The role of BIS/BAS in the vulnerability for depression in adolescent girls

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST), the original (i.e. Gray, 1982) or revised (Gray & McNaughton, 2000), has yet to be used as a framework for investigating vulnerability to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents. The present study employed a high-risk design to examine whether aberrant BIS-FFFS/BAS activity was similarly present in both depressed girls and girls at high risk for depression.MethodsN = 85 age-matched biological daughters of mothers with differential MDD status: (a) MDD (n = 17), (b) high-risk (n = 34), and (c) healthy controls (n = 34) completed measures of the BIS/BAS, depression, and anxiety.ResultsMDD girls scored significantly higher on BIS than healthy controls but not high-risk girls, and the high-risk and control groups did not differ. No group differences were found on BAS or FFFS-Fear.ConclusionsElevated BIS was not identified as a vulnerability factor for MDD; however, it does distinguish depressed adolescents from healthy controls.     

Effects of exercise self-regulation on subsequent eating self-regulation: Implications for depletion vs. improvement based on behavioral treatment foci

IntroductionAn improved understanding of individuals’ ability to self-regulate through barriers in the management of their weight-loss behaviors is important. Although self-regulation related to exercise might carry-over to increased eating-related self-regulation through the development of such skills, it also might be depleted because self-regulation is thought to be a limited resource. Additionally, mood might affect self-regulation change.ObjectiveThis field study aimed to determine if exercise-related self-regulation was associated with subsequent eating-related self-regulation, how treatment foci affected that relationship, and if mood change concurrently influenced self-regulation.MethodAn educational weight-loss treatment (n = 52) and a behaviorally based self-regulatory-focused treatment (n = 57) was administered to women with obesity via a community health-promotion setting. Baseline – Month 3 changes in their exercise self-regulation and overall negative mood, and Months 3–6 change in eating self-regulation, were assessed.ResultsImprovements were significantly greater in the self-regulation treatment group on exercise self-regulation, eating self-regulation, and mood. For the self-regulation group, there was a significant positive relationship between changes in exercise self-regulation and eating self-regulation, β = 0.27, p = 0.044. Conversely, the association of those variables was significant and inverse in the educational group, β = −0.29, p = 0.039. Reduction in negative mood was significantly related to increased exercise self-regulation, across groups, β = −0.32, p = 0.001.ConclusionWhen self-regulation was focused upon and rehearsed within an exercise context, its changes positively affected subsequent changes in eating self-regulation. However, when self-regulation was not targeted, self-regulation used for maintaining exercise depleted eating-focused self-regulation. Findings contributed to self-regulatory theory and had implications for the improvement of behavioral weight-loss treatments.     

Validation française du questionnaire de dépendance de l’exercice physique (Exercise Dependence Questionnaire)

IntroductionThe Exercise Dependence Questionnaire (EDQ) conceptualises exercise dependence (ED) within both traditional biomedical and psychosocial perspectives. This tool is a valid and reliable multidimensional measure of ED.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to examine the internal consistency, test-retest reliability and factorial validity of the EDQ, in a French language version. In comparison to other existing scales like the EDS (Exercise Dependance Scale), the EDQ emphases not only the symptoms of addiction but also the motivations to exercise.MethodThe French language version of the EDQ was completed by 160 participants (60% male, students and practitioners leisures of sports activities). Participants completed the EDS and measures of exercise behavior.ResultsAdequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability for the scale were obtained. Confirmatory analysis (SPSS 16) supported a correlated eight-factor model, as suggested by Ogden, Veale and Summers (1997). The model fit indices were satisfying, RMSEA = 0.048; CFI = 0.90; IFI = 0.91; Chi²/dll = 1.38. This study provides evidence for the reliability and validity of the French language version of the EDQ. The convergent validity of this scale with the Exercise Dependence Scale was r = 0.52. These two scales appear more complementary than redundant. The EDS focuses more on the strict definition of the dependence whereas the EDQ adds a motivational perspective often link to eating disorders.ConclusionThe EDQ can be thus used in the clinical and studies framework on the exercise dependence.     

Differential effects of differing intensities of acute exercise on speed and accuracy of cognition: A meta-analytical investigation

The primary purpose of this study was to examine, using meta-analytical techniques, the differential effects of differing intensities of acute exercise on speed and accuracy of cognition. Overall, exercise demonstrated a small, significant mean effect size (g = 0.14, p < 0.01) on cognition. Examination of the comparison between speed and accuracy dependent variables showed that speed accounted for most of the effect. For speed, moderate intensity exercise demonstrated a significantly larger mean effect size than those for low and high intensities. For speed of processing during moderate intensity exercise, central executive tasks showed a larger effect size than recall and alertness/attention tasks; and mean effect size for counterbalanced or randomized studies was significantly greater than for studies in which a pre-exercise followed by during or post-exercise protocol was used. There was no significant difference between mean effect sizes when testing took place post-exercise compared to during exercise for speed but accuracy studies demonstrated a significantly larger mean effect size post-exercise. It was concluded that increased arousal during moderate intensity exercise resulted in faster speed of processing. The very limited effect on accuracy may be due to the failure to choose tests which are complex enough to measure exercise-induced changes in accuracy of performance.     

Generalization of theory-based predictions for improved nutrition to adults with morbid obesity: Implications of initiating exercise

Exercise is a robust predictor of long-term success with weight loss, and research based on social cognitive theory suggests that exercise program-induced changes in self-regulation, mood, and self-efficacy transfer to improved eating. These relationships were tested in adults with morbid obesity (overall M_age = 43 years; 86% female; M_{body mass index} = 45 kg/m²) participating in a 6-month treatment of cognitive-behaviorally supported exercise paired with either standard nutrition education (n = 87) or cognitive-behavioral methods for controlled eating (n = 89). Based on multiple mediation analyses, improvements in self-regulation and self-efficacy were significantly associated with increased fruit and vegetable intake and reduced body mass index (BMI). The cognitive-behavioral nutrition methods were associated with greater improvements in fruit and vegetable intake and BMI, however, within both models, complete mediation was found after simultaneous entry of changes in self-regulation, mood, and self-efficacy, and exercise volume as mediators. Only the indirect effect of change in self-regulation was a significant (or marginally significant) independent mediator. Generalization of previously identified relationships between exercise program-induced improvements in psychosocial variables and improvements in nutrition and BMI were supported for individuals with morbid obesity. Based on these relationships, implications for behavioral treatments were discussed.     

Magnitude,timing and duration of mood state and cognitive effects of acute moderate exercise in major depressive disorder

BackgroundAcute exercise generally improves mood state and cognitive functioning in healthy adults. However, the impact of acute exercise on primary symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) is poorly understood. The present randomized cross-over study evaluated the magnitude, timing, and duration of the psychological effects of 30 min of moderate-intensity cycling exercise compared to quiet rest in 30 adults (21 female) with MDD.MethodsDepressed mood state (Profile of Mood States Short Form-Depression; POMS-D), state anhedonia (anhedonia Visual Analog Scale [VAS], and Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale [DARS]), and cognition (inhibition via Stroop and working memory via the 2-back task) were assessed pre, mid, post, 25-, 50- and 75-min after each session.ResultsGeneralized estimating equations demonstrated significant session by time interactions for POMS-D and VAS indicating small-to-large improvements in mood state and anhedonia up to 75 min post-exercise (p < 0.05; Cohen’s d ranges: POMS [-0.69, -0.95]; DARS, [-0.02, 0.16]; VAS [0.33, 0.83]) with greater immediate effects that lessened somewhat across time. For cognition, Stroop reaction time improved during exercise, but was worse at 25- and 50-min post-exercise compared to quiet rest (p < 0.05); no differences were found for 2-back reaction time.LimitationsThe small sample and continued psychological effects at 75 min indicate a potentially longer-lasting response than was measured herein.ConclusionPerforming short bouts of moderate intensity exercise appears to be effective for management of key symptoms (anhedonia, depressed mood state) in adults with MDD. The time immediately post-exercise may be ideal for performing emotionally challenging tasks and/or tasks where a low symptom severity would be helpful (e.g., psychotherapy).     

Mesure de la balance décisionnelle en vue de pratiquer une activité physique régulière (BDAP) : adaptation et validation francophone de l’échelle Decisional Balance for Exercise

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to validate a French version of the Decisional Balance Scale for Exercise (BDAP) and to examine its psychometric properties as well as its relationship with the three other components of Transtheoritical Model (TTM).Participants and methodFour hundred and six subjects (270 women), aged between 16 to 65 years old, fulfilled BDAP and other questionnaires measuring the three other components of TTM (Stages of Change of Exercise Behavior Scale, Exercise Processes of Change Questionnaire, Exercise Confidence Survey).ResultsConfirmatory factor analyses supported the two-factor model of BDAP (pros, α = 0.85 and cons, α = 0.73) assumed in the MTT. A good test–retest reliability was observed. BDAP was associated with the three other components of TTM.ConclusionThe French version of the BDAP shows good structural and psychometric properties. BDAP may be used as a valid tool in French-speaking populations.     

Effects of an acute bout of localized resistance exercise on cognitive performance in middle-aged adults: A randomized controlled trial study

ObjectivesTo examine the effect of an acute bout of resistance exercise on cognitive performance in healthy middle-aged adults.DesignA randomized controlled trial design.MethodsForty-one adults (M_age = 49.10 years, SD = 8.73) were randomly assigned to either resistance exercise or a control condition. The resistance exercise condition consisted of 2 sets of 10 repetitions for 6 exercises, and the control condition involved reading about resistance exercise for a time period approximating the duration of the exercise condition. The Stroop Test and the Trail Making Test (TMT) were completed at baseline and immediately following performance of the treatment.ResultsResults indicated that resistance exercise significantly benefits speed of processing (Stroop Word and Stroop Color), and that there is a trend towards resistance exercise benefiting performance on an executive function task (Stroop Color–Word) that requires shifting of the habitual response. However, the results for the TMT were not significant which demonstrates that acute resistance exercise has a limited effect on inhibition.ConclusionThe present findings extend the literature by indicating that an acute bout of resistance exercise has a positive impact on automatic cognitive processes and on particular types of executive function in middle-aged adults.     

Rumination and depression in Chinese university students: The mediating role of overgeneral autobiographical memory

ObjectiveIn this study, we examined the mediator effects of overgeneral autobiographical memory (OGM) on the relationship between rumination and depression in 323 Chinese university students.Method323 undergraduates completed the questionnaires measuring OGM (Autobiographical Memory Test), rumination (Ruminative Response Scale) and depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale).ResultsResults using structural equation modeling showed that OGM partially-mediated the relationship between rumination and depression (χ² = 88.61, p < .01; RMSEA = .051; SRMR = .040; and CFI = .91). Bootstrap methods were used to assess the magnitude of the indirect effects. The results of the bootstrap estimation procedure and subsequent analyses indicated that the indirect effects of OGM on the relationship between rumination and depressive symptoms were significant.ConclusionThe results indicated that rumination and depression were partially mediated by OGM.     

Emotional intelligence and depressed mood in adolescence: A multilevel approach

The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between individual emotional intelligence, group emotional intelligence and depressed mood in adolescence from a multilevel approach. The study sample comprised 2,182 adolescents (1,127 female and 1,055 male) aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 14.51, SD = 1.55). They attended 14 secondary schools in the Basque Country (northern Spain) and were grouped into 118 different classes. A two-level model (students nested in classes) with three predictor variables of level 1 (attention, clarity and repair of emotions) and one predictor variable of level 2 (class emotional intelligence) was used to examine their influence on depressed mood. The results indicated that clarity and the ability to regulate emotions at the individual level and emotional intelligence at the class level are important for explaining depressed mood. In this way, the study provides an integrative approach to research on the psychosocial well-being of adolescents that takes into account emotional variables located at different levels.     

Changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior associated with an exercise intervention in depressed adults

BackgroundExercise is beneficial for depression, but less is known about its impact on post-intervention physical activity and sedentary behavior. The aim of this paper was to determine the extent to which participation in light-, moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercise intervention influenced habitual physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns in depressed adults.MethodsAccelerometer data was collected pre- and post-intervention from depressed participants randomized to one of three 12-week intervention groups: light (n = 21), moderate (n = 25) and vigorous (n = 22) exercise. Mixed models examined changes in time spent sedentary and in light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA); time accumulated in sedentary and MVPA bouts; and, number of MVPA bouts and interruptions in sedentary time.ResultsOverall sedentary time decreased while light activity time increased across all intervention groups but not significantly so. The light exercise intervention group reduced MVPA minutes (−8.22, 95% CI: −16.44, −0.01), time in MVPA bouts (−8.44, 95% CI: −14.27, −2.62), and number of activity bouts (−0.43, 95% CI: −0.77, −0.09). The moderate exercise intervention group reduced time in MVPA bouts (−6.27, 95% CI: −11.71, −0.82) and number of sedentary interruptions (−6.07, 95% CI: −9.30, −2.84). No changes were observed for the vigorous exercise intervention group.ConclusionsThe exercise intervention led to an increase in overall light physical activity and decrease in sedentary time, though neither change was statistically significant. Participation in the light and moderate exercise intervention groups was associated with reductions of time in MVPA bouts, but this was not evident for the vigorous exercise intervention group.     

The dopamine D4 receptor gene,birth weight,maternal depression,maternal attention,and the prediction of disorganized attachment at 36 months of age: A prospective gene × environment analysis

BackgroundEfforts to understand the developmental pathways for disorganized attachment reflect the importance of disorganized attachment on the prediction of future psychopathology. The inconsistent findings on the prediction of disorganized attachment from the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) gene, birth weight, and maternal depression as well as the evidence supporting the contribution of early maternal care, suggest the importance of exploring a gene by environment model.MethodsOur sample is from the Maternal Adversity, Vulnerability, and Neurodevelopment project; consisting of 655 mother–child dyads. Birth weight was cross-referenced with normative data to calculate birth weight percentile. Infant DRD4 genotype was obtained with buccal swabs and categorized according to the presence of the 7-repeat allele. Maternal depression was assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale at the prenatal, 6-, 12-, and 24-month assessments. Maternal attention was measured at 6-months using a videotaped session of a 20-min non-feeding interaction. Attachment was assessed at 36-months using the Strange Situation Procedure.ResultsThe presence of the DRD4 7-repeat allele was associated with less disorganized attachment, β = −1.11, OR = 0.33, p = 0.0008. Maternal looking away frequency showed significant interactions with maternal depression at the prenatal assessment, β = 0.003, OR = 1.003, p = 0.023, and at 24 months, β = 0.004, OR = 1.004, p = 0.021, as at both time points, women suffering from depression and with frequent looking away behavior had an increased probability of disorganized attachment in their child, while those with less looking away behavior had a decreased probability of disorganized attachment in their child at 36 months.ConclusionsOur models support the contribution of biological and multiple environmental factors in the complex prediction of disorganized attachment at 36 months.     

Depression screening and treatment among uninsured populations in Primary Care

Uninsured populations have poor treatment engagement and are less likely to receive evidence-based interventions for depression. The objective of the current study was to retrospectively examine depression screening, diagnosis, and treatment patterns among uninsured patients in primary care. Study sample included all patients (N = 11,803) seen in nine community-based clinics. Key variables included depression screener and/or a depression diagnosis, anti-depressant initiation, behavioral health visits, and patient follow up measures. Treatment patterns from the subsample of patients diagnosed with depression were analyzed by collecting the number of behavioral health visits and antidepressant use six months (180 days) following the diagnosis. Utilization of the depression screening tool was high (67%, n = 7,935) and 24% (n = 2,789) of the patients had a diagnosis of depression, however, more than half of the patients with a depression diagnosis did not have a recorded treatment plan (n = 1,474). The odds of anti-depressant use and behavioral visits for Hispanic patients were significantly greater than for Non-Hispanic patients. Universal screening with brief measures in primary care is improving, however, guideline-concordant depression treatment remains elusive for uninsured populations.     

Effect of an intensified training period on well-being indices,recovery and psychological aspects in professional soccer players

IntroductionIntensified training periods (IT) are associated with fatigue increase and psychological variations.ObjectiveThis investigation aimed to examine the perceived well-being, recovery quality and psychological responses during an IT.MethodsFifteen professional soccer players (mean ± SD: age: 24 ± 1 years, body mass: 71.3 ± 15.1 kg, height: 178.0 ± 6.1 cm) completed a 6-week training program consisting of 2 weeks of basic training (BT) and 4 weeks of IT. They were tested before (T1) and after (T2) the IT. Training load (TL) perception, strain and monotony were measured by the session-RPE method. Well-being indices (sleep quality, fatigue level, stress and delayed-onset muscular soreness [DOMS]) and total quality recovery (TQR) were recorded before each training session. The profile of mood states (POMS) and the Ottowa mental skills assessment tool (OMSAT)-3 were conducted before and after IT.ResultsNo significant difference was found after IT in OMSAT-3 scores (p > 0.05). TL, monotony and strain increased during IT (p < 0.001). Moreover, well-being indices (stress, sleep quality, fatigue level and DOMS) increased (p < 0.001) and TQR decreased (p < 0.001) during IT. The IT increased total mood disturbance (TMD, p < 0.001), tension (p < 0.05) and fatigue (p < 0.01) and decreased vigor (p < 0.001). Significant relationships were found between TL and Hooper Index (HI), TQR and TMD (r = 0.58, 0.65, −0.57, respectively; all p < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings of this investigation suggested that mental ability was not sensitive to fatigue caused by training load intensification. However, perceived well-being, recovery state and mood were found to be sensitive measures and may provide coaches with information about wellness and psychological state of soccer players during IT.     

Exercise dependence and the drive for muscularity in male bodybuilders,power lifters,and fitness lifters

Researchers have hypothesized differences in exercise dependence and drive for muscularity between bodybuilders and power lifters, while others have not found the predicted differences. This study assessed 146 weight lifters (bodybuilders, n = 59; power lifters, n = 47; fitness lifters, n = 40) on the Exercise Dependence Scale, Bodybuilding Dependence Scale, and the Drive for Muscularity Scale. Results showed that bodybuilders and power lifters were significantly higher than fitness lifters on EDS Total, 7 EDS scales, and the 3 BDS scales. In contrast, power lifters were found to be significantly higher on DMS Total and DMS Behavior scales than bodybuilders. The regression results suggest that exercise dependence may be directly related to the drive for muscularity.     

Till depression do us part? Examining the prospective associations between depression and marital adjustment in older adults

IntroductionThe association between marital adjustment and depression in young couples is well established. However, little is known about the longitudinal associations between marital adjustment and depression in older adults.ObjectiveTo explore if such associations are significant in older adults and determine their direction of effects.MethodThe cross-sectional and 12-month prospective associations between diagnostic depression and marital adjustment in a representative sample of community-dwelling older adults (age ≥ 65 years, n = 847) from Quebec, Canada, were assessed through cross-lagged, multiple regression analyses.ResultsData suggest a cross-sectional association between marital adjustment and depression. As for longitudinal associations, marital adjustment predicted subsequent diagnostic depression but there was no support for the inverse path, suggesting a unidirectional relation between these variables.ConclusionWhile significant, the association between initial marital adjustment and later depression was weak. Based on our and previously reported findings, the importance of the prospective relations between marital quality and depression in older adults is discussed.     

P-E Fit as moderator of the accountability – employee reactions relationships: Convergent results across two samples

The current two-sample investigation, which incorporated Conservation of Resources (COR) and Person-Environment (P-E) fit theories, investigated the interaction effects of felt accountability × P-E fit on the work outcomes of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, depressed mood, and work intensity. Consistent with the conceptual underpinnings of felt accountability as either a threat or opportunity, satisfaction, work intensity, and organizational commitment increased in settings possessing both heightened answerability and high levels of P-E fit. Further, individuals reported a reduction in depressed mood when heightened accountability was coupled with high P-E fit perceptions. These findings were consistent across samples providing evidence of generalizability. Implications, strengths and limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.     

P-E Fit as moderator of the accountability – employee reactions relationships: Convergent results across two samples

The current two-sample investigation, which incorporated Conservation of Resources (COR) and Person-Environment (P-E) fit theories, investigated the interaction effects of felt accountability × P-E fit on the work outcomes of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, depressed mood, and work intensity. Consistent with the conceptual underpinnings of felt accountability as either a threat or opportunity, satisfaction, work intensity, and organizational commitment increased in settings possessing both heightened answerability and high levels of P-E fit. Further, individuals reported a reduction in depressed mood when heightened accountability was coupled with high P-E fit perceptions. These findings were consistent across samples providing evidence of generalizability. Implications, strengths and limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.     

The role of implicit and explicit components of exerciser self-schema in the prediction of exercise behaviour

ObjectivesThis study investigated implicit and explicit components of exerciser self-schema and their role in the prediction of exercise behaviour. In addition, the effect of implicit and explicit exerciser self-schema on intention to exercise was examined. Moderation and mediation effects involving exerciser self-schema, in both its implicit and explicit forms, were investigated.MethodMembers of fitness centres and other regular exercisers (N = 98, n_males = 37, n_females = 65) completed a written questionnaire to measure explicit exerciser self-schema and exercise intentions. An exercise Implicit Association Test (IAT) was also administered to measure implicit exerciser self-schema. Actual exercise occurrence was measured one week and two weeks following the initial testing phase.ResultsCorrelations indicated that implicit and explicit components of exerciser self-schema were related but distinct constructs. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that high levels of both implicit and explicit exerciser self-schema improved absolute levels of exercise behaviour. Regression analyses examining the possibility that self-schema moderated the intention–behaviour relationship were not significant for implicit or explicit forms of self-schema. Forced entry regression analyses provided evidence for explicit exerciser self-schema being mediated by intention in its relationship with behaviour.ConclusionsIt is beneficial to consider both implicit and explicit exerciser self-schema when attempting to understand and predict exercise behaviour. Both implicit and explicit exercise self-schema have a direct effect on behaviour, although explicit self-schema also indirectly influences behaviour via intention to exercise.     

Affective facial expression in sub-clinically depressed and non-depressed mothers during contingent and non-contingent face-to-face interactions with their infants

BackgroundDepression in the postpartum period involves feelings of sadness, anxiety and irritability, and attenuated feelings of pleasure and comfort with the infant. Even mild- to- moderate symptoms of depression seem to have an impact on caregivers affective availability and contingent responsiveness. The aim of the present study was to investigate non-depressed and sub-clinically depressed mothers interest and affective expression during contingent and non-contingent face-to-face interaction with their infant.MethodsThe study utilized a double video (DV) set-up. The mother and the infant were presented with live real-time video sequences, which allowed for mutually responsive interaction between the mother and the infant (Live contingent sequences), or replay sequences where the interaction was set out of phase (Replay non-contingent sequences). The DV set-up consisted of five sequences: Live1-Replay1-Live2-Replay2-Live3. Based on their scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the mothers were divided into a non-depressed and a sub-clinically depressed group (EPDS score ≥ 6).ResultsA three-way split-plot ANOVA showed that the sub-clinically depressed mothers displayed the same amount of positive and negative facial affect independent of the quality of the interaction with the infants. The non-depressed mothers displayed more positive facial affect during the non-contingent than the contingent interaction sequences, while there was no such effect for negative facial affect.ConclusionsThe results indicate that sub-clinically level depressive symptoms influence the mothers’ affective facial expression during early face-to-face interaction with their infants. One of the clinical implications is to consider even sub-clinical depressive symptoms as a risk factor for mother-infant relationship disturbances.