The Link Between Parentification and Imposter Phenomenon In Young Adults

The current study investigated how parentification is associated with the impostor phenomenon in young adults. The study hypothesized that (1) Parent-focused parentification would predict impostor phenomenon in young adults, and (2) Sibling-focused parentification would also predict impostor phenomenon in young adults. A sample of 157 young adults from various universities in Karachi, aged between 18 to 25 years with a mean age of 20.63 (SD = 1.528), was used to test these hypotheses. The Parentification Inventory (PI; Hooper, 2009) and Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS; Clance, 1985) were employed to measure these constructs. Statistical analysis of linear regression found out parent-focused parentification (R2= .141, F= 25.542, p <.01) and sibling focused parentificantion (R2= .127, F= 22.751, p <.01) as significant predictors of impostor phenomenon which indicated that, experience of parentification contributes to impostor phenomenon young adults.  Implications of findings of the present study are discoursed and ways for the future research have been recommended

Association of Alexithymia, Loneliness and Psychological Distress among University Students

To explore the association between Alexithymia, loneliness, and psychological distress among university students. A total of 331 participants were taken from the different universities of Lahore, Punjab. The participants' ages ranged from 17 to 25 years old. The sample consisted of male (n=50.8%) and female  (n=49.8%) The sample was taken using a convenience sampling technique. The following measures were used to assess the findings: Demographic form, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and Loneliness Scale. Findings indicate that alexithymia had a strong positive correlation with psychological suffering and loneliness and loneliness was significantly positively correlated with psychological distress.  Furthermore, females exhibited higher levels of alexithymia, loneliness, and psychological suffering compared to males. It is concluded that lack of emotional insight and communication difficulties lead to challenges in forming and maintaining meaningful connections with others, resulting in feelings of loneliness

Exploring Stigma among Patients with Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review

This paper explores stigmatization among patients with substance use disorder and how it affects the addiction severity and treatment. The PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, OvidSP Science Direct, PubMed, Clinical Trials.gov, and Web of Science databases were searched for experimental studies and randomized controlled trials about SUDs published in peer-reviewed English-language journals between 2020 and 2023. This review was carried out from January 2023 to June 2023. (03 years only). Out of the 314 first found papers, 10 were examined and assessed, and 41 (or 13%) underwent full-text examination (Figure). There were 6 studies done in the USA and 1 each in Korea, Egypt, Taiwan, Turkey, Italy, China, and Pakistan.  All 13 studies were based on the incidence of stigma among patients diagnosed with SUDs. The finding showed that stigma in its various forms affects the treatment of individuals with SUDs. In crucial domains including health care, work, insurance, and legislation, stigmatized language can erect obstacles for people attempting to recover and contribute significantly to society. Stigma and unfavourable public perceptions of SUDs, stigma among those who have SUDs are correlated with the intensity of their addiction and may lessen with sobriety. Stigma affects not only mental health, but also social relationships, and the overall well-being of individuals

Exploring the Relationship Between Emotion Regulation and Addiction Severity Among Adolescent Patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD): Insights from a Rehabilitation Center Study

The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between emotion regulation and addiction severity among adolescent patients with substance use disorder (SUD). The study involved 100 participants from various drug rehabilitation centers. The sample size included 100 clients, aged 10 to 18 years (M=16.16 & SD=0.36) who have completed the detoxification process. Emotion regulation was measured using the Emotion Regulation Scale (ERS_T), which comprises Reappraisal and Suppression subscales. Drug addiction severity was assessed using the 20-Question Addiction Questionnaire (AQ_T). Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the associations between emotion regulation and drug addiction severity. The study found a weak positive correlation between overall emotion regulation (ERS_T) and drug addiction severity (AQ_T) among adolescent patients with SUD (r = 0.145, p < 0.01), suggesting a slight increase in addiction severity with better emotion regulation. There was a strong positive correlation between overall emotion regulation (ERS_T) and reappraisal (r = 0.752, p < 0.01), indicating higher reappraisal levels were associated with better emotion regulation abilities. Additionally, a moderate positive correlation was observed between overall emotion regulation (ERS_T) and suppression (r = 0.227, p < 0.05), suggesting higher suppression use linked to better overall emotion regulation scores. Positive correlation was found between overall emotion regulation and addiction severity, with cognitive reinterpretation (reappraisal) playing a significant role. Emphasizes the need for comprehensive interventions addressing emotion regulation to reduce addiction severity in this vulnerable population

The leading role of evidence-based practices in the treatment of patients with substance use disorders: a systematic review

Objectives: To explore the effectiveness of motivational interviewing, motivational enhancement therapy, and cognitive behaviour therapy for patients with substance use disorders, and to estimate the effect of such comparison in patient care setting. Method: The systematic review was conducted from September 2021 to February 2022, and comprised search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, Clinical Trials.gov and OvidSP databases for experimental studies and randomised controlled trials related to substance use disorders published in peer-reviewed English-language journals between 2001 and 2021. Quality of the studies was assessed using the Modified Cochrane Collaboration risk of the bias assessment criteria. Results: Of the 314 studies initially identified, 41(13%) were subjected to full-text assessment, and, of them, 16(39%) were reviewed and analysed. There were 8(50%) studies done is the United States, 4(25%) in the United Kingdom, and 1(6.25%) each in Germany, Australia, South Korea and South Africa. All the 16(100%) studies were intervention-based, with 6(37.5%) being randomised controlled trials. There were 8(50%) studies using motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour therapy, 5(31.25%) had significant results with a combination of motivational enhancement therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy, 3(18.75%) supported motivational enhancement therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy in combination, and 2(12.5%) studies combined motivational interviewing, motivational enhancement therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy, reporting significant results while simultaneously addressing multiple patient variables. Conclusion: All studies were heterogeneous. Motivational interviewing produced short-term treatment outcomes and played a supportive role in sustaining motivation. ---Continu

Brief cognitive behavior therapy for stigmatization, depression, quality of life, social support and adherence to treatment among patients with HIV/AIDS: a randomized control trial

Abstract Objective Individuals living with HIV/AIDs are at a high risk of many problems like depression, stigma, quality of life, decreased adherence to treatment, and lack of social support. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of brief-cognitive behavior therapy (B-CBT) on reducing depression and stigma and improving treatment adherence, quality of life, and social support among patients with HIV/AIDS attending antiretroviral therapy (ART). Materials and methods This randomized clinical trial was conducted at ART Clinic in the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Shahkot Nankana Sahib from July 2021 to October 2021. After baseline screening, 126 patients met the eligibility criteria and 63 were allocated to the experimental group (EXPg = 63) and 63 to waitlist-control group (WLCg = 63). Participants’ age range was from 20 to 55 years. Participants who were taking ART treatment were enrolled for the CBT treatment. Before this, all the participants completed a baseline assessment to ensure a level of severity and diagnosis. A total of eight CBT based therapeutic sessions were conducted individually with EXPg. To assess the outcomes among patients receiving ART, we used Demographic form, Patient health questionnaire, HIV stigma scale, General medication adherence scale, Multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and WHOQOL BREF scale. Results Findings suggest that B-CBT significantly reduced the level of depression (i.e. F (1, 78) = 101.38, p < .000, η2 = .599), and social stigma (i.e. F (1, 78) = 208.47, p < .000, η2 = .787) among patients with HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, CBT substantially improved the level of adherence to treatment (i.e. F(1,78) = 24.75, p < .000, η2 = .503), social support (i.e. F (1, 78) = 128.33, p < .000, η2 = .606), and quality of life (i.e. F (1, 78) = 373.39, p < .000, η2 = .837) among patients with HIV/AIDS. Significant mean difference M(SD) on PHQ at post-analysis in the EXPg vs. WLCg was seen 1.22(0.47) vs. 2.30(0.68) and similarly, on MPSS at a post-analysis in the EXPg vs. WLCg 2.85(0.36) vs. 1.70(0.51) which indicates sound therapeutic outcomes. Conclusions Cognitive behavioral therapy effectively decreases the level of depression and stigma and enhances the level of social support, quality of life, and adherence to treatment among HIV/AIDS patients. It is concluded that cognitive behavior therapy is an effective treatment approach for patients with HIV/AIDS. Trial registration Thai clinical trial registry (i.e. TCTR =  TCTR20210702002 )