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Zeng Q, Ding J, Tu R, He H, Wang S, Huang Y, Wang Z, Chen Q, Lu G, Li Y. The mediating effect of depressive symptoms on the association between childhood friendship and physical function in middle-aged and older adults: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). J Affect Disord 2024; 359:196-205. [PMID: 38777265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines the extent to which depressive symptoms mediate the link between childhood friendship (CF) and physical function among middle-aged and older adults in China. METHODS China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) data were used; specifically, CHARLS life history survey (conducted from June 1-December 31, 2014) and follow-up health survey (conducted from July 1-September 30, 2015) data were used. The Sobel test, Bootstrap test and multivariable logistic regression were performed to examine the mediating role of depressive symptoms (measured by the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) in the association between CF (measured by a standardized retrospective questionnaire) and physical function, which was measured by basic activities of daily living (BADL) disability, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability, and grip strength. RESULTS A total of 12,170 participants aged 45 years or older were included in this cross-sectional study. After controlling for covariates, low-quality CF was associated with an increased prevalence of BADL disability (OR = 1.18; 95 % CI = 1.05-1.32), IADL disability (OR = 1.25; 95 % CI = 1.12-1.40), and low grip strength (OR = 1.21; 95 % CI = 1.09-1.34). The proportion of the mediating effect of depressive symptoms was 48 % for CF and BADL, 40 % for CF and IADL, and 11 % for CF and grip strength. Depressive symptoms and worse CF have a joint effect on BADL disability (OR = 3.30; 95 % CI = 2.82-3.85), IADL disability (OR = 3.52; 95 % CI = 3.03-4.09), and low grip strength (OR = 1.65; 95 % CI = 1.43-1.92). LIMITATIONS Not all potential confounding factors (such as childhood behavioural problems, genetic factors, and memory function) were measured in the analysis, and there may have been recall bias in the retrospective collection of CF data. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with high-quality CF were more likely to have a decreased prevalence of impaired physical function in later life. Depressive symptoms acted as a mediator associated with the development of CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingping Zeng
- Neuro-Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; School of Nursing, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, China
| | - Jiali Ding
- School of Nursing, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, China
| | - Raoping Tu
- School of Health Management, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Huihui He
- School of Nursing, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, China
| | - Suhang Wang
- School of Nursing, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, China
| | - Yujia Huang
- Neuro-Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyao Wang
- Neuro-Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qi Chen
- School of Public Health, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, China
| | - Guangyu Lu
- School of Public Health, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, China.
| | - Yuping Li
- Neuro-Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Shrira A, Ben-Ezra M, Palgi Y. Holocaust centrality, anxiety, and other risk factors associated with terror threat salience among descendants of Holocaust survivors. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 106:102908. [PMID: 39096561 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2024.102908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
The study examined risk factors for sensitivity to terror threats among descendants of Holocaust survivors (Holocaust G1) during a significant rise in terrorist attacks in Israel. We examined the association of the number of familial Holocaust G1, trauma exposure, probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety symptoms, and Holocaust centrality with terror threat salience (TTS) in children and grandchildren of Holocaust G1 (Holocaust G2; G3). A web-based national sample included 297 Holocaust G2 (Mage=62.95, SD=10.25), 224 comparison G2 (Mage=61.79, SD=10.13), 379 Holocaust G3 (Mage=34.02, SD=8.65) and 171 comparison G3 (Mage=33.55, SD=8.26). Participants completed questionnaires on background characteristics, Holocaust background, trauma exposure, probable PTSD, anxiety symptoms, Holocaust centrality, and TTS. Findings showed that Holocaust G2 and G3 reported higher Holocaust centrality and TTS relative to comparisons, and Holocaust G3 reported higher levels of anxiety than comparison G3. The number of Holocaust G1, background characteristics, Holocaust centrality, and anxiety symptoms were associated with TTS in G2 and G3. Probable PTSD and trauma exposure were also associated with TTS in G2 and G3, respectively. Results highlight Holocaust centrality and anxiety among the factors associated with an increased preoccupation with terror threats in Holocaust descendants. Practitioners should implement interventions focusing on these factors, particularly at times of increased terrorism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit Shrira
- Department of Social & Health Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Contractor AA, Slavish DC, Wang S, Weiss NH. Posttraumatic stress symptoms and positive autobiographical memory characteristics in everyday life. J Trauma Stress 2024. [PMID: 38838082 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Individuals with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) report difficulties engaging with positive autobiographical memories. Extending this line of research, we examined daily-level concurrent and lagged associations between PTSS severity and positive memory characteristics (vividness, coherence, accessibility, time perspective, sensory details, visual perspective, emotional intensity, sharing, distancing, and valence). The sample included 88 trauma survivors (Mage = 39.89 years, 59.1% female) who completed seven daily measures of PTSS and positive memory characteristics. Multilevel models examined concurrent and lagged associations between PTSS severity and positive memory characteristics. The results indicated that days with higher PTSS severity were associated with less accessibility, β = -.21, p < .001; less visual perspective, β = -0.13, p = .034; and lower positive valence of the memory, β = -.19, p = .003, as well as more emotional intensity associated with, β = .13, p = .041, and more distancing from, β = .21, p < .001, the memory. Supplemental lagged analyses indicated that higher previous-day PTSS severity was associated with more next-day distancing from, β = .15, p = .042, and sensory details of, β = .17, p = .016, the memory. Findings suggest that individuals with more severe PTSS have difficulties accessing positively valenced memories from a first-person perspective, are more distant from the recalled positive memory, and report more emotional intensity when retrieving the memory. Thus, improving access to and reducing distance from positive autobiographical memories, as well as addressing emotional intensity surrounding the retrieval of these memories, may be potential clinical targets for PTSS interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danica C Slavish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Nicole H Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
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Loetscher KB, Goldfarb EV. Integrating and fragmenting memories under stress and alcohol. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 30:100615. [PMID: 38375503 PMCID: PMC10874731 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Stress can powerfully influence the way we form memories, particularly the extent to which they are integrated or situated within an underlying spatiotemporal and broader knowledge architecture. These different representations in turn have significant consequences for the way we use these memories to guide later behavior. Puzzlingly, although stress has historically been argued to promote fragmentation, leading to disjoint memory representations, more recent work suggests that stress can also facilitate memory binding and integration. Understanding the circumstances under which stress fosters integration will be key to resolving this discrepancy and unpacking the mechanisms by which stress can shape later behavior. Here, we examine memory integration at multiple levels: linking together the content of an individual experience, threading associations between related but distinct events, and binding an experience into a pre-existing schema or sense of causal structure. We discuss neural and cognitive mechanisms underlying each form of integration as well as findings regarding how stress, aversive learning, and negative affect can modulate each. In this analysis, we uncover that stress can indeed promote each level of integration. We also show how memory integration may apply to understanding effects of alcohol, highlighting extant clinical and preclinical findings and opportunities for further investigation. Finally, we consider the implications of integration and fragmentation for later memory-guided behavior, and the importance of understanding which type of memory representation is potentiated in order to design appropriate interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth V. Goldfarb
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, USA
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, USA
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, USA
- National Center for PTSD, West Haven VA, USA
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Vermeulen M, Gandhi A, Van Den Eede F, Raes F, Krans J. Event centrality in social anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. Memory 2024; 32:528-539. [PMID: 38662790 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2024.2341706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Event centrality is defined by the extent to which a memory of an event has become central to an individual's identity and life story. Previous research predominantly focused on the link between event centrality and trauma-related symptomatology. Nevertheless, it can be argued that the perception of (adverse) events as central to one's self is not exclusive to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Other disorders where adverse events are linked to the onset of symptoms might also be related to event centrality. This study examined the relevance of event centrality for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) separately. Moreover, we examined which cognitive and emotion regulation variables (i.e., trait anxiety, rumination, worry, intrusions and avoidance, and posttraumatic cognitions) mediated these relationships. No significant correlation was found between event centrality and social anxiety. However, a significant positive correlation was found between event centrality and depression. In a combined group, this relation was mediated by all cognitive and emotion regulation variables except for worry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Vermeulen
- Behavior, Health, and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Amarendra Gandhi
- Leuven Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics Centre (L-BioStat), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Den Eede
- Department of Psychiatry, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem (Antwerp), Belgium
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Filip Raes
- Behavior, Health, and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Krans
- Behavior, Health, and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Pro Persona Overwaal Centre for Anxiety, OCD, and PTSD, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Miguel-Alvaro A, Messman BA, Weiss NH, Contractor AA. Do childhood experiences influence associations between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and positive autobiographical memories among military veteran students? An exploratory study. Memory 2024; 32:540-551. [PMID: 38727529 PMCID: PMC11262963 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2024.2348685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence links posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and features of positive autobiographical memories (accessibility, vividness, coherence, sharing, emotional intensity, distancing). There is a knowledge gap on how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) may influence these relationships. OBJECTIVES The current study explored whether the number ACEs or BCEs moderated associations between PTSD symptom severity and features of positive autobiographical memories. DESIGN AND METHODS The sample included 124 student military veterans who had experienced a trauma (Mage = 33.90; 77.4% male; 75.0% White). RESULTS Path analyses showed more PTSD symptom severity was significantly associated with less positive autobiographical memory vividness (β = -0.26, p = .019, R2 = 0.06). Further, the number of ACEs moderated the relationship between PTSD symptom severity and positive autobiographical memory accessibility (β = -0.25, p = .023, R2 = 0.10) and vividness (β = -0.20, p = .024, R2 = 0.10). Among individuals with more ACEs (1 SD above the mean) compared to those with fewer ACEs (1 SD below the mean), less accessibility and vividness of positive autobiographical memories was associated with greater PTSD symptom severity. The number of BCEs was not a significant moderator. CONCLUSIONS Positive memory-based interventions may be particularly useful to address PTSD symptoms among military veterans with a history of childhood adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brett A Messman
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Nicole H Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
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Contractor AA, Blumenthal H, Rosenfield D, Shea MT, Taylor DJ, Fentem A, Vingren JL. Study protocol and rationale for a pilot randomized clinical trial comparing processing of positive memories technique with supportive counseling for PTSD. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 138:107455. [PMID: 38253251 PMCID: PMC11338315 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research indicates that positive memories have a role in posttraumatic stress disorder's (PTSD) symptomatology and treatment. Following treatment development guidelines, a novel PTSD intervention - Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) - was developed and subsequently examined for its effects and feasibility in pilot studies. Extending this research, the proposed pilot randomized clinical trial with PPMT and Supportive Counseling (SC) arms will examine PPMT's effects on PTSD severity and biomarkers of stress systems' dysregulation (awakening salivary alpha amylase [sAA] and cortisol concentrations); examine mechanistic targets (affect) underlying PPMT's effects; and refine PPMT. We hypothesize that the PPMT arm will report greater decreases in PTSD severity and greater decreases in awakening sAA/cortisol ratio compared to the SC arm; and that improved affect (more positive affect and less negative affect) will mediate associations between intervention arm and changes in PTSD severity. METHODS We will recruit 70 individuals aged 18-65 years with PTSD. They will be randomized to 5 weekly therapy sessions of PPMT or SC, and will be assessed at baseline, weekly during treatment, 1-week post-treatment, and 3-months post-treatment. Primary outcomes are past-week PTSD severity, past-week positive and negative affect levels, and feedback data on PPMT's feasibility, format, and content. The secondary outcome is the awakening sAA/cortisol ratio. Statistical analyses include mixed-effect models and within-subjects cross-lag longitudinal mediation analyses. CONCLUSION Study results will advance knowledge of trauma interventions by examining effects and feasibility of a novel PTSD intervention, and by elucidating potential mechanisms underlying PPMT's effects. Clinical Trials #: NCT05523453.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ateka A Contractor
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Terrill Hall, Denton, TX, 76201, United States of America.
| | - Heidemarie Blumenthal
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Terrill Hall, Denton, TX, 76201, United States of America
| | - David Rosenfield
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Expressway Tower, Dallas, TX, 75275, United States of America
| | - M Tracie Shea
- Box G-BH, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States of America
| | - Daniel J Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 1503 W University Blvd, Tuscon, AZ 85721, United States of America
| | - Andrea Fentem
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Terrill Hall, Denton, TX, 76201, United States of America
| | - Jakob L Vingren
- Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation, University of North Texas, Denton TX 76203, United States of America
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Greene T, Contractor AA, Dicker-Oren SD, Fentem A, Sznitman SR. The Effects of the Processing of Positive Memories Technique on Posttrauma Affect and Cognitions Among Survivors of Trauma: Protocol for a Daily Diary Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e51838. [PMID: 38214953 PMCID: PMC10818235 DOI: 10.2196/51838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) is a promising new treatment approach for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which involves detailed narration and processing of specific positive autobiographical memories. Indeed, preliminary case-series studies have found reductions in PTSD symptoms, negative affect, and negative cognitions among survivors of trauma who have received PPMT. However, PPMT's effects have not been investigated at the daily level. In this study, we describe the protocol for a study that will examine the daily-level impacts of PPMT in a trauma-exposed, nonclinical community sample. OBJECTIVE This study uses an innovative research protocol that combines case-series design and daily diary approaches to examine changes in daily affect, daily cognitions, and daily PTSD symptoms pre- and post-PPMT. We hypothesize that at the daily level, in comparison to their own pre-PPMT levels, following the PPMT intervention, participants will report (1) a lower count of endorsed daily PTSD symptoms, (2) increases in daily positive affect and decreases in daily negative affect, (3) increases in positive affect reactivity to daily positive events, and (4) decreases in daily posttrauma cognitions. METHODS We are currently recruiting participants (target n=70) from a metroplex in the southwest United States. Following a screening survey, eligible participants complete a preintervention baseline survey, followed by 21 daily surveys in their natural environments. Then, they receive 4 PPMT sessions on a weekly basis. After the conclusion of the PPMT intervention, participants complete a postintervention outcome survey and 21 daily surveys. To compare daily affect, daily cognitions, and daily PTSD symptoms before and after PPMT, we will use the daily diary report data and conduct multilevel random intercepts and slopes linear regression models. RESULTS Data collection was initiated in March 2022 and is expected to end by June 2024. As of November 28, 2023, a total of 515 participants had consented to the study in the screening phase. No analyses will be conducted until data collection has been completed. CONCLUSIONS Study findings could clarify whether deficits in positive autobiographical memory processes may also characterize PTSD alongside deficits in traumatic memory processes. Furthermore, PPMT could be an additional therapeutic tool for clinicians to help clients reduce posttraumatic distress in their everyday lives. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/51838.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talya Greene
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ateka A Contractor
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
| | | | - Andrea Fentem
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
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Sarmanlu M, Kuypers KPC, Vizeli P, Kvamme TL. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD: Growing evidence for memory effects mediating treatment efficacy. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 128:110843. [PMID: 37611653 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The application of MDMA in conjunction with psychotherapy has in recent years seen a resurgence of clinical, scientific, and public interest in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinical trials have shown promising safety and efficacy, but the mechanisms underlying this treatment form remain largely unestablished. This article explores recent preclinical and clinical evidence suggesting that the treatment's efficacy may be influenced by the mnemonic effects of MDMA. We review data on the effects of MDMA on fear extinction and fear reconsolidation and the utility of these processes for PTSD treatment. We corroborate our findings by incorporating research from cognitive psychology and psychopharmacology and offer recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesud Sarmanlu
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim P C Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick Vizeli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Timo L Kvamme
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Contractor AA, Messman B, Gould P, Slavish DC, Weiss NH. Impacts of repeated retrieval of positive and neutral memories on posttrauma health: An investigative pilot study. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 81:101887. [PMID: 37343425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Evidence indicates that positive memory processes play a role in the etiology and maintenance of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and related posttrauma health indicators. To extend this research, the current pilot study examined if repeated retrieval of positive vs. neutral memories was associated with (1) less PTSS and depression severity; and (2) improved affect and cognitions (fewer posttrauma cognitions, more positively-valenced affect, less negatively-valenced affect, less negative affect interference, less anhedonia, retrieval of more positive specific memories, retrieval of fewer negative specific memories). METHODS Twenty-five trauma-exposed participants were randomly assigned to a positive or neutral memory task condition. They participated in four weekly experimental sessions facilitated by an experimenter virtually; each consecutive session was separated by 6-8 days. We conducted mixed between-within subjects ANOVAs to examine study hypotheses. RESULTS No interaction effects were significant. There were significant main effects of time on PTSS and depression severity, posttrauma cognitions, positively-valenced and negatively-valenced affect, and negative affect interference. LIMITATIONS We used self-report measures, small and non-clinical sample with limited demographic diversity, and virtual format; did not record memory narratives; and did not have a trauma memory condition. CONCLUSIONS Based on pilot data, our findings suggest that individuals who retrieve positive or neutral memories repeatedly may report less PTSS and depression severity, fewer posttrauma cognitions, and improved affect. Results provide an impetus to examine impacts of and mechanisms underlying memory interventions (beyond a sole focus on negatively-valenced memories) in trauma work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brett Messman
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Preston Gould
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Danica C Slavish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Nicole H Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, RI, USA
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Hinault T, D'Argembeau A, Bowler DM, La Corte V, Desaunay P, Provasi J, Platel H, Tran The J, Charretier L, Giersch A, Droit-Volet S. Time processing in neurological and psychiatric conditions. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 154:105430. [PMID: 37871780 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
A central question in understanding cognition and pathology-related cognitive changes is how we process time. However, time processing difficulties across several neurological and psychiatric conditions remain seldom investigated. The aim of this review is to develop a unifying taxonomy of time processing, and a neuropsychological perspective on temporal difficulties. Four main temporal judgments are discussed: duration processing, simultaneity and synchrony, passage of time, and mental time travel. We present an integrated theoretical framework of timing difficulties across psychiatric and neurological conditions based on selected patient populations. This framework provides new mechanistic insights on both (a) the processes involved in each temporal judgement, and (b) temporal difficulties across pathologies. By identifying underlying transdiagnostic time-processing mechanisms, this framework opens fruitful avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hinault
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, 14032 Caen, France.
| | - Arnaud D'Argembeau
- Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, F.R.S-FNRS, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Dermot M Bowler
- Autism Research Group, City, University of London, EC1V 0HB London, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina La Corte
- Laboratoire Mémoire, Cerveau et Cognition (MC2Lab), UR 7536, Université de Paris cité, 92774 Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Institut Universitaire de France, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Desaunay
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, 14032 Caen, France; Service de Psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, CHU de Caen, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Joelle Provasi
- CHArt laboratory (Human and Artificial Cognition), EPHE-PSL, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Hervé Platel
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, 14032 Caen, France
| | - Jessica Tran The
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, 14032 Caen, France
| | - Laura Charretier
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, 14032 Caen, France
| | - Anne Giersch
- Cognitive Neuropsychology and Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia Laboratory, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, University of Strasbourg, 67081 Strasbourg, France
| | - Sylvie Droit-Volet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, LAPSCO, CNRS, UMR 6024, 60032 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Uzer T, Beşiroğlu L, Karakılıç M, Yalçın DÖ, Yazar MS, İlden Koçkar A. Investigating traumatic memory integration in people with and without post-traumatic stress disorder using the event-cueing paradigm. Memory 2023; 31:1176-1184. [PMID: 37428135 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2023.2232588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Poor integration and landmark views make opposing claims regarding the relationship between post-traumatic stress symptoms and trauma memory integration. This study tested these approaches using an event cluster paradigm. In total, 126 participants (Nptsd = 61; Nnon-ptsd = 65) remembered memories from the same story as trauma, positive and neutral memories and reported whether each memory was directly retrieved or generated. Moreover, the retrieval time (RT) was recorded. Finally, the participants completed the Centrality of Event Scale (CES) and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale-Self Report (PSS-SR). The results demonstrated that participants with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) recalled their clusters of memories more slowly and less directly than those without PTSD. However, the CES predicted PTSD severity more strongly than RT and retrieval strategy. These results suggest that traumatic memories are more disorganised but perceived as more central in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugba Uzer
- Department of Psychology, TED University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Lütfullah Beşiroğlu
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Merve Karakılıç
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, İzmir, Turkey
| | | | - Menekşe Sıla Yazar
- İstanbul Bakırköy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Education and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
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Yu X, Pan Y, Ouyang J, Sun P. Shame Memory's Impact on Depression among Junior Middle School Students: A Moderated Mediation Model. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:802. [PMID: 37887452 PMCID: PMC10604334 DOI: 10.3390/bs13100802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Objective: While recent studies have shed light on the effects of shame memories on mental well-being, there is still limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms linking shame memories and depression. Based on the biopsychosocial model and cognitive therapy theory, this study examined the association between shame memory and depression and the indirect role of emotion management and self-criticism. (2) Methods: A total of 1004 junior high school students were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the event impact scale, the self-criticism scale of the depressive experiences questionnaire, and the emotional intelligence scale. (3) Results: Shame memory had a significant positive correlation with depression. The relationship between shame memory and depression was partially mediated by self-criticism. Emotional management was found to regulate the latter half of the mediating effect of shame memory on depression. (4) Conclusions: Self-criticism plays a mediating role in the relationship between shame memory and depression, as well as emotion management plays a moderating role between self-criticism and depression. This perspective will contribute to the growing body of knowledge about the impact of shame memories on depression among junior high school children but also offers a feasible plan for follow-up intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Yu
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Yijing Pan
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Jiaojun Ouyang
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Peizhen Sun
- Department of Psychology, School of Education Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
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Pociunaite J, Zimprich D. Characteristics of positive and negative autobiographical memories central to identity: emotionality, vividness, rehearsal, rumination, and reflection. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1225068. [PMID: 37780161 PMCID: PMC10534006 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1225068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Some events are remembered as more central to a person's identity than others. However, it is not entirely clear what characterizes these autobiographical memories central to one's identity. In this study, we examined the effects of various characteristics on centrality to identity of positive and negative memories. Characteristics such as emotionality, vividness, and how frequently a memory is retrieved and shared with others as well as ruminative and reflective self-foci were studied. Methods The sample included 356 participants (18-92 years of age). First, participants responded to demographic questions and individual difference questionnaires. Next, they recalled memories in response to 12 emotional cue words. The cue words were balanced for emotional valence (i.e., six positive and six negative) and presented in a random order. After retrieving all memories, participants rated them regarding centrality, using the short seven-item Centrality of Event Scale and other memory characteristics, on a seven-point Likert scale. Multivariate multilevel regression was used for data analyzes, to consider multiple characteristics at the same time and account for data dependency within individual. Results The results showed that emotionality, vividness, and frequency of memory retrieval contributed to higher centrality of memories, and employing a reflective self-focus resulted in rating memories as more central. In specific cases, these characteristics were associated differently with centrality of positive and negative memories. Discussion Central memories can be perceived as markers in a person's life story. The findings of this study suggest that these marker events are also highly available in a person's memory system, by being actively emotional, visually rich, and frequently retrieved. Moreover, not only memory characteristics but also individual's features are important to fully understand the autobiographical memory centrality.
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Boals A. Illusory posttraumatic growth is common, but genuine posttraumatic growth is rare: A critical review and suggestions for a path forward. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 103:102301. [PMID: 37331153 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 2.5 decades, trauma researchers have increasingly become interested in posttraumatic growth (PTG) - the concept that some people experience growth as a result of trauma exposure. I begin by reviewing extant research on PTG, with a focus on measurement and conceptual issues. Expanding on arguments made by others, I distinguish between three forms of PTG, 1) perceived PTG, which is an individual's beliefs about their own PTG, 2) genuine PTG, which is veridical growth following adversity, and 3) illusory PTG, which is motivated fabrications of PTG. Perceived PTG is extremely common, as over half of individuals exposed to a potentially traumatic event (PTE) report moderate or greater levels of PTG. I review evidence that most self-reports of PTG are greatly exaggerated and argue that perceived PTG is mostly illusory PTG. I propose five reasons for the disconnect between perceived PTG and genuine PTG, including design flaws in the current measurements, emotional biases that favor perceived PTG, the inherent appeal of PTG, cultural expectations, and problems of definition. I then review the empirical evidence concerning the prevalence rate of genuine PTG, coming to the bold conclusion that the occurrence of genuine PTG is very rare, contradicting current fundamental beliefs about PTG. I recommend researchers focus on the key areas of measurement and etiology of genuine PTG, which are necessary to create interventions that foster genuine PTG. I conclude by outlining a path to steer the scientific progression of PTG back in the right direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriel Boals
- University of North Texas, United States of America.
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Contractor AA, Batley PN, Compton SE, Weiss NH. Relations Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Positive Memory Characteristics Among Women Reporting Intimate Partner Violence: A Micro-Longitudinal Study. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:7266-7295. [PMID: 36541198 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221143200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Evidence links posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms to positive autobiographical memory characteristics. To extend this research, we uniquely utilized micro-longitudinal data to examine (1) the trajectory of PTSD symptom count across 30 days; and (2) if more vividness and accessibility of retrieved positive memories at the daily level predicted decreases in the trajectory of PTSD symptom count across 30 days. The current study was a secondary data analysis of a larger study. The sample included 74 women who reported physical or sexual victimization in the past 30 days by their current male partner and reported the use of alcohol and/or drugs during that time (Mage = 39.68 years; 37.80% with diagnostic PTSD; 43.2% White; 37.8% Black or African American). They completed thrice daily measures of PTSD symptoms and positive memory characteristics (vividness and accessibility) across 30 days. Results of the random effects longitudinal multilevel model indicated that, on average, the relation between PTSD symptom count and positive memory vividness was positive and statistically significant (0.19, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] [0.2, 0.35]); and the relation between PTSD symptom count and positive memory accessibility was positive and statistically significant (0.31, 95% CI [0.15, 0.47]). The relationship between PTSD symptom count and positive memory vividness/accessibility (i.e., slopes) varied significantly across participants, with a wide range of positive and negative regression coefficients. Future research needs to investigate why and how positive memory vividness and accessibility may relate to trajectories of PTSD symptoms over time, with potential clinical implications for positive memory interventions addressing PTSD.
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Bakke SL, Winer ES, Brown AD. Recalling Self-efficacious Memories Reduces COVID-19-Related Fear. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2023; 47:1-8. [PMID: 37363751 PMCID: PMC10153042 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-023-10377-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Manipulating perceived self-efficacy can mitigate the negative impact of trauma and increase ability to adapt to stress. It is possible that a similar domain-based manipulation aimed at anxiety around the pandemic might mitigate the negative mental health impact of COVID-19. The current experimental study assessed whether a self-efficacy induction would be effective in reducing COVID-19 distress. Methods Participants were randomized to a self-efficacy autobiographical memory induction or control condition. We hypothesized that individuals in the self-efficacy group would exhibit lower levels of fear on an implicit measure of emotional states following exposure to COVID-19-related stimuli. Results A significant increase in general self-efficacy and self-confidence was found in the self-efficacy group from pre- to post-induction. Individuals in the self-efficacy group had significantly lower levels of fear counts on the implicit measure of emotional states than the control group following exposure to COVID-19-related stimuli. Conclusions Results suggest that (1) self-efficacy can be increased among individuals with high levels of COVID-19-related distress using an autobiographical memory induction and (2) doing so reduces fear processing among these individuals when exposed to COVID-19 stimuli. This is relevant for future intervention as it reveals a possible mechanism for reducing and recovering from COVID-19-related distress. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10608-023-10377-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Bakke
- Department of Psychology, The New School for Social Research, 66 W 12th Street, New York, NY 10011 USA
| | - E. Samuel Winer
- Department of Psychology, The New School for Social Research, 66 W 12th Street, New York, NY 10011 USA
| | - Adam D. Brown
- Department of Psychology, The New School for Social Research, 66 W 12th Street, New York, NY 10011 USA
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Contractor AA, Messman BA, Slavish DC, Weiss NH. Do positive memory characteristics influence daily-level trajectories of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms? an exploratory daily diary study. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2023; 36:320-338. [PMID: 35561031 PMCID: PMC9653523 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2022.2075856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Evidence links posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with positive memory characteristics. To extend this research, we utilized daily diary data to examine (1) concurrent/lagged associations between daily PTSD symptom severity and positive memory vividness/accessibility; and (2) associations between baseline-assessed positive memory characteristics and changes in PTSD symptom severity over time. DESIGN AND METHODS A sample of 238 trauma-exposed participants (Mage = 21.19 years; 86% women) completed baseline and 10 daily measures of PTSD symptoms and positive memory characteristics. Multilevel models covaried for gender, number of trauma types, and number of completed surveys. RESULTS Days with greater PTSD symptom severity than an individual's average associated with less vividness (b = -0.02, p < .001) and accessibility (b = -0.02, p < .001) of the positive memory on the same day. Days with greater positive memory vividness (b = -1.06, p < .001) and accessibility (b = -0.93, p < .001) than an individual's average associated with less PTSD symptom severity on the same day. There were no significant lagged associations between these constructs. There were significant interactions between baseline-assessed psychological distance and time (b = -0.04, p = .042) and between baseline-assessed visual perspective and time (b = 0.05, p = .023) on PTSD symptom severity across days. CONCLUSIONS Findings inform positive memory intervention targets for PTSD and provide impetus for longitudinal investigations on their inter-relations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brett A. Messman
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Danica C. Slavish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Nicole H. Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
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Kiefer R, Goncharenko S, Forkus SR, Contractor AA, LeBlanc N, Weiss NH. Role of positive emotion regulation strategies in the association between childhood trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder among trauma-exposed individuals who use substances. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2023; 36:366-381. [PMID: 35603928 PMCID: PMC9679041 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2022.2079636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The co-occurrence of childhood trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly prevalent and clinically significant. Existing research emphasizes the role of emotion regulation in the relation between childhood trauma and PTSD. Yet, research in this area has almost exclusively examined the influence of strategies aimed at regulating negative emotions, such as anger and sadness. OBJECTIVE To extend existing research, the current study examined underlying roles of strategies for regulating positive emotions (i.e., self- and emotion-focused positive rumination and positive dampening) in the association between childhood trauma severity and PTSD symptoms. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants were 320 trauma-exposed community individuals who reported past 30-day substance use (Mage = 35.78, 50.3% men, 81.6% white). METHOD Analyses examined whether childhood trauma severity was indirectly related to PTSD symptoms through self-focused positive rumination, emotion-focused positive rumination, and positive dampening. RESULTS Positive dampening, but not positive self- and emotion-focused positive rumination, indirectly explained associations between childhood trauma severity and PTSD symptoms (B = .17, SE = .03, 95% CI [.12, .24]). CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the potential utility of targeting positive dampening in the treatment of PTSD symptoms among individuals who use substances with a history of childhood trauma.
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20
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Azadfar Z, Bijari AF, Khosravi Z, Abdollahi A. Psychometric properties of the full-form and short-form versions of the Integration of Stressful Life Experiences Scale (ISLES) among Iranian university students. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e2892. [PMID: 36786338 PMCID: PMC10013935 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Making adaptive meaning of stressful life experiences has been identified as an important determinant of adjustment. The Integration of Stressful Life Experiences Scale (ISLES) was developed to assess the outcome of meaning-making processes in the face of negative events. AIMS The psychometric properties of this scale have not been measured in Iranian populations. The purpose of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the 16-item and 6-item versions of ISLES with a sample of 502 university students who had experienced relationship dissolution. RESULTS Findings support a two-factor structure with acceptable validity and reliability. Positive correlations between the scores of ISLES with Centrality of Event Scale and PTSD symptoms provided evidence of concurrent validity. CONCLUSION The results of measurement invariance indicated that both the 16-item and 6-item versions of ISLES are gender invariant and can be used to assess meaning-made in both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Azadfar
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Farah Bijari
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Khosravi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Abdollahi
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
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Kowalchyk M, Chernoff E, Brinkman HR, Brown AD, Pietrzak RH, Feder A. Perceived social support moderates the relation between forward-focused coping and PTSD symptoms in World Trade Center trauma survivors. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 159:130-134. [PMID: 36708637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Social support and perceived ability to cope with trauma have been linked to severity of PTSD symptoms. While previous literature has highlighted the influence of trauma coping style on PTSD severity, data are lacking regarding factors that may moderate this association. Such information may help inform more personalized treatments for PTSD. Toward this end, we analyzed data from 100 treatment-seeking WTC responders and survivors with full or subthreshold World Trade Center (WTC)-related PTSD who completed measures of perceived ability to cope with trauma and perceived social support prior to treatment initiation. Correlation analyses revealed that higher forward-focused perceived ability to cope (r = -0.24) and perceived social support (r = -0.32) were each associated with lower severity of PTSD symptoms. In a multivariable regression analysis, perceived social support emerged as a significant moderator of the relation between forward-focused coping and overall PTSD symptom severity (β = -0.36). Specifically, among individuals with higher forward-focused coping, those with higher social support had lower severity of symptoms than those with lower social support. Results suggest that interventions to bolster social support among trauma survivors with a forward-focusing coping style may help mitigate severity of PTSD symptoms in treatment-seeking trauma survivors with PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kowalchyk
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eva Chernoff
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah R Brinkman
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adam D Brown
- Department of Psychology, The New School for Social Research, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adriana Feder
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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22
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Résilience et croissance post-traumatique : enjeux théoriques et cliniques. L'ÉVOLUTION PSYCHIATRIQUE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evopsy.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES While there is a large body of research on falls and their consequences in older adults, little is known about how older adults remember them. We addressed this gap by inviting older adults to remember falls and control memories. METHODS We analyzed specificity of memories and invited participants to rate emotional valence, mental time travel, visual imagery, importance, and rehearsal, as experienced during retrieval. RESULTS Although analysis demonstrated no significant differences between memories of falls and control memories regarding specificity, participants rated memories of falls as more negative than control memories. Furthermore, they rated memories of falls as triggering higher mental time travel, higher visual imagery, higher importance, and higher rehearsal than control memories. CONCLUSIONS The negative emotional valence of memories of falls, as well as their ability to trigger significant levels of mental time travel, visual imagery, importance, and rehearsal, demonstrate how these memories are different from other memories in older adults. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The findings demonstrate how falls can modulate memory of personal events in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Gallouj
- Unité de Gériatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing, Tourcoing, France
| | - Emin Altintas
- Unité de Gériatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing, Tourcoing, France
- Laboratoire PSITEC, Psychologie: Interactions Temps Émotions Cognition, Université Lille Nord de France, Lille, France
| | - Mohamad El Haj
- Unité de Gériatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing, Tourcoing, France
- Laboratoire de Psychologie des Pays de la Loire (LPPL - EA 4638), Nantes Université, Univ Angers, Nantes, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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BOYACİOGLU İ, KONUKOĞLU K, ERGİYEN T. Effect of Emotional Content on Memory Characteristics: Emotional Valence, Emotional Intensity, and Individual Emotions. PSIKIYATRIDE GUNCEL YAKLASIMLAR - CURRENT APPROACHES IN PSYCHIATRY 2022. [DOI: 10.18863/pgy.1068175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to examine the relationships between the emotional valence and emotional intensity of autobiographical memories and the phenomenological characteristics of memories in the context of individual emotions and memory types. Seven hundred and sixty-four students (514 female, 250 male) from Dokuz Eylul University participated in the study. Participants were asked to recall an childhood memory, a self-defining memory, or a romantic relationship memory. After thinking about the memory they remember, they were requested to fill out the Autobiographical Memory Characteristics Questionnaire and a scale for intensity of individual emotions. Regression analyses showed that emotional intensity of the memories predicted the sensory details, rehearsal, and preoccupation with emotions. In moderated-mediation analyses, mediating effects for emotional intensity were detected between individual emotions and memory characteristics, except for the negative self-esteem emotions. Among these analyses, a moderating effect of memory types was detected only for the relationships between hostile emotions and anxiety-related emotions and the memory characteristics through the mediation of emotional intensity. While the intensity of singular emotions showed stronger relationship with emotional valence, the main variable that predicted memory characteristics overall was the emotional intensity.
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25
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Contractor AA, Caldas SV, Dolan M, Weiss NH. Factors Related to Positive Memory Count Among Trauma-Exposed Individuals: A Scoping Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2022; 23:1568-1584. [PMID: 33960225 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211013130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
To examine the existing knowledge base on trauma experiences and positive memories, we conducted a scoping review of trauma and post-trauma factors related to positive memory count. In July 2019, we searched PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, and PTSDpubs for a combination of words related to "positive memories/experiences," "trauma/posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)," and "number/retrieval." Twenty-one articles met inclusion criteria (adult samples, original articles in English, peer-reviewed, included trauma-exposed group or variable of trauma exposure, trauma exposure examined with a trauma measure/methodology, assessed positive memory count, empirical experimental/non-experimental study designs). Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, two authors reviewed abstracts, completed a secondary search, and independently extracted data. Our review indicated (1) that depression and PTSD were most researched; (2) no conclusive relationships of positive memory count with several psychopathology (depression, acute stress disorder, eating disorder, and anxiety), cognitive/affective, neurobiological, and demographic factors; (3) trends of potential relationships of positive memory count with PTSD and childhood interpersonal traumas (e.g., sexual and physical abuse); and (4) lower positive memory specificity as a potential counterpart to greater overgeneral positive memory bias. Given variations in sample characteristics and methodology as well as the limited longitudinal research, conclusions are tentative and worthy of further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ateka A Contractor
- Department of Psychology, 3404University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie V Caldas
- Department of Psychology, 3404University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Megan Dolan
- Department of Psychology, 3404University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Nicole H Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
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Stevens SK, Timmer-Murillo SC, Tomas CW, Boals A, Larson CL, deRoon-Cassini T, Larsen SE. Event centrality and posttraumatic stress symptoms after traumatic injury: A longitudinal investigation. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:1734-1743. [PMID: 36104984 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The development of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) can occur following a traumatic injury, which may include an increase in negative cognitions. One cognitive construct shown to be associated with the development of PTSS is event centrality, or the degree to which an individual views a traumatic experience as central to their life story. Although cross-sectional work has demonstrated a robust connection between event centrality and PTSS, the directionality of this association remains unclear. Most previous work has investigated centrality as a predictor of PTSS, although one recent study suggests that PTSS may, in fact, predict event centrality. The current longitudinal study enrolled adult civilian participants (N = 191) from a Level 1 trauma center following a traumatic injury and assessed both event centrality and PTSS at three points posttrauma (3, 12, and 18 months). A time-constrained random intercept cross-lagged panel analysis showed that PTSS predicted event centrality over the 18-month follow-up period, B = 0.16, p = .021, but event centrality did not predict PTSS, B = -0.27, p = .340. These findings suggest that the development of PTSS following trauma exposure may lead to the perception of the traumatic event as central to an individual's story over time. Further longitudinal research is necessary to determine what variables may influence the connection between PTSS and event centrality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Stevens
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Sydney C Timmer-Murillo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Carissa W Tomas
- Division of Epidemiology, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Adriel Boals
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Christine L Larson
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Terri deRoon-Cassini
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sadie E Larsen
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Milwaukee VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Caldas SV, Fondren A, Natesan Batley P, Contractor AA. Longitudinal relationships among posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters in response to positive memory processing. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2022; 76:101752. [PMID: 35738684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Avoidance, inherent to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology, is theoretically and empirically linked to the maintenance of PTSD symptom severity. While research indicates traumatized individuals avoid positive and trauma memories, several PTSD treatments focus exclusively on traumatic memories. We examined the mediating role of PTSD's avoidance in the relationship between processing positive memories and PTSD cluster severity (intrusion, mood/cognitions, arousal). METHODS Sixty-five trauma-exposed college students (Mage = 22.52; 86.10% female) were randomly assigned to 3 conditions: narrating/processing, writing/processing, or control (same task across baseline [T0] and follow-up [T1]). RESULTS Half-longitudinal mediation models indicated participation in the narrating vs. writing and control conditions predicted decreases in T1 intrusion severity via reduction in T1 avoidance severity. Similarly, participation in the narrating vs. writing and control conditions predicted decreases in T1 mood/cognitions' severity via reduction in T1 avoidance severity. Participation in the narrating vs. writing condition predicted decreases in T1 arousal severity via reduction in T1 avoidance severity. LIMITATIONS Data was obtained from an analogue small-size sample of university students. In addition, sessions were only 6-8 days apart, with the processing component of each session lasting ∼30 min. CONCLUSIONS Processing positive memories may relate to lower PTSD severity via a reduction in PTSD's avoidance, paralleling effects of processing trauma memories. Our findings support future investigations of the mechanisms underlying impacts of positive memory processing in the context of PTSD treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alana Fondren
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Louisville, USA.
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28
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Yeung RC, Stastna M, Fernandes MA. Understanding autobiographical memory content using computational text analysis. Memory 2022; 30:1267-1287. [PMID: 35946170 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2022.2104317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Although research on autobiographical memory (AM) continues to grow, there remain few methods to analyze AM content. Past approaches are typically manual, and prohibitively time- and labour-intensive. These methodological limitations are concerning because content may provide insights into the nature and functions of AM. In particular, analyzing content in recurrent involuntary autobiographical memories (IAMs; those that spring to mind unintentionally and repetitively) could resolve controversies about whether these memories typically involve mundane or distressing events. Here, we present computational methods that can analyze content in thousands of participants' AMs, without needing to hand-code each memory. A sample of 6,187 undergraduates completed surveys about recurrent IAMs, resulting in 3,624 text descriptions. Using frequency analyses, we identified common (e.g., "time", "friend") and distinctive words in recurrent IAMs (e.g., "argument" as distinctive to negative recurrent IAMs). Using structural topic modelling, we identified coherent topics (e.g., "Negative past relationships", "Conversations", "Experiences with family members") within recurrent IAMs and found that topic use significantly differed depending on the valence of these memories. Computational methods allowed us to analyze large quantities of AM content with enhanced granularity and reproducibility. We present the means to enable future research on AM content at an unprecedented scope and scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Yeung
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Marek Stastna
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Myra A Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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29
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Azoulay R, Gilboa-Schechtman E. The scarring impact of status loss in social anxiety: An evolutionary perspective. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 90:102600. [PMID: 35841783 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionary models suggest that social anxiety (SA) is associated with sensitivity to status loss. These models make several additional predictions concerning the strength as well as the specificity of the association between post-event distress (PED) following status losses and SA. First, the strength of this association is postulated to be enhanced in men, especially following status losses inflicted by other men (intra-male status losses). Second, given the evolutionary postulated relationship between social status and physical fitness, sensitivity to status loss in SA is expected to extend to physically threatening events. We examined these predictions in four online samples (total N = 1123; 59% females, 27% above the cutoff for clinically elevated SA). In all studies, participants recalled social status-loss events and rated the emotional and distressing impact of these experiences. In two samples, participants also identified and recalled physically threatening events. Our findings were consistent with evolutionary predictions. SA was associated with PED following social status-loss events (β = 0.27). This association was stronger in men than in women (β = 0.40, β = 0.16, respectively). Moreover, the SA-PED association was especially enhanced following intra-male, compared to intra-female and inter-gender, status losses (β = 0.47, β = 0.26, and β = 0.17, respectively). Furthermore, SA was uniquely associated with PED following physically threatening events, over and above PED following social status-loss events (β = 0.21). Our data highlights the significant impact of socially and physically threatening events and delineates the scarring signature of such events in SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Azoulay
- Department of Psychology and Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Center, Bar-Ilan University, Israel.
| | - Eva Gilboa-Schechtman
- Department of Psychology and Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Center, Bar-Ilan University, Israel
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30
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Kung YW, Su YJ, Chen SH. Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Centrality of Event Scale across multiple trauma-exposed Taiwanese samples. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:813-826. [PMID: 35182441 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The widely used Centrality of Event Scale (CES) measures the extent that a traumatic event serves as a central component of self-identity, a reference point, and a turning point in an individual's life story. The present study aimed to develop a Chinese version of the CES and assess its reliability, criterion validity, and factor structure. Data were collected from three samples of trauma-exposed Taiwanese individuals (N = 939), including 420 earthquake survivors, 300 trauma-exposed community adults, and 219 trauma-exposed undergraduate students. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis and compared the resulting models with a one-factor model and the originally proposed model. The results indicated that a new three-factor model, S-Bχ2 (167, N = 519) = 687.01, p < .001, CFI = .95, IFI = .95, NNFI = .94, RMSEA = .078, SRMR = .047, might better represent the construct compared to the one-factor or originally proposed model. Furthermore, the Chinese CES demonstrated excellent internal consistency, Cronbach's αs = .89-.94; adequate 1-month reliability, rs = .54-.64, and 6-month temporal stability, rs = .52-.67; and good concurrent and predictive validity. The findings indicate that the Chinese version of the CES demonstrates good psychometric properties with a three-factor structure, and it could be used to assess event centrality among nonclinical trauma-exposed Taiwanese adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wen Kung
- Department of Psychology, Fo Guang University, Yilan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Su
- Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sue-Huei Chen
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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31
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Rasmussen AS, Burton-Wood CG, Burnell R, Garry M. The memories that people would save or erase differ from their most positive and negative memories on function, emotion and correspondence with the life script. Memory 2022; 30:1008-1017. [PMID: 35511903 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2022.2069821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Autobiographical remembering is a dynamic process in which narrators construct their life story from single memories. What is included in or deleted from the life story depends on many factors. Here, we examined the functions, emotions and correspondence with the life script for the memories that people desire to save or erase from their past. We asked people to generate either the two memories they were most likely to save and erase or the two memories they regarded as their most positive and negative memories. Then everyone rated those memories on function, emotion and correspondence with the life script. Overall, we found save and erase memories corresponded less with the life script relative to most positive and most negative memories though they were similarly emotionally intense. Additionally, erase memories were more associated with shame and less with social functions than most negative memories, whereas most negative memories to a higher degree involved the death of significant others, albeit being similarly traumatic. These findings have important implications for theory about autobiographical memory, and possible clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne S Rasmussen
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Ryan Burnell
- School of psychology, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Maryanne Garry
- School of psychology, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
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32
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Pociunaite (Pociūnaitė) J, Zimprich D, Wolf T. Centrality of Positive and Negative Autobiographical Memories Across Adult Lifespan. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Zimprich
- Department of Developmental Psychology Ulm University, Albert‐Einstein‐Allee 47 Ulm Germany
| | - Tabea Wolf
- Department of Developmental Psychology Ulm University, Albert‐Einstein‐Allee 47 Ulm Germany
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33
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Steinberg MH, Bellet BW, McNally RJ, Boals A. Resolving the paradox of posttraumatic growth and event centrality in trauma survivors. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:434-445. [PMID: 34750893 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
When a traumatic experience is central to an individual's identity and worldview, it can result in either severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, perceived posttraumatic growth (PTG), or, paradoxically, both. To resolve this apparent paradox, we used network analytic methods to estimate the relations among components of event centrality (EC), PTSD symptoms, and PTG in 1,136 undergraduates who had experienced trauma. Participants completed surveys on their experiences with traumatic events as well as the degree to which they experienced PTSD symptoms, components of EC, and components of PTG. We performed network analysis to examine EC, PTSD, and PTG and identify which components of EC were most conducive to its associations with PTSD versus those with PTG. We found that the components of EC most associated with PTSD, the extent to which trauma serves as a script for the future, were markedly distinct from the components associated with PTG, the extent to which trauma is seen as a turning point in one's life. The combined findings suggest that EC may be a catalyst for subsequent positive or negative effects contingent upon how an individual interprets the centrality of their traumatic experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot H Steinberg
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin W Bellet
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard J McNally
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adriel Boals
- Department of Psychology, University of Northern Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
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34
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Stress-related growth: An experimental approach to examine whether stressful events cause perceived growth. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00721-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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35
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Vermeulen M, Smits D, Claes L, Gandhi A, Raes F, Krans J. The Dutch 20 Item Centrality of Event Scale. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1027/1015-5759/a000704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Event centrality is defined as the extent to which a memory of a traumatic event forms a reference point for people’s identity and attribution of meaning to other experiences in their life. Event centrality is typically measured with the Centrality of Event Scale (CES; Berntsen & Rubin, 2006 ). The present study’s first aim was to investigate the underlying factor structure and construct validity of the Dutch 20-item CES (CES-20) in undergraduates ( N = 1,091). The second aim was to test whether the CES-20 could prospectively predict posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms four months later. The data supported a one-factor structure of the CES with a high internal consistency (α = .95), which is not in line with the theoretical model of event centrality but aligns with previous empirical research. Furthermore, high construct validity was evidenced by positive and significant relations between the CES and PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, DSM-5 trauma A criterion, and the number of experienced negative life events. Event centrality was not a significant predictor of PTSD symptoms four months later when controlling for PTSD symptoms at time 1, which questions the prospective relation between event centrality and later PTSD symptoms for those events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dirk Smits
- Behavior, Health and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Odisee, University of Applied Sciences, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurence Claes
- Behavior, Health and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Amarendra Gandhi
- L-BioStat, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Knowledge Center, SD Worx, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Filip Raes
- Behavior, Health and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Krans
- Behavior, Health and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Pro Persona Overwaal Centre for Anxiety, OCD and PTSD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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36
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Holm T, Mors O. Psychological adjustment following mechanical restraint in individuals with schizophrenia. Nord J Psychiatry 2022; 76:104-113. [PMID: 34182878 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2021.1939417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIM While it is known that being mechanically restrained during hospitalization can, in severe cases, lead to PTSD in individuals with mental illness, less is known about why some develop posttraumatic stress reactions following restraint while others do not. This study examined whether the amount of exposure to mechanical restraint and patients' interpretations of the episodes' centrality to their identity were related to symptoms of PTSD in individuals with schizophrenia. METHODS We asked 20 individuals to recall mechanical restraint episodes and rate them on centrality to identity. They also completed scales measuring symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, trauma history, and were rated on positive and negative symptoms. Objective information about the number of times they had been restrained was obtained through Danish health registries. RESULTS Amount of exposure to mechanical restraint was not significantly related to PTSD symptoms, potentially due to limitations of our small sample. However, interpreting episodes as more central to identity was. This relationship remained significant when controlling for trauma history, positive symptoms, and depression. CONCLUSION The results suggest that clinically significant levels of PTSD are common in this population, and that considering patients' subjective interpretations of restraint episodes, and not merely the objective facts surrounding them is important for patients' psychological adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine Holm
- Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ole Mors
- Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
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37
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Ke S, Sun L, Zhou J, Wang Y, Bu T, Chu H, Yang J, Wang W, Wang W, Li J, Zhao L, Qiao Z, Qiu X, Yang X, Cao D, Yang Y. Factors Influencing Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms in Chinese Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:892014. [PMID: 35711600 PMCID: PMC9192973 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.892014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) and analyze the influencing factors of PTSS among adolescents in a large sample study during the COVID-19 pandemic, we did a cross-sectional study by collecting demographic data and mental health measurements from a large group of 175,318 adolescents in 32 Chinese provinces and autonomous regions, using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) that was used to measure the PTSS of the participants. The results showed that the prevalence of PTSS was 35.7% in Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that, for the personal risk factors, the older age, female gender, the personality domains of extroversion, the irregular sleep schedule, the lack of aerobic exercise, and the lack of peer support were associated with the higher levels of PTSS. The family subjective and objective factors were associated with higher levels of PTSS. Our findings suggested that family factors are the most important factors that affect Chinese adolescents' PTSS due to the longtime home quarantine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Ke
- Department of Medical Psychology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Medical Education Management, School of Health Management of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- Department of Medical Psychology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yini Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tianyi Bu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Haiyun Chu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiarun Yang
- Department of Medical Education Management, School of Health Management of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wantong Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- Department of Medical Education Management, School of Health Management of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- Department of Medical Psychology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhengxue Qiao
- Department of Medical Psychology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaohui Qiu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiuxian Yang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Depin Cao
- Department of Medical Education Management, School of Health Management of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanjie Yang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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38
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Dashorst P, Huntjens R, Mooren TM, Kleber RJ, de Jong PJ. Personal characteristics of World War Two survivor offspring related to the presence of indirect intrusions. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2101349. [PMID: 35928522 PMCID: PMC9344957 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2101349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Background: A substantial proportion of clinical World War Two survivor offspring reports intrusions about war events they did not experience themselves. Objective: To help identify factors that contribute to the development of such indirect intrusions (i.e. intrusions about non-self-experienced traumatic events), we examined the personal characteristics of survivor offspring that were related to the presence of indirect intrusions. To explore the specificity of these relationships, we compared characteristics related to the presence of indirect and direct intrusions (i.e. intrusions about self-experienced traumatic events). Methods: Participants (N = 98) were post-war offspring of World War Two survivors in treatment in one of two clinics specialized in mental health services for war victims. We assessed the presence of indirect and direct intrusions as well as the following personal characteristics: gender, education level, trait dissociation, affect intensity, attentional control, mental imagery, fantasy proneness, and current psychopathology. Results: Reports of indirect intrusions were more frequent in individuals high in fantasy proneness, trait dissociation, and current psychopathology. Reports of direct intrusions were more frequent in women, individuals scoring high on trait dissociation, affect intensity, and current psychopathology. Fantasy proneness was a unique correlate of indirect intrusions. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with the idea that intrusions are the result of (re)constructive processes affected by several factors including personal characteristics. HIGHLIGHTS Offspring of World War Two survivors often experience indirect intrusions.We examined personal characteristics related to indirect and direct intrusions.Fantasy proneness was the best predictor of indirect intrusions.Gender was the best predictor of direct intrusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Dashorst
- ARQ Centrum'45, Diemen/Oegstgeest, the Netherlands
| | - R Huntjens
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - T M Mooren
- ARQ Centrum'45, Diemen/Oegstgeest, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - R J Kleber
- ARQ Centrum'45, Diemen/Oegstgeest, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - P J de Jong
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Conen L, Johanßen H, Ülsmann D, Ertle A, Schulte S, Fydrich T, Schulte-Herbrüggen O. Validierung der deutschen Übersetzung der Centrality of Event Scale (CES-G). ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KLINISCHE PSYCHOLOGIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2022. [DOI: 10.1026/1616-3443/a000651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Eine wachsende Zahl von Forschungsarbeiten weist auf die Bedeutung der wahrgenommenen Zentralität eines traumatischen Ereignisses in der eigenen Lebensgeschichte für das Verständnis von Symptomen der Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS) hin. Zur Untersuchung dieser Beziehung exisitert bislang noch kein Messinstrument, das die Ereigniszentralität auf Deutsch erfasst. Fragestellung: Um die Forschung auf diesem Gebiet im deutschsprachigen Raum zu ermöglichen, wird die Centrality of Event Scale (CES; Berntsen & Rubin, 2006 ) in einer deutschen Übersetzung (CES-G) vorgestellt und hinsichtlich ihrer psychometrischen Eigenschaften untersucht. Methode: Zur psychometrischen Auswertung wurde die CES-G 322 Student_innen sowie 115 ambulanten Patient_innen mit ausgeprägter PTBS-Symptomatik vorgelegt. Ergebnisse: Die CES-G zeigt eine hervorragende interne Konsistenz, substanzielle Korrelationen mit Maßen von PTBS Symptomen, allgemeiner Psychopathologie, Depressivität und maladaptiven kognitiven Prozessen sowie eine kriterienbezogene Validität bezüglich PTBS Symptomen in einer klinischen Stichprobe. Schlussfolgerungen: Die deutsche Übersetzung der CES ist ein verlässliches und valides Messinstrument für Ereigniszentralität.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Conen
- Institut für Psychologie, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Helen Johanßen
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, gemeinsame Einrichtung der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin und der Freien Universität Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Dominik Ülsmann
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatische Medizin, Friedrich von Bodelschwingh-Klinik, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Andrea Ertle
- Institut für Psychologie, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Sarah Schulte
- Institut für Psychologie, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Fydrich
- Institut für Psychologie, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Olaf Schulte-Herbrüggen
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatische Medizin, Friedrich von Bodelschwingh-Klinik, Berlin, Deutschland
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40
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Yang X, Xu Y, Tan R, Zhou X. Event centrality and post-traumatic stress symptoms among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: the roles of attention to negative information, catastrophizing, and rumination. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2078563. [PMID: 35695844 PMCID: PMC9176333 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2078563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected college students' mental health and caused post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Event centrality is thought to play a key role in the development of PTSS, but it is not yet clear by what mechanism. Theoretically, event centrality may affect the retrieval of traumatic memories and further prompt post-traumatic cognitions to understand events, and so may in turn be associated with PTSS in college students. However, few empirical studies have examined the mediating role of post-traumatic cognitions in the relationship between event centrality and PTSS, especially among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to examine the mediating roles of post-traumatic cognitive factors (e.g. attention to negative information, catastrophizing, and rumination) in the relationship between event centrality and PTSS among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We recruited 1153 college students who completed the pandemic experiences scale, the centrality of event scale, the attention to positive and negative information scale, the cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire, and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 during the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020. RESULTS In this sample of college students, event centrality directly predicted PTSS, and PTSS was also indirectly predicted by event centrality through attention to negative information, catastrophizing, and rumination. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the existing literature on the relationship between event centrality, proposed cognitive variables, and PTSS, and shed light on the mechanisms underlying PTSS. Our findings also highlight the importance and applicability of targeted cognitive interventions for PTSS in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. HIGHLIGHTS The COVID-19 pandemic has caused post-traumatic stress symptoms among college students.Event centrality is a risk factor of post-traumatic stress symptoms among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.Attention to negative information, catastrophizing and rumination mediate the relationship between event centrality and post-traumatic stress symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xima Yang
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongyong Xu
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruyue Tan
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Zhou
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Azadfar Z, Khosravi Z, Farah Bijari A, Abdollahi A. The Persian version of the centrality of event scale (CES): Assessment of validity and reliability among Iranian university students. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e32448. [PMID: 34825512 PMCID: PMC8785629 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Event centrality, the extent to which an experience is perceived as a central event in one's life, has been found to be a strong correlate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The centrality of event scale (CES) is commonly used in different conditions and cultures to measure trauma-related effects. However, the psychometric properties of this scale have not been investigated in the Iranian context. METHODS The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Persian translation of the 7-item CES in a sample of 525 university students with a history of a romantic breakup. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a one-factor structure. The CES score was positively correlated with psychological inflexibility and PTSD symptoms. The measurement invariance analyses showed that the 7-item CES is gender invariant and can be used for both men and women. FINDINGS Findings supported the good psychometric properties of the 7-item CES for measuring event centrality in Iranian university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Azadfar
- Department of PsychologyFaculty of Education and PsychologyAlzahra UniversityTehranIran
| | - Zohreh Khosravi
- Department of PsychologyFaculty of Education and PsychologyAlzahra UniversityTehranIran
| | - Azam Farah Bijari
- Department of PsychologyFaculty of Education and PsychologyAlzahra UniversityTehranIran
| | - Abbas Abdollahi
- Department of CounselingFaculty of Education and PsychologyAlzahra UniversityTehranIran
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Tener D, Sigad LI, Katz C, Shimron R, Harel E, Greenblum N, Shemesh M, Zabib YZ. "Maybe I imagined it, maybe it really was all just childish play": Complexity and ambiguity in survivors' perceptions of harmful preadolescent sexual behavior. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 123:105368. [PMID: 34794016 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Harmful preadolescent sexual behavior (HPSB) is an understudied phenomenon in the field of child sexual abuse (CSA). OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study was to analyze and describe the experiences and perceptions of adult survivors of HPSB. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 16 survivors of HPSB were recruited as part of a purposeful sample. Their ages at the time of the study ranged from 21 to 50; they were Jewish-Israeli, secular, and Hebrew-speaking. METHODS Semi-structured interviews and qualitative thematic analysis were conducted based on a descriptive phenomenological-psychological approach. RESULTS Participants described elements of complexity in their perceptions of the "truthiness" of their memories and the mutuality of the HPSB experiences, as well as their primacy, seriousness, and life impact. They also described elements of support during disclosure, but mostly exposed the challenges and hardship involved, particularly the lack of legitimacy in exposing harmful sexual behavior perpetrated by other children. CONCLUSIONS Both the HPSB experiences themselves and the subsequent disclosure contributed to the development of detached, mistrustful identities among the participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafna Tener
- The Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem 91905, Israel.
| | - Laura I Sigad
- Oranim College of Education, Department of Education for Children at Risk, Faculty of Graduate Studies. Kiryat Tiv'on 36011, Israel
| | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Roni Shimron
- The Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
| | - Eyal Harel
- The Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
| | - Noam Greenblum
- The Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
| | - Mor Shemesh
- The Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
| | - Yael Zooker Zabib
- The Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
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Weststrate NM, Jayawickreme E, Wrzus C. Advancing a Three-Tier Personality Framework for Posttraumatic Growth. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/08902070211062327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adversity has been assumed to foster positive personality change under certain conditions. In this article, we examine this assumption within the context of the three-tier personality framework integrating traits, characteristic adaptations, and narrative identity to provide a comprehensive understanding of personality growth. We first review findings on how adverse events affect personality on each of these three levels. Second, we summarize knowledge on event-based and person-based predictors of personality change in the face of adversity. Third, we specify affective, behavioral, and cognitive processes that explain personality change across levels of personality. Innovatively, our proposed process model addresses change at all three levels of personality, as well as similarities and differences in processes across the levels. We conclude by discussing unresolved issues, asking critical questions, and posing challenging hypotheses for testing this framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nic M. Weststrate
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eranda Jayawickreme
- Department of Psychology & Program for Leadership and Character, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Cornelia Wrzus
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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de Moor EL, Van der Graaff J, Koster N, Laceulle OM, Branje S. The relation between self-event connections and personality functioning in youth with severe psychopathology. J Pers 2021; 90:799-816. [PMID: 34932230 PMCID: PMC9543894 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective One way in which individuals construct their narrative identity is by making self‐event connections, which are often linked to better functioning. Being unable to make connections is related to identity discontinuity and psychopathology. Work in the general population corroborates this association, but also highlights the importance of focusing on specific aspects of these connections and on vulnerable populations. Method We examined the association of self‐event connections with personality functioning in youth with severe psychopathology (cross‐sectional N = 228, Mage = 19.5, longitudinal N = 84), and the role of event and connection valence in the subsample of youth who made a connection (n = 188 and n = 68). Negative affectivity was controlled for in all models. Results We found no evidence that self‐event connections, nor connection valence and its interaction with event valence, are related to functioning. Positive event valence was associated with better functioning. Higher negative affectivity was strongly linked to lower functioning and explained the relation between event valence and functioning. No longitudinal associations emerged. Conclusions These findings show that for youth with severe psychopathology making self‐event connections may not be associated with better functioning. Moreover, negative affectivity may be a distal predictor of both event valence and functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth L de Moor
- Department of Youth and Family, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Nagila Koster
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Odilia M Laceulle
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Susan Branje
- Department of Youth and Family, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Kongshøj ILL, Bohn A, Berntsen D. To mention or not to mention? The inclusion of self-reported most traumatic and most positive memories in the life story. Memory 2021; 30:133-146. [PMID: 34713774 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2021.1995876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Many theories on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) make assumptions on the relationship between PTSD and centrality of traumas to the life story and identity. Although the Centrality of Event Scale (CES) is a popular measure of centrality of personally experienced events to the life story, no studies have examined whether self-rated "central" events are mentioned, when individuals recount their lives. It is also unknown if mentioning specific event types in the life story is related to psychological health or life story coherence. We asked 386 adults to write their life stories, nominate their most traumatic and positive events, rate these events on the CES, and complete measures of PTSD and depression. Two-thirds of the sample mentioned at least one event, with the positive event being mentioned twice as often as the trauma. Mentioned events were more central than non-mentioned events. Participants who mentioned their trauma scored higher on symptoms of PTSD and depression than participants who only mentioned their positive event, but did not write less coherent life stories. Further, death- and illness-related traumas were mentioned more often than accidents and disasters. Findings are discussed in relation to theories on trauma memory in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Lise Lundsgaard Kongshøj
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research (CON AMORE), Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Annette Bohn
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research (CON AMORE), Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Dorthe Berntsen
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research (CON AMORE), Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Johanßen H, Schoofs N, Kliegl R, Bermpohl F, Ülsmann D, Schulte-Herbrüggen O, Priebe K. Negative Posttraumatic Cognitions Color the Pathway from Event Centrality to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-021-10266-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The centrality of an event indicates the extent to which it becomes a core part of identity and life story. Event centrality (EC) has been shown to have a strong relationship with PTSD symptoms, which seems to be indirectly influenced by negative posttraumatic cognitions (PTC). However, research on this potential mediation and its causal links particularly with clinical samples is limited and essential to derive treatment implications.
Methods
Pre- and posttreatment data of 103 day-unit patients with PTSD was examined using mediation analyses and structural equation modeling.
Results
Negative PTC mediated the relationship between EC and PTSD symptoms, partially pre- and completely posttreatment. Within extended longitudinal analyses causal directions of the mediation pathways were not adequately interpretable due to unexpected suppression effects.
Conclusions
The results suggest that EC may only have an indirect effect on PTSD symptoms through negative PTC. Thus, decreasing negative PTC which are connected to centralized events might be a key element for PTSD treatment. Thereby, transforming the cognitions’ valence to more positive and constructive forms could be crucial rather than mere decentralization. Although suppression effects limited causal inferences, they do not contradict the mediation and further indicate potential interactional terms and a transformation of EC.
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47
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Onu DU, Ugwu LE, Onyedire NG, Ebele Nnadozie E, Nwufo JI. Post-traumatic growth mediates the relationship between valences of trauma centralisation and health-related quality of life. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/00812463211037628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Emotions arising from health-related trauma can be complex (as positive and negative feelings are possible) and can influence the way patients perceive themselves and the world. Health outcomes can also be affected by the valence of emotions. We hypothesised that post-traumatic growth is the mediating link between the valences of event centrality and health-related quality of life among people living with HIV. Three hundred (male = 194 and female = 106; mean age = 35.30 years) people living with HIV in Nigeria completed measures of relevant variables. Mediation analysis was performed using path analysis and structural equation modelling. Results showed that post-traumatic growth mediated the association between positive event centrality and health-related quality of life in the physical health symptoms and treatment impact domains. Post-traumatic growth also mediated the association between negative event centrality and health-related quality of life in the physical health symptom and relationship domains. In light of these findings, it might be concluded that fostering post-traumatic growth among people living with HIV by clinicians could be helpful in enhancing the health-related quality of life of people living with HIV.
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Heir T, Hussain A, Kristensen P, Weisæth L. Delayed post-traumatic stress and memory inflation of life-threatening events following a natural disaster: prospective study. BJPsych Open 2021; 7:e132. [PMID: 34253278 PMCID: PMC8281038 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2021.955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causes of delayed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are debated, and the validity of late-onset PTSD has been questioned. AIMS We aimed to examine predictors of delayed PTSD in a community sample of survivors of a natural disaster. METHOD Norwegian survivors of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami (n = 532) responded to a questionnaire at 6 and 24 months post-disaster. The questionnaire measured PTSD symptoms, recalled exposure and immediate stress responses to the disaster, recalled perceived life threat, personality dimensions, social support and other subsequent adverse life events. RESULTS When dichotomising PTSD symptom scores, 331 participants had low and 194 had high PTSD scores (early-onset PTSD) at 6 months. Of those with initially low scores, 43 (13.0%) had high symptom scores (delayed PTSD) at 24 months. The delayed PTSD group had a lower degree of initially assessed threat and witness experiences of death or suffering, lower immediate stress response and higher degree of memory inflation of perceived threat than the early-onset PTSD group. Among those with low PTSD scores at 6 months, onset of delayed PTSD was associated with neuroticism and memory inflation of life threat, but not with the degree of initially assessed disaster exposure or reports of subsequent adverse life events. CONCLUSIONS Lack of association between trauma exposure and delayed onset of PTSD symptoms casts doubt on whether the traumatic event is actually the primary causative factor for delayed PTSD. Our findings suggest that delayed PTSD may be a manifestation of personality factors and memory inflation of the severity of an event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Heir
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration, Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Norway; and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Ajmal Hussain
- Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Norway
| | - Pål Kristensen
- Center for Crisis Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Weisæth
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
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49
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Shrira A, Rubinstein T, Palgi Y. Event centrality and secondary traumatization among Holocaust survivors' offspring and grandchildren: A three-generation study. J Anxiety Disord 2021; 81:102401. [PMID: 33932631 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined the intergenerational transmission of the Holocaust trauma in relation to levels of secondary traumatization and event centrality across three generations in a cross-sectional survey. Participants included 92 Holocaust survivor-offspring-grandchild triads (Holocaust G1-G2-G3) and 67 comparison triads (Comparison G1-G2-G3). Holocaust G1 reported higher levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms relative to Comparison G1. Holocaust G2 and G3 reported significantly higher secondary traumatization relative to Comparison G2 and G3, respectively. Holocaust G3 also reported significantly higher scores in event centrality relative to Comparison G3. In survivor families, the indirect effect of PTSD symptoms in Holocaust G1 predicted Holocaust G2's secondary traumatization, which subsequently predicted Holocaust G3's secondary traumatization. Moreover, PTSD symptoms in Holocaust G1 predicted Holocaust G3's event centrality through secondary traumatization in both Holocaust G2 and G3 and event centrality in Holocaust G2. In the comparison groups, trauma transmission was not observed in three generations. Findings elucidate unique intergenerational transmission of the Holocaust trauma in survivor families, which comprise both personal and societal constituents. Moreover, the findings show that event centrality is a distinctive mechanism in intergenerational transmission in survivor families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit Shrira
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Tom Rubinstein
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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50
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Guineau MG, Jones PJ, Bellet BW, McNally RJ. A Network Analysis of DSM-5 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Event Centrality. J Trauma Stress 2021; 34:654-664. [PMID: 33650190 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The centrality of a traumatic event to one's autobiographical memory has been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. In the present study, we investigated the associations between specific features of event centrality (EC), as measured using the Centrality of Event Scale, and specific symptoms of PTSD. We computed a cross-sectional graphical lasso network of PTSD symptoms and specific features of EC in a sample of trauma-exposed individuals (n = 451), many of whom met the clinical threshold for a PTSD diagnosis. The graphical lasso revealed intrusive memories, negative trauma-related feelings, and the perception that the traumatic event was central to one's identity to be influential nodes. Viewing the future through the lens of one's trauma exposure was the EC feature most strongly linked to PTSD. Among all PTSD symptoms, blaming oneself or others for the traumatic event showed the strongest link to EC. The network was stable, allowing for reliable interpretations. Future longitudinal research is needed to clarify the associations among EC features and PTSD symptoms over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa G Guineau
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Payton J Jones
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin W Bellet
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard J McNally
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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