Narrative coherence,psychopathology, and wellbeing: Concurrent and longitudinal findings in a mid-adolescent sample

IntroductionResearch with adults and older adolescents has found that people exhibiting higher narrative coherence in life stories also report higher psychological wellbeing; however, this link has not been investigated longitudinally. The current study investigated concurrent and longitudinal relationships in mid-adolescence between narrative coherence (causal and thematic coherence) of turning point narratives and psychopathology (depressive symptoms and rumination) and psychological wellbeing (life satisfaction). Hypothesis one was that in concurrent analyses, narrative coherence would be negatively associated with psychopathology and positively associated with wellbeing. Hypothesis two was that higher narrative coherence would predict lower psychopathology and greater wellbeing over time.MethodA sample of 132 adolescents (ages 14–18 years) wrote a narrative about a turning point event in their life and completed psychopathology and psychological wellbeing measures twice, approximately one year apart.ResultsPartial correlations on concurrent data showed that only causal coherence was associated with lower psychopathology and higher wellbeing. Longitudinal regressions showed that causal coherence predicted higher wellbeing one year later.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that causal coherence in life stories may play a causal role in increased life satisfaction over time for adolescents. Experimental research is required to further investigate this possibility.     

A program of positive intervention in the elderly: memories,gratitude and forgiveness

Objective: The main goal of this study has been to increase the quality of life in people of over 60 years through a positive psychology intervention.Method: We employed a program which consists of training based on autobiographical memory, forgiveness and gratitude. The sample consisted of 46 participants aged 60–93 years. State and trait anxiety, depression, general memory, specific memories, life satisfaction and subjective happiness were measured.Results: The results revealed that participants who followed the program (experimental group) showed a significant decrease in state anxiety and depression as well as an increase in specific memories, life satisfaction and subjective happiness, compared with the placebo group.Conclusion: Our program offers promising results and provides new evidence for the effectiveness of positive interventions in the field of psychogerontology, helping increase subjective well-being and quality of life in older adults by focusing interventions on the enhancement of personal and social resources for being happy.     

Can common strengths be identified in autistic young people? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and methodThe purpose of this study was to systematically review the empirical literature on common strengths of autistic young people relative to their typically developing peers.ResultsForty-eight articles met inclusion criteria and were included. Of these, sixteen studies reported sufficient data for inclusion in a series of 13 meta-analyses. Only a small number of mean effect sizes were significant, with possible common strengths including auditory processing strengths (Hedges’ g = 0.54–1.22) and metaphor generation (Hedges’ g = 0.64).ConclusionsThis review highlights the need for a systematic approach to identifying strengths shared by autistic young people that could inform intervention approaches, and are important to autistic young people and their families.     

Treatment of anxiety in autistic adults: A systematic review

BackgroundAutistic adults are more likely than adults without autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to experience clinically significant anxiety. In addition, anxiety in autistic adults is associated with poorer quality of life and myriad negative outcomes (e.g., unemployment, suicidality). Therefore, this systematic review aimed to summarize and evaluate the literature on the psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological treatment of anxiety in autistic adults to inform clinical decision-making.MethodSeveral online databases were searched for peer-reviewed journal articles with any combination of the following terms in the abstract: (1) autism, autistic, Asperger, Asperger’s, or “pervasive developmental disorder” (2) anxiety, anxious, phobia, mutism, panic, agoraphobia, or worry and (3) treatment, intervention, trial, therapy, psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, medication, drug, antidepressant, sedative, or anti-anxiety. Data were extracted from articles meeting the inclusion criteria, and the strength of the evidence was assessed for treatments.ResultsFifteen psychosocial treatment studies, one pharmacological treatment study, and one combined psychosocial and pharmacological treatment study met the inclusion criteria. The most investigated treatment for anxiety in adults with ASD was cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).ConclusionsFew studies have investigated the treatment of anxiety in autistic adults. Additionally, findings have been inconsistent across studies regarding the potential effectiveness of particular psychosocial and pharmacological treatments. More research is certainly needed before clinically useful conclusions can be made.     

The longitudinal relationship between changes in wellbeing and inflammatory markers: Are associations independent of depression?

ObjectivesThere is a large literature linking inflammation with mental ill health, but a much smaller literature focusing on mental wellbeing. Specifically, it remains unclear whether mental wellbeing is longitudinally and independently associated with inflammation or only via associated changes in mental ill health.MethodsThis study used data from 8780 adults aged 50+ in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Hedonic wellbeing (both positive affect and life satisfaction) and eudemonic wellbeing (self-realisation and control-autonomy) were measured at data collection waves 2 (2004/05), 4 (2008/09) and 6 (20012/13), along with measures of C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and white blood cells (WBC). Fixed effects modelling was performed to identify the longitudinal relationship between wellbeing and inflammation, adjusting for time-varying mental ill health and other identified confounders.ResultsBoth measured aspects of hedonic wellbeing were associated with lower WBC count, independent of mental ill health. For life satisfaction, this relationship was explained by confounders, whilst for positive affect it persisted. Both measured aspects of eudemonic wellbeing were associated with lower CRP, fibrinogen and WBC, independent of mental ill health. For control-autonomy, this relationship was explained by confounders, whilst for self-realisation it persisted. Results were present in both men and women, although more strongly in men, and were robust to a range of sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsThis study builds on the strong literature showing a relationship between mental ill health and inflammation by showing that there is also an apparently independent relationship between mental wellbeing, in particular eudemonic wellbeing, and inflammation that is unexplained by socio-economic or other time-constant factors and in some instances persists independent of time-varying confounders.     

Savoring,resilience, and psychological well-being in older adults

Objectives: Guided by Fredrickson's broaden and build theory of positive emotions and Zautra's dynamic model of affect, the current study examines the relation between savoring positive experiences (i.e., the ability to notice and regulate positive feelings) and psychological well-being for older adults with higher and lower levels of resilience.

Method: A sample of 164 (74% female) older adults living in a large metropolitan area participated in this study. Participants were recruited from a continuing care retirement community and community centers in the surrounding area. Participants completed a survey measuring savoring, resilience, happiness, depression, and satisfaction with life.

Results: In older adults, greater ability to savor positive experiences and higher resilience both predicted greater happiness, lower depression, and greater satisfaction with life (i.e., greater psychological well-being). Savoring is associated with positive outcomes for people with higher and lower levels of resilience. However, the relationship between savoring and psychological well-being is stronger for people with lower resilience.

Conclusion: These findings have implications for the development of positive psychological interventions to enhance resilience and well-being in older adults. From a practical standpoint, adaptable interventions to enhance savoring and boost positive emotions in older adults may improve well-being and resilience to life's stressors.     

Differences in self-reported character strengths across adolescence

IntroductionAlthough typically considered a stable trait, character strengths may be subject to temporal changes. Whereas research has investigated these changes across adulthood, the pivotal period of adolescence remains relatively understudied.MethodTo identify potential developmental differences in character strengths, we conducted a cross-sectional exploratory analysis of 24 Character strengths, assessed by the VIA-Youth, across youth between ages 10 and 17 from four highly represented countries (N = 12,871).ResultsThe general pattern was for older adolescents to generate lower scores in many traits compared to younger adolescents. When considering gender as a potential moderator, girls, on average, scored higher on most strengths, but also showed more consistently lower scores across ages.ConclusionFindings provide a nuanced understanding of developmental differences in character across adolescence in a large-scale study. We frame these findings in the context of recent work investigating how character strengths develop throughout adolescence and offer suggestions for future research and interventions.     

Exploring leisure time use and impact on well-being among transition-age autistic youth

BackgroundQuality of life (QOL) is lower for transition-age autistic youth compared to typically developing counterparts. Leisure-time pursuits have been linked to higher quality of life in the general population and among autistic adults. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore leisure-time use among transition-age autistic youth.MethodYouth ages 18–23 years were recruited through universities and organizations that serve the autistic population and their families across the United States. Participants took photos of their leisure-time activities over a 7-day period using their own smartphones. They were then interviewed via Zoom using a semi-structured interview guide that was based on the Self-Determination Theory framework and the Iwasaki leisure-time model. Data were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis based on the theoretical framework.ResultsEighteen young autistic adults participated in the study (nine male, five female, three agender/non-binary, and one transgender). Solitary, screen-based activities were most common. Major themes were that activities contributed positively to a sense of achievement and a sense of autonomy, and there were few major barriers to favored activities. While most activities were done alone, rather than describing these activities as isolating, activities helped participants cope with stress. Participants gained a sense of connection when they were engaged in leisure activities with others who shared common interests.ConclusionsResults suggest that appropriate interventions may support youth in choosing activities they most enjoy, even if they appear to be solitary or sedentary, and to help ensure that youth are gaining maximal benefits from these activities.     

Effets des programmes d’interventions cognitivo-comportementaux et d’entraînements cognitifs sur les fonctions exécutives (FE) chez les personnes atteintes du trouble du spectre autistique (TSA) : revue systématique

Autism spectrum disorder has been linked to executive deficits by several authors. Considering its negative impact on the daily life of the autistic individual, interventions targeting it are judicious.ObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review is to verify the efficiency and methodology of existing studies on cognitive-behavioral interventions, as well as cognitive training programs, meant to improve executive functions of autistic individuals.MethodWe consulted the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC and FRANCIS databases. Only scientific articles in French and English were selected. The terms autism OR asperger^* OR pervasive developmental disorder^* AND intervention OR program^* OR treatment AND executive function^* OR set shifting OR task switching OR cognitive control OR updating OR working memory have been used. Of 1093 known studies, only 18 meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria.ResultsWhile most interventions show promising results, less than optimal methodology and lack of reproduction of interventions leave us unable to judge their true efficiency.DiscussionThe systematic review, the first one except for error, looking at interventions having an impact on the executive functions in the autistic population reveals a lack of research on the subject. This systematic review is relevant to researchers and clinicians in the field as it highlights the lack of randomized, controlled clinical trials directly targeting FE in people with ASD. Reproduction of the presented studies remains necessary to bring more empirical evidence. In addition, as executive functions develop towards five years, it would be appropriate to extend the research to a population of preschool children in order to validate the possibility of preventing executive dysfunction in the autistic population.     

Subjective wellbeing and longevity: Findings from a 22-year cohort study

ObjectiveThe health implications of positive affect (PA) are still a matter of debate. The present study examined the longitudinal relationships between subjective wellbeing (SWB) components (i.e., Life satisfaction, PA and negative affect (NA)) and all-cause mortality in older adults.MethodsDiscrete-time survival analysis within the structural equation modeling framework was applied to data from the PAQUID Cohort (n = 3777, baseline age 62–101 years) including ten time periods spanning 22 years. Time-invariant (age, gender, baseline life satisfaction, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia status) and lagged time-varying (PA, NA, dementia, functional status and self-rated health) predictors were included sequentially in the analyses.ResultsWhen included together in the model, only PA among the SWB components showed a significant association with longevity, which persisted (OR = .962, 95% CI = .938, .986) even after adjustment for the interaction between PA and NA, and after additional adjustment for prior medical conditions, functional status and self-rated health.ConclusionsIn congruence with positive psychology, PA proved to be an independent protective factor regardless of variations in NA, which did not seem to be a mortality risk factor.     

Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Brief COPE in autistic older adolescents and adults

BackgroundAutistic adults experience high levels of stress, which may negatively affect their mental health. However, research into coping with stress in this population is limited, with no coping measures specifically validated for use in the autistic population.MethodUtilising data from two Australian longitudinal adult studies, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure that best represented the use of coping strategies in a sample of autistic adults (N = 255) using the Brief COPE. Mental health and well-being measures were used to provide information on psychometric properties. To explore potential intricacies in factor structure that may be unique to autistic adults, a preliminary subjective comparison with a non-autistic adult sample (N = 165) was also conducted.ResultsA six-factor solution, with high internal reliabilities, best represented the use of coping strategies in the autistic adult sample. Good convergent and divergent validities for the conceptually relevant coping factors were also reported. Subjective comparisons raise the possibility of some similarities (e.g., support-seeking coping strategies) and differences (e.g., the use of self-distraction coping strategies) in factor structures between the autistic and non-autistic samples.ConclusionsThis study provides an initial validation of the Brief COPE in autistic adults and supports its usefulness in assessing coping strategies in response to stress in this population. Findings also have potential implications for informing intervention services for autistic individuals, given the known relationships between the coping of stress and broader outcomes, such as mental health.     

Dispositional characteristics,relational well-being and perceived life satisfaction and empowerment of elders

Objectives: The broad purpose of this research is to identify the key modifiable variables most related to elders’ life satisfaction and empowerment in order to improve the efficacy of interventions projects. Our study aims to integrate the theoretical perspectives of personality and community psychology focusing both on dispositional characteristics and relational well-being of elders, investigating triads, composed by an elder, a paid caregiver and the most involved relative. This study explores the impact of (1) some socio-demographic characteristics of elders, (2) some modifiable dispositional variables of elders and (3) elders’ relational well-being on elders’ empowerment and life satisfaction.

Method: The study involved 429 people in 143 triads. Semi-structured interviews with elders, paid caregiver and close relatives were used to construct a new pilot measure of elders’ relational well-being. Life Satisfaction, Empowerment, Loneliness, Positivity, Humor and Emotions self-efficacy scales were also administered. Hierarchical multiple regressions were performed.

Results: Elders’ positivity, relational well-being of elders and living alone were significantly related to empowerment. Elders’ relational well-being and positivity significantly contributed to life satisfaction.

Discussion: Interventions to increase empowerment and life satisfaction should focus primarily on augmenting positivity and relational well-being integrating the theoretical premises of both personality and community psychology.     

Autistic characteristics in adults with epilepsy

IntroductionThe reported prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in people with epilepsy ranges from 15% to 47%. Despite the high comorbidity, there has been a lack of systematic studies of autistic characteristics in epilepsy. Little is known about the relationship of epilepsy to the core characteristics of autism. The aim of this research was to measure autistic traits and characteristics in adults with epilepsy who do not have a diagnosis of any autism disorder.MethodWe investigated autistic characteristics in adults with epilepsy and those without epilepsy employing the Autism Spectrum Quotient (group with epilepsy, n = 40; control group, n = 38) and systemizing and empathizing abilities employing the Intuitive Physics test and the Adult Eyes Task—Revised (group with epilepsy, n = 19; control group, n = 23).ResultsSignificantly more autistic behavioral traits, as measured by the AQ, were related to having epilepsy, but intact systemizing and empathizing abilities in these adults suggest that, in adults with epilepsy, autism-like symptoms may be present in the absence of wider cognitive profiles characteristic of autism.ConclusionIncreased autistic characteristics found in adults with epilepsy without an ASD diagnosis suggest that epilepsy syndromes may incorporate behavioral aspects of autism in the absence of some of its core cognitive features.     

Lifestyle interventions targeting dietary habits and exercise in bipolar disorder: A systematic review

BackgroundBipolar disorder (BD) is a serious mental illness associated with a high risk of medical comorbidities, long-term disability and premature death. This systematic review examined the current literature on therapeutic interventions targeting nutrition, physical activity and wellness in BD and collecting health-related measures such as mood and course of illness.MethodsScopus (all databases), Pubmed and Ovid Medline were systematically searched with no language or year restrictions, up to June 2015, for studies focusing on lifestyle interventions in BD. Search terms were related to bipolar disorder, nutrition, physical activity, wellbeing, psychosocial interventions and course of illness. We hand searched content pages of Bipolar Disorders and Journal of Affective Disorders and checked references of relevant reviews and dissertations to identify additional papers.ResultsAfter applying inclusion and exclusion criteria to identified hits, this literature search retrieved six papers. Overall findings point towards a beneficial role of lifestyle interventions on mood, weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, physical activity and overall wellbeing. Methodological limitations include small sample size, gender ratio imbalance, inconsistencies in terms of laboratory measures, and lack of randomized controlled trials and absence of follow-up and longitudinal studies to determine the benefits of these factors on clinical and functional outcomes over timeConclusionsLifestyle interventions in BD targeting nutrition, exercise, wellbeing alongside beliefs, coping strategies and attitudes towards health show promise in reducing the risk of comorbid ailments in BD. There is still a strong need for studies a) developing interventions which are informed by the patient's input and b) examining the effectiveness of such interventions targeting general wellness using well-controlled trials.     

The impacts of community social capital on the life satisfaction of older adults in Hong Kong: the moderator role of intergenerational family capital

Objective: This study examined the moderator role of intergenerational family capital on the relationship between community social capital and life satisfaction of older Chinese adults.

Method: The data were derived from a quota sampling of 372 older adults aged 60 and above, who were interviewed at four districts in Hong Kong in 2011. Multiple group analysis was employed to examine the proposed model.

Results: For the low family capital group, community social capital was found to be a significant predictor of life satisfaction, even when the well-known covariates were controlled. However, the association between community social capital and life satisfaction was statistically non-significant among the high family capital group.

Discussion: The findings highlighted the interplay between community social capital and intergenerational family capital, which supported community social capital replacement theory in understanding the mechanism linking social capital to life satisfaction in older age in a Chinese context. Community social capital can play a compensatory role in maintaining the mental health of older people. It is particularly important for older adults who lack family support and/or suffer from social isolation and loneliness in local communities.     

Self-esteem,social support,and life satisfaction in Chinese parents of children with autism spectrum disorder

PurposeThe current study examined self-esteem, social support, and life satisfaction in Chinese parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and observed the mediation effects of social support on the relationship between self-esteem and life satisfaction.MethodsWe compared 118 Chinese parents of children with ASD to 122 demographic-matched parents of typically developing children on measures of self-esteem, social support, and life satisfaction using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), respectively.ResultsParents of children with ASD scored significantly lower on self-esteem, social support, and life satisfaction than the controls (ps < 0.01), and social support partly mediated the relationship between self-esteem and life satisfaction in both groups. Hierarchical regressions indicated that after controlling for demographic variables, social support and self-esteem were significant predictors of life satisfaction in both groups but explained more variance in life satisfaction for the parents of children with ASD.ConclusionsSocial support and self-esteem play a more important role in life satisfaction for parents of children with ASD than those of typically developing children. Life satisfaction is positively related to higher household income, higher self-esteem, and stronger social support for parents. Self-esteem is likely to be associated with greater life satisfaction by means of greater social support. Future research and interventions should focus on fostering a more positive climate of social support for ASD families in China.     

Co-occurrence of motor problems and autistic symptoms in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Objective:To investigate the relation between parent reports of motor problems and clinically significant autistic symptoms in children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Method:Subjects were male (n = 521) and female (n = 330) twins from an epidemiological study of ADHD, ages 7 to 19 years at assessment using the Child Behavior Checklist and semistructured psychiatric diagnostic interviews. Parent-rated Social Responsiveness Scale questionnaires were returned for 62% of 1,647 individuals who participated in interviews. After exclusion of subjects with incomplete data or evidence of mental retardation, 851 subjects (52%) were available for the present study analysis. Each subject was classified by DSM-IV ADHD subtype and assigned to one of seven population-defined ADHD subtypes based on latent class analysis of DSM-IV ADHD symptoms. Within each ADHD subtype, we examined the relation between Child Behavior Checklist motor problem endorsement and elevated autistic symptoms on the Social Responsiveness Scale.Results:Motor problems and high levels of autistic traits were most common in individuals with combined-type ADHD. Within each of the clinically relevant DSM-IV and latent class ADHD subtypes, individuals with the combination of motor problems and ADHD were more likely to have high levels of autistic traits than those with ADHD alone.Conclusions:Children with the combination of ADHD and parent-reported motor coordination deficits have elevated levels of autistic symptoms. Targeted treatment and prevention interventions may be warranted. The exclusion criteria for DSM-IV ADHD should be revised to reflect these population-based findings.     

Self-reported service needs and barriers reported by autistic adults: Differences by gender identity

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong disorder that is diagnosed nearly four times as frequently in men than women. Gender distinctions are evolving beyond traditional man and woman binaries. It remains unclear if and how these distinctions may impact autistic individuals. The goal of this research was to examine reported service needs and barriers to accessing services among autistic adults by gender identity (man, woman, and other gender).MethodData were generated from a statewide needs assessment survey that included quantitative and qualitative data collection that identified the needs of autistic individuals of all ages and their family members and caregivers.ResultsThe results of this study are among the first to document barriers to service access reported by autistic adults across men, women, and other gender adults. This study also found that other gender autistic adults were more likely to report unmet needs for counseling services than autistic men, and both autistic women and other gender adults in this sample reported multiple barriers to receiving needed services as compared to their male counterparts.ConclusionsBoth women and other gender adults were more likely to report multiple barriers to needed services than men including transportation and scheduling. This study is one of the largest to explore the service barriers of autistic adults by gender differences.     

The role of character strengths in adolescent romantic relationships: An initial study on partner selection and mates' life satisfaction

The present study investigated the role of 24 character strengths in 87 adolescent romantic relationships focusing on their role in partner selection and their role in mates' life satisfaction. Measures included the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth, the Students' Life Satisfaction Scale, and an Ideal Partner Profiler for the composition of an ideal partner. Honesty, humor, and love were the most preferred character strengths in an ideal partner. Hope, religiousness, honesty, and fairness showed the most substantial assortment coefficients. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed targets' character strengths as explaining variance in targets' life satisfaction. Furthermore, to a lesser degree, specific character strengths of partners and couples' similarity in certain character strengths explained variance in targets' life satisfaction beyond targets' character strengths. This first research on this topic showed that character strengths play a significant role in adolescent romantic relationships.