The Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of State Adult Attachment Measure / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: Adult attachment is a relatively stable disposition, rooted in internal working models of self and relationship patterns. However, findings reported from recent research have suggested that levels of attachment anxiety, avoidance, and security are also affected by situational factors. The State Adult Attachment Measure (SAAM) was developed for the purpose of capturing temporary fluctuations in the sense of attachment security and insecurity. In this study, we examined the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the State Adult Attachment Measure (K-SAAM). METHODS: K-SAAM, Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire-Revised (ECR-R), Relationship Questionnaire (RQ), Korean version of Positive Affective and Negative Affect Schedule (K-PANAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (R-DAS), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20-K (TAS 20-K) were administered to 180 subjects in the community. Exploratory factor analyses and correlation analyses among related variables were conducted. RESULTS: Scores on the K-SAAM demonstrated high internal consistency, with corrected item-total correlations from .56 to .87. Results of exploratory factor analysis yielded three reliable subscales measuring state levels of attachment-related anxiety, avoidance, and security. Results of additional analyses demonstrated both convergent validity and discriminant validity of the K-SAAM. CONCLUSION: The results reported here are highly supportive of the reliability, validity, and utility of the K-SAAM as a state measure of attachment. This new measure will allow clinicians to assess various temporary changes in attachment levels and to examine the efficacy of attachment-based psychotherapy. The K-SAAM has the potential to advance the field in understanding of the dynamics of adult attachment.

The Relationship between Attachment Style, Alexithymia, Marital Satisfaction and Depressive Symptoms / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we examined the relationship between attachment style, alexithymia, marital satisfaction, and depressive symptoms in married couples. METHODS: We administered the Korean version of Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire-Revised (K-ECR-R), Korean version of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20K), Revised-Dyadic Adjustment Scale (R-DAS), Korean version of the Beck Depression Inventory (K-BDI), and to 105 men and 115 women in the community. The data was analyzed with correlation analysis between related variables, and the regression analysis method of Baron and Kenny (1986) was used. RESULTS: The current study assumes that alexithymia mediates between attachment style and marital satisfaction, and these factors influence depressive symptoms. The results were as follows : 1) alexithymia mediated perfectly between attachment anxiety style and marital satisfaction and 2) alexithymia, and marital satisfaction had significant influences on depressive symptoms. Attachment avoidance style was excluded for dissatisfaction with the assumption of the regression analysis method of Baron and Kenny (1986). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that attachment style, alexithymia, and marital satisfaction seem to be important factors in depressive symptoms among married people. These results suggest that different interventions according to attachment style may helpful for the enhancement of marital satisfaction and the reduction of the depressive symptoms of married couples.

The Effects of Emotionally Focused Therapy(EFT) for Couples : Pilot Study / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) on distressed married couples. METHODS: We conducted 5 to 19 EFT sessions once a week with 10 couples from Yongin Mental Hospital who were experiencing marital conflict. We assessed participants before and after EFT, using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Symptom Checklist 90-R (SCL-90R), and Korean Marital Satisfaction Inventory (K-MSI). The EFT consisted of 3 stages comprising 9 steps. Every couple followed this EFT structure. RESULTS: After completing the EFT sessions, the inventories showed the couples experiencing significant improvements in various psychological symptoms and marital satisfactions. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that EFT could be applied to distressed couples in a clinical setting and could effectively reduce psychological symptoms and improve marital satisfaction. Further study of the generalizability of these results and of the process variables are needed.

The Validation Study of the Korean Version of Self-Compassion Scale with Adult Women in Community / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the reliability and validity of the Korean Self-Compassion Scale in a sample of 405 adult women in a community. METHODS: We examined the sample using the Korean version of the Self-Compassion Scale (K-SCS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), SCL-90-R, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS) and conducted a confirmatory factor analysis and correlation analysis. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis results showed that a six-factor model, consisting of Self-Kindness, Self-Judgment. Common Humanity, Isolation, Mindfulness, and Over-identified, fit better than a three-factor model did. The validity analysis results indicated that self-compassion was significantly correlated with positive mental health outcomes, such as less depression and anxiety and greater psychological well-being. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the Korean version of the Self-Compassion Scale is a reliable and valid scale for measuring self-compassion. We also discuss the implications of this study and directions for future study.

The Relationship between 2nd Digit/4th Digit Ratio and Empathy, Aggression, and Sex Role in College Students / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: The study investigated the role of prenatal testosterone on the development of sexually dimorphic psychological phenotype. Finger length ratio (2nd digit/ 4th digit, 2D/4D), especially on the right hand, is thought to be influenced by prenatal exposure to testosterone. We evaluated the relationship between 2D/4D and psychological characteristics in college students. METHODS: Participants were 137 college students who completed 3 self-report measures : the Emotional Empathy Scale, Aggression Scale, and Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI). After copying right ventral surface of the participant's hand, we measured the lengths of the 2nd and 4th fingers, from basal crease to tip, using vernier calipers. We performed statistical analyses using correlation tests and t-tests to examine the relationship between 2D/4D and psychological characteristics (empathy, aggression, and sex role) RESULTS: We observed significant correlations between sex differences and average 2D/4D ratio. Men had a lower 2D/4D ratio than women, confirming the typical sex difference in digit proportions. In women, there was a significant correlation between 2D/4D ratio and empathy. Women with higher, more feminine, finger length ratios had higher empathy scores. We found no correlation between 2D/4D and aggression or sex role. CONCLUSION: There was a positive correlation between 2D/4D and empathy, but in women only. Low prenatal testosterone might play important role in the development of an essential, typically feminine, psychological phenotype (empathy), in women.

The Study of Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of the Toronto Mindfulness Scale / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we examined the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Toronto Mindfulness Scale (K-TMS), a brief self-report measure to assess state mindfulness. METHODS: We administered the K-TMS, Beck Depression Inventory, Experiences Questionnaire (K-EQ), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire (RRQ) to 205 university students and conducted exploratory factor analyses (EFA), confirmatory factor analyses, and correlation analyses among the related variables. RESULTS: The K-TMS demonstrated high internal consistency, and its corrected item-total correlations ranged from .37 to .73. Exploratory factor analyses resulted in a two-factor solution (curiosity, de-centering), based on an examination of the scree plot and eigenvalues, which was structurally similar to the original TMS scale. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a correlated 2-factor model, with correlated error terms, showed an adequate fit to the data. The K-TMS was positively correlated with de-centering (r=.304, p<.01), as measured by the EQ, with reflective self-awareness (r=.334, p<.01), as assessed by the K-RRQ, and with positive affect (r=.302, p<.01), as assessed by he PANAS. There were no significant relationships between the K-TMS and depression, and the correlation between the K-TMS and the MAAS was not significant. CONCLUSION: These results show the K-TMS is a promising measure of mindfulness state, with good psychometric properties. Further study of the relationship between the K-TMS and mental health is needed.

Efficacy of a Group Treatment, Self-Stigma Overcome Programs for Inpatients with Schizophrenia / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: Compared with the general population, individuals with schizophrenia are known to have lower self-esteem, in part because of internalized self-stigma. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a Self-stigma Overcome Program (SOP), named self-esteem enhancement program for inpatients with schizophrenia. METHODS: The 46 patients with schizophrenia from Yongin Mental Hospital Rehabilitation Ward were randomly assigned to a SOP group or to a control group. The SOP groups received 15 sessions of SOP treatment over four months. SOP combined existing structured modules for the purpose of increasing self-esteem and empowerment with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) techniques. The program module was divided into three building blocks: sense of security, sense of purpose, and sense of competence. All the subjects were assessed before and after the treatment period on measures of psychosocial functioning, diagnostic variables, and symptomatology. RESULTS: Compared with patients in the control condition, SOP group patients showed significant improvements on measures of empowerment and internalized stigma. The SOP groups subjectively also reported more improved self-respect, self-understanding, and positive self-regard. However, there were no significant improvements on measures of self-esteem and quality of life. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that individuals with schizophrenia appear to be benefit from a self-esteem enhancement module, particularly when they are involved in a rehabilitation program. These findings encourage a reconsideration of patients' empowerment and competence in order to ensure lasting effects on overall functional outcome of chronic schizophrenics.

The Effects of Sociodrama on Inpatients with Schizophrenia / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of sociodrama on inpatients with schizophrenia. METHODS: The sociodrama group was composed of 20 inpatients with schizophrenia and control group was matched with the sociodrama group. The sociodrama group received 10 sessions of sociodrama therapy over 10 weeks. Assessment was done at the beginning and end of this period. RESULTS: After 10 sessions of sociodrama, the patients showed a significant improvement in the BPRS total score, in the withdrawal-retardation and hostile-suspiciousness subscale scores and on the ToM Scale. There was also a significant improvement on the QoL Scale. There were no significant changes on the RCS or the Empowerment Scale. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that, for inpatients with schizophrenia, sociodrama can make a useful contribution in the improvement of withdrawal-retardation, hostile-suspiciousness, theory of mind, and subjective satisfaction with quality of life. We therefore expect that sociodrama can play a useful role in enhancing the psychosocial functioning of patients with schizophrenia. Future research to generalize of the results of this study is necessary.

Relationship Among the Dissociation, Ways of Coping Style, and Hypnotizability in Undergraduate Students / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES : Presently there exist conflicting results in terms of the relationship between hypnotic susceptibility and the dissociation experience in college-aged populations. The present investigation sought to explore the relationship among dissociation, coping style and hypnotizability using structural equation modeling (SEM). METHODS : 288 Korean undergraduates completed the Dissociation Experience Scale-Korean version (DES-K), Coping style assessment, and assessment of the eye roll sign which is a suggested biological marker of hypnotizability according to Spiegel. We divided the students into two groups (DES> or = 20, N=81; DES <20, N=207) to evaluate differences in these variables. The Pearson correlation test was used to investigate the relationship among the variables. We used SEM to investigate the mediating process in the relationship among hypnotizability coping style and dissociation. RESULTS : In the high DES-K group, scores of passive coping strategies (emotionally focused and wishful thinking) were higher than low DES-K group. There were statistically significant but weak correlations between hypnotizability and wishful thinking and between passive coping strategies and dissociation. The mediating role of passive coping style between hypnotizability and dissociation was confirmed in university students. CONCLUSION : These results suggested there was no direct relationship between hypnotizability and dissociation and passive coping strategies mediating the relationship between hypnotizability and dissociation. This study cautions against equating dissociative capacity with hypnotizability.

Relationship Among the Dissociation, Ways of Coping Style, and Hypnotizability in Undergraduate Students / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES : Presently there exist conflicting results in terms of the relationship between hypnotic susceptibility and the dissociation experience in college-aged populations. The present investigation sought to explore the relationship among dissociation, coping style and hypnotizability using structural equation modeling (SEM). METHODS : 288 Korean undergraduates completed the Dissociation Experience Scale-Korean version (DES-K), Coping style assessment, and assessment of the eye roll sign which is a suggested biological marker of hypnotizability according to Spiegel. We divided the students into two groups (DES> or = 20, N=81; DES <20, N=207) to evaluate differences in these variables. The Pearson correlation test was used to investigate the relationship among the variables. We used SEM to investigate the mediating process in the relationship among hypnotizability coping style and dissociation. RESULTS : In the high DES-K group, scores of passive coping strategies (emotionally focused and wishful thinking) were higher than low DES-K group. There were statistically significant but weak correlations between hypnotizability and wishful thinking and between passive coping strategies and dissociation. The mediating role of passive coping style between hypnotizability and dissociation was confirmed in university students. CONCLUSION : These results suggested there was no direct relationship between hypnotizability and dissociation and passive coping strategies mediating the relationship between hypnotizability and dissociation. This study cautions against equating dissociative capacity with hypnotizability.

Efficacy of Computerized Cognitive Rehabilitation Training for Inpatients with Schizophrenia : A Pilot Study / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES : The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of computerized cognitive rehabilitation training on inpatients with schizophrenia in the rehabilitation unit. METHODS : Thirty-eight patients with schizophrenia from the Yongin Mental Hospital Rehabilitation Ward were randomly assigned either to a computerized cognitive rehabilitation group or to a control group. The rehabilitation group received 12 sessions of computerized cognitive rehabilitation training (Cog-Trainer) over 3 months. This training program consisted of ten units, each of which consisted of 3 levels, practice, application, and advanced. Neurocognitive functions were assessed at the beginning and end of the training period. Cognitive measures included Span of Apprehension (SPAN), Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Digit Span, Trail Making Test, and the Stroop Test. RESULTS : Compared to controls, subjects receiving computerized cognitive rehabilitation training experienced a significant improvement in attention, concentration, and working memory. CONCLUSION : These results indicate that computerized cognitive rehabilitation training can contribute to improvement in cognitive function of patients with schizophrenia. Further study to generalize these results is required.

Cognitive Dysfunction in the Geriatric Depression Living in the Institution

OBJECTIVES: There is a wide spectrum of cognitive dysfunction in geriatric depression due to heterogeneity. The Authors tried to investigate cognitive dysfunction in the elderly with depression and the association between geriatric depression and demographic variables such as sex, age, and education. METHODS: Total 101 non-demented participants living in the asylum for the aged had completed frontal lobe function test (executive function and conceptualization) and CERAD-K (the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease) to evaluate neuropsychological function. Symptoms of depression were evaluated by SGDS-K (Short Geriatric Depression Scale of Korean version). We divided the elderly into two groups (depressed, non-depressed group) to evaluate the differences in cognitive function. RESULTS: 30 (29.7%) of the subjects suffered depression and 50 (49.5%) had cognitive decline. Geriatric depression is not associated with age, sex, and education. Depressed older adults had lower executive function score in total group and cognitive decline group than non-depressed. Within cognitive decline group, subject with geriatric depression had lower scores in word fluency and word delayed recall than non-depressed. There was significant correlation between SGDS-K score and executive function. CONCLUSION: Subjects with geriatric depression had significant executive dysfunction. Executive dysfunction in depressed older adults may provide the basis for further investigation of mechanisms of geriatric depression. Timely identification of executive dysfunction fundamental to daily activities of depressed older adults may lead to coping strategies that will improve the prognosis of geriatric depression.