Social Responsiveness and Objectification: The Moderating Roles of Serotonin Transporter and Serotonin Receptor 2A Genotypes in an Objectification Theory Model of Disordered Eating

Feminist scholars have called for gender researchers to consider gene-environment interactions for gender-imbalanced disorders (Salk and Hyde Psychology of Women Quarterly, 36, 395–411, 2012). Responding to these calls, the present study integrates objectification theory (Fredrickson and Roberts Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21, 173–206, 1997) and genetic research. In the tested model, objectification experiences are associated with disordered eating through body surveillance and body shame, and serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) genotypes (5-HTTLPR and rs25531), serotonin 2A receptor SNP genotypes (HTR2A rs6311), and the epistatic interaction between those genotypes function as moderators. U.S. undergraduate women (n?=?526) completed self-reports of objectification, body surveillance, body shame, and disordered eating and donated buccal cells for genetic analyses. The association between objectification and disordered eating was mediated by body shame, but not body surveillance. The paths from objectification to both body surveillance and body shame were moderated by genotypes. The indirect effect of objectification on disordered eating through body shame was only present for SLC6A4 L′ and rs6311 G homozygotes. Our results are consistent with previous evidence that serotonin system genetic variation is associated with disordered eating risk. They provide evidence of a non-deterministic genetic effect that is context-dependent and subtle. These findings also reinforce efforts to develop personalized prevention and treatment approaches for eating disorders.

     

Six‐Month Trajectory of Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents with Borderline Personality Disorder

Few studies have longitudinally examined suicidal ideation in those with adolescent‐onset borderline personality disorder (BPD). The current study aimed to examine the trajectory of suicidal ideation in adolescents with BPD longitudinally over 6 months, with follow‐ups at 2, 4, and 6 months posthospitalization for elevated suicide risk. Results indicated that the BPD group exhibited a greater decrease in suicidal ideation in the months following hospitalization than those without a BPD diagnosis. The findings of this study indicated that suicidal ideation in adolescents with BPD is not stable, and although ideation may decrease quickly after hospitalization, regular assessment of ideation is recommended.     

Self-dehumanisation in severe alcohol use disorder: Links with self-stigma and environmental satisfaction

Metadehumanisation (i.e., the perception of being considered as less than human by others) is proposed to be widespread in stigmatised populations, such as people with severe alcohol use disorder (SAUD). However, the relations between metadehumanisation, self-dehumanisation (i.e., the self-perception of being less than human), and stigmatisation (i.e., the negative taint applied to some groups) remain unexplored. The aim of this research is thus to investigate the relations between these processes. Metadehumanisation, self-dehumanisation, self-stigma (and its subdimensions) and environmental satisfaction were assessed in 120 inpatients with SAUD and analysed in a mediational model. Stigma awareness was positively associated with metadehumanisation, whereas environmental satisfaction was negatively associated with metadehumanisation. Stigma's application to the self was associated with increased self-dehumanisation. Self-stigma and self-dehumanisation are closely intertwined phenomena. Self-dehumanisation seems to follow a multi-step process suggesting that some steps, such as dehumanisation awareness, are missing from current models of dehumanisation.