The influence of an attachment-related stimulus on oxytocin reactivity in poly-drug users undergoing maintenance therapy compared to healthy controls
- Fuchshuber, Jürgen, Tatzer, Jasmin, Hiebler-Ragger, Michaela, Trinkl, Florian, Kimmerle, Andreas, Rinner, Anita, Buchheim, Anna, Schrom, Silke, Rinner, Beate, Leber, Klaus, Pieber, Thomas, Weiss, Elisabeth, Lewis, Andrew, Kapfhammer, Hans-Peter, Unterrainer, Human
- Authors: Fuchshuber, Jürgen , Tatzer, Jasmin , Hiebler-Ragger, Michaela , Trinkl, Florian , Kimmerle, Andreas , Rinner, Anita , Buchheim, Anna , Schrom, Silke , Rinner, Beate , Leber, Klaus , Pieber, Thomas , Weiss, Elisabeth , Lewis, Andrew , Kapfhammer, Hans-Peter , Unterrainer, Human
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychiatry Vol. 11, no. (2020), p. 460506
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- Description: Substance use disorders (SUDs) have been described as a dysfunctional way to compensate for deficiencies in that person's underlying attachment system. Furthermore, the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT), which is a critical component of the neurobiology of the attachment system, has been shown to effectively reduce addictive behavior and therefore has been discussed as a potential medication in SUD treatment. This study investigates variation in peripheral OT plasma levels as a function of exposure to an attachment-related stimulus in SUD patients compared to healthy controls (HCs). A total sample of 48 men, 24 inpatients in maintenance treatment who were diagnosed with poly-drug use disorder (PUD) and 24 HC, was investigated. A 15-min exposure to the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) was used as an attachment-related stimulus and coded for attachment status. Blood samples before and after the AAP-assessment were taken and assayed for OT levels. Variation in baselines level of OT was examined in relation to the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), the Adult Attachment-Scale (AAS), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Following the AAP stimulus controls showed no significant difference in OT levels elevation from baseline compared to the PUD group's OT levels. Furthermore, in the PUD group only OT-baseline-levels may be negatively associated with the AAS subscale "Comfort with Closeness" and "Anxiety" and lifetime substance use. Our results suggest that peripheral OT levels in poly-drug users undergoing maintenance treatment are not significantly different in responsiveness to an attachment related stimulus compared to HC. With regard to non-significant tendencies observed in this study which hint toward decreased OT-reactivity in the PUD group, further research is needed to explore this hypothesis with increased statistical power.
- Authors: Fuchshuber, Jürgen , Tatzer, Jasmin , Hiebler-Ragger, Michaela , Trinkl, Florian , Kimmerle, Andreas , Rinner, Anita , Buchheim, Anna , Schrom, Silke , Rinner, Beate , Leber, Klaus , Pieber, Thomas , Weiss, Elisabeth , Lewis, Andrew , Kapfhammer, Hans-Peter , Unterrainer, Human
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychiatry Vol. 11, no. (2020), p. 460506
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Substance use disorders (SUDs) have been described as a dysfunctional way to compensate for deficiencies in that person's underlying attachment system. Furthermore, the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT), which is a critical component of the neurobiology of the attachment system, has been shown to effectively reduce addictive behavior and therefore has been discussed as a potential medication in SUD treatment. This study investigates variation in peripheral OT plasma levels as a function of exposure to an attachment-related stimulus in SUD patients compared to healthy controls (HCs). A total sample of 48 men, 24 inpatients in maintenance treatment who were diagnosed with poly-drug use disorder (PUD) and 24 HC, was investigated. A 15-min exposure to the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) was used as an attachment-related stimulus and coded for attachment status. Blood samples before and after the AAP-assessment were taken and assayed for OT levels. Variation in baselines level of OT was examined in relation to the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), the Adult Attachment-Scale (AAS), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Following the AAP stimulus controls showed no significant difference in OT levels elevation from baseline compared to the PUD group's OT levels. Furthermore, in the PUD group only OT-baseline-levels may be negatively associated with the AAS subscale "Comfort with Closeness" and "Anxiety" and lifetime substance use. Our results suggest that peripheral OT levels in poly-drug users undergoing maintenance treatment are not significantly different in responsiveness to an attachment related stimulus compared to HC. With regard to non-significant tendencies observed in this study which hint toward decreased OT-reactivity in the PUD group, further research is needed to explore this hypothesis with increased statistical power.
Parenting stress, maternal depression and child mental health in a Melbourne cohort before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Galbally, Megan, Watson, Stuart, Lewis, Andrew, van Ijzendoorn, Marinus
- Authors: Galbally, Megan , Watson, Stuart , Lewis, Andrew , van Ijzendoorn, Marinus
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health Vol. 58, no. 11 (2022), p. 2051-2057
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- Description: Aim: This paper aims to examine the maternal and child mental health and parenting outcomes in the context of COVID-19 pandemic conditions using a sample from Melbourne, Australia – a city exposed to one of the longest lockdowns world-wide in response to the pandemic. Methods: This study utilises observational data from a prospective, pregnancy cohort, Mercy Pregnancy Emotional Wellbeing Study and includes 468 women and their children followed up in Melbourne to 3–4 years postpartum pre-COVID pandemic and compared to those followed up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: When compared to mothers followed up at 3–4 years postpartum pre-pandemic, those followed up during the COVID-19 pandemic showed higher depressive symptoms with a steep incline in their symptom trajectory (EMMdifference = 1.72, Bonferroni-corrected P < 0.01, d = 0.35) and had a three times higher risk of scoring 13 or above on the EPDS (aRR = 3.22, Bonferroni-corrected P < 0.01). Although this increase was not associated with the variation in the duration of exposure to pandemic conditions, the steep increase in depressive symptoms was more pronounced in those with pre-existing depressive disorders. There was no difference in parenting stress or adjusted childhood mental health symptoms or disorder. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the vulnerability of those with pre-existing clinical mental health disorders and the need for adequate clinical care for this vulnerable group. Equally, our study indicates the possibility that parenting and early childhood mental health outcomes, at least in the short term, may be resilient. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians).
- Authors: Galbally, Megan , Watson, Stuart , Lewis, Andrew , van Ijzendoorn, Marinus
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health Vol. 58, no. 11 (2022), p. 2051-2057
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- Description: Aim: This paper aims to examine the maternal and child mental health and parenting outcomes in the context of COVID-19 pandemic conditions using a sample from Melbourne, Australia – a city exposed to one of the longest lockdowns world-wide in response to the pandemic. Methods: This study utilises observational data from a prospective, pregnancy cohort, Mercy Pregnancy Emotional Wellbeing Study and includes 468 women and their children followed up in Melbourne to 3–4 years postpartum pre-COVID pandemic and compared to those followed up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: When compared to mothers followed up at 3–4 years postpartum pre-pandemic, those followed up during the COVID-19 pandemic showed higher depressive symptoms with a steep incline in their symptom trajectory (EMMdifference = 1.72, Bonferroni-corrected P < 0.01, d = 0.35) and had a three times higher risk of scoring 13 or above on the EPDS (aRR = 3.22, Bonferroni-corrected P < 0.01). Although this increase was not associated with the variation in the duration of exposure to pandemic conditions, the steep increase in depressive symptoms was more pronounced in those with pre-existing depressive disorders. There was no difference in parenting stress or adjusted childhood mental health symptoms or disorder. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the vulnerability of those with pre-existing clinical mental health disorders and the need for adequate clinical care for this vulnerable group. Equally, our study indicates the possibility that parenting and early childhood mental health outcomes, at least in the short term, may be resilient. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians).
Maternal attachment state of mind and perinatal emotional wellbeing : findings from a pregnancy cohort study
- Galbally, Megan, Watson, Stuart, Lewis, Andrew, Power, Josephine, Buus, Niels, van Ijzendoorn, Marinus
- Authors: Galbally, Megan , Watson, Stuart , Lewis, Andrew , Power, Josephine , Buus, Niels , van Ijzendoorn, Marinus
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Affective Disorders Vol. 333, no. (2023), p. 297-304
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- Description: Objectives: Maternal attachment state of mind is an important potential predictor of risk and resilience to perinatal emotional wellbeing and early parenting. To explore maternal attachment in relation to perinatal depression and emotional wellbeing. Methods: This study drew on data collected within an ongoing cohort from 170 women recruited in early pregnancy, including 67 who met criteria for Major Depression. Maternal attachment state of mind was assessed with the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) in pregnancy. Additional measures included the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM (SCID), at 12 months the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP), Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Parenting Stress Index, and antenatal maternal hair cortisol concentrations (HCC). Limitations: Sample size to be able to undertake all analyses using the 4 way classifications, cortisol measurement is limited to hair only and there is no prospectively collected measure of childhood trauma in mothers. Conclusions: This study found that maternal attachment, specifically the Non-Autonomous states of mind, adjusted for clinical depression, was associated with higher cortisol in pregnancy and higher depressive symptoms across pregnancy and the postpartum. Furthermore, separately those with depression and Non-Autonomous states of mind also had higher postpartum parenting stress. There was no significant intergenerational concordance between AAI and SSP attachment classifications. Our findings support future research exploring the role of maternal attachment state of mind in understanding perinatal depression and emotional wellbeing. © 2023 The Author(s)
- Authors: Galbally, Megan , Watson, Stuart , Lewis, Andrew , Power, Josephine , Buus, Niels , van Ijzendoorn, Marinus
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Affective Disorders Vol. 333, no. (2023), p. 297-304
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: Maternal attachment state of mind is an important potential predictor of risk and resilience to perinatal emotional wellbeing and early parenting. To explore maternal attachment in relation to perinatal depression and emotional wellbeing. Methods: This study drew on data collected within an ongoing cohort from 170 women recruited in early pregnancy, including 67 who met criteria for Major Depression. Maternal attachment state of mind was assessed with the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) in pregnancy. Additional measures included the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM (SCID), at 12 months the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP), Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Parenting Stress Index, and antenatal maternal hair cortisol concentrations (HCC). Limitations: Sample size to be able to undertake all analyses using the 4 way classifications, cortisol measurement is limited to hair only and there is no prospectively collected measure of childhood trauma in mothers. Conclusions: This study found that maternal attachment, specifically the Non-Autonomous states of mind, adjusted for clinical depression, was associated with higher cortisol in pregnancy and higher depressive symptoms across pregnancy and the postpartum. Furthermore, separately those with depression and Non-Autonomous states of mind also had higher postpartum parenting stress. There was no significant intergenerational concordance between AAI and SSP attachment classifications. Our findings support future research exploring the role of maternal attachment state of mind in understanding perinatal depression and emotional wellbeing. © 2023 The Author(s)
Rurality as a predictor of perinatal mental health and well-being in an Australian cohort
- Galbally, Megan, Watson, Stuart, Coleman, Mathew, Worley, Paul, Verrier, Leanda, Padmanabhan, Vineet, Lewis, Andrew
- Authors: Galbally, Megan , Watson, Stuart , Coleman, Mathew , Worley, Paul , Verrier, Leanda , Padmanabhan, Vineet , Lewis, Andrew
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 31, no. 2 (2023), p. 182-195
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- Description: Objective: Perinatal emotional well-being is more than the presence or absence of depressive and anxiety disorders; it encompasses a wide range of factors that contribute to emotional well-being. This study compares perinatal well-being between women living in metropolitan and rural regions. Design: Prospective, longitudinal cohort. Participants/setting: Eight hundred and six women from Victoria and Western Australia recruited before 20 weeks of pregnancy and followed up to 12 months postpartum. Main outcome measures: Rurality was assessed using the Modified Monash Model (MM Model) with 578 in metropolitan cities MM1, 185 in regional and large rural towns MM2-MM3 and 43 in rural to remote MM4-MM7. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV) was administered at recruitment to assess depression, and symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured using the Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale and the State and Trait Anxiety Scale, respectively. Other measures included stressful events, diet, exercise, partner support, parenting and sleep. Results: The prevalence of depressive disorders did not differ across rurality. There was also no difference in breastfeeding cessation, exercise, sleep or partner support. Women living in rural communities and who also had depression reported significantly higher parenting stress than metropolitan women and lower access to parenting activities. Conclusions: Our study suggests while many of the challenges of the perinatal period were shared between women in all areas, there were important differences in parenting stress and access to activities. Furthermore, these findings suggest that guidelines and interventions designed for perinatal mental health should consider rurality. © 2022 The Authors. Australian Journal of Rural Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of National Rural Health Alliance Ltd.
- Authors: Galbally, Megan , Watson, Stuart , Coleman, Mathew , Worley, Paul , Verrier, Leanda , Padmanabhan, Vineet , Lewis, Andrew
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 31, no. 2 (2023), p. 182-195
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: Perinatal emotional well-being is more than the presence or absence of depressive and anxiety disorders; it encompasses a wide range of factors that contribute to emotional well-being. This study compares perinatal well-being between women living in metropolitan and rural regions. Design: Prospective, longitudinal cohort. Participants/setting: Eight hundred and six women from Victoria and Western Australia recruited before 20 weeks of pregnancy and followed up to 12 months postpartum. Main outcome measures: Rurality was assessed using the Modified Monash Model (MM Model) with 578 in metropolitan cities MM1, 185 in regional and large rural towns MM2-MM3 and 43 in rural to remote MM4-MM7. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV) was administered at recruitment to assess depression, and symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured using the Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale and the State and Trait Anxiety Scale, respectively. Other measures included stressful events, diet, exercise, partner support, parenting and sleep. Results: The prevalence of depressive disorders did not differ across rurality. There was also no difference in breastfeeding cessation, exercise, sleep or partner support. Women living in rural communities and who also had depression reported significantly higher parenting stress than metropolitan women and lower access to parenting activities. Conclusions: Our study suggests while many of the challenges of the perinatal period were shared between women in all areas, there were important differences in parenting stress and access to activities. Furthermore, these findings suggest that guidelines and interventions designed for perinatal mental health should consider rurality. © 2022 The Authors. Australian Journal of Rural Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of National Rural Health Alliance Ltd.
DFS based partial pathways in GA for protein structure prediction
- Hoque, Md Tamjidul, Chetty, Madhu, Lewis, Andrew, Sattar, Abdul
- Authors: Hoque, Md Tamjidul , Chetty, Madhu , Lewis, Andrew , Sattar, Abdul
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Third IAPR International Conference, PRIB 2008
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- Description: Nondeterministic conformational search techniques, such as Genetic Algorithms (GAs) are promising for solving protein structure prediction (PSP) problem. The crossover operator of a GA can underpin the formation of potential conformations by exchanging and sharing potential sub-conformations, which is promising for solving PSP. However, the usual nature of an optimum PSP conformation being compact can produce many invalid conformations (by having non-self-avoiding-walk) using crossover. While a crossover-based converging conformation suffers from limited pathways, combining it with depth-first search (DFS) can partially reveal potential pathways. DFS generates random conformations increasingly quickly with increasing length of the protein sequences compared to random-move-only-based conformation generation. Random conformations are frequently applied for maintaining diversity as well as for initialization in many GA variations.
- Authors: Hoque, Md Tamjidul , Chetty, Madhu , Lewis, Andrew , Sattar, Abdul
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Third IAPR International Conference, PRIB 2008
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Nondeterministic conformational search techniques, such as Genetic Algorithms (GAs) are promising for solving protein structure prediction (PSP) problem. The crossover operator of a GA can underpin the formation of potential conformations by exchanging and sharing potential sub-conformations, which is promising for solving PSP. However, the usual nature of an optimum PSP conformation being compact can produce many invalid conformations (by having non-self-avoiding-walk) using crossover. While a crossover-based converging conformation suffers from limited pathways, combining it with depth-first search (DFS) can partially reveal potential pathways. DFS generates random conformations increasingly quickly with increasing length of the protein sequences compared to random-move-only-based conformation generation. Random conformations are frequently applied for maintaining diversity as well as for initialization in many GA variations.
Effects of a structured reflective interview on parental reflective functioning : a pilot randomised controlled trial
- Low, Yu, Lewis, Andrew, Serfaty, Irene
- Authors: Low, Yu , Lewis, Andrew , Serfaty, Irene
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Child and Family Studies Vol. 32, no. 2 (2023), p. 516-529
- Full Text:
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- Description: The Parental Reflective Interview Procedure was developed as part of an initial assessment interview for an attachment-based intervention for child mental health conditions. This study was a pilot randomised controlled trial that utilised a parallel, single-blind trial design to evaluate the differences in the effects of the Parental Reflective Interview Procedure compared to a diagnostic interview on parental reflective functioning. The control group was administered a structured diagnostic interview (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents—Parent Version) and matched for time with clinician. The study sample were 25 parents of clinic-referred children who scored above the clinical cut-off score on the Child Behaviour Checklist. Parental reflective functioning was measured with the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire at baseline and repeated post-intervention, and then again at a two-week follow up. Results showed that the Parental Reflective Interview Procedure produced moderate improvements in parents’ understanding of their children’s mental states and maintenance in their reflections on intergenerational parent-child relationship patterns. The diagnostic interview showed decreases in both these dimensions. The findings suggest that the Parental Reflective Interview Procedure is a promising format for initial assessment when referral indicates difficulty in the parent-child relationship. The interview acts as a good orientation for parents to an intervention focused on parent-child relationship dynamics. Further work refining this interview, its coding and integration into a tailored feedback session is required. © 2023, The Author(s).
- Authors: Low, Yu , Lewis, Andrew , Serfaty, Irene
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Child and Family Studies Vol. 32, no. 2 (2023), p. 516-529
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The Parental Reflective Interview Procedure was developed as part of an initial assessment interview for an attachment-based intervention for child mental health conditions. This study was a pilot randomised controlled trial that utilised a parallel, single-blind trial design to evaluate the differences in the effects of the Parental Reflective Interview Procedure compared to a diagnostic interview on parental reflective functioning. The control group was administered a structured diagnostic interview (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents—Parent Version) and matched for time with clinician. The study sample were 25 parents of clinic-referred children who scored above the clinical cut-off score on the Child Behaviour Checklist. Parental reflective functioning was measured with the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire at baseline and repeated post-intervention, and then again at a two-week follow up. Results showed that the Parental Reflective Interview Procedure produced moderate improvements in parents’ understanding of their children’s mental states and maintenance in their reflections on intergenerational parent-child relationship patterns. The diagnostic interview showed decreases in both these dimensions. The findings suggest that the Parental Reflective Interview Procedure is a promising format for initial assessment when referral indicates difficulty in the parent-child relationship. The interview acts as a good orientation for parents to an intervention focused on parent-child relationship dynamics. Further work refining this interview, its coding and integration into a tailored feedback session is required. © 2023, The Author(s).
Perinatal maternal depression and cortisol function in pregnancy and the postpartum period: a systematic literature review
- Seth, Sunaina, Lewis, Andrew, Galbally, Megan
- Authors: Seth, Sunaina , Lewis, Andrew , Galbally, Megan
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Vol. 16, no. 1 (2016), p. 124-124
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Perinatal depression has a significant impact on both mother and child. However, the influence of hormonal changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period remains unclear. This article provides a systematic review of studies examining the effects of maternal cortisol function on perinatal depression. A systematic search was conducted of six electronic databases for published research on the relationship between cortisol and perinatal depression. The databases included MEDLINE complete, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Science Direct and EBSCO, for the years 1960 to May 2015. Risk of bias was assessed and data extraction verified by two investigators. In total, 47 studies met criteria and studies showed considerable variation in terms of methodology including sample size, cortisol assays, cortisol substrates, sampling processes and outcome measures. Those studies identified as higher quality found that the cortisol awakening response is positively associated with momentary mood states but is blunted in cases of major maternal depression. Furthermore, results indicate that hypercortisolemia is linked to transient depressive states while hypocortisolemia is related to chronic postpartum depression. Future research should aim to improve the accuracy of cortisol measurement over time, obtain multiple cortisol samples in a day and utilise diagnostic measures of depression. Future studies should also consider both antenatal and postnatal depression and the differential impact of atypical versus melancholic depression on cortisol levels, as this can help to further clarify the relationship between perinatal depression and maternal cortisol function across pregnancy and the postpartum period.
- Authors: Seth, Sunaina , Lewis, Andrew , Galbally, Megan
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Vol. 16, no. 1 (2016), p. 124-124
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Perinatal depression has a significant impact on both mother and child. However, the influence of hormonal changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period remains unclear. This article provides a systematic review of studies examining the effects of maternal cortisol function on perinatal depression. A systematic search was conducted of six electronic databases for published research on the relationship between cortisol and perinatal depression. The databases included MEDLINE complete, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Science Direct and EBSCO, for the years 1960 to May 2015. Risk of bias was assessed and data extraction verified by two investigators. In total, 47 studies met criteria and studies showed considerable variation in terms of methodology including sample size, cortisol assays, cortisol substrates, sampling processes and outcome measures. Those studies identified as higher quality found that the cortisol awakening response is positively associated with momentary mood states but is blunted in cases of major maternal depression. Furthermore, results indicate that hypercortisolemia is linked to transient depressive states while hypocortisolemia is related to chronic postpartum depression. Future research should aim to improve the accuracy of cortisol measurement over time, obtain multiple cortisol samples in a day and utilise diagnostic measures of depression. Future studies should also consider both antenatal and postnatal depression and the differential impact of atypical versus melancholic depression on cortisol levels, as this can help to further clarify the relationship between perinatal depression and maternal cortisol function across pregnancy and the postpartum period.
“Bumps in the Road”: A Pilot study of a therapeutic technique for the integration of unresolved family loss and trauma
- Watts, Gabriella, Lewis, Andrew, Serfaty, Irene
- Authors: Watts, Gabriella , Lewis, Andrew , Serfaty, Irene
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in psychology Vol. 12, no. (2021), p. 635574-635574
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The ability to sustain a coherent narrative about experiences of trauma and loss is a prominent feature of secure-autonomous attachment states of mind as assessed in narrative tasks such as the Adult Attachment Interview. The current study examines the clinical application of the concepts of narrative coherence and discourse segregation within a therapeutic intervention for whole families. Bumps in the Road is a family drawing task, which aims to facilitate the co-construction of family narratives about adversities such as trauma, loss and hardship. The technique aims to increase the family’s narrative coherence about such challenging events. The paper first presents a description of the task itself together with the discourse theories of defensive processing of adverse events. The study also presents pilot quantitative findings from 19 parents on the psychometric properties of a coding system of the families’ discourses in undertaking the task and the therapist’s techniques in administering the task. The predictive association of coding of the narratives were examined as predictors of change in internalising and externalising symptoms in the referred child, using the Child Behaviour Checklist. Findings showed that therapist competence in administration of the task did significantly predict the magnitude of treatment efficacy. The current study is the first presentation of this novel therapeutic task and sets a platform for further research on the use of narrative tasks and the formal coding of discourse in therapeutic work with children and families.
- Authors: Watts, Gabriella , Lewis, Andrew , Serfaty, Irene
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in psychology Vol. 12, no. (2021), p. 635574-635574
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The ability to sustain a coherent narrative about experiences of trauma and loss is a prominent feature of secure-autonomous attachment states of mind as assessed in narrative tasks such as the Adult Attachment Interview. The current study examines the clinical application of the concepts of narrative coherence and discourse segregation within a therapeutic intervention for whole families. Bumps in the Road is a family drawing task, which aims to facilitate the co-construction of family narratives about adversities such as trauma, loss and hardship. The technique aims to increase the family’s narrative coherence about such challenging events. The paper first presents a description of the task itself together with the discourse theories of defensive processing of adverse events. The study also presents pilot quantitative findings from 19 parents on the psychometric properties of a coding system of the families’ discourses in undertaking the task and the therapist’s techniques in administering the task. The predictive association of coding of the narratives were examined as predictors of change in internalising and externalising symptoms in the referred child, using the Child Behaviour Checklist. Findings showed that therapist competence in administration of the task did significantly predict the magnitude of treatment efficacy. The current study is the first presentation of this novel therapeutic task and sets a platform for further research on the use of narrative tasks and the formal coding of discourse in therapeutic work with children and families.
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