The Indirect Effect of Coping Self-Efficacy on the Relation Between Sexual Violence and PTSD Symptoms

2019 ◽  
pp. 088626051988152
Author(s):  
Colin T. Mahoney ◽  
Shannon M. Lynch ◽  
Charles C. Benight
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Ptsd Symptom ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Ptsd Symptom Severity

One in five women experience rape and one in four experience unwanted sexual contact, incurring significant risk of negative psychological outcomes such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Given this heightened risk, it is imperative to examine factors that can inhibit the development of PTSD symptoms in response to sexual violence in women. Perceived coping self-efficacy (CSE) is a cognitive appraisal ability utilized to regulate internal and external stressors that arise from traumatic events and is crucial for effective adaptation after traumas such as sexual violence. This study investigated CSE as a potential protective factor against trauma-related psychopathology in female rape survivors. In this study, 518 female undergraduate students ( M age = 22.71 years, SD = 8.33 years; 82.4% Caucasian) completed self-report measures of nonconsensual sexual experiences, CSE, and PTSD symptom severity. Of those, 375 women ( M age = 22.89 years, SD = 6.91 years; 83.7% Caucasian) reported at least one incident of a nonconsensual sexual experience. We hypothesized that CSE would indirectly affect the relationship between sexual violence and PTSD symptom severity, such that CSE would be protective against PTSD symptoms. In line with our hypothesis, there was evidence of a significant indirect effect, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.18, 0.44]. This evidence suggests that CSE may be an important protective factor given women’s increased risk of developing PTSD symptoms following sexual violence. Furthermore, this finding suggests that programs targeting the development of CSE may prevent or lessen risk of PTSD symptoms following sexual violence.

The influence of pre-deployment neurocognitive functioning on post-deployment PTSD symptom outcomes among Iraq-deployed Army soldiers

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 840-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
BRIAN P. MARX ◽  
SUSAN DORON-LAMARCA ◽  
SUSAN P. PROCTOR ◽  
JENNIFER J. VASTERLING
Keyword(s):  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Ptsd Symptom ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Neurocognitive Functioning ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Neurocognitive Performance ◽  
Ptsd Symptom Severity ◽  
Army Soldiers

AbstractThis study evaluated associations between pre-deployment neurocognitive performance and post-deployment posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a sample of deployed active duty Army soldiers. As part of a larger longitudinal study, each participant completed baseline measures of memory, executive attention, and response inhibition, and baseline and post-deployment self-report measures of PTSD symptom severity. Data were subjected to multiple regression analyses that examined associations between baseline neurocognitive performances and longitudinal PTSD symptom outcome. Results revealed that pre-trauma immediate recall of visual information was associated with post-deployment PTSD symptom severity, even after controlling for pre-deployment PTSD symptom levels, combat intensity, age, gender, and test-retest interval. There was also an interaction between pre-deployment PTSD symptom severity and pre-deployment immediate visual recall and verbal learning, indicating that neurocognitive performances were more strongly (and negatively) associated with residualized post-deployment PTSD symptoms at higher levels of pre-deployment PTSD symptoms. These findings highlight the potential role of pre-trauma neurocognitive functioning in moderating the effects of trauma exposure on PTSD symptoms.(JINS, 2009, 15, 840–852.)

Physical Exercise as Treatment for PTSD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frida Björkman ◽  
Örjan Ekblom
Keyword(s):  
Subgroup Analysis ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Ptsd Symptom ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Military Trauma ◽  
Exercise Type ◽  
Ptsd Symptom Severity

ABSTRACT Introduction Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a cluster of physical and psychiatric symptoms following military or civilian trauma. The effect of exercise on PTSD symptoms has previously been investigated in several studies. However, it has not been fully determined what type of exercise most impacts PTSD symptoms. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the effects of different types of exercise on PTSD symptom severity and symptoms of coexisting conditions in adults. Materials and Methods Electronic searches were conducted in the databases PubMed, APA PsycInfo, and SportDiscus, from database inception up until February 1, 2021. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials published in English, participants having a PTSD diagnosis or clinically relevant symptoms, and participants randomly allocated to either a non-exercising control group or an exercise group. Data concerning the number of participants, age, exercise type and duration, PTSD symptom severity (primary outcome), and symptoms of coexisting conditions (secondary outcomes) were extracted. The subgroup analysis included high or low training dose, military trauma versus non-military trauma, the type of intervention (yoga versus other exercise), active or passive control condition, group training versus individual exercise, and study quality. The study quality and risk of bias were assessed using grading of recommendation assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) guidelines. A meta-analysis was performed with a mixed-effects model and restricted maximum likelihood as model estimator, and effect size was calculated as the standardized difference in mean and 95% CI. Results Eleven studies were included in the present review. Results showed a main random effect of exercise intervention (0.46; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.74) and a borderline significant interaction between more voluminous (>20 hours in total) and less voluminous (≤20 hours in total) exercise interventions (P = .07). No significant findings from the subgroup analysis were reported. The secondary outcome analysis showed a small but significant effect of exercise on depressive symptoms (0.20, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.38), and a larger effect on sleep (0.51, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.73). For substance use (alcohol and drugs combined) and quality of life, we found significant effects of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.98) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.34 to 0.69), respectively. No significant effect was found for anxiety (0.18, 95% CI: −0.15 to 0.51), and no sign of publication bias was found. Conclusions Exercise can be an effective addition to PTSD treatment, and greater amounts of exercise may provide more benefits. However, as there were no differences found between exercise type, possibly due to the inclusion of a low number of studies using different methodologies, further research should aim to investigate the optimal type, dose, and duration of activity that are most beneficial to persons with PTSD.

scholarly journals Differential effect of Hurricane Sandy exposure on PTSD symptom severity: comparison of community members and responders

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (12) ◽  
pp. 881-887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Gonzalez ◽  
Rehana Rasul ◽  
Lucero Molina ◽  
Samantha Schneider ◽  
Kristin Bevilacqua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Differential Effect ◽  
Ptsd Symptom ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
World Trade Center ◽  
Hurricane Sandy ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Ptsd Symptom Severity

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether the association between Hurricane Sandy exposures and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity was greater for exposed community members compared with responders.MethodsData were analysed from three existing studies with similar methodologies (N=1648): two community studies, Leaders in Gathering Hope Together (n=531) and Project Restoration (n=763); and the Sandy/World Trade Center Responders Study (n=354). Sandy-related PTSD symptoms were measured using the PTSD checklist-specific traumatic event and dichotomised as elevated (>30) versus low/no (<30) PTSD symptoms. Sandy exposures were measured with a summed checklist. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the differential effect of exposures on PTSD by responder status, adjusting for demographics and time elapsed since Sandy.ResultsResponders were somewhat older (50.5 years (SD=8.3) vs 45.8 years (SD=20.0)), more likely to identify as white (92.4% vs 48.1%) and were male (90.7% vs 38.4%). Responders were less likely to have elevated PTSD symptoms than community members (8.6% vs 31.1%; adjusted OR=0.28, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.46). While exposure was significantly related to elevated PTSD status, the effects were similar for responders and community members.ConclusionsResponders appear to be more resilient to PTSD symptoms post-Sandy than community members. Understanding the mechanisms that foster such resilience can inform interventions aimed at populations that are more vulnerable to experiencing PTSD after natural disasters.

scholarly journals Associations between posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use: a longitudinal investigation of individuals recently exposed to trauma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonya G. Wanklyn
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Ptsd Symptom ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Ptsd Symptom Severity

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) commonly cooccur following trauma, and their co-occurrence is associated with substantial costs; however, our understanding of the timing and sequencing of these posttrauma mental health conditions is limited. This study examined the trajectories of PTSD symptom severity and substance use among individuals recently exposed to a traumatic event, with a focus on the potential moderating roles of PTSD and SUD diagnoses at the final assessment. Additionally, in attempt to better understand the functional relationship between PTSD symptoms and substance use posttrauma, this study compared models reflecting the theories of self-medication, susceptibility, and mutual maintenance. Participants included 137 individuals who had experienced a traumatic event within 6 months prior to study enrollment. Participants completed four assessments over an approximate 1-year period that included clinician-administered measures for DSM-5 PTSD symptoms and SUD diagnosis and self-report measures of alcohol and drug use. Change over time in PTSD symptoms and substance use by diagnostic status were investigated using growth curve models. Temporal sequencing between PTSD symptom severity and substance use was investigated with bivariate latent difference score structural equation modeling. In line with the conceptualization of PTSD as a disorder of impeded recovery, having a diagnosis of PTSD at the final assessment moderated the trajectory of PTSD symptom severity such that symptom severity declined only among those without PTSD. In contrast, the influence of SUD appeared to be negligible. Both PTSD and SUD diagnoses were associated with initial drug use frequency. However, the relationship between alcohol use and diagnostic status did not reach statistical significance. Regarding temporal relationships between PTSD symptoms and substance use, significant and negative PTSD to change in substance use cross-lagged paths were found across most of the models, while only one significant substance use to change in PTSD severity crosslagged path emerged in the PTSD intrusion with alcohol use model. These results add to a growing body of research suggesting trauma-focused intervention is viable for individuals with PTSD/SUD. Further, examination of potential mediators and moderators of the relation between PTSD and SUD is recommended as a critical focus for future research.

Measures of PTSD Symptom Severity

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly S. Parker-Guilbert ◽  
Samantha J. Moshier ◽  
Brian P. Marx ◽  
Terence M. Keane
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Ptsd Symptom ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Categorical Diagnosis ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Dsm Iv ◽  
Ptsd Symptom Severity ◽  
Symptom Criteria

Assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity serves a variety of important clinical and research purposes and may be able to more accurately represent the nature of posttraumatic stress when compared with traditional categorical diagnosis. Numerous measures that assess PTSD symptom severity are available and choosing measures with strong psychometric properties that meet one’s clinical or research needs is essential to accurate assessment. This task is made more complex by the recent update to the PTSD symptom criteria from DSM-IV-TR to DSM-5. This chapter discusses available clinician-rated and self-report methods for evaluating PTSD symptom severity and makes recommendations for clinicians and researchers across a range of contexts and patient populations.

Stress and Coping of Critical Care Nurses After Unsuccessful Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn E. McMeekin ◽  
Ronald L. Hickman ◽  
Sara L. Douglas ◽  
Carol G. Kelley
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Ptsd Symptom ◽  
Institutional Support ◽  
Critical Care Nurses ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Coping Behaviors ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Ptsd Symptom Severity ◽  
The Impact

Background Participation by a critical care nurse in an unsuccessful resuscitation can create a unique heightened level of psychological stress referred to as postcode stress, activation of coping behaviors, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objectives To explore the relationships among postcode stress, coping behaviors, and PTSD symptom severity in critical care nurses after experiencing unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitations and to see whether institutional support attenuates these repeated psychological traumas. Methods A national sample of 490 critical care nurses was recruited from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses’ eNewsline and social media. Participants completed the Post-Code Stress Scale, the Brief COPE (abbreviated), and the Impact of Event Scale–Revised, which were administered through an online survey. Results Postcode stress and PTSD symptom severity were weakly associated (r = 0.20, P = .01). No significant associations between coping behaviors and postcode stress were found. Four coping behaviors (denial, self-distraction, self-blame, and behavioral disengagement) were significant predictors of PTSD symptom severity. Severity of postcode stress and PTSD symptoms varied with the availability of institutional support. Conclusions Critical care nurses show moderate levels of postcode stress and PTSD symptoms when asked to recall an unsuccessful resuscitation and the coping behaviors used. Identifying the critical care nurses most at risk for PTSD will inform the development of interventional research to promote critical care nurses’ psychological well-being and reduce their attrition from the profession.

scholarly journals The invisible scars of emotional abuse: a common and highly harmful form of childhood maltreatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Monteiro Fabricio Gama ◽  
Liana Catarina Lima Portugal ◽  
Raquel Menezes Gonçalves ◽  
Sérgio de Souza Junior ◽  
Liliane Maria Pereira Vilete ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Maltreatment ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Emotional Abuse ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Ptsd Symptom ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Student Sample ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Ptsd Symptom Severity ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Childhood maltreatment (CM) is unfortunately widespread globally and has been linked with an increased risk of a variety of psychiatric disorders in adults, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These associations are well established in the literature for some maltreatment forms, such as sexual and physical abuse. However, the effects of emotional maltreatment are much less explored, even though this type figures among the most common forms of childhood maltreatment. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the impact of each type of childhood maltreatment, both individually and conjointly, on revictimization and PTSD symptom severity using a nonclinical college student sample. Methods Five hundred and two graduate and undergraduate students participated in the study by completing questionnaires assessing lifetime traumatic experiences in general, maltreatment during childhood and PTSD symptoms. Bivariate and multivariate negative binomial regressions were applied to examine the associations among childhood maltreatment, revictimization, and PTSD symptom severity. Results Our results showed that using bivariate models, all types of CM were significantly associated with revictimization and PTSD symptom severity. Multivariate models showed that emotional abuse was the type of maltreatment associated with the highest incidence rates of revictimization and PTSD symptom severity. Conclusions These data provide additional evidence of the harmful effects of childhood maltreatment and its long-term consequences for individuals’ mental health. Notably, the findings highlight the importance of studying the impacts of emotional abuse, which seems to be a highly prevalent, understudied, and chronic form of maltreatment that is as toxic as other maltreatment forms.

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