Effectiveness of a Group Psychoeducational Course for Adult Interpersonal Trauma Survivors in Scotland

Abstract Background Dysfunction in major stress response systems during the acute aftermath of trauma may contribute to risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study investigated how PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity, depressive symptoms, and childhood trauma uniquely relate to diurnal neuroendocrine secretion (cortisol and alpha-amylase rhythms) in women who recently experienced interpersonal trauma compared to non-traumatized controls (NTCs). Method Using a longitudinal design, we examined diurnal cortisol and alpha-amylase rhythms in 98 young women (n = 57 exposed to recent interpersonal trauma, n = 41 NTCs). Participants provided saliva samples and completed symptom measures at baseline and 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. Results Multilevel models (MLMs) revealed lower waking cortisol predicted the development of PTSD in trauma survivors and distinguished at-risk women from NTCs. Women with greater childhood trauma exposure exhibited flatter diurnal cortisol slopes. Among trauma-exposed individuals, lower waking cortisol levels were associated with higher concurrent PTSD symptom severity. Regarding alpha-amylase, MLMs revealed women with greater childhood trauma exposure exhibited higher waking alpha-amylase and slower diurnal alpha-amylase increase. Conclusions Results suggest lower waking cortisol in the acute aftermath of trauma may be implicated in PTSD onset and maintenance. Findings also suggest childhood trauma may predict a different pattern of dysfunction in stress response systems following subsequent trauma exposure than the stress system dynamics associated with PTSD risk; childhood trauma appears to be associated with flattened diurnal cortisol and alpha-amylase slopes, as well as higher waking alpha-amylase.

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How Yoga Helps Heal Interpersonal Trauma: Perspectives and Themes from 11 Interpersonal Trauma Survivors

International Journal of Yoga Therapy ◽

10.17761/1531-2054-26.1.21 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 21-31

Author(s):

Ashley W. Gulden ◽

Len Jennings

Keyword(s):

Personal Growth ◽

Spiritual Growth ◽

Sampling Method ◽

Healing Process ◽

Interpersonal Trauma ◽

Traumatic Experiences ◽

Trauma Survivors ◽

Positive Outcomes ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Mental And Physical Health

Trauma is ubiquitous in our society; therefore, it is important to explore how individuals cultivate healing after traumatic experiences. Yoga may be one avenue to cultivate healing. Qualitative methods were employed to study the role yoga practice played in the healing process of those who experienced interpersonal trauma. Eleven interpersonal trauma survivors who practiced yoga regularly were identified through a criterion sampling method. Data analysis revealed that the emphasis of yoga on mind and physical body fostered numerous positive outcomes, such as spiritual growth, self-acceptance, alleviation of trauma-related symptoms, and increased feelings of self-compassion, empowerment, and serenity. Our findings suggest that yoga may be helpful to regain mental and physical health, foster wellbeing, and cultivate personal growth after interpersonal trauma.

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DEVELOPING TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACHES IN PUBLIC HOUSING COMMUNITIES FOR OLDER PERSONS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2959 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S804-S804

Author(s):

Sharon Bowland ◽

Becky Knight

Keyword(s):

Public Housing ◽

Older Women ◽

Well Being ◽

Interpersonal Trauma ◽

Policy Implications ◽

Trauma Survivors ◽

Main Concern ◽

Theory Approach ◽

Trauma Informed ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract In a study using a grounded theory approach with trauma survivors living in a mixed-age public housing community in Louisville, KY, twenty-five older women (50+) identified their main concern as housing safety. The study underlined the importance of community-level effects on health and well-being. Additionally, almost all participants identified that they had multiple experiences of interpersonal trauma across the life course. There may be increased negative health effects for older women living in public housing based on a history of interpersonal trauma. First, we will examine how women living in the community coped with their safety concerns. Second, we will explore policy implications of older trauma survivors living in communities that may exacerbate their trauma histories due to an ongoing lack of safety. Finally, we will consider how implementing trauma-informed approaches in public housing can potentially lead to improved health and well-being for those living with complex trauma.

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