scholarly journals The Severity of Traumatic Stress Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic, Perception of Support, Sense of Security, and Sense of Meaning in Life Among Nurses: Research Protocol and Preliminary Results from Poland

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Józef Nowicki ◽  
Barbara Ślusarska ◽  
Kinga Tucholska ◽  
Katarzyna Naylor ◽  
Agnieszka Chrzan-Rodak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Significant Others ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Sense Of Security ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic affects not only physical health but also deteriorates mental health resulting in sleep problems, depression, and traumatic stress. Our research investigates the level of posttraumatic stress, perceived social support, opinions on positive and negative consequences of the pandemic, sense of security, and sense of meaning among nurses in the face of new and not fully understood global epidemiological phenomena. For this purpose, computer-assisted web interviewing methods were conducted between May 1 and May 15, 2020. Participating nurses completed the following research tools: The Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), The Changes in Outlook Questionnaire (CIOQ), The Safety Experience Questionnaire (SEQ) and The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Three hundred and twenty-five nurses working throughout Poland joined the study of an average age of 39.18 ± 11.16 years. The average overall IES-R score in the study group was 1.78 ± 0.65. Among the dimensions of traumatic stress, the highest score was obtained in the dimension Avoidance 1.86 ± 0.73, then in the dimensions Hyperarousal 1.8 ± 0.78 and Intrusion 1.74 ± 0.83. Amongst studied nurses, the highest support rates were provided by significant others (22.58 ± 5.22), then from friends (21.91 ± 5) and family (21.45 ± 4.4). Among the surveyed nurses, higher average scores were noted in the subscale measuring positive psychological changes (18.56 ± 4.04). In contrast, a higher average level of assessment was noted on the Reflection on the safety dimension (4.21 ± 0.49). The mean MLQ score was 5.33 ± 0.87. A slightly higher result was observed in the subscale Presence (5.35 ± 1.14). The results of the research implemented during the period of severe psychological pressure associated with the COVID-19 pandemic provided information on symptoms of traumatic stress in the examined group of nurses. Their sense of security has been lowered and accompanied by an intensified reflection on issues concerning security. However, the sense of meaning (currently felt) in life remains higher than the tendency to searching for it. The surveyed nurses perceive individual support from the so-called significant others (apart from family and friends). They see positive changes resulting from painful experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be characterized by adaptation in the form of posttraumatic growth.

scholarly journals The Severity of Traumatic Stress Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic, Perception of Support, Sense of Security, and Sense of Meaning in Life among Nurses: Research Protocol and Preliminary Results from Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Józef Nowicki ◽  
Barbara Ślusarska ◽  
Kinga Tucholska ◽  
Katarzyna Naylor ◽  
Agnieszka Chrzan-Rodak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Significant Others ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Sense Of Security ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic can not only affect physical health, but also mental health, resulting in sleep problems, depression, and traumatic stress. Our research investigates the level of posttraumatic stress, perceived social support, opinions on positive and negative consequences of the pandemic, sense of security and sense of meaning among nurses in the face of this new and not fully understood global epidemiological phenomenon. For this purpose, computer-assisted web interviews were conducted between May 1 and May 15, 2020. Participating nurses completed the following research tools: The Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), The Changes in Outlook Questionnaire (CIOQ), The Safety Experience Questionnaire (SEQ) and The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Three hundred and twenty-five nurses of an average age of 39.18 ± 11.16 years and working throughout Poland joined the study. The average overall IES-R score in the study group was 1.78 ± 0.65. Among the dimensions of traumatic stress, the highest score was obtained in the “avoidance” dimension was 1.86 ± 0.73. Amongst participating nurses, the highest support rates were provided by significant others (22.58 ± 5.22). Higher average scores were noted among participants in the subscale measuring positive psychological changes (18.56 ± 4.04). The mean MLQ score was 5.33 ± 0.87. A slightly higher result was observed in the subscale “presence” (5.35 ± 1.14). The results of the research implemented during the period of severe psychological pressure associated with the COVID-19 pandemic provided information on symptoms of traumatic stress in the examined group of nurses. Their sense of security has been lowered and accompanied by an intensified reflection on issues concerning security. However, their current sense of meaning in life remains higher than the tendency to searching for it. The surveyed nurses received individual support mostly from significant others (i.e., other than family and friends). They see positive changes resulting from painful experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be characterized by adaptation in the form of post-traumatic growth.

scholarly journals Impact of coronavirus outbreak events, perceptions of sense of safety and distance learning among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 530-551
Author(s):  
Monika Walec ◽  
Weronika Michoń ◽  
Natalia Surma ◽  
Marcin Rząca ◽  
Grzegorz Nowicki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Sense Of Security ◽  
The Impact

Abstract: A pandemic substantially affects a number of areas of social life. Significant changes have occurred in the area of education, including higher education. In the summer semester of the academic year 2019/2020, universities in Poland, within a few weeks, switched from full-time teaching to distance learning. It undoubtedly brought about among students a certain level of uncertainty about the development of events and the need to act in changing circumstances and involved a revised communication pattern and interaction on many functioning levels. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of coronavirus outbreak events on perceptions of feelings of safety and higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of college student participants from universities across Poland. The study was conducted in May and June 2020 among 371 students in Poland, using computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI). Two standardized tools were used, i.e. the Polish version of the Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and Safety Experience Questionnaire (SEQ), as well as the proprietary survey questionnaire. The survey was posted on Google.com and was shared with the respondents online via Facebook. Students demonstrated a significant effort to rid themselves of trauma-related thoughts, emotions, or conversations. A sense of security was observed; however, it significantly decreased as the PTSD score increased. Men have a significantly higher sense of safety than women. There was no evidence of an influence of the field of study, year of study, or type of education on the severity of traumatic stress and experiencing safety. In terms of the impact of the epidemic on aspects of higher education, respondents showed concern about the quality of interpersonal relationships and the financial situation of the family. The traumatic stress severity index was found to be significantly higher on the substantive and technical aspects of education. The students' moods seem to have no relationship with the gender of the respondent or the type of education. The impact of events related to the outbreak of the Sars-Cov-2 virus can be observed in the disturbance of the sense of security among participants of different majors and years of study in Poland. Students' fears are associated with a change in the realities of student life in both educational and social dimensions.

Perpetration-induced Traumatic Stress in Persons Who Euthanize Nonhuman Animals in Surgeries, Animal Shelters, and Laboratories

2005 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauleen Bennett ◽  
Vanessa Rohlf
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Nonhuman Animals ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Traumatic Symptoms

AbstractThis study explored possible identification of Perpetration-induced Traumatic Stress (PITS) in workers whose occupations required euthanizing nonhuman animals and determining whether event or person-related factors influenced symptoms. The sample included 148 animal workers: veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and research and animal shelter staff. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) assessed traumatic stress. Experimenters constructed additional scales measuring satisfaction with social support, participation in various types of training, and concern over animal death. More than 70% of participants reported affinity toward animals had strongly influenced their occupation selection. Half the sample perceived animal death—particularly euthanasia—as one of the least desirable jobs. Of the sample, 11% reported experiencing moderate levels of traumatic symptoms. The study found lower levels of euthanasia-related stress were associated with increased satisfaction with social support and length of time working with animals. Those who reported high levels of concern about animal death reported higher levels of euthanasia-related stress. The study found occupational context was not associated with different levels of euthanasia-related stress symptoms—even though reasons for administering euthanasia differed significantly between occupations.

scholarly journals Maternal Mental Health after a Wildfire: Effects of Social Support in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 070674372097085
Author(s):  
Barbara S. E. Verstraeten ◽  
Guillaume Elgbeili ◽  
Ashley Hyde ◽  
Suzanne King ◽  
David M. Olson
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Fort Mcmurray ◽  
Dissociative Experiences ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Peritraumatic Distress ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Perinatal Women

Objective: Following disasters, perinatal women are vulnerable to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like symptoms. Little is known about protective factors. We hypothesized that peritraumatic stress would predict PTSD-like symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women and would be moderated by social support and resilience. Method: Women ( n = 200) who experienced the 2016 Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo wildfire during or shortly before pregnancy completed the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI), Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised for current PTSD-like symptoms. They also completed scales of social support (Social Support Questionnaire-Short Form) and resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale). Results: Greater peritraumatic distress ( r = 0.56) and dissociative experiences ( r = 0.56) correlated with more severe PTSD-like symptoms. Greater social support satisfaction was associated with less severe post-traumatic stress symptoms but only when peritraumatic distress was below average; at more severe levels of PDI, this psychosocial variable was not protective. Conclusions: Maternal PTSD-like symptoms after a wildfire depend on peritraumatic distress and dissociation. Higher social support satisfaction buffers the association with peritraumatic distress, although not when peritraumatic reactions are severe. Early psychosocial interventions may protect perinatal women from PTSD-like symptoms after a wildfire.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Predictors of PTSD during the Containment Stage of COVID-19 Epidemic among College Female Students in China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingyu Si ◽  
Xiaoyou Su ◽  
Yu Jiang ◽  
Wenjun Wang ◽  
Xiaofen Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
College Female ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background College students are a uniquely vulnerable group and may experience high stress levels due to COVID-19, especially for girls. This study aims to identify the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and related factors among the target population during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. A total of 2205 college female students from six provinces enrolled in this study and completed the questions about cognitive status of COVID-19, the Impact of Event Scale-6 (IES-6), the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MPSSS) and a self-developed 10-item Perceived threat scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed by SPSS software to explore the determinants of PTSD symptoms.Results PTSD symptoms were prevalent in this sample of college female students, and 34.20% met the cut-off for PTSD. Self-reported fair or poor health (AOR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.22-2.59), high concern about COVID-19 (AOR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.35-2.03), beliefs that 'COVID-19 can cause a global outbreak' (AOR=1.26, 95%CI: 1.02-1.56), the perception of ‘risk of infection’ (AOR=2.46, 95%CI: 2.16-2.81), beliefs that ‘closed management’ and ‘COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern’ would have an impact, and the fear of ‘impact on life planning’ were all positively associated with PTSD (AOR=1.37, 1.22 and 1.29, respectively), whereas perceived social support from family (AOR=0.81, 95%CI: 0.70-0.93) was negatively associated with PTSD. Among the significant variables at the bivariate level, multivariate logistic regression revealed that the greatest protector for PTSD was the high knowledge score (AOR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.60-0.90), while had confirmed cases among relatives and friends (AOR=7.70, 95%CI: 1.28-46.25) was the strongest predictor of PTSD.Conclusions In summary, PTSD symptoms were prevalent among college female students in China during the COVID-19 epidemic. Targeting vulnerable populations to improve their knowledge of COVID-19 and create an atmosphere of social support would be beneficial to improve the mental health of the female students during the COVID-19 epidemic.

scholarly journals Predictors of Post-traumatic Growth in Patients With Myocardial Infarction

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 520-531
Author(s):  
Seyedeh Zahra Hosseini Golafshani ◽  
◽  
Farshad Taheri ◽  
Hamid Sharif Nia ◽  
Somayeh Minaeimoghaddam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic

Background: Some people experience positive psychological changes in various aspects after a stressful event. These positive changes, known as Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), are often due to people’s need to adapt to the challenges ahead. Objective: This study aims to determine the predictors of PTG in patients with myocardial infarction. Methods: This is a descriptive-correlational study. Participants were 191 patients with myocardial infarction referred to the cardiac clinic of Bu-Ali Sina Hospital in Qazvin, Iran. They were selected using a convenience sampling method and based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. The research instruments were the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS), and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Collected data were analyzed in SPSS V. 25 software using Pearson correlation test and linear regression analysis. Findings: There was a significant positive relationship between PTG with perceived social support (r=0.47 and P<0.001) and meaning in life (r=0.71 and P<0.001). Based on the results of linear regression analysis, an increase in the scores of MSPSS and MLQ can increase the PTGI score by 0.978 and 1.376, respectively. Conclusion: This study provided important insights into the phenomenon of PTG in patients with myocardial infarction and its predictors, which can help improve PTG in them.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Predictors of PTSD During the Initial Stage of COVID-19 Epidemic among Female College Students in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 004695802110599
Author(s):  
Ming-Yu Si ◽  
Xiao-You Su ◽  
Yu Jiang ◽  
Wen-Jun Wang ◽  
Xiao-Fen Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
College Students ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Female College Students ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Female College ◽  
The Impact

Background College students are vulnerable and may experience high stress due to COVID-19, especially girls. This study aims to identify posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related factors among the target population during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods In the initial phase of COVID-19 epidemic (February 23 to March 5, 2020), 2205 female college students from six provinces in mainland China were enrolled in this study and completed the online survey about the cognitive status of COVID-19, including the Impact of Event Scale-6, the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale and a self-developed 10-item Perceived threat scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed using SPSS software to explore the determinants of PTSD symptoms. Results PTSD symptoms were prevalent in female college students, and 34.20% met the cut-off for PTSD. Self-reported fair or poor health (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.22-2.59), high concern about COVID-19 (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.35-2.03), beliefs that “COVID-19 can cause a global outbreak” (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.02-1.56), the perception of “risk of infection” (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 2.16–2.81), beliefs that “closed management” and “COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern” would have an impact, and the fear of “impact on life planning” were all positively associated with PTSD (AOR = 1.37, 1.22, and 1.29, respectively); however, perceived social support from family (AOR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70-0.93) was negatively associated with PTSD. Among the significant variables at the bivariate level, multivariate logistic regression revealed that the greatest protector for PTSD was the high knowledge score (AOR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.60–0.90), while had confirmed cases among relatives and friends (AOR = 7.70, 95% CI: 1.28-46.25) was the strongest predictor of PTSD. Conclusions In summary, PTSD symptoms were prevalent among female college students in China during the COVID-19 epidemic. Targeting vulnerable populations to improve their knowledge about COVID-19 and create an atmosphere of social support would be beneficial. Moreover, the joint efforts from family, school administrators, and policymakers are essential to improve the mental health of the female students during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Religiosity, Social Support and Meaning in Life as Predictors of Resilience among Victims of Natural Disaster in Pakistan (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Saud ◽  
Mazhar Iqbal Bhatti ◽  
Akhlaq Ahmad ◽  
Qaisar Khalid Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Meaning In Life Questionnaire

BACKGROUND In natural disasters, religious beliefs help people deal with the devastating events that happen to them. OBJECTIVE To understand the extent to which religiosity, social support and meaning in life played the role to develop resilience among the victims of natural disaster in Pakistan. METHODS We surveyed 400 residents affected by the 2010 Pakistan floods. The multidimensional scale of perceived social support, meaning in life questionnaire, religiosity scale and ego resiliency scale were used in this regard. RESULTS Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to avail the results. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicated that religiosity was a significant predictor along with social support and meaning in life in explaining resilience among the victims of a natural disaster.

scholarly journals Post-Traumatic and Psychopathological Symptoms of a Person with Victim Identity Who Survived a Car Accident

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-99
Author(s):  
O.O. Andronnikova ◽  
Yu.M. Zabrodin
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Psychopathological Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Car Accident ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Traumatic Symptoms

The paper analyzes the post-traumatic and psychopathological symptomatology of a person with victim identity in people who have survived a car accident. The article presents the materials of an empirical study obtained on a sample of people who had a car accident and who asked for psychological help for a subsequent violation of adaptation. The study involved 204 respondents aged 25 to 50 years, divided into groups based on the presence of signs of post-traumatic stress. The first group consisted of persons with pronounced post-traumatic symptoms (139 people, 78% of them are women), the second group consisted of persons without pronounced post-traumatic symptoms (65 people, 64% of women). The study used the following methods: the Questionnaire of dispositional self-attentiveness, a modified form of the Freiburg Personality Inventory (FPI), the Meaning-in-Life Orientations test developed by D.A. Leontiev, the COPE Inventory, which assesses the characteristics of responding to difficulties in everyday life situations, the Victim Personality Identity Scale, the Impact of Event Scale-R, and the Symptom Check List-90-Revised. The results obtained allow us to conclude that victim identity is a component of a personality with pronounced post-traumatic and psychopathological symptoms. Other components of personality in the structure of experiencing post-traumatic stress are intrapersonal conflict, personality crisis, and fixation on a traumatic event, which aggravate psychopathological symptoms when experiencing a car accident.

scholarly journals Exploring the impact of COVID-19 and restrictions to daily living as a result of social distancing within veterans with pre-existing mental health difficulties

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Murphy ◽  
C Williamson ◽  
J Baumann ◽  
W Busuttil ◽  
N T Fear
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionData are emerging showing the adverse consequences on mental health of the general public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about the needs of veterans with pre-existing mental health difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsData were collected through a cross-sectional online survey from a randomly selected sample (n=1092) of military veterans who have sought help for mental health difficulties from a veteran-specific UK-based charity. The response rate was 25.2% (n=275). Participants were asked to complete a range of standardised mental health outcomes (post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, common mental health difficulties (CMDs): 12-Item General Health Questionnaire, difficulties with anger: 5-Item Dimensions of Anger Reactions—Revised and alcohol misuse: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and endorse a list of potential stressors related to changes to daily life resulting from COVID-19. Regression analyses were fitted to explore predictors of mental health severity.ResultsIt was observed that symptoms of common mental disorder and PTSD (69.3% and 65.0%, respectively) were the most commonly reported to have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Lack of social support and reporting increasing numbers of stressors related to COVID-19 were consistently associated with increasing severity of a range of mental health difficulties.ConclusionsOur findings suggest veterans who had pre-existing mental health difficulties prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 may be at increased risk of experiencing CMDs as a result of the pandemic. Intervening to improve levels of social support and offering practical guidance to better manage any additional stressors relating to the pandemic may provide strategies to help reduce the burden of mental health symptoms.

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