Is Acknowledgment of Trauma a Protective Factor?

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Maercker ◽  
Marija Povilonyte ◽  
Raichat Lianova ◽  
Karin Pöhlmann
Keyword(s):  
Protective Factor ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Potentially Traumatic Events ◽  
Causal Direction ◽  
The Impact

We assessed victims’ status and its relation to self-perceived “social acknowledgment as a victim or survivor” ( Maercker & Müller, 2004 ) in a sample of Chechen refugees living in camps in Ingushetia. A total of 61 Chechen refugees were surveyed using a war-related trauma checklist, the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, and the Disclosure of Trauma Questionnaire. Rates of potentially traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) appeared to be very high in this sample: 100% reported one or more potentially traumatic events and over 75% were estimated to have PTSD. As expected, social acknowledgment as a victim or survivor was negatively related to PTSD symptoms. We discuss the possible causal direction of this finding. Our cross-sectional study provides further evidence that social acknowledgment should be regarded as a protective or resource factor in the aftermath of trauma.

scholarly journals Correlation Between Psychological Rumination and Symptoms of Traumatic Stress in Patients with Mild Paralysis in Acute Phase of Stroke: A Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuya Okihara ◽  
Kohei Koizumi ◽  
Hidetoshi Takahashi ◽  
Mayumi Suzuki ◽  
Tomonori Takeda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Japanese Version ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Research shows that post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are common in survivors of acute life-threatening illnesses, and rumination is considered to be associated with PTSS. Additionally, post-stroke symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (sPTSD) usually manifest as a type of anxiety disorder after a stroke. This study investigated the prevalence of sPTSD and the relationship between PTSS and rumination.Methods: The participants comprised 29 patients admitted to the Saitama Medical University International Medical Center within one week after experiencing a stroke. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised Japanese version (IES-R-J) and Leuven Adaptation of the Rumination on Sadness Scale Japanese version (LARSS-J) were employed for the evaluation of PTSS, sPTSD, and rumination.Results: The 29 patients (15 males, mean age: 63 ± 11 years) were classified as follows: 17 patients with cerebral infarction, 10 patients with cerebral hemorrhage, and 2 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The ratio of persons with sPTSD (IES-R-J total score > 25) was 34% (10 patients). A significant positive correlation was found between PTSS and rumination (r = 0.460, p < 0.05).Conclusion: The findings indicated that approximately 30% of acute stroke patients experienced sPTSD, and that the severity of PTSS is related to rumination.

scholarly journals Increased psychological distress after the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown in the Saudi population: a cross-sectional study

2022 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hatim Yousef Alharbi ◽  
Sami S. Alharthi ◽  
Ahmed S. Alzahrani ◽  
Mohammed Khalid A. Dakhel ◽  
Ziyad Hussain Alawaji
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Saudi Population ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Coping Capacity ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its global health and socioeconomic aftereffects, the enduring state of crisis is increasingly impacting the coping capacity of the populations. In this study, we aimed to characterize the levels of psychological distress after the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown. Results The Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 items (DASS-21) were used to screen for post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and stress. The prevalence of PTSD was 41.6% and was associated with severe or extremely severe stress (27.8%), anxiety (31.4%), and depression (39.0%). All disorders were strongly correlated with one another. The risk of developing PTSD was independently associated with residence in high COVID-19 prevalence region (OR = 2.25, p = 0.004), poor (OR = 3.98, p = 0.002), or moderate (OR = 1.63, p = 0.048) self-assessed overall physical health, psychiatric comorbidity (OR = 1.87, p = 0.036), number of COVID-19-like symptoms (OR = 1.94, p = 0.039), and severe COVID-19 morbidity in the acquaintances (OR = 1.54, p = 0.026). Four theories were proposed to explain these high figures, with a discussion of their practical implications. Conclusions The lifting of lockdown measures was associated with a substantial increase in psychological distress among the Saudi population, referring to figures reported during the lockdown. This may indicate a decline in the overall population’s coping capacity with the enduring crisis.

scholarly journals Psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Malaysian families: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e050523
Author(s):  
Zarina Thasneem Zainudeen ◽  
Intan Juliana Abd Hamid ◽  
Muhd Nur Akmal Azizuddin ◽  
Firdaus Farhani Abu Bakar ◽  
Salina Sany ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Job Security ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveTo investigate the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on Malaysian families.DesignA cross-sectional study performed using an anonymous online questionnaire distributed through social media, email and the Department of Social Welfare.SettingMalaysian families were invited to answer the questionnaires. The sampling was performed between 12 May 2020 and 9 June 2020.InterventionThe psychological impact was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and Children’s Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES). The mental health status was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) 21.Main outcome measure(1) Psychological impact on Malaysian families. (2) Prevalence of mental health status of Malaysian families during COVID-19 pandemic.ResultA total of 409 Malaysian families have responded (409 parents and 348 children), 154 respondents (38%) reported high psychological impact (score 14) for psychological construct and 189 respondents (46%) reported high psychological impact (score 6) for behavioural construct. A significantly higher proportion of respondents with not permanent employment status of the family lead reported high psychological impact. The prevalence of anxiety reported from family respondents was 23%. Forty-five children answered the DASS-21 questionnaire; 28.5% reported anxiety, 31.4% reported depression and 13.3% reported stress. The job security status of the family lead was found to be the predictive factor for the mean total IES-R score (psychological construct) and ethnicity for mean total CRIES-8 and CRIES-13.ConclusionRates of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic were high. Findings suggest that urgent measures to ensure job security among Malaysian families are important to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosocial and mental health outcomes.

Couples Facing the Birth of a Newborn with a Congenital Anomaly: PTSD Symptoms in the First Year

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 1168-1172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Bevilacqua ◽  
Francesco Morini ◽  
Antonio Zaccara ◽  
Chiara De Marchis ◽  
Annabella Braguglia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Year ◽  
Stressful Situation ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Parental Gender ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Impact

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in parental couples of newborn requiring early surgery at 6 and 12 months after birth. Study Design A longitudinal study was set up from January 2014 to June 2015. As a measure of PTSD, we used the Italian version of the Impact of Event Scale—Revised (IES-R). Results Thirty-four couples form the object of the study. At 6 months, half of mothers (52.9%) and fathers (44.1%) reported traumatic stress symptoms above the clinical cutoff. Percentages remained stable at 12 months. When parental gender and length of follow-up were compared with two-factor analysis of variance, none had an impact on IES-R score, nor an interaction between these factors was found. A significant correlation of IES-R total score was present within the couple both at 6 and 12 months (6 months—r: 0.6842, p < 0.0001 and 12 months—r: 0.4045, p = 0.0177). Conclusion Having a child with a repaired malformation represents a complex prolonged stressful situation with persistent burden for both parents who are at high risk of developing PTSD symptoms.

Psychological distress in Afghan journalists: a descriptive study

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-123
Author(s):  
Jonas Osmann ◽  
Abdul Mujeeb Khalvatgar ◽  
Anthony Feinstein
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Afghanistan is one of the world’s most dangerous places for journalists. There are, however, no data on the mental health of Afghan journalists covering conflict in their country. The study aims to determine the degree to which Afghan journalists are exposed to traumatic events, their perceptions of organizational support, their rates of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, their utilization of mental health services and the effectiveness of the treatment received. Design/methodology/approach The entire study was undertaken in Dari (Farsi). Five major Afghan news organizations representing 104 journalists took part of whom 71 (68%) completed a simple eleven-point analog scale rating perceptions of organizational support. Symptoms of PTSD and depression were recorded with the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), respectively. Behavioral comparisons were undertaken between those journalists who had and had not received mental health therapy. Findings The majority of journalists exceeded cutoff scores for PTSD and major depression and reported high rates for exposure to traumatic events. There were no significant differences in IES-R and CES-D scores between journalists who had and had not received mental health therapy. Most journalists did not view their employers as supportive. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to collect empirical data on the mental health of Afghan journalists. The results highlight the extreme stressors confronted by them, their correspondingly high levels of psychopathology and the relative ineffectiveness of mental health therapy given to a minority of those in distress. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Analogue PTSD Symptoms are Best Predicted by State Rumination

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Holz ◽  
Johanna Lass-Hennemann ◽  
Tanja Michael
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Film Clip ◽  
Physiological Factors ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Key Variables ◽  
Physiological Risk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Underlying Risk

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental disorder characterized by distressing intrusions. Since not all traumatized individuals develop PTSD, it is important to understand its underlying risk factors. So far, several psychological and physiological risk factors have been identified. However, these factors have rarely been examined together. An excellent tool to assess analogue PTSD in a prospective manner is the trauma film paradigm. This study examined relevant psychological and physiological factors in 60 healthy participants before, during and after the presentation of a “traumatic” film clip, including rumination, dissociation, anxiety, mood, cortisol and psychophysiology measures. Moreover, we assessed intrusions and administered the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) for one week following the “trauma”. Surprisingly, the only significant predictor for both intrusion frequency and IES-R was rumination about the film (state rumination). Furthermore, intrusion distress was predicted by both state rumination and an increase in anxiety after the film clip. Our study highlights the relevance of rumination in PTSD. Further well designed clinical studies with PTSD patients should investigate these key variables prospectively to confirm our findings.

PTSD in Paramedics: Resilience and Sense of Coherence

2013 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 452-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Streb ◽  
Pascal Häller ◽  
Tanja Michael
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychological Help ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ptsd Severity

Background: Paramedics are frequently subjected to traumatic experiences and have higher PTSD prevalence rates than people in the general population. However, the vast majority of paramedics do not develop PTSD. While several risk factors for PTSD have been established, little is known about protective factors. It has been suggested that a good sense of coherence (SOC) and high resilience lower the risk for developing PTSD. Aims: To examine whether SOC and resilience are associated with PTSD severity in paramedics. Method: A cross-sectional study investigated SOC, resilience and PTSD in paramedics (N = 668). PTSD was assessed with the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS); resilience and SOC were measured with the Resilience Scale (RS-11) and the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-L9). Further measures included preparation of dealing with traumatic events and availability of psychological help. Results: As expected, both resilience and SOC were negatively correlated with PTSD symptoms. The regression analysis showed that 19.2% of the total variance in symptom severity was explained by these variables. However, SOC was a better predictor than resilience for PTSD severity, as it accounted for more unique variance. Paramedics who were prepared for dealing with work-related traumatic events and who received psychological help had less severe PTSD symptoms and higher SOC scores than paramedics for whom these services were not available. Conclusions: Enhancing resilience, and especially SOC, seems a promising approach to reduce PTSD symptom severity in high risk groups like paramedics.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional survey of psychological distress in a Mexican sample during the second phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldebarán Toledo-Fernández ◽  
Diana Betancourt-Ocampo ◽  
Héctor Romo-Parra ◽  
Ernesto Reyes-Zamorano ◽  
Alejandro González-González
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Baseline Measure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
The Impact

The objectives of this study were to describe severity of psychological distress (event-related stress, anxiety, and depression) during the second stage of COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico, and to explore associations between the indicators of psychological distress, sociodemographic characteristics and specific concerns about COVID-19. This report serves as a baseline measure of a longitudinal project to evaluate progression of psychological distress across stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. An online survey was conducted in the State of Mexico from April 8th -18th, 2020, in a sample of men and women who are beneficiaries of a welfare institution in the region. Variables were measured with the Impact of Event Scale-6, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disoder-7, and a questionnaire of concerns about COVID-19. A total of 5974 participants were analyzed. Moderate levels of psychological distress (with 23.6% of participants meeting significant event-related stress, but mild levels of depression and anxiety) were found, as well as high values in all concerns about COVID-19, especially regarding financial disruption, worsening of local security and concern of a family member becoming infected. These concerns associated mild-to-moderately with the indicators of psychological distress. Higher values of event-related distress were found in women, individuals with higher educational attainment and those with any current high-risk medical diagnosis, though the effect sizes were mild. Though psychological distress and concerns about COVID-19 have reached significant levels during the pandemic in Mexico, overall, they have not yet reached dysfunctional levels.

The EMDR Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents: Brief Report of an Application in a Human Massacre Situation

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 156-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignacio Jarero ◽  
Susana Uribe
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Critical Incidents ◽  
Attorney General ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Natural Setting ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Delayed Treatment ◽  
The Impact

This ongoing field study was conducted subsequent to the discovery of clandestine graves with 218 bodies recovered in the Mexican state of Durango in April 2011. A preliminary psychometric assessment was conducted with the 60 State Attorney General employees who were working with the corpses to establish a triage criterion and provide baseline measures. The Impact of Event Scale (IES) and the short posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rating interview were administered, and the 32 individuals whose scores indicated moderate-to-severe posttraumatic stress and PTSD symptoms were treated with the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents (EMDR-PRECI). Participants were assigned to two groups: immediate treatment (severe scores) and waitlist/delayed treatment (moderate scores). Each individual client session lasted between 90 and 120 minutes. Results showed that one session of EMDR-PRECI produced significant improvement on self-report measures of posttraumatic stress and PTSD symptoms for both the immediate treatment and waitlist/delayed treatment groups. This study provides preliminary evidence in support of the protocol’s efficacy in a natural setting of a human massacre situation to a group of traumatized adults working under extreme stressors. More controlled research is recommended to evaluate further the protocol’s efficacy.

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