Bailey, PE, Leon, T, Ebner, NC, Moustafa, AA & Weidemann, G 2023, 'A meta-analysis of the weight of advice in decision-making', Current Psychology, vol. 42, no. 28, pp. 24516-24541.
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AbstractThe degree to which people take advice, and the factors that influence advice-taking, are of broad interest to laypersons, professionals, and policy-makers. This meta-analysis on 346 effect sizes from 129 independent datasets (N = 17, 296) assessed the weight of advice in the judge-advisor system paradigm, as well as the influence of sample and task characteristics. Information about the advisor(s) that is suggestive of advice quality was the only unique predictor of the overall pooled weight of advice. Individuals adjusted estimates by 32%, 37%, and 48% in response to advisors described in ways that suggest low, neutral, or high quality advice, respectively. This indicates that the benefits of compromise and averaging may be lost if accurate advice is perceived to be low quality, or too much weight is given to inaccurate advice that is perceived to be high quality. When examining the three levels of perceived quality separately, advice-taking was greater for subjective and uncertain estimates, relative to objective estimates, when information about the advisor was neutral in terms of advice quality. Sample characteristics had no effect on advice-taking, thus providing no evidence that age, gender, or individualism influence the weight of advice. The findings contribute to current theoretical debates and provide direction for future research.
Barakat, S, Burton, AL, Cunich, M, Hay, P, Hazelton, JL, Kim, M, Lymer, S, Madden, S, Maloney, D, Miskovic-Wheatley, J, Rogers, D, Russell, J, Sidari, M, Touyz, S & Maguire, S 2023, 'A randomised controlled trial of clinician supported vs self-help delivery of online cognitive behaviour therapy for Bulimia Nervosa', Psychiatry Research, vol. 329, pp. 115534-115534.
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High dropout rates and poor adherence associated with digital interventions have prompted research into modifications of these treatments to improve engagement and completion rates. This trial aimed to investigate the added benefit of clinician support when paired alongside a ten-session, online cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) self-help intervention for bulimia nervosa (BN). As part of a three-arm, phase II randomised controlled trial, 114 participants (16 years or over) with full or subthreshold BN were randomly assigned to complete the intervention in a self-help mode (with administrative researcher contact; n = 38), with adjunct clinician support (weekly 30-minute videoconferencing sessions; n = 37), or a no-treatment waitlist control (WLC; n = 39). Baseline to post-treatment (12-weeks) decreases in objective binge episode frequency were significantly greater for clinician-supported participants as compared to WLC, but not for self-help when compared to WLC. However, due to continued improvements for self-help across follow-up (24-weeks), both arms outperformed WLC when analysed as an overall rate of change across three timepoints. Clinician-supported participants outperformed self-help in regards to laxative use and dietary restraint. Our results demonstrate that good clinical outcomes can be achieved with a relatively brief online CBT-based program even in the absence of structured clinical support, indicating a possible overreliance upon clinician support as a primary adherence-facilitating mechanism.
Barakat, S, McLean, SA, Bryant, E, Le, A, Marks, P, Aouad, P, Barakat, S, Boakes, R, Brennan, L, Bryant, E, Byrne, S, Caldwell, B, Calvert, S, Carroll, B, Castle, D, Caterson, I, Chelius, B, Chiem, L, Clarke, S, Conti, J, Crouch, L, Dammery, G, Dzajkovski, N, Fardouly, J, Felicia, C, Feneley, J, Firriolo, A-M, Foroughi, N, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M, Fursland, A, Gonzalez-Arce, V, Gouldthorp, B, Griffin, K, Griffiths, S, Hambleton, A, Hannigan, A, Hart, M, Hart, S, Hay, P, Hickie, I, Kay-Lambkin, F, King, R, Kohn, M, Koreshe, E, Krug, I, Le, A, Linardon, J, Long, R, Long, A, Madden, S, Maguire, S, Maloney, D, Marks, P, McLean, S, Meddick, T, Miskovic-Wheatley, J, Mitchison, D, O’Kearney, R, Ong, SH, Paterson, R, Paxton, S, Pehlivan, M, Pepin, G, Phillipou, A, Piccone, J, Pinkus, R, Raykos, B, Rhodes, P, Rieger, E, Rodan, S, Rockett, K, Russell, J, Russell, H, Salter, F, Sawyer, S, Shelton, B, Singh, U, Smith, S, Smith, E, Spielman, K, Squire, S, Thomson, J, Tiggemann, M, Touyz, S, Utpala, R, Vartanian, L, Wallis, A, Ward, W, Wells, S, Wertheim, E, Wilksch, S, Williams, M, Touyz, S & Maguire, S 2023, 'Risk factors for eating disorders: findings from a rapid review', Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 11, no. 1, p. 8.
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AbstractBackgroundRisk factors represent a range of complex variables associated with the onset, development, and course of eating disorders. Understanding these risk factors is vital for the refinement of aetiological models, which may inform the development of targeted, evidence-based prevention, early intervention, and treatment programs. This Rapid Review aimed to identify and summarise research studies conducted within the last 12 years, focusing on risk factors associated with eating disorders.MethodsThe current review forms part of a series of Rapid Reviews to be published in a special issue in the Journal of Eating Disorders, funded by the Australian Government to inform the development of the National Eating Disorder Research and Translation Strategy 2021–2031. Three databases were searched for studies published between 2009 and 2021, published in English, and comprising high-level evidence studies (meta-analyses, systematic reviews, moderately sized randomised controlled studies, moderately sized controlled-cohort studies, or population studies). Data pertaining to risk factors for eating disorders were synthesised and outlined in the current paper.ResultsA total of 284 studies were included. The findings were divided into nine main categories: (1) genetics, (2) gastrointestinal microbiota and autoimmune reactions, (3) childhood and early adolescent exposures, (4) personality traits and comorbid mental health conditions, (5) gender, (6) socio-economic status, (7) ethnic minority, (8) body image and social influence, and (9) elite sports. A substantial amount of research exists supporting the role of inherited genetic risk in the development of eating disorders, with biological risk factors, such as the role of gut microbiota in dysregulation of appetite...
Barrett, JA, Calvert, FL, Gonsalvez, CJ & Shires, AG 2023, 'A qualitative investigation into perceptions of scientist-practitioner competence within supervision during psychology training programmes', Australian Psychologist, vol. 58, no. 2, pp. 80-93.
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Objective: Clinical supervision plays an important role in competency development during psychology practitioner training. How the scientist-practitioner competency is operationalised, disseminated, and evaluated in supervision is unclear. This study aimed to explore supervisor and trainee attitudes, opinions, and perceptions of scientist-practitioner competence. It also sought to understand what supervisors are doing in supervision to develop and assess the scientist-practitioner competency, as well as how trainees demonstrate the competency in supervision. Method: Three focus groups comprised 12 trainees and a total of 12 supervisor individual telephone interviews were conducted, where participants reflected on their supervision experiences, responding to questions about the scientist-practitioner competency. Results: A thematic analysis resulted in the identification of core themes and subthemes. Core themes identified were 1) Scientist-Practitioner Model as a Foundation to Professional and Ethical Practice; 2) The Translation of Science into Real-World Practice; 3) Flexibility to Learn/Change within the Scientist-Practitioner Model; 4) Supervision as the Route to Developing Scientist Practitioner Skills and Knowledge; and 5) Barriers and Challenges to Bridging Science and Practice. Conclusions: Findings reveal specific ways supervisors and trainees can acquire and demonstrate scientist-practitioner competence in supervision during professional training. This may assist with self- and other evaluation of scientist-practitioner competence in supervision. Implications for training, education, and supervision are discussed.
Berle, D, Starcevic, V, Wootton, B, Arnáez, S & Baggio, S 2023, 'A network approach to understanding obsessions and compulsions', Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, vol. 36, pp. 100786-100786.
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Black, JA, Paparo, J & Wootton, BM 2023, 'A Preliminary Examination of Treatment Barriers, Preferences, and Histories of Women with Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder', Behaviour Change, vol. 40, no. 4, pp. 267-277.
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AbstractSocial anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common mental health condition that is characterised by a persistent fear of social or performance situations. Despite effective treatments being available, many individuals with SAD do not seek treatment or delay treatment seeking for many years. The aim of the present study was to examine treatment barriers, treatment histories, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) delivery preferences in a sample of women with clinically relevant SAD symptoms. Ninety-nine women (Mage = 34.90, SD = 11.28) completed the online questionnaires and were included in the study. Participants were recruited from advertisements on community noticeboards and posts on social media. The results demonstrated that less than 5% of those who received psychological treatment in the past were likely to have received best-practice CBT. The most commonly cited barriers to accessing treatment for women with SAD related to direct costs (63%) and indirect costs (e.g., transport/childcare) (28%). The most preferred treatment delivery method overall was individual face-to-face treatment (70%). The study demonstrates a need to provide a variety of treatment options in order to enhance access to empirically supported treatment for women with SAD.
Casey, LJ, Bowman, SJ, Power, E, McAloon, J & Wootton, BM 2023, 'Coping with the Australian marriage law postal survey and its legacy: “I create meaning and joy and connection and community”', Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 456-487.
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Casey, LJ, Bowman, SJ, Power, E, McAloon, J & Wootton, BM 2023, 'The Cognitive-Behavioral Impact of the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis.', Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 91-102.
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Marriage equality legislation was introduced in Australia in 2017 following a national survey of enrolled voters conducted via the postal system (“the postal survey”). Consistent with other major anti-LGBTQ rights campaigns, research has demonstrated that this event posed a unique source of social stress for LGBTQ people. This study seeks to expand the clinical utility of previous research by employing a cognitive-behavioral lens to explore the life stressors reported by LGBTQ Australians during the postal survey. During the postal survey period, a sample of 2,200 LGBTQ Australians answered the open-ended question, “Do you think the public discussion about marriage equality and the marriage equality postal survey has affected you and/or your family? If so, how?” Seven hundred of these responses were randomly selected and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Cognitive themes were hyperawareness of stigma, social and political exclusion, changes in self-perception, and fear of harm. Affective themes were anger, anxiety, and sadness. Behavioral themes were avoidance, changing social relationships, hiding identity, and preoccupation. The physiological theme was exhaustion. The results have implications for the assessment and treatment of LGBTQ people experiencing distress in the face of future anti-LGBTQ rights campaigns.
Casey, LJ, Bowman, SJ, Wootton, BM, McAloon, J & Power, E 2023, '“A Tremendous Outpouring of Love and Affection”: A Template Analysis of Positive Experiences During a Major LGBTQ Rights Campaign', Journal of Homosexuality, vol. 70, no. 9, pp. 1936-1958.
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Human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) people have frequently been decided via popular vote. Australia conducted one such vote on the topic of marriage equality in 2017. Research has tended to focus on the negative experiences reported by LGBTQ people during such votes, with little attention paid to any positive experiences identified. This paper seeks to redress that imbalance, reporting the findings of two qualitative studies asking LGBTQ Australians about positive experiences during the marriage equality vote. The first study analyzed 673 typed responses collected during the two-month voting period, while the second analyzed interview data from 19 LGBTQ Australians collected two-and-a-half years after the vote. Both were analyzed using template analysis. Results identified sources of support, types of support, empowerment through activism, changes in general and LGBTQ communities, and positive personal changes. As public votes continue to be used to determine LGBTQ human rights, the findings may guide interventions to help LGBTQ people and their allies cope with such campaigns.
Catania, J, Spirou, D, Gascoigne, M & Raman, J 2023, 'Loss of control as a transdiagnostic feature in obesity‐related eating behaviours: A systematic review', European Eating Disorders Review, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 24-45.
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AbstractObjectiveEmerging evidence suggests that loss of control (LOC) may present as a common feature across disordered eating behaviours. However, there has been limited research on the transdiagnostic nature of LOC in this area. The primary aim of this study was to systematically review disordered eating behaviours and measures of LOC in clinical and non‐clinical populations.MethodElectronic searches of the relevant databases were conducted. Selected articles were screened for eligibility and assessed for methodological quality.ResultsThirty‐four studies met inclusion criteria. Findings demonstrated that LOC was associated with disordered eating behaviours across bariatric populations, eating disorder populations, and community populations. Specifically, LOC was associated with binge eating (subjective and objective episodes), grazing, night eating, and emotional or stress eating. Findings also revealed that LOC was inconsistently operationalised across studies, with varied approaches to measuring the construct.ConclusionOverall, the findings from this review provide support for LOC as a transdiagnostic feature of disordered eating behaviours. Future studies should utilise robust multi‐method assessments to measure the severity of LOC, which may provide greater insight into how LOC manifests across different eating disorder presentations.
Cheever, J, Cayoun, BA, Elphinstone, B & Shires, AG 2023, 'Confirmation and Validation of the Equanimity Scale-16 (ES-16)', Mindfulness, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 148-158.
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Objectives: Equanimity is an accepting and non-reactive mental state that has gained increased recognition as a key mechanism of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). The recently developed Equanimity Scale-16 (ES-16) provides a measure of equanimity that can be used to assess such interventions; however, to date, evidence of its factor structure and temporal stability is lacking. The present study aimed to provide the first confirmatory factor analysis of the ES-16, and to further examine the validity and test-retest reliability of the measure. Method: The Qualtrics online platform was used to administer the ES-16 and other questionnaires in order to assess validity and collected demographic information in 395 adults from the general community (76.2% females and 23.8% males). Questionnaires were then re-administered four weeks later to assess test-retest reliability. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that one- or two-factor (i.e., Experiential Acceptance, Non-reactivity) models provided adequate model fit with the addition of covariances between semantically similar items. However, adequate model fit was also obtained with a bi-factor model, suggesting that there is an underlying unidimensionality as all items tap into the latent equanimity construct. The ES-16 showed good internal consistency (ω = 0.90); test-retest reliability (n = 161; r = 0.81, p < 0.001) over four weeks; and convergent validity, illustrated by significant correlations in the expected directions with the Two-Factor Equanimity Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form. Conclusions: The present results support previous research showing that the ES-16 is a valid and reliable self-report measure to assess overall trait equanimity. Given the central role of equanimity in MBIs, the ES-16 may also assist in further understanding mechanisms of change in MBIs.
Chisholm, AK, Lami, F, Haebich, KM, Ure, A, Brignell, A, Maloof, T, Pride, NA, Walsh, KS, Maier, A, Rouel, M, Granader, Y, Barton, B, Darke, H, Fuelscher, I, Dabscheck, G, Anderson, VA, Williams, K, North, KN & Payne, JM 2023, 'Sex- and age-related differences in autistic behaviours in children with neurofibromatosis type 1', Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, vol. 53, no. 7, pp. 2835-2850.
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Clague, CA, Prnjak, K & Mitchison, D 2023, '“I don't want them to judge me”: Separating out the role of fear of negative evaluation, neuroticism, and low self-esteem in eating disorders', Eating Behaviors, vol. 49, pp. 101708-101708.
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Dahill, LM, Morrison, NMV, Touyz, S, Mitchison, D, Bussey, K, Mannan, H & Hay, P 2023, 'An exploration of how adolescents experience and reason their parents' comments on their weight, shape, and eating', Journal of Adolescence, vol. 95, no. 7, pp. 1488-1504.
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AbstractIntroductionDisordered eating among adolescents is of increasing concern given associated physical and mental health sequelae. Cognitions underlying disordered eating are formed in childhood and adolescence. Parents are a significant presence during this period, so it is critical to understand how they influence their adolescent's eating cognitions and behaviors.MethodsQualitative analysis using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) methodology was employed to consider the lived experiences of 10 Australian adolescents (14–19 years), 60% female, as they engaged with their parents in a range of weight, shape, and eating communications.ResultsOur inductive IPA revealed three key themes representing adolescents' experiences and meaning‐making: Parents as Influencers—adolescents acknowledged parents are influencers (objects) within a wider context of community and cultural norms (symbols) and can be protective for peer influence on body image ideals; Expression and Perception—the “what” (weight‐talk as an object) and the “how” (objects as independent influences) of gendered parental communication related to health and fitness ideals and illustrated diverse interpretations of both verbal and non‐verbal expression; and Fertile Soil and Maturity—the adolescent's characteristics and context influence perceptions of communication, a fear of deviating from norms, and an overarching focus on being “healthy” yet not always knowing what that was. Perception of bidirectional communication also offered valuable insights into potential dangers through family loyalty and in‐group permissions.ConclusionsFindings highlight ...
Dann, KM, Veldre, A, Miles, S, Sumner, P, Hay, P & Touyz, S 2023, 'Measuring cognitive flexibility in anorexia nervosa: Wisconsin Card Sorting Test versus cued task-switching', Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, vol. 28, no. 1, p. 60.
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Abstract Purpose The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is the most common measure of cognitive flexibility in anorexia nervosa (AN), but task-switching paradigms are beginning to be utilized. The current study directly compared performance on a cued task-switching measure and the WCST to evaluate their association in participants with a lifetime diagnosis of AN, and to assess which measure is more strongly associated with clinical symptoms. Methods Forty-five women with a lifetime diagnosis of AN completed the WCST, cued color-shape task-switching paradigm, Anti-saccade Keyboard Task, Running Memory Span, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales short form and Eating Disorder Flexibility Index. Results There was no evidence of a significant association between WCST perseverative errors and cued task-switching switch costs. Results suggest lower working memory capacity is a determinant of higher perseverative error rate. When controlling for mood variables, neither cognitive flexibility measure was a significant independent predictor of symptom severity. Conclusions Results provide support for previous suggestions that WCST perseverative errors could occur due to difficulties with working memory, sensitivity to feedback, and issues with concept formation. Cued task-switching paradigms may provide a useful measure of cognitive flexibility for future eating disorders research by reducing task-specific confounds. Level of eviden...
Davidson, MJ 2023, 'Ouachita Mountains Archaeology: Researching the Past with Two Projects in Arkansas. Mary Beth Trubitt. 2019. Popular Series 6. Arkansas Archeological Survey, Fayetteville. x + 108 pp. $20.00 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-56349-109-2.', American Antiquity, vol. 88, no. 4, pp. 605-606.
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Elgort, I & Veldre, A 2023, 'Word processing before explicit attention: Using the gaze-contingent boundary paradigm in L2 reading research', Research Methods in Applied Linguistics, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 100074-100074.
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Eye-movement studies investigating second language (L2) word processing during reading are growing exponentially. However, what information L2 readers are able to process parafoveally is a less researched topic. The gaze-contingent boundary paradigm (Rayner, 1975) allows researchers to manipulate visual information in an upcoming word during reading, tapping into real-time word processing without awareness. This article provides an overview of experimental studies of parafoveal word processing in reading, followed by a methodological review of the use of the boundary paradigm in L2 and bilingual research. We synthesize key methodological details (including preview type, eye-movement measures) and findings of 15 experiments that met our search criteria, concluding that the parafoveal preview effect observed when reading in the first language is also present in L2 reading. We propose how the gaze-contingent boundary paradigm can be used to study L2 lexical knowledge and factors that affect its development. Finally, we provide advice and instructions for designing and conducting boundary paradigm experiments.
Freichel, R, Mrkonja, L, de Jong, PJ, Cousijn, J, Franken, I, Ruiter, TA, Le Pelley, M, Albertella, L, Watson, P, Veer, IM & Wiers, RW 2023, 'Value-modulated attentional capture in reward and punishment contexts, attentional control, and their relationship with psychopathology', Journal of Experimental Psychopathology, vol. 14, no. 4.
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Attentional bias towards rewards has been extensively studied in both healthy and clinical populations. Several studies have shown an association between reward value-modulated attentional capture (VMAC) and greater substance use. However, less is known about the association between these VMAC effects and internalizing symptoms. Moreover, while VMAC effects have also been found in punishment contexts, the association between punishment VMAC and psychopathology has not been studied so far. In the present two-part preregistered study, we adapted a novel VMAC task to also include a punishment context and examined associations with internalizing symptoms and substance use. Our results showed consistent VMAC effects in reward contexts across two separate studies. Attentional capture was stronger for distractors associated with high rewards than for low rewards. We replicated and extended previous findings by showing such VMAC effects in a substantially shorter task that also included alternating punishment blocks. Contrary to our expectations, we found no VMAC effects in punishment contexts and no direct associations between VMAC and symptom measures. Our results speak to the feasibility of assessing VMAC effects using a scalable and short behavioral online task, but the relationship with the development of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology remains uncertain.
Hart, LM, Mitchison, D, Fuller‐Tyszkiewicz, M, Giles, S, Fardouly, J, Jarman, HK, Damiano, SR, McLean, SA, Prichard, I, Yager, Z & Krug, I 2023, '“Can you see me?” Videoconferencing and eating disorder risk during COVID‐19: Anxiety, impairment, and mediators', International Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 56, no. 1, pp. 235-246.
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AbstractObjectiveThe use of videoconferencing has increased during the pandemic, creating prolonged exposure to self‐image. This research aimed to investigate whether eating disorder (ED) risk was associated with videoconferencing performance for work or study and to explore whether the use of safety behaviors and self‐focused attention mediated the relationship between ED risk and perceived control over performance anxiety, impaired engagement, or avoidance of videoconferencing for work or study.MethodIn 2020, an online survey was distributed within Australia to those aged over 18 years via academic and social networks, measuring: use of videoconferencing for work/study, demographics, ED risk, safety behaviors for appearance concerns, self‐focused attention, perceived control over performance anxiety, perceived engagement impairment, and avoidance of videoconferencing. A total of 640 participants (77.3% female, Mage = 26.2 years) returned complete data and were included in analyses.Results245 participants (38.7%) were considered at‐risk for EDs (SCOFF > 2). Those at‐risk reported significantly more safety behaviors, self‐focused attention, impaired engagement, and avoidance, plus lower perceived control over performance anxiety than those not at‐risk. Multiple mediation models found the effects of ED risk on control over performance anxiety, impaired engagement, and avoidance were partially mediated by safety behaviors and self‐focused attention.DiscussionOur cross‐sectional findings suggest videoconferencing for work/study‐related purposes is associated with performance anxiety, impaired engagement, and avoidance among individuals at‐risk for EDs. P...
Hatoum, AH, Burton, AL & Abbott, MJ 2023, 'Validation of the revised eating disorder core beliefs questionnaire (ED-CBQ-R) in an Australian sample', Clinical Psychologist, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 133-141.
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Hay, P, Aouad, P, Le, A, Marks, P, Maloney, D, Barakat, S, Boakes, R, Brennan, L, Bryant, E, Byrne, S, Caldwell, B, Calvert, S, Carroll, B, Castle, D, Caterson, I, Chelius, B, Chiem, L, Clarke, S, Conti, J, Crouch, L, Dammery, G, Dzajkovski, N, Fardouly, J, Feneley, J, Foroughi, N, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M, Fursland, A, Gonzalez-Arce, V, Gouldthorp, B, Griffin, K, Griffiths, S, Hambleton, A, Hannigan, A, Hart, M, Hart, S, Hickie, I, Kay-Lambkin, F, King, R, Kohn, M, Koreshe, E, Krug, I, Linardon, J, Long, R, Long, A, Madden, S, McLean, S, Meddick, T, Miskovic-Wheatley, J, Mitchison, D, O’Kearney, R, Paterson, R, Paxton, S, Pehlivan, M, Pepin, G, Phillipou, A, Piccone, J, Pinkus, R, Raykos, B, Rhodes, P, Rieger, E, Rockett, K, Rodan, S, Russell, J, Russell, H, Salter, F, Sawyer, S, Shelton, B, Singh, U, Smith, S, Smith, E, Spielman, K, Squire, S, Thomson, J, Tiggemann, M, Utpala, R, Vartanian, L, Wallis, A, Ward, W, Wells, S, Wertheim, E, Wilksch, S, Williams, M, Touyz, S & Maguire, S 2023, 'Epidemiology of eating disorders: population, prevalence, disease burden and quality of life informing public policy in Australia—a rapid review', Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 11, no. 1, p. 23.
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Abstract Background Understanding of the epidemiology and health burden of eating disorders has progressed significantly in the last 2 decades. It was considered one of seven key areas to inform the Australian Government commissioned National Eating Disorder Research and Translation Strategy 2021–2031, as emerging research had highlighted a rise in eating disorder prevalence and worsening burden-of-illness. The aim of this review was to better understand the global epidemiology and impact of eating disorders to inform policy decision-making. Methods Using a systematic Rapid Review methodology, ScienceDirect, PubMed and Medline (Ovid) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published between 2009 and 2021. Clear inclusion criteria were developed in consultation with experts in the field. Purposive sampling of literature was conducted, which predominately focused on higher-level evidence (meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and large epidemiological studies), synthesised, and narratively analysed. Results 135 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review (N = 1324). Prevalence estimates varied. Global Lifetime prevalence of any eating disorder ranged from 0.74 to 2.2% in males, and 2.58–8.4% in females. Australian 3-month point-prevalence of broadly defined disorders was around 16% in females. Eating disorders appeared more prevalent in young people and adolescents, particularly females (in Australia: eating disorders ~ 22.2%; disordered eating ~ 25.7%). Limited evidence was found on sex, sexuality and gender diverse (LGBTQI +) individuals, particularly males, who had a six-fold increase in prevalence compared to the general male ...
Hay, P, Mitchison, D, Collado, AEL, González-Chica, DA, Stocks, N & Touyz, S 2023, 'Correction: Burden and health-related quality of life of eating disorders, including Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), in the Australian population', Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 11, no. 1, p. 199.
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Jarman, HK, Prichard, I, Yager, Z, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M, McLean, SA, Damiano, S, Krug, I, Mitchison, D, Fardouly, J, Giles, S & Hart, L 2023, 'Zooming in: The relationship between appearance concerns and perceived performance whilst videoconferencing among Australian adults', Body Image, vol. 44, pp. 170-177.
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Jukic, I, Prnjak, K, King, A, McGuigan, MR & Helms, ER 2023, 'Velocity loss is a flawed method for monitoring and prescribing resistance training volume with a free-weight back squat exercise', European Journal of Applied Physiology, vol. 123, no. 6, pp. 1343-1357.
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Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the goodness of fit, prediction accuracy, and stability of general and individual relationships between velocity loss and the percentage of completed repetitions out of maximum possible (VL-%repetitions) in the free-weight back squat exercise. The effects of sex, training status and history, as well as personality traits, on the goodness of fit and the accuracy of these relationships were also investigated. Methods Forty-six resistance-trained people (15 females and 31 males) performed a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test, and two repetitions to failure (RTF) tests, 72 h apart. RTF tests were performed with 70, 80, and 90% of 1RM with 10 min inter-set rest. Results The findings question the utility of using general and individual VL-%repetitions relationships to prescribe training volume with free-weight back squats as (1) the agreement in the %repetitions completed until reaching a given velocity loss threshold across two consecutive testing sessions was unacceptable, regardless of the load used; and (2) the ability of general and individual VL-%repetitions relationships to predict %repetitions in a subsequent testing session were poor (absolute errors > 10%). Sex, training status and history, and personality traits did not affect the goodness of fit of general and individual VL-%repetitions relationships or their prediction accuracy, suggesting potential generalisability of those findings among resistance-trained populations.
Liu, L, Peter, V & Tyler, MD 2023, 'Understanding the neural mechanisms for infants' perception of native and non-native speech', Brain and Language, vol. 242, pp. 105279-105279.
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Liu, S, Zhang, J, Zhang, Y, Zhang, S, Yang, S, Zou, G & Liu, L 2023, 'Overall study of solar simulation optical system with large irradiated surface using free-form concentrator to improve uniformity', iScience, vol. 26, no. 10, pp. 107781-107781.
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Maguire, PN, Bhullar, N, Cosh, SM & Wootton, BM 2023, 'Feasibility and acceptability of a remotely delivered transdiagnostic CBT treatment for postnatal anxiety and related disorders: A pilot case series', Women's Health, vol. 19, pp. 174550572311758-174550572311758.
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Women in the postnatal period are at a high risk of developing clinically significant symptoms of anxiety. Cognitive behavioural therapy is effective in the treatment of postnatal anxiety; however, there are many barriers to accessing this treatment. This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural therapy delivered remotely via Internet videoconferencing. Three women ( Mage = 28.33 years; SD = 4.04) with a postnatal anxiety-related disorder were treated using the videoconference-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy. The treatment was delivered once per week over a 5-week period. All participants met criteria for clinically significant change in anxiety symptoms at post-treatment, and one participant met criteria for clinically significant change in depressive symptoms, which was maintained at 3-month follow-up. The intervention was also found to be acceptable by participants. The results provide preliminary feasibility evidence of the clinical utility and acceptability of remotely delivered transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural therapy as an intervention for postnatal anxiety disorders.
Maguire, PN, Bhullar, N, Cosh, SM & Wootton, BM 2023, 'Help-seeking and treatment delivery preferences for women experiencing perinatal anxiety symptoms', Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 271-285.
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AbstractBackground:Anxiety is common during the perinatal period and despite effective treatments being available, many women with perinatal anxiety disorders experience barriers when accessing treatment.Aims:The aims of the current study were to explore women’s perceived barriers to treatment uptake; cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment delivery preferences; and the utility of the Health Belief Model (HBM) in predicting intention to seek psychological help for women with perinatal anxiety symptoms.Method:This study employed a cross-sectional design consisting of women with self-reported anxiety in the perinatal period. A total of 216 women (Mage=28.53 years;SD=4.97) participated in the study by completing a battery of online self-report measures.Results:The results indicated that the most salient barriers to accessing care were: (1) the cost of treatment, (2) wanting to solve the problem on their own, and (3) thinking the problem would go away without treatment. Group-delivered CBT was the least acceptable treatment method, while face-to-face individual CBT was the most acceptable treatment method. The HBM variables predicted approximately 35% of the variance in help-seeking intention.Discussion:This study has important implications for the delivery of psychological care in the perinatal period and may be used to improve treatment uptake.
McAloon, J & de la Poer Beresford, K 2023, 'Online Behavioral Parenting Interventions for Disruptive Behavioral Disorders: A PRISMA Based Systematic Review of Clinical Trials', Child Psychiatry & Human Development, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 379-396.
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Behavioral Parenting Interventions (BPIs) are efficacious, evidence-based interventions for Disruptive Behavioral Disorders in children. Technological advances have seen online adaptations of BPIs further increase efficacy and expand program reach. This systematic review examined the treatment outcomes of online BPIs. Our secondary aim was to examine which components of online BPIs are associated with beneficial child outcomes. Electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials of online BPIs for children with disruptive behavioral difficulties published between 2000 and 2020. 10 studies, reporting on 9 different interventions, met inclusion criteria. The review indicated online BPIs are a viable treatment for Disruptive Behavioral Disorders with 9 of 10 reporting significant improvements post-treatment. Effective interventions had clearly defined program structure and included content based on operant learning principles. Future research would benefit from greater detail when reporting intervention content, and regular assessment of progress through treatment against the delivery of specific program components.
McDonald, S, Melkonian, M, Karin, E, Dear, BF, Titov, N & Wootton, BM 2023, 'Predictors of response to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): a systematic review', Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 302-319.
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AbstractBackground:Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is considered the first-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, some individuals with OCD remain symptomatic following CBT, and therefore understanding predictors of outcome is important for informing treatment recommendations.Aims:The current study aimed to provide the first synthesis of predictors of outcome following CBT for OCD in adults with a primary diagnosis of OCD, as classified by DSM-5.Method:Eight studies (n=359; mean age range=29.2–37.7 years; 55.4% female) were included in the systematic review.Results:Congruent with past reviews, there was great heterogeneity of predictors measured across the included studies. Therefore, a narrative synthesis of findings was conducted. Findings from this systematic review indicated that some OCD-related pre-treatment variables (i.e. pre-treatment severity, past CBT treatment, and levels of avoidance) and during treatment variables (i.e. poor working alliance and low treatment adherence) may be important to consider when making treatment recommendations. However, the results also indicate that demographic variables and psychological co-morbidities may not be specific predictors of treatment response.Conclusions:These findings add to the growing body of literature on predictors of CBT treatment outcomes for individuals with OCD.
McGrath, LR, Oey, L, McDonald, S, Berle, D & Wootton, BM 2023, 'Prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Body Image, vol. 46, pp. 202-211.
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Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterised by a preoccupation with a perceived defect in appearance. This preoccupation results in the completion of repetitive/time consuming behaviours to reduce distress. While the disorder results in considerable distress and impairment, the prevalence of the disorder is largely unknown, as BDD has not been examined in large epidemiological studies. The aim of the current study was to provide an estimate of BDD prevalence in a variety of settings using a meta-analytic approach using only studies that have made a diagnosis using a structured diagnostic interview. Twenty-two studies met criteria (n = 7159) and the pooled point-prevalence estimate for BDD was 11.3% across all studies with high levels of heterogeneity (I2 = 95.81). The pooled point-prevalence estimate was 20.0% in cosmetic/dermatology settings, 7.4% in mental health settings, and 6.7% in 'other' settings (including students and professional ballet dancers). The risk of bias assessment indicated questionable methodological quality in some of the included studies. While this study provides an important improvement on the existing literature there is a need to include BDD in epidemiological studies in order to have a more accurate understanding of the prevalence rate of this mental health condition in the community.
Mendonca, CJ, Newton-John, TRO, Alperstein, DM, Begley, K, Hennessy, RM & Bulsara, SM 2023, 'Quality of Life of People Living with HIV in Australia: The Role of Stigma, Social Disconnection and Mental Health', AIDS and Behavior, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 545-557.
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AbstractHIV is a manageable chronic illness, due to advances in biomedical management. However, many people living with HIV (PLHIV) continue to experience psychosocial challenges, which have been associated with poorer quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to explore how psychosocial factors contributed to the QoL of PLHIV in Australia; specifically, the relationship between HIV-related stigma, social connectedness, mental health, and QoL. Participants were 122 PLHIV attending The Albion Centre (a tertiary HIV clinic in Sydney, Australia), who completed questionnaires which measured HIV-related stigma, social support, mental health symptomology and QoL. Results indicated that HIV-related stigma predicted poorer QoL, as did mental health symptomology. Conversely, social connectedness improved QoL. Additionally, social connectedness was found to mediate the relationship between HIV-related stigma and QoL, whereas the hypothesized moderating role of mental health symptomology on this model was not significant. These findings provide insight into the impact of psychosocial factors on QoL, offering practitioners various points of clinical intervention.
Mitchison, D, Wang, SB, Wade, T, Haynos, AF, Bussey, K, Trompeter, N, Lonergan, A, Tame, J & Hay, P 2023, 'Development of transdiagnostic clinical risk prediction models for 12‐month onset and course of eating disorders among adolescents in the community', International Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 56, no. 7, pp. 1406-1416.
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AbstractObjectiveTo develop and internally validate risk prediction models for adolescent onset and persistence of eating disorders.MethodsN = 963 Australian adolescents (11–19 years) in the EveryBODY Study cohort completed online surveys in 2018 and 2019. Models were built to predict 12‐month risk of (1) onset, and (2) persistence of a DSM‐5 eating disorder.ResultsOnset Model. Of the n = 687 adolescents without an eating disorder at baseline, 16.9% were identified with an eating disorder after 12 months. The prediction model was based on evidence‐based risk factors for eating disorder onset available within the dataset (sex, body mass index percentile, strict weight loss dieting, history of bullying, psychological distress, weight/shape concerns). This model showed fair discriminative performance (mean AUC = .75). The most important factors were psychological distress, weight and shape concerns, and female sex. Diagnostic Persistence Model. Of the n = 276 adolescents with an eating disorder at baseline, 74.6% were identified as continuing to meet criteria for an eating disorder after 12 months. The prediction model for diagnostic persistence was based on available evidence‐based risk factors for eating disorder persistence (purging, distress, social impairment). This model showed poor discriminative performance (mean AUC = .65). The most important factors were psychological distress and self‐induced vomiting for weight control.DiscussionWe found preliminary evidence for the utility of a parsimonious model for 12‐month onset of an eating disorder among adolescents in t...
Murrihy, RC, Drysdale, SAO, Dedousis-Wallace, A, Rémond, L, McAloon, J, Ellis, DM, Halldorsdottir, T, Greene, RW & Ollendick, TH 2023, 'Community-Delivered Collaborative and Proactive Solutions and Parent Management Training for Oppositional Youth: A Randomized Trial', Behavior Therapy, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 400-417.
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Norton, AR, Penney, E & Abbott, MJ 2023, 'An exploratory investigation of schema modes in social anxiety disorder: Empirical findings and case conceptualization', Journal of Clinical Psychology, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1021-1038.
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AbstractBackgroundCurrent “gold standard” treatments for social anxiety disorder (SAD) are limited by the limited emphasis of key etiological factors in conceptualization, and many individuals with SAD experience residual symptoms posttreatment. Hence, the novel application of the Schema Therapy Mode Model may provide a helpful framework for extending clinical understanding and treatment options for SAD. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the presence and pattern of schema modes among SAD individuals.MethodForty individuals with SAD completed questionnaire measures of symptomatology, social anxiety‐relevant cognitions, schema modes, childhood trauma, and parental style.ResultsKey maladaptive schema modes identified in SAD were Vulnerable Child, Punitive Critic, Demanding Critic, Compliant Surrender, and Detached Self‐Soother.ConclusionOutcomes provide the basis for a proposed schema mode case conceptualization for SAD and are hoped to provide a rationale for testing the applicability of Schema Therapy as a novel treatment for SAD. Key limitations are discussed.
Oey, LT, McDonald, S, McGrath, L, Dear, BF & Wootton, BM 2023, 'Guided versus self-guided internet delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for diagnosed anxiety and related disorders: a preliminary meta-analysis', Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, vol. 52, no. 6, pp. 654-671.
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Guided and self-guided internet-delivered cognitive-behavioural therapy (ICBT) has been demonstrated to be efficacious in the treatment of anxiety and related disorders (ARDs). The aim of the current study was to examine the efficacy of guided and self-guided ICBT for adults diagnosed with ARDs using a meta-analytic synthesis of randomised controlled trials directly comparing the two treatment approaches. Eleven studies (n = 1414) were included. There was a small, but significantly pooled between-group effect size at post-treatment (g = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.03-0.28) favouring guided ICBT. At follow-up, the between-group effect size was small and non-significant (g = 0.13; 95% CI: -0.04-0.30). Gender distribution moderated outcome at post-treatment (higher proportions of females resulted in a smaller between-group effect size). Type of support provided in the guided-treatment arm moderated treatment outcome at follow-up (those receiving synchronous support had a larger between-group effect size). Amount of guidance in the guided-treatment arm moderated effect sizes at post-treatment and follow-up (more guidance leading to larger between-group effect sizes). Automated reminders, disorder type, and treatment length did not moderate outcomes. The results suggest that guided and self-guided ICBT interventions result in similar outcomes, however guided interventions may be marginally more effective in the short term.
Okan, C, Bilson, L, Zhong, D, Weidemann, G & Bailey, PE 2023, 'Validating the interpersonal theory of suicide among older adultspre- and peri-COVID-19 pandemic', Aging & Mental Health, vol. 27, no. 8, pp. 1552-1558.
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OBJECTIVES: Global suicide rates are highest among older adults, and especially older men, yet proximal predictors of suicidal ideation in older age remain poorly understood. This study tested the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide in older men and women by investigating whether perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness and/or their interaction are proximal predictors of suicidal ideation before versus during the global COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The sample (N = 208) included healthy community-dwelling older Australian persons surveyed face-to-face pre-pandemic (n = 102), or online peri-pandemic (n = 106). Depression, social interaction, social satisfaction, thwarted belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness were assessed as predictors of suicidal ideation. RESULTS: Perceived burdensomeness was a more proximal predictor of suicidal ideation among older adults than depression or thwarted belongingness. Suicidal ideation and perceived burdensomeness were higher in men than women, but sex did not moderate the influence of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness or social satisfaction on suicidal desire. The interaction between perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness predicted more additional variance in suicidal ideation in the older persons surveyed during the COVID-19 pandemic relative to those surveyed before the pandemic. CONCLUSION: Suicidal ideation among older persons peri-pandemic is discussed, and recommendations are made for age-specific suicide prevention strategies.
Pace, T, Koenig-Robert, R & Pearson, J 2023, 'Different Mechanisms for Supporting Mental Imagery and Perceptual Representations: Modulation Versus Excitation', Psychological Science, vol. 34, no. 11, pp. 1229-1243.
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Recent research suggests imagery is functionally equivalent to a weak form of visual perception. Here we report evidence across five independent experiments on adults that perception and imagery are supported by fundamentally different mechanisms: Whereas perceptual representations are largely formed via increases in excitatory activity, imagery representations are largely supported by modulating nonimagined content. We developed two behavioral techniques that allowed us to first put the visual system into a state of adaptation and then probe the additivity of perception and imagery. If imagery drives similar excitatory visual activity to perception, pairing imagery with perceptual adapters should increase the state of adaptation. Whereas pairing weak perception with adapters increased measures of adaptation, pairing imagery reversed their effects. Further experiments demonstrated that these nonadditive effects were due to imagery weakening representations of nonimagined content. Together these data provide empirical evidence that the brain uses categorically different mechanisms to represent imagery and perception.
Panditaratne, S, Hronis, A, Roberts, R & Kneebone, I 2023, 'Participant experiences of Fearless Me! ©: Cognitive behaviour therapy for anxiety in children with intellectual disabilities', Current Psychology, vol. 42, no. 25, pp. 21278-21286.
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AbstractResearch shows that almost half of children with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience mental ill-health at any given time point. However, traditional cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) may not be appropriate for children with ID due to the cognitive deficits associated with their diagnosis. The Fearless Me! © CBT program for anxiety is adapted to accommodate the cognitive abilities of children with ID. The aim of the current study was to provide the first qualitative evaluation of the Fearless Me! © program by exploring participant experiences. Eight mother–child dyads were interviewed using a semi-structured protocol. The responses were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Identified codes and themes were cross-checked with an independent researcher and discrepancies were resolved. Parents found the program to be positive and useful for acquiring knowledge. They commented on features of the program, significance of inter- and intra-personal factors and whether the program suited the capability of their child. They also discussed features of treatment outcomes. The qualitative results highlighted that experiences of the program varied. Themes identified included those relating to barriers and facilitators to participation and treatment-related change. The themes provide guidance for program revisions and can inform future delivery of the Fearless Me! © program.
Pride, NA, Haebich, KM, Walsh, KS, Lami, F, Rouel, M, Maier, A, Chisholm, AK, Lorenzo, J, Hearps, SJC, North, KN & Payne, JM 2023, 'Sensory Processing in Children and Adolescents with Neurofibromatosis Type 1', Cancers, vol. 15, no. 14, pp. 3612-3612.
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Despite the evidence of elevated autistic behaviors and co-occurring neurodevelopmental difficulties in many children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), we have a limited understanding of the sensory processing challenges that may occur with the condition. This study examined the sensory profile of children and adolescents with NF1 and investigated the relationships between the sensory profiles and patient characteristics and neuropsychological functioning. The parent/caregivers of 152 children with NF1 and 96 typically developing children completed the Sensory Profile 2 (SP2), along with standardized questionnaires assessing autistic behaviors, ADHD symptoms, internalizing symptoms, adaptive functioning, and social skills. Intellectual functioning was also assessed. The SP2 data indicated elevated sensory processing problems in children with NF1 compared to typically developing children. Over 40% of children with NF1 displayed differences in sensory registration (missing sensory input) and were unusually sensitive to and unusually avoidant of sensory stimuli. Sixty percent of children with NF1 displayed difficulties in one or more sensory modalities. Elevated autistic behaviors and ADHD symptoms were associated with more severe sensory processing difficulties. This first detailed assessment of sensory processing, alongside other clinical features, in a relatively large cohort of children and adolescents with NF1 demonstrates the relationships between sensory processing differences and adaptive skills and behavior, as well as psychological well-being. Our characterization of the sensory profile within a genetic syndrome may help facilitate more targeted interventions to support overall functioning.
Roberts, SR, Hay, P, Bussey, K, Trompeter, N, Lonergan, A & Mitchison, D 2023, 'Associations among relationship status, gender, and sexual attraction in Australian adolescents' eating pathology', International Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 551-561.
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AbstractObjectiveEngaging in romantic relationships in adolescence may inadvertently increase participation in appearance culture and the risk for eating pathology. Little research has considered this effect, particularly as it relates to adolescents' gender identity and sexual attraction. Therefore, this study examined the associations among relationship status, gender, and sexual attraction in adolescents' eating pathology.MethodsData from the first wave of the EveryBODY study, a large sample of Australian adolescents aged 11–19 years (n = 3262, Mage = 15.00, 53.80% girls), were used. Participants reported their relationship status and eating pathology (fasting, purging, binge eating, driven exercise, steroid use, and shape/weight concerns) using an online survey.ResultsLogistic regressions adjusting for age and BMI percentile revealed that romantic relationships were associated with higher adjusted odds (AORs) for reporting clinical frequency/severity threshold of fasting, purging, steroid use, and shape and weight concerns (AORs: 1.34–3.68). Relative to boys, girls had higher adjusted odds of reporting clinical frequency/severity threshold of all eating disorder features (AORs: 1.47–7.40), except for steroid use for muscle gain. Adolescents who reported same‐sex attraction, were unsure of their sexual attraction, or did not endorse any sexual attraction had greater adjusted odds of reporting clinical frequency/severity threshold of fasting, purging, and shape and weight concerns (AORs: 1.35–1.83) than those with only other‐sex sexual attraction. Interactions among relationship status, gender, and sexual attraction were nonsignificant.Conclusion...
Rodan, S-C, Bryant, E, Le, A, Maloney, D, Touyz, S, McGregor, IS, Maguire, S, Aouad, P, Barakat, S, Boakes, R, Brennan, L, Bryant, E, Byrne, S, Caldwell, B, Calvert, S, Carroll, B, Castle, D, Caterson, I, Chelius, B, Chiem, L, Clarke, S, Conti, J, Crouch, L, Dammery, G, Dzajkovski, N, Fardouly, J, Feneley, J, Firriolo, A-M, Foroughi, N, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M, Fursland, A, Gonzalez-Arce, V, Gouldthorp, B, Griffin, K, Griffiths, S, Hambleton, A, Hannigan, A, Hart, M, Hart, S, Hay, P, Hickie, I, Kay-Lambkin, F, King, R, Kohn, M, Koreshe, E, Krug, I, Linardon, J, Long, R, Long, A, Madden, S, Maguire, S, Maloney, D, Marks, P, McLean, S, Meddick, T, Miskovic-Wheatley, J, Mitchison, D, O’Kearney, R, Hwa Ong, S, Paterson, R, Paxton, S, Pehlivan, M, Pepin, G, Phillipou, A, Piccone, J, Pinkus, R, Raykos, B, Rhodes, P, Rieger, E, Rodan, S-C, Russell, J, Russell, H, Salter, F, Sawyer, S, Shelton, B, Singh, U, Smith, S, Smith, E, Spielman, K, Squire, S, Thomson, J, Touyz, S, Utpala, R, Vartanian, L, Vatter, S, Wallis, A, Ward, W, Wells, S, Wertheim, E, Wilksch, S & Williams, M 2023, 'Pharmacotherapy, alternative and adjunctive therapies for eating disorders: findings from a rapid review', Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 11, no. 1, p. 112.
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Abstract Background The current review broadly summarises the evidence base for pharmacotherapies and adjunctive and alternative therapies in the treatment of eating disorders and disordered eating. Methods This paper forms part of a Rapid Review series examining the evidence base in the field of eating disorders. This was conducted to inform the Australian National Eating Disorder Research and Translation Strategy 2021–2030. ScienceDirect, PubMed and Ovid/Medline were searched for included studies published between 2009 and 2021 in English. High-level evidence such as meta-analyses, large population studies and randomised control trials were prioritised, and grey literature excluded. Data from included studies relating to pharmacotherapy, and to adjunctive and alternative therapies in eating disorders, were synthesised and disseminated in the current review. Results A total of 121 studies were identified, relating to pharmacotherapy (n = 90), adjunctive therapies (n = 21) and alternative therapies (n = 22). Some of the identified studies involved combinations of the above (e.g. adjunctive pharmacotherapy). Evidence of efficacy of interventions across all three categories was very limited with few relevant high quality clinical trials. There was a particular scarcity of evidence around effective treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN). With treatment of bulimia nervosa (BN), fluoxetine has exhibited some efficacy leading to regulatory approval in some countries. With binge eating disorder (BED), recent evidence supports the use of lisdexamfetamine. Neurostimulation interventions show some emerging efficacy in the treatment of AN, BN and BED ...
Ross, A, Grove, R & McAloon, J 2023, 'The relationship between camouflaging and mental health in autistic children and adolescents', Autism Research, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 190-199.
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AbstractCamouflaging involves the masking of autistic traits in social situations. While camouflaging may function as a potential barrier to the early diagnosis of autism, minimal research into camouflaging in autistic young people has been conducted. It is also important to evaluate the impact of camouflaging on the mental health of autistic children and adolescents. This study evaluated camouflaging in a sample of 359 female and 374 male autistic children and adolescents (4–17 years, 48.9% females). Findings indicated that camouflaging was a significant predictor of internalizing (i.e., anxiety, depression, somatic complaints) symptoms, when controlling for age, gender, and IQ. We also found evidence for some gender differences in camouflaging. Parents endorsed more autistic traits for females compared with males, whereas there were no differences in autistic traits across sex in the clinician‐administered assessment. There was also evidence for a relationship between age and camouflaging, with adolescents showing a larger discrepancy between parent and clinician reported autistic traits. This has implications for clinical assessment and future research and is important for understanding how best to support the mental health of autistic children and adolescents.
Sanders, Z, Dempsey‐Jones, H, Wesselink, DB, Edmondson, LR, Puckett, AM, Saal, HP & Makin, TR 2023, 'Similar somatotopy for active and passive digit representation in primary somatosensory cortex', Human Brain Mapping, vol. 44, no. 9, pp. 3568-3585.
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AbstractScientists traditionally use passive stimulation to examine the organisation of primary somatosensory cortex (SI). However, given the close, bidirectional relationship between the somatosensory and motor systems, active paradigms involving free movement may uncover alternative SI representational motifs. Here, we used 7 Tesla functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare hallmark features of SI digit representation between active and passive tasks which were unmatched on task or stimulus properties. The spatial location of digit maps, somatotopic organisation, and inter‐digit representational structure were largely consistent between tasks, indicating representational consistency. We also observed some task differences. The active task produced higher univariate activity and multivariate representational information content (inter‐digit distances). The passive task showed a trend towards greater selectivity for digits versus their neighbours. Our findings highlight that, while the gross features of SI functional organisation are task invariant, it is important to also consider motor contributions to digit representation.
Santana, DD, Mitchison, D, Mannan, H, Griffiths, S, Appolinario, JC, da Veiga, GV, Touyz, S & Hay, P 2023, 'Twenty-year associations between disordered eating behaviors and sociodemographic features in a multiple cross-sectional sample', Psychological Medicine, vol. 53, no. 11, pp. 5012-5021.
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AbstractBackgroundDisordered eating behaviors (DEB) impact on health and wellbeing worldwide. This study aimed to examine sociodemographic trends in the prevalence of DEB over 20 years in the Australian general population.MethodsData were derived from five sequential cross-sectional surveys (1998, 2008, 2009, 2016 and 2017) with population-representative samples of adults and adolescents residing in South Australia (N= 15 075). DEBs investigated were objective binge eating (OBE), strict dieting/fasting, and purging. Sociodemographic data included gender, age, educational level, work and marital status, and residence.ResultsOBE prevalence increased significantly. Strict dieting/fasting also increased from 1998 to 2008/9 but remained stable between 2008/9 and 2016/7. Purging prevalence did not change significantly over time. All survey years were associated with a significantly higher odds of OBE, and strict diet/fasting compared to 1998. Lower age, a higher Accessibility Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA) score, higher body mass index (BMI), higher educational attainment, and not being in a married orde factorelationship were independently associated with greater adjusted odds for endorsing OBE. Younger age, female gender, and higher BMI were also independently associated with greater adjusted odds for endorsing strict dieting/fasting.ConclusionsThe increased prevalence of DEBs in various strata of Australian society has both public health and clinical implications. The...
Scott, AJ, Bisby, MA, Heriseanu, AI, Salameh, Y, Karin, E, Fogliati, R, Dudeney, J, Gandy, M, McLellan, LF, Wootton, B, McDonald, S, Correa, A, Titov, N & Dear, BF 2023, 'Cognitive behavioral therapies for depression and anxiety in people with chronic disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Clinical Psychology Review, vol. 106, pp. 102353-102353.
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OBJECTIVE: Anxiety and depression in chronic disease are common and burdensome co-morbidities. There has been growing interest in cognitive and behavioral therapies (CBTs) for anxiety and depression in chronic disease, however their efficacy has not been well-established. This study examined the efficacy of CBTs for depression and/or anxiety symptoms within chronic disease and explored the moderating role of clinical and methodological characteristics. METHODS: Following prospective registration, electronic databases were searched up to 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining CBTs for depression and/or anxiety in any adult chronic disease population. RESULTS: We included 56 RCTs. The overall effect of CBTs was g = 0.61 (95% CI, 0.49, 0.72) for depression and g = 0.56 (95% CI, 0.42, 0.70) for anxiety. A range of methodological features significantly moderated the effect sizes obtained, including type of control group and the outcome measure used. Risk of Bias ratings indicated some concerns regarding RCT conduct and reporting. CONCLUSIONS: CBTs lead to moderate improvements in both depression and anxiety symptoms among people with chronic disease. However, the efficacy of CBT should be interpreted considering certain study and sample characteristics. It is recommended that future studies make improvements to study methodology and reporting.
Sharp, G, Girolamo, T, Hay, P, Mitchison, D, Cooper, K, Sumithran, P & Jebeile, H 2023, 'New anti-obesity medications: Considerations and future directions in people with concurrent eating disorders', Australian Journal of General Practice, vol. 52, no. 9, pp. 651-653.
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Shires, A, Osborne, S, Cayoun, BA, Williams, E & Rogers, K 2023, 'Predictive Validity and Response Shift in the Equanimity Scale-16', Mindfulness, vol. 14, no. 12, pp. 2880-2893.
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Trompeter, N, Austen, E, Bussey, K, Reilly, EE, Cunningham, ML, Mond, J, Lonergan, A, Tame, J & Mitchison, D 2023, 'Examination of bidirectional relationships between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns over 3 years: A longitudinal cohort study of Australian adolescents', International Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 646-653.
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AbstractObjectiveAdolescents commonly experience both fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns. However, evidence concerning the prospective associations between these constructs during adolescence is limited. The current study examined the bidirectional relationships between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns over a 3‐year period in adolescents.MethodAustralian high school students (n = 2073; 55% girls) completed self‐report measures at three timepoints, each 1 year apart.ResultsFindings showed a bidirectional relationship, whereby increases in fear of negative evaluation predicted exacerbated weight/shape concerns, and vice versa. Results point towards a vicious maintenance cycle between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns.DiscussionFindings from the current study highlight the importance of considering both fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns in the development of health promotion and prevention programs designed to reduce the occurrence and adverse effects of body dissatisfaction or improve general mental health.Public SignificanceMany adolescents experience some level of fear of negative evaluation (i.e., worry about being judged by others) and worry about their weight and/or shape. This study examined the prospective relationship between both constructs. Findings showed a bidirectional relationship, whereby higher fear of negative evaluation predicted increased weight/shape concerns, and vice versa. Programs designed to reduce body dissatisfaction might be improved by targeting both fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns.
Watson, P & Mahlberg, J 2023, 'Mechanisms underlying performance in a cued go/no-go Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer paradigm', Behavioural Brain Research, vol. 446, pp. 114413-114413.
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Environmental cues that remind us of rewarding outcomes (drugs, food) play a significant role in addiction relapse. In the lab the Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT) task has been used to formally examine how cues associated with reward or punishment can bias ongoing instrumental responding. Using a version of this paradigm that integrates PIT with a go/no-go task many studies have related stronger PIT effects (with non-drug rewards) to problematic alcohol use including risky alcohol users relative to non-risky drinkers, individuals with alcohol dependence versus healthy controls and individuals in recovery from alcohol use disorder who are more likely to relapse. However the theoretical importance of these findings and the implications for models of addiction was previously not clear. Understanding if this task indexes the general motivating effects of reward cues on instrumental responding (and whether this is sensitive to shifts in motivation for those outcomes) is critical for understanding these previous results within the context of addiction. Thus, in the current study we aimed to delineate the associative mechanisms that drive the stimulus effects observed in this PIT task. Specifically, we wished to examine whether the cueing effects observed in the cued-go/no-go task were selective in their effect on action, insofar as Pavlovian cues specifically invigorated (or suppressed) responding only if they were associated with congruent outcomes. We conclude that the PIT measured with this task is general in nature. Surprisingly however, the biasing effects of Pavlovian cues on instrumental responding did not appear to be sensitive to outcome devaluation.
Watson, P & Onie, S 2023, 'Images of Australian alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages: A validation dataset', Data in Brief, vol. 47, pp. 108914-108914.
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Watson, P, Gladwin, TE, Verhoeven, AAC & de Wit, S 2023, 'Investigating habits in humans with a symmetrical outcome-revaluation task', Behavior Research Methods, vol. 55, no. 5, pp. 2687-2705.
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AbstractThe translation of the outcome-devaluation paradigm to study habit in humans has yielded interesting insights but proven to be challenging. We present a novel, outcome-revaluation task with a symmetrical design, in the sense that half of the available outcomes are always valuable and the other half not-valuable. In the present studies, during the instrumental learning phase, participants learned to respond (Go) to certain stimuli to collect valuable outcomes (and points) while refraining to respond (NoGo) to stimuli signaling not-valuable outcomes. Half of the stimuli were short-trained, while the other half were long-trained. Subsequently, in the test phase, the signaled outcomes were either value-congruent with training (still-valuable and still-not-valuable), or value-incongruent (devalued and upvalued). The change in outcome value on value-incongruent trials meant that participants had to flexibly adjust their behavior. At the end of the training phase, participants completed the self-report behavioral automaticity index – providing an automaticity score for each stimulus-response association. We conducted two experiments using this task, that both provided evidence for stimulus-driven habits as reflected in poorer performance on devalued and upvalued trials relative to still-not-valuable trials and still-valuable trials, respectively. While self-reported automaticity increased with longer training, behavioral flexibility was not affected. After extended training (Experiment 2), higher levels of self-reported automaticity when responding to stimuli signaling valuable outcomes were related to more ‘slips of action’ when the associated outcome was subsequently devalued. We conclude that the symmetrical outcome-revaluation task provides a promising paradigm for the experimental investigation of habits in humans.
Winter, HR, Norton, A & Wootton, BM 2023, 'Internet videoconferencing delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disoder: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial', Contemporary Clinical Trials, vol. 132, pp. 107298-107298.
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Winter, HR, Norton, AR, Burley, JL & Wootton, BM 2023, 'Remote cognitive behaviour therapy for social anxiety disorder: A meta-analysis', Journal of Anxiety Disorders, vol. 100, pp. 102787-102787.
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Remote cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD) has the potential to improve access to treatment by reducing economic, geographic, and psychological barriers. The aim of this study was to use a meta-analytic approach to examine the efficacy of the different remote CBT methods for treating SAD. A systematic electronic database search was used to identify 31 studies (n = 2905; mean age range: 24.73-41.65 years; mean female representation = 60.2 %). Pooled within-group analyses indicated large effect sizes from pre-treatment to post-treatment (Hedges' g = 1.06; 95 % CI: 0.96-1.16) and pre-treatment to follow up (g = 1.18; 95 % CI: 1.03-1.33) for remote CBT. Internet-delivered CBT (g = 1.08; 95 % CI: 0.98-1.19) and application-delivered CBT (g = 1.19; 95 % CI: 0.75-1.64) produced large within-group effect sizes. Bibliotherapy-delivered CBT (g = 0.79; 95 % CI: 0.45-1.13) produced medium within-group effect sizes. Pooled between-group findings indicate that remote CBT treatments were more effective than passive control (g = 0.87; 95 % CI: 0.70-1.03) and non-CBT remote treatments (g = 0.41; 95 % CI: 0.17-0.66), and were at least as effective, or slightly more effective, than face-to-face CBT treatments (g = 0.34; 95 % CI: 0.14-0.54). These findings have important implications for the dissemination of remote and stepped-care treatments for SAD.
