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A comprehensive assessment of personality traits and psychosocial functioning in parents with bipolar disorder and their intimate partners

Title:

A comprehensive assessment of personality traits and psychosocial functioning in parents with bipolar disorder and their intimate partners

Serravalle, Lisa (2019) A comprehensive assessment of personality traits and psychosocial functioning in parents with bipolar disorder and their intimate partners. Masters thesis, Concordia University.

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Abstract

Objectives. Little is known about the intimate partners of adults with bipolar disorder (BD). Such knowledge is needed to inform both couple and family interventions. Methods. Participants were parents whose children were enrolled in a prospective study: 55 with BD and their partners, and 47 healthy control couples. All completed diagnostic interviews, and questionnaires describing personality traits, negative life events, coping skills, social support, marital adjustment and inter-partner verbal aggression. Parents with BD and healthy control parents were compared, as were the intimate partners. A series of analyses focused on the average measures within couples, with and without BD, and took account of comorbid substance use and personality disorders among those with BD and major depression among their partners. Results. Intimate partners of adults with BD, relative to healthy control partners, presented with more mental disorders, higher neuroticism, lower extraversion, more emotion-focused coping, smaller social networks, less satisfaction with their social networks, and little, satisfying social contact. Additionally, they reported less consensus and satisfaction in their marital relationships, and engaged in more verbal aggression towards their partners. Participants with BD showed similar, more extreme, characteristics. Marital distress and verbal aggression were greatest among couples with an adult having BD and a comorbid condition or a partner with major depression. Conclusions. Mental disorders, personality traits, ineffective coping skills and low social support may limit the support intimate partners provide to their mates with BD and promote chaotic family environments.

Divisions:Concordia University > Faculty of Arts and Science > Psychology
Item Type:Thesis (Masters)
Authors:Serravalle, Lisa
Institution:Concordia University
Degree Name:M.A.
Program:Psychology
Date:18 February 2019
Thesis Supervisor(s):Ellenbogen, Mark A.
ID Code:985070
Deposited By: LISA SERRAVALLE
Deposited On:17 Jun 2019 16:38
Last Modified:17 Jun 2019 16:38
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