The Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Cluster C Personality Disorder Traits: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the literature on the relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and Cluster C personality disorders (PDs). Our aim was to clarify which of the 18 EMSs exhibit the strongest associations and are most frequently endorsed in clinical and non-clinical samples with Cluster C PDs and traits. RECENT FINDINGS: After initially screening 2622 records, 12 studies were selected with 5310 participants. Meta-analyses of the raw correlation coefficients for each EMS-Cluster C PD link (3-8 studies per meta-analysis) indicated that the 18 EMSs were significantly related to all three Cluster C PDs with r's ranging from .13 to .63. However, when considering endorsement rates among multiple regression studies that controlled for the EMSs intercorrelations and the effects of other PD traits and demographics, specific EMS constellations emerged for each Cluster C PD. Overall, the findings of the current paper suggest that Cluster C PDs might be conceptualized on the basis of a hybrid EMS model, in which all EMSs contribute to global personality dysfunction whereas specific EMS patterns reflect unique personality disorder style expressions. Longitudinal research with appropriate methodology is needed to draw more definite conclusions on the EMSs-Cluster C PDs relationships.

The effectiveness of immersive virtual reality in physical recovery of stroke patients: A systematic review.

Background: Over the past few years, technological innovations have been increasingly employed to augment the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Virtual reality (VR) has gained attention through its ability to deliver a customized training session and to increase patients' engagement. Virtual reality rehabilitation programs allow the patient to perform a therapeutic program tailored to his/her needs while interacting with a computer-simulated environment. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a fully immersive rehabilitation program using a commercially available head-mounted display in stroke patients. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in three databases, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar, and PEDro. Four hundred thirty-two references were identified. The keywords used for the literature search were in English, which are given as follows: immersive, virtual reality, neurorehabilitation, stroke, and head-mounted display. Additionally, applicable articles were identified through screening reference lists of relevant articles. Results: Only 12 studies used head-mounted display for immersing the patient into the virtual world. Apart from the feasibility of this new technology, a range of benefits were identified, especially in terms of functional ability as measured by FIM or Barthel, the Action Research arm Test, Box and Block Test, Fugl-Meyer assessment of physical performance, strength, and balance outcomes. Conclusion: The results from this review support the potential beneficial effect of fully immersive virtual reality in the rehabilitation of stroke patients, maximizing recovery through increased motivation and adherence.