A multifaceted approach to understanding schizoid personality across behavioral, intrapsychic, and interpersonal domains

The aim of the present study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the interaction amongst the behavioral, intrapsychic, and interpersonal domains of schizoid personality. A sample of 227 Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) players, ages 18 to 30, completed online self-report measures concerning maladaptive personality traits and several aspects of interpersonal functioning. The sample also provided narratives for Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) cards that were coded by the Mutuality of Autonomy Scale for the TAT (MOA-TAT) to measure schizoid self-other representations. Results showed that schizoid personality could be understood as a dimensional construct, specifically as a constellation of maladaptive personality trait facets of anhedonia, intimacy avoidance, withdrawal, and restricted affectivity according to the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD). However, the relationship between schizoid personality and cold and socially avoidant interpersonal problems was not mediated by schizoid self-other representations, which are characterized by the intrapsychic fear of engulfment and traumatic impingement by others. Significant predictions of schizoid characteristics on interpersonal problems, values, and sensitivities allowed for an integrated understanding of how intrapsychic processes can affect various dimensions of interpersonal functioning in schizoid personality. An argument is made for the continued integration of scientific research and clinical observations to paint a more comprehensive picture of this understudied phenomena. Limitations of the study, clinical implications, and directions for future research are discussed

The Evaluation of the Body Weight Lowering Effects of Herbal Extract THI on Exercising Healthy Overweight Humans: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

We investigated the effects of herbal extracts, a mixture of Scutellariae Radix and Platycodi Radix containing the active ingredients Baicalin and Saponin (target herbal ingredient (THI)), on lowering body weight. The present study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial carried out at the outpatient department of a hospital over a period of 2 months. Group 1 patients (n=30) received THI, and group 2 patients (n=23) received placebo three times a day before meals. Weight, waist circumference, BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and glucose were measured at baseline and again at the 2nd month. For safety evaluation, various hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed. Values of mean change of weight in the THI-treated group were −1.16±1.41 kg and in the placebo-treated group were −0.24±1.70 kg, respectively. The difference in mean change of weight in the THI-treated group compared with that in the placebo-treated group was statistically significant (P<0.05). The incidence of subjective and objective adverse drug reactions was insignificant (P>0.05). THI was statistically significant in its effectiveness on the weight loss

APR Financial Stress Scale: Development and Validation of a Multidimensional Measurement

People usually experience financial stress in managing their financial resources. Despite financial stress’s importance in life outcomes and the need for a comprehensive and theory-based measurement of the construct, few studies have addressed the conceptual issues of financial stress and its measurement. Hence, by borrowing from theories of general stress, this study attempts to fill this gap. Using an expert panel and two separate online survey samples, we developed and validated a novel financial stress scale. A total of 688 responses were used in an exploratory factor analysis and 1,115 responses were used in a confirmatory factor analysis. This multidimensional financial stress scale consists of 24 items and represents affective (A), physiological (P), and relational (R) aspects of financial stress. Researchers and practitioners can use this scale to understand the complex nature of financial stress and tailor their intervention efforts accordingly

Evaluation formulas for a conditional Feynman integral over Wiener paths in abstract Wiener space

summary:In this paper, we introduce a simple formula for conditional Wiener integrals over $C_0(\mathbb{B})$, the space of abstract Wiener space valued continuous functions. Using this formula, we establish various formulas for a conditional Wiener integral and a conditional Feynman integral of functionals on $C_0(\mathbb{B})$ in certain classes which correspond to the classes of functionals on the classical Wiener space introduced by Cameron and Storvick. We also evaluate the conditional Wiener integral and conditional Feynman integral for functionals of the form $$\exp \biggl \lbrace \int _0^T \theta (s, x(s))\mathrm{d}\eta (s) \biggr \rbrace$$ which are of interest in Feynman integration theories and quantum mechanics

Weight Gain and its Correlates among Breast Cancer Survivors

SummaryPurposeWeight gain after diagnosis of breast cancer is a profound issue that may negatively impact cancer prognosis. However, most existing research on weight change has been conducted in Western countries. In addition, several factors related to weight gain have been reported; however, the evidence is inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to examine weight gain and its correlates among Korean breast cancer survivors.MethodsA total of 132 female breast cancer survivors were recruited from one university hospital in South Korea. Participants completed anthropometric measurements (i.e., body weight, height) and a self-reported questionnaire, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and Mini Dietary Assessment.ResultsThe mean weight change was −0.09 kg (SD = 4.28). Only 27 women (19.7%) gained more than 5% of their weight at diagnosis, 59.1% maintained weight, and 21.2% lost weight. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, significant correlates of weight gain were younger age, obesity at diagnosis, duration of more than 36 months since diagnosis, and low diet quality.ConclusionYounger women, women who were obese at diagnosis, women with more than 36 months since diagnosis, or women who showed lower diet quality should be considered at high-risk for weight gain. Findings from our study suggest that optimal weight management strategies should be developed using ethnically- or culturally-appropriate approaches