Childhood Trauma and Psychosis: The case for exploring Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia

There is an association between childhood trauma and the development of psychosis in adulthood and a treatment recommended to reduce the symptoms of trauma is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Studies of EMDR in adults with psychotic experiences and a history of trauma have shown encouraging results. As psychosis is a core feature of schizophrenia, and many persons with schizophrenia will have experienced childhood trauma, we review the evidence that EMDR may be a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia. We conclude that the evidence base supports well-designed and adequately powered randomised controlled studies of EMDR in schizophrenia with careful consideration given to inclusion criteria, participant acceptability and selection of clinically relevant outcome measures. Mechanism of action and potential effects on cognitive functioning should also be explored.

Working with sex offenders with a history of sexual trauma: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Gender differences impact the work that professionals engage in with sexual offenders and victims of sexual trauma (with females often perceived as more likely to experience sexual trauma, and males as more likely to commit a sexual offence). However, there is no evidence looking at these factors in combination. This study aimed to address this gap, asking: “Are experiences of nursing staff working with sex offenders with a history of sexual trauma affected by gender differences, that is, in terms of gender of the staff member, and gender of the client they are working with?” Eight participants, (four male, four female) working within a Forensic Mental Health Service took part in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Five superordinate themes emerged from the data, along with a number of subordinate themes. Superordinate themes included: ‘Gender has a role’, ‘The trauma response’, ‘How we cope’, and ‘What we need’. Nursing staff working with sexual offenders with historic sexual trauma found work to be challenging both emotionally and socially. Such challenges were complicated by the gender interaction between them as professionals, and the patients who have experience of being both victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse.

A systematic review: The role of gender in staffs’ experience of working with adult survivors of sexual trauma

Despite the vast amount of research being devoted to the field of sexual abuse and trauma, literature surrounding a gender informed stance is still very much in its infancy. This article presents a systematic review aiming to provide an impartial critical examination of relevant existing literature with the main aim of exploring the role of gender in staffs’ experience of working with survivors of sexual trauma. Electronic databases were searched online. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they investigated the experience and gender of staff working with adult survivors of sexual trauma. The exclusion criteria were studies that focussed on child and adolescent participants, and survivors with an intellectual disability. Eight studies were eligible for inclusion, and as such reviewed by authors; each highlighted the crucial role gender plays in the unique work between professionals and survivors of sexual trauma. Findings from the review highlighted gender as influencing interpersonal dynamics when focussing in on the client and/or the clinician. Clinician gender was felt to be particularly impactful and potentially detrimental should the gender of the professional be the same of that of the client’s historic abuser. Further societal stereotypes and perceptions of what connotes an abuse survivor has implications for working with male and female survivors of sexual trauma. As a result, there is potential for males being discouraged from making disclosures due to a subconscious reduced openness to males as survivors, rather than abusers. Increased empathy was found more often to be afforded to female survivors, with harsher punishments attributed to their abusers. Evidence was also suggested for the global adverse impact of working with this client group on professionals with an increased risk of vicarious traumatisation and burnout highlighted amongst clinicians. Limitations are highlighted in relation to the review’s ability to truly explore gender as the study only made reference to biological sex.

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This systematic review analysed 61 papers, from an initial search result of 3,540 papers, to explore how victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and interpersonal violence manage their victimisation. The review yielded five themes, centred on evidence for safety strategies adopted by those affected by IPV or interpersonal violence. These comprised; Victims seek help following interpersonal violence; Victims of interpersonal violence experience barriers to seeking help; Victims use multiple strategies to manage experiences of abuse; Victims of interpersonal violence cope in multiple ways; The help-seeking behaviours of victims are contextual. The findings indicated that victims of IPV and interpersonal violence utilise a range of strategies, including help-seeking, safety enhancing strategies and coping strategies, in response to their victimisation. It also indicated that there are significant barriers preventing help-seeking and victimisation reporting. The findings are discussed in relation to the help seeking behaviour of victims and how this may be impacted by barriers at different stages of the help-seeking process.

The complexities of measuring change in prisoners with sexual offence histories

Assessing change in incarcerated sexual offenders is critical to release decision-making and risk management. This study measured change in a group of treatment completers from a custody-based treatment program. Change was determined through comparison of pre- and post-treatment psychological testing and structured therapist assessment. Data were analysed at the group and individual levels. Multiple complexities were evident when examining the psychometric test results; many participants were considered ‘functional’ (within the normal range) according to extant test norms prior to treatment, and many who were regarded as ‘dysfunctional’ pre-treatment remained in this range post-treatment. Tests measuring constructs from the same risk factor domain often produced inconsistent results and, for most participants, change was only evident on some tests. Psychometric assessment results and therapist ratings were associated. These results highlight the complexities inherent in the evaluation of change. Clinical implications for the measurement of change and test selection are discussed.

At What Price? Managing the Costs of Tolerating Corrupt or Criminal Partners in Stability Interventions

States or coalitions may conduct intervention operations to stabilise weak or failing states. Intervening powers often use military or police forces to impose security while development agencies rebuild the affected state’s institutions, including the Rule of Law. However, recent experience suggests that interventions may perpetuate criminal conduct. This paper examines the NATO missions in Afghanistan and other interventions to suggest links between partnering with corrupt or criminal actors and subsequent setbacks in stabilisation. It then proposes strategies by which future intervention forces may mitigate the risks of perpetuating criminal conduct. The paper asserts that intervention forces may empower criminal actors inadvertently or deliberately. It suggests that criminal allies may offer apparent security gains, and command popular support; and may be the only allies available. However, it concludes that perpetuating crime and corruption undermines the legitimacy of the affected state’s government and the intervention force, and potentially enables state capture. These outcomes may perpetuate violence. The paper suggests that intervention forces may mitigate these risks by setting clear priorities, planning against all potential threats including organised criminals, linking aid to the achievement of governance objectives, delaying transition until the affected state’s institutions are ready, and conducting deep selection of future leaders.

Using behavioural manifestations of dynamic risk factors to assess change in incarcerated sexual offenders

This study investigated change in behavioural manifestations of dynamic risk factors, in a sample of adult male sexual offenders who completed a custody-based treatment program. A checklist was developed to monitor and determine change in the frequency of behavioural manifestations of dynamic risk factors and prosocial equivalent behaviours. Offenders and custodial staff completed the checklist once each week for the duration of the offender’s period of treatment (range = 26-69 weeks, M = 45). Checklist scores were aggregated into domains based on the organisation of the Risk for Sexual Violence Protocol (Psychological Adjustment; Social Adjustment; Mental Disorder; Manageability). Change over time for individuals and the group was evaluated. Results showed an increase in positive behaviour in all domains, but there was only a decrease in risk-related manifestations in Psychological Adjustment, and this was only according to offenders. Offender self-report and staff observations were compared, revealing different perceptions of change. Using a behavioural checklist that incorporates self-report and observer data to measure change may provide a comprehensive measure of change over time.

Abuse by the Powerful? Exploring the role of media narratives and political discourse in the immigration-crime nexus

This paper considers the role of media narratives and political discourse in the immigration-crime nexus by exploring, as a case study, the recent experience of the South Sudanese community in Australia. Over recent years this cohort of relatively new arrivals have been subjected to a raft of negative media coverage and political commentary. This paper deliberates on the narrative of this African community group and their subsequent portrayal, and considers if it is both legitimate and accurate. At a time when many Australians see the benefits of immigration, this paper examines the role the media and politics plays in undermining this community sentiment, reflecting a level of abuse by the most powerful in society towards the some of the least powerful.

Examining the prevalence of complex PTSD in an inpatient DBT service for females with a primary diagnosis of EUPD

In response to differential clinical presentations of survivors of multiple or chronic exposure to trauma, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) has been included in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). A growing body of research has explored the prevalence of CPTSD in a range of populations, yet its prevalence in adults diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) has been subject to limited evaluation, including in individuals requiring specialist inpatient care. The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) was administered to 42 females with primary diagnoses of EUPD admitted to a specialist DBT service. Twenty-eight (66.8%) participants met full diagnostic criteria for either PTSD (11.9%, n=5) or CPTSD (54.8%, n=23). Additionally, PTSD and CPTSD symptomatology were highly prevalent in participants who did not meet the functional impairment criteria. Significant differences in the prevalence of CPTSD were found, dependent on whether a measure of functional impairment was included. This is the first study to explore the prevalence of CPTSD in an inpatient EUPD sample, using diagnostic thresholds. The findings highlight the importance of attending to trauma as well as EUPD-related needs. Theoretical, clinical and future research implications are discussed.

Comparative Analysis of Empathy Traits Differences in Males and Females

Researchers agree that one of the most important aspects of psychopathy is lack of empathy. Literature relating to psychopathy and its central components focuses on boys and men, while overlooking girls and women. This issue is partially due to the measurement tools and beliefs about sex-based expression. Previous studies focus primarily on empathy as it relates to antisocial behavior and abuse but is deficient in gender differences and antecedents. This study seeks to fill these voids by examining factors that may distinctly affect male and female empathy levels. The current study used data from the 6th wave of the National Youth Survey to examine empathy levels of 1,452 youths ranging in age from 17 – 24 years. Findings reveal that several variables have a significant impact on empathy levels. Furthermore, analysis shows that the severity of the impact differs depending upon respondent gender. This sheds light on the contrast between male and female empathy levels and invites further investigation into the factors which play a role in the developm