Sexual Victimization Disclosure: A Cluster Analysis Approach to Understanding Victimization Experiences in Disclosers and Non-Disclosers

Research has used cluster analysis to identify clusters, or groups, of sexual victimization survivors who share similar assault experiences. However, researchers have not investigated whether disclosure status is a key component of the survivors’ experience. The current study identified two clusters among 174 disclosing and non-disclosing sexual victimization survivors. Cluster One (n = 74) included an incapacitated assault by a lesser-known perpetrator and disclosure of the event. Cluster Two (n = 100) included a verbally instigated assault by a well-known perpetrator and nondisclosure of the event. Follow up independent t-tests revealed that women in Cluster One had significantly higher depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms than women in Cluster Two. Results support prior research identifying clusters of victimization based on assault characteristics and suggest that disclosure status is a key variable in the recovery process. Specific implications for clinicians, policy makers, and the community are discussed.

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Factors Associated With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptomology Among Women Who Have Experienced Sexual Assault in Canada

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260519860084 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 088626051986008

Author(s):

Janice Du Mont ◽

Holly Johnson ◽

Cassandra Hill

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Sexual Assault ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Dating Violence ◽

Sexual Victimization ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

General Social Survey ◽

Future Research ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Sexually Assaulted

There is a dearth of information about the association of victim-related and assailant-related characteristics and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among sexually assaulted women. Recently, Statistics Canada included items measuring the possible presence of PTSD symptoms in their 2014 nationally representative General Social Survey on Victimization (GSS-V), for the purpose of improving the understanding of mental health impacts associated with sexual victimization. The present study used the GSS-V to examine the association of sociodemographic, health, and assailant characteristics and prior traumatic experiences in the form of physical or sexual dating violence, physical assault, stalking, childhood abuse, and witnessing of violence between parents with PTSD symptomology among sexually assaulted women. Among 319 women who reported experiencing at least one incident of sexual assault in the 12 months prior to the survey, 68.6% had experienced at least one negative emotional impact as a result, among whom, 43.6% reported past-month PTSD symptoms. Logistic regression modeling revealed that prior traumatic events in the form of physical or sexual dating violence, stalking, and having witnessed violence between parents were associated with higher odds of experiencing PTSD symptoms, as was having been sexually assaulted by a known assailant. In contrast, the odds of experiencing PTSD symptoms was lower for Aboriginal or visible minority women. The results suggest that PTSD symptoms in the near aftermath of sexual victimization are common, and there are a range of factors that contribute to the likelihood of developing these symptoms. Implications for future research are discussed.

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Posttraumatic stress disorder predicts poor health-related quality of life in cardiac patients in Palestine

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0255077 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (7) ◽

pp. e0255077

Author(s):

Hala Allabadi ◽

Abdulsalam Alkaiyat ◽

Tamer Zahdeh ◽

Alaa Assadi ◽

Aya Ghanayim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Cardiac Patients ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

Background The longitudinal association of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with health-related quality of life (HRQL) in cardiac patients’ remains poorly studied, particularly in conflict-affected settings. Materials and methods For this cohort study, we used baseline and one-year follow-up data collected from patients 30 to 80 years old consecutively admitted with a cardiac diagnosis to four major hospitals in Nablus, Palestine. All subjects were screened for PTSD and HRQL using the PTSD Checklist Specific and the HeartQoL questionnaire. We used a generalized structural equation model (GSEM) to examine the independent predictive association of PTSD at baseline with HRQL at follow-up. We also examined the mediating roles of depression, anxiety, and stress at baseline. Results The prevalence of moderate-to-high PTSD symptoms among 1022 patients at baseline was 27∙0%. Patients with PTSD symptoms reported an approximate 20∙0% lower HRQL at follow-up. The PTSD and HRQL relationship was largely mediated by depressive and anxiety symptoms. It was not materially altered by adjustment for socio-demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors. Discussion Our findings suggest that individuals with a combination of PTSD and depression, or anxiety are potentially faced with poor HRQL as a longer-term outcome of their cardiac disease. In Palestine, psychological disorders are often stigmatized; however, integration of mental health care with cardiac care may offer an entry door for addressing psychological problems in the population. Further studies need to assess the effective mental health interventions for improving quality of life in cardiac patients.

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Prior disclosure and emotional expression: Interactive effects on post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms

The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine ◽

10.1177/0091217417749790 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 53 (3) ◽

pp. 189-196 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yung Y Chen ◽

Min C Kao

Keyword(s):

Emotional Expression ◽

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Trauma Processing ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

Religious Trauma

Background Previous research has revealed mixed findings with regard to the effects of disclosure on trauma recovery. More recently, studies on psychological trauma have found associations among religion, meaning, and health. This study investigated prior disclosure as a moderator for the association between religious emotional expression and adaptive trauma processing, as measured by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Methods Using Pennebaker’s written emotional expression paradigm, 105 participants were assigned to either a conventional trauma-writing condition or religious trauma-writing condition. PTSD symptoms were assessed at baseline and again at one-month post writing. Results A two-way interaction was found between prior disclosure and writing condition on PTSD symptoms at follow-up. For the religious trauma-writing condition only, there was a significant difference between low versus high disclosure participants in PTSD symptoms at follow-up, such that low prior disclosure participants registered fewer PTSD symptoms than high prior disclosure participants, while prior disclosure did not have such effect in the conventional trauma-writing condition. Limitations: This two-way interaction may be further qualified by other important psychosocial variables, such as differences in personality, coping style, social support, or use of prayer as a form of disclosure, which were not assessed in this study. Conclusion Religious emotional expression may encourage adaptive trauma processing, especially for individuals with low prior disclosure. These findings encourage further investigation of the conditions under which disclosure and religion may be a beneficial factor in trauma adaptation and treatment.

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Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Survivors of the 1998 Dongting Lake Flood in China

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2017/4569698 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Wenjie Dai ◽

Atipatsa C. Kaminga ◽

Xin Wu ◽

Shi Wu Wen ◽

Hongzhuan Tan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Dongting Lake ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Face To Face ◽

Neurotropic Factor ◽

Bdnf Rs6265

Objective. This study mainly aimed to explore the association between brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among flood survivors in China. Methods. Individuals who experienced the 1998 Dongting Lake flood in Southeast Huarong, China, were enrolled in this study. Qualified health personnel carried out face-to-face interviews with participants. PTSD was identified using PTSD Checklist-Civilian version (PCL-C). Blood samples were collected from the participants to extract DNA for genotyping. Results. A total of 175 participants were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of PTSD among flood survivors at 17-year follow-up was 16.0% (28/175). Individuals with PTSD were more likely to be female, experience at least three flood-related stressors, experience at least three postflood stressors, and carry the Met than those without PTSD. Compared with Val/Val homozygotes, Met carriers had higher scores of PCL-C (mean ± standard error: 23.60±7.23 versus 27.19±9.48, P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that Met carriers (aOR = 4.76, 95% CI = 1.02–22.15, P<0.05) were more likely to develop PTSD than Val/Val homozygotes. Conclusions. Met carriers for BDNF rs6265 are at higher risk of developing PTSD and also exhibit more severe PTSD symptoms than Val/Val homozygotes among flood survivors in China.

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Outdoor recreational activity experiences improve psychological wellbeing of military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: Positive findings from a pilot study and a randomised controlled trial

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0241763 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (11) ◽

pp. e0241763

Author(s):

Mark Wheeler ◽

Nicholas R. Cooper ◽

Leanne Andrews ◽

Jamie Hacker Hughes ◽

Marie Juanchich ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Military Veterans ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Outdoor Activity ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Link Type ◽

Post Traumatic

Exposure to the natural environment is increasingly considered to benefit psychological health. Recent reports in the literature also suggest that outdoor exposure that includes recreational pursuits such as surfing or fishing coupled with opportunities for social interaction with peers may be beneficial to Armed Forces Veterans experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Two studies were conducted to evaluate this possibility. In particular, these studies aimed to test the hypothesis that a brief group outdoor activity would decrease participants’ symptoms as assessed by established measures of PTSD, depression, anxiety and perceived stress, and increase participants’ sense of general social functioning and psychological growth. Experiment one employed a repeated measures design in which UK men and women military veterans with PTSD (N = 30) participated in a group outdoor activity (angling, equine care, or archery and falconry combined). Psychological measures were taken at 2 weeks prior, 2 weeks post, and at 4 month follow up. We obtained a significant within participant main effect indicating significant reduction in PTSD symptoms. Experiment two was a waitlist controlled randomised experiment employing an angling experience (N = 18) and 2 week follow up. In experiment 2 the predicted interaction of Group (Experimental vs. Waitlist Control) X Time (2 weeks pre vs. 2 weeks post) was obtained indicating that the experience resulted in significant reduction in PTSD symptoms relative to waitlist controls. The effect size was large. Additional analyses confirmed that the observed effects might also be considered clinically significant and reliable. In sum, peer outdoor experiences are beneficial and offer potential to complement existing provision for military veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Trial registration The authors confirm that all ongoing and related trials for this intervention are registered. The studies reported in this manuscript are registered as clinical trials at ISRCTN: Pilot ID– ISRCTN15325073 RCT ID– ISRCTN59395217

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Results of the first randomized controlled trial of integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291721004967 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Kathryn Trottier ◽

Candice M. Monson ◽

Stephen A. Wonderlich ◽

Ross D. Crosby

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Eating Disorders ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Eating disorders (EDs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently co-occur and can share a functional relationship. The primary aim of this initial randomized controlled trial was to determine whether integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for co-occurring ED-PTSD was superior to standard CBT for ED in improving PTSD symptoms. Intervention safety and desirability, as well as the relative efficacy of the treatments in improving anxiety, depression, and ED symptomatology, were also examined. Methods Following a course of intensive ED treatment, individuals with ED-PTSD were recruited to participate and randomized to integrated CBT for ED-PTSD or standard CBT for ED. The sample consisted of 42 individuals with a range of ED diagnoses. Outcomes were assessed at end-of-treatment, 3-, and 6-month follow-up using interview and self-report measures. Results Mixed models revealed significant interactions of time and therapy condition on clinician-rated and self-reported PTSD symptom severity favoring Integrated CBT for ED-PTSD. Both treatments were associated with statistically significant improvements in PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Improvements were maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-up. There was good safety with both interventions, and satisfaction with both treatments was high. However, there was a stronger preference for integrated treatment. Conclusions Integrating CBTs for PTSD and ED following intensive ED treatment is safe, desirable, and efficacious for improving PTSD symptoms. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine whether Integrated CBT for ED-PTSD provides benefits over standard CBT for ED with respect to ED outcomes.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms after acute lung injury: a 2-year prospective longitudinal study

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291713000214 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 43 (12) ◽

pp. 2657-2671 ◽

Cited By ~ 89

Author(s):

O. J. Bienvenu ◽

J. Gellar ◽

B. M. Althouse ◽

E. Colantuoni ◽

T. Sricharoenchai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

Prospective Longitudinal

BackgroundSurvivors of critical illnesses often have clinically significant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This study describes the 2-year prevalence and duration of PTSD symptoms after acute lung injury (ALI), and examines patient baseline and critical illness/intensive care-related risk factors.MethodThis prospective, longitudinal cohort study recruited patients from 13 intensive care units (ICUs) in four hospitals, with follow-up 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after ALI onset. The outcome of interest was an Impact of Events Scale – Revised (IES-R) mean score ⩾1.6 (‘PTSD symptoms’).ResultsDuring the 2-year follow-up, 66/186 patients (35%) had PTSD symptoms, with the greatest prevalence by the 3-month follow-up. Fifty-six patients with post-ALI PTSD symptoms survived to the 24-month follow-up, and 35 (62%) of these had PTSD symptoms at the 24-month follow-up; 50% had taken psychiatric medications and 40% had seen a psychiatrist since hospital discharge. Risk/protective factors for PTSD symptoms were pre-ALI depression [hazard odds ratio (OR) 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–3.64], ICU length of stay (for a doubling of days, OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.06–1.83), proportion of ICU days with sepsis (per decile, OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00–1.16), high ICU opiate doses (mean morphine equivalent ⩾100 mg/day, OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.02–4.42) and proportion of ICU days on opiates (per decile, OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74–0.94) or corticosteroids (per decile, OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.99).ConclusionsPTSD symptoms are common, long-lasting and associated with psychiatric treatment during the first 2 years after ALI. Risk factors include pre-ALI depression, durations of stay and sepsis in the ICU, and administration of high-dose opiates in the ICU. Protective factors include durations of opiate and corticosteroid administration in the ICU.

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Eye-Movement Desensitisation

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.164.4.533 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 164 (4) ◽

pp. 533-541 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

K. Vaughan ◽

M. Wiese ◽

R. Gold ◽

N. Tarrier

Keyword(s):

Eye Movement ◽

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Novel Approach ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

The Mind

A novel approach is described for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eye-movement desensitisation (EMD) requires the patient to generate images of the trauma in the mind and define physiological and emotional arousal states. While concentrating on these states, lateral multisaccardic eye movements are induced. Ten consecutive cases are reported who presented with symptoms originating from a range of traumas. The effectiveness of EMD in reducing symptoms outlined by DSM–III–R is described. An independent rater indicated that eight of the ten cases showed considerable improvement in PTSD symptoms following EMD, which was maintained at follow-up. Particular reference is given to the ‘specificity’ of EMD in treating symptoms and the changing pattern of effect at follow-up.

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A Comparison of Group Anger Management Treatments for Combat Veterans With PTSD: Results From a Quasi-Experimental Trial

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260519873335 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 088626051987333 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Elizabeth E. Van Voorhees ◽

Kirsten H. Dillon ◽

Sarah M. Wilson ◽

Paul A. Dennis ◽

Lydia C. Neal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gender Differences ◽

Group Treatment ◽

Combat Veterans ◽

Multilevel Models ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Using Data

Difficulty controlling anger is a significant concern among combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet few controlled studies have examined the efficacy of anger treatments for this population. This study examined the effects of a group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention compared with a group present-centered therapy (PCT) control condition in male and female combat veterans with PTSD. Thirty-six combat veterans with PTSD and anger difficulties began group treatment (CBT, n = 19; PCT, n = 17). Separate multilevel models of self-rated anger, PTSD symptoms, and disability were conducted using data from baseline, each of 12 treatment sessions, posttreatment, and 3- and 6-month follow-up time points. Significant decreases in anger and PTSD symptoms were observed over time, but no significant differences between CBT and PCT were observed on these outcomes. A significant interaction of therapy by time favoring the PCT condition was observed on disability scores. Gender differences were observed in dropout rates (i.e., 100% of female participants dropped out of CBT). Findings suggest that both CBT and PCT group therapy may be effective in reducing anger in combat veterans with PTSD. Results also highlight potential gender differences in response to group anger treatment.

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Does Writing Reduce Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms?

Violence and Victims ◽

10.1891/vivi.2003.18.5.569 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 569-580 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Pamela B. Deters ◽

Lillian M. Range

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Traumatic Experiences ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Initial State ◽

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms ◽

Better Than

To see if writing about their trauma lessened PTSD and related symptoms, 57 undergraduates, previously screened for traumatic experiences, wrote for 15 minutes on 4 days across 2 weeks about either their trauma or a trivial topic. They reported PTSD, impact, suicide ideas, dissociation, and depression pre-, post-, and at 6-week follow-up testing. Trauma and trivial writers were not different. Surprisingly, at follow-up everyone reported less severe PTSD symptoms, impact, and dissociation, and fewer health visits, but about the same suicidal ideation and depression. On PTSD symptoms and impact, the pattern of improvement was different: Those writing about trauma got worse at posttesting, but improved to better than their initial state by follow-up. Those writing about a trivial topic got better by posttesting, and held that position at follow-up. In this project, writing seemed to reduce PTSD symptoms regardless of whether it concerned the trauma or what they ate for lunch.

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