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Liu X, Yao Y, Zhu S, Gong Q. The influence of childhood trauma on social media-induced secondary traumatic stress among college students: the chain mediating effect of self-compassion and resilience. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2025; 16:2456322. [PMID: 39899394 PMCID: PMC11792160 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2025.2456322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2024] [Revised: 12/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2025] [Indexed: 02/05/2025] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies have shown that media exposure to critical public events can lead to secondary traumatic stress (STS). Personal trauma history, self-compassion and resilience are important factors influencing STS in healthy professionals. However, whether these variables are associated with social media-induced STS in college students and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the complex relationship linking childhood trauma to social media-induced STS in a large sample of college students.Methods: A total of 1151 Chinese college students from Chengdu, Sichuan Province of China completed a web-based cross-sectional survey, which included standard assessments of childhood trauma, self-compassion, resilience and social media-induced STS, as well as sociodemographic questionnaires. The chain mediation model was tested using the PROCESS macro programme in SPSS software.Results: There was a moderate correlation between childhood trauma and social media-induced STS (r = 0.34, p < .001). This association was significantly mediated by self-compassion (indirect effect [95% CI] = 0.14[0.11, 0.17]) and resilience (indirect effect = 0.03[0.01, 0.04]), respectively. Further, a chained mediating effect was observed with self-compassion and resilience consecutively mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and social media-induced STS (indirect effect = 0.02[0.01, 0.03]). These results persisted after sociodemographic characteristics were included as controlling variables.Conclusions: Early life trauma impacts STS induced by exposure to traumatic materials on social media through self-compassion and resilience among Chinese college students. Psychological interventions targeting self-compassion and resilience can be implemented to reduce the risk of STS, especially in vulnerable individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiqin Liu
- Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Institute of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Yao
- School of Sociology and Psychology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siyu Zhu
- The Laboratory of Sport Psychology, School of Sport Training, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Sports for Promoting Adolescent Mental Health, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Institute of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, People’s Republic of China
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Baumann M, Villeneuve É, Bélanger C, Paradis A, Herba CM, Godbout N. Dyadic Analysis of Cumulative Childhood Trauma and Relationship Satisfaction: The Role of Parental Alliance. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2025; 51:e70002. [PMID: 39902820 PMCID: PMC11792431 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.70002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 01/07/2025] [Accepted: 01/09/2025] [Indexed: 02/06/2025]
Abstract
Cumulative childhood trauma (CCT) increases the risk of relationship difficulties in adulthood. Couples welcoming a new child are particularly prone to relationship distress, and CCT survivors may be especially vulnerable during this period. This study examined the association between CCT and relationship satisfaction and tested the role of parental alliance in this association. A random sample of 1136 different-gender parental couples completed online self-report questionnaires. Path analyses guided by the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model revealed that parents' CCT was associated with their own lower relationship satisfaction through their own and their partner's parental alliance in both mothers and fathers. Results also revealed dyadic associations between one parent's CCT and their partner's relationship satisfaction through their own and their partner's parental alliance. These findings support the relevance of couple interventions focusing on the parental alliance to improve relational well-being in parental couples where one or both partners have experienced CCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Baumann
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Quebec in MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Élise Villeneuve
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Quebec in MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Claude Bélanger
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Quebec in MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Alison Paradis
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Quebec in MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Catherine M. Herba
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Quebec in MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Natacha Godbout
- Department of SexologyUniversity of Quebec in MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
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3
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Rousset M, Essadek A, Corcos M, Robin M. From child sexual abuse to psychiatric diagnoses and complex trauma in adolescence. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2025:10.1007/s00787-025-02682-0. [PMID: 40153035 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-025-02682-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2025] [Indexed: 03/30/2025]
Abstract
CSA (Childhood Sexual Abuse) represents a major health issue, however its detection in daily psychiatric practice is remains challenging. In adolescents, CSA often takes a back seat to diagnostic and behavioral issues such as suicide attempts and BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), with which it is frequently associated. Additionally, confusion persists between the perspective of complex trauma and conventional psychiatric diagnoses. This study aimed to compare clinical features of hospitalized adolescents with a history of CSA, to a control group, in order to identify clinical predictors of CSA and of suicidal attempts. The secondary objective was to describe the overlap between PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and BPD, according to cumulative adversity. This study included 425 adolescents aged 13 to 19 years, who were hospitalized in a psychiatric unit. Among these adolescents, 107 had a history of CSA. The findings indicate that CSA plays a significant role in the psychopathology of adolescents. CSA was found to be associated with PTSD, BPD (OR = 1.9, p < 0.01), self-harm (OR = 1.8, p < 0.05), addictive disorders (OR = 1.87, p < 0.05), and parental neglect (p < 0,001). Suicide attempts were also significantly correlated with sexual abuse (OR = 1.78, p < 0.05). Moreover, the combination of factors such as female gender, the presence of BPD, and substance dependence was found to increase the likelihood of a history of sexual abuse in these adolescents by 14.8 times. These findings contribute to the early detection of sexual violence and its consequences, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals. Additionally, they support the reinforcement of preventive initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Rousset
- Public Mental Health Facility, Guadeloupe, France.
- , 16 rue René et Emile Fages, Tulle, 19000, France.
| | - Aziz Essadek
- Interpsy Laboratory, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Maurice Corcos
- Institute Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
- Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, Team Psydev, Villejuif, France
| | - Marion Robin
- Institute Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
- Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, Team Psydev, Villejuif, France
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4
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Pan Y, Li L, Xia X, Li Z, Dai J, Wu J, Liu T, Chen M, Ma J, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Shen Q, Tao S, Deng Z, Kang S, Zhang K, Zou X, Wang J, Wei Q. Mediation by elevated prolactin in the relationship between childhood trauma and first-episode drug-naïve schizophrenia. BMC Psychiatry 2025; 25:223. [PMID: 40069631 PMCID: PMC11900333 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-025-06629-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The elevated prolactin levels in first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) schizophrenia patients may correlate with long-term stress caused by childhood trauma. This study aimed to assess the relationship between elevated prolactin levels and childhood trauma in FEDN schizophrenia patients, while also considering sex differences. METHODS Utilizing a cross-sectional design, the study involved 88 FEDN schizophrenia patients and 76 healthy controls (HCs). Evaluations encompassed measuring prolactin levels in peripheral blood and assessing mental health using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - Short Form (CTQ-SF), as well as evaluating resilience with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), perceived social support with the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and demographic characteristics to control for confounding factors. A mediation model was constructed using the RMediation package of the R software. METHODS The results suggested prolactin levels in FEDN schizophrenia patients were higher than in HCs(t=-9.938, p = 0.000). Group classification (HCs vs. FEDN schizophrenia patients) (t = 9.291, p = 0.000) and sex (t = 3.282, p = 0.001) were influential factors for prolactin levels. Elevated prolactin(OR = 1.007, p = 0.000), along with higher scores for childhood emotional(OR = 1.469, p = 0.006)andsexual abuse(OR = 1.592, p = 0.018) and lower social support(OR = 0.946, p = 0.026), were associated with the onset of schizophrenia. Positive correlations were found between prolactin levels and childhood emotional (r = 0.268, p = 0.002) /sexual abuse(r = 0.264, p = 0.002), with no sex differences. No significant relationship was observed between prolactin levels and PANSS scores. Mediation analysis revealed that childhood emotional abuse (95% CI: [0.059 ~ 0.293]) and sexual abuse (95% CI: [0.086 ~ 0.439]) had significant indirect effects on schizophrenia, mediated by elevated prolactin levels. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that childhood trauma may be associated with the onset of schizophrenia by influencing prolactin levels, highlighting the complex interplay between hormonal disruptions and early-life stress in the development of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Pan
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat- sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Leijun Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat- sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiaowei Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat- sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhinan Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat- sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jiamin Dai
- Guangdong Mental Health Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyan Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Guangdong Mental Health Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junxiao Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat- sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yanxi Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat- sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- Department of Medical Division, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingni Shen
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat- sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Sichu Tao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat- sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zixin Deng
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat- sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Shimao Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat- sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat- sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiaobing Zou
- Child Developmental and Behavioral Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Jihui Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat- sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Qinling Wei
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat- sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Delhalle M, Blavier A. Child maltreatment, adult romantic attachment and parental sense of competence. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2025; 163:107360. [PMID: 40073688 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2025] [Accepted: 02/28/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the link between childhood maltreatment and parental sense of competence has been established, there is limited understanding of the mediating mechanisms that explain this connection. Drawing from an attachment-based theoretical framework, childhood adversity undermines adult romantic attachment security, subsequently heightening vulnerability to later parenting in adulthood. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the role of romantic attachment as a potential mechanism in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and the facets of parental sense of competence. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Our study involved 1904 mothers of children aged 3 to 8 years old. These mothers were requested to fill out an online questionnaire which included sections on sociodemographic information, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - Short Form, the Parenting Sense of Competence scale, and the Relationship Scale Questionnaire. RESULTS Our results demonstrate a mediating effect of mothers' attachment anxiety on the link between childhood maltreatment and parental sense of competence. More specifically, attachment anxiety was associated with diminished parental sense of efficacy, and in particular, diminished parental sense of satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight that romantic attachment anxiety serves as a mechanism explaining the relationship between childhood maltreatment and parental sense of efficacy and satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Delhalle
- Center of Expertise in Psychotraumatisms and Forensic Psychology, University of Liège, Place des Orateurs 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Adélaïde Blavier
- Center of Expertise in Psychotraumatisms and Forensic Psychology, University of Liège, Place des Orateurs 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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6
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Aloi M, Rania M, Carbone EA, de Filippis R, Quirino D, D'Onofrio E, Segura-Garcia C. Early Maladaptive Schemas Mediate the Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Interpersonal Problems in Eating Disorders. Clin Psychol Psychother 2025; 32:e70052. [PMID: 40090762 PMCID: PMC11911117 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.70052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2024] [Revised: 01/16/2025] [Accepted: 02/26/2025] [Indexed: 03/18/2025]
Abstract
Recent research highlights the role of childhood trauma in the development of eating disorders (EDs), suggesting that adverse experiences can disrupt emotional and cognitive development, leading to early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and interpersonal problems. EMSs are psychological structures encompassing cognition, emotions, images, and bodily sensations. These EMSs are hypothesized to mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and ED pathology. This study aimed to extend the investigation of how childhood trauma leads to interpersonal difficulties, mediated by EMSs. This cross-sectional study recruited 321 patients with EDs: n = 77 Anorexia Nervosa-Restricting (AN-R), n = 26 AN-Binge/Purge (AN-BP), n = 94 Bulimia Nervosa (BN), and n = 124 Binge Eating Disorder (BED). They completed the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE), Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-32), Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-S3), and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF). Path analyses were conducted to examine associations between childhood trauma, EMSs, and interpersonal problems. Results indicated that patients with BED reported the highest levels of sexual abuse. Those with BN exhibited higher scores across all EMS domains. Positive correlations were found between childhood adversities, EMS domains, and interpersonal problems, except for the relationship between sexual abuse and schema domains. Mediation analyses revealed significant indirect effects of emotional abuse on interpersonal problems through disconnection and rejection domain. This study consolidates the notion that EMSs mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and interpersonal problems in ED patients, highlighting the importance of addressing early trauma and EMSs to improve therapeutic outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal analyses to better understand the temporal development of these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Aloi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marianna Rania
- Outpatient Unit for Clinical Research and Treatment of Eating Disorders, University Hospital Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Elvira Anna Carbone
- Outpatient Unit for Clinical Research and Treatment of Eating Disorders, University Hospital Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Renato de Filippis
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daria Quirino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ettore D'Onofrio
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cristina Segura-Garcia
- Outpatient Unit for Clinical Research and Treatment of Eating Disorders, University Hospital Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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7
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Miller HH, Putzeys-Petersen S, Jenkins L. Childhood Victimizing ACEs, Peer Victimization, Cyber Victimization: Gender Differences and Associations with Young Adult Psychological Distress. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2025; 18:243-255. [PMID: 40098784 PMCID: PMC11910484 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-024-00671-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2025]
Abstract
Previous research indicates that over 60% of Americans have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience, or ACE (Finkelhor et al., 2011; Merrick et al., JAMA Pediatrics, 172(11), 1038-1044, 2018). Exposure to direct or indirect violence in childhood can lead to an increased risk for polyvictimization (i.e., being victimized in multiple ways) and increased susceptibility to psychological distress in adulthood (Finkelhor et al., 2011). The CDC (2021b) recently recognized peer victimization as an ACE, which was not universally considered an ACE previously. Given the association between experiencing childhood polyvictimization and substantial health risks among adults (Hughes et al., The Lancet Public Health, 2(8), e356-e366, 2017), the present study sought to answer the questions: (1) are victimizing ACEs, peer victimization, and cyber victimization all independently related to psychological distress? and (2) Is there a gender difference in these associations? Young adults (N = 496; 58.7% female, 41.3% male, 60% White) completed self-report electronic surveys assessing current levels of psychological distress and retrospective accounts of exposure to victimizing ACEs, traditional peer victimization, and cyber victimization before the age of 18. Using hierarchical regression, victimizing ACEs, peer victimization, and cyber victimization were all individually related to psychological distress for both males and females. Gender interactions indicated that for males, the association between cyber victimization and psychological distress remained the same at all levels of cyber victimization, but for females, greater cyber victimization was associated with greater psychological distress, but the inverse relationship was found for males. Findings from this study suggest that victimizing ACEs, peer victimization, and cyber victimization are all related to higher psychological distress. When working with male and female clients, practitioners should be aware that most may have mental health difficulties regardless of the number of adverse events they have experienced. For females, cyber victimization was particularly associated with greater mental health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather H. Miller
- Florida State University, 1114 West Call Street, STB 3210, Tallahassee, FL 32306 USA
| | | | - Lyndsay Jenkins
- Florida State University, 1114 West Call Street, STB 3210, Tallahassee, FL 32306 USA
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8
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Robinson M, Fino E, Baysu G, Turner RN, Bloch NI, Hanna D, Armour C. Trauma and identity predictors of ICD-11 PTSD and complex PTSD in a trauma-exposed Colombian sample. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2025:207640251318074. [PMID: 40018822 DOI: 10.1177/00207640251318074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 11th International Classification of Diseases introduces the diagnosis of Complex PTSD (CPTSD); characterized by traditional PTSD symptomology plus Disturbances in Self Organisation. Part of this construct involves feeling socially disconnected from others, suggesting that aspects of group and individual identity may be associated with this disorder. AIMS The current study seeks to contribute to better understanding the association of individual social and personal identity in development of this disorder in post-conflict contexts. METHODOLOGY This study analysed survey data collected as part a case-control investigation of psychological risk and resilience in a trauma-exposed sample in Colombia (N = 541). Identity orientations, that is, the level of importance ascribed to one's social and personal identity, was assessed using the Social and Personal Identities Scale (SIPI) and was assessed as predictor of probable CPTSD diagnosis using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Analyses indicated that trauma experiences were associated with both diagnostic categories, however Social and Personal identity orientation were significant predictors of probable CPTSD diagnosis, but not probable PTSD diagnosis. Greater Personal identity orientation, that is, viewing oneself as individualistic, was associated with increased likelihood of CPTSD. In contrast, greater Social Identity orientation, that is, stronger group membership identification, was associated with reduced odds of CPTSD diagnosis. Identifying as a victim of the conflict was not significantly associated with risk for PTSD or CPTSD outcomes. CONCLUSION Greater sense of Social Identity and cohesion is suggested to be protective against CPTSD development, whereas greater personal identity orientation is a risk factor. Theoretical perspectives considering the role of social and personal identity may be valuable in understanding individual risk for CPTSD in post-conflict societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Robinson
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Emanuele Fino
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Gülseli Baysu
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Rhiannon N Turner
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Natasha I Bloch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Donncha Hanna
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Chérie Armour
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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9
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Kassing K, Collins A. "Slowly, Over Time, You Completely Lose Yourself": Conceptualizing Coercive Control Trauma in Intimate Partner Relationships. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2025:8862605251320998. [PMID: 39988968 DOI: 10.1177/08862605251320998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2025]
Abstract
Coercive control is a form of violence characterized by patterns of restrictive regulation, including through isolation, threats, psychological manipulation, economic abuse, technology-facilitated control, stalking, and physical and/or sexual violence. While literature has focused on the diverse forms of control imposed by perpetrators of this abuse, few studies have discussed the traumatic impact of coercive control on victim-survivors themselves. Using a theoretical thematic analysis, this study draws upon data from 15 qualitative questionnaires exploring the lived experiences of women as victim-survivors of coercive control in Australia. The first phase of analysis identified the diverse and interconnected methods of coercive control experienced by participants. The second phase found that victim-survivors who have been subjected to these patterns of harm can experience specific emotional trauma, shaped by processes of threat and restraint. This paper, therefore, proposes the concept of "coercive control trauma" to articulate ways in which coercive control in intimate relationships can contribute to the complex and often under-recognized psychological harm experienced by victim-survivors. The concept of coercive control trauma may provide victim-survivors with validation, insight, and an empowering sense of self-understanding during processes of recovery. It may also assist those who are supporting individuals recovering from coercive control by helping to further comprehend the experiences of victim-survivors, and to provide more appropriate forms of support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony Collins
- La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
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10
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Karam EG, Fayyad J, Huang Y, Saab D, Al Barathie J, Pluess M. The role of environmental sensitivity in post-traumatic stress symptoms in Lebanese children and adolescents. Dev Psychopathol 2025; 37:251-258. [PMID: 38247353 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423001554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Children differ substantially in their sensitivity to the quality of their environment. Some are more sensitive and more likely to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in response to Childhood Adversities (CAs), but might also benefit more from Positive Home Experiences (PHE). The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Environmental Sensitivity (ES), CAs and PHEs in PTSD development in children and adolescents. Data was collected from N = 2,569 children/adolescents. PTSD symptoms, CAs, PHEs and ES were assessed with self-report measures. We found that higher ES and CAs emerged as risk factors for PTSD development whereas higher levels of PHEs protected against PTSD. ES moderated the effects of CAs (β = 1.08, p < .001) on PTSD symptoms in the total sample. This moderating effect was more pronounced in girls, suggesting that highly sensitive girls with high childhood adversities were more likely to have higher PTSD symptoms than girls with low levels of sensitivity (β = 1.09, p < .001). In conclusion, Environmental Sensitivity played an important role as a risk factor for PTSD and as a moderating factor that accentuated the main effects of childhood adversities, particularly in girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie G Karam
- Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Balamand Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, St George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - John Fayyad
- Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Balamand Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, St George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, UK
| | - Dahlia Saab
- Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Josleen Al Barathie
- Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Michael Pluess
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, UK
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11
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Bürgin D, Witt A, Seker S, d'Huart D, Meier M, Jenkel N, Boonmann C, Schmeck K, Fegert JM, Schmid M. Childhood maltreatment and mental health problems in a 10-year follow-up study of adolescents in youth residential care: A latent transition analysis. Dev Psychopathol 2025; 37:68-83. [PMID: 37990404 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423001426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment and mental health problems are common among young people placed out-of-home. However, evidence on the impact of maltreatment on the course of mental health problems in at-risk populations is sparse. The aim of this longitudinal study is twofold: (a) describe the course of mental health problems and the shift in symptom patterns among adolescents in youth residential care into young adulthood and (b) assess how childhood maltreatment is related to the course of mental health problems. One hundred and sixty-six adolescents in Swiss youth residential care were followed up into young adulthood (36.1% women; MAge-Baseline = 16.1 years; MAge-Follow-Up = 26.4 years). Latent transition analysis was employed to analyze transitions of symptom patterns and their association with maltreatment exposure. We found three latent classes of mental health problems: a "multiproblem"-class (51.8% baseline; 33.7% follow-up), a "low symptom"-class (39.2% baseline; 60.2% follow-up), and an "externalizing"-class (9.0% baseline; 6.0% follow-up). Individuals in the "multiproblem"-class were likely to transition towards less-complex symptom patterns. Higher severity of self-reported childhood maltreatment was associated with more complex and persistent mental health problems. Our study underlines the need for collaboration between residential and psychiatric care systems within and after care placements, with a specialized focus on trauma-informed interventions and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bürgin
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department (UPKKJ), University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Witt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Services Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Süheyla Seker
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department (UPKKJ), University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Delfine d'Huart
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department (UPKKJ), University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Meier
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department (UPKKJ), University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Nils Jenkel
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department (UPKKJ), University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cyril Boonmann
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department (UPKKJ), University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - LUMC Curium, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus Schmeck
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department (UPKKJ), University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jörg M Fegert
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marc Schmid
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department (UPKKJ), University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Lin W, Liu A, Wu X, Liu M. Exploring the relationships between complex post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms in the context of childhood maltreatment through network analysis. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2025; 160:107215. [PMID: 39733594 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.107215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 11/25/2024] [Accepted: 12/12/2024] [Indexed: 12/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment commonly experience the co-occurrence of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and depression, but the underlying mechanisms of their comorbidities remain unclear. METHODS We recruited 2740 college students, including 1366 who experienced childhood maltreatment to assess the co-occurrence network of CPTSD and depression symptoms. We constructed a Gaussian graphical model to visualize the associations between symptoms and a directed acyclic graph to explore inferred relationships among symptoms. RESULTS (1) We identified the following five subnetworks within the co-occurring network of CPTSD and depression symptoms: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), disturbance in self-organization (DSO), depression with vegetative symptoms, depression with interpersonal problems, and lack of positive affect subnetworks. (2) Core symptoms, identified by their high expected influence, such as sadness, low spirits, and not feeling loved have the highest EI in the depression subnetwork, whereas failure, distant, avoiding clues, and avoiding thoughts have the highest EI in the DSO and PTSD subnetworks. Bridging symptoms in the childhood maltreatment network included failure, self-denial, startlement, and hyperactivity. (3) The inferred mechanism identified includes PTSD activating DSO, which subsequently triggers depression in the childhood maltreatment network. LIMITATIONS This study involved a non-clinical sample. CONCLUSION Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of CPTSD and depression co-occurrence at a transdiagnostic level and has implications for better clinical interventions targeting influential symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhou Lin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Aiyi Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xinchun Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Mingxiao Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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13
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Marcu GM, Szekely-Copîndean RD, Dumbravă A, Rogel A, Zăgrean AM. qEEG Neuromarkers of Complex Childhood Trauma in Adolescents. Clin EEG Neurosci 2025:15500594241309456. [PMID: 39819134 DOI: 10.1177/15500594241309456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2025]
Abstract
Introduction. Complex childhood trauma (CCT) involves prolonged exposure to severe interpersonal stressors, leading to deficits in executive functioning and self-regulation during adolescence, a critical period for neurodevelopment. While qEEG parameters, particularly alpha oscillations, have been proposed as potential biomarkers for trauma, empirical documentation in developmental samples is limited. Aim. This preregistered study investigated whether adolescents with CCT exhibit qEEG patterns similar to those reported for PTSD, such as reduced posterior alpha power, increased individual alpha peak frequency (iAPF), right-lateralized alpha frequencies, and lower total EEG power (RMS) compared to controls. Materials and Methods. EEG data from 26 trauma-exposed adolescents and 28 controls, sourced from an open database, underwent similar preprocessing. qEEG features, including alpha power, iAPF, alpha asymmetry, and RMS, were extracted from eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions and analyzed using mixed ANOVAs. Results. Significant group differences were found in total EEG power, with trauma-exposed adolescents showing lower RMS than controls. No significant differences were found in posterior absolute alpha power, iAPF, or alpha asymmetry. However, we observed that posterior relative alpha power was higher in the trauma group, though the difference was not statistically significant but showing a small to medium effect size. Additionally, a negative correlation between CPTSD severity and EEG power in the EO condition was observed, suggesting trauma-related cortical hypoactivation. Conclusion. Reduced total EEG power and modified alpha dynamics may serve as candidate neuromarkers of CCT. These findings underscore the need for further research to validate qEEG biomarkers for understanding and diagnosing trauma-related disorders in developmental populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Mariana Marcu
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Functional Sciences, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Psychology, "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu, Sibiu, Romania
- Scientific Research Group in Neuroscience, "Dr. Gheorghe Preda" Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, Sibiu, Romania
| | - Raluca D Szekely-Copîndean
- Scientific Research Group in Neuroscience, "Dr. Gheorghe Preda" Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, Sibiu, Romania
- Department of Social and Human Research, Romanian Academy - Cluj-Napoca Branch, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Dumbravă
- George I.M. Georgescu" Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Iaşi, Romania
- Department of Psychology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University Iași, Iași, Romania
| | | | - Ana-Maria Zăgrean
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Functional Sciences, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Dhingra K, Boyda D, Mitchell SM, Taylor PJ. ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD in a sample of prison staff: A latent profile approach. J Trauma Stress 2025. [PMID: 39817824 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 11/24/2024] [Accepted: 11/28/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2025]
Abstract
Although empirical support for the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (11th ed.; ICD-11) distinction between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) is growing, research into the ICD-11 CPTSD model in prison staff is lacking. This study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to (a) determine if there are distinct groups of trauma-exposed prison governors (i.e., "wardens" in the United States and Canada) who have symptom profiles consistent with the distinction between PTSD and CPTSD and (b) identify predictors and posttraumatic maladaptive beliefs associated with the latent profiles. Trauma-exposed prison governors (N = 385) completed the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) and a measure of traumatic life events. LPA was used to extract profiles using the six ITQ symptom clusters and revealed four profiles: CPTSD (8.4%), PTSD (14.4%), disturbances in self-organization (DSO; 11.0%), and low symptoms (66.3%). Membership in the CPTSD and DSO profiles was associated with cumulative traumatization, odds ratios (OR) = 1.42 and OR = 1.26, respectively, and poorer health, OR = 2.84 and OR = 1.64, respectively, relative to the low symptom profile, and membership in the PTSD profile was associated with younger age, OR = 0.91, relative to the low symptom profile. The CPTSD profile showed the highest level of posttraumatic maladaptive beliefs. This study yields empirical support for the ICD-11 CPTSD model in prison staff. The results provide additional support for the validity of ITQ measurement of PTSD and CPTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Dhingra
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David Boyda
- School of Psychology, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Sean M Mitchell
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Peter J Taylor
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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15
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Lee KA, Beranbaum S, Khedari-DePierro V, Yates EH, Yacevich I, Shankar A, Enosa CE, Son TH, Norman GJ, D’Andrea W. The Psychobiological Toll of Chronic Conflict: Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Emotion Dysregulation, and Physiology in a Conflict-Exposed Community in South Sudan. CHRONIC STRESS (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2025; 9:24705470251324783. [PMID: 40079047 PMCID: PMC11898085 DOI: 10.1177/24705470251324783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025]
Abstract
Background Mass conflict and related displacement in South Sudan has created a significant mental health need, however extant research on the impact of conflict is limited among South Sudanese people and has predominantly relied on Western-developed self report measures. Method A total of 195 South Sudanese adults who work in both civil society and government leadership positions participated in a psychophysiological assessment of heart rate variability (HRV) and self-reported PTSD and emotion dysregulation symptoms to participation in the Trauma-Informed Community Empowerment (TICE) Framework, developed and implemented by the Global Trauma Project (GTP). We utilized measures of heart rate variability to determine parasympathetic activity, which may be associated with difficulties responding to stressors as well as long-term physical health morbidity and mortality. Results Findings suggest pervasive difficulties in emotion regulation abilities among all participants and, consistent with the existing literature on PTSD in South Sudan, over a third of participants meet the clinical cut-off for PTSD. The majority of participants' physiological profiles indicate unexpected levels of parasympathetic nervous system activity given age and gender norms, demonstrating a sample with serious health risk. HRV did not correspond to self-reported PTSD symptoms, but did correlate with emotion dysregulation variables. Conclusions These results demonstrate the feasibility and utility of using a multimethod approach to assessment in a community-based environment and highlight the psychophysiological burden of chronic socio-political strife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellie Ann Lee
- Department of Psychology, The New School for Social Research, New York, USA
| | - Sarah Beranbaum
- Department of Psychology, The New School for Social Research, New York, USA
| | - Vivian Khedari-DePierro
- Department of Psychology, The New School for Social Research, New York, USA
- Beyond Conflict, Boston, USA
| | - Ellen H. Yates
- Department of Psychology, The New School for Social Research, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Tae Hwan Son
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Greg J. Norman
- Department of Psychology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Wendy D’Andrea
- Department of Psychology, The New School for Social Research, New York, USA
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Williams KC, Nto NJ, van Vuren EJ, Sallie FN, Molebatsi K, Kroneberg KS, Roomaney AA, Salie M, Womersley JS. Early biological and psychosocial factors associated with PTSD onset and persistence in youth. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2432160. [PMID: 39648852 PMCID: PMC11632931 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2432160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 10/28/2024] [Accepted: 10/29/2024] [Indexed: 12/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While considerable research has investigated PTSD in adults, little is known about the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to its onset, development, and persistence in youth.Methods: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify longitudinal studies examining factors associated with PTSD status and symptom severity in children and adolescents. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, yielding 24 eligible studies after screening.Results: The included studies identified various biological factors associated with paediatric PTSD, including dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, brain structural alterations, and physiological markers such as heart rate. Psychological factors, including depression, trauma appraisals, coping styles, and cognitive deficits predicted PTSD symptom development. Social factors included parental PTSD, family environment, and cultural influences. Many studies highlighted the importance of the interplay between these biological, psychological, and social factors in the manifestation of PTSD in youth.Conclusion: This review synthesises evidence that PTSD development in youth is influenced by a complex array of neurobiological vulnerabilities, psychological processes, and environmental factors. Longitudinal, multi-dimensional studies are needed to further elucidate personalised risk profiles and trajectories, which can inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies for PTSD in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley C. Williams
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nto J. Nto
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Extramural Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Esmé Jansen van Vuren
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- SAMRC Extramural Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Farhanah N. Sallie
- Wits Integrated Molecular Physiology Research Initiative, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of The Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of The Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Keneilwe Molebatsi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kayla S. Kroneberg
- Western Cape Department of Health, False Bay District Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Aqeedah A. Roomaney
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Extramural Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Muneeb Salie
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline S. Womersley
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Extramural Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Sarapultsev A, Komelkova M, Lookin O, Khatsko S, Gusev E, Trofimov A, Tokay T, Hu D. Rat Models in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Research: Strengths, Limitations, and Implications for Translational Studies. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2024; 31:709-760. [PMID: 39728686 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology31040051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2024] [Revised: 11/28/2024] [Accepted: 12/02/2024] [Indexed: 12/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a multifaceted psychiatric disorder triggered by traumatic events, leading to prolonged psychological distress and varied symptoms. Rat models have been extensively used to explore the biological, behavioral, and neurochemical underpinnings of PTSD. This review critically examines the strengths and limitations of commonly used rat models, such as single prolonged stress (SPS), stress-re-stress (S-R), and predator-based paradigms, in replicating human PTSD pathology. While these models provide valuable insights into neuroendocrine responses, genetic predispositions, and potential therapeutic targets, they face challenges in capturing the full complexity of PTSD, particularly in terms of ethological relevance and translational validity. We assess the degree to which these models mimic the neurobiological and behavioral aspects of human PTSD, highlighting areas where they succeed and where they fall short. This review also discusses future directions in refining these models to improve their utility for translational research, aiming to bridge the gap between preclinical findings and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Sarapultsev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 106 Pervomaiskaya Street, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Maria Komelkova
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Prospekt, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Oleg Lookin
- National Scientific Medical Center, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Sergey Khatsko
- Anatomical and Physiological Experimental Laboratory, Department of Experimental Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, 48 Kuybysheva Str., 620026 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Evgenii Gusev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 106 Pervomaiskaya Street, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Alexander Trofimov
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbai Batyr Ave., Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Tursonjan Tokay
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbai Batyr Ave., Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Desheng Hu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, China-Russia Medical Research Center for Stress Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
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18
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Chong D, Qu D, Xi Y, Chen R. Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is uniquely linked to suicidality beyond posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults with childhood maltreatment: A multinational study across four countries. Soc Sci Med 2024; 362:117406. [PMID: 39405662 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 10/01/2024] [Accepted: 10/07/2024] [Indexed: 11/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, with childhood maltreatment identified as a significant risk factor for suicidal behavior in adulthood. The link between childhood maltreatment and suicidality is well-documented; however, the role of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), which includes an additional symptom cluster of disturbances in self-organization (DSO) compared to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between meeting the criteria for ICD-11 PTSD or CPTSD and suicidality in adults with a history of childhood maltreatment across culturally diverse samples. METHODS Data were collected across four sites: the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Malaysia. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), and International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) were used to assess childhood maltreatment, suicidality, and PTSD or CPTSD, respectively. Linear regressions were conducted to examine the associations, controlling for demographic variables (age, sex, ethnicity, educational level, and subjective socioeconomic status) as well as the severity of maltreatment (CTQ total scores). RESULTS Among the 1324 participants who experienced childhood maltreatment, meeting the criteria for CPTSD was significantly associated with higher suicidality compared to not meeting the criteria for either PTSD or CPTSD (B(SE) = 1.68 (0.30), p < .001), or only meeting the criteria for PTSD (B(SE) = 1.38 (0.43), p < .001). In contrast, meeting the criteria for PTSD alone was not significantly associated with suicidality (B(SE) = 0.35 (0.46), p = .45). These associations remained consistent across different cultural settings. CONCLUSION The study findings highlight the unique association of CPTSD with suicidality in adults with a history of childhood maltreatment, suggesting that the DSO symptom cluster of CPTSD, which distinguish it from PTSD, play a critical role in the development of suicidality in this population. Targeting these symptoms may be essential for effective intervention strategies. Screening for childhood maltreatment and CPTSD in individuals at risk of suicide is crucial for guiding treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Chong
- Department of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Diyang Qu
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Yingjun Xi
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Runsen Chen
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Eftedal M, Johansen T, Del Risco Kollerud R. Adverse childhood experiences, subsequent negative life events, and their impact on health in occupational rehabilitation patients: a mixed-methods study. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2024; 5:1389337. [PMID: 39606585 PMCID: PMC11599175 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1389337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 10/08/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are prevalent globally and can negatively impact an individual's lifespan by not only increasing the likelihood of encountering other negative life events (NLEs), but also escalating the risk of illness, absenteeism due to sickness, unemployment, and reliance on disability benefits in adulthood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of ACEs and NLEs, as well as their health impacts among patients undergoing occupational rehabilitation. Materials and methods A total of 80 participants diagnosed with musculoskeletal disorders and/or common mental disorders who participated in two occupational rehabilitation programs in Norway were included. Data were collected by questionnaire and in-depth interviews (39 participants) at the start of the intervention. Comparative quantitative and qualitative analysis was conducted between individuals with a history of ACEs and those without these experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify the impact of ACEs and NLEs on the health of the informants. Results Half of the participants reported ACEs. Of these, 18% reported one ACE, 22% reported 2-3 ACEs and 9% reported 4 or more ACEs. Also, 25% were categorized as revictimized. The two groups with ACEs had more NLEs in adulthood compared to those without ACEs (p < 0.001), revictimized the most (mean numbers between groups 3.1, 4.5 and 5.9). Furthermore, a history of ACEs was associated with a higher number of reported mental health issues compared to those who had not experienced ACEs (p < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences between the two ACE groups. NLEs had a substantial impact on the participants' current health status, whether they occurred in childhood or adulthood. In adult life, a high workload (psychologically or physically), interpersonal challenges, and financial struggles had an especially negative impact. Additionally, accidents and complications related to surgeries were also significant NLEs causing health problems. For most, there were complex interactions between NLEs and health. Conclusions The prevalence of ACEs and NLEs is high among occupational rehabilitation patients. ACEs are associated with subsequent victimization, interpersonal challenges, financial struggles, and increased mental health issues in adulthood. These findings highlight the need for systematic screening and a holistic, individualized approach in occupational rehabilitation programs to potentially mitigate the adverse effects of NLEs on health and work participation.
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Kashyap K, Panda S, Bhuyan B. Surviving the Storm: Exploring Lives Through Personal Stories of Childhood Trauma. Indian J Psychol Med 2024; 46:535-543. [PMID: 39545121 PMCID: PMC11558742 DOI: 10.1177/02537176241228032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Traumatic experiences in an early phase of an individual's life stand out as a highly influential risk factor for poor developmental outcomes. Studies examining poor childhood experiences revealed childhood trauma linked to a negative impact on mental health. Therefore, the objective of this study is to comprehend and investigate the subjective childhood experiences of the affected children. Methods A qualitative approach was adopted to explore the lived experiences with their consequences. The study employed a purposeful sampling technique to choose adolescents who had encountered abuse and were capable of articulating their experiences with clarity. In-depth interviews were carried out with 18 adolescents aged 13-18 years, all from childcare homes (mean = 16, SD = 1.46). The transcriptions of these interviews were analyzed using a thematic approach. Results The analysis indicated that the children experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse, rape, abandonment, and neglected home environment. The children took responsibility for the abuse directed toward them and were also engaged in substance use. They further reported experiencing negative effects on their behavioral functions (anger, isolation), cognitive function (difficulty in concentration, low academic performances), emotional function (fear, helplessness), social function (withdrawal, mutism), and biological function (sleeplessness, lack of appetite) due to the adverse events in their life. Perceived needs, for instance, emotional, social, and educational support and positive relationship, as well as growth from traumatic experiences were stated by the children. Conclusion The findings of the study could have practical implications for clinicians, aiding in the understanding of low emotional expression and unexplained behavior among individuals and assisting in addressing the underlying vulnerability to facilitate their overcoming of these challenges. Additionally, it is suggested that a comprehensive strategy be used that addresses stigma, cultural values, and social norms in addition to legal issues to address the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinnari Kashyap
- Dept. of Psychology, Sikkim University, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | | | - Bishal Bhuyan
- Faculty of Commerce and Management, Assam Downtown University, Guwahati, Assam, India
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Memarzia J, Lofthouse K, Dalgleish T, Boyle A, McKinnon A, Dixon C, Smith P, Meiser-Stedman R. Predictive models of post-traumatic stress disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety in children and adolescents following a single-event trauma. Psychol Med 2024; 54:1-10. [PMID: 39371009 PMCID: PMC11496237 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291724001648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the power of theory-derived models to account for the development of PTSD, Complex PTSD (CPTSD), depression, and anxiety in children and adolescents who had experienced a single-event trauma. METHODS Children (n = 234, aged 8-17 years) recruited from local Emergency Departments were assessed at two and nine weeks post-trauma. Data obtained from self-report questionnaires completed by the child, telephone interviews with parents, and hospital data were used to develop four predictive models of risk factors for PTSD, CPTSD, depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). ICD-11 proposed diagnostic criteria were used to generate measures for CPTSD and PTSD to assess for risk factors and identify the sample prevalence of these disorders. RESULTS At nine weeks post-trauma, 64% did not meet criteria for any disorder, 23.5% met criteria for PTSD, and 5.2% met criteria for CPTSD. 23.9% and 10.7% had developed clinically significant symptoms of depression and GAD, respectively. A cognitive model was the most powerful predictive model, a psychosocial model was weak, and subjective markers of event severity were more powerful than objective measures. CONCLUSIONS Youth exposed to single-incident trauma may develop different forms of psychopathology, and PTSD and CPTSD are frequently experienced alongside other conditions. The cognitive model of PTSD shows utility in identifying predictors of PTSD, CPTSD, depression, and GAD, particularly the role of trauma-related negative appraisals. This supports the application of cognitive interventions which focus upon re-appraising trauma-related beliefs in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Memarzia
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Psychological Therapies, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ, Norwich, UK
| | - Katie Lofthouse
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Psychological Therapies, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ, Norwich, UK
| | - Tim Dalgleish
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adrian Boyle
- Emergency Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anna McKinnon
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Clare Dixon
- Sussex Partnership National Health Service Foundation Trust, Sussex, UK
| | - Patrick Smith
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Meiser-Stedman
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Psychological Therapies, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ, Norwich, UK
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22
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Rossi AA, Pizzoli SFM, Fernandez I, Invernizzi R, Panzeri A, Taccini F, Mannarini S. The Shield of Self-Esteem: Buffering against the Impact of Traumatic Experiences, Fear, Anxiety, and Depression. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:901. [PMID: 39457773 PMCID: PMC11505037 DOI: 10.3390/bs14100901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 09/28/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse life occurrences (e.g., severe accidents, violence/abuse, organic disorders such as COVID-19) can elicit traumatic responses that heighten fear, anxiety, and depression. However, scientific research has shown that certain variables, such as self-esteem, based on theories like terror management theory (TMT) and the anxiety-buffering hypothesis (ABH), can mitigate the negative effects of trauma. This study aimed to test the ABH by assessing the buffering role of self-esteem in the relationships among the impact of traumatic experiences, fear, anxiety, and depression. METHOD An observational research design was used. This study involved 321 participants who experienced COVID-19 as a traumatic experience. A sequential multiple-mediation model with observed variables (path analysis) was used to test the impact of the traumatic experience on fear, anxiety, and depression, examining the protective role of self-esteem. RESULTS A path analysis revealed that fear and anxiety mediated the relationship between the impact of the traumatic experience of COVID-19 and depression. Additionally, in line with the ABH, self-esteem was found to mediate the relationship between the predictors and their adverse psychological consequences. This suggests that self-esteem played a buffering role, mitigating the negative impact of traumatic experiences on mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the central mediating role of self-esteem, as well as fear and anxiety, in the pathway from trauma-related factors to depression. These insights advocate for evidence-based interventions aimed at alleviating the psychological suffering associated with traumatic experiences, fostering adaptation, and supporting psychological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (S.M.)
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family Studies—CIRF, Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Francesca Maria Pizzoli
- Humane Technology Laboratory, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 20123 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Invernizzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, ASST Lecco, 23900 Lecco, Italy;
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Panzeri
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Federica Taccini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (S.M.)
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family Studies—CIRF, Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (S.M.)
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family Studies—CIRF, Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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23
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Rossi AA, Panzeri A, Fernandez I, Invernizzi R, Taccini F, Mannarini S. The impact of trauma core dimensions on anxiety and depression: a latent regression model through the Post-Traumatic Symptom Questionnaire (PTSQ). Sci Rep 2024; 14:23036. [PMID: 39362897 PMCID: PMC11449904 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse life events (e.g., severe accidents, violence/abuse, organic disorders) can elicit traumatic responses characterized by intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and avoidance-highlighting the need for sound assessment tools. Also, these traumatic components could heighten anxiety and depression symptoms. This study aims included to: (1) assessing the psychometric properties of the Post-Traumatic Symptom Questionnaire (PTSQ) and delineating clinical cut-offs; (2) investigating how distinct trauma components contribute to anxiety and depression symptoms. Involving 761 participants who experienced a traumatic event, Part I tested the PTSQ psychometric properties, defining clinical cut-offs. Part II tested the impact of traumatic components on anxiety and depression symptoms, using a multiple multivariate latent regression model. PTSQ exhibited exemplary fit indices and robust psychometric properties. Clinically relevant cut-offs were identified. The differential contributions of intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal to anxiety and depression symptoms were evaluated, elucidating the strength and nature of these relationships. This study reaffirms the PTSQ as a psychometrically sound and reliable instrument. It underscores the effects of intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal on anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals with traumatic experiences. These insights advocate for evidence-based interventions aimed at alleviating the psychological suffering associated with trauma components, fostering adaptation and supporting psychological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family studies - CIRF, Department FISPPA, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - Anna Panzeri
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Invernizzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Taccini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family studies - CIRF, Department FISPPA, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family studies - CIRF, Department FISPPA, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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24
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Moallem BI, Wen Z, Hammoud MZ, Su W, Pace-Schott EF, Milad MR. Impact of trauma type on neural mechanisms of threat conditioning and its extinction. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 178:50-58. [PMID: 39121707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Trauma type moderates the impact of trauma exposure on clinical symptomatology; however, the impact of trauma type on the neural correlates of emotion regulation is not as well understood. This study examines how violent and nonviolent trauma differentially influence the neural correlates of conditioned fear and extinction. We aggregated psychophysiological and fMRI data from three studies; we categorized reported trauma as violent or nonviolent, and subdivided violent trauma as sexual or nonsexual. We examined skin conductance responses (SCR) during a fear conditioning and extinction paradigm. For fMRI data analyses, we conducted region-specific and whole-brain analyses. We examined associations between beta weights from specific brain regions and CAPS scores. The group exposed to violent trauma showed significantly higher SCR during extinction recall. Those exposed to nonviolent trauma showed significantly higher functional activation during late extinction learning. The group exposed to violent trauma showed higher functional connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) and between the DMN and frontoparietal control network. For secondary analyses of sexual vs nonsexual trauma, we did not observe any between-group differences in SCR. During late extinction learning, the group exposed to sexual trauma showed significantly higher activation in the prefrontal cortex and precuneus. During extinction recall, the group exposed to nonsexual trauma showed significantly higher activation in the insular cortex. Violent trauma significantly impacts functional brain activations and connectivity in brain areas important for perception and attention with no significant impact on brain areas that modulate emotion regulation. Sexual trauma impacts brain areas important for internal perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Isabel Moallem
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Zhenfu Wen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Mira Z Hammoud
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Wenjun Su
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Edward F Pace-Schott
- Sleep and Anxiety Disorders Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Mohammed R Milad
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, 77054, USA.
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25
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Ross DC, McCallum N, Truuvert AK, Butt A, Behdinan T, Rojas D, Soklaridis S, Vigod S. The development and evaluation of a virtual, asynchronous, trauma-focused treatment program for adult survivors of childhood interpersonal trauma. J Ment Health 2024; 33:566-575. [PMID: 38572918 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2024.2332797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long-term mental and physical health implications of childhood interpersonal trauma on adult survivors is immense, however, there is a lack of available trauma-focused treatment services that are widely accessible. This study, utilizing a user-centered design process, sought feedback on the initial design and development of a novel, self-paced psychoeducation and skills-based treatment intervention for this population. AIMS To explore the views and perspectives of adult survivors of childhood interpersonal trauma on the first two modules of an asynchronous trauma-focused treatment program. METHODS Fourteen participants from our outpatient hospital service who completed the modules consented to provide feedback on their user experience. A thematic analysis of the three focus groups was conducted. RESULTS Four major themes emerged from the focus groups: (1) technology utilization, (2) module content, (3) asynchronous delivery, and (4) opportunity for interactivity. Participants noted the convenience of the platform and the use of multimedia content to increase engagement and did not find the modules to be emotionally overwhelming. CONCLUSIONS Our research findings suggest that an asynchronous virtual intervention for childhood interpersonal trauma survivors may be a safe and acceptable way to provide a stabilization-focused intervention on a wider scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana C Ross
- Women's College Hospital and Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nancy McCallum
- Women's College Hospital and Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Annie K Truuvert
- Women's College Hospital and Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aysha Butt
- Women's College Hospital and Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tina Behdinan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David Rojas
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Wilson Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sophie Soklaridis
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Wilson Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simone Vigod
- Women's College Hospital and Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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26
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Poletti M, Raballo A. Ontogenesis of self-disorders in the schizophrenia spectrum: A phenomenological neuro-developmental model. Schizophr Res 2024; 272:26-35. [PMID: 39181008 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
The concept of basic Self-disorders (SD) captures the experiential aspects associated with vulnerability to schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). SD emerge prior to, and constitute the underlying structure for, the emergence of major diagnostic symptoms, including positive psychotic ones. SD are also detectable in populations with familial risk for SSD. This paper proposes a two-stage phenomenological-developmental model, exploring the early deficit in multisensory integration and their impact on the ontogeny of the Minimal Self in the first years of life. It also examines subsequent emergence of schizotaxic vulnerability, which later manifests as typical anomalies of subjectivity, such as basic symptoms and self-disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Poletti
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addiction, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Service, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Andrea Raballo
- Chair of Psychiatry, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland; Cantonal Sociopsychiatric Organisation, Public Health Division, Department of Health and Social Care, Repubblica e Cantone Ticino, Mendrisio, Switzerland.
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27
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Karaağaç M, İmre O. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Symptom Severity in Social Anxiety Disorder: The Role of Emotion Regulation. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241285409. [PMID: 39329305 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241285409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
In this study, the relationship was examined of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with difficulties in emotion regulation and symptom severity in individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD). The study included 71 patients diagnosed with SAD and a healthy control group of 73 subjects. Data for all the participants were collected using a sociodemographic data form, the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, the Adverse Childhood Experiences-Turkish Form scale, and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16. The study results showed a higher probability of ACEs and difficulties in emotion regulation in the SAD group than in the control group. The difficulties in emotion regulation in the SAD group were correlated with symptom severity and these difficulties were found to play a mediating role between trauma and symptom severity. It was emphasized that emotion regulation skills were an important factor in the treatment of SAD patients. It can be suggested that therapies and interventions to develop emotion regulation skills could be effective in the management of SAD symptoms. It was thus concluded that ACEs and difficulties in emotion regulation are associated with SAD symptoms and should be taken into consideration in treatment. This study emphasizes the importance of emotion regulation skills for SAD treatment and can be considered to be of guidance for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Okan İmre
- Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Turkey
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28
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Liu A, Liu M, Ren Y, Zhang LM, Peng Y. Dynamic networks of complex posttraumatic stress disorder and depression among college students with childhood trauma: insights from cross-sectional and cross-lagged panel network analysis. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2391656. [PMID: 39286882 PMCID: PMC11409419 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2391656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: There is a current research gap regarding the symptom structure and underlying causal relationships between complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and depressive symptoms. This longitudinal study used a cross-sectional network and cross-lag panel network (CLPN) to examine how CPTSD and depression symptoms interact over time in Chinese college students with childhood trauma.Methods: From 18,933 college students who took part in 2 surveys 12 months apart, 4006 participants (mean age: 20.07 ± 2.04) who reported childhood trauma were screened. Within this sample, there were 2354 (58.8%) males and 1652 (41.2%) females.Results: In the one-year interval CLPN model, it was found that depressive symptoms may precede other symptoms. Specifically, negative emotions and negative self-evaluations are more likely to predict subsequent symptoms. Conversely, in CPTSD, symptoms related to fear and anxiety, such as avoidance, intrusion, and hyperarousal, are more frequently activated by other symptoms, including negative emotionsConclusions: This finding offers a novel perspective on the interplay between CPTSD and depression, extending the existing theory. From a clinical standpoint, the points of intervention for comorbidity between depression and CPTSD who have experienced childhood trauma differ across different stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiyi Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxiao Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yizhen Ren
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lake Mozi Zhang
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Peng
- Students Mental Health Education & Counseling Center, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, People's Republic of China
- Faculty of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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29
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Furlong C, Hinnant B. Experiences of Sexual Assault and Financial Stability: Sense of Control as a Potential Mechanism. Violence Against Women 2024; 30:2959-2980. [PMID: 37038720 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231166403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
This investigation utilized the Midlife in the United States Survey (N = 3,258) to assess the relationships between sexual assault, sense of control, and financial stability. Age of first sexual assault and sexual assault revictimization were also considered in analyses of sexual assault survivors' data. Results revealed consistent associations between experiences of sexual assault and revictimization with lower financial stability and suggest that sense of control may be an indirect mechanism linking these variables. Findings have policy relevance and practical implications for practitioners. Restoring sexual assault victims' internal loci of control may promote more positive financial outcomes.
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30
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Karimov-Zwienenberg M, Symphor W, Peraud W, Décamps G. Childhood trauma, PTSD/CPTSD and chronic pain: A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0309332. [PMID: 39213321 PMCID: PMC11364226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the growing body of literature on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain comorbidity, studies taking into account the role of childhood exposure to traumatic and adverse events remains minimal. Additionally, it has been well established that survivors of childhood trauma may develop more complex reactions that extend beyond those observed in PTSD, typically categorized as complex trauma or CPTSD. Given the recent introduction of CPTSD within diagnostic nomenclature, the aim of the present study is to describe associations between childhood trauma in relation to PTSD/CPTSD and pain outcomes in adults with chronic pain. METHODS Following PRSIMA guidelines, a systematic review was performed using the databases Pubmed, PsychInfo, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and Web of Science. Articles in English or French that reported on childhood trauma, PTSD/CPTSD and pain outcomes in individuals with chronic pain were included. Titles and abstracts were screened by two authors independently and full texts were consequently evaluated and assessed on methodological quality using JBI checklist tools. Study design and sample characteristics, childhood trauma, PTSD/CPTSD, pain outcomes as well as author's recommendations for scientific research and clinical practice were extracted for analyses. RESULTS Of the initial 295 search records, 13 studies were included in this review. Only four studies explicitly assessed links between trauma factors and pain symptoms in individuals with chronic pain. Findings highlight the long-term and complex impact of cumulative childhood maltreatment (e.g., abuse and neglect) on both PTSD/CPTSD and chronic pain outcomes in adulthood. CONCLUSION This review contributes to current conceptual models of PTSD and chronic pain comorbidity, while adding to the role of childhood trauma and CPTSD. The need for clinical and translational pain research is emphasized to further support specialized PTSD/CPTSD treatment as well as trauma-informed pain management in routine care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Karimov-Zwienenberg
- Centre Hospitalier Agen-Nérac, Agen, France
- UR 4139 Laboratoire de Psychologie, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Wilfried Symphor
- UR 4139 Laboratoire de Psychologie, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - William Peraud
- UR 4139 Laboratoire de Psychologie, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Greg Décamps
- UR 4139 Laboratoire de Psychologie, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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31
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Pugliese E, Visco-Comandini F, Papa C, Ciringione L, Cornacchia L, Gino F, Cannito L, Fadda S, Mancini F. Understanding Trauma in IPV: Distinguishing Complex PTSD, PTSD, and BPD in Victims and Offenders. Brain Sci 2024; 14:856. [PMID: 39335352 PMCID: PMC11430181 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14090856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This work aims to shed light on the differential diagnosis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD) within the context of intimate partner violence (IPV), which represents a highly innovative field of clinical research. To this end, a critical review of the literature was conducted to identify and compare the clinical patterns and symptomatic overlaps among cPTSD, PTSD, and BPD, with an emphasis on their manifestation in both IPV victims and offenders. The results show that despite some symptomatic similarities, cPTSD, PTSD, and BPD have distinct clinical patterns of interpersonal violence. Specifically, disturbances in self-organization (DSO) are more commonly found in offenders, while the diagnosis of cPTSD seems more aligned with the psychological functioning of victims. In addition, cPTSD and specific characteristics of BPD, such as fear of rejection and instability of identity, constitute risk factors for IPV victimization. cPTSD is shown as a predisposing factor not only for IPV victims but also for offenders, while PTSD emerges as a consequential factor. The specific pathways linking PTSD, cPTSD, and BPD with IPV have significant implications for clinical practice. Further research is needed to understand these profiles and the mechanisms linking trauma-related features to IPV, which is crucial for implementing effective violence prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Pugliese
- Associazione di Psicologia Cognitiva APC e Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva SPC, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.V.-C.); (C.P.)
| | - Federica Visco-Comandini
- Associazione di Psicologia Cognitiva APC e Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva SPC, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.V.-C.); (C.P.)
| | - Carolina Papa
- Associazione di Psicologia Cognitiva APC e Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva SPC, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.V.-C.); (C.P.)
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Luciana Ciringione
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
- Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva, 37122 Verona, Italy
| | | | - Fabiana Gino
- Associazione Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
| | - Loreta Cannito
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefania Fadda
- Associazione di Psicologia Cognitiva APC e Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva SPC, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.V.-C.); (C.P.)
| | - Francesco Mancini
- Associazione di Psicologia Cognitiva APC e Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva SPC, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.V.-C.); (C.P.)
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, 00193 Roma, Italy
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32
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Kranzler HR, Davis CN, Feinn R, Jinwala Z, Khan Y, Oikonomou A, Silva-Lopez D, Burton I, Dixon M, Milone J, Ramirez S, Shifman N, Levey D, Gelernter J, Hartwell EE, Kember RL. Gene × environment effects and mediation involving adverse childhood events, mood and anxiety disorders, and substance dependence. Nat Hum Behav 2024; 8:1616-1627. [PMID: 38834750 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01885-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Adverse childhood events (ACEs) contribute to the development of mood and anxiety disorders and substance dependence. However, the extent to which these effects are direct or indirect and whether genetic risk moderates them is unclear. We examined associations among ACEs, mood/anxiety disorders and substance dependence in 12,668 individuals (44.9% female, 42.5% African American/Black, 42.1% European American/white). Using latent variables for each phenotype, we modelled direct and indirect associations of ACEs with substance dependence, mediated by mood/anxiety disorders (the forward or 'self-medication' model) and of ACEs with mood/anxiety disorders, mediated by substance dependence (the reverse or 'substance-induced' model). In a subsample, we tested polygenic scores for the substance dependence and mood/anxiety disorder factors as moderators in the mediation models. Although there were significant indirect paths in both directions, mediation by mood/anxiety disorders (the forward model) was greater than that by substance dependence (the reverse model). Greater genetic risk for substance use disorders was associated with a weaker direct association between ACEs and substance dependence in both ancestry groups (reflecting gene × environment interactions) and a weaker indirect association in European-ancestry individuals (reflecting moderated mediation). We found greater evidence that substance dependence reflects self-medication of mood/anxiety disorders than that mood/anxiety disorders are substance induced. Among individuals at higher genetic risk for substance dependence, ACEs were less associated with that outcome. Following exposure to ACEs, multiple pathways appear to underlie the associations between mood/anxiety disorders and substance dependence. Specification of these pathways could inform individually targeted prevention and treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry R Kranzler
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Christal N Davis
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard Feinn
- Department of Medical Sciences, Frank H. Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zeal Jinwala
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yousef Khan
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ariadni Oikonomou
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Damaris Silva-Lopez
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Isabel Burton
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Morgan Dixon
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jackson Milone
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sarah Ramirez
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Naomi Shifman
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Levey
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA CT Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Departments of Genetics and Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA CT Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emily E Hartwell
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rachel L Kember
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Ruge J, Ehlers MR, Kastrinogiannis A, Klingelhöfer-Jens M, Koppold A, Abend R, Lonsdorf TB. How adverse childhood experiences get under the skin: A systematic review, integration and methodological discussion on threat and reward learning mechanisms. eLife 2024; 13:e92700. [PMID: 39012794 PMCID: PMC11251725 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a major risk factor for the development of multiple psychopathological conditions, but the mechanisms underlying this link are poorly understood. Associative learning encompasses key mechanisms through which individuals learn to link important environmental inputs to emotional and behavioral responses. ACEs may impact the normative maturation of associative learning processes, resulting in their enduring maladaptive expression manifesting in psychopathology. In this review, we lay out a systematic and methodological overview and integration of the available evidence of the proposed association between ACEs and threat and reward learning processes. We summarize results from a systematic literature search (following PRISMA guidelines) which yielded a total of 81 articles (threat: n=38, reward: n=43). Across the threat and reward learning fields, behaviorally, we observed a converging pattern of aberrant learning in individuals with a history of ACEs, independent of other sample characteristics, specific ACE types, and outcome measures. Specifically, blunted threat learning was reflected in reduced discrimination between threat and safety cues, primarily driven by diminished responding to conditioned threat cues. Furthermore, attenuated reward learning manifested in reduced accuracy and learning rate in tasks involving acquisition of reward contingencies. Importantly, this pattern emerged despite substantial heterogeneity in ACE assessment and operationalization across both fields. We conclude that blunted threat and reward learning may represent a mechanistic route by which ACEs may become physiologically and neurobiologically embedded and ultimately confer greater risk for psychopathology. In closing, we discuss potentially fruitful future directions for the research field, including methodological and ACE assessment considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ruge
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
| | | | - Alexandros Kastrinogiannis
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
| | - Maren Klingelhöfer-Jens
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
- University of BielefeldBielefeldGermany
| | - Alina Koppold
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
| | | | - Tina B Lonsdorf
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
- University of BielefeldBielefeldGermany
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Kick L, Schleicher D, Ecker A, Kandsperger S, Brunner R, Jarvers I. Alexithymia as a mediator between adverse childhood events and the development of psychopathology: a meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1412229. [PMID: 39011338 PMCID: PMC11246998 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1412229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Victims of child abuse have an elevated risk of developing mental health issues later in life. Several variables have been suggested as mediators of this correlation, but little is known about the possible influence of alexithymia. Alexithymia is a sub-clinical personality trait that manifests as difficulties recognizing and verbalizing emotions. Methods In this study, two separate meta-analyses were conducted using questionnaire data, and Pearson correlations for overall effects were estimated. Results The correlation between child abuse and alexithymia showed to be significant (r = .26), as did the correlation between alexithymia and general psychopathology (r = .44). Further analyses revealed no indication for possible publication bias. When investigating differences between various subtypes of child maltreatment, each subtype significantly correlated with alexithymia. Emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect had stronger correlations than physical and sexual abuse. Discussion These results suggest that alexithymia plays a mediating role, at least in part, in the relationship between experiences of child abuse and general psychopathology in adulthood. Therefore, alexithymia may be relevant to further research and deserves attention in the prevention of and therapy for mental health issues in victims of child abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Kick
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Schleicher
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Angelika Ecker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Kandsperger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Romuald Brunner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Irina Jarvers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Polanco-Roman L, Ebrahimi CT, Satinsky EN, Benau EM, Martins Lanes A, Iyer M, Galán CA. Racism-Related Experiences and Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Ethnoracially Minoritized Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2024; 53:690-707. [PMID: 38175945 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2023.2292042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite growing evidence demonstrating the association between racial and ethnic discrimination and traumatic stress symptoms in adult populations, the research among youth remains sparse. Drawing upon race-based traumatic stress models, and following the PRISMA-2020 guidelines, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify the state of the empirical evidence in the association between racism-related experiences and traumatic stress symptoms in ethnoracially minoritized youth. METHOD Scientific databases were searched to identify articles with ethnoracially minoritized youth participants under age 18 years old that examined the association between racial and/or ethnic discrimination and traumatic stress symptoms. RESULTS A total of 18 articles comprising 16 studies (N = 4,825 participants) met inclusion criteria. Studies were largely cross-sectional, used nonrandom sampling strategies, focused on Black and Latinx youth, and were conducted in the United States. Furthermore, most studies were theoretically grounded and operationalized racism-related experiences as frequency of direct, personal, everyday discrimination. Few studies examined other dimensions of racism-related experiences. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant positive association with a medium effect size, rpooled = .356, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.27, 0.44, between racism-related experiences and traumatic stress symptoms. No evidence of moderation by age, sex/gender, race/ethnicity, country, or recruitment setting was detected. CONCLUSION Racism-related experiences may confer risk for traumatic stress symptoms in ethnoracially minoritized youth. Attending to racism-related experiences is critical to improve the cultural responsiveness of trauma-informed services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mythili Iyer
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California
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Fauver M, Clark EM, Schwartz CE. A new framework for understanding stress and disease: the developmental model of stress as applied to multiple sclerosis. Front Integr Neurosci 2024; 18:1365672. [PMID: 38957213 PMCID: PMC11218666 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2024.1365672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper proposes a new model of stress that integrates earlier models and adds insights from developmental psychology. Previous models describe the behavioral and physical effects of stress events, but have not explained the translation of experiences into stress itself. The Developmental Model of Stress shows how psychosocial developmental challenges in childhood create persistent negative beliefs and behaviors that increase threat perception and maladaptive stress responses. These developmental challenges produce early psychological and physiological predispositions for increased stress responses over time. Ongoing stress leads to dysregulation of physical stress-response systems (allostatic load), which is associated with multiple diseases. High allostatic load provides the necessary preconditions for the diathesis-stress model, which says the addition of an acute stressor to a weakened or predisposed system can lead to disease development. The paper also documents the evolving measurement of stress to better understand the stress-disease relationship, helping to resolve conflicting results between studies. The Developmental Model of Stress was combined with clinician insight and patient reports to build an integrative framework for understanding the role of stress in the development and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). It includes the first mapping of maladaptive beliefs and behaviors arising from developmental challenges that are common to people with MS. An initial comparison shows these may be distinct from those of people with other chronic diseases. These beliefs and behaviors form the predisposing factors and contribute to the triggering factors, which are the acute stressors triggering disease onset. These often took two forms, a prolonged incident experienced as feeling trapped or stuck, and threat of a breach in a relationship. The reinforcing factors add the stress of a chronic disease with a poor prognosis and seemingly random symptom fluctuation, still managed with the same beliefs and behaviors developed in childhood, increasing physiological dysregulation and symptom severity. A pilot study is described in which these three categories of stress factors in MS were explicitly addressed. This study noted clinically important improvements in physical and mental well-being, providing preliminary support for the Developmental Model. Future research might expand on the pilot using a more robust sample and design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Fauver
- Integral Health Program, California Institute for Human Science, Encinitas, CA, United States
| | - Eva M. Clark
- MIND based Healing, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Carolyn E. Schwartz
- DeltaQuest Foundation, Inc., Concord, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine and Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tufts University Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Ren Y, Yang S, Peng Y, Liu A, Zhu Z. Retrospective ACEs predict complex PTSD symptoms in a large sample of Chinese young adults longitudinally: the moderating role of self-compassion. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:425. [PMID: 38844888 PMCID: PMC11155039 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05830-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This longitudinal study in Mainland China (2021-2022) explored the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) symptoms, with a focus on the role of self-compassion. Among 18,933 surveyed university students, 21.2% reported experiencing at least one ACE. Results revealed a clear relationship between ACEs and CPTSD symptoms. Furthermore, self-compassion, particularly the dimensions of self-judgment and isolation, moderated the association between retrospective ACEs and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and disturbance in self-organization (DSO) symptoms. These findings highlight the enduring impact of ACEs on CPTSD symptoms and emphasize the importance of early identification and targeted interventions, especially addressing self-judgment and isolation, to mitigate CPTSD risk among young Chinese adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Ren
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Shuhan Yang
- Faculty of Education, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Students Mental Health Education & Counseling Center, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China.
- Faculty of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia.
| | - Aiyi Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Zibin Zhu
- School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Aoki S, Nozawa E. Pilot Study on Classification of Sensory Symptoms in PTSD. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2024; 17:283-293. [PMID: 38938954 PMCID: PMC11199429 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-023-00602-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
PTSD treatment that focused on a sensory symptoms is increasing. The study aimed to explore symptoms and abnormalities in the five senses exhibited by persons with PTSD and to examine whether there are any differences depending on type of traumatic experience. Questionnaire was followed by interviews to clinical psychologists involved in the treatment of PTSD. 249 PTSD symptoms exhibited in the sensory organs were collected. Sensory symptoms were classified into three categories according to the type of symptoms and the type of traumatic events. Cluster 1 is a group formed by child abuse and violence together with audition, tactile, and hyperarousal. Cluster 2 is made up of natural disaster, accident, and sexual assault together with vision, olfaction and intrusion. Cluster 3 is made up of multiple traumas together with gustation and dissociation. It is speculated that the survivors of Child abuse and violence are hypersensitive to sounds, the presence of others, and physical contact because they try to quickly sense when a perpetrator is approaching. Natural disasters, accidents, and sexual assault are events with strong smell and severe visual impact, it is possible that they may easily cause reliving of the event in the form of shocking visual images and smells in flashbacks. Dissociation symptoms were related with complex trauma and taste. The mouth is the site of first contact between mother and child, and it is possible that gustatory dissociation may occur mainly in cases of severe and repeated trauma since early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanae Aoki
- Faculty of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Rissho University, 4-2-16 Osaki, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 141-8602 Japan
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Boumpa V, Papatoukaki A, Kourti A, Mintzia S, Panagouli E, Bacopoulou F, Psaltopoulou T, Spiliopoulou C, Tsolia M, Sergentanis TN, Tsitsika A. Sexual abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:1653-1673. [PMID: 35716220 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02015-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) has been associated with mental health disorders throughout life during childhood, adolescence and adulthood; one of the most prevalent mental health conditions after CSA is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present systematic review and meta-analysis aims to examine the association between CSA and PTSD in children and adolescents, evaluating also the role of potential effect modifiers, such as gender and geographic region. Participants were sexually abused (vs. CSA-free) children, adolescents and young adults, up to 21 years of age, with or without a PTSD diagnosis. Settings of eligible studies spanned school, college, university, community, hospital and non-hospital mental health facilities. Eligible studies were sought in PUBMED, ΕΜΒΑSE, PSYCINFO and GOOGLE SCHOLAR databases; end-of-search was set at August 31, 2020. Random-effects (DerSimonian-Laird) models were used for the pooling of studies. Results were reported as pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Twenty-eight studies were identified, including a total cohort of 28,693 subjects. CSA was strongly associated with PTSD, at a similar extent in boys (pooled OR = 2.86, 95% CI 2.09-3.91) and girls (pooled OR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.76-3.23); meta-regression with gender confirmed the non-significant effect of gender. The association was present in all examined geographic regions. CSA is strongly associated with PTSD in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood, irrespectively of gender. Future studies should opt for thorough assessment of confounders and examine regions with paucity of studies, such as East Asia and Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Boumpa
- MSc Program "Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health", Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15 Mesogeion Ave, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Papatoukaki
- MSc Program "Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health", Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15 Mesogeion Ave, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Kourti
- MSc Program "Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health", Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15 Mesogeion Ave, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Mintzia
- MSc Program "Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health", Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15 Mesogeion Ave, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Panagouli
- MSc Program "Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health", Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15 Mesogeion Ave, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Flora Bacopoulou
- Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair On Adolescent Health Care, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Psaltopoulou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, "Alexandra" Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Chara Spiliopoulou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Tsolia
- MSc Program "Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health", Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15 Mesogeion Ave, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros N Sergentanis
- MSc Program "Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health", Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15 Mesogeion Ave, 11527, Athens, Greece
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, "Alexandra" Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Artemis Tsitsika
- MSc Program "Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health", Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15 Mesogeion Ave, 11527, Athens, Greece.
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Sanchez M, Fouques D, Gorgiard C, Soussy A, Romo L. Intimate Partner Sexual Violence: An Exploratory Study on Sexual Victimization Profiles Among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in France. Violence Against Women 2024; 30:1731-1759. [PMID: 38477712 DOI: 10.1177/10778012241238241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) is a common form of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study aimed to (a) identify a typology of intimate partner sexual victimization among French women victims of IPV on the basis of the frequency of various forms of sexual violence and (b) evaluate whether these profiles differ in several clinical characteristics. A total of 93 women consulting a specialized hospital service were recruited. Cluster analyses suggested four profiles: highly frequent rapes (5.4%), predominant sexual coercion (20.4%), medium frequency of all forms (20.4%), and low frequency of all forms (19.4%). Further person-centered research focusing on IPSV is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damien Fouques
- Laboratoire Psychopathologie et Processus de Changement, ED 224, Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, Saint-Denis, France
| | | | - Annie Soussy
- Unité Médico-Judiciaire, Hôpital Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Lucia Romo
- Unité de Recherche CLIPSYD, Université Paris Nanterre, Nanterre, France
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Ascienzo S, Sprang G, Royse D. Are Differences Evident in the Ways Boys and Girls Appraise and Interpret Their Traumatic Experiences? A Qualitative Analysis of Youth Trauma Narratives. VIOLENCE AND VICTIMS 2024; 39:143-167. [PMID: 38955470 DOI: 10.1891/vv-2024-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore potential similarities and differences in the ways boys and girls appraise and interpret their traumatic experiences, and better understand how gender roles, performance, and socialization processes may impact trauma experiences, appraisals, and narratives within the context of trauma-focused treatment. We used thematic analysis to analyze the trauma narratives of youth (N = 16) ages 8-16 who had experienced multiple types (M = 5.38) of child maltreatment and who were receiving Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address clinically elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms. Four themes emerged: variations in the content of negative cognitions, differences in relational emotion, adoption of socially prescribed gender roles, and symptom differences. Although many similarities existed in youth's trauma narratives, differences emerged that point to the importance of social context and the ways gender role expectations and socialization processes influence youth's appraisal of and responses to traumatic events. Findings indicate the importance of considering distress tolerance, relational emotion, gender identity development, and role socialization within the treatment milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ascienzo
- School of Social Work, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ginny Sprang
- Center on Trauma and Children, Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - David Royse
- College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Liu A, Ren Y, Yang S, Li Z, Zhu Z, Zhang LM, Peng Y. Contemporaneous and temporal network analysis of complex Posttraumatic stress disorder among Chinese college students with Childhood adversity: A longitudinal study. Psychiatry Res 2024; 336:115872. [PMID: 38581767 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To enhance understanding of the longitudinal progression of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) symptoms, this longitudinal study examined how CPTSD symptoms interact over time in Chinese college students with childhood trauma. METHODS From 18,933 college students who took part in two surveys 12 months apart, 4,006 participants who reported adverse childhood experiences were screened. Cross-sectional network comparisons and cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) analysis characterized interactions among CPTSD symptoms. RESULTS In the cross-sectional networks, feeling like a failure and avoid activities reminiscent of the trauma were the central symptoms. Takes long time to calm down and exaggerated startle are important bridge symptoms in the two networks respectively. The comparison of cross-sectional networks indicates that the global network strength was stable. The findings of the CLPN model reveal that feel worthless and feel like a failure had the highest "out" expected influence; exaggerated startle and avoid thoughts and feelings about the trauma had the highest "in" expected influence. CONCLUSIONS By conducting cross-sectional network analyses, the study illuminated the attributes of CPTSD networks across various time points. Additionally, the CLPN analysis uncovered the longitudinal patterns of CPTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiyi Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Yizhen Ren
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Shuhan Yang
- Faculty of Education, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Zimi Li
- Faculty of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - Zibin Zhu
- School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lake Mozi Zhang
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Yu Peng
- Students Mental Health Education & Counseling Center, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Faculty of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia.
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da Silva HC, Vilete L, Coutinho ESF, Luz MP, Mendlowicz M, Portela CM, Figueira I, Ventura P, Mari JDJ, Quintana MI, Ribeiro WS, Andreoli SB, Berger W. The role of childhood cumulative trauma in the risk of lifetime PTSD: An epidemiological study. Psychiatry Res 2024; 336:115887. [PMID: 38642421 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Cumulative trauma is usually devastating and can lead to severe psychological consequences, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Exposure to various types of traumas, particularly during childhood, can be even more deleterious than the sheer number of events experienced. This epidemiological study is the first to investigate the impact of discrete childhood traumatic exposure on the risk of developing lifetime PTSD in a representative sample of the general population of the two biggest Brazilian cities. Participants were aged between 15 and 75 years old, living in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who had experienced traumatic events (N = 3,231). The PTSD diagnosis was assessed using the DSM-IV criteria through the version 2.1 of Composite International Diagnostic Interview. To operationalize childhood cumulative trauma, we considered the sum of 15 different childhood trauma categories that occurred before PTSD onset. The final multivariate logistic regression model indicated a strong relationship between the number of discrete types of childhood traumas and the likelihood of the lifetime PTSD development. The lifetime PTSD risk increased 28 % with each different type of childhood trauma when adjusted by confounds. Our study strengthens the evidence associating childhood cumulative trauma to increased lifetime PTSD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herika Cristina da Silva
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Liliane Vilete
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Pires Luz
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mauro Mendlowicz
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carla Marques Portela
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ivan Figueira
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula Ventura
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jair de Jesus Mari
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Inês Quintana
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wagner Silva Ribeiro
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - William Berger
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Aronson KR, Morgan NR, Rudi JH, McCarthy KJ, Perkins DF. The differential impact of COVID-19 on the psychological stress of post-9/11 veterans: Gender, race, and ethnicity. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3360. [PMID: 38141014 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to economic turndowns, social restrictions, and family life alterations. The stress induced by the public health crisis and its consequences are beginning to be explored. This study examined stress experiences since the pandemic'sonset in work, financial, social, and health domainsamong a large sample of post-9/11, United States military veterans. The sample, who separated from active-duty service or deactivated from active status in a reserve component in 2016, completed an online survey (n = 3180) in 2020. Participants were 70% White non-Hispanic, 81% male, and had an average age of 38 years. Frequencies and descriptive statistics were calculated. Female veterans and veterans of colour reported significantly higher levels of stress across most life domains. The results suggest White, male, post-9/11 veterans may be somewhat protected from COVID-19 stress, but that the pandemic is exacerbatinghealth and social disparities experienced by post-9/11 veterans of colour and female veterans. Supports and comprehensive care, particularly targeted towardsat-risk populations, are likely needed to provide sufficient resources for resiliency during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith R Aronson
- Social Science Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nicole R Morgan
- Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessie H Rudi
- Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kimberly J McCarthy
- Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel F Perkins
- Social Science Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology & Education, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Yöyen E, Bal F, Barış TG, Arslan MS, Çokluk GF. Mediator Role of Dissociative Experiences in the Effect of Childhood Traumas on Emotion Regulation Difficulty and Parental Child-Containing Function. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:618. [PMID: 38929198 PMCID: PMC11201487 DOI: 10.3390/children11060618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of dissociation in emotional regulation and parental child-containing function skills of mothers exposed to childhood trauma. The research was conducted with 400 mothers between the ages of 20-60 who had childhood trauma and currently have children between the ages of 0-18. The relational screening model, one of the general screening models, was used in the research. The sample of the research was selected using the convenient sampling method and the simple random method. Research data were collected with the Sociodemographic Information Form, Childhood Trauma Scale (CTS), Parental Child-Containing Function Scale (PCCFS), Emotion Regulation Difficulty Scale (ERDS), and Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES). According to the results obtained in the study, physical abuse (β = 0.197; 95% CI [0.124; 0.268]), physical neglect (β = 0.232; 95% CI [0.161; 0.306]), emotional abuse (β = 0.238; 95% CI [0.169; 0.309]), emotional neglect (β = 0.210; 95% CI [0.150; 0.275]), and sexual abuse (β = 0.139; 95% CI [0.058; 0.220]) were found to have a significant indirect effect on emotion regulation difficulties through dissociative experiences. In addition, physical abuse (β = 0.122; 95% CI [0.071; 0.181]), physical neglect (β = 0.151; 95% CI [0.084; 0.228]), emotional abuse (β = 0.158; 95% CI [0.086; 0.238]), emotional neglect (β = 0.159; 95% CI [0.093; 0.235]), and sexual abuse (β = 0.086; 95% CI [0.039; 0.150] was found to have a significant indirect effect on parental child-containing function skills through dissociative experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Yöyen
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Sakarya University, 54050 Sakarya, Turkey;
| | - Fatih Bal
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Sakarya University, 54050 Sakarya, Turkey;
| | - Tülay Güneri Barış
- Institute of Business Administration, Department of Health Sciences, Sakarya University, 54050 Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Meryem Selva Arslan
- Institute of Social Sciences, Department of Clinical Psychology, Marmara University, 34722 İstanbul, Turkey;
| | - Gülşen Filazoğlu Çokluk
- Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Istanbul Gelişim University, 34310 İstanbul, Turkey
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Ko CH, Lu YC, Lee CH, Liao YC. The influence of adverse childhood experiences and depression on addiction severity among methamphetamine users: exploring the role of perseveration. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1382646. [PMID: 38807693 PMCID: PMC11130423 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1382646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims This investigation aimed to clarify the intricate relationship among depression, cognitive function, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and their combined influence on methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). Methods Utilizing a battery of psychological tests, this study ascertained the impact of ACEs on the condition of 76 people with MUD who meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria, aged 42.17 on average. The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), Conners' Continuous Performance-II (CPT-II), the self-report Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were used for these evaluations. Individuals involved in the study were categorized into two discrete cohorts, mild (ME) and severe (SE), based on the extent of their ACEs exposure. This study employed the PROCESS regression, the independent t-test andχ2 tests for the analysis. Results The findings revealed notable discrepancies in the psychological consequences between the two groups with different degrees of ACEs; however, no substantial differences were observed in the demographic parameters. The SE group exhibited elevated BDI-II scores, more evident indications of MUD, and a higher degree of CPT-II cognitive perseveration. The PROCESS model revealed that cognitive perseveration moderated the impact of depression on ACEs and subjective MUD severity, explaining 20.2% of the variance. The ACEs and depression predicted 28.6% of the variance in MUD symptoms. However, no statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups regarding the parameters in the IGT-2 assessment. Conclusions These results indicate that the interaction between cognitive and depressive factors mediates the effect of ACEs on subjective MUD severity but not on MUD symptoms. The ACEs significant impact on mental health severity perception is explained by cognitive and depressive factors. This implies that MUD treatment and rehabilitation should address cognitive dysfunction and developmental trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hung Ko
- Department of Addiction and Forensic Psychiatry, Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chin Lu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hung Lee
- Department of Addiction and Forensic Psychiatry, Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Addiction Psychiatry, Taoyuan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chi Liao
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Prevention and Treatment of Internet Addiction, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Clinical Psychology Center, Asia University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Rodríguez MN, Colgan DD, Leyde S, Pike K, Merrill JO, Price CJ. Trauma exposure across the lifespan among individuals engaged in treatment with medication for opioid use disorder: differences by gender, PTSD status, and chronic pain. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2024; 19:25. [PMID: 38702783 PMCID: PMC11067259 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-024-00608-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little study of lifetime trauma exposure among individuals engaged in medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD). A multisite study provided the opportunity to examine the prevalence of lifetime trauma and differences by gender, PTSD status, and chronic pain. METHODS A cross-sectional study examined baseline data from participants (N = 303) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a mind-body intervention as an adjunct to MOUD. All participants were stabilized on MOUD. Measures included the Trauma Life Events Questionnaire (TLEQ), the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5). Analyses involved descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and linear and logistic regression. RESULTS Participants were self-identified as women (n = 157), men (n = 144), and non-binary (n = 2). Fifty-seven percent (n = 172) self-reported chronic pain, and 41% (n = 124) scored above the screening cut-off for PTSD. Women reported significantly more intimate partner violence (85%) vs 73%) and adult sexual assault (57% vs 13%), while men reported more physical assault (81% vs 61%) and witnessing trauma (66% vs 48%). Men and women experienced substantial childhood physical abuse, witnessed intimate partner violence as children, and reported an equivalent exposure to accidents as adults. The number of traumatic events predicted PTSD symptom severity and PTSD diagnostic status. Participants with chronic pain, compared to those without chronic pain, had significantly more traumatic events in childhood (85% vs 75%). CONCLUSION The study found a high prevalence of lifetime trauma among people in MOUD. Results highlight the need for comprehensive assessment and mental health services to address trauma among those in MOUD treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04082637.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique N Rodríguez
- Department of Individual, Family, and Community Education, University of New Mexico USA, Simpson Hall MSC053042, 502 Campus, Blvd, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Dana D Colgan
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University USA, 3818 SW Sam Jackson Parkway, Portland, OR, 97229, USA
- Helfgott Research Center, National University of Natural Medicine USA, Portland, USA
| | - Sarah Leyde
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Kenneth Pike
- Department of Child Family and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington USA, Seattle, USA
| | - Joseph O Merrill
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Cynthia J Price
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of WA, Seattle, USA.
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Corbett E, Power J, Theobald J, Hooker L, Wright K. Exploring the Experiences of Regional and Rural Revictimized Women in a Group Empowerment Program. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2024; 33:507-528. [PMID: 38864755 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2024.2356742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Sexual revictimization can have a negative impact on many facets of women's wellbeing, yet limited evidence exists regarding specific interventions that support healing and the reduction of further revictimization. This paper will explore regional and rural women's experience of a group-based empowerment program, the Shark Cage program, in Victoria, Australia. The "Shark Cage" program aims to address revictimization by empowering women and girls to build personal boundaries and assertiveness within the context of gender equality and human rights. Data were collected via participant observations across the 8-week program, in combination with semi-structured interviews with participants (N = 11) pre and post intervention. All participants had access to therapeutic support outside of the program. Findings indicate that the program fostered connections among women with shared experiences of sexual revictimization, reducing feelings of isolation. Participants detailed the benefit of developing and practicing skills in reducing revictimization, such as assertiveness and boundary setting. Program learning and recovery was embedded within a network of embodied emotions, social connections, cultural norms and place-based relations that influenced how participants recovery could be understood, processed and addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Leesa Hooker
- La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Wright
- The Centre Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria (CASA-CV), Bendigo, Australia
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49
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Cao J, Xu X, Man X, Fu X, Shen Z, Wang S. Protective role of resilience on the associations between childhood maltreatment and internalising and externalising problems. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3300. [PMID: 37573535 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Different types of childhood maltreatment have negative effects on individual mental and behavioural outcomes. However, most of previous studies investigated their effects separately. Little is known about the effects of co-occurring maltreatment profiles on adolescents' developmental outcomes and the potential protective factor. The current study sought to identify distinct profiles of childhood maltreatment and examine the effects of profiles of childhood maltreatment on internalising and externalising problems and the protective role of resilience based on two-wave longitudinal data, which was collected from a sample of 670 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 15.50, SDage = 0.75, 48.4% boys). Four profiles of childhood maltreatment, that is, No maltreatment (67.9%), High neglect (23.0%), High abuse and neglect/Low sexual abuse (5.0%), and Multi-maltreatment (4.1%), were identified. Adolescents in High neglect, High abuse and neglect/Low sexual abuse, and Multi-maltreatment profiles were more likely to report internalising and externalising problems. Further, significant moderating effects of resilience only emerged for the association between the High neglect profile and internalising problems, such that high levels of resilience may weaken the association between the High neglect profile and internalising problems. Our findings revealed the importance and utility of identifying maltreatment profiles to tailor treatment based on specific maltreatment experiences. Resilience-oriented intervention could be considered for Chinese adolescents who have experienced high neglect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Peking, China
| | - Xiaodan Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochen Man
- Shandong Traffic Technician College, Beijing, China
| | - Xuewei Fu
- The Affiliated Shenzhen School of Guangdong Experimental High School, Beijing, China
| | - Zijiao Shen
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Mental Health Education and Counseling Center, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- College of Education, Hebei University, Hebei, China
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50
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Frankel J. Treating the sequelae of chronic childhood emotional abandonment. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:809-823. [PMID: 36724326 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Chronic emotional abandonment is traumatic for children, and often leads them to identify with the aggressor (IWA)-in order to hold onto their needed attachment to their parents, they feel, think, and do what their parents require, blame themselves for being abused and for their family's unhappiness, and feel ashamed. IWA often persists as a general tendency. Treatment requires therapists' dependability, attunement, empathy, interest, humility, and perhaps playfulness. Patients' history of abandonment should be explored in detail, though patients may be protective of their parents. Therapists should explore their own behavior if necessary, and acknowledge lapses; normalize and explore patients' shame; and avoid trying to "rescue" patients. Patients must be helped to re-find authority and agency over their own lives, and mourn their early loss of feeling "the right to a life." The treatment of "Claire," a 40-something child of two depressed parents, illustrates some of these points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Frankel
- Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, New York University, New York, New York, USA
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