The association between childhood trauma and empathy in patients with stable schizophrenia

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s241-s241
Author(s):  
A. Arous ◽  
R. Trabelsi ◽  
J. Mrizak ◽  
A. Aissa ◽  
H. Ben Ammar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Childhood Trauma ◽  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Affective Empathy ◽  
Affective States ◽  
Childhood Trauma Questionnaire ◽  
History Of ◽  
Physical Neglect ◽  
Affective Components

IntroductionEmpathy, which refers to the ability to understand and share the thoughts and feelings of others, has emerged as an important topic in the field of social neuroscience. It is one of the most understudied dimensions of social cognition in schizophrenia (SCZ).ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between cognitive and affective empathy and CT in SCZ.MethodsFifty-eight outpatients with stable SCZ completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire retrospectively assessing five types of childhood trauma (emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional and physical neglect). They also completed the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE) comprising five subscales intended to assess cognitive and affective components of empathy.ResultsPatients with a history of sexual abuse better emotion contagion scores (P = 0.048) which means that develop more easily self-oriented emotional state matching the affective states of others. Patients with a history of emotional neglect or/and in denial of CT had higher scores in perspective taking score (P = 0.017). Perspective taking assesses the extent to which respondents can take another's perspective or see things from another's point-of-view.ConclusionsInvestigating psychosocial mechanisms, specifically the role of CT, underlying the development of empathic capacities is important since empathy can represent a treatment-target.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The association between childhood trauma and facial emotion recognition in patients with stable schizophrenia

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S372-S372 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Mrizak ◽  
A. Arous ◽  
R. Trabelsi ◽  
A. Aissa ◽  
H. Ben Ammar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Emotion Recognition ◽  
Childhood Trauma ◽  
Emotional Abuse ◽  
Facial Emotion Recognition ◽  
Facial Emotion ◽  
Significant Feature ◽  
Childhood Trauma Questionnaire ◽  
Physical Neglect ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionThe impairment of facial emotion recognition (FER) among patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) is a significant feature of the illness. Childhood trauma (CT) is reported with a high prevalence in SCZ and is considered one of its risk factors.ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between FER and CT in SCZ.MethodsFifty-eight outpatients with stable SCZ completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire retrospectively assessing five types of childhood trauma (emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional and physical neglect). They also completed a newly developed and validated FER task constructed from photographs of the face of a famous Tunisian actress and evaluating the ability to correctly identify Ekman's six basic facial emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, disgust, fear and surprise).ResultsPatients with higher scores of CT performed significantly worse in FER task. Our results suggest that the presence of sexual abuse is specifically correlated to a poor identification of anger (P = 0.02) and disgust (P = 0.03) while the presence of emotional abuse and physical neglect are correlated to a poor identification of happiness and sadness.ConclusionsCT may represent one of the causes of the FER deficits in schizophrenia. Further studies are necessary to confirm the link between specific kinds of childhood trauma and deficits in the recognition of discrete emotions.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The relationship between childhood trauma and theory of mind in schizophrenia

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s259-s259 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Mrizak ◽  
R. Trabelsi ◽  
A. Arous ◽  
A. Aissa ◽  
H. Ben Ammar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Childhood Trauma ◽  
Short Story ◽  
Childhood Trauma Questionnaire ◽  
History Of Childhood ◽  
Neurocognitive Impairments ◽  
History Of ◽  
Physical Neglect ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Relationship

IntroductionA history of childhood trauma is reportedly more prevalent in people suffering from psychosis than in the general population. Previous studies linked childhood trauma (CT) to neurocognitive impairments in schizophrenia (SCZ), but rarely to theory of mind (TOM) deficits.ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between TOM deficits and CT in SCZ.MethodsFifty-eight outpatients with stable SCZ completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire retrospectively assessing five types of childhood trauma (emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional and physical neglect). They also completed an intention-inferencing task, in which the ability to infer a character's intentions from information in a short story is assessed.ResultsOur results suggest a relationship between specific kinds of CT and TOM deficits. A history of childhood physical neglect was significantly correlated to a worse performance in the intention-inferencing task (P = 0,001). Patients with higher scores of CT denial also had less correct answers (P = 0,035) and more false answers (P = 0,013).ConclusionsOur results need replication but underline the necessity of investigating psychosocial mechanisms underlying the development of social cognition deficits, including deficits in TOM.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Rethinking childhood adversity in chronic fatigue syndrome

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
James E Clark ◽  
Sean Davidson ◽  
Laura Maclachlan ◽  
Megan Lynn ◽  
Julia L Newton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Childhood Trauma ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Childhood Trauma Questionnaire ◽  
History Of Childhood ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
History Of

Objectives: Previous studies have consistently shown increased rates of childhood adversity in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, such aetiopathogenic studies of CFS are potentially confounded by co-morbidity and misdiagnosis particularly with depression. We used a modelling approach with existing data and data generated in our examination of the rates of childhood adversity in a sample of CFS patients who had no lifetime history of depression. Methods: The childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ) was completed by a sample of 52 participants and 19 controls with chronic fatigue syndrome who did not meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder (confirmed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV). Subsequently, Mediation Analysis (Baye’s Rules) was used to establish the risk childhood adversity poses for CFS with and without depression. Results: In a cohort of CFS patients with depression robustly excluded, CTQ scores were markedly lower than in all previous studies and, in contrast to these previous studies, not increased compared with healthy controls. Post-hoc analysis showed that CTQ scores correlated with the number of depressive symptoms during the lifetime worst period of low mood. The probability of developing CFS given a history of childhood trauma was shown to be 4%, a two-fold increased risk compared to the general population. However, much of this risk is mediated by the concomitant development of major depression. Discussion: The data suggests that previous studies showing a relationship between childhood adversity and CFS may be mediated by depression

scholarly journals Association between schizoid tendencies and aggressive behaviors: mediating and moderating influences in childhood trauma and life events among Chinese adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tingyu Yang ◽  
Yuqiong He ◽  
Shuxian Wu ◽  
Xilong Cui ◽  
Xuerong Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Childhood Trauma ◽  
Emotional Abuse ◽  
Child Behavior Checklist ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Chinese Adolescents ◽  
Emotional Neglect ◽  
Aggressive Behaviors ◽  
Physical Neglect

Abstract Background This study investigated an association between schizoid tendencies and aggressive behaviors in Chinese adolescents, and explored the underlying mechanism. Methods The data of 3094 adolescents aged 12 to 16 years were collected from an epidemiological survey in China. All the subjects or their parents completed the Achenbach’s Child Behavior Checklist, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, and the Adolescent Self-rating Life Event Checklist (ASLEC). Results Relative to the non-schizoid group, adolescents with schizoid tendencies (male or female) showed significantly higher scores for aggressive behaviors, emotional abuse, and ASLEC. Regarding females only, those with schizoid tendencies had significantly higher (lower) scores for physical abuse and emotional neglect (physical neglect). The aggressive behaviors score was predicted by scores for schizoid tendencies (βmale = 0.620, βfemale = 0.638, both P < 0.001) and ASLEC (βmale = 0.125, βfemale = 0.061, both P < 0.01), and by childhood trauma score (males: emotional neglect [β = 0.045, P = 0.021]; females: emotional abuse and sexual abuse [β = 0.118 and − 0.062, both P < 0.01]). The ASLEC and childhood trauma scores mediated the association between scores for schizoid tendencies and aggressive behaviors, specifically, emotional neglect (emotional abuse and sexual abuse) in males (females). In females, the interaction between scores for childhood trauma and ASLEC affected the aggressive behaviors score (P = 0.023). Conclusions Schizoid tendencies are associated with aggressive behaviors among Chinese adolescents. Recent life events and childhood trauma mediated an association between schizoid tendencies and aggressive behaviors. The interaction between childhood trauma and recent life events affected aggressive behaviors in females. Aggressive behaviors in adolescents may be ameliorated by reducing childhood trauma and life events.

Evaluation of self-esteem and childhood trauma in patients with sexual disorders

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s852-s853
Author(s):  
G. Teksin Unal ◽  
O. Sahmelikoglu Onur ◽  
C. Karsidag ◽  
M.G. Teksin Bakir
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Trauma ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Emotional Abuse ◽  
Premature Ejaculation ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Depressive Mood ◽  
Sexual Disorders ◽  
Emotional Neglect ◽  
Childhood Trauma Questionnaire ◽  
Physical Neglect

IntroductionSexual dysfunction (SD) is defined as the deterioration of sexual response cycles caused by anatomic, physiologic or psychologic reasons.ObjectivesWe believe that SD is closely related to self-esteem and childhood trauma (CT).AimIn this study, the level of self-esteem and CT in patients diagnosed with SD vs. controls are aimed to be compared. In addition, relationship between complaints of SD self-esteem and CT variable subgroups are planned to be investigated.MethodTwenty-four patients visited Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Psychiatric Hospital with matching defined criteria and 24 control counterparts statistically matching were taken sociodemographic data form, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSS) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28) was applied.ResultsCTQ-28 averages and RSS variables which are sensitivity to criticism, depressive mood, psychosomatic symptoms, feeling threatened in interpersonal relationships, degree to participate in discussions, relationship with father were higher in patients with SD (P < 0.05). Considering the relationship between complaints of SD and CTQ-28 subscales, physical abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect averages of patients were observed significantly different rooted by genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder and premature ejaculation and in emotional neglect by premature ejaculation and low libido combination (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn literature, there are many studies that show CT leads to SD and several studies state that self-esteem is affected in patients with SD [1]. CT must be considered and determined in the goal of treatment of SD.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Association between Childhood Trauma and Dissociation Among Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder

2006 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 478-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart Watson ◽  
Roy Chilton ◽  
Helen Fairchild ◽  
Peter Whewell
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Borderline Personality Disorder ◽  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Childhood Trauma ◽  
Emotional Abuse ◽  
Borderline Personality ◽  
Childhood Trauma Questionnaire ◽  
Dissociative Experiences Scale ◽  
Dissociative Experiences ◽  
Scale Scores

Objective: To examine the relationship between childhood trauma and dissociative experience in adulthood in patients with borderline personality disorder. Method: Dissociative experiences scale scores and subscale scores for the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire were correlated in 139 patients. Patients were dichotomized into high or low dissociators using the Median Dissociative Experiences Scale score as the cut-off. Results: Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Subscale scores for emotional and physical abuse and emotional neglect but not sexual abuse correlated significantly with Dissociative Experiences Scale scores. High dissociators reported significantly greater levels of emotional abuse, physical abuse, emotional neglect and physical neglect but not sexual abuse than low dissociators. Conclusion: Patients with borderline personality disorder therefore demonstrated levels of dissociation that increased with levels of childhood trauma, supporting the hypothesis that traumatic childhood experiences engender dissociative symptoms later in life. Emotional abuse and neglect may be at least as important as physical and sexual abuse in the development of dissociative symptoms.

Empathic Differences in Men Who Witnessed Animal Abuse

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Beth Daly ◽  
L.L. Morton
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Cognitive Empathy ◽  
Nonhuman Animal ◽  
Affective Empathy ◽  
Animal Abuse ◽  
Emotional Empathy ◽  
Cognitive Perspective ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract This study draws on diverse research results from investigating the relationship between experiences with nonhuman animal abuse and empathy. We examined whether 108 men with a history of animal abuse showed differences between cognitive (perspective-taking) and affective (emotional) empathy. The effects related to three levels (never, once, multiple times) of witnessing the killing of animals and witnessing the torture of animals. Individuals who witnessed abuse were higher in cognitive empathy than affective empathy. This supports previous findings for a “dissociation hypothesis,” which suggests exposure to animal abuse may mediate between emotional and cognitive empathy. Therefore, it may be beneficial for an individual to have the ability to detach cognitive from emotional empathy—particularly those in careers related to animal welfare and veterinary care. An absence of emotional empathy may also lead to a callous or dismissive attitude to people in need. We sought an appropriate balance of the two.

scholarly journals Evidence for an Interaction Between NEDD4 and Childhood Trauma on Clinical Characters of Schizophrenia With Family History of Psychosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Jiao Bi ◽  
Lei Hu ◽  
Dong-Dong Qiao ◽  
Chao Han ◽  
Meng-Meng Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Social Cognition ◽  
Family History ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Childhood Trauma ◽  
Visual Learning ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Memory Score ◽  
History Of ◽  
Physical Neglect

Background: Neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated 4 (NEDD4) polymorphisms and childhood trauma (CT) are associated with schizophrenia. However, whether NEDD4 interacts with CT on symptoms of schizophrenia remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the gene–environment interaction effect.Methods: We recruited 289 schizophrenia patients and 487 controls and genotyped rs2303579, rs3088077, rs7162435, rs11550869, and rs62043855 in their NEDD4 gene.Results: We found significant differences in the rs2303579 and rs3088077 between the two groups. Patients with the rs2303579 CC genotype had higher scores compared with other genotype (P = 0.026) in the test of positive schizophrenia syndrome scores, whereas patients with the rs3088077 TT (P = 0.037) and rs7162435 CC genotypes (P = 0.009) had higher scores compared with the other genotypes in the test of excitement factor. Patients with a family history of psychosis (FH+) reported higher negative scores (P = 0.012) than those without. Patients exposed to physical abuse (PA) reported a lower language learning and memory score (P = 0.017) and working memory score (P = 0.047) than those not. Patients exposed to sexual abuse (SA) reported a lower reasoning and problem-solving skills score (P = 0.025); those exposed to emotional neglect (EN) reported a lower social cognition score (P = 0.044); and those exposed to physical neglect reported a lower social cognition score (P = 0.036) but higher visual learning and memory score (P = 0.032). Rs3088077 could interact with EN to increase risk for schizophrenia. Optimal model rs62043855 × EA, rs3088077 × rs7162435 × rs11550869 × SA × EN and rs2303579 × rs7162435 × rs11550869 × rs62043855 × EA × PA could explain positive symptom, excitement symptom and working memory, respectively, in FH+ group.Conclusion: The study highlighted that the combined interaction of NEDD4 and CT may be associated with symptoms of schizophrenia especially for those with FH+.

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