and anger symptoms directly predicted emotional eating behavior, while self-esteem was an indirect predictor. Adolescents with overweight and obesity tend to exhibit similar psychological characteristics, including increased mood symptoms and maladaptive eating behaviors associated with higher rates of anxiety and mood disorders, compared with their normal-weight peers. The most significant predictors of emotional eating behaviors were ADHD and difficulties in emotion regulation. Given the frequency of psychological comorbidities in obesity, their detection and management should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, habits related to smoking have been changing. An increasing portion of light/occasional smokers tend to define themselves as non-smokers, leading to an incorrect perception of the risks that smoking even a few cigarettes can entail. In this study, we investigated the nicotine-induced cognitive distortion in young, higher-education students with low/moderate dependence (as indexed by the Fagerstrom questionnaire). The study involved 111 participants (62 female; mean age 24.43 ± 3.77) divided into smokers and non-smokers, who responded to specific questionnaires to evaluate their attachment style, emotion dysregulation, and state anxiety. Their response to smoking-related cues following emotional stimulation was experimentally evaluated, with participants being made to choose between care- or smoking-related images, following the presentation of threatening or neutral stimuli. The results show a cognitive bias in smokers, with participants choosing smoking-related stimuli significantly more often than non-smokers, with a slower reaction time, regardless of emotional cues. Emotion dysregulation and attachment style were also significantly correlated with response choice but not with response latency. Overall, our data indicate that there is no such thing as light use of nicotine and that smoking, even if not continuous, determines cognitive biases that lead to a vision of the environment as a function of substance seeking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neurobiological mechanism of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in adolescents remains unclear. The study aimed to assess the alterations in neural activity within prefrontal cortex in adolescents with BPD and investigate the relationship of prefrontal activity with emotional regulation and cognitive function. This study enrolled 50 adolescents aged 12–17 years with BPD and 21 gender and age-matched healthy control (HC) participants. Study assessment for each participant included a brain resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI), clinical assessment questionnaires such as Borderline Personality Features Scale (BPFS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and cognitive testing with Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT). Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and seed-based functional connectivity (FC) were obtained from rs-fMRI analysis. Correlation analysis was also performed to evaluate the associations of the neuroimaging metrics such as fALFF and FC with clinical assessment questionnaire and cognitive testing scores. Adolescents with BPD showed increased fALFF values in the right inferior frontal gyrus and decreased activity in the left middle frontal gyrus as compared to the HC group (p < 0.05, cluster size ≥ 100, FWE correction). In adolescents with BPD, increased fALFF in the right inferior frontal gyrus was related to the BPFS (emotional dysregulation), DERS-F (lacking of emotional regulation strategies) and Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory-4 C scores (internal emotional regulation function of self-injurious behavior). The reduced fALFF in the left middle frontal gyrus was associated with the SCWT-A (reading characters) and the SCWT-B (reading color) scores. Additionally, the fALFF values in the left middle frontal gyrus and the right inferior frontal gyrus were related to the CTQ-D (emotional neglect) (p < 0.05). The left middle frontal gyrus exhibited increased FC with the right hippocampus, left inferior temporal gyrus and right inferior frontal gyrus (voxel p < 0.001, cluster p < 0.05, FWE correction). The increased FC between the left middle frontal gyrus and the right hippocampus was related to the SCWT-C (cognitive flexibility) score. We observed diverging changes in intrinsic brain activity in prefrontal cortex, and neural compensatory changes to maintain function in adolescents with BPD. In addition, decreased neural function was closely associated with emotional dysregulation, while increased neural function as indicated by brain activity and FC was associated with cognitive dysfunction. These results indicated that alterations of intrinsic brain activity may be one of the underlying neurobiological markers for clinical symptoms in adolescents with BPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Women experience numerous episodes of adverse events, often linked to violence, which create emotional difficulties that contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. However, more research is required to understand the nature of post-traumatic reactions and the underlying psycho-emotional processes. Objective: To determine whether emotional dysregulation and worry mediate the relationship between the experience of stressful events and post-traumatic stress symptoms in a sample of adult Mexican women seeking online psychological treatment. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a non-probabilistic sample of 687 women ages 18 to 76. Results: The data show that emotional dysregulation mediated the relationship between the type of trauma and post-traumatic stress symptoms for illness- and death-related events, but not for other types of stressors, whereas worry mediated the association between sexual and physical assault and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Discussion and conclusion: This study contributes to current psychopathology models focused on the transdiagnostic perspective. The findings may guide interventions targeting emotion regulation and worry as modifiable risk factors for the development of post-traumatic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies demonstrate a link between irritability and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in youth samples. However, they have mostly assessed irritability in community samples and as a largely dispositional (i.e. trait‐like) construct. Thus, it remains unclear to what extent links between irritability and STBs reflect within‐person processes of elevated risk in clinically meaningful time periods. Methods: The present study used clinical data from 689 adolescents aged 12–19 years attending a total of 6,128 visits at a specialty Intensive Outpatient Program for depressed and suicidal youth to examine patterns in weekly assessments of irritability and STBs throughout treatment, including associations among trends and fluctuations departing from these trends via multilevel structural equation modeling. Youth completed self‐report measures of irritability, depression, and STBs weekly as part of standard IOP clinical care. Results: Overall, two‐thirds of variance in weekly irritable mood was accounted for by between‐person differences and the remaining portion by weekly fluctuations. After controlling for depression, during weeks when youth were more irritable they experienced increased STBs. Rates of change in irritability and STBs tended to track together at early stages of treatment, but these effects were generally accounted for by depression severity. Conclusions: Our results suggest that although changes in STBs are best accounted for by depression, irritability can be understood as a specific, proximal risk factor for youth STBs that exacerbates youth STBs in clinically informative timeframes above and beyond depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current study sought to clarify and harness the incremental validity of emotional dysregulation and unawareness (EDU) in emerging adulthood, beyond ADHD symptoms and with respect to concurrent classification of impairment and co-occurring problems, using machine learning techniques. Method: Participants were 1,539 college students (M age = 19.5, 69% female) with self-reported ADHD diagnoses from a multisite study who completed questionnaires assessing ADHD symptoms, EDU, and co-occurring problems. Results: Random forest analyses suggested EDU dimensions significantly improved model performance (p s <.001) in classifying participants with impairment and internalizing problems versus those without, with the resulting ADHD + EDU classification model demonstrating acceptable to excellent performance (except in classification of Work Impairment) in a distinct sample. Variable importance analyses suggested inattention sum scores and the Limited Access to Emotional Regulation Strategies EDU dimension as the most important features for facilitating model classification. Conclusion: Results provided support for EDU as a key deficit in those with ADHD that, when present, helps explain ADHD's co-occurrence with impairment and internalizing problems. Continued application of machine learning techniques may facilitate actuarial classification of ADHD-related outcomes while also incorporating multiple measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problematic online gaming is a great concern among emerging adults. Although some cross-sectional studies suggest that problematic online gaming is associated with emotional difficulties, there is limited investigation into contribution of psychological risk factors among different age groups.The current study aimed to explore whether young emerging adults have significantly greater emotion dysregulation (ED), trait impulsivity, risk taking behaviours and problematic online gaming than older adults; and the predictive value of ED, urgency and risk taking behaviours on problematic online gaming. A total of 156 participants (Mage = 26.42) completed the Short UPPS-P Impulsive Behaviour Scale (SUPPS-P), Problematic Online Gaming Questionnaire Short-Form (POGQ-SF), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale Short-Form (DERS-SF) and the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). Younger adults (18 to 24 years) showed significantly greater ED and higher risk-taking behaviours than older adults (25-49 years), with males showing higher problematic online gaming and risk-taking. 18 to 24 years old adults had significantly greater ED for lack of goals (p <.01) and strategy (p <.01), and higher risk-taking behaviours (p <.01) than older adults. Positive urgency (PU) (p <.01) was the strongest predictor of problematic online gaming. Furthermore, there were significant indirect effects of positive urgency and negative urgency on problematic online gaming via difficulties in emotion regulation. Adult problematic online gaming is an emotion-driven problem behaviour that has similar associations to other internet addictions like online gambling disorder and that age-related changes during adulthood affect ED and risk taking behaviour. Limitations, future cyberpsychology research and implications including clinical and policy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lithium is the gold-standard treatment for Bipolar Disorder (BD) in both adults and adolescents, effectively managing mood episodes and reducing suicide risk. While its efficacy in neurotypical youth is well established, its use in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and comorbid BD remains under-researched. Here, we present the protocol for a study aiming to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Extended-Release Lithium Salts in treating adolescents with BD and comorbid ASD compared to neurotypical BD patients. Methods: This longitudinal prospective naturalistic comparative study will enroll lithium-naïve adolescents aged 12–18 with BD, with or without comorbid ASD, from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology. Participants will be followed for six months while receiving Extended-Release Lithium Salts treatment. Primary outcomes will include mood instability, suicidality, emotional dysregulation, and aggression, assessed through a range of clinical rating scales and diagnostic tools at baseline, three months, and six months. Secondary outcomes will focus on the safety and tolerability of Extended-Release Lithium Salts, with measures including side effect ratings, physical exams, and laboratory tests. Results: We hypothesize that Extended-Release Lithium Salts will demonstrate non-inferiority in treating BD symptoms in adolescents with comorbid ASD compared to those without ASD. Conclusions: This study is poised to fill a significant gap in the literature by providing critical data on the use of lithium for adolescents with BD and ASD. Findings will inform clinical practice and future research, potentially guiding more personalized treatment approaches for this complex and vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: One of the behavioral problems strongly associated with emotional dysregulation (ED) in ASD is emotional outbursts (EOs) characterized by a pattern of challenging behavior that varies across individuals and across time. Cultural factors can modulate the expression of EOs. This study aimed to characterize the profile of emotional outbursts (EOs) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across various countries in Latin America and to identify clinical, emotional, and contextual factors that contribute to the onset and frequency of EOs within this diverse sample. Methods: A cross-sectional and cross-cultural study was conducted between 2023 and 2024 comprising samples from five countries in the Latin American Network for Autism-REAL: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic. We studied 689 children with ASD (age x = 8.7 ± 2.6 years) using the Emotional Outburst Questionnaire (EOQ). Results: We identified different types of EO among children with ASD in our sample. The most frequent was the 'behavioral indicators of emotion' (52.0%) followed by 'increased motor activity' (28.3%), 'non-speech vocalizations', (27.6%), 'mild verbal aggression' (23.8%), and 'avoidance' (21.5%). Children in a bad mood or having a bad day or experiencing irritability were the most significant factors that increased the likelihood of EOs. Conclusions: Our results revealed that irritability is an important trigger for EOs and should not be disregarded or underestimated when monitoring the mental health of children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The previous literature has revealed the relationship between alcohol abuse and violent behaviours; however, the results are not always conclusive, highlighting the need to explore other variables that allow us to establish risk profiles. Aim: The goal is to examine whether the relation between alcohol abuse and physical violence towards a partner can be influenced (moderate) by difficulties in emotional regulation. Setting: A public high school in Manabí (Ecuador). Participants: A total of 1519 high school students with ages between 14 and 18 years (mean = 15.77, SD = 1.22), with 54% (n = 820) being male. Main Outcome Measures: The measures we observed were alcohol abuse (i.e., frequency of alcohol abuse in the past 30 days), physical violence exercised towards a partner (Violence Received, Exercised and Perceived in Dating Relationships of Young People and Adolescents) and emotional dysregulation (Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale; DERS). Results: It is observed that there exists significantly higher alcohol abuse in males, regardless of their age, as well as more physical violence by adolescent males towards their partners. Direct effects of alcohol abuse on physical intimate partner violence are observed in males from the age of 16 and in females from the age of 14. Moreover, the direct effects of different emotional dysregulation strategies on physical violence depend on gender. Conclusion: The moderating effects of emotional dysregulation strategies between alcohol abuse and physical intimate partner violence are observed only in the case of adolescent females (16–17 years). In particular, emotional dysregulation variables such as non-awareness, impulse, nonacceptance, or lack of strategies interfere as moderators in the relationship between excessive alcohol abuse and physical violence towards a partner. In the case of non-awareness, contrary to the other three, when scores are low or moderate, a statistically significant relationship between alcohol abuse and violence is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alexithymia, characterized by difficulty identifying and expressing emotions, is often associated with various psychiatric disorders, including personality disorders (PDs). This study aimed to explore the relationship between alexithymia and PD, focusing on their common origins and implications for treatment. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using databases such as MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were studies assessing adults with DSM-5-diagnosed personality disorders using validated alexithymia scales. The Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Results: From an initial yield of 2434 citations, 20 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicate a significant association between alexithymia and personality disorders, particularly within Clusters B and C. Patients with these disorders exhibited higher levels of alexithymia, which correlated with increased emotional dysregulation and interpersonal difficulties. The review also highlighted the comorbidity burden of conditions such as psychosomatic disorders, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, suicidal behavior, and substance use disorders. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for integrating alexithymia-focused assessments into clinical practice to enhance therapeutic approaches, allowing for more personalized and effective interventions. Addressing the emotional processing challenges in patients with personality disorders could significantly improve patient outcomes. Future research should prioritize establishing clinical guidelines and conducting longitudinal studies to explore the relationship between alexithymia and specific personality disorder subtypes, ensuring the practical translation of these findings into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Alexithymia, characterized by difficulty identifying and expressing emotions, is often associated with various psychiatric disorders, including personality disorders (PDs). This study aimed to explore the relationship between alexithymia and PD, focusing on their common origins and implications for treatment. Methods A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using databases such as MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were studies assessing adults with DSM-5-diagnosed personality disorders using validated alexithymia scales. The Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Results From an initial yield of 2434 citations, 20 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicate a significant association between alexithymia and personality disorders, particularly within Clusters B and C. Patients with these disorders exhibited higher levels of alexithymia, which correlated with increased emotional dysregulation and interpersonal difficulties. The review also highlighted the comorbidity burden of conditions such as psychosomatic disorders, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, suicidal behavior, and substance use disorders. Conclusions These findings underscore the need for integrating alexithymia-focused assessments into clinical practice to enhance therapeutic approaches, allowing for more personalized and effective interventions. Addressing the emotional processing challenges in patients with personality disorders could significantly improve patient outcomes. Future research should prioritize establishing clinical guidelines and conducting longitudinal studies to explore the relationship between alexithymia and specific personality disorder subtypes, ensuring the practical translation of these findings into clinical practice.

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

BackgroundComorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder （ADHD） and emotional dysregulation may represent a distinct subtype of ADHD， which is characterized by an increased risk of anxiety or depressive disorder and a poor clinical prognosis， so research is urgently required to explore its unique executive functioning profile and clinical characteristics. However， there is limited research comparing the clinical symptoms and executive function in children with ADHD in terms of the presence or absence of emotional dysregulation.ObjectiveTo explore the executive function and clinical characteristics of ADHD children with emotional dysregulation.MethodsFrom June 2020 to December 2023， 118 children aged 7 to 12 with ADHD attending the Mental Health Center of West China Hospital， Sichuan University and fulfilling the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders， fifth edition （DSM-5） diagnostic criteria were enrolled. Children were classified into emotional dysregulation group （n=68） and non-emotional dysregulation group （n=50） based on the standard T-scores of Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist （CBCL）- anxious/depressed， aggressive behavior and attention problems subscales. All children were then subjected to complete the Chinese version of Swanson Nolan and Pelham，Version IV Scale-parent form （SNAP-IV）， Chinese Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children （C-WISC）， Weiss Functional Impairment Scale-Parent form （WFIRS-P） and 4 tests of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery （CANTAB）： ①Stockings of Cambridge （SOC） testing spatial planning. ②Intradimensional-extradimensional Set Shifting（IED） testing cognitive/attentional flexibility， adjusting the total errors across the task. ③Spatial Working Memory （SWM） testing spatial working memory. ④Rapid Visual Information Processing （RVP） testing sustained attention.ResultsThe SNAP-IV Inattention， Hyperactivity/Impulsivity and Oppositional Defiant Disorder domain scores and total score were all higher in emotional dysregulation group compared with non-emotional dysregulation group （t=3.206， 5.088， 6.316， 6.553， P

We aimed to develop interventions that can prevent obesity and food addiction in the early period by investigating the relationship between food addiction and impulsivity, anxiety, depression, difficulties in emotion regulation, sociodemographic characteristics, exercise and diet behaviors. We included 88 consecutive patients with BMI ≥30 and above, aged between 18-65 years, who applied to the Obesity outpatient clinic and psychiatry outpatient clinic of "---" in 2022 in our study sample. Sociodemographic and Clinical Information Form, Yale Food Addiction Scale(YFAS), Beck Anxiety Inventory(BAI), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Brief Form (DERS-16), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and Beck's Depression Inventory(BDI) were applied to the patients. It was determined that 45 of 88 patients included in our study had food addiction according to the YFAS score, and 43 did not have a food addiction. There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of age and education level. Mean scale scores for BAI, DERS-16, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale were found to be significantly higher in the food addiction group than in the other group. The subscales of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale were evaluated separately, it was observed that the sub-scale scores of "motor impulsivity" and "attention impulsivity" were significantly higher in the food addiction group compared to the other group. Food addiction is seen at a higher rate in people with a lower average age and higher education level. Anxiety, impulsivity, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation correlate with food addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the emotional dysregulation in teachers of the Chilean school system, focusing on gender and age similarities and differences. The sample included 1059 teachers from various regions of Chile, of whom 80.3% were female and 19.7% were male. Participants completed the Spanish version of the Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS-E). A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out to evaluate the structure of the theoretical model, along with the convergent, discriminant, and internal consistency of the instrument. Additionally, a measurement invariance analysis was performed to identify possible differences between demographic groups, which is crucial to ensure that comparisons between these groups are valid and unbiased. The results indicated that the theoretical model presents a good fit to the data and confirms the validity and reliability of the DERS-E. Scalar invariance was achieved among the analyzed groups. We found significant differences in emotional dysregulation between men and women, which also varied by teacher age. The importance of understanding the specific needs of teachers in terms of their emotional regulation is discussed and the urgency of implementing training programs that improve their emotional skills, fostering a positive and effective learning environment, is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Emotional regulation, a process that involves detecting and evaluating physiological signals in response to stressful events, is a crucial aspect of preparing students for school and ensuring teachers' effectiveness, stress management, and job satisfaction. Method. This research, which adopted a quantitative approach, used a non-experimental comparative and cross-sectional design with a non-probabilistic sample by convenience. The study involved the participation of n = 1321 teachers (n = 125 preschool education; n = 645 primary education; n = 417 secondary education; n = 134 higher education). Results. The results revealed significant differences in the total scores of emotional regulation difficulty between teachers at the higher education level and primary and secondary school teachers, with the latter group showing higher levels of difficulty. Discussion. The findings suggest that the impact of emotional regulation difficulties affects professional performance, highlighting the importance of interventions aimed at improving teachers' self-efficacy, resilience, and emotion regulation to reduce emotional exhaustion. Conclusion. From a practical point of view, our findings underline the importance of integrating emotional regulation training into pre-service teacher education and continuous teacher professional development programs. This could improve relational dynamics between students and teachers, fostering an environment conducive to teaching and learning processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychiatric symptoms are highly prevalent in patients with severe obesity, often representing pivotal factors in the development and progression of this condition. This study examines the association between negative emotional dysregulation (NED) and weight loss following bariatric surgery. Methods: Ninety-nine patients were consecutively enrolled at the Obesity Center of the Pisa University Hospital between March 2019 and February 2021, during a routine psychiatric evaluation before bariatric surgery. Psychopathological dimensions were assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the Reactivity, Intensity, Polarity, and Stability questionnaire in its 40-item version (RIPoSt-40), the Wender–Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (WRAADDS) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Based on a RIPoSt-40 cut-off score of 70, subjects were divided into two groups: with (NED+) and without (NED−) NED. Results: NED+ subjects had a higher rate of psychiatric comorbidities and eating disorders than NED− patients. Of the total sample, 76 underwent bariatric surgery, and 65 of them were re-evaluated one-year after surgery. Among them, 10 of 28 NED+ subjects (37.5%) had inadequate weight loss one year after surgery compared to 5 of 37 NED− subjects (13.5%) (p = 0.035, OR 3.55, 95%, C.I. 1.05–12.03). Conclusions: Our results suggest a significant association between NED and inadequate weight loss at one-year post surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emotional dysregulation (ED) impacts functional outcomes among individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Self-awareness and strategies may enhance coping with ED yet are rarely studied in ADHD. Objectives: To explore ED-related self-awareness and strategies in daily life of adults with ADHD, and to examine the interrelations between them and their association with symptoms. Methods: Sixty young adults with ADHD participated in a mixed-method study. At baseline, self-awareness and strategies were assessed using the Self-Regulation Skills Interview (SRSI); ADHD symptoms were self-rated using the ASRS symptom checklist. Then, symptoms were rated over 5-days using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Results: Significant challenges in self-awareness and strategies were demonstrated quantitatively and qualitatively. Awareness of ED was associated with variability of ADHD symptoms on EMA yet not with symptom severity. Qualitative content analysis revealed a range of self-awareness levels, which were related to noticing ED-related cues and understanding contextual factors predictive of ED. Self-awareness and strategies were significantly associated. Strategies varied regarding effort, individual preference and temporality. Conclusions: Variability of ADHD symptoms was negatively associated with self-awareness of ED. Strategy selection in daily-life among adults with ADHD may be affected by self-awareness and by a possible trade-off between short-term effort and long-term effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Emotional feelings are putatively ascribed to central representation of bodily states in the context of expectation and uncertainty in both internal state and external world. Neurodivergent people are more likely to experience co-occurring mental health challenges, although mechanistic insights underpinning this association are scarce. We therefore undertook a study to test whether imprecise processing of proprioceptive error signals may underlie the connection between neurodivergence and emotional dysregulation. In a cohort of people with complex chronic conditions, including chronic pain/fatigue, and complex trauma, and in a comparison group, we assessed presence of neurodivergence, variant connective tissue manifested through joint hypermobility, and emotional dysregulation. We present a data-informed conceptual model showing that variant connective tissue determines whether proprioceptive surprise is linked with emotional dysregulation in neurodivergent individuals. We suggest that future research in this area may have important clinical implications for the interaction of mental and physical wellbeing in neurodivergent people. This article is part of the theme issue 'Sensing and feeling: an integrative approach to sensory processing and emotional experience'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:We leveraged an observational, repeated-measures study to examine the within-child associations between sleep quality and emotional self-regulation, controlling for between-child effects. Methods: Children aged 3-5 years and one parent each were recruited from the community in northern New England between 2019 and 2022. Parents completed online surveys at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 months post-baseline. Child sleep quality was measured with the validated Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire modified for preschoolers; higher scores indicate worse sleep quality (range 32-96). Child emotional self-regulation was measured with the validated Child Social Behavior Questionnaire; higher scores indicate better emotional self-regulation (range 1-7). Adjusted mixed-effects linear regression was used to model the associations between nighttime sleep quality (exposure) and emotional self-regulation (outcome)measured at each of the four study time points while disaggregating the between- and within-child effects. Results: Children (n = 91) were largely white, non-Hispanic (88.7%), and from a higher social-economic status. Sleep quality scores averaged 38.9 (SD: 6.6) at baseline; 23.1% of children had scores >41, which is considered evidence of significant sleep problems. Emotional self-regulation scores averaged 4.2 (SD: 1.0). There was a significant within-child association between sleep quality and emotional self-regulation. Specifically, a decrease in sleep quality at any one time point, relative to each child'smean sleep quality, related to worse emotional self-regulation [standardized beta, βs = -0.31; 95% CI (0.53, -0.09)]; the between-child effect was not significant. Results were consistent when limited to children with complete data at all study visits (n = 78). Conclusions: The findings support a causal, within-child association between sleep quality and emotional self-regulation in preschool-aged children, with effects evident over 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential minerals are cofactors for synthesis of neurotransmitters supporting cognition and mood. An 8-week fully-blind randomised controlled trial of multinutrients for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) demonstrated three times as many children (age 6–12) had significantly improved behaviour ('treatment responders') on multinutrients (54 %) compared with placebo (18 %). The aim of this secondary study was to evaluate changes in fasted plasma and urinary mineral concentrations following the intervention and their role as mediators and moderators of treatment response. Fourteen essential or trace minerals were measured in plasma and/or urine at baseline and week eight from eighty-six participants (forty-nine multinutrients, thirty-seven placebos). Two-sample t tests/Mann–Whitney U tests compared 8-week change between treatment and placebo groups, which were also evaluated as potential mediators. Baseline levels were evaluated as potential moderators, using logistic regression models with clinical treatment response as the outcome. After 8 weeks, plasma boron, Cr (in females only), Li, Mo, Se and vanadium and urinary iodine, Li and Se increased more with multinutrients than placebo, while plasma phosphorus decreased. These changes did not mediate treatment response. However, baseline urinary Li trended towards moderation: participants with lower baseline urinary Li were more likely to respond to multinutrients (P = 0·058). Additionally, participants with higher baseline Fe were more likely to be treatment responders regardless of the treatment group (P = 0·036.) These results show that multinutrient treatment response among children with ADHD is independent of their baseline plasma mineral levels, while baseline urinary Li levels show potential as a non-invasive biomarker of treatment response requiring further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Emotional Dysregulation (ED) is characterized by the inability to manage emotions effectively, leading to maladaptive behaviors, and often co-occurs with psychiatric conditions carrying significant long-term consequences. Early diagnosis of ED is thus essential for targeted interventions. To address this need, we developed and validated the "Reactivity of Emotions in Adolescents: Caregivers' Tool" (REACT), a novel parent-rated questionnaire designed to assess ED in adolescents. Method: The present study involved two samples, one drawn from the general population (n = 89 healthy controls from local schools) and the other composed of clinical patients (n = 76 adolescents with different psychiatric and/or neurodevelopmental conditions). Patients' diagnoses were confirmed through the clinical interview K-SADS-PL to explore the presence of any psychopathological conditions. Participants from both groups completed the RIPoSt-Y questionnaire, providing a measure of ED, while their parents filled out the ARI, measuring affective reactivity in youth. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were performed to refine the questionnaire's internal structure. Results: The final REACT questionnaire consists of 55 items distributed across three subscales, namely Negative Emotionality, Irritability, and Excitability. Psychometric evaluation showed that these subscales demonstrated excellent internal consistency and strong construct validity, with clinical patients scoring higher on all subscales compared to healthy controls. The REACT questionnaire showed also high convergent validity by exhibiting significant positive correlations with established measures of ED. Conclusions: This novel tool represents a valuable improvement in the assessment of ED in adolescence as it may facilitate tailored interventions to provide emotional well-being and long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and Feeding or Eating Disorders (FEDs) often coexist during adolescence with reciprocal influences on their clinical picture. The present study aimed to identify differences and similarities in the clinical presentation of young patients with both conditions compared to those with the two non-comorbid disorders. Methods: We consecutively recruited forty-five female patients aged between 11 and 18 at our third-level hospital and subdivided them into three groups (NSSI: n = 15; FED: n = 15; NSSI + FED: n = 15). Patients underwent a full clinical assessment. Results: Based on our results, the NSSI + FED group was characterized by higher rates of binging/purging behaviors, greater prevalence of Cyclothymic Disorder, and a more severe clinical presentation compared to the non-comorbid groups. Moreover, higher levels of suicidal ideation were found in the NSSI + FED group. Pharmacological treatment patterns also differed, with SSRI being prescribed more frequently to NSSI + FED patients while mood stabilizers were prescribed more frequently to NSSI ones. A Principal Component Analysis identified four main dimensions: "Body Image" impairment was more pronounced in NSSI + FED patients, indicating negative attitudes towards their own body; "Metacognition" deficits were higher in NSSI than FED. Conclusions: The present study underscores distinctive clinical features in patients with comorbid NSSI and FED, emphasizing the urgent need for tailored intervention strategies focusing on specific symptom domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metacognition is a crucial aspect of understanding and attributing mental states, playing a key role in the psychopathology of eating disorders (EDs). This study aims to explore the diverse clinical profiles of metacognition among patients with EDs using latent profile analysis (LPA). Method: A total of 395 patients with a DSM-5 diagnosis of ED (116 AN-R, 30 AN/BP, 100 BN, 149 BED) participated in this study. They completed self-report measures assessing metacognition, eating psychopathology, depression, emotional dysregulation, personality traits, and childhood adversities. LPA and Welch ANOVAs were conducted to identify profiles based on metacognition scores and examine psychological differences between them. Logistic regression models were employed to explore associations between personal characteristics and different profiles. Results: A 3-class solution had a good fit to the data, revealing profiles of high functioning (HF), intermediate functioning (IF), and low functioning (LF) based on levels of metacognitive impairments. Participants in the IF group were older and had a higher BMI than those in the HF and LF groups. Individuals with BN were largely categorized into HF and LF profiles, whereas participants with BED were mainly included in the IF profile. Participants in the LF group reported an impaired psychological profile, with high levels of depression, emotional dysregulation, childhood adversity, and personality dysfunction. Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed significant associations between metacognitive profiles and emotional and neglect abuse, emotion dysregulation, and detachment. Conclusion: This exploratory study unveils distinct metacognitive profiles in EDs, providing a foundation for future research and targeted interventions. In this light, metacognitive interpersonal therapy could be a valid and effective treatment for EDs, as suggested by the initial promising results for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and emotional dysregulation may represent a distinct subtype of ADHD, which is characterized by an increased risk of anxiety or depressive disorder and a poor clinical prognosis, so research is urgently required to explore its unique executive functioning profile and clinical characteristics. However, there is limited research comparing the clinical symptoms and executive function in children with ADHD in terms of the presence or absence of emotional dysregulation. Objective To explore the executive function and clinical characteristics of ADHD children with emotional dysregulation. Methods From June 2020 to December 2023, 118 children aged 7 to 12 with ADHD attending the Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University and fulfilling the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria were enrolled. Children were classified into emotional dysregulation group (n=68) and non-emotional dysregulation group (n=50) based on the standard T-scores of Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) - anxious/depressed, aggressive behavior and attention problems subscales. All children were then subjected to complete the Chinese version of Swanson Nolan and Pelham, Version IV Scale-parent form (SNAP-IV), Chinese Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (C-WISC), Weiss Functional Impairment Scale-Parent form (WFIRS-P) and 4 tests of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)：① Stockings of Cambridge (SOC) testing spatial planning. ② Intradimensional-extradimensional Set Shifting（IED) testing cognitive/attentional flexibility, adjusting the total errors across the task. ③Spatial Working Memory (SWM) testing spatial working memory. ④Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVP) testing sustained attention. Results The SNAP-IV Inattention, Hyperactivity/Impulsivity and Oppositional Defiant Disorder domain scores and total score were all higher in emotional dysregulation group compared with non-emotional dysregulation group (t=3. 206, 5. 088, 6. 316, 6. 553, P<0. 01). The WFIRS-P family, school learning, life skills, self-concept, social activities and risky activities domain scores and total score were all higher in emotional dysregulation group compared with non-emotional dysregulation group (t=6. 074, 4. 406, 4. 143, 3. 984, 6. 575, 6. 662, 8. 254, P< 0. 01). In CANTAB, emotional dysregulation group made more total adjusted errors across the IED task compared with non-emotional dysregulation group (t=2. 168, P<0. 05). Conclusion Children with ADHD who exhibit emotional dysregulation have been observed to experience more severe core symptoms, impaired social functioning and poorer performance on tests assessing executive function, particularly in the area of cognitive flexibility [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents has been associated with increased depressive symptomatology, hopelessness, and emotional dysregulation; however, few studies have examined longitudinal associations between NSSI and these problems. This study examines the longitudinal relationships among these variables in community adolescents and whether the pattern of relationships varies between boys and girls. The participants were 785 adolescents (57.1% girls) aged 13 to 18 years (M = 15.64; SD = 1.08) who completed self-reported measures of NSSI, depression, hopelessness, and emotional dysregulation at least once at two moments separated by 1 year. The longitudinal model was tested through structural equation modeling and multiple group analysis. NSSI predicted increased depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and emotional dysregulation; depressive symptoms predicted NSSI; hopelessness predicted depressive symptoms; and emotional dysregulation predicted depressive symptoms and hopelessness. The pattern was similar for girls and boys, although girls scored higher on all variables. The results underscore the important bidirectional associations between NSSI and other risk factors throughout adolescence. These findings will support prevention and interventions for NSSI and internalizing symptoms in adolescents in school and clinical settings. Sometime in the last year, 38.4% of the participating adolescents reported nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). The girls scored significantly higher than the boys in NSSI annual presence, depression, hopelessness, and emotional dysregulation. NSSI in the past year increased depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and emotional dysregulation 1 year later; depressive symptoms predicted NSSI; hopelessness predicted depressive symptoms, and emotional dysregulation predicted an increase in depressive symptoms and hopelessness. The predictive model did not differ according to gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyber dating abuse (CDA) is a growing public health concern among college students. CDA includes monitoring and abusive behaviors perpetrated toward an ex-partner via technology. Little is known about the predictors of CDA, particularly among sexual minority (SM) college students. Some theorized but relatively untested predictors include break-up characteristics, emotional regulation deficits, and alcohol use. The current study investigates what factors are associated with an increased risk for CDA toward an ex-partner (i.e., break-up characteristics, emotional dysregulation, and alcohol use) and the differences in associations with CDA between heterosexual and SM college students. Participants (N = 661) self-reported their CDA perpetration following their worst romantic break-up. They also answered questions about the break-up, their emotional regulation skills, and their current alcohol use. While SM students (n = 191) reported greater emotion regulation difficulties and alcohol use, they did not significantly differ from heterosexual participants (n = 470) in their reported CDA perpetration post-break-up. Hierarchical regressions were conducted to determine the impact of break-up characteristics and individual factors on CDA perpetration. Break-up characteristics, emotional dysregulation, and alcohol use significantly predicted heterosexual participants' CDA perpetration and accounted for 17% of the variance. Conversely, for SM students, only alcohol use was predictive of CDA, accounting for 5% of the variance. Although SM students report similar break-up experiences and levels of CDA as heterosexual students, additional, unmeasured factors may drive perpetration. However, given the generally high rates of alcohol use and CDA, and their robust association, interventions targeting alcohol reduction and healthy relationship dissolution strategies may be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to violent video games influences players’ cortical activations. In addition, intra-individual variables like emotional regulation play an important role in the consequences of such exposures. However, most research has studied these relationships at the intra-individual level. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of violent video games on the interbrain synchronization (IBS) of dyads in which one member played video games, and evaluated IBS differences between high and low-emotionally dysregulated groups. Methods: Eighteen participants (M = 24.1 ± 2.1) were enrolled in this study. Participants gazed into another person's eyes before playing (“First Direct Gaze”), after playing a violent video game (“Post-VV”), and after playing a nonviolent video game (“Post-NVV”) during an electroencephalographic hyperscanning acquisition. Afterward, each participant completed a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Results: A cluster-based analysis revealed an increased theta IBS Post-VV compared to Post-NVV. A median split was used to define the high emotionally dysregulated (“HED”) and low emotionally dysregulated (“LED”) groups. Results showed a decreased alpha IBS in the First Direct Gaze, Post-VV, and Post-NVV in the HED group compared to the LED group. Conclusions: Exposure to violent video games was associated with higher theta IBS, suggesting a greater social attunement, potentially due to a higher perceived dominance and control or due to an effort of managing the emotional activations elicited. In addition, difficulties in emotional regulation could elicit specific alpha activities regardless of exposure to a video game, leading to a lower tendency to attune with another person on this band.Results from this study should not be generalized to infer that playing any type of video game causes harm to people's brains.

Building on recent findings by Fournier and colleagues (2023), the present study examined the fit of a bi-dimensional model of problematic Instagram use, distinguishing between non-pathological high engagement and problematic symptoms mirroring addictive tendencies. A sample of 696 Italian adults completed an online survey assessing problematic Instagram use, personality traits, psychological distress, usage motives for Instagram use, and Instagram usage metrics. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the bi-dimensional model, with high engagement (salience and tolerance) and problematic symptoms (relapse, withdrawal, conflict, and mood modification) as distinct factors. Neuroticism, depression, emotional dysregulation, loneliness, and FoMO and the diversion motive were more strongly correlated with problematic symptoms. In turn, social interaction, documentation, and self-promotion were more associated with high engagement. Frequency of sharing posts and stories were also more strongly correlated with high engagement. These findings highlight the importance of distinguishing between high engagement and addiction-like symptoms in understanding problematic Instagram use and inform the development of targeted interventions.

Abstract Background Self-harm and suicidal ideation are prevalent among adolescents, cause physical and psychosocial disability, and have potentially life-threatening consequences. Dialectical behavioral therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) is an evidence-based intervention for reducing self-harm. However, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of DBT-A when delivered in routine clinical practice. Methods A follow-up cohort study, based on data from a quality assessment register of DBT-A in child and adolescent mental health services including seven outpatient clinics. Inclusion criteria were ongoing or a history of self-harming behavior the last 6 months; current suicidal behavior; at least 3 criteria of DSM-IV Borderline personality disorder (BPD), or at least the self-destruction criterion of DSM-IV BPD, in addition to minimum 2 subthreshold criteria; and fluency in Norwegian. Participants received 20 weeks of DBT-A consisting of multifamily skills training groups and individual therapy sessions. Outcomes from 41 participants included frequency of self-harm, suicide attempts and hospitalizations caused by self-harm or suicide attempts, assessed pre-, during, and post-treatment by self-report and reviews of the patient’s medical records. Suicidal ideation, urge to self-harm and perceived feelings of happiness and sadness were assessed by the patients’ diary cards at week 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 of the treatment program. Results Participants attended an average of 17.9 (SD = 4.7) individual sessions, 14.7 (SD = 3.4) group-based skills training sessions and 4.6 (SD = 4.1) brief intersession telephone consultations. Moderate to large within-group effect sizes (ES) were found in self-harm from pre-treatment to 1–5 weeks (d = 0.64), 6–10 weeks (d = 0.84), 11–15 weeks (d = 0.99), 16–20 weeks (d = 1.26) and post-treatment (d = 1.68). Nine participants were admitted to hospitalization during DBT-A, whereas five had attempted suicide, but no suicides were completed. No statistically significant changes were found in suicidal ideation, urge to self-harm or perceived feelings of happiness or sadness from pre to post treatment. Conclusion The findings of the current study are promising as the participants reported considerably reduced self-harm behavior after DBT-A treatment in a child and adolescent mental health outpatient setting.

Nomophobia has become a worrying phenomenon among young people. Therefore, research is needed to understand this condition more deeply. This study explores cross-cultural differences in nomophobia, emotional dysregulation, self-control, and smartphone use among a sample of university students in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and Pahang, Malaysia. In addition, it examines smartphone use as a mediator of the effects of emotional dysregulation and self-control on nomophobia. Currently, only a limited amount of research tests explicitly the nomophobia-mediated model across different countries. This study used a cross-sectional design that involved university students from Yogyakarta and Pahang, comprising 215 students from Yogyakarta and 211 from Pahang, resulting in 426 participants. Among these, 110 (25.8%) were female and 316 (74.2%) male, with an average age of 18 (SD = 3.4), who were recruited using purposive sampling. Manova and regression analyses were conducted to examine the hypotheses, with an initial assessment of data normality, multicollinearity, and homogeneity assumptions performed before the analysis. Data were collected using scales for nomophobia, emotional dysregulation, self-control, and smartphone use. The study results indicate that students from Pahang exhibit higher levels of smartphone use and nomophobia compared to those from Yogyakarta (mean: 37.03 vs. 52.137; F = 151.19, p = .000). Emotional dysregulation and smartphone use consistently demonstrate a significant positive role in nomophobia across national contexts (β = 0.191, p = 0.002), (β = -0.414, p = 0.000). At the same time, self-control does not have a significant direct influence on nomophobia. The findings indicate the significant role of emotional dysregulation and smartphone use in nomophobia, the management of which will have implications for mitigating nomophobia.

Background: Sleep is a complex phenomenon that affects several aspects of life, including cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Sleep disturbances, especially during adolescence, can negatively impact emotional regulation, making it a critical factor in targeting psychopathology. Methods: This study explores the interplay between emotional dysregulation (ED) and sleep patterns in a sample of 90 adolescent patients by means of self- and parent-rated clinical measures. Results: Our findings reveal a bidirectional relationship between ED and sleep problems. Adolescents with higher affective instability experience poorer sleep quality, while those with worse sleep quality exhibit higher internalizing problems. Additionally, emotional reactivity is associated with disrupted circadian rhythms. Conclusions: These results emphasize the significance of addressing sleep problems in the context of psychopathology treatment, potentially leading to improved outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the most effective treatment strategies, including nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Understanding the intricate relationship between sleep problems and emotion regulation offers insights for more targeted and effective treatment approaches for youths struggling with ED.

The 28-item Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is widely used to measure Emotional Dysregulation (ED). However, its psychometric performance has not been examined in Spanish-speaking substance users. This study aimed to validate the DERS-28 in 1,676 [M = 19.56 (SD = 1.70), % women = 64.6] young adults with past-month substance use. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as reliability assessments using Classical Test and Item Response Theories, were conducted. The analyses supported a bifactor solution (invariant to sex) comprising five specific dimensions and a general factor (ED), each demonstrating adequate score reliability. Bifactor indices indicated an essentially unidimensional latent structure (ωHG =.808; ECVG =.554; H =.951; FD =.966). Convergent validity (values of |r| ranged between.036-.645) was supported by associations with clinical variables, including measures of substance use related problems, anxiety, stress, and depression. Among the DERS-28 dimensions, lack of control exhibited the largest effects. Despite its reliability and validity, limitations such as self-reported substance use and recruitment in college settings should be considered. In conclusion, the DERS-28 proves to be a reliable and valid tool, demonstrating utility for prevention purposes among young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotional dysregulation (ED) refers to the inability to manage emotional experiences or expressions hindering goal-oriented behavior. Moderate impairment on at least two domains among temper control, affective lability, and emotional over-reactivity has been proposed to identify ED in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). No screening measure designed for use in diverse psychiatric samples exists. We aimed to develop a self-report screening tool for ED based on the 40-item version of the Reactivity, Intensity, Polarity, and Stability questionnaire (RIPoSt-40). 150 adult outpatients with non-psychotic conditions were enrolled between February and July 2023 at the Second Psychiatry Unit of Pisa University Hospital. Clinically significant ED (CSED) was defined based on the previously suggested approach for ADHD. Differences between patients with and without CSED were tested. To develop our screening instrument, a decision tree algorithm was trained by hyperparameter tuning through 5-fold cross-validation in 120 subjects and tested on the remaining 30. 75 subjects met criteria for CSED (50 %). CSED was associated with lower age and higher prevalence of psychiatric conditions, including minor mood disorders, ADHD, cannabis use disorders, and eating disorders. We identified a decision tree consisting of six items from RIPoSt-40 that effectively detected CSED, with accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 80 % or higher in both the training and testing sets. Tertiary-level; no consensus on criteria; sample size. The screening version of the Reactivity, Intensity, Polarity, and Stability questionnaire (RIPoSt-SV) demonstrates promise as a valuable tool for ED screening in clinical settings. • 50 % of patients from tertiary-level clinic showed clinically significant emotional dysregulation (CSED). • RIPoSt-SV was developed as a screening self-report tool for CSED based on RIPoSt-40. • A decision tree algorithm composed of 6 items was chosen through cross-validation. • The items primarily centered around affective instability and emotion dynamics. • Accuracy and other classification performance metrics were all equal or above 80 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep is a complex phenomenon that affects several aspects of life, including cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Sleep disturbances, especially during adolescence, can negatively impact emotional regulation, making it a critical factor in targeting psychopathology. Methods: This study explores the interplay between emotional dysregulation (ED) and sleep patterns in a sample of 90 adolescent patients by means of self- and parent-rated clinical measures. Results: Our findings reveal a bidirectional relationship between ED and sleep problems. Adolescents with higher affective instability experience poorer sleep quality, while those with worse sleep quality exhibit higher internalizing problems. Additionally, emotional reactivity is associated with disrupted circadian rhythms. Conclusions: These results emphasize the significance of addressing sleep problems in the context of psychopathology treatment, potentially leading to improved outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the most effective treatment strategies, including nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Understanding the intricate relationship between sleep problems and emotion regulation offers insights for more targeted and effective treatment approaches for youths struggling with ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the currently prevailing theory of ADHD postulates a neurobiological background and core deficits of behavioural inhibition and executive functioning as the basis of ADHD symptoms, our current conceptualisation also acknowledges the essential contributory role of psychosocial, ecological, and cognitive factors. Considering the multifactorial background of ADHD, its treatment equally needs to be multifactorial involving, besides pharmacotherapy, skill development and psychotherapy as well, especially if we postulate the increasing contribution of social factors in the background of the increasing burden of ADHD. Pharmacotherapies, including stimulants and non-stimulant ADHD medications applied as first-line treatments have a positive effect on core behavioural symptoms, however, they often do not sufficiently remediate several other symptoms and comorbid disorders, which are consequences of ADHD, especially considering that ADHD persists into adulthood and is present over the whole life span. Furthermore, pharmacological treatment is not sufficient to substitute for the skills needed to manage symptoms and adapt well to the environment. As part of a multimodal treatment approach, psychological therapies for ADHD target, besides core ADHD symptoms, other associated features including emotional dysregulation, personality development, neurocognitive dysfunction, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Insufficiently treated ADHD may contribute to psychological and personality developmental problems in children, as well as increased health costs and decreased productivity warranting multimodal treatment to address the areas not sufficiently targeted by ADHD-specific pharmacotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]