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Güzel A, Samancı Tekin Ç, Uçan Yamaç S. Exploring the impacts of perceived locus of control on post-traumatic stress disorder among disaster survivors: A systematic review. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2024; 31:776-787. [PMID: 38340023 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.13030] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: It was previously reported that perceived external locus of control may exacerbate depressive symptoms, is associated with anxiety, boosts stress and general mental distress and weakens resilience against traumatic situations or difficulties. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Those with a higher external locus of control are more prone to develop PTSD symptoms since the perceived external locus of control is among the predictors of PTSD. An internal locus of control is considered important in preventing PTSD, although an external locus of control appears to be a variable that causes/increases the prevalence of PTSD. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: It is known that nurses are deployed in clinical and fieldwork during disaster and assume key roles both interventional practices and psychosocial education. Thus, it is of particular importance for mental health nurses to be aware of the locus of control in themselves, their colleagues, and the community before, during and after disasters to be able to combat the risk/presence of PTSD. ABSTRACT AIM: The present systematic review explored the impacts of perceived locus of control on PTSD among individuals experiencing disasters. METHOD This is a systematic review study carried out through a search of the relevant research published in English over the period December 2021 to April 2022. Accordingly, we sought the studies to review on the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases using the keywords "Child, Children, Adolescent, Adolescence, Adult, Aged, Elderly, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, Internal-External Control, Locus of Control, Disasters, Natural Disasters." RESULTS A total of 1.011 studies were found in the five databases using the keywords above. Following the exclusions, the remaining six studies were recruited for this systematic review. The six studies in question addressed earthquakes (2), hurricanes (1), wildfires (1), SARS (1) and fireworks explosions (1). In the study with wildfire survivors, there was a weak significant association between external locus of control and PTSD among those directly exposed to the disaster (r = .15, p < .01). The study with survivors of the SARS epidemic demonstrated that those with a high perceived chance (external) locus of control suffered PTSD (p = .001). An internal locus of control is considered important in preventing PTSD, although an external locus of control appears to be a variable that causes/increases the prevalence of PTSD. CONCLUSION It was concluded that perceived locus of control is related to PTSD in individuals experiencing a disaster. The additional evidence was that post-disaster PTSD among those with a high perceived external locus of control is stronger than those with a high perceived internal locus of control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysun Güzel
- Department of Emergency Aid and Disaster Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Çiğdem Samancı Tekin
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Turkey
| | - Sabriye Uçan Yamaç
- Department of Midwifery, Bucak Health High School, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
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Fishere M, Bartoli E. COVID-19 and risk of retraumatization in adults with a past exposure to potentially traumatic events: A cross-cultural exploration across Egypt, Germany, and Italy. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 50:2578-2596. [PMID: 35143056 PMCID: PMC9088242 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study aims to: (1) explore the links between past exposure to potentially traumatic events, fear of contracting COVID-19 and perceived stress; (2) investigate how the exposure to traumagenic experiences affects one's locus of control over their health; and (3) examine fear, stress reactions and differences in health locus of control across three different sociocultural contexts. METHODS A total of 524 adult participants were recruited from Egypt, Germany, and Italy through online channels. Self-reporting instruments were used to assess previous exposure to potentially traumatic events, PTSD symptoms, fear of COVID-19, perceived stress, and health locus of control. RESULTS Our findings highlight differences in reaction to COVID-19 in relation to past exposure to potentially traumatic events and country of residence, both of which may inform tailored community-based intervention practices. CONCLUSION The impact of COVID-19 might be particularly disruptive for people who survived potentially traumatic experiences. Nevertheless, the mass mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic varies across different sociocultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Fishere
- Department of PsychologyGoethe UniversityFrankfurtGermany
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The Impact of Wildfires on Mental Health: A Scoping Review. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:bs11090126. [PMID: 34562964 PMCID: PMC8466569 DOI: 10.3390/bs11090126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the many consequences of climate change is an increase in the frequency, severity, and, thus, impact of wildfires across the globe. The destruction and loss of one's home, belongings, and surrounding community, and the threat to personal safety and the safety of loved ones can have significant consequences on survivors' mental health, which persist for years after. The objective of this scoping review was to identify primary studies examining the impact of wildfires on mental health and to summarize findings for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use. Literature searches on Pubmed and Embase were conducted in February and April of 2021, respectively, with no date restrictions. A total of 254 studies were found in the two database searches, with 60 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Three other studies were identified and included based on relevant in-text citations during data abstraction. The results show an increased rate of PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety at several times of follow-up post-wildfire, from the subacute phase, to years after. An increased rate of mental health disorders post-wildfire has been found in both the adult and pediatric population, with a number of associated risk factors, the most significant being characteristics of the wildfire trauma itself. Several new terms have arisen in the literature secondary to an increased awareness and understanding of the impact of natural disasters on mental health, including ecological grief, solastalgia, and eco-anxiety. There are a number of patient factors and systemic changes that have been identified post-wildfire that can contribute to resilience and recovery.
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Wang S, Sit HF, Garabiles MR, Blum D, Hannam K, Chérie Armour, Hall BJ. A network analysis investigation of the comorbidity between sleep dysfunction and PTSD symptomatology among Filipino domestic workers in Macao (SAR) China. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 140:337-345. [PMID: 34134057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.05.040] [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: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly comorbid with sleep dysfunction. This association was previously explained based on cognitive and emotional dysfunction. The current study extends this literature by investigating the symptom level comorbidity of sleep dysfunction and DSM-5 PTSD utilizing a network approach. Participants were trauma-exposed female Filipino domestic workers (N = 1241). Network analysis was applied to 23 items: 18 items from PCL-5 measuring PTSD (Community 1) and 5 items from PSQI assessing sleep dysfunction (Community 2). The results showed that the symptoms within each community had the strongest correlations. Bridge connections were identified between the sleep dysfunction and PTSD symptom communities. Symptoms with the highest bridge strength were concentration difficulties, recklessness, irritability, and sleep disturbance. This is among the first studies investigating the comorbidity between PTSD and sleep dysfunction from the network approach. Future interventions may be developed that emphasize the bridge symptoms to address comorbidity among trauma exposed migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Wang
- New York University (Shanghai), People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Fong Sit
- New York University (Shanghai), People's Republic of China
| | | | - Daniel Blum
- New York University (Shanghai), People's Republic of China
| | - Kevin Hannam
- University of St. Joseph, Macao (SAR), People's Republic of China
| | - Chérie Armour
- Research Centre for Stress Trauma and Related Conditions (STARC), School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK; New York University (Shanghai), Shanghai, China
| | - Brian J Hall
- New York University (Shanghai), People's Republic of China; School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
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Atilola O, Stevanovic D, Moreira P, Dodig-Ćurković K, Franic T, Djoric A, Davidovic N, Avicenna M, Noor IM, Monteiro AL, Ribas A, Stupar D, Deljkovic A, Nussbaum L, Thabet A, Ubalde D, Petrov P, Vostanis P, Knez R. External locus-of-control partially mediates the association between cumulative trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms among adolescents from diverse background. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2021; 34:626-644. [PMID: 33650438 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2021.1891224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Locus of control (LOC) is a modifiable mediator of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among traumatized individuals and a potential target of intervention. Compared with studies involving adults, the potential mediation effect of LOC on PTSD symptoms among trauma-exposed children and adolescents is relatively under-explored. This study, therefore, assessed the mediation effects of LOC on the association between lifetime cumulative trauma and PTSD symptoms among a large cohort of adolescents from different cultural background. Cross-sectional study. LOC was determined using the Multi-Dimension Locus of Control Scale; Posttraumatic stress symptoms using the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index; and other significant negative life events using the Life Events Checklist. Among 3826 adolescents who completed the study, external LOC explained 24% of variance (R2 = .24; F2,3823 = 619.01; p < .01) in PTSD symptoms and had significant indirect effect on the relationship between self-reported cumulative traumatic event exposure and PTSD symptoms (ß = .14; 95% BC CI [.10, .20]). Moderated mediation results showed significant potentiation of the moderation effects among older adolescents; boys; and those from more affluent families. The study further strengthened the hitherto limited evidence that external LOC partially mediate the relationship between cumulative trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olayinka Atilola
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Lagos State University College of Medicine Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Dejan Stevanovic
- Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Paulo Moreira
- University Lusíada North (Porto), CIPD; CLISSIS, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Tomislav Franic
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Ana Djoric
- Department of psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Davidovic
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Mohamad Avicenna
- Faculty of Psychology, State Islamic University Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Adriana Ribas
- Institute of Psychology, Federal University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dusko Stupar
- Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Laura Nussbaum
- Department of Department of Neurosciences, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Dino Ubalde
- Department of Psychology, St. Dominic College of Asia, City of Bacoor, Philippines
| | - Petar Petrov
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital St. Marina, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Panos Vostanis
- School of Psychology, Leicester University, Leicester, UK
| | - Rajna Knez
- Medical school, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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Weindl D, Knefel M, Glück TM, Tran US, Lueger-Schuster B. Motivational capacities after prolonged interpersonal childhood trauma in institutional settings in a sample of Austrian adult survivors. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2018; 76:194-203. [PMID: 29128740 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A considerable amount of research has been conducted on the aversive impact of prolonged interpersonal childhood trauma, but data on possible associations with motivational concepts (self-efficacy, self-esteem and locus of control) in adult survivors is scarce. The purpose of this study is to investigate specific coherences between childhood abuse and adult life events with (a) motivational concepts (MC), (b) the emotion regulation strategy "goal-directed behavior" and (c) the possible mediation of emotion regulation (ER) on motivational concepts. We use data from a cross-sectional survey in Vienna (VIA-S) obtained from 220 adult survivors of prolonged interpersonal childhood trauma. In addition, we assess the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5, the subscale "Goals" (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Questionnaire), the Short Scale for Measuring General Self-Efficacy Beliefs, the Multidimensional Self-Esteem Scale, and an extended version of the Internal-External Control Beliefs-4 Scale. An estimated multi-group path-model, divided by gender, was also conducted with the measures indicated above. Our results show that prolonged interpersonal childhood trauma directly relates to reduced self-efficacy, self-esteem, and difficulties in ER. Concurrently, ER serves as a mediator for all MC. No gender differences were observed. Associations with adult life events were only found regarding self-efficacy. This study supports the notion that prolonged interpersonal childhood trauma in institutional settings impacts ER, which further mediates MC. Despite several study limitations (e.g. lack of a control group) the presented findings underline the importance of broadening the perception of trauma sequelae as well as integrating inhibited ER strategies and MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Weindl
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Matthias Knefel
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tobias M Glück
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrich S Tran
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010, Vienna, Austria
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Gawęda Ł, Pionke R, Krężołek M, Prochwicz K, Kłosowska J, Frydecka D, Misiak B, Kotowicz K, Samochowiec A, Mak M, Błądziński P, Cechnicki A, Nelson B. Self-disturbances, cognitive biases and insecure attachment as mechanisms of the relationship between traumatic life events and psychotic-like experiences in non-clinical adults - A path analysis. Psychiatry Res 2018; 259:571-578. [PMID: 29195191 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Although traumatic life events have been linked to psychotic-like experiences, the mechanisms of the relationship remain unclear. We investigated whether insecure (anxious and avoidant) attachment styles, cognitive biases and self-disturbances serve as significant mediators in the relationship between traumatic life events and psychotic-like experiences in non-clinical sample. Six-hundred and ninety healthy participants (522 females) who have not ever been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders took part in the study. Participants completed self-report scales that measure traumatic life events, psychotic-like experiences, cognitive biases, attachment styles and self-disturbances. Our model was tested with path analysis. Our integrated model fit to the data with excellent goodness-of-fit indices. The direct effect was significantly reduced after the mediators were included. Significant pathways from traumatic life events to psychotic-like experiences were found through self-disturbances and cognitive biases. Traumatic life events were associated with anxious attachment through cognitive biases. Self-disturbances, cognitive biases and anxious attachment had a direct effect on psychotic-like experiences. The results of our study tentatively suggest that traumatic life events are related with psychotic-like experiences through cognitive biases and self-disturbances. Further studies in clinical samples are required to verify our model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Gawęda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; II Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Renata Pionke
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Martyna Krężołek
- II Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Joanna Kłosowska
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
| | - Błażej Misiak
- Department of Geneticts, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
| | - Kamila Kotowicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Samochowiec
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Szczecin, Poland
| | - Monika Mak
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University, Poland
| | - Piotr Błądziński
- Department of Community Psychiatry, Chair of Psychiatry, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Cechnicki
- Department of Community Psychiatry, Chair of Psychiatry, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Barnaby Nelson
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia
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Onyedire NG, Ekoh AT, Chukwuorji JC, Ifeagwazi CM. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among firefighters: Roles of resilience and locus of control. JOURNAL OF WORKPLACE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/15555240.2017.1369885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Sleep disturbances are core features of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This review aims to characterize sleep disturbances, summarize the knowledge regarding the relationships between trauma exposure and sleep difficulties, and highlight empirically supported and/or utilized treatments for trauma-related nightmares and insomnia. RECENT FINDINGS Trauma-related nightmares and insomnia, and other sleep disorders, are frequently reported among trauma survivors. The roles of fear of sleep, REM density, and decreased parasympathetic activity are beginning to inform the relationship between trauma exposure and sleep difficulties. Additionally, the potential adaptive role of sleep loss immediately following a traumatic experience is being recognized. Interventions targeting these sleep disturbances show promise in reducing symptoms. Research in understanding the role of sleep on the development, course, and treatment of PTSD is expanding. Longitudinal investigations are needed to further elucidate these relationships and identify treatments most effective in ameliorating symptoms.
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Böttche M, Kuwert P, Pietrzak RH, Knaevelsrud C. Predictors of outcome of an Internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in older adults. Psychol Psychother 2016; 89:82-96. [PMID: 26234801 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of resource-oriented variables such as self-efficacy, locus of control (LOC) and post-traumatic growth (PTG) in predicting treatment response in older adults with post-traumatic stress. METHODS Fifty-eight older adults with subsyndromal or greater severity of war-associated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms completed a randomized controlled Internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with immediate and delayed treatment groups. Assessments of PTSD severity and resource-oriented variables of self-efficacy, LOC and PTG were conducted at baseline, post-treatment and at a 6-month follow-up. RESULTS Results revealed that pre-treatment scores on measures of internal LOC and PTG predicted PTSD symptom severity at post-treatment, even after controlling for initial PTSD. At a 6-month follow-up, internal LOC continued to predict PTSD symptom severity. In addition, repeated-measures analyses of variance revealed that, relative to older adults with low internal LOC and PTG, older adults with high internal LOC and PTG, respectively, did not differ with respect to initial PTSD severity, but they showed a more pronounced response to treatment. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that greater locus of control and post-traumatic growth is associated with greater improvement in PTSD symptoms following Internet-based CBT. Assessment of these constructs may be useful in identifying trauma survivors who are most likely to respond to CBT. PRACTITIONER POINTS Greater internal locus of control and post-traumatic growth is associated with greater improvement in PTSD symptoms following Internet-based CBT. Older adults with initial high internal locus of control and post-traumatic growth, respectively, did not differ with respect to initial PTSD severity, but they showed a more pronounced response to treatment. It could be assumed that patients with initial functional appraisals could benefit easier and faster from a trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy compared to individuals with lower internal locus of control and post-traumatic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Böttche
- Berlin Center for Torture Victims, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Freie University Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Kuwert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the HELIOS Hansehospital Stralsund, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Christine Knaevelsrud
- Berlin Center for Torture Victims, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Freie University Berlin, Germany
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Miller KE, Davis JL, Balliett NE. Taking Control: Examining the Influence of Locus of Control on the Treatment of Nightmares and Sleep Impairment in Veterans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/21635781.2014.963763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Relationship of locus of control, psychological distress, and trauma exposure in groups impacted by intense political conflict in Egypt. Prehosp Disaster Med 2013; 28:423-7. [PMID: 23719509 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x13008601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social and political instability have become common situations in many parts of the world. Exposure to different types of traumatic circumstances may differentially affect psychological status. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the relationship between personal perceptions of control over the events happening in one's life and psychological distress in two groups who experienced physical trauma but differed as to whether the trauma was a result of political upheaval and violence. Views on the extent to which the state was interested in the individual were also assessed. METHODS The sample consisted of 120 patients who were injured in the Cairo epicenter and 120 matched controls from the greater Cairo area whose injuries were from other causes. The Brown Locus of Control Scale and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL 90-R) were administered approximately three months after the January 2011 start of the demonstrations and subsequent overthrow of the government. RESULTS The groups did not differ on locus of control. For both groups, externality was associated with greater distress, suggesting a relationship between perceived helplessness in controlling one's life and distress. The Cairo group scored significantly higher than the control group on the SCL 90-R Global Severity Index (GSI) and Positive Symptom Total (PST). Perceptions of state interest in the population were low; overall, 78% viewed the state as having little or no interest in them. Discussion The relationship between exposure intensity and psychological distress is examined. In addition, differences in findings in populations experiencing political chaos compared with other types of disasters are considered. CONCLUSION Beliefs regarding personal control over one's life circumstances are more closely associated with psychological distress than the circumstances in which the trauma occurred.
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Papanikolaou V, Tyrovola K, Adamis D. Validity and reliability of the Greek version of Brown's locus of control scale (BLOCS). Psychol Rep 2013; 111:885-97. [PMID: 23402054 DOI: 10.2466/08.04.20pr0.111.6.885-897] [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
Studies in different research fields have shown that locus of control is a meaningful concept. A translated measurement of locus of control in Greece is the Brown locus of control scale (BLOCS), but the translation has not been yet validated. Construct validity and reliability of the BLOCS Greek version was investigated in a sample of employees in five public institutions. Three dimensions identified in the original study were observed. A reduced scale of 20 items showed better psychometric properties: Cronbach's alphas were for the total scale .76 (McDonald's omega = .72), and internal .76, external social .73, and external other .73, comparable to the original and improved if 5 items are removed.
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The Association Between Internet User Characteristics and Dimensions of Internet Addiction Among Greek Adolescents. Int J Ment Health Addict 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-012-9404-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Papanikolaou V, Adamis D, Mellon RC, Prodromitis G, Kyriopoulos J. Trust, Social and Personal Attitudes after Wildfires in a Rural Region of Greece. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4236/sm.2012.21012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Simmen-Janevska K, Brandstätter V, Maercker A. The overlooked relationship between motivational abilities and posttraumatic stress: a review. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2012; 3:18560. [PMID: 23125909 PMCID: PMC3486959 DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v3i0.18560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
How does traumatic stress change the ability to motivate oneself to achieve certain goals? How do motivational abilities influence the development and course of trauma sequelae? Few studies have focused on motivational constructs within posttraumatic stress research. From a trauma research perspective, it can be hypothesized that traumatic stress may contribute to motivational dysfunction. The main goal of the present article is to fill this gap in research by reviewing and discussing the existing trauma literature in terms of motivation-related concepts, such as self-efficacy, locus of control, self-esteem, and self-control/impulsivity. Fifty-four studies were reviewed, 10 of which were longitudinal studies. Approximately 20% of the reviews assessed whether motivational concepts predict posttraumatic stress, whereas only 8% examined the reverse relationship. With the exception of a few studies, motivational constructs seem to predict posttraumatic stress over the life span. The strongest relationships were reported for self-efficacy, followed by locus of control and self-esteem and, lastly, impulsivity/self-control. Overall, the findings of this review indicate that there is a lack of research investigating motivational factors as outcome variables following traumatic experiences. Furthermore, the need for longitudinal studies and studies with older adults is noted.
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Surveying the Ashes: Experience from the 2007 Peloponnese Wildfires Six Months after the Disaster. Prehosp Disaster Med 2011; 26:79-89. [DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x11000094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIntroduction: Major disasters disrupt the infrastructure of communities and have lasting psychological, economic, and environmental effects on the affected areas. The psychological status and community effects of the devastating 2007 wildfires on the Peloponnese Peninsula of Greece were assessed six months following the disaster.Methods:Adult inhabitants, 18–65 years of age, living in villages affected by the wildfires were selected randomly and compared with a demographically similar group living in neighboring villages that were unaffected by the fires. Regions were chosen based on the extent of fire damage in that area. There were 409 participants in the fire group, and 391 in the control group. Participants completed a questionnaire that included the SCL-90-R symptom checklist, a subjective perception of health status, and a series of items assessing views about current problems, personal values, and trust in different institutions.Results:The fire group scored significantly higher on psychological distress compared to the control group. Both groups viewed their health status in the previous year as better than at the present time. There were few significant differences between groups in the designation of regional problems, attitudes, and values. In the total sample, 41.6% listed unemployment, and 15.0% listed poverty as the most important problem in their region. The Church was indicated as the most trusted institution by 36.7% of the group and the Government by 13.3%. A total of 30.2% did not have a trusted institution.Conclusions:The hardiness and resilience of the fire-impacted group was evident. However, an improvement in economic conditions is needed to maintain the health and enhance the quality of life of the population living in the Peloponnese region. This improvement likely would have a positive effect on the attitude of trust in government institutions.
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Papanikolaou V, Adamis D, Mellon RC, Prodromitis G, Kyriopoulos J. Double Disaster: Mental Health Of Survivors of Wildfires and Earthquake in a Part of Greece. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.4236/psych.2011.22021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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