Search

Aim of the studyThe Fear of COVID-19 Scale is a widely used measurement tool for related anxieties, however previous studies validating the scale report varying fit indices, often below accepted cut-off points. This suggests re-specification of the scale may be required. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the English-version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale in a population of help-seeking males using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).Subject or material and methodsData from 621 males aged 18-80 years (mean=38.23, SD=13.59) was collected via a cross-sectional open online survey. Along with the 7-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the PHQ-4 and PROMIS Anger Short Form were used to measure probable anxiety, depression and anger. Data were randomly partitioned into two subsamples and separate factor analyses were conducted with robust CFA corrections applied for non-normality.ResultsA 4-item single-factor version of the scale was identified reporting excellent model fit (R-RMSEA=.033, R-CFI=.998, R-TFI=.997, SRMR=.012) and good internal consistency (α=.86). Age and probable anxiety effects were observed.DiscussionRelative to existing validation studies of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the present study provides improved psychometrics of the 4-item version of the scale, while scale means observed were comparable to other studies.ConclusionsThis study validates a 4-item version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale to assess related anxieties in a help seeking male population. Future research should seek to validate the 4-item version in other subpopulations.

Objective: Interpersonal dysfunction is a hallmark feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Representing lifelong relational patterns based in internal representations, quality of object relations (QOR) has been theorized as a core aspect of borderline personality pathology; yet empirical inquiry of this relationship has been limited. The present study investigated the association between QOR and BPD in the context of other salient correlates of BPD. Method: Participants were 137 outpatients obtaining care at an intensive treatment program for patients with personality dysfunction. BPD was assessed using two interview-based instruments. A separate interviewer-rated assessment of quality of object relations was administered by a different set of assessors. Participants also completed self-report measures of symptom distress, five-factor personality, and dysphoric affects. Results: Regarding BPD severity, QOR emerged as the only significant predictor with all variables in the model. Similarly, logistic regression found that QOR was associated with a significantly greater likelihood of having a diagnosis of BPD, after accounting for the effects of the other variables in the model. Conclusion: QOR is significantly and uniquely associated with BPD, suggesting that internalized representations of self and others play an important role underlying BPD pathology.

Aim of the studyThe motives that bring people to psychotherapy vary widely; while some people come on their own volition, others may not care to be in psychotherapy at all, but feel compelled to seek services because of external pressures. A patient’s motivation for therapy is believed to influence the likelihood of becoming actively and meaningfully involved in the work of psychotherapy.Subject or material and methodsWe surveyed 343 consecutively admitted psychiatric outpatients from three large, urban psychotherapy clinics about their motives (internal vs external) for seeking psychotherapy and their expected (lack of) involvement in the work of therapy.ResultsWhile most patients appear to come for therapy on their own volition (76%), a significant proportion also feel compelled to seek services because of external pressures (38%).DiscussionThe more patients were motivated by external forces to seek treatment, the more disinclined they were to become engaged in the work of therapy; greater endorsement of internal motives was associated with reduced unwillingness to work in therapy.ConclusionsExternally motivated patients may be particularly doubtful about the relevance and/or success of therapy and may require preparatory work to help instil a sense of hope and investment in the treatment process.

Aim of the studyBackground: Narcissistic personality disorder is the subject of increasing attention in the literature. However, there remains a relative absence of empirical work that has examined narcissism in clinical samples, especially efforts to replicate previous findings. Findings from a previous large-scale study [1] suggest that narcissism is associated with considerable interpersonal impairment. Aims: The objective of the present study was to replicate the findings of Ogrodniczuk and colleagues in an independent sample of psychiatric outpatients.Subject or material and methodsMethod: Consecutively admitted patients (N=53) to a day treatment program completed measures of narcissism, interpersonal problems, and general psychiatric distress. The association between narcissism and interpersonal impairment at baseline and post-therapy was examined. The relation of narcissism to treatment discharge status was also investigated. Partial correlation analyses were used.ResultsResults: At baseline, higher levels of narcissism were significantly associated with more interpersonal impairment, particularly characterized by domineering, vindictive, and overly nurturing behaviour. Baseline narcissism was also significantly related to interpersonal impairment at post-therapy. Change in interpersonal difficulties following treatment was not significantly associated with baseline narcissism. Treatment discharge status also was unrelated to narcissism.DiscussionImplications for further treatment and clinical considerations are discussed.ConclusionsConclusions: The findings largely replicate those of Ogrodniczuk and colleagues’ earlier study, underscoring prominent interpersonal impairment associated with narcissism and supporting the notion of narcissistic personality disorder as a valid clinical construct.

Aim of the studyExtant research points to shame and guilt as salient affective experiences for men’s mental health outcomes. As the constructs of shame and guilt gain increasing research attention in relation to at-risk men, including those with recent military combat experience, history of sexual abuse, substance misuse, and suicidality, valid and reliable assessment is needed. The present psychometric validation studies aimed to validate a short-form of the Personal Feelings Questionnaire (PFQ-2) for assessing guilt and shame.Subject or material and methodsData was collected from four independent samples of men (total N=1,042) across community and clinical populations.ResultsIn Study 1a (n=333) the factor structure of the original 16-item PFQ-2 was rejected. In Study 1b (n=332), a seven-item PFQ-2 Brief was calibrated. This was validated using confirmatory factor analysis in Study 1c (n=335; CFI=.986, TLI=.978, RMSEA=.060, SRMR=.026). Finally, PFQ-2 Brief properties were evaluated in 42 men attending outpatient psychiatric care.DiscussionThe PFQ-2 Brief appears to provide a valid and reliable measure for assessing guilt- and shame-proneness in men.ConclusionsUse of the PFQ-2 Brief should aid further investigations of the manner in which these two affect styles impact help-seeking, treatment engagement, treatment outcomes, and men’s overall mental health.