Restrictive eating is common and associated with negative psychological outcomes across the life span and eating disorder (ED) severity levels. Little is known about functional processes that maintain restriction, especially outside of narrow diagnostic categories (e.g., anorexia nervosa). Here, we extend research on operant four-function models (identifying automatic negative, automatic positive, social negative, and social positive reinforcement functions) that have previously been applied to nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), binge eating, and purging to restricting. We assessed restrictive eating functions in three samples: clinically heterogeneous adolescents (Study 1: N = 457), transdiagnostic adults (Study 2: N = 145), and adults with acute or recently weight-restored anorexia nervosa (Study 3: N = 45). Study 1 indicated the four-function model was a good fit for restricting (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = .06, Tucker-Lewis index [TLI] = .88). This factor structure replicated in Study 2 (comparative fit index [CFI] = .97, RMSEA = .07, TLI = .97, standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = .09). Unlike NSSI, binge eating, and purging, which have been found to primarily serve automatic negative reinforcement functions, all three present studies found automatic positive reinforcement was most highly endorsed (by up to 85% of participants). In Studies 1 and 3, automatic functions were associated with poorer emotion regulation (ps < .05). In Study 1, social functions were associated with less social support (ps < .001). Across studies, automatic functions were associated with greater restriction ps < .05). Functions varied slightly by ED diagnosis. Across ED presentation, severity, and developmental stage, restrictive eating may be largely maintained by automatic positive reinforcement, with some variability across presentations. Continued examination of restrictive eating functions will establish processes that maintain restriction, allowing more precise treatment targeting for these problematic behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Mentorship is critical for early career success. However, many barriers to mentorship exist, including inadequate supply of advanced mentors, inconsistent mentorship quality, and diverse mentorship needs. Additionally, few training experiences provide an opportunity to learn effective mentorship techniques. Vertical peer mentorship programs provide one solution to these pitfalls; slightly more advanced early career professionals (e.g., post-doctoral fellows) provide mentorship to more junior colleagues (e.g., graduate students), permitting mentorship and mentorship training in one dyad. Here, we detail the process of developing and refining an early career vertical peer mentorship program within a subspecialty of psychology. Initial evaluation data the first four years of the program (n=109 respondents) indicate that the program was highly acceptable (M=8.22, SD=4.25 on a 10-point scale) and productive (producing >25 manuscripts published or under review and >21 conference abstracts) during that time. This manuscript provides one model for developing a successful vertical peer mentorship program.
Background: LDL cholesterol can either be calculated or measured directly. Clinical guidelines recommend using calculated LDL to guide therapy, as the evidence base for lipid management is derived almost exclusively from trials using calculated LDL, with direct measurement of LDL being reserved for those not fasting or significant hypertriglyceridemia. Our aim was to determine the clinical equivalence of directly measured LDL and fasting calculated LDL. Design: Eighty-one subjects had at least 1 calculated and direct LDL performed simultaneously; 64 had a repeat lipid assessment after 4 to 6 weeks of therapy, resulting in 145 pairs of calculated and direct LDL. Correlation between direct and calculated LDL was determined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The relationship between direct and calculated LDL was also evaluated from a clinical perspective. Direct and calculated LDL were considered “clinically concordant” when the difference between calculated and direct LDL fulfilled 3 criteria: 1) < 6% difference (incremental LDL lowering provided by 1 titration of statin dose, e.g. simvastatin 20 to 40 mg), 2) < 10 mg/dL difference, and 3) placement in the same ATP III LDL cut points (e.g. <100, 100-129). Direct and calculated LDL were considered “clinically discordant” when the difference between calculated and direct LDL fulfilled 3 criteria: 1) ≥ 12% difference (incremental LDL lowering provided by 2 statin titration steps, e.g. from simvastatin 20 to 80 mg), 2) ≥ 10 mg/dL difference, and 3) placement in different ATP III LDL cut points. Results: There was significant correlation between direct and calculated LDL(r=0.93). Clinical concordance between calculated and direct LDL was present in 40% of patients. Clinical discordance was noted in 25% of patients. One-third of patients had > 15 mg/dL difference between direct and calculated LDL, while 25% had > 20 mg/dL difference. In 47% of subjects, the difference between direct and calculated LDL at baseline and follow-up changed by a minimum of 10% or 10 mg/dL. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that directly measured LDL is not clinically equivalent to calculated LDL. This puts into question the current recommendation of using direct LDL in situations where calculated LDL would be inaccurate.
Abstract Objective Dieting and unhealthy weight control behaviors have been associated with negative outcomes. Most research has examined the prevalence of these behaviors in adolescence and young adulthood. Less is known about whether they persist further into adulthood. We examined patterns of weight control behaviors beyond young adulthood using data from 1,455 males and females participating in Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults), a 15‐year population‐based, longitudinal study. Method Participants completed surveys assessing dieting, high‐frequency dieting (i.e., 5+ times/year), unhealthy weight control (e.g., fasting), and extreme weight control (e.g., vomiting) at each 5‐year assessment (Waves 1–4). Longitudinal logistic regression models tested trends in weight control behaviors across the waves. Likelihood of persisting or discontinuing each behavior from Wave 3 to Wave 4 was examined through cross tabulations. Results Between Waves 3 and 4 in adulthood, dieting increased for both genders (Women: p < .001; Men: p = .004) and high‐frequency dieting ( p < .001) and unhealthy weight control behaviors ( p = .011) increased for men. For both genders, dieting and unhealthy weight control patterns initiated in prior to young adulthood were more likely to persist than cease in adulthood ( p s < .001). Discussion Weight control behaviors continue to be prevalent in adulthood, and to especially increase among men. Research is needed to understand the consequences of weight control behaviors in different life stages; however, the results suggest that interventions to decrease unhealthy weight management practices may be needed well into adulthood.
Abstract Objective Eating disordered (ED) behaviors (i.e., binge eating, compensatory behaviors, restrictive eating) and nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI; intentional and nonsuicidal self‐harm) are highly comorbid and share several similarities, including consequent pain and physical damage. However, whereas NSSI is considered direct self‐harm, ED behaviors are considered indirect self‐harm. These distinctions stem from theoretical understanding that NSSI is enacted to cause physical harm in the moment, whereas ED behaviors are enacted for other reasons, with consequent physical harm occurring downstream of the behaviors. We sought to build on these theoretically informed classifications by assessing a range of self‐harming intentions across NSSI and ED behaviors. Method Study recruitment was conducted via online forums. After screening for inclusion criteria, 151 adults reported on their intent to and knowledge of causing physical harm in the short‐ and long‐term and suicide and death related cognitions and intentions when engaging in NSSI and specific ED behaviors. Results Participants reported engaging in ED and NSSI behaviors with intent to hurt themselves physically in the moment and long‐term, alongside thoughts of suicide, and with some hope and knowledge of dying sooner due to these behaviors. Distinctions across behaviors also emerged. Participants reported greater intent to cause physical harm in the moment via NSSI and in the long‐run via restrictive eating. NSSI and restrictive eating were associated with stronger endorsement of most suicide and death‐related intentions than binge eating or compensatory behaviors. Conclusions Findings shed light on classification of self‐harming behaviors, casting doubt that firm boundaries differentiate direct and indirectly self‐harming behaviors.
Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills coaching is desirable for staff in psychiatric settings, due to the efficacy of DBT in treating difficult patient populations. In such settings, training resources are typically limited, and staff turnover is high, necessitating brief training. This study evaluated the effects of a brief training in DBT skills coaching for nursing staff working in a child and adolescent psychiatric residential program. Nursing staff (n = 22) completed assessments of DBT skill knowledge, burnout, and stigma towards patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) before and after a six-week DBT skills coaching training. Repeated measure ANOVAs were conducted to examine changes on all measures from pre- to post- treatment and hierarchical linear regressions to examine relationships between pre- training DBT knowledge, burnout, and BPD stigma and these same measures post-training. The brief DBT skill coaching training significantly increased DBT knowledge (p = .007) and decreased staff personal (p = .02) and work (p = .03) burnout and stigma towards BPD patients (p = .02). Burnout indices and BPD stigma were highly correlated at both time points (p < .001); however, while pre-training BPD stigma significantly predicted post-training client burnout (p = .04), pre-training burnout did not predict post-training BPD stigma. These findings suggest that brief training of psychiatric nursing staff in DBT skills and coaching techniques can result in significant benefits, including reduced staff burnout and stigma toward patients with BPD-related problems, and that reducing BPD stigma may particularly promote lower burnout.
