Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress in Unaccompanied Young Refugees During Their Flight: A Longitudinal Cross-Country Study

Abstract Background: Unaccompanied young refugees (UYRs) constitute an especially vulnerable population who report high rates of trauma and mental health problems. There is a significant gap in the literature on trauma and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in UYRs who are still on the move and live in precarious circumstances such as refugee camps. This study therefore aimed at investigating pre- and peri-migration trauma of UYRs, longitudinal trajectories of PTSD, and the impact of gender, trauma, and daily stressors on PTSD over time. Methods: This longitudinal, mixed-method, and multi-country study was conducted in various settings (e.g. refugee camps) across nine European countries. A representative and heterogeneous sample of N = 187 UYRs (78.4% male) from 29 different countries was assessed via interviews at 3 time-points during a period of 27 months. Data was analyzed via growth curve modelling.Results: Prevalence rates of traumatic experiences ranged between 29.5-91.9%. PTSD scores were high but significantly decreased over time (b = -0.98; p = .004). Females reported higher PTSD compared with males at baseline (p = .002), but gender did not influence the longitudinal trajectory of PTSD. Pre-migration trauma had a significant effect on PTSD at baseline (b = 0.48; p = .042). More daily stressors resulted in higher PTSD across time (b = 0.13-0.26; p ≤ .001). Conclusions: The number of traumatic events pre- and peri- migration, daily stressors and PTSD in this heterogeneous sample are to say the least alarming. Humanitarian and political assistance is urgently needed to curb the oftentimes life-threatening conditions UYRs face during their migration.

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Spirituality and the negative and positive effects of traumatic experiences in a group of emergency service workers

Polish Journal of Applied Psychology ◽

10.1515/pjap-2015-0027 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 9-24 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Nina Ogińska-Bulik ◽

Magdalena Zadworna-Cieślak

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Growth ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Emergency Service ◽

Traumatic Events ◽

Stress Disorders ◽

Traumatic Experiences ◽

Service Workers ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Emergency Service Workers ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objective: Studies concerning the importance of spirituality on the negative and positive effects of traumatic experiences are very rare. Our study attempts to determine the role of spirituality in posttraumatic stress disorders, approached as a negative result of facing traumatic events, and profiting from such experiences in the form of posttraumatic growth. Method: The study covered 116 emergency service workers (only men), including 43 firefighters (37.1%), 43 police officers (37.1%) and 30 paramedics (25.8%), who experienced a traumatic event in their line of work. Those surveyed were between 21 and 57 years of age (M = 35.28; SD = 8.13). The Impact of Event Scale was used to assess the negative effects of traumatic experience, and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory for assessing the positive effects. Spirituality was measured using the Selfdescription Questionnaire. Results: 61.2% of the workers displayed at least moderate symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, whereas 38.8% displayed low intensity symptoms. Taking into consideration the positive effects of experienced traumatic events, it was discovered that almost 40% of those surveyed displayed low levels of posttraumatic growth, 34.5% average and 25.8% high. Correlation analysis was been performed to establish the relation between spirituality and posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth. Posttraumatic growth predictors were determined. Conclusions: Study results show that spirituality is not related to the intensification of posttraumatic stress symptoms, whereas it contributes to positive posttraumatic changes. Among different aspects of spirituality, harmony plays a major role.

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Unravelling the impact of COVID-19 on mental health: A scoping review on traumatogenic events using the phases of response to disaster model

Archives of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.17352/2455-5479.000165 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 218-236

Author(s):

den Cruyce Nele Van

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Disaster Response ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Economic Status ◽

Psychological Needs ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time

Background: Disease outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic give rise to high levels of psychological distress in people worldwide. Since this is the first pandemic of its kind, the best available evidence is needed on what psychological needs could be expected during and after the pandemic. Objectives: In this scoping review existing research on traumatogenic events is examined in order to identify the potential impact on mental health of the COVID pandemic. The research findings are organized using the the phases of disaster response model. Results: A total of 34 longitudinal studies, 2 studies with multiple waves of data collection and 92 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies included in this scoping review could be classified as: 87 studies on COVID-19, 2 on SARS, 19 on wars, 19 on terrorist attacks and 1 on a nuclear accident. Results indicate that stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, insomnia, denial, anger, grief and fear can be anticipated as common reactions. The longer a pandemic continues, the higher the psychological strain is expected to be. Conclusions: The phases of response to disaster model offers a valid frame to unravel the impact of the pandemic on mental health over time. Specific attention must be given to vulnerable groups, whereby specific risk factors include age, gender, pre-existing mental health problems, healthcare profession, migration background, isolation and low socio economic status. However, these may change over time, and a delayed manifestation of psychosocial problems needs to be considered too. Mental health governance is, therefore, warranted throughout and even up to 6 months after the pandemic.

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Intrusive Memories and Modality-Specific Mental Imagery in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Zeitschrift für Psychologie / Journal of Psychology ◽

10.1027/0044-3409/a000013 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 218 (2) ◽

pp. 64-70 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Lena Jelinek ◽

Sarah Randjbar ◽

Michael Kellner ◽

Angnes Untiedt ◽

Jana Volkert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Mental Imagery ◽

Interpersonal Violence ◽

Sensory Quality ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Traumatic Experiences ◽

Intrusive Memories ◽

The Impact

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by vivid intrusive memories of the trauma. Among these, visual sensations of the trauma are most commonly reported. However, intrusions may involve other senses as well (e.g., acoustic, olfactory, or bodily sensations). It has been proposed that enhanced mental imagery may predispose individuals with traumatic experiences to intrusions and ultimately to PTSD. A total of 58 victims of interpersonal violence with current (n = 20), past (n = 19), and no lifetime PTSD (n = 19) as well as non-traumatized controls (n = 23) were assessed with the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) and a modality-specific imagery questionnaire. Moreover, the sensory quality of the traumatic intrusions was assessed in traumatized participants. Participants with recovered PTSD displayed less overall mental imagery than the other three groups who were indistinguishable. No relation was found between the modality-specific mental imagery and the sensory quality of the intrusions. The impact of mental imagery on intrusive memories in PTSD is complex. Less mental imagery appears beneficial in the recovery process, but does not prevent the development of intrusive symptoms in the first place. Further investigation of perceptual and memory vividness as well imagery control (i.e., to sustain, modify, or terminate an image) also including trauma-related material may be important for trauma-specific interventions.

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Hurricane Katrina's First Responders: The Struggle to Protect and Serve in the Aftermath of the Disaster

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1001/dmp.2011.53 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 5 (S2) ◽

pp. S214-S219 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Howard J. Osofsky ◽

Joy D. Osofsky ◽

James Arey ◽

Mindy E. Kronenberg ◽

Tonya Hansel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Hurricane Katrina ◽

First Responders ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Traumatic Experiences ◽

Her Family ◽

Technological Disasters ◽

The Impact

ABSTRACTObjective: Hurricane Katrina highlighted both the crucial role of first responders in times of disaster and the resultant stress on them and their families. The primary objective of this study was to describe the mental health status and symptoms of first responders in the New Orleans area. We further hypothesized that given the extent of the disaster and slowness of recovery, symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression would not decrease after the first-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.Methods: A total of 1382 first responders, including respondents from police, fire, emergency medical services, and city workers, participated in this longitudinal study. The first screening was conducted between 6 and 9 months after Hurricane Katrina and the second round of data collection was conducted 13 to 18 months after the hurricane. A subsample of the respondents (n = 87) were matched at both time points, which allowed for paired sample comparisons. We measured all of the respondents' levels of traumatic experiences, alcohol use, partner conflict, requests for services, posttraumatic stress, and depression.Results: More than one-quarter of the first responders reported the following traumatic experiences: witnessed injury or death (70%); damage to home (93%); injury to a friend (25%); and previous loss or trauma (30%). Data also revealed that at least 10% of the respondents had significant levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms; 25% of the participants reported significant levels of depression; and more than 40% reported increased alcohol use and conflict with partner (41%). A statistically significant decrease in the symptoms of posttraumatic stress or depression was not found within 18 months of Hurricane Katrina.Conclusions: Results suggest that the severity of the traumas experienced from both the impact of Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent recovery has important mental health implications for first responders. Reports of symptoms of anxiety or depression should be attended to so as to prevent increasing symptoms that could negatively affect the first responder and his or her family. These findings highlight the importance of not only providing mental health services for first responders but also having adequate plans in place before natural or technological disasters strike.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:S214-S219)

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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder after a Bus Accident

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.3109/00048679509075895 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 75-83 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Rod Watts

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Road Accidents ◽

Insufficient Information ◽

Psychological Reactions ◽

Delayed Reactions ◽

The Impact ◽

Bus Accident ◽

Over Time

There is insufficient information on the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological reactions caused by surviving serious road accidents. This paper presents the assessments of 29 people who narrowly escaped death in a coach accident that killed eleven people. Their high vulnerability is clearly established, with 41% having PTSD, and 52% severe intrusion or avoidance phenomena, which included 31 % who had both. The occurrence of psychological sequelae was associated with being currently distressed by another event, but not with the survivor's age, gender or acquaintance with people killed in the accident. Seeing bodies or witnessing the death of someone was the predominant cause of distress, both at the time of the accident and in a recurring way. Delayed reactions were evident, with the impact of several factors changing over time.

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Trauma, Post-Migration Living Difficulties, and Social Support as Predictors of Psychological Adjustment in Resettled Sudanese Refugees

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1080/j.1440-1614.2006.01766.x ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 40 (2) ◽

pp. 179-187 ◽

Cited By ~ 299

Author(s):

Robert Schweitzer ◽

Fritha Melville ◽

Zachary Steel ◽

Philippe Lacherez

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Perceived Social Support ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Semistructured Interview ◽

Migration Trauma ◽

Sudanese Refugees ◽

The Impact

Objective: This paper explores the impact of pre-migration trauma, post-migration living difficulties and social support on the current mental health of 63 resettled Sudanese refugees. Method: A semistructured interview including questionnaires assessing sociodemographic information, pre-migration trauma, anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress, post-migration living difficulties and perceived social support were administered assisted by a bilingual community worker. Results: Resettled refugees from Sudan evidenced a history of trauma. Less than 5% met criteria for posttraumatic stress but 25% reported clinically high levels of psychological distress. The results indicate that social support – particularly perceived social support from the migrant's ethnic community – play a significant role in predicting mental health outcomes. Pre-migration trauma, family status and gender were also associated with mental health outcomes. Conclusions: Refugees in Australia may constitute a particularly vulnerable group interms of mental health outcomes. Culturally specific sequelae in terms of social isolation and acculturation may be particularly problematic for these migrants.

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Can Circumstances Be Softened? Self-Efficacy, Post-Migratory Stressors, and Mental Health among Refugees

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18041440 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1440

Author(s):

Henriëtte E. van Heemstra ◽

Willem F. Scholte ◽

Angela Nickerson ◽

Paul A. Boelen

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Significant Contribution ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Health Problems ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Daily Stressors ◽

Self Reporting Questionnaire ◽

The Impact

Post-migratory stressors (PS) are a risk factor for mental health problems among resettled refugees. There is a need to identify factors which can reduce this burden. Self-efficacy (SE) is associated with refugees’ mental health. The current study examined whether SE can protect this group from the impact of PS on mental wellbeing. Higher levels of PS were expected to be associated with higher levels of mental health problems. In addition, we expected this linkage to be moderated by lower SE. Questionnaires were administered to a non-clinical refugee sample (N = 114, 46% female, average age 35 SD = 10.42 years) with various backgrounds. The following questionnaires were used: the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) to assess mental health problems, the General Self-Efficacy Scale (SGES) to measure SE, and an adapted version of the Post-Migration Living Difficulties Checklist (PMLD) to measure PS. Bivariate correlations and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. No significant contribution was found for SE or the interaction of SE and daily stressors, above and beyond the significant contribution of daily stressors to mental health problems. The findings reinforce that PS affects mental health and suggest that SE had a limited impact on mental health in this non-clinical sample of refugees.

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Systematic Human Rights Violations, Traumatic Events, Daily Stressors and Mental Health of Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

10.21203/rs.3.rs-18589/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Andrew Riley ◽

Yasmin Akther ◽

Mohammed Noor ◽

Rahmat Ali ◽

Courtney Welton-Mitchell

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Human Rights ◽

Traumatic Events ◽

Future Research ◽

Human Rights Violations ◽

Refugee Camps ◽

Daily Stressors ◽

Health Distress ◽

Mental Health Distress ◽

The Impact

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Systematic Human Rights Violations, Traumatic Events, Daily Stressors and Mental Health of Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

10.21203/rs.3.rs-18589/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Andrew Riley ◽

Yasmin Akther ◽

Mohammed Noor ◽

Rahmat Ali ◽

Courtney Welton-Mitchell

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Human Rights ◽

Traumatic Events ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Future Research ◽

Human Rights Violations ◽

Refugee Camps ◽

Daily Stressors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: Almost 900,000 Rohingya refugees currently reside in refugee camps in Southeastern Bangladesh. Prior to fleeing Myanmar, Rohingya experienced years of systematic human rights violations, in addition to other historical and more recent traumatic events such as the burning of their villages and murder of family members, friends and neighbors. Currently, many Rohingya struggle to meet basic needs in refugee camps in Bangladesh and face mental health-related concerns that appear linked to such challenges. The purpose of this study is to describe systematic human rights violations, traumatic events, daily stressors, and mental health symptoms and to examine relationships between these factors. Methods: Cross-sectional data was collected from a representative sample of 495 Rohingya refugee adults residing in camps in Bangladesh in July and August of 2018. Results: Respondents reported high levels of systematic human rights violations in Myanmar, including restrictions related to expressing thoughts, meeting in groups, travel, religious practices, education, marriage, childbirth, healthcare, and more. Events experienced in Myanmar included exposure to gunfire (99%), destruction of their homes (93%), witnessing dead bodies (92%), torture (56%), forced labor (49%), sexual assault (33%), and other events. More than half (61%) of participants endorsed mental health symptom levels typically indicative of PTSD, and more than two thirds (84%) endorsed levels indicative of emotional distress (symptoms of anxiety and depression). Historic systematic human rights violations, traumatic events, and daily stressors were associated with symptoms of posttraumatic stress, as well as depression and anxiety. Respondents reported numerous stressors associated with current life in the camps in Bangladesh as well as previous stressors, such as harassment, encountered in Myanmar. Conclusions: Findings underscore the impact of systematic human rights violations, targeted violence, and daily stressors on the mental health of Rohingya in Bangladesh. Those working with Rohingya should consider the role of such factors in contributing to poor mental health. This research has the potential to inform interventions targeting such elements. Future research should examine the relationships between mental health and human rights violations over time.

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Time heals all wounds: analysis of changes in temporal focus and implicit space–time mappings among survivors of the 2019 China earthquake over time

Language and Cognition ◽

10.1017/langcog.2021.14 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-18

Author(s):

HENG LI

Keyword(s):

Spatial Location ◽

Space Time ◽

Time Orientation ◽

Traumatic Experiences ◽

Disaster Area ◽

China Earthquake ◽

Temporal Focus ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time

abstract Accumulating evidence suggests that people’s sense of the spatial location of events in time is flexible across cultures, contexts, and individuals. Yet few studies have established whether time spatialization is correlated with traumatic experiences. Based on findings that people tend to demonstrate a past time orientation when suffering from disasters, the present research investigated how earthquake experience is associated with temporal focus and time spatialization. Study 1 compared responses of residents in an earthquake-hit area with those of residents in a non-disaster area about two weeks after the disaster had occurred. The results showed that participants in the disaster area were more past-focused and produced more past-in-front responses than participants in the non-disaster area. In Study 2, a follow-up survey was conducted in the same areas ten months after the earthquake to examine whether the impact of disasters on spatial conceptions of time would decay as time elapsed. The findings indicated that participants in these two areas showed no differences in temporal focus and implicit space–time mappings. Taken together, these findings provide support for the Temporal Focus Hypothesis. They also have implications for understanding fluctuation in temporal focus and the high malleability of temporal mappings across individuals.

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