Trauma Exposure, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Aggression Among Civilian Females

2019 ◽  
pp. 088626051986089
Author(s):  
Rachel Wamser-Nanney ◽  
Hannah E. Walker ◽  
John T. Nanney
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Aggressive Behavior ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Trauma Exposure ◽  
Verbal Aggression ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Cumulative Trauma ◽  
Increased Risk

Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have evinced ties to increased risk for aggressive behavior. However, very little information is known regarding the relations between trauma exposure, PTSD, and aggression among non-veteran women. Furthermore, research has not examined the associations between trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, and aggression using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) PTSD criteria. The primary aim of the current study was to investigate the relationships between trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, and aggression among women. The secondary aim was to examine the specific PTSD symptom clusters in relation to indices of aggression. A total of 217 civilian, trauma-exposed female undergraduate students participated in the study ( Mage = 24.30, SD = 6.83, 63.2% White). Higher levels of trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms corresponded with anger ( b = .47, 95% CI = [0.11-0.83]; b = .11, 95% CI = [0.05-0.16], respectively) and verbal aggression ( b = .50, 95% CI = [0.21-0.78]; b = .06, 95% CI = [0.01-0.10], respectively). PTSD symptoms, but not cumulative trauma exposure, was associated with hostility ( b = .23, 95% CI = [0.14-0.59]), whereas physical aggression was only related to trauma exposure ( b = .69, 95% CI = [0.31-1.06]). Furthermore, there was a significant indirect effect of cumulative trauma through PTSD symptoms on anger and verbal aggression ( b = .15, 95% CI = [0.05-0.32]; b = .09, 95% CI = [0.02-0.20], respectively). Trauma-exposed civilian females with higher levels of PTSD symptoms may be at increased risk for several indices of aggressive behavior. Furthermore, PTSD symptoms may better account for some, but not all, aspects of aggression in trauma-exposed women.

Neural Correlates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, Trauma Exposure, and Postmigration Stress in Response to Fear Faces in Resettled Refugees

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 811-825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belinda J. Liddell ◽  
Jessica Cheung ◽  
Tim Outhred ◽  
Pritha Das ◽  
Gin S. Malhi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Trauma Exposure ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Cumulative Trauma ◽  
The Impact

Refugees are exposed to multiple traumatic events and postmigration stressors, elevating risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there is limited research into how these factors affect emotional neural systems. Here, resettled refugees in Australia ( N = 85) completed a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan while viewing fear and neutral faces. We examined the influence of PTSD symptoms, cumulative trauma, and recent postmigration stress on neural reactivity and regional coupling within the refugee sample. Cumulative trauma and postmigration stress but not PTSD symptoms correlated with fear-related brain activity and connectivity. Trauma exposure correlated with stronger activity but overall decreased connectivity in the bilateral posterior insula/rolandic operculum, postcentral gyrus, ventral anterior cingulate cortex, and posterior cingulate gyrus. Postmigration stress correlated with fusiform gyrus hyperactivity and increased connectivity in face-processing networks. Findings highlight the impact of past trauma and recent postmigration stress on fear-related neural responses within refugees over and above PTSD symptoms.

scholarly journals Mother–infant attachment and the intergenerational transmission of posttraumatic stress disorder

2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Bosquet Enlow ◽  
Byron Egeland ◽  
Elizabeth Carlson ◽  
Emily Blood ◽  
Rosalind J. Wright
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Intergenerational Transmission ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Trauma Exposure ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Infant Attachment ◽  
Attachment Relationship ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractEvidence for the intergenerational transmission of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is documented in the literature, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Attachment theory provides a framework for elucidating the ways in which maternal PTSD may increase offspring PTSD vulnerability. The current study utilized two independent prospective data sets to test the hypotheses that (a) maternal PTSD increases the probability of developing an insecure mother–infant attachment relationship and (b) an insecure mother–infant attachment relationship increases the risk of developing PTSD following trauma exposure in later life. In the first study of urban, primarily low-income ethnic/racial minority mothers and infants (N = 45 dyads), elevated maternal PTSD symptoms at 6 months were associated with increased risk for an insecure, particularly disorganized, mother–infant attachment relationship at 13 months. In the second birth cohort of urban, low-income mothers and children (N = 96 dyads), insecure (avoidant or resistant) attachment in infancy was associated in a dose–response manner with increased lifetime risk for a diagnosis of PTSD by adolescence. A history of disorganized attachment in infancy predicted severity of PTSD symptoms, including reexperiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal, and total symptoms, at 17.5 years. In both studies, associations between attachment and PTSD were not attributable to numerous co-occurring risk factors. The findings suggest that promoting positive mother–child relationships in early development, particularly in populations at high risk for trauma exposure, may reduce the incidence of PTSD.

scholarly journals Posttraumatic stress disorder symptom trajectories within the first year following emergency department admissions: pooled results from the International Consortium to predict PTSD

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah R. Lowe ◽  
Andrew Ratanatharathorn ◽  
Betty S. Lai ◽  
Willem van der Mei ◽  
Anna C. Barbano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Interpersonal Trauma ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Symptom Trajectories ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Research exploring the longitudinal course of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms has documented four modal trajectories (low, remitting, high, and delayed), with proportions varying across studies. Heterogeneity could be due to differences in trauma types and patient demographic characteristics. Methods This analysis pooled data from six longitudinal studies of adult survivors of civilian-related injuries admitted to general hospital emergency departments (EDs) in six countries (pooled N = 3083). Each study included at least three assessments of the clinician-administered PTSD scale in the first post-trauma year. Latent class growth analysis determined the proportion of participants exhibiting various PTSD symptom trajectories within and across the datasets. Multinomial logistic regression analyses examined demographic characteristics, type of event leading to the injury, and trauma history as predictors of trajectories differentiated by their initial severity and course. Results Five trajectories were found across the datasets: Low (64.5%), Remitting (16.9%), Moderate (6.7%), High (6.5%), and Delayed (5.5%). Female gender, non-white race, prior interpersonal trauma, and assaultive injuries were associated with increased risk for initial PTSD reactions. Female gender and assaultive injuries were associated with risk for membership in the Delayed (v. Low) trajectory, and lower education, prior interpersonal trauma, and assaultive injuries with risk for membership in the High (v. Remitting) trajectory. Conclusions The results suggest that over 30% of civilian-related injury survivors admitted to EDs experience moderate-to-high levels of PTSD symptoms within the first post-trauma year, with those reporting assaultive violence at increased risk of both immediate and longer-term symptoms.

The Cycle of Trauma: Relationship Aggression in Male Vietnam Veterans With Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

1996 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina A. Byrne ◽  
David S. Riggs
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Vietnam Veterans ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Psychological Aggression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Female Partners ◽  
Relationship Aggression ◽  
Increased Risk

This study examined the association between symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in male Vietnam veterans and their use of aggressive behavior in relationships with intimate female partners. Fifty couples participated in the study. Veterans reported on their PTSD symptoms, and veterans and partners completed measures assessing the veterans’ use of physical, verbal,’ and psychological aggression during the preceding year as well as measures of their own perceptions of problems in the relationship. Results indicated that PTSD symptomatology places veterans at increased risk for perpetrating relationship aggression against their partners. The association between veterans’ PTSD symptoms and their use of aggression in relationships was mediated by relationship problems. Clinical implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals A Population-Based Study of Familial and Individual-Specific Environmental Contributions to Traumatic Event Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in a Norwegian Twin Sample

2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 656-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ananda B. Amstadter ◽  
Steven H. Aggen ◽  
Gun Peggy Knudsen ◽  
Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud ◽  
Kenneth S. Kendler
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Trauma Exposure ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Familial Factors ◽  
Best Fitting ◽  
Traumatic Event Exposure

Objective: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the only disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that requires an environmental exposure. The relationship between liability factors for trauma exposure and those for PTSD symptoms following exposure are unclear. Methods: Exposure to a trauma and resulting PTSD symptoms were assessed in a sample of 2,794 members of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Twin Panel. Results: In the full sample, 737 twins experienced a trauma. A modified causal, contingent, common pathway model was used to examine trauma exposure and liability for PTSD. Genetic and common environmental factors could not be distinguished, so a model that included only familial and individual specific components was fit. The best-fitting model suggested that familial factors played an important role in liability for trauma exposure and for resulting PTSD symptoms, and that there was a modest transmission between trauma exposure and subsequent PTSD symptoms. Conclusions: One third of the variance in liability of PTSD symptoms is due to familial factors, and of this, approximately one fifth overlaps with the familial liability for trauma exposure while the other four fifths of the variance is specific to the risk of PTSD symptoms following exposure. The hypothesis that PTSD is etiologically similar to exposures to a traumatic event is not supported, suggesting that the factors that confer risk for trauma do not overlap completely with those that confer risk for PTSD.

scholarly journals Metacognitive and Metamemory Beliefs in the Development and Maintenance of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie K. T. Takarangi ◽  
Rashelle A. Smith ◽  
Deryn Strange ◽  
Heather D. Flowe
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Trauma Exposure ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Distress Symptoms ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Exposure To Trauma

Can metacognition increase trauma sufferers’ risk for developing and maintaining posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? We assessed the role of a range of cognitive and metacognitive belief domains—including metamemory—on PTSD symptoms. Adult participants reported their existing meta/cognitions and lifetime exposure to trauma, then 12 weeks later, they reported meta/cognitions and PTSD symptoms in relation to new trauma exposure since the initial assessment. Participants with more PTSD symptoms held more problematic metacognitions than participants with fewer distress symptoms. Moreover, people who endorsed maladaptive metacognitions before trauma exposure were more likely to experience symptoms of PTSD after exposure. Metacognition predicted the maintenance of elevated PTSD symptoms over the 12-week delay. Our findings support the metacognitive model of PTSD and highlight the importance of metamemory, an understudied factor in PTSD research.

Posttraumatic stress disorder and incidence of thyroid dysfunction in women

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (15) ◽  
pp. 2551-2560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sun Jae Jung ◽  
Jae H. Kang ◽  
Andrea L. Roberts ◽  
Kristen Nishimi ◽  
Qixuan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Thyroid Dysfunction ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Civilian Women

AbstractBackgroundAbnormal thyroid function is prevalent among women and has been linked to increased risk of chronic disease. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to thyroid dysfunction in some studies; however, the results have been inconsistent. Thus, we evaluated trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms in relation to incident thyroid dysfunction in a large longitudinal cohort of civilian women.MethodsWe used data from 45 992 women from the ongoing Nurses’ Health Study II, a longitudinal US cohort study that began in 1989. In 2008, history of trauma and PTSD were assessed with the Short Screening Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, PTSD, and incident thyroid dysfunction was determined by participants’ self-report in biennial questionnaires of physician-diagnosed hypothyroidism and Graves’ hyperthyroidism. The study period was from 1989 to 2013. Proportional hazard models were used to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident hypothyroidism and Graves’ hyperthyroidism.ResultsIn multivariable-adjusted models, we found significant associations for PTSD only with hypothyroidism [p-trend <0.001; trauma with no PTSD symptoms, 1.08 (95% CI 1.02–1.15); 1–3 PTSD symptoms, 1.12 (95% CI 1.04–1.21); 4–5 PTSD symptoms, 1.23 (95% CI 1.13–1.34); and 6–7 PTSD symptoms, 1.26 (95% CI 1.14–1.40)]. PTSD was not associated with risk of Graves’ hyperthyroidism (p-trend = 0.34). Associations were similar in sensitivity analyses restricted to outcomes with onset after 2008, when PTSD was assessed.ConclusionsPTSD was associated with higher risk of hypothyroidism in a dose-dependent fashion. Highlighted awareness for thyroid dysfunction may be especially important in women with PTSD.

scholarly journals Posttraumatic stress disorder and changes in diet quality over 20 years among US women

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yongjoo Kim ◽  
Andrea L. Roberts ◽  
Eric B. Rimm ◽  
Lori B. Chibnik ◽  
Shelley S. Tworoger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Over Time ◽  
New Onset

Abstract Background Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk of various chronic diseases. One hypothesized pathway is via changes in diet quality. This study evaluated whether PTSD was associated with deterioration in diet quality over time. Methods Data were from 51 965 women in the Nurses' Health Study II PTSD sub-study followed over 20 years. Diet, assessed at 4-year intervals, was characterized via the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI). Based on information from the Brief Trauma Questionnaire and Short Screening Scale for DSM-IV PTSD, trauma/PTSD status was classified as no trauma exposure, prevalent exposure (trauma/PTSD onset before study entry), or new-onset (trauma/PTSD onset during follow-up). We further categorized women with prevalent exposure as having trauma with no PTSD symptoms, trauma with low PTSD symptoms, and trauma with high PTSD symptoms, and created similar categories for women with new-onset exposure, resulting in seven comparison groups. Multivariable linear mixed-effects spline models tested differences in diet quality changes by trauma/PTSD status over follow-up. Results Overall, diet quality improved over time regardless of PTSD status. In age-adjusted models, compared to those with no trauma, women with prevalent high PTSD and women with new-onset high PTSD symptoms had 3.3% and 3.6% lower improvement in diet quality, respectively, during follow-up. Associations remained consistent after adjusting for health conditions, sociodemographics, and behavioral characteristics. Conclusions PTSD is associated with less healthy changes in overall diet quality over time. Poor diet quality may be one pathway linking PTSD with a higher risk of chronic disease development.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document