Correlations between Psychosocial Factors and Psychological Trauma Symptoms among Rescue Personnel

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yechiel Soffer ◽  
Jonathan Jacob Wolf ◽  
Menachem Ben-Ezra
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Trauma Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Crisis Of Meaning ◽  
Rescue Personnel

AbstractDuring large-scale, sudden-onset disasters, resscue personnel experience severe stress due to the brief window of opportunity for saving lives. Following the earthquake in Haiti, rescue personnel worked in Port-au-Prince under harsh conditions in order to save lives and extricate bodies. Reactions to this disaster among rescue personnel were examined using self-report questionnaires. Correlations between psychosocial factors and psychological trauma (dissociation and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms) were examined in a sample of 20 rescue personnel who worked in Haiti. The study indicated that negative affect and crisis of meaning were associated with higher levels of dissociative and PTSD symptoms. The results suggest that rescue personnel who are overwhelmed by the destruction and number of bodies being extricated may exhibit negative affect and loss of meaning along with dissociative and PTSD symptoms.

A Systematic Review of Psychological Trauma Interventions for Juvenile Offenders

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 892-909
Author(s):  
Michelle-Ann Rhoden ◽  
Mark J. Macgowan ◽  
Hui Huang
Keyword(s):  
Juvenile Offenders ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Trauma Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Methodological Rigor ◽  
Comprehensive Search

Purpose: This review discusses the efficacy of trauma-specific interventions among juvenile offenders. Method: The reviewers conducted a comprehensive search of trauma intervention studies completed in the United States in peer-reviewed journals, highlighting their methodological rigor by using the risk of bias tool for quantitative studies and Wu, Wyant, and Fraser's guidelines for qualitative studies. Results: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria; fourteen studies used quantitative and two used qualitative research designs. Nine studies reported medium to large effects on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and five assessed externalizing behavioral problems. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy demonstrated the most rigor and had the largest reductions on PTSD symptoms followed by trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Art therapy was the most rigorous qualitative study, but the intervention did not focus on reducing trauma symptoms. Discussion: Overall, most interventions were effective in reducing participants’ PTSD symptoms, but little is known about their effects on externalizing behavioral problems.

Psychotic experiences and PTSD: exploring associations in a population survey

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (13) ◽  
pp. 2849-2859 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Alsawy ◽  
L. Wood ◽  
P. J. Taylor ◽  
A. P. Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Auditory Hallucinations ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Psychotic Experiences ◽  
Trauma Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Lifetime Trauma ◽  
Post Traumatic

BackgroundExtensive evidence has shown that experiencing a traumatic event and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with experiences of psychosis. However, less is known about specific PTSD symptoms and their relationship with psychotic experiences. This study aimed to examine the relationship between symptoms of PTSD with paranoia and auditory hallucinations in a large-scale sample.MethodThe Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) was utilized to examine the prevalence of lifetime trauma, symptoms of PTSD, and experiences of paranoia and auditory hallucinations (n= 7403).ResultsThere were significant bivariate associations between symptoms of PTSD and psychotic experiences. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that reliving and arousal symptoms were significant predictors for paranoia while reliving, but not arousal symptoms, also significantly predicted auditory hallucinations. A dose-response relationship was found, the greater the number of PTSD symptoms, the greater the odds were of experiencing both paranoia and hallucinations.ConclusionsThese findings illustrate that symptoms of PTSD are associated with increased odds of experiencing auditory hallucinations and paranoia. Overlaps appear to be present between the symptoms of PTSD and psychotic experiences. Increasing awareness of this association may advance work in clinical practice.

scholarly journals Inducing moral elevation in veterans with PTSD: An experimental investigation using a mixed methods approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 204380872098241
Author(s):  
Adam P. McGuire ◽  
Joseph Mignogna
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
State Level ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Trauma Narrative ◽  
Study Task ◽  
Level Elevation ◽  
Moral Elevation ◽  
Psychosocial Benefits

Moral elevation is a positive emotion described as feeling inspired by others’ virtuous actions. Elevation has several psychosocial benefits, some of which may be relevant to trauma-related distress; however, past studies have primarily examined elevation in nonclinical, civilian populations or in naturalistic studies. This experimental study used mixed methods to assess if veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience elevation when exposed to elevation stimuli in a controlled setting. Participants included 47 veterans with significant PTSD symptoms. Following baseline measures and a written trauma narrative, veterans were randomized to an elevation or amusement condition where they viewed two videos intended to elicit the condition emotion. Veterans also provided a written journal response describing their reaction to the videos. Self-report measures were administered after each study task to assess state-level elevation and amusement. Veterans randomized to the elevation condition reported significantly higher levels of elevation after videos compared to veterans in the amusement condition. Qualitative results offered further support for differences between groups and identified unique themes related to the experience of elevation. Overall, findings indicate it is possible to induce elevation in veterans with significant PTSD symptoms. Additionally, qualitative results highlight specific benefits of elevation and potential targets for treatment integration and future exploration.

scholarly journals Post-traumatic stress impact on health outcomes in Gulf War Illness

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Jeffrey ◽  
Fanny Collado ◽  
Jeffrey Kibler ◽  
Christian DeLucia ◽  
Steven Messer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Gulf War ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Symptom Presentation ◽  
Trauma Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Gulf War Illness ◽  
Cut Point ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Background Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic, multi-symptomatic disorder affecting an estimated 25–32% of the returning military veterans of the 1990–1991 Persian Gulf War. GWI presents with a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive problems, insomnia, rashes and gastrointestinal issues and continues to be a poorly understood illness. This heterogeneity of GWI symptom presentation complicates diagnosis as well as the identification of effective treatments. Defining subgroups of the illness may help alleviate these complications. Our aim is to determine if GWI can be divided into distinct subgroups based on PTSD symptom presentation. Methods Veterans diagnosed with GWI (n = 47) and healthy sedentary veteran controls (n = 52) were recruited through the Miami Affairs (VA) Medical Health Center. Symptoms were assessed via the RAND short form health survey (36), the multidimensional fatigue inventory, and the Davidson trauma scale. Hierarchal regression modeling was performed on measures of health and fatigue with PTSD symptoms as a covariate. This was followed by univariate analyses conducted with two separate GWI groups based on a cut-point of 70 for their total Davidson Trauma Scale value and performing heteroscedastic t-tests across all measures. Results Overall analyses returned two symptom-based subgroups differing significantly across all health and trauma symptoms. These subgroups supported PTSD symptomatology as a means to subgroup veterans. Hierarchical models showed that GWI and levels of PTSD symptoms both impact measures of physical, social, and emotional consequences of poor health (ΔR2 = 0.055–0.316). However, GWI appeared to contribute more to fatigue measures. Cut-point analysis retained worse health outcomes across all measures for GWI with PTSD symptoms compared to those without PTSD symptoms, and healthy controls. Significant differences were observed in mental and emotional measures. Conclusions Therefore, this research supports the idea that comorbid GWI and PTSD symptoms lead to worse health outcomes, while demonstrating how GWI and PTSD symptoms may uniquely contribute to clinical presentation.

Romantic partner support during pregnancy: The discrepancy between self-reported and coder-rated support as a risk factor for prenatal psychopathology and stress

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-46
Author(s):  
Laura M. River ◽  
Angela J. Narayan ◽  
Victoria M. Atzl ◽  
Luisa M. Rivera ◽  
Alicia F. Lieberman
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Expressed Emotion ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Partner Support ◽  
Romantic Partner ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Highly Correlated

Romantic partner support from the father-to-be is associated with women’s mental health during pregnancy. However, most studies of partner support rely upon women’s responses to self-report questionnaires, which may be biased and should be corroborated by efficient, coder-rated measures of partner support. This study tested whether the Five-Minute Speech Sample (FMSS), adapted to assess expressed emotion about romantic partners, can provide information about partner support during pregnancy that is less prone to bias than self-report. Participants were 101 low-income, ethnically diverse pregnant women who completed self-report questions on partner support quality and the FMSS. Self-reported and coder-rated (FMSS) partner support were highly correlated and were each significantly associated with self-reported depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, perceived stress, and partner victimization during pregnancy. Self-reported and coder-rated support corresponded in approximately 75% of cases; however, nearly 25% of women self-reported high support but received low FMSS support ratings. These women reported elevated PTSD symptoms, perceived stress, and victimization during pregnancy. While self-reported partner support may be valid for many respondents, the FMSS is less susceptible to reporting biases and may better identify women facing heightened psychopathology and stress during pregnancy, who would benefit from supportive intervention.

scholarly journals GEROFIT: IMPACT ON PTSD SYMPTOMS AMONG PARTICIPATING VETERANS WITH SELF-REPORTED PTSD

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S34-S34
Author(s):  
Cathy Lee ◽  
Rebecca Melrose ◽  
Erin Blanchard ◽  
Stacy Wilkins ◽  
Steven Castle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Negative Feelings

Abstract Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases risk of medical comorbidities in aging. The Gerofit Program is an exercise program for older Veterans that shows efficacy for physical health. We sought to determine its impact on PTSD. Veterans in Gerofit completed a self-report questionnaire at 3 and 6 months assessing effect of Gerofit on: PTSD symptoms generally, disturbing dreams, avoidance, negative feelings, and irritability. Two hundred twenty-nine Veterans completed the questionnaire. Of these, 56 (24.5%) reported PTSD. None reported worsened PTSD following Gerofit participation. At 3 months, >50% of Veterans reported symptom improvement and this was maintained over 6 months for all items (p>0.05 paired t-test). There was an increase between 3 and 6 months in the percentage who reported “improved a lot” for overall symptoms (16.7% to 22.2%), negative feelings (5.6% to 11.1%) and irritability (0% to 11.1%). Gerofit may offer an effective intervention to improve PTSD symptoms in older Veterans.

Measuring the Impact of Psychological Trauma Change on Recidivism Among Juvenile Justice–Involved Youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 432-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krystel Tossone ◽  
Fredrick Butcher ◽  
Jeff Kretschmar
Keyword(s):  
Juvenile Justice ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Population Heterogeneity ◽  
Latent Variable Modeling ◽  
Trauma Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Transition Analysis ◽  
The Impact

Population heterogeneity and intra-individual change are often overlooked in recidivism research. This study employs latent transition analysis of psychological trauma from intake into a juvenile justice diversion program until termination, followed by modeling of recidivism. A comparison model of a logistic regression without latent variables is also presented, to answer whether the same results would have been achieved without using latent variable modeling. Results indicate that juvenile justice–involved (JJI) youth are assigned into four psychological trauma classes at intake, and three at termination. Latent status membership predicts 6-month recidivism ( p = .03). Those who begin in classes that have Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Anger have higher odds of recidivating than those who demonstrate generally high or low trauma symptoms at intake. The comparison regression model found no significant relationship between the five trauma symptom domains and recidivism. Implications for employing latent variable modeling and person-centered analyses for recidivism research are discussed.

scholarly journals Violence, Coping, and Mental Health in a Community Sample of Adolescents

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Flannery ◽  
Mark I. Singer ◽  
Kelly L. Wester
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Violent Behavior ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Public High Schools ◽  
Trauma Symptoms ◽  
Maladaptive Coping

The current study examined the coping strategies, exposure to violence and psychological trauma symptoms of violent adolescents compared to less violent and nonviolent adolescents in a community sample. An anonymous self-report questionnaire was administered to students in six public high schools (grades 9–12). The 10% most violent adolescents were identified and compared to their less violent and nonviolent peers. A total of 3724 students represented 68% of adolescents in all targeted schools. Ages ranged from 14 to 19 years; 52% were female; and 35% were African-American, 34% Caucasian and 23% Hispanic. Analyses revealed that violent adolescents compared to their less violent and nonviolent peers employed more maladaptive coping strategies, were exposed to higher levels of violence and reported higher clinical levels of psychological trauma symptoms. Maladaptive coping was also significantly associated with psychological trauma symptoms and violent behavior, even after controlling for the influence of demographic factors. The findings support the importance of appropriate identification, assessment and referral services for adolescents in nonclinical settings, and the role that coping strategies play in contributing to adolescent mental health and well-being.

scholarly journals PTSD and Suicidal Behaviors Amongst L'Aquila 2009 Earthquake Young Survivors

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Carmassi ◽  
Carlo Antonio Bertelloni ◽  
Valerio Dell'Oste ◽  
Chiara Luperini ◽  
Donatella Marazziti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Suicidal Behaviors ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Partial Group ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most frequent and severe psychiatric consequences of natural disasters, frequently associated with suicidality. The aim of this study was at examining the possible relationships between suicidal behaviors and full-blown or partial PTSD, in a sample of young earthquake survivors. The second aim was at investigating the specific role of PTSD symptoms on suicidality.Methods: A total of 475 young adults who survived the L'Aquila 2009 earthquake, one of the most severe Italian disasters of the last decades, were recruited and assessed after 21 months from the catastrophe. Participants were evaluated by two questionnaires assessing subthreshold psychopathology, the Trauma and Loss Spectrum Self-Report (TALS-SR) to investigate both full and partial PTSD, and two specific Mood Spectrum Self-Report (MOODS-SR) sub-domains exploring suicidality, namely suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.Results: The ensuing findings showed that suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were present, respectively, in 40 (8.4%) and 11 (2.3%) survivors. Rates of suicidal ideation were significantly more elevated in full-blown PTSD subjects (group 1), as compared with those suffering from partial (group 2) or no PTSD (group 3). Interestingly, group 2 subjects showed significantly more suicidal ideation than healthy individuals, and less than those of group 1, while the frequency of suicide attempts was similar across the three groups. Suicidal ideation was associated with higher scores in the following TALS-SR domains: grief-reactions, re-experiencing, avoidance and numbing, maladaptive coping, and personal characteristics/risk factor.Conclusions: The results of the present study support and extend previous findings on the role of PTSD symptoms in suicidality after a severe earthquake. However, as compared with available literature, they also highlight the significant impact of sub-threshold PTSD manifestations in increasing the suicide risk in survivors of a mass disaster.

Evaluation of a trauma therapy programme within emergency service organizations

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Tehrani
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Service ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Work Capacity ◽  
Trauma Therapy ◽  
Trauma Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Clinically Significant

Abstract Background Occupational health practitioners working in emergency services, where employees are exposed to a higher level of physical or psychological trauma, need to be able to access trauma therapy programmes which are economically viable and effective in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder and associated symptoms of anxiety and depression. Aims The aim of this review is to provide evidence on benefits of a short-term organizational programme of trauma therapy using NICE (2018) [1] recommended interventions. Methods The review examined the pre- and post-therapy clinical scores from 429 emergency service professionals (ESPs) who were employed in five police forces, two fire and two ambulance services. The ESPs in higher risk roles were in a psychological surveillance programme, with those found to be experiencing clinically significant levels of trauma-related symptoms being referred to a psychologist for an assessment which identified the ESPs requiring trauma therapy. At the end of the therapy, the symptoms of the ESPs were re-assessed, and the scores before and after the therapy were compared. Results The results showed a significant improvement in the level of symptoms, with 81% of ESPs no longer exhibiting clinically significant trauma symptoms and 6% showing an increase in symptoms. In addition, the clinical results also showed improvements in ESPs’ perceived work capacity and quality of social relationships. Conclusions The findings indicate that there are clinical and personal benefits to using an organizationally based short-term model of trauma therapy in an emergency service setting.

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