International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

27 pages, 363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Differences in Psychological Symptoms and Psychotherapeutic Processes in Japanese Children

by Toshio Kawai, Yuka Suzuki, Chihiro Hatanaka, Hisae Konakawa, Yasuhiro Tanaka and Aya Uchida

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 9113; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17239113 - 06 Dec 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2659

Gender differences have been documented in the prevalence of psychological symptoms. Tic disorders and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more common in male clinical samples, while selective mutism and trichotillomania are more common in female clinical samples. In a review of 84 published [...] Read more.

Gender differences have been documented in the prevalence of psychological symptoms. Tic disorders and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more common in male clinical samples, while selective mutism and trichotillomania are more common in female clinical samples. In a review of 84 published case studies of Japanese children, this study explored gender differences in the prevalence of four categories of symptoms and expressions made in therapy for tics, selective mutism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and trichotillomania. Case studies were evaluated using both qualitative coding and statistical analysis. The findings were mostly consistent with epidemiological surveys and empirical research on adults. The gender differences in symptom prevalence and their expression could be summarized as differences in more direct aggression for boys versus indirect aggression for girls. The objective and progress in the therapy were to control impulsive energy for boys and to express energy for girls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Differences in Emotions, Cognition, and Behavior)

22 pages, 1874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotion Elicitation Under Audiovisual Stimuli Reception: Should Artificial Intelligence Consider the Gender Perspective?

by Marian Blanco-Ruiz, Clara Sainz-de-Baranda, Laura Gutiérrez-Martín, Elena Romero-Perales and Celia López-Ongil

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8534; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228534 - 17 Nov 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3844

Abstract

Identification of emotions triggered by different sourced stimuli can be applied to automatic systems that help, relieve or protect vulnerable groups of population. The selection of the best stimuli allows to train these artificial intelligence-based systems in a more efficient and precise manner [...] Read more.

Identification of emotions triggered by different sourced stimuli can be applied to automatic systems that help, relieve or protect vulnerable groups of population. The selection of the best stimuli allows to train these artificial intelligence-based systems in a more efficient and precise manner in order to discern different risky situations, characterized either by panic or fear emotions, in a clear and accurate way. The presented research study has produced a dataset of audiovisual stimuli (UC3M4Safety database) that triggers a complete range of emotions, with a high level of agreement and with a discrete emotional categorization, as well as quantitative categorization in the Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance Affective space. This database is adequate for the machine learning algorithms contained in these automatic systems. Furthermore, this work analyses the effects of gender in the emotion elicitation under audiovisual stimuli, which can help to better design the final solution. Particularly, the focus is set on emotional responses to audiovisual stimuli reproducing situations experienced by women, such as gender-based violence. A statistical study of gender differences in emotional response was carried out on 1332 participants (811 women and 521 men). The average responses per video is around 84 (SD = 22). Data analysis was carried out with RStudio^®. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Differences in Emotions, Cognition, and Behavior)

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14 pages, 6562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Effect on Political Leaders’ Nonverbal Communicative Structure during the COVID-19 Crisis

by Tsfira Grebelsky-Lichtman and Roy Katz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 7789; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217789 - 24 Oct 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4605

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been intense interest in political leaders’ nonverbal communicative structures (NCS) during televised appearances. This study analyzes the effect of gender on leaders’ NCS and presents theoretical and analytical frameworks of gendered NCS. We analyzed 20 televised appearances [...] Read more.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been intense interest in political leaders’ nonverbal communicative structures (NCS) during televised appearances. This study analyzes the effect of gender on leaders’ NCS and presents theoretical and analytical frameworks of gendered NCS. We analyzed 20 televised appearances by 10 heads of state (five males and five females) from democratic Western countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings revealed that gender had a significant effect on leaders’ NCS, indicating that leaders presented NCS that corresponded to their gender. Male leaders’ masculine NCS included competition, warning, threatening, and scaring behavior, broad proxemics, tension leakage, and illustrative gestures, while female leaders presented feminine NCS of cooperativeness, emotional communication, empathy, optimism, eye contact, and flexible expressions. Furthermore, the effect of gender on leaders’ NCS had an interaction effect with the situation of the pandemic, indicating that countries with a female leader had fewer diseased and severe cases and more calmness and healing NCS. The conclusions present theoretical and analytical frameworks that explain the central effect of gender on contemporary leaders’ NCS. This study develops advanced distinctive profiles for male versus female leaders’ NCS of emotions, cognition, and behavior during a crisis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Differences in Emotions, Cognition, and Behavior)

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13 pages, 1858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recognizing Emotions through Facial Expressions: A Largescale Experimental Study

by Artemisa R. Dores, Fernando Barbosa, Cristina Queirós, Irene P. Carvalho and Mark D. Griffiths

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(20), 7420; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207420 - 12 Oct 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5680

Abstract

Experimental research examining emotional processes is typically based on the observation of images with affective content, including facial expressions. Future studies will benefit from databases with emotion-inducing stimuli in which characteristics of the stimuli potentially influencing results can be controlled. This study presents [...] Read more.

Experimental research examining emotional processes is typically based on the observation of images with affective content, including facial expressions. Future studies will benefit from databases with emotion-inducing stimuli in which characteristics of the stimuli potentially influencing results can be controlled. This study presents Portuguese normative data for the identification of seven facial expressions of emotions (plus a neutral face), on the Radboud Faces Database (RaFD). The effect of participants’ gender and models’ sex on emotion recognition was also examined. Participants (N = 1249) were exposed to 312 pictures of white adults displaying emotional and neutral faces with a frontal gaze. Recognition agreement between the displayed and participants’ chosen expressions ranged from 69% (for anger) to 97% (for happiness). Recognition levels were significantly higher among women than among men only for anger and contempt. The emotion recognition was higher either in female models or in male models depending on the emotion. Overall, the results show high recognition levels of the facial expressions presented, indicating that the RaFD provides adequate stimuli for studies examining the recognition of facial expressions of emotion among college students. Participants’ gender had a limited influence on emotion recognition, but the sex of the model requires additional consideration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Differences in Emotions, Cognition, and Behavior)

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13 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Differences in the Impact of Intergenerational Support on Depressive Symptoms among Older Adults in Korea

by Kyungwon Choi, Gyeong-Suk Jeon and Kwang-Sim Jang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4380; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124380 - 18 Jun 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2443

Abstract

Background: This study examined the relationship between intergenerational support patterns and depressive symptoms among older men and women in Korea. Methods: A nationally representative survey of non-institutionalized, community-dwelling older adults in Korea was used. A total of 7531 older adults (3592 [...] Read more.

Background: This study examined the relationship between intergenerational support patterns and depressive symptoms among older men and women in Korea. Methods: A nationally representative survey of non-institutionalized, community-dwelling older adults in Korea was used. A total of 7531 older adults (3592 men and 3939 women) was included in the analysis. Results: We observed gender differences in the impact of financial support exchanges on depressive symptoms. A lack of mutual financial support significantly increased the risk of depressive symptoms by 3.83 times (95% CI 2.34–6.24) in men and 1.73 times (95% CI 1.06–2.83) in women. Men who received financial support were more likely to experience depressive symptoms (OR (Odds Ratio), 1.81, 95% CI 1.36–2.42), whereas women who provided financial support were more likely to experience depressive symptoms (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.21–6.56). The lack of an exchange of emotional support was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in both men (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.17–1.90) and women (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.50–2.34). Conclusions: We discuss the evidence of gender differences in intergenerational support exchange patterns and their impact on depressive symptoms within the context of Korean cultures and suggest that future research should be conducted on gender differences in the impact of intergenerational support on mental health across diverse societies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Differences in Emotions, Cognition, and Behavior)

11 pages, 1667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of 1-Hz rTMS on Emotional Behavior and Dendritic Complexity of Mature and Newly Generated Dentate Gyrus Neurons in Male Mice

by Marco Cambiaghi, Rosalia Crupi, Erick Larios Bautista, Amir Elsamadisi, Wasib Malik, Helen Pozdniakova, Zhiyong Han, Mario Buffelli and Fortunato Battaglia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 4074; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17114074 - 08 Jun 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2775

Abstract

Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (1-Hz rTMS) is a promising noninvasive tool for the treatment of depression. Hippocampal neuronal plasticity is thought to play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of depressive disorders and the mechanism of action of antidepressant treatments. We investigated [...] Read more.

Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (1-Hz rTMS) is a promising noninvasive tool for the treatment of depression. Hippocampal neuronal plasticity is thought to play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of depressive disorders and the mechanism of action of antidepressant treatments. We investigated the effect of 1-Hz rTMS treatment on hippocampal dentate gyrus structural plasticity and related emotional behaviors modifications. Experimentally, adult male mice received either five days of 1-Hz rTMS or Sham stimulation. After stimulation, the mice underwent a battery of tests for anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors. We also tested the effect of treatment on mature and newly generated granule cell dendritic complexity. Our data showed that 1-Hz rTMS induced structural plasticity in mature granule cells, as evidenced by increased dendritic length and number of intersections. However, the stimulation did not increase the proliferation of the dentate gyrus progenitor cells. On the contrary, the stimulated mice showed increased dendritic complexity of newly generated neurons. Moreover, 1-Hz rTMS resulted in antidepressant-like effects in the tail suspension test, but it did not affect anxiety-like behaviors. Therefore, our results indicate that 1-Hz rTMS modulates dentate gyrus morphological plasticity in mature and newly generated neurons. Furthermore, our data provide some evidence of an association between the antidepressant-like activity of 1-Hz rTMS and structural plasticity in the hippocampus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Differences in Emotions, Cognition, and Behavior)

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11 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Networking Site Usage and Its’ Impact on Depressive Symptoms among Older Men and Women in South Korea

by Gyeong-Suk Jeon, Kyung-Won Choi and Kwang-Sim Jang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(8), 2670; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082670 - 13 Apr 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2739

Abstract

Background: We examined the rate of social networking site (SNS) usage and the relationship between SNS usage and depressive symptoms among older men and women in South Korea. Methods: The data were obtained from the Living Profiles of Older People Survey [...] Read more.

Background: We examined the rate of social networking site (SNS) usage and the relationship between SNS usage and depressive symptoms among older men and women in South Korea. Methods: The data were obtained from the Living Profiles of Older People Survey (LPOPS), which comprises a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized Korean older adults living in the community. A total of 10,073 older persons (4286 men and 5787 women) were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 26.0% of the total study population reported to use social network sites. Of the men and women, 32.6 and 21.1%, respectively, used SNS. A higher educational level and higher equivalent household income, lower number of chronic illnesses, no limitation in daily activities, living with others, and having good relationships with friends and neighbors were associated with higher SNS usage among older men and women. SNS usage was significantly associated with reduced depression scores in older men, but not in women. Conclusions: The difference in SNS usage between older men and women might be partially explained by differential exposure to digital technologies and disadvantages in education and economic opportunities. Education programs for digitalization and opportunities to engage with technology need to be provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Differences in Emotions, Cognition, and Behavior)

16 pages, 379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Exploratory Study of Adult Baby-Diaper Lovers’ Characteristics in an Italian Online Sample

by Antonietta Lasala, Francesco Paparo, Vincenzo Paolo Senese and Raffaella Perrella

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(4), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041371 - 20 Feb 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 10398

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of the Adult Baby-Diaper Lovers (ABDL) phenomena is quite recent and there are, of yet, few studies on this phenomenon. Aim: This study was conceived to investigate the functions of ABDL behaviours and the characteristics of ABDL in an online Italian [...] Read more.

Background: Knowledge of the Adult Baby-Diaper Lovers (ABDL) phenomena is quite recent and there are, of yet, few studies on this phenomenon. Aim: This study was conceived to investigate the functions of ABDL behaviours and the characteristics of ABDL in an online Italian community sample. We hypothesized that ABDL phenomena were associated with general psychological maladjustment and with an experience of parental rejection during childhood. It was also assumed that there would be differences in ABDL profiles based on the age of appearance of their first Adult Baby-Diaper Lover (ABDL) fantasies. Method: An internet-based study was conducted and it involved 38 adults aged between 18 and 74 years (M = 34.95; SD = 12.25). Participants were first given an ad hoc questionnaire, which was devised to obtain information about the anamnestic variables related to ABDL. Then, the participants filled out the Cognitive Behaviour Assessment 2.0 battery to obtain anamnestic information regarding their psychological, medical, and personal history and to evaluate primary psychological dimensions in clinical practice. Finally, they filled out the Adult Parental Acceptance–Rejection Questionnaire, to evaluate their recollections of parental perceived rejection, and the Personality Assessment Questionnaire, to evaluate the primary psychological aspects related to parental rejection. Results: The data indicated that adults with ABDL showed the presence of anxious traits and recollections of parental rejection during childhood. Moreover, associations were observed between current or previous ABDL phenomena enuresis and negative mood states. Conclusion: Specific kinds of parental modes, anxiety traits, and enuresis seem to be the source of ABDL interests. Moreover, ADBL behaviours seem to assume different functions and meanings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Differences in Emotions, Cognition, and Behavior)

11 pages, 662 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hyperarousal Scale: Italian Cultural Validation, Age and Gender Differences in a Nonclinical Population

by Antonio Bruno, Amelia Rizzo, Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello, Laura Celebre, Maria Catena Silvestri, Rocco Antonio Zoccali and Carmela Mento

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(4), 1176; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041176 - 12 Feb 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2681

Abstract

Objectives. Studies on hyperarousal have increasingly developed in the last decade. Nevertheless, there are still very few valid measures of hyperarousal. The aim of the study is to verify the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Hyperarousal Scale (H-Scale), in order [...] Read more.

Objectives. Studies on hyperarousal have increasingly developed in the last decade. Nevertheless, there are still very few valid measures of hyperarousal. The aim of the study is to verify the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Hyperarousal Scale (H-Scale), in order to provide researchers with a valid measure for the target population. Method. The questionnaire was translated, back-translated, pre-tested, and cross-culturally adapted. Subsequently, the Italian version of the H-Scale, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI-3) and the Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) were administered to 982 adults, 456 males and 526 females, aged from 18 to 80 years (M = 35.61 ± 12.47). Results. Cronbach’s alpha of the translated H-Scale was 0.81. Furthermore, positive correlations with the ASI-3 and negative correlations with the SF-36 emerged. The H-Scale is also sensitive to catch age and gender differences. Conclusions. The Italian version of the H-Scale demonstrated good reliability and validity. Its sufficient discriminative and evaluative psychometric properties provide the theoretical evidence for further application in evidence-based research studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Differences in Emotions, Cognition, and Behavior)

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