Sofia Triliva

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Greek Version of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales IV Package (FACES IV Package):

The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Greek version of Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales IV (FACES IV) Package. The original FACES IV displays a six-factor structure with two balanced scales—Balanced Cohesion and Balanced Flexibility—and four unbalanced scales—Disengaged, Enmeshed, Rigid, and Chaotic—and has been shown to have satisfactory internal and test–retest reliability. A total of 584 family members agreed to participate in the study. The findings indicated that the Greek version displays similar factor structure to the original version. Cronbach’s α coefficients for the six scales ranged from .59 to .79. The test–retest correlation coefficients ranged between .94 and .97. The Family Communication Scale and the Family Satisfaction Scale demonstrated high internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Thus, the Greek version of the FACES IV Package appears to be a valid and reliable instrument to be used in both research and clinical assessment of family functioning.

Forging partnerships for mental health: The case of a prefecture in crisis ravaged Greece

Public health and in particular mental health have been severely affected by the multitude of socioeconomic crises experienced by people in Greece. The severe austerity programmes, have reduced access to health services and increased demand for publically funded health care. This paper presents a case study focusing on the impact of these measures on the lives of mental health providers in one prefecture in Crete. Focus group methodology was applied and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. Analyses revealed three superordinate themes that converge at many levels and appear to be going counter to the circumstances: firstly, ‘forging partnerships for mental health’; secondly, ‘extending our reach’; and thirdly ‘transformations in professional identity through praxis’. These themes are discussed using the words of the participants and the relevant literature.

The role of desired future selves in the creation of new experience: The case of Greek unemployed young adults

This article uses data from a qualitative case study to help support and further develop an argument about the uses of futuristic-hypothetical narratives of self as a tool to educate desire through imagination. First, existing research about the role of the future in the creation of new experience in narrative approaches to history, psychology, and sociology will be brought into dialogue. Via such interchange, the claim will be made that: (1) the creation of new experience requires seeing a difference between past and future selves, (2) for this difference to have motivating force in the present it has to be perceived as experientially close, and (3) experiential closeness is a cultural as much as personal matter that depends on the perceived believability of desired future selves. Second, we explore how this tension between difference (distance) and closeness (proximity) is discursively and narratively constructed by young unemployed people in Greece who wrote and shared narratives of desired future selves. Finally, we propose that the intricacies of an education of desire as constructed by these young people may represent a need of the modern world.

1365 – Family functioning, expressed emotion and family burden in relatives of first- episode and chronic patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: preliminary findings

Introduction The influential role of family in the outcome of chronic mental illness is well documented; however there has been relatively little research on the intrafamilial relationships of people experiencing their first episode of psychosis (FEP). Objectives To investigate possible differences in family environment between FEP and chronic patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Aims To compare family measures between relatives of FEP and chronic psychotic patients. Methods Family functioning (FACES-IV), expressed emotion (FQ), family burden (FBS) and psychological well being (GHQ- 28) were assessed in relatives of 30 FEP and 30 chronic patients. Results Multivariable linear regression models adjusted for confounders revealed that relatives of chronic patients scored significantly lower in balanced cohesion (β coefficient -4.27, 95% CI: -08.03, -1.71) and balanced flexibility (β coefficient -4.01, 95% CI: -6.91, -1.10), as well as communication (β coefficient -6.61, 95% CI: -11.70, -1.50) and satisfaction scales (β coefficient -7.32, 95% CI: -13.23, -1.41). Relatives caring for a chronic patient had significantly higher scores in critical comments (β coefficient 7.81, 95% CI: 3.95, 11.68) and emotional overinvolvement (β coefficient 3.70, 95% CI: 0.24, 7.16). They, also, reported higher objective (β coefficient 12.23, 95% CI: 3.76, 20.71) and subjective (β coefficient 2.79, 95% CI: 0.45, 5.14) burden, as well as poorer psychological well being (β coefficient 12.23, 95% CI: 3.76, 20.71). Conclusions These findings suggest that chronicity adversely affects patients’ family. Early intervention strategies are needed to reduce family burden which in turn may adversely affect the course of the patient’s illness.

Narcissistic Vulnerability and Addiction Findings From a Study of People in Treatment

The main body of research on addiction and pathological narcissism has focused on the study of their co-occurrence by applying Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) definitions for these clinical phenomena or by assessing trait narcissism in substance-dependent populations. Clinically informed comprehensive conceptualizations of narcissism which focus on its phenomenological range from vulnerability to grandiosity have not been applied in studying the specific narcissistic disturbances that underlie the relationship between these comorbid conditions. Aiming to examine this relationship, this study compared the presence of pathological narcissism, and more specifically narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability, in substance-dependent individuals in treatment with individuals from the general population. Comparisons indicate that substance-dependent individuals experience significant narcissistic disturbances more likely related to vulnerability than grandiosity. Shame, rage, and self-esteem contingent upon external validation comprise the intrapsychic and interpersonal vulnerability. Implications for the clinical conceptualization of pathological narcissism as well as for substance dependence treatment interventions are discussed.

EPA-0738 – Family functioning in families of first-episode patients in comparison to chronic patients and healthy controls

Introduction Research focused on the intrafamilial environment of people experiencing their first episode of psychosis (FEP) is limited. Objectives To investigate possible differences in family environment between FEP patients, chronic psychotic patients and healthy controls. Aims To compare family variables between relatives of FEP patients, chronic patients and healthy controls. Methods Family cohesion and flexibility (FACES-IV) and psychological well-being (GHQ-28) were evaluated in relatives of 50 FEP patients, 50 chronic patients and 50 controls, whereas expressed emotion (FQ) and family burden (FBS) were assessed between the two clinical groups. Results Multivariable linear regression analysis adjusted for several confounding variables revealed statistically significant differences in the total ratio for family cohesion and flexibility between the three groups indicating poorer family functioning for chronic families as compared to FEP families (β coefficient −0.47, 95% CI: −0.77, −0.18) and lower scores for FEP families as compared to controls (β coefficient −0.59, 95% CI: −0.81, −0.37). Chronic families scored significantly higher in critical comments (β coefficient 7.17, 95% CI: 3.45, 10.89), and reported higher subjective (β coefficient 2.85, 95% CI: 0.69, 5.01) and objective burden (β coefficient 8.25, 95% CI: 4.67, 11.84) as compared to FEP families. Non-significant differences were found in psychological well-being between FEP and chronic families, whereas FEP families reported higher levels of psychological distress as compared to controls. Conclusions Having a family member with a major psychiatric disorder is a general stressor for families and family interventions should be considered to minimize disruption to family life.

Sustaining the Dialogue by Co-Creating the Sequence of Meanings: A Post-Modern Systemic Approach Developed Within a Greek Therapeutic Context

Abstract This article describes a therapeutic technique called co-creating the sequence of meanings. The technique was developed within the Greek therapeutic context, incorporating traditional Greek approaches such as reflexive therapeutic techniques and applying them to contemporary Greek family issues and situations. Greek socio-cultural context and relevant psychotherapeutic theoretical approaches are described, as well as contemporary therapeutic issues that shaped the development of the technique. The role of the therapist and general principals underpinning the technique are discussed as central to its effective use. The four stages of the technique itself are described in detail including excerpts from transcribed therapy sessions, followed by a complete case example demonstrating each stage within the context of a family therapy session. General advantages and limitations in the application of the technique are also outlined.