Psychological Trauma-Theory Research Practice and Policy

Gender differences in reported potentially morally injurious events among post-9/11 U.S. combat veterans, using two measures
Myers MN, Kurz AS, Paul J, Wild MG and O'Brien SF
Military experiences that violate one's sense of right and wrong (i.e., potentially morally injurious events [PMIEs]) may result in moral injury, characterized by shame, guilt, demoralization, self-condemnation, and social withdrawal. The objective of this study was to examine gender-related differences in the rate of reporting PMIEs.
Assessing similarities and differences in thematic content across online mental health communities dedicated to trauma-related mental health conditions
Wislocki KE, Naderi G, Schueller SM and Zalta AK
Large online mental health communities exist for both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) on Reddit. These communities have not been sufficiently understood through prior work.
Prospective stability of memory for peritraumatic dissociation and anxiety: Replication and extension examining PTSD treatment modality and response
Gauthier GM, PeConga EK, Mohr JL, Feeny NC and Zoellner LA
Retrospective memory for peritraumatic reactions occurring during or immediately after trauma exposure may decrease in intensity for some over treatment. This may be due to psychotherapy-specific memory processes, such as repeated accessing of the trauma memory. Additionally, it may be that recovery drives changes in memory for these experiences. Critical to examining these hypotheses is an effective control treatment that reduces symptoms but does not directly involve repeated retrieval of the trauma memory, such as pharmacotherapy.
Virtual support group initiative for mental health professionals in the COVID-19 pandemic
Wasserman M, Ford JD and Steinberg AL
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, mental health professionals have faced the challenge of helping their clients cope with pandemic-related distress on top of ongoing therapeutic issues. This article describes a telehealth-delivered peer/mutual support program for mental health professionals during the pandemic and the key themes identified by participants.
Participation in health-promoting activities of mothers of young children post-man-made disaster caused by terrorist attack
Zaguri-Vittenberg S, Golos A and Budman J
Global disasters' rising toll on participation in health-promoting activities (HPA) has been observed, especially for mothers with young children, who may face unique challenges postdisaster. This brief report examined perceived changes in participation in HPA and its supportive factors as perceived by mothers, following a terrorist attack disaster.
Persisting concerns about image exposure among survivors of image-based sexual exploitation and abuse in childhood
Finkelhor D, Turner H, Colburn D and Mitchell KJ
Among survivors of image-based sexual exploitation and abuse, how many experienced persisting concerns about others encountering their sexual images?
Online commercial sexual exploitation of children in a national victim survey
Walsh W, Finkelhor D, Turner H and O'Brien J
To describe the characteristics and consequences of online commercial sexual exploitation of children using a nationally representative sample.
Prospective study of individual characteristics and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following childbirth: Birth satisfaction as a moderator
Nakić Radoš S, Brekalo M, Žutić M, Matijaš M, Habek D, Marton I, Tikvica Luetić A, Prka M, Ujević B, Štefulj J, Pačić-Turk L, Čivljak M, Bošnjaković J, Čartolovni A and Ayers S
The goal of this study was to (a) examine the association between childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) symptoms and possible risk factors of previous trauma, individual characteristics (neuroticism, anxiety sensitivity, and resilience), type of birth, and birth satisfaction and (b) explore whether birth satisfaction moderates any association between individual characteristics and CB-PTSD symptoms.
Military sexual trauma, childhood trauma, and combat trauma: Associations with longitudinal posttraumatic growth among U.S. Veterans
Canning LM, Davis JP, Prindle JJ, Castro CA, Pedersen ER, Saba SK, Bravo AJ, Fitzke RE, Mills AH and Livingston WS
Military sexual trauma (MST), childhood trauma, and combat trauma are prevalent among U.S. military personnel. Cumulative trauma exposure may hinder posttraumatic growth, a positive psychological change following traumatic events, while social support can facilitate this growth. Understanding the influence of these traumas and social support on longitudinal posttraumatic growth is crucial.
Revealing the potential causality of suicidal ideation and psychopathic symptoms among survivors 10 years after the Wenchuan earthquake using network analysis
Ma Z, Wang D, Chen XY, Tao Y and Fan F
Little is known about the interactions and causal inference between psychopathic symptoms and suicidal ideation (SI) among earthquake survivors. Using a 10-year large cohort of Chinese adolescents exposed to the Wenchuan earthquake, this study aimed to structure networks of suicidal ideation and some specific symptoms of posttraumatic symptoms and depression among survivors of the Wenchuan earthquake to clarify the interactions and causality between these symptoms.
The contribution of facial recognition technology to wrongful arrests and trauma
Bergold AN and Kovera MB
When a crime is captured on video, law enforcement agencies increasingly have used facial recognition technology (FRT) to generate suspects to investigate. However, there are increasing examples of people who have been wrongfully arrested based because of the inaccurate results returned from these artificial intelligence-assisted searches of facial databases, despite very low error rates in the accuracy of these systems.
The worst of times: Using a transformative mixed-methods study to name and describe school-based adverse racialized experiences (AREs) in the K-12 retrospective accounts of university students
Henderson DX, Brown Griffin C, Metzger IW, Edwards C, Jenkins K, Prince K, McLeod K and Jones J
This transformative multiphase mixed-methods study aimed to identify the thematic structure of school-based adverse racialized experiences (AREs), their prevalence, and perpetrators in the retrospective K-12 accounts of a sample of racially diverse undergraduate students aged 17-22.
Exploring the role of technology in youth and adolescent deaths by suicide using data from the 2017-2019 National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS)
Chatfield SL, Ayoade E, Essel B, DeBois KA, Orlins E, Singh MK and Evans SD
Suicide is a leading cause of adolescent death demonstrating an increasing trend in the United States for more than a decade. Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory about the negative impact of social media on adolescent mental health. Results from prior research on digital engagement among adolescents have been inconsistent. The purpose of this research is to investigate trends in adolescent technology use prior to death by suicide using National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) data.
The role of shame and trauma type on posttraumatic stress disorder and depression severity in a treatment-seeking veteran population
Flynn AJ, Puhalla A and Vaught A
Research on how different types of trauma affect depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in veterans has yielded inconsistent results. Shame, a painful and negative self-evaluative emotion observed in PTSD and across interpersonal traumas, may help explain past findings. The present study explored (a) how trauma types (childhood abuse, combat exposure, and military sexual trauma [MST]) may be associated with depression and PTSD severity and (b) how shame may be associated with trauma type, PTSD symptoms, and depression symptoms in a treatment-seeking veteran sample.
Consuming hurricane-related media: The protective role of perceived trust
Estes KD, Garfin DR, Holman EA and Silver RC
We examined whether perceived trust in media was associated with post-Hurricane Harvey traumatic stress symptoms and tested whether it buffered the association between hurricane-related media exposure and post-Hurricane Harvey traumatic stress symptoms.
Associations among combat exposure, adverse childhood experiences, moral injury, and posttraumatic growth in a large cohort of post-9/11 veterans
Aronson KR, Morgan NR, Doucette CE, McCarthy KJ, Davenport KE and Perkins DF
Post-9/11 veterans experienced more deployments, combat exposure, and disability than earlier military cohorts. Those in the military are also more likely to have experienced adverse childhood experiences. Despite these traumatic exposures, a substantial number of veterans report experiencing personal growth, development, and maturity from their military service.
Maternal trauma exposure is linked to adult offspring's cognitive functioning in the context of mass violence
Ingabire MC, Caparos S, Rutembesa E, Habimana E and Blanchette I
This study aimed to examine whether mothers' level of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are related to their offspring's cognitive functioning.
Narratives on disclosure of sexual violence: Survivors' responses to public testimony to a high-profile case
Brown T, Michael E, Felber E, Gore-Felton C and Blasey Ford C
Sexual violence is prevalent and associated with an elevated risk for physical health problems and psychological disorders. The social reactions survivors receive in response to disclosures of sexual violence can impact their postassault recovery. Many survivors do not disclose experiences of sexual violence, which can also complicate the course of recovery. The present study aims to further our understanding of survivors' experiences of sexual violence and their decisions to disclose or not disclose. The data set used is also of historical significance as it captures responses to one of the most public disclosures of sexual assault.
Trajectories and predictors of depressive symptoms among pregnant women: A 3-year longitudinal study
Chen XY, Lo CKM, Wong RS, Tung KTS, Tso WWY, Ho FK, Leung WC, Ip P and Chan KL
Not all women experience the same changes in depression from pregnancy through the years following childbirth, but the patterns of prenatal and postnatal depression are underexplored. This study investigated the trajectories and associated predictors of depressive symptoms in women from pregnancy through the first 3 years postpartum.
Screening for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Mozambique: Validation of the Primary Care Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Screen for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual fifth edition (PC-PTSD-5)
Massinga LJ, Greene MC, Duarte CS, Mandlate F, Santos PF, Gouveia L, Oquendo MA, Mello MF and Wainberg ML
The confluence of conflict-, climate-, and public health-related emergencies in Mozambique increases the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few brief screening tools for PTSD have been validated in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to validate the five-item Primary Care PTSD Screen for the (5th ed.; ), the PC-PTSD-5 in Mozambique.
Identifying transdiagnostic and multidimensional prognostic indicators among veterans with PTSD symptoms in brief integrated care settings
Adams SW, Possemato K and Kuhn E
Brief integrated care settings hold promise for accessible and effective trauma-informed interventions. However, clinicians often have difficulty efficiently forecasting who is most appropriate for interventions in such settings and how to target individualized care. Multidimensional and transdiagnostic evaluations may provide valuable information to improve stepped-care and treatment practices for veterans.
Can the subjective perception of trauma effectively differentiate between International Classification of Diseases-11 PTSD and complex PTSD? The 2022 Russian invasion analysis
Mor-Ben-Ishai S, Hamama-Raz Y, Leshem E, Ben-Ezra M and Levin Y
This study is aimed to test the association of the Subjective Traumatic Outlook (STO) concept for distinguishing between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD. Focusing on identity dimensions within identity theory, the research aims to understand how subjective factors influence psychological outcomes, especially in the context of trauma during prolonged war. Findings can inform our understanding of the perception of trauma during wartime.
Evaluating the mobile Mantram Repetition Program for veterans with PTSD: A multimethod randomized feasibility trial of self-directed versus text support delivery
McLean CL, Faytol A, Chu GM, Henneken A, Rabin BA, Pittman JOE, Lindamer L and Lang AJ
While mobile delivery can help increase access to evidence-based treatment for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), feasibility and acceptability are of concern with the potential for high attrition rates and limited participation. The Mantram Repetition Program (MRP), a meditation-focused approach with documented efficacy for reducing symptoms of PTSD and insomnia, was adapted as a brief, mobile-delivered MRP (mMRP) training. This study assessed implementation indicators of mMRP and compared self-directed users of mMRP versus users who received additional text message support.
Effects of acceptance and commitment therapy on trauma-related symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Rowe-Johnson MK, Browning B and Scott B
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy that has shown promise as an effective treatment for reducing trauma-related symptoms. Although there have been systematic reviews on the clinical effectiveness of ACT for posttraumatic stress disorder, there are no known meta-analyses published on the impact of ACT in adult populations with trauma-related symptoms. Hence, the purpose of this meta-analysis and systematic review was to update the literature and assess the effectiveness of ACT interventions for decreasing trauma-related distress in adults who have developed trauma symptoms following exposure to one or more traumatic events.
The impact of posttraumatic stress disorder and head injury on reactive and appetitive aggression in adult Syrian refugees in Lebanon
El Sheikh WG, Abou-Abbass H, Bizri M, Tamim H, Karout L, Allouch F, Chehade R, Ghannam M, Fares Y, Nasser Z, Al-Hajj S, Harati H and Kobeissy F
Refugees are highly vulnerable to mental health disorders and head injuries. The primary aim of this study is to examine the impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and head injury on reactive and appetitive aggression in adult Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
Relations between trauma-based subgroups and posttrauma health outcomes: A latent class analysis
Griffith EL, Ramarushton B, Davis KP, Contractor AA and Boals A
In trauma research, it is common for researchers to characterize participants as either "trauma exposed" or "not trauma exposed" regardless of nuanced differences of the potentially traumatic event (PTE). To our knowledge, no study has simultaneously examined differences across both PTEs and exposure types.
"They thought I was just making it up": Dissociative individuals' understandings of their dissociation, perceptions of their clinicians' conceptualizations of dissociation, and discrepancies between them
Pierorazio NA, Robertson JL, Nester MS and Brand BL
Dissociation is thought to be traumagenic, though this conceptualization is not without misunderstanding and stigma. There is little research regarding people's conceptualizations of their dissociative experiences and client-clinician discrepancies in understanding dissociation.
Between mourning and hope: A mixed-methods study of ambiguous loss and posttraumatic stress symptoms among partners of Israel defence force veterans
Danon A, Dekel R and Horesh D
Spouses of military combatants often experience adverse outcomes, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in the event of ambiguous loss (AL). AL refers to an uncertain situation regarding a person's status as alive or as cognitively present. The former ambiguity is categorized by the term physical AL (PAL), which refers to the continued psychological presence of a person, despite their physical absence. The latter ambiguity, categorized by the term psychological AL or ambiguous presence, refers to when a person is emotionally absent, despite their physical presence. Though AL has been widely researched, there are still gaps around the AL-posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) relationship, especially regarding dyadic variables that can moderate this relationship. Also, most of the AL military-related studies are qualitative, with only a few that combine qualitative and quantitative research methods. We address these gaps in an innovative mixed-methods study examining the emotional experience of Israeli veterans' spouses with a focus on the relationship between AL, PTSS, and dyadic adjustment (DA).
"We had to care about ourselves": Distress and coping among gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ+) Latinx men after the Pulse Nightclub shooting
Rosario JR, Elsharnouby E and Cardemil EV
The Pulse Nightclub shooting is the deadliest act of violence against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community in U.S.
Risk and protective factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder among layperson responders to opioid overdose incidents
Jacka BP, Lin N, Kiefer R, Forkus SR, Raudales AM, Thomas ED, Samuels EA, Marshall BDL and Weiss NH
Fatal and nonfatal overdoses involving opioids have increased to crisis levels in recent years. Laypersons have been increasingly tasked with responding to these events by administering naloxone, performing rescue breaths/cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and calling for medical assistance. However, little is known about the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to opioid overdose responding among laypersons. To this end, we sought to determine the factors associated with PTSD stemming from responding to an opioid overdose event.