-
Racial discrimination increases the risk for nonremitting posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in traumatically injured Black individuals living in the United States Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Lucas Torres, Timothy J. Geier, Carissa W. Tomas, Claire M. Bird, Sydney Timmer‐Murillo, Christine L. Larson, Terri A. deRoon‐Cassini
Traumatic, life‐threatening events are experienced commonly among the general U.S. population, yet Black individuals in the United States (i.e., Black Americans) exhibit higher prevalence rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more severe symptoms than other populations. Although empirical research has noted a range of symptom patterns that follow traumatic injury, minimal work has examined
-
The contributions of social network support and reciprocity to posttraumatic stress symptoms across time among parents and caregivers impacted by the ABC Day Care Center fire in Hermosillo, Mexico Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Austin Arceneaux, Eric C. Jones, Arthur D. Murphy
In 2009, a fire occurred in the ABC Day Care Center in Hermosillo, Mexico, that killed and injured many children who were in attendance that day. This study investigated the association between the posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) of socially connected parents and caregivers whose children were affected by the fire. Parents and caregivers of the children who were in attendance the day of the fire
-
State of the Science: Prolonged exposure therapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Carmen P. McLean, Edna B. Foa
Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) is a well‐established first‐line treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is based on emotional processing theory. PE has been rigorously evaluated and tested in a large number of clinical trials in many countries covering a wide range of trauma populations. In this review, we summarize the evidence base supporting the efficacy of PE across populations
-
Impact of veteran‐led peer mentorship on posttraumatic stress disorder Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Zeno Franco, Leslie Ruffalo, Bob Curry, Martina Gollin‐Graves, Sheikh Iqbal Ahamed, Otis Winstead, Katinka Hooyer, Myah Pazdera, Lisa Rein, Jose Lizarraga Mazaba, Md Fitrat Hossain, Virginia Stoffel, Mark Flower, Praveen Madiraju, Stephen Melka, Karen Berte, Jeffrey Whittle
Peer mentorship shows promise as a strategy to support veteran mental health. A community–academic partnership involving a veteran‐led nonprofit organization and institutions of higher education evaluated a collaboratively developed peer mentor intervention. We assessed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), postdeployment experiences, social functioning, and psychological strengths at baseline, midpoint
-
Adverse childhood experiences, individual‐level risk and protective factors, and recent drug use in a community sample of Nigerian women Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-04-15 Martin Osayande Agwogie, Wendy Kliewer, Muhammed Bashir Ibrahim
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with a wide range of health problems and health‐compromising behaviors, including drug use, but are understudied in sub‐Saharan Africa. Further, some data suggest that some types of ACEs are more strongly associated with outcomes than others. We investigated associations between different types of ACEs and recent drug use among 2,011 women living
-
Assessing the association between safety perceptions and communication about sex and drugs among Black adolescents exposed to adversity Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-04-11 Bianca D. Smith, Bailey Holmes Spencer, Zakiyyah Nur‐Singletary, Nancy Adane, Naya Moser, Terrinieka W. Powell
The present study examined the association between safety perceptions and communication with a trusted adult about sex and drugs among Black adolescents exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the role of gender as a potential moderator in this association. Data were drawn from a small, randomized control pilot test of an adapted evidence‐based intervention conducted from 2022 to 2023 in
-
Massed written exposure therapy delivered to veterans with posttraumatic stress symptoms on an acute inpatient mental health unit Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-04-07 Chelsea R. Ennis, Amanda M. Raines, Joseph W. Boffa, Mary O. Shapiro, Allison Dornbach‐Bender, Mara L. Ferrie, Alana H. Fondren, Desirae N. Vidaurri, Jessica L. Walton, Jessica L. Chambliss, C. Laurel Franklin
Written exposure therapy (WET) is a brief, manualized trauma‐focused treatment typically delivered in five individual weekly sessions. Given the brevity and effectiveness of WET, researchers have begun to focus on its delivery in a massed format. However, only one case study examining massed delivery has been published to date. As such, the objective of the current study was to examine the acceptability
-
Dimensional approaches to studying, assessing, and treating traumatic stress: Introduction to the Special Section Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-04-06 Matthew M. Yalch
Dimensional models of psychopathology are gaining empirical support and are, thus, increasingly common in research and clinical practice. This is true for traumatic stress studies, although the movement toward dimensional conceptualizations of traumatic stress may be somewhat slower, perhaps due at least in part to how trauma is diagnosed. The purpose of this special section is to collect and showcase
-
How meaning in life and vitality are associated with posttrauma outcomes: A systematic review Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-04-06 Celestin Mutuyimana, Andreas Maercker
When confronted with a traumatic event, people may suffer from adverse posttraumatic outcomes, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex PTSD (CPTSD). Positive psychology research has shown that meaning in life and vitality are potentially correlated protective factors against negative developments following trauma exposure that can lead to PTSD or CPTSD. This systematic review aimed
-
Erratum for “Asylee perspectives on psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress” Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-04-05
Cassidy, G. P., McQuaid, J., Heatherington, L., & Su, C. J. (2023). Asylee perspectives on psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 36(2), 373–384. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22917 The first paragraph of the Results section reads: “Of the 42 total respondents, 26 (61.9%) met the full criteria for PTSD or CPTSD (PTSD: n = 10, CPTSD: n = 16), and 11 (26.2%) met the subthreshold
-
Comparing diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder in a diverse sample of trauma-exposed youth Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-04-02 Cody G. Dodd, Claire L. Kirk, Paul J. Rathouz, James Custer, Amy S. Garrett, Leslie Taylor, Justin F. Rousseau, Cynthia Claasen, Myesha M. Morgan, D. Jeffrey Newport, Karen D. Wagner, Charles B. Nemeroff
Divergent conceptualization of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (11th ed..; ICD-11) significantly confounds both research and practice. Using a diverse sample of trauma-exposed youth (N = 1,542, age range: 8–20 years), we compared
-
-
Dispositional mindfulness moderates the links between potentially morally injurious event exposure and symptoms of anxiety and depression but not suicidal ideation Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-03-29 Elizabeth L. Wetzler, Ryan G. Erbe, James F. M. Cornwell, Michael D. Wood
Exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) is a pervasive threat for military service members and may be associated with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. However, coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness, may ameliorate symptoms and improve recovery. Two studies were conducted to test dispositional mindfulness as a moderator of the links between PMIEs, as assessed
-
The influence of trauma symptoms on interpersonal attributions in daily life Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-03-27 Emily A. Dowgwillo, Jared R. Ruchensky
There is well-documented evidence that trauma exposure can disrupt relationships. However, limited research has examined whether posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) moderate interpersonal processes in daily life. To this end, undergraduates (N = 98) completed a measure of PTSS at baseline. They then completed smartphone-based surveys after every interpersonal interaction that lasted longer than 3
-
From posttraumatic stress symptoms to suicidal ideation among military veterans: Pathways founded on meaning in life and gratitude Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-03-26 Shaina A. Kumar, Emily Taverna, Shelby Borowski, Brian N. Smith, Dawne Vogt
Military veterans experience higher rates of suicidal ideation compared to nonveteran populations. Importantly, suicidal ideation often precedes and predicts fatal and nonfatal suicide attempts, and thus it is critical to better understand factors that increase risk for suicidal ideation to inform suicide prevention efforts in this population. One key predictor of suicidal ideation is exposure to traumatic
-
Impact of the revised VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder for couples and families: Commentary on Lang et al. (2024) Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-03-24 Candice M. Monson, Steffany J. Fredman, Skye Fitzpatrick, Alexandra Macdonald, Nicole D. Pukay-Martin, Megan Shepherd-Banigan, Emily R. Dworkin, Brandi Luedtke, Rachel Dekel, Yael Shoval-Zuckerman, Fred Sautter, Shirley M. Glynn
As a multinational group of clinicians and researchers focused on including family in veterans’ and military members’ care for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we wrote this commentary to raise specific considerations related to the revised Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)/Department of Defense (DoD) Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder (VA/DoD, 2023) regarding
-
Maltreatment, resilience, and sexual relationship power in a sample of justice‐involved women with opioid use disorder Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-03-23 Jaxin Annett, Martha Tillson, Megan Dickson, Mary Levi, J. Matthew Webster, Michele Staton
Justice‐involved women frequently report maltreatment and intimate relationships characterized by violence and abuse throughout adulthood. The present study aimed to (a) investigate the association between victimization and sexual relationship power (SRP) among justice‐involved women with opioid use disorder (OUD) and (b) explore resilience as a potential moderating factor of the association between
-
BPD Compass: Using a dimensional model of psychopathology to treat co‐occurring borderline personality disorder and posttraumatic stress symptoms Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-03-19 Caitlyn O. Hood, Matthew W. Southward, Christal L. Badour, Shannon Sauer‐Zavala
BPD Compass is a transdiagnostic psychotherapy that includes cognitive, behavioral, and mindfulness skills targeting the personality dimensions of negative affectivity, disinhibition, and antagonism. Given considerable symptom comorbidity and overlap in etiology between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this study investigated whether BPD Compass holds
-
A unique combination of horror and longing: Traumatic grief in post–October 7, 2023, Israel Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-03-15 Ilanit Hasson-Ohayon, Danny Horesh
On October 7, 2023 (10/7), Hamas militants brutally attacked Israeli towns and villages surrounding the Gaza Strip, resulting in the killing of more than 1100 people, most of whom were civilians slaughtered in their own homes. The killings occurred under highly traumatic circumstances, including shooting, the burning of homes, hunting down people who attempted to escape, and severe sexual assault.
-
Exploring the association between post–critical incident intervention preferences and self‐reported coping self‐efficacy among firefighters Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-03-13 Joselyn R. Sarabia, Elinam Dellor, Bridget Freisthler, Katherine Kieninger
Critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) is a commonly utilized intervention in the fire service that aims to minimize psychological harm and adverse mental health outcomes after a potentially traumatic incident. This study aimed to explore firefighter preferences regarding CISD and alternative post–critical incident interventions in relation to firefighter coping self‐efficacy (FFCSE) and trauma
-
Examining bias in the award of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits for posttraumatic stress disorder in women veterans: Analysis of evaluation reports and VA decisions Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-03-11 Mayumi O. Gianoli, Andrew W. Meisler, Rebecca Gordon
Studies have raised concerns about possible inequities in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)’s awards of disability for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to women. However, the diagnoses and opinions made by disability examiners have not been studied. A sample of 270 initial PTSD examination reports and corresponding VA decisions were studied. Compared to men, women veterans were as likely
-
Improving access to evidence‐based interventions for trauma‐exposed adults in low‐ and middle‐income countries Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-03-09 Debra Kaminer, Duane Booysen, Kate Ellis, Christian Haag Kristensen, Anushka R. Patel, Katy Robjant, Srishti Sardana
In low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), the mental health consequences of trauma exposure pose a substantial personal, societal, and economic burden. Yet, the significant need for evidence‐based mental health treatment remains largely unmet. To unlock the potential for mental health care for trauma survivors in lower‐resource contexts, it is critical to map treatment barriers and identify strategies
-
Emotional reactivity linking assaultive trauma and risky behavior: Evidence of differences between cisgender women and men Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-03-08 Anna Stumps, Nadia Bounoua, Naomi Sadeh
Accumulating evidence suggests that trauma exposure is positively associated with future engagement in risky behavior, such as substance misuse, aggression, risky sex, and self‐harm. However, the psychological factors driving this association and their relevance across gender groups require further clarification. In a community sample of 375 adults with a high rate of trauma exposure (age range: 18–55
-
Associations between transdiagnostic traits of psychopathology and hybrid posttraumatic stress disorder factors in a trauma‐exposed community sample Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Joel G. Sprunger, Jeffrey M. Girard, Kathleen M. Chard
Dimensional conceptualizations of psychopathology hold promise for understanding the high rates of comorbidity with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Linking PTSD symptoms to transdiagnostic dimensions of psychopathology may enable researchers and clinicians to understand the patterns and breadth of behavioral sequelae following traumatic experiences that may be shared with other psychiatric disorders
-
Posttraumatic stress disorder, Veterans Health Administration use, and care‐seeking among recent‐era U.S. veterans Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Ben Porter, Mary E. Dozier, Amber D. Seelig, Yunnuo Zhu, Michaela S. Patoilo, Edward J. Boyko, Rudolph P. Rull
The current study investigated the associations among probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), recent Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health care use, and care‐seeking for PTSD in U.S. military veterans. Analyses were conducted among 19,691 active duty military personnel enrolled in the Millennium Cohort Study who separated from the military between 2000 and 2012 and were weighted to the
-
Psychological adaptation among health care workers who work with trauma‐exposed refugees in Greece Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-02-20 Bita Ghafoori, Sofia Triliva, Panagiota Chrysikopoulou, Andreas Vavvos
Greek health care workers (HCWs) working with refugee and asylum‐seeker populations may be at risk of trauma exposure and related distress. The current study sought to further understand the factors that may promote or hinder psychological adaptation among HCWs working with trauma‐exposed refugee populations in Greece. Participants were HCWs (N = 20) who completed semistructured interviews. Thematic
-
Associations between different forms of intimate partner violence and posttraumatic stress among women who use drugs and alcohol in Kyrgyzstan Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-02-14 Tina Jiwatram-Negron, Melissa Meinhart, Malorie Ward, Lynn Michalopoulos, Qihao Zhan, Danil Nikitin, Louisa Gilbert
Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) have an increased risk of experiencing posttraumatic stress, and the subsequently associated symptoms can vary by form of IPV exposure (i.e., physical, sexual, or psychological IPV). Related research among socially marginalized populations, however, is limited, including among women who use and misuse substances. Drawing on baseline data from a pilot study
-
Associations among posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, life satisfaction, and well-being comparisons: A longitudinal investigation Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-02-11 Pascal Schlechter, Thole H. Hoppen, Nexhmedin Morina
Many individuals who encounter potentially traumatic events go on to develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research suggests that survivors of traumatic events frequently compare their current well-being to different standards; yet, knowledge regarding the role of comparative thinking in well-being is limited to a few cross-sectional studies. We therefore examined the temporal associations
-
A pilot randomized controlled trial of online written exposure therapy delivered by peer coaches to veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-02-13 Carmen P. McLean, Nadia Malek, Casey L. Straud
This pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) sought to examine the preliminary efficacy of an internet-based version of written exposure therapy delivered to veterans through an online program supported by peer coaches. Veterans (N = 124) with clinically significant posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were randomly assigned to imaginal exposure either via writing (written exposure) or verbal
-
Linguistic and affective characteristics of script-driven imagery for adults with posttraumatic stress order: Associations with clinical outcomes during deep transcranial magnetic stimulation Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-01-30 Andrew G. Guzick, Aron Tendler, Lily A. Brown, Ogechi C. Onyeka, Eric A. Storch
Brief exposure to traumatic memories using script-driven imagery (SDI) has been proposed as a promising treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study investigated the effect of SDI plus active versus sham deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial for adults with PTSD (N = 134). Linguistic features of scripts and self-reported
-
State of the science: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-01-28 Ad de Jongh, Carlijn de Roos, Sharif El-Leithy
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with support from more than 30 published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating its effectiveness in both adults and children. Most international clinical practice guidelines recommend EMDR therapy as a first-line treatment for PTSD. This paper describes
-
Rethinking trauma-related psychopathology in the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-01-25 Holly F. Levin-Aspenson, Ashley L. Greene
Research on trauma exposure and its consequences has made tremendous progress in elucidating the role of traumatic life events in the development and maintenance of psychopathology as well as in evaluating interventions aimed at addressing the personal and public burden of trauma-related psychopathology. However, there is growing concern that problems with predominant definitions of posttraumatic syndrome
-
Gender differences in mental health outcomes among Afghanistan veterans exposed to war zone trauma Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-01-25 Line Rønning, Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand, Odin Hjemdal, Hans Jakob Bøe
Research has sought to identify whether women have an increased risk of developing mental health problems following military trauma compared to men, but the results are mixed. This study examined gender differences in a range of mental health outcomes within three levels of war zone trauma exposure and investigated gender differences in risk and protective factors associated with clinical mental health
-
Trauma exposure and transdiagnostic distress: Examining shared and posttraumatic stress disorder–specific associations Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-01-16 Michael L. Crowe, Sage E. Hawn, Erika J. Wolf, Terence M. Keane, Brian P. Marx
We examined transdiagnostic and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)–specific associations with multiple forms of trauma exposure within a nationwide U.S. sample (N = 1,649, 50.0% female) of military veterans overselected for PTSD. A higher-order Distress factor was estimated using PTSD, major depressive disorder (MDD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms as indicators. A structural equation
-
Moving forward with a culturally inclusive PTSD Criterion A: Commentary on Marx et al. (2023) Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-01-16 Maureen A. Allwood
In response to Marx et al.’s (2023) article, “The PTSD Criterion A debate: A brief history, current status, and recommendations for moving forward,” this commentary offers agreement with the recommendation to conduct population-based studies to inform future Criterion A changes. However, to fully address the debate as to whether Criterion A should be expanded, limited, eliminated, or remain unchanged
-
Assisting refugee survivors of torture and trauma: An existential perspective Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-01-13 Pearl Fernandes, Paul Rhodes, Niels Buus
Consistent exposure to refugee narratives of trauma and torture can profoundly impact trauma therapists. This secondary analysis reanalyzed data from a narrative inquiry investigating the lived experiences of refugee trauma therapists. We aimed to explore emergent concerns through an existential lens to enrich understanding and provide additional insights into the lived experiences of these individuals
-
A network analysis of Hurricane Maria–related traumatic stress and substance use among Puerto Rican youth Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-01-10 Alejandro L. Vázquez, Cynthia M. Navarro Flores, Daniel K. Feinberg, Juan Carlos Gonzalez, John Young, Regan W. Stewart, Rosaura E. Orengo-Aguayo
Youth exposed to natural disasters are at risk of developing trauma-related symptoms as well as engaging in substance use. Although previous research has established associations between disaster-related stressors and substance use in youth, less has focused on how symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may underpin this association. The current study used network analysis to identify specific
-
Effects of child trauma screening on trauma-informed multidisciplinary evaluation and service planning in the child welfare system Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-01-09 Christian M. Connell, Ann Shun Swanson, Maegan Genovese, Jason M. Lang
Despite the prevalence of exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) among children involved with the child welfare system (CWS), trauma screening is not yet a common practice. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of embedding a formal trauma screening process in statewide multidisciplinary evaluations for CWS-involved youth. A retrospective record review was conducted with two random
-
A clinician's guide to the 2023 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2024-01-07 Ariel J. Lang, Jessica L. Hamblen, Paul Holtzheimer, Ursula Kelly, Sonya B. Norman, David Riggs, Paula P. Schnurr, Ilse Wiechers
A clinical practice guideline (CPG) is a rigorously established set of recommendations based on currently available evidence about the efficacy, safety, acceptability, and feasibility of interventions to assist with clinical decision-making. The 2023 Department of Veterans Affairs /Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder
-
Differential correlates of prolonged grief and depression after bereavement in a population-based sample Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-12-21 Arda Bağcaz, Cengiz Kılıç
Bereavement can lead to prolonged grief disorder (PGD) as well as episodes of major depression. Studies on the prevalence of PGD and its differences from postbereavement depression have not been conclusive. This study compared the correlates of depression and prolonged grief (PG) symptoms in a population-based random sample (N = 535) using the Beck Depression Inventory, Inventory of Complicated Grief–Revised
-
Psychological distress and pain related to gynecologic exams among female survivors of sexual and physical violence: A systematic review Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-12-20 Jessica N. Coleman, Sarah S. Arthur, Rebecca A. Shelby
Gender-based violence is prevalent globally, yet the impacts of sexual and physical violence on women's experiences of routine gynecologic care are not well understood. The purpose of this systematic review of quantitative research is to describe (a) psychological distress and pain related to gynecologic exams among female survivors of sexual and physical violence and (b) differences in distress or
-
The PTSD Criterion A debate: A brief history, current status, and recommendations for moving forward Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-12-20 Brian P. Marx, Brittany Hall-Clark, Matthew J. Friedman, Paul Holtzheimer, Paula P. Schnurr
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Criterion A, also known as the “stressor criterion,” has been a major source of debate ever since PTSD was added to the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1980. Since then, the traumatic stress field has held an ongoing debate about how to best define Criterion A and the events that it covers. Because of the COVID-19
-
Longitudinal associations among experiences of sexual assault, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and heavy drinking in young adults Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-12-18 Eric R. Pedersen, Jordan P. Davis, Liv Canning, Joan S. Tucker, John Prindle, Rachana Seelam, Michael S. Dunbar, Daniel Siconolfi, Elizabeth J. D'Amico
Prior research with young adults has demonstrated clear associations between experiences of sexual assault, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol use, but most studies have been cross-sectional or have not considered multiple theoretical pathways to understand these associations. Using six waves of data from a longitudinal cohort sample of 1,719 young adults, we examined associations
-
Treating a common comorbidity: Pain outcomes following a 3-week cognitive processing therapy–based intensive treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder address Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-12-13 Merdijana Kovacevic, Mauricio Montes, Vanessa Tirone, Sarah Pridgen, Dale L. Smith, John W. Burns, Philip Held
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly co-occurs with pain and has been implicated in the maintenance of chronic pain. However, limited research has examined whether intervening for PTSD can hinder or optimize treatment outcomes for co-occurring pain and PTSD. In the present study, we examined changes in pain, PTSD, and depressive symptoms among 125 veterans completing a 3-week cognitive processing
-
The impact of screening positive for hazardous alcohol use on the diagnostic accuracy of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 among veterans Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-12-12 Rebecca E. Sistad, Rachel Kimerling, Paula P. Schnurr, Michelle J. Bovin
The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a widely used self-report measure of PTSD symptoms that has demonstrated strong psychometric properties across settings and samples. Co-occurring hazardous alcohol use and PTSD are prevalent among veterans, and the effects of alcohol use may impact the performance of the PCL-5. However, this possibility is untested. In this study
-
The impact of substance use on posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and treatment discontinuation Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-12-12 Brittany L. Stevenson, Jenny Y. Lee, David W. Oslin, Melissa A. Polusny, Shannon M. Kehle-Forbes
This study examined the impact of ongoing substance use during posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment on PTSD symptoms and treatment discontinuation. The study represents a secondary analysis of U.S. military veterans (N = 183) who participated in a randomized clinical trial for the treatment of both PTSD and SUD. Veterans mostly identified as Black (53.8%)
-
Examination of race-based traumatic stress symptom networks in Black adults in the United States: A network analysis Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-12-06 Nathalie Dieujuste, Yara Mekawi, Jenalee R. Doom
In the United States, racism is theorized to exert its negative effects on Black individuals’ mental health by triggering a response known as “race-based traumatic stress” (RBTS), a multidimensional construct comprising seven clusters of symptoms that can occur following exposure to race-based traumatic events (e.g., racial discrimination, racist incidents): depression, intrusion, anger, hypervigilance
-
Evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder decreases suicidal ideation by reducing perceived burdensomeness among veterans in an outpatient program Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-12-06 Rachel C. Blain, Colleen E. Martin, Carolina C. Ehlinger, Kathleen M. Chard
Evidenced-based posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments generally reduce suicidal ideation (SI), and the interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS) may theoretically account for this finding. The ITS posits that SI stems from feeling like a burden (i.e., perceived burdensomeness) and a lack of belonging (i.e., thwarted belongingness). Previous research suggests that change in PTSD severity has a
-
The Middle-Out Approach to reconceptualizing, assessing, and analyzing traumatic stress reactions Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-12-04 Shane W. Adams, Christopher M. Layne, Ateka A. Contractor, Maureen A. Allwood, Chérie Armour, Sabra S. Inslicht, Shira Maguen
Alternative models of traumatic stress and broader psychopathology have been proposed to address issues of heterogeneity, comorbidity, clinical utility, and equitable representation. However, systematic and practical methods and guidelines to organize and apply these models remain scarce. The Middle-Out Approach is a novel, integrative, contextually informed framework for organizing and applying existing
-
When health care sickens the health care worker: Commentary on Park et al. (2023) Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-12-04 Wolfgang Lederer
In their survey, Park and colleagues (2023) reported that many health care and hospital workers perceived that their safety was not a priority during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 33.9% of responders feeling betrayed by institutional leaders. Employees of the health care system reported being viewed more as servants than specialists during the pandemic, and they noted that critical assessment and the
-
“God was with me”: A qualitative study of Christian meaning-making among refugees Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-11-29 Laura Shannonhouse, Daniel Dosal-Terminel, Daun Kwag, M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall, Crystal L. Park, Jason McMartin, Eric J. Silverman, Jamie Aten, Mary Helen O'Connor, Kelly Kapic
In this consensual qualitative research study, we investigated the role of refugees’ Christian faith in meaning-making coping. High percentages of religiosity in refugee populations support the need to understand the role of religion in their coping processes. Interviews with 20 Christian refugees from 10 African and Asian countries revealed that participants drew heavily from their faith resources
-
Complicated grief and posttraumatic stress after loss and separation under terror conditions Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-11-27 Philipp Jann, Sina Neldner, Frank Neuner, Rezhna Mohammed
The lives of people in conflict areas are often characterized by the experience of traumatic events frequently accompanied by loss and separation. These can equally trigger symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complicated grief (CG). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether affected individuals could be assigned to distinct classes at symptom-cluster levels of these two
-
Military exposures and Gulf War illness in veterans with and without posttraumatic stress disorder Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-11-23 Stephen H. Boyle, Julie Upchurch, Elizabeth J. Gifford, Thomas S. Redding, Elizabeth R. Hauser, Deeksha Malhotra, Ashlyn Press, Kellie J. Sims, Christina D. Williams
Gulf War illness (GWI) is a chronic multisymptom disorder of unknown etiology that is believed to be caused by neurotoxicant exposure experienced during deployment to the Gulf War. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) covaries with GWI and is believed to play a role in GWI symptoms. The present study examined the association between self-reported military exposures and GWI, stratified by PTSD status
-
Using Norwegian National Patient Registry data to understand associations between potentially traumatic life experiences and mental health care use in adolescence Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-11-20 Annika Skandsen, Mari Hysing, Kristin Gärtner Askeland, Martin H. Teicher, Liv Sand, Tormod Bøe
Exposure to potentially traumatic experiences (PTEs) is common among children and adolescents and associated with an increased risk of psychiatric diagnoses. This study aimed to ascertain how the number of PTEs differed across adolescent psychiatric diagnoses. Data on PTE exposure were derived from the youth@hordaland survey, and Axis 1 data were from the linked Norwegian National Patient Registry
-
Contributing factors to secondary traumatic stress and vicarious posttraumatic growth in therapists Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-11-20 Eimear Cleary, David Curran, Kevin Dyer, Jane Simms, Donncha Hanna
Alongside the recognized potential negative repercussions of working as a psychological therapist, there is growing interest in the potential positive impacts of engaging in such work. The current study used a cross-sectional online survey design to explore the impact of a range of demographic, work-related, and compassion-related factors on levels of secondary traumatic stress (STS) and vicarious
-
Daily exposure to combat-related cues and posttraumatic stress symptoms among veterans: Moderating effects of peri- and postdeployment experiences Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-11-20 Mahsa Mojallal, Raluca M. Simons, Jeffrey S. Simons, Surabhi Swaminath
One of the central symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heightened reactivity to trauma cues. The current study used experience sampling to investigate the associations between exposure to combat-related cues and PTSD symptoms in 93 U.S. veterans who served in support of recent military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. We also examined the effects of peri- and postdeployment factors
-
The network structure of psychopathological and resilient responses to the pandemic: A multicountry general population study of depression and anxiety Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-11-13 Alba Contreras, Sarah Butter, Umberto Granziol, Anna Panzeri, Vanesa Peinado, Almudena Trucharte, Orestis Zavlis, Carmen Valiente, Carmelo Vázquez, Jamie Murphy, Marco Bertamini, Mark Shevlin, Todd K. Hartman, Giovanni Bruno, Giuseppe Mignemi, Andrea Spoto, Giulio Vidotto, Richard P. Bentall
Commonly identified patterns of psychological distress in response to adverse events are characterized by resilience (i.e., little to no distress), delayed (i.e., distress that increases over time), recovery (i.e., distress followed by a gradual decrease over time), and sustained (i.e., distress remaining stable over time). This study aimed to examine these response patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic
-
Recalled protective childhood experiences are associated with positive emotional expression in active-duty firefighters Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-11-13 Brittany J. Baugher, Douglas L. Delahanty, Karin G. Coifman
There is a wealth of research linking adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with negative outcomes later in life, but less research has focused on the effects of protective childhood experiences (PCEs). PCEs have been shown broadly to promote resilience, but the precise nature of this association is not clear, particularly in studies of at-risk adults. The current investigation explored the association
-
An empirical investigation of definitions of subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-11-08 Alexandra B. Klein, Paula P. Schnurr, Michelle J. Bovin, Matthew J. Friedman, Terence M. Keane, Brian P. Marx
Subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has long been recognized as an important construct that identifies a subgroup of individuals who report significant PTSD symptoms and associated disability but do not endorse enough symptoms to meet the criteria for a full PTSD diagnosis. Different investigators have defined subthreshold PTSD in various ways, making it difficult to interpret findings
-
Cumulative trauma, adversity, and loss among juvenile justice–involved girls: Implications for health disparities Journal of Traumatic Stress (IF 3.952) Pub Date : 2023-11-08 Amy E. Lansing, Jane Park, Audrey N. Beck
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are social determinants of health that increase morbidity and mortality and are prevalent among juvenile justice–involved (JJI) youth. ACEs drive health-risk behaviors (e.g., substance use) that reflect maladaptive coping, increase arrest risk, and overlap with posttraumatic risk-seeking theoretically and reckless/self-destructive behaviors diagnostically. However