Deliberate Practice (DP) is widely associated with positive outcomes in skill-based contexts, prompting an investigation into its role in psychotherapists' management of challenging therapy...Show moreDeliberate Practice (DP) is widely associated with positive outcomes in skill-based contexts, prompting an investigation into its role in psychotherapists' management of challenging therapy scenarios for possible future implications into therapist training. This study delves into the intricacies of challenging therapy situations as recounted by psychotherapists and examines the influence of Deliberate Practice (DP) on the themes of these situations and therapists' sentiments. A total of 254 participants engaged in the study via an online survey, facilitated by various psychotherapy organizations, each representing different therapeutic frameworks. The survey, utilizing a mixed-methods approach, encompassed closed and open-ended questions. Participants DP levels were assessed using the Deliberate Practice Scale, while thematic analysis provided a rich comprehension of the qualitative data. The results indicate that there is no relationship between the number of hours a participant spent in DP and the themes they describe as challenging. Next to this, a relationship between confidence and number of hours in DP was found. The nature of the relationship revealed that the more hours a participant spent in DP, the less confident they were. Participants regardless of their DP engagement, described similar themes as challenging. However, a negative relationship between confidence and DP hours surfaced, prompting speculation about potential explanations such as impostor syndrome, burnout, and perfectionism. This correlation underscores the complexity of psychotherapists' experiences and asks for further in-depth exploration.Show less
Background: Poor parental bonding experiences have been associated with the development of hazardous alcohol use. University students are a group especially at risk to engage in risky drinking...Show moreBackground: Poor parental bonding experiences have been associated with the development of hazardous alcohol use. University students are a group especially at risk to engage in risky drinking patterns. In this study, the mediational role of anxiety on the relationship between parental bonding and alcohol use in university students was investigated. Methods: University students (N=213) completed an online survey measuring their parental bonding style (affectionate constraint, affectionless control, optimal parenting, and neglectful parenting) using the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). Moreover, anxiety symptoms were measured with the Becks Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and level of alcohol use was measured with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Results: Parental bonding significantly predicted anxiety, indicating that an optimal parental bond was negatively related to anxiety symptoms. No significant association between parental bonding and alcohol use was found. Besides that, anxiety and alcohol use showed no significant association. Moreover, no significant mediation effect of anxiety on the relationship between parental bonding and alcohol use was found. Conclusions: The current study highlights the risk of poor parenting for the possible development of anxiety. The knowledge gained by this study is relevant to the issue of preventing possible negative psychological effects of poor parental bonding styles.Show less
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is associated with increased levels of suicide ideation, as well as being highly comorbid with depression. Nonetheless, research on sleep characteristics and...Show moreBorderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is associated with increased levels of suicide ideation, as well as being highly comorbid with depression. Nonetheless, research on sleep characteristics and suicidality in personality psychopathology remains understudied. Hence, this study analyzed the connection between BPD, eveningness chronotype (i.e. delayed sleep-wake pattern), depression and suicide ideation. It was expected that eveningness would significantly elevate suicide risk in the BPD population and that depression would control for some of the variance but not hinder the moderation of eveningness. This research drew upon data from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). A subset of 1713 eligible participants was selected, among whom 246 were diagnosed with BPD. Questionnaires included the Personality Disorder Questionnaire (PDQ4+), the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ), the Beck Suicidal Ideation questionnaire (BSI) and the Composite Interview Diagnostic Instrument (CIDI). Multiple tests were conducted, such as linear regressions and two simple moderation analyzes using the PROCESS extension by Hayes. Results demonstrated that: (a) BPD significantly predicted suicide ideation (b = .62, p < .001); (b) eveningness did not significantly moderate the relation between BPD and suicide ideation; (c) eveningness did not significantly predict suicide ideation with or without controlling for depression; and lastly (d) depression contributed to the explained variance in the elevation of suicide ideation (b = .67, p < .001). To explore the impact of sleep disturbances on suicide ideation, future research should focus on Delayed Sleep Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD) and insomnia since they have been both linked to BPD, eveningness and suicide ideation.Show less
The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences have caused fear, anxiety and panic world wide. This study aimed to investigate how university students’ academic stress levels and hopelessness are...Show moreThe COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences have caused fear, anxiety and panic world wide. This study aimed to investigate how university students’ academic stress levels and hopelessness are related during the pandemic. The sample of the study consisted of 139 Dutch and International University students at a Dutch University, with a mean age of 21.15 years old. Their COVID-19 fear, study-related stress and hopelessness levels were measured with the use of 3 scales: The Fear of COVID-19 Scale, The Law Student Perceived Stress Scale and The Leiden Index of Depression Sensitivity (Hopelessness subscale). Hopelessness was positively related to study-related stress (β= .32, t=3.89, p < .001), and COVID-19 related fears was positively related to study-related stress (β= .42, t=5.48, p < .001). No significant association was found between COVID-19 related fears and hopelessness (β= .10, t=1.13, p=.261). The pandemic and its consequences have taken a toll on students, and their levels of academic stress, however their reported COVID-19 fears are lower than previous research has shown. This difference could be accounted for by variables such as date of research, age of respondents and cultural aspects.Show less
University students experience heightened sleep disturbances and anxiety symptoms, which may lead to a decrease of life satisfaction. Research suggests that there are apparent associations between...Show moreUniversity students experience heightened sleep disturbances and anxiety symptoms, which may lead to a decrease of life satisfaction. Research suggests that there are apparent associations between sleep disturbances, life satisfaction, and anxiety symptoms. Previous studies have assessed the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on the reduction of sleep outcomes in university students, but the present study is the first one to incorporate various therapeutic approaches (CBT for insomnia, mindfulness, lifestyle guidance) into one short and cost-effective treatment protocol tailored to university students. This study assesses the effectiveness of such group sleep-mood intervention. It is hypothesised that the intervention, compared to a waiting-list group, will enhance life satisfaction and reduce anxiety symptoms in a sample of university students suffering from sleep disturbances. Participants (n = 35) were randomised into intervention group and waitlist control group, with pre- and post- testing on life satisfaction, anxiety symptoms, and insomnia. The intervention group consisted of four weekly therapy sessions. Results showed no significant time x group allocation interaction for quality of life and anxiety. Higher life satisfaction was associated with less sleep disturbances at post-intervention. Although not significant, the findings follow the correct trend and future research should replicate this study with a larger sample size. The current study points to the need to implement and utilise effective interventions for university students to maintain their psychological well-being and life satisfaction.Show less
Previous research indicates that social isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic can lead to increased loneliness among university students. These feelings of loneliness can give rise to suicide...Show morePrevious research indicates that social isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic can lead to increased loneliness among university students. These feelings of loneliness can give rise to suicide ideation. Furthermore, research also demonstrates that high social support might weaken this association. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate if increased loneliness predicts suicide ideation among university students and if family and peer support weaken this association. 137 University students over the age of 18 partook in an online survey. To examine whether increased loneliness predicts the presence of suicide ideation, a logistic regression analysis was used. The moderating role of social support was assessed with a moderation analysis. Results indicated that increased loneliness successfully predicts the presence of suicide ideation among university students, which is in line with previous research. However, contrary to existing literature, the moderation analysis yielded nonsignificant results. This means that social support does not weaken the association between loneliness and suicide ideation. This inconsistency might be influenced by the assessment method and the moderation model used. Future research should examine the moderating role of social support in the association between loneliness and suicide ideation and the potential long-term effects the Covid-19 pandemic might have on university students’ mental health.Show less
Alcohol use among university students is a major public health concern. Especially those with preexisting mental health problems show signs of problem drinking. In times of COVID-19, the switch to...Show moreAlcohol use among university students is a major public health concern. Especially those with preexisting mental health problems show signs of problem drinking. In times of COVID-19, the switch to online learning, social distancing measures, and fears related to the coronavirus put a strain on students’ mental health. This study investigated whether higher COVID-19-related fears are associated with higher alcohol use in students and if study-related stress mediates this relationship. Additionally, it was predicted that students drank more because of internal motives rather than external motives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to identify points for intervention in order to prevent problem drinking in the student population. 139 responses of students from Leiden University to an online survey were analyzed. The questionnaires administered included the Alcohol Use Disorders Inventory Test 3 (AUDIT), Drinking Motives Questionnaire (DMQ), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and Law Student Perceived Stress Scale (LSPSS). Simple linear regression analyses and a pairedsamples t-test were used to analyze the data. The results showed that neither COVID-19-related fears nor study-related stress were significant predictors of alcohol use. However, COVID-19- related fears significantly predicted study-related stress. Lastly, students were more motivated by internal than external motives to drink. Interventions should target COVID-19-related fears and study-related stress to decrease the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the academic achievement of students. Additionally, internal motives for drinking need to be targeted to decrease and/or prevent problem drinking in this population.Show less
Study-stress is a common issue in the student population. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, old and new stressors have been investigated, including insomnia, loneliness, hopelessness and fear of covid...Show moreStudy-stress is a common issue in the student population. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, old and new stressors have been investigated, including insomnia, loneliness, hopelessness and fear of covid-19. Therefore, this study examined the correlates of study-stress in students during the pandemic. The sample consisted of 139 participants of the University of Leiden, from the age of 18 years or older who speak fluently Dutch or English. An online survey was distributed, assessing general information such as living situation as well as mental health. For this, five scales were used, including the Study-related perceived stress: Law Student Perceived Stress Scale, the Insomnia Severity Index, the De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale, the Hopelessness: Subscale from the Leiden Index Depression Sensitivity and the COVID – related fear and problem scale. Regression analysis showed that insomnia, loneliness and fear of covid-19 were significantly correlated with study stress. Secondly, an exploratory model was built by a forward selection regression, finding that loneliness was the most significant predictor of study stress, followed by fear of covid-19 and insomnia. When controlling for living alone during the pandemic and being a first-year, living alone was a significant predictor in our study. Regardless, insomnia, loneliness and fear of covid-19 remained significant. In order to improve the situation for students and the adverse effects of insomnia, loneliness, fear of covid-19 and living alone on study-stress, we recommend further research on the variables included especially on their direct (behavioural) consequence.Show less
Research findings indicate a link between high and chronic levels of psychological stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Internal psychological resources appear to protect against the...Show moreResearch findings indicate a link between high and chronic levels of psychological stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Internal psychological resources appear to protect against the effect of stressful events on depressive and anxiety psychopathologies. Parental overprotection and care appear to contribute to the formation of such psychological resources (e.g. core schemas, resilience and coping responses, and emotional competence). The study aimed to further investigate the relationships between (1) care or overprotection, (2) depressive or anxiety symptoms, and (3) perceived study-related stress in university students. We hypothesized that perceived study-related stress mediates the relationship between care or overprotection and anxiety or depressive symptoms. Data was collected via an online self-report questionnaire with 138 Leiden University students. Measurements of assessment included Parental Bonding Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Law Student Perceived Stress Scale. Analyses included separate simple linear regressions and simple mediation analyses. Overprotection was positively associated with anxiety symptoms. Care was negatively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Perceived study-related stress mediated the relationships between care and depressive or anxiety symptoms. No association was found between overprotection and perceived study-related stress. Further research with a longitudinal design and larger, more representative samples is needed to replicate these findings and verify their causal order. The effect of overprotection on stress and symptom levels may be investigated in combination with care. Clinical work may address cognitive variables derived from parental bonding experiences that contribute to higher levels of academic stress and depressive or anxiety symptomatology among university students.Show less
Once transitioning to University, students have elevated levels of both alcohol consumption and loneliness compared to the rest of the population. Additionally, after the outbreak of Covid-19 in...Show moreOnce transitioning to University, students have elevated levels of both alcohol consumption and loneliness compared to the rest of the population. Additionally, after the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020, the total population experienced higher loneliness and some were more likely to cope with alcohol. This study examined the associations between Covid-19-related fear, loneliness, alcohol use, and the protective role of virtual communication on loneliness during the Covid-19 pandemic. 141 students from Leiden University in the Netherlands reported their levels of Covid-19-related fear, loneliness, quantity and motives of alcohol consumption, and extent of virtual communication through self-report. Fear of the virus was not associated with loneliness or problematic alcohol consumption, but higher loneliness was associated with reduced drinking. Students that kept more contact with loved ones via digital media experienced lower loneliness. Generally, significant differences emerged between Dutch and international students, the latter of which scored worse on most outcomes. In conclusion, this study’s results suggest that students’ alcohol consumption is high yet differs from adult drinking behaviour in that it has an underlying social, not coping, motive. Moreover, international students seem to be particularly vulnerable suggesting the need for an improved care system. Altogether, the results identified important outlets for future research exploring social components underlying students’ alcohol consumption and the gap between international and native students. Further research may address the protective effect of virtual communication to potentially reduce loneliness in students as well as in the general population during exceptional circumstances like a pandemic.Show less
Background: Functioning and treatment outcome of persons with a major depressive disorder (MDD) is not only impacted by comorbid anxiety disorders, but also by comorbid anxiety symptoms not...Show moreBackground: Functioning and treatment outcome of persons with a major depressive disorder (MDD) is not only impacted by comorbid anxiety disorders, but also by comorbid anxiety symptoms not fulfilling the DSM-criteria for an anxiety disorders. Previous findings suggest that MDD in older age may differ in symptom profile with respect to anxiety symptomatology, with higher rates of anxiety in older age. However, findings remain inconsistent. Considering its clinical relevance further insight into symptom profiles of depression with anxiety symptomatology across the lifespan is needed. This study examined if and to what extent anxiety symptomatology in persons with MDD differs across age groups in the general population, as research in the general population is largely lacking and previous research mostly refers to clinical samples. Method: Data were derived from a large, general population cohort study, the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study-2 (NEMESIS-2). Selected were 365 subjects (aged 21-72 years) with a MDD episode, of any duration, during three years prior to baseline (e.g. a 3-year MDD). To analyse impact of age on symptom profile, logistic regression analyses were conducted examining the association between age and presence of symptoms, including MDD and anxiety symptoms, using items derived from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 (CIDI 3.0). Results: Overall, logistic regression analyses did not yield significant results with regard to a different association of symptomatology in older persons with MDD, as compared to younger age. Only older age was more strongly associated with feeling anxious (OR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.22– 3.97) in comparison to younger age. Conclusion: In general, anxiety symptomatology in depressed persons does not differ across the lifespan. However, we demonstrated that feeling anxious has been found to increase over the lifespan. Since this more anxious presentation in older depressed persons may blur the underlying MDD, attention from clinicians is required to be aware that depression in later-life can present itself with more anxious feelings.Show less
