Moral Injury and Suicide Ideation Among Combat Veterans: The Role of Trauma-Related Shame and Collective Hatred

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110079
Author(s):  
Gal Schwartz ◽  
Eran Halperin ◽  
Yossi Levi-Belz
Keyword(s):  
Military Service ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Combat Veterans ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Moral Injury ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results

Exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) among combat veterans has been acknowledged as a significant stressful combat event that may lead to mental health problems, including suicide ideation (SI). Several studies have examined the risk and protective factors that can explain the conditions in which PMIEs may contribute to the development and maintenance of SI. However, the contribution of social-emotional factors has yet to be examined. In the current study, we examined the association between PMIE-Self and SI among combat veterans and explored the mediating role of trauma-related shame and the moderation role of collective hatred in this association. A volunteer sample of 336 Israeli combat veterans was recruited, completing self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional study. Results indicated that PMIE-Self was positively associated with SI, and trauma-related shame mediated this association. Moreover, collective hatred moderated both their direct (PMIE–SI) and indirect (PMIE–Shame–SI) association. Notably, collective hatred had an inverse role for each of the associations. Thus, collective hatred was found to comprise both a risk and a protective factor for SI following PMIE-Self. The current findings highlight the crucial contribution of trauma-related shame and collective hatred to the association between moral injury and suicidality. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that even years after their military service release, combat veterans exposed to PMIEs may still feel consumed by painful memories and maintain premonitions of a foreshortened future. Furthermore, the findings help to better understand the dynamics of collective hatred and the challenge of modifying it.

Moral Injury and Suicide Ideation Among Israeli Combat Veterans: The Contribution of Self-Forgiveness and Perceived Social Support

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052092086
Author(s):  
Yossi Levi-Belz ◽  
Neta Dichter ◽  
Gadi Zerach
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Combat Veterans ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Moral Injury ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Forgiveness ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Modern warfare within a civilian setting may expose combatants to severe moral challenges. Whereas most of these challenges are handled effectively, some potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) may have deleterious psychological, spiritual, and interpersonal effects among them, which may increase the risk for suicide ideation and behaviors (SIB). In this study, we aimed to examine the protective role of self-forgiveness and perceived social support on the relationship between exposure to PMIEs and SIB among combat veterans. A sample of 191 Israeli combat veterans completed validated self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional design study, tapping moral injury, SIB, perceived social support, and self-forgiveness. Veterans with a history of SIB revealed higher levels of exposure to PMIEs and lower levels of self-forgiveness and perceived social support than veterans with no SIB history. Moreover, beyond the contributions of the PMIE dimensions, significant contributions of self-forgiveness and perceived social support to current suicide ideation (SI) were found. Importantly, the moderating model indicated that higher social support moderated the link between PMIEs and current SI. Based on the current findings, it can be suggested that self-forgiveness and perceived social support are important contributors to lower SI levels among veterans with PMIEs. It can be further suggested that interpersonal support may help veterans develop a sense of belongingness and bonding, which is a plausible basis for diminishing the risk of SI following PMIE exposure.

“Brothers in Arms”: Secondary Traumatization and Sibling Relationship Quality Among Siblings of Combat Veterans

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052093636
Author(s):  
Gadi Zerach ◽  
Avidan Milevsky
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Combat Veterans ◽  
Sibling Relationship ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Secondary Traumatization ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sibling Relationship Quality ◽  
General Distress

The aversive impact of exposure to combat and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on family members has been examined mainly among veterans’ partners and offspring. No study has examined secondary traumatization in veterans’ siblings and the role of relationship quality in these links. The present study aimed to assess secondary PTSD symptoms (PTSS) and general distress among siblings of combat veterans, and the role of sibling relationship quality in the association between veterans’ exposure to combat and PTSS and sibling secondary PTSS. A sample of 106 adult dyads of Israeli combat veterans and their closest in age siblings responded to self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional study design. The rates of sibling secondary PTSS and general distress were relatively low. However, veterans’ exposure to combat and PTSS were positively related to siblings’ secondary PTSS. Importantly, veterans’ PTSS mediated the association between veterans’ exposure to combat and siblings’ secondary PTSS, only among sibling dyads with high levels of warmth and low levels of conflict in their relationship. Furthermore, the inclusion of siblings general distress contributed to heightened sibling secondary PTSS, but only the warmth dimension moderated the link between veterans’ PTSS and siblings’ secondary PTSS. Findings suggest that veterans’ PTSS is implicated in their siblings’ secondary PTSS. Veterans’ PTSS might also serve as a possible mechanism for the links between exposure to combat and siblings’ secondary PTSS. Moreover, relationship quality with a sibling veteran might take a toll in the form of siblings’ secondary PTSS following veteran military service.

scholarly journals Gratitude in infertility: a cross-sectional examination of dispositional gratitude in coping with infertility-related stress in women undergoing IVF

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bobo H P Lau ◽  
Sylvia H Yao ◽  
Michelle Y J Tam ◽  
Cecilia L W Chan ◽  
Ernest H Y Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Unexplained Infertility ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Coping Process ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Related Stress

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Do sense of meaning and acceptance mediate the relationships between gratitude and infertility-related stress among women undergoing IVF? SUMMARY ANSWER Among women undergoing IVF, the negative relationships between gratitude and infertility-related stress are explained by a general sense of meaningfulness and acceptance of life. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Infertility experts increasingly call for a re-balancing of the deficit-based view of psychosocial adjustment in IVF, which has been heavily dominated by studies of risk factors and psychological distress. Attention has been given to strength-based perspectives that emphasize character strengths and personal growth. Gratitude has been found to be a potent protective factor in coping with life stressors; however, its salutary effects and protective processes for infertile women undergoing IVF are yet to be explored. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study utilized baseline data of a randomized controlled trial for mind–body interventions with 357 Hong Kong Chinese women. Data collection was conducted between January 2015 and December 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Eligible women were approached by a research assistant immediately after their first medical consultation at an ART centre of a major university-affiliated hospital. Participants were asked to complete a battery of questionnaires, including the Gratitude Questionnaire-6, the Fertility Problem Inventory, and the Holistic Well-Being Scale. Mediation analyses were conducted with bootstrapped samples. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Of the 494 women who were approached, 357 (72.3%) provided informed consent and participated in the study. Results show that gratitude was negatively associated with all infertility-related stress domains (rs = −0.19 to −0.36), and these relationships are mediated by acceptance and loss of sense of meaning. Further, the link between gratitude and relationship concerns is mediated by loss of sense of meaning in women with a definable cause of infertility (95% CI = [−0.31, −0.08]), but by acceptance among those with unexplained infertility (95% CI = [−0.33, −0.01]). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The cross-sectional nature of the study precluded inferences of causality. Self-selection and self-report biases could be present. Our findings may not be readily generalizable to women who do not intend to undergo psychosocial intervention for their infertility or ART. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings support the salutary effects of gratitude in coping with IVF and highlight the role of unexplained infertility in the coping process. These findings offer preliminary support to the use of psychosocial interventions in promoting gratitude, acceptance, and meaning reconstruction for reducing infertility-related stress in women undergoing IVF. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the Hong Kong University Grant Council—General Research Fund (HKU27400414). All authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER HKUCTR-1984.

Perceived Stress and Intent to Die in Young Soldiers Who Attempt Suicide

Crisis ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah Shelef ◽  
Anat Brunstein Klomek ◽  
Nirit Yavnai ◽  
Golan Shahar
Keyword(s):  
Young Adult ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Israeli Defense Force ◽  
History Of ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Abstract. Background: Intent to die is an important component of suicide risk assessment. The authors compared the predictive effect of two forms of stress – military and perceived – in intent to die by suicide among young adult Israeli soldiers with a history of suicide attempts. Depression, suicide ideation, and habituation/acquired capacity for suicidality served as covariates. Methods: Participants were 60 young adult soldiers in the Israeli Defense Force (ISF; aged 18–21 years), who made a suicide attempt during their military service. Study variables were assessed using self-report measures. Results: Intent to die by suicide correlated with suicide ideation, habituation/acquired capacity, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress. In a multiple regression analysis, perceived stress predicted intent to die (b = .44, p = .002) over and above the prediction by suicide ideation (b = .42, p = .013) and acquired capacity/habituation (b = .28, p = .023). Limitations: The cross-sectional design restricts causal inference. In addition, an exclusive reliance on self-report measures might have inflated shared method variance. Conclusions: Perceived stress captures a unique dimension of intent to die by suicide among young suicide attempters.

Moderating Role of Gender in the Relationship between Cognitive Errors and Anxiety among Adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-102
Author(s):  
Tasnim Rehna ◽  
Rubina Hanif ◽  
Muhammad Aqeel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Adolescent Psychopathology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cognitive Errors ◽  
Adolescent Anxiety ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Status ◽  
Manifest Anxiety ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Widespread social paradigms on which the status variances are grounded in any society, gender plays pivotal role in manifestation of mental health problems (Rutter, 2007). A hefty volume of research has addressed the issue in adults nonetheless, little is vividly known about the role of gender in adolescent psychopathology. Sample: A sample of 240 adolescents (125 boys, 115 girls) aging 12-18 years was amassed from various secondary schools of Islamabad with the approval of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), relevant authorities of the schools and the adolescents themselves. Instruments: Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (Taylor & Spence, 1953) and Children’s Negative Cognitive Errors Questionnaire (CNCEQ) by Leitenberg et al., (1986) were applied in present study. Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed that cognitive errors jointly accounted for 78% of variance in predicting anxiety among adolescents. Findings also exhibited that gender significantly moderated the relationship between cognitive errors and adolescent anxiety. Implications of the findings are discoursed for future research and clinical practice.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate the Effects of Age and Duration of HIV Infection on Anxiety and Depression in Cisgender Men

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Gianella ◽  
Rowan Saloner ◽  
Genevieve Curtin ◽  
Susan J. Little ◽  
Anne Heaton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results

AbstractThis observational cross-sectional study of 152 people with HIV (PWH) examined the effects of age and estimated duration of HIV infection (EDI) on depressive and anxiety symptoms. All participants were cisgender men and completed the Profile of Moods State (POMS), a self-report inventory of current (i.e., past week) mood states. Overall, study results confirmed higher levels of anxiety and depression in PWH compared to individuals without HIV. Age group (< 50 or ≥ 50 years) moderated the effect of EDI (< 3 or ≥ 3 years) on mood disturbance. Specifically, younger PWH with early diagnosed infection exhibited the highest levels of depression and anxiety, whereas depression and anxiety were attenuated in older PWH with early infection such that their POMS scores did not significantly differ from the HIV-negative and chronically HIV-infected groups. Despite the small sample size and other important limitations in our study design, our preliminary findings confirm previous observations that older people may have some adaptive ability to better handle the acute psychological stressors associated with recent HIV infection.

The role of rash-impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and reward drive in comorbid disordered eating and substance use disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Merinuk ◽  
Stephanie C. Varcoe ◽  
Peter J. Kelly ◽  
Laura D. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Emotional Dysregulation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Eating Behaviours ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Substance use disorder (SUD) frequently co-occurs with other psychological conditions, such as eating disorders (EDs). Psychological factors such as emotional dysregulation, rash impulsivity (RI) and reward sensitivity (RS) play a role in the etiology of each disorder, yet little is known about the combined effects of these on comorbid SUDs and EDs or disordered eating behaviours (DEBs). This study aims to examine the role of these psychological factors in comorbid DEBs and SUDs among individuals in treatment for SUDs. The role of gender is tested as a moderator. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional self-report survey was completed by 131 participants attending Australian residential substance use treatment centres. A binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the effects of emotional dysregulation, RI and RS on comorbid DEB and SUD. Further, moderation analyses were used to examine the moderating effect for gender on the relationship between these three personality variables and comorbidity. Findings The most commonly reported primary substance of use was alcohol (43.5%), followed by amphetamines (38.6%). Findings showed that emotional dysregulation and RI were significantly related to an increase in comorbidity likelihood; however, RS was not. Gender moderated the relationship between comorbidity and RI only. Originality/value The significant positive relationship found between RI and comorbidity for females only was a novel finding for the current study. Further research is needed to develop an understanding of the etiology of comorbidity.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of injuries among Italian footballers: the role of the playing field

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 501-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Paolo Bianchi ◽  
Valter Veneziani ◽  
Michele Alberto Cantalice ◽  
Angela Notarnicola ◽  
Silvio Tafuri
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Knee Injuries ◽  
Injury Rate ◽  
Ankle Injuries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Playing Field ◽  
Natural Grass

BackgroundFootball has a higher injury rate compared with other team sports such as rugby, in terms of two main categories: intrinsic (individual) and extrinsic (environmental) factors. The playing field is an extrinsic risk factor which has been poorly investigated in the literature.PurposeThe aim of our study was to define the incidence and risk factors of injuries in a cohort of footballers comparing the role of three different types of playing field (hard court, natural grass or synthetic grass).Study designThis was a cross sectional prevalence study.MethodsThe population comprised footballers recruited by a convenience sample; the instrument used for the survey was an anonymous self-administered questionnaire.Results267 football players were enrolled (average age 23.4±4.8 years), of whom 33.7% (n=90/267) played on hard court, 33.0% (n=88/267) on natural grass and 33.3% (n=89/267) on synthetic grass. The overall incidence of injury was 40.1 (95% CI 34.1 to 46.8) ×1000 person-years of training, with higher values for ankle and knee injuries. Ankle injuries (aOR 0.4; P=0.021) were associated with playing on natural grass as a protective factor, while playing on natural grass seemed to be a risk factor for muscular injuries (aOR 2.3; P=0.026).ConclusionOur study showed a high lifetime prevalence of injury among footballers (57%), in particular among athletes who play and train on a hard court. We have studied a topic poorly investigated previously and provide the opportunity to understand interventions to increase the capacity of stakeholders in preventing injuries.

scholarly journals Mediation by Organizational Design in the Influence of Organizational Ambidexterity on the Performance of Large Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Patrick M. Mutisya ◽  
Peter K'Obonyo ◽  
Kennedy Ogollah ◽  
James M. Njihia
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Organizational Design ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Organizational Ambidexterity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Study Results

The aim of this study was to establish the role of organizational design in the organizational ambidexterity - performance relationship among large manufacturing firms (LMFs) in Kenya. The studies linking ambidexterity to organizational performance are few and with mixed findings. The few studies indicate that there is no clear ambidexterity - organizational performance relationship. The research was founded on dynamic capabilities and configurations theories. Based on the reviewed literature, a conceptual model and hypotheses were formulated. The study was guided by positivist philosophy. The population of the research was the entire 107 Kenyan large manufacturing firms (LMFs). Cross-sectional research design was used. Primary data in respect of predictor variables was used and was collected using a structured questionnaire. The respondents were the senior managers of the large manufacturing firms (LMFs) in Kenya; namely Chief Executive Officers/Managing Directors (CEOs/MDs) or General Managers (GMs), or Heads of departments (HODs). Descriptive statistics, correlations, linear, multiple and hierarchical regressions were applied in the data scrutiny and interpretation. The study results showed partial organizational design mediating role in the organizational ambidexterity - performance association of LMFs in Kenya. The study findings are useful to practitioners and managers of LMFs, policymakers in government as well as scholars and researchers. The study recommends further studies on the mediating role of organizational design, different variable operationalization, diversify respondents and context as well as longitudinal study.

scholarly journals Impact of Anger on Suicidal Ideation: Mediating Role of Perceived Emotional Distress in Late Adolescents and Emerging Adults with Psychological Problems

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 295-312
Author(s):  
Soulat Khan ◽  
Tahira Mubashar ◽  
Tanvir Akhtar ◽  
Tayyab Ali Butt
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Psychological Problems ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Late Adolescents ◽  
Mediating Role

The present study addresses impact of anger on suicidal ideation with the mediating role of perceived emotional distress in 40 late adolescents and emerging adults (Girls = 24, Boys = 16) with psychological problems. Participants’ aged between 18 to 25 years (M = 21.65, SD = 1.84). The sample was recruited from counseling centers of two public sector universities. Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation Inventory (Osman, Gotierrez, Kropper, Barrios, Chiros, 1998), Perceived Emotional Distress inventory (Moscoso, 2011) and Anger Self-Report (Burney, 2001) were used to assess study variables. Findings indicated that anger and emotional distress had significant positive relationship with suicidal ideation and significant negative relationship with protective thoughts and ideation. Mediation Analysis through Process Macro revealed that perceived emotional distress significantly mediates the relationship between anger and suicidal ideations. No gender differences were found between study variables. The study outcomes highlighted that future strategies for prevention of suicidal ideation must focus on managing emotional distress and anger.

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