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Facer-Irwin E, Blackwood N, Bird A, MacManus D. Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and violence in the prison population: prospective cohort study of sentenced male prisoners in the UK. BJPsych Open 2023; 9:e47. [PMID: 36866723 PMCID: PMC10044336 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2022.639] [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: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violence is a common problem in prisons. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a prevalent disorder in prison populations, has been identified as a risk factor for violent behaviour in community and military populations. Although cross-sectional associations between PTSD and prison violence have been documented, prospective cohort studies are required. AIMS To investigate whether PTSD is an independent risk factor for prison violence, and examine the potential role of PTSD symptoms and other trauma sequelae on the pathway from trauma exposure to violent behaviour in prison. METHOD A prospective cohort study was conducted in a large, medium security prison in London, UK. A random sample of sentenced prisoners arriving into custody (N = 223) took part in a clinical research interview, which assessed trauma histories, mental disorders including PTSD, and other potential sequelae of trauma (anger, emotion dysregulation). Incidents of violent behaviour were measured with prison records covering the 3 months after reception into custody. Stepped binary logistic regression and a series of binary mediation models were performed. RESULTS Prisoners who met current (past month) criteria for PTSD were more likely to engage in violent behaviour during the first 3 months of imprisonment, after adjusting for other independent risk factors. The relationship between lifetime exposure to interpersonal trauma and violent behaviour in custody was mediated by total PTSD symptom severity. Hyperarousal and negatively valenced cognitive and emotional appraisal symptoms were particularly implicated in this pathway. CONCLUSIONS The identification and treatment of PTSD has the potential to reduce violence in prison populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Facer-Irwin
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Nigel Blackwood
- HMP Wandsworth, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK; and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Annie Bird
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Deirdre MacManus
- HMP Wandsworth, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, UK; Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; and London and South East NHS Veterans' Mental Health Service, Camden and Islington NHS Trust, UK
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Im H, George N, Swan LE. Born in displacement: Psychosocial and mental health impacts of country of birth among urban Somali refugee youth. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:3426-3439. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2022.2106378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyojin Im
- Ph.D., MA, MSW, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Nicole George
- MSW, Doctoral Student, School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Laura E.T. Swan
- Ph.D., LCSW, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Im H, George N, Swan LET. Born in displacement: Psychosocial and mental health impacts of country of birth among urban Somali refugee youth. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:3426-3439. [PMID: 35923097 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2022.2106378] [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: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urban refugees often face tremendous adversities during displacement that exacerbate mental health and psychosocial outcomes. Given the lack of research on how extended displacement affects mental health in urban refugee youth, this study examines the differential effects of country of birth on trauma exposure and psychosocial factors that influence mental health experiences among Somali refugee youth in urban Kenya (n = 303). Findings reveals that childhood trauma and impeded social functioning predicted mental health outcomes. Being born in Kenya was a significant predictor of poor mental health despite there being no significant difference in trauma exposures and psychosocial factors between Somali-born and Kenya-born youth. This difference can be attributed to prolonged displacement, disrupted development of cultural identity, and discrimination experienced in the host country. Given the widely devastating effects of childhood trauma and community violence, mental health interventions need to be two-prolonged: addressing and preventing intergenerational trauma sequelae through family-based interventions; and community-level programs and advocacy for safety and protection for the displaced. Our findings also emphasize that future interventions for urban refugee communities should be inclusive to all community members, considering shared vulnerability to community violence as well as intergenerational transmission of traumas through childhood adversities and lacking support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyojin Im
- Ph.D., MA, MSW, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Nicole George
- MSW, Doctoral Student, School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Laura E T Swan
- Ph.D., LCSW, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Wa Mwenda Jonas KA, Kisungu Basile K, Jean Baptiste KN, Alyousef HA, Meng H. Associations between posttraumatic stress symptoms and abuse experiences in child and adolescent girls from a Central African country. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:1432-1444. [PMID: 35642389 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22843] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is frequently reported among survivors of abuse. However, there is a paucity of research examining the association between PTSD and abuse, including polyvictimization, in nonconflict areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of PTSD among girls in nonconflict zones who experienced at least one type of abuse. Participants in this cross-sectional study were 3,011 middle-school girls, aged 11-18 years, who attended randomly selected schools and completed questionnaires. The probable PTSD prevalence was 67.5%. The rate of probable PTSD increased with the number of experienced abuse types over a 12-month period. The findings demonstrated associations between probable PTSD and exposure to five (86.9%), four (63.9%), and three types of abuse (60.1%). The strongest association was observed between probable PTSD and experiencing five types of abuse, OR = 26.806, 95% CI [19.303, 37.225]; associations were also found between PTSD and abuse with a weapon, OR = 4.341, 95% CI [3.519, 5.354]; rape with penetration, OR = 4.728, 95% CI [3.447, 6.484]; and experiencing three, OR = 6.625, 95% CI [4.325, 10.148], or four types of abuse, OR = 7.114, 95% CI [5.025,10.070]. The findings of this study underscore the importance of the need for psychological and physical health care for girls who have been exposed to abuse, regardless of the number of abuse experiences or abuse types she has experienced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kalema Kisungu Basile
- Department of School and Professional Orientation, National Pedagogical University, Kinshasa, Congo
| | | | - Hala Ayaman Alyousef
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Heng Meng
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Prevalence, profile and associations of cognitive impairment in Ugandan first-episode psychosis patients. Schizophr Res Cogn 2022; 28:100234. [PMID: 35024348 PMCID: PMC8728100 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2021.100234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The MATRICS consensus cognitive battery (MCCB) is the gold standard for neuropsychological assessment in psychotic disorders but is rarely used in low resource settings. This study used the MCCB to determine the prevalence, profile and associations of various exposures with cognitive impairment in Ugandan first-episode psychosis patients. Methods Patients and matched healthy controls were recruited at Butabika Hospital in Uganda. Clinical variables were first collated, and after the resolution of psychotic symptoms, a neuropsychological assessment of seven cognitive domains was performed using the MCCB. Cognitive impairment was defined as two standard deviations (SD) below the mean in one domain or 1SD below the mean in two domains. Descriptive statistics determined the prevalence and profile of impairment while regression models determined the association between various exposures with cognitive scores while controlling for age, sex and education. Results Neuropsychological assessment with the MCCB found the burden of cognitive impairment in first-episode psychosis patients five times that of healthy controls. The visual learning and memory domain was most impaired in first-episode psychosis patients, while it was the working memory domain for the healthy controls. Increased age was associated with impairment in the domains of the speed of processing (p < 0.001) and visual learning and memory (p = 0.001). Cassava-rich diets and previous alternative and complementary therapy use were negatively associated with impairment in the visual learning (p = 0.04) and attention/vigilance domains (p = 0.012), respectively. There were no significant associations between sex, history of childhood trauma, or illness severity with any cognitive domain. Conclusion A significant burden of cognitive impairment in Ugandan first-episode psychosis patients is consistent with prior data from other contexts. However, the profile of and risk factors for impairment differ from that described in such work. Therefore, interventions to reduce cognitive impairment in FEP patients specific to this setting, including dietary modifications, are required.
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Scharpf F, Mueller SC, Hecker T. The executive functioning of Burundian refugee youth: Associations with individual, family and community factors. JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2022.101399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Working memory and emotional interpretation bias in a sample of Syrian refugee adolescents. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 30:1885-1894. [PMID: 33025075 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01656-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The number of adolescent refugees around the world has been continuously increasing over the past few years trying to escape war and terror, among other things. Such experience not only increases the risk for mental health problems including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but also may have implications for socio-cognitive development. This study tested cognitive-affective processing in refugee adolescents who had escaped armed conflict in Syria and now resided in Istanbul, Turkey. Adolescents were split into a high trauma (n = 31, 12 girls, mean age = 11.70 years, SD = 1.15 years) and low trauma (n = 27, 14 girls, mean age = 11.07 years, SD = 1.39 years) symptom group using median split, and performed a working memory task with emotional distraction to assess cognitive control and a surprise faces task to assess emotional interpretation bias. The results indicated that high (vs. low) trauma symptom youth were ~ 20% worse correctly remembering the spatial location of a cue, although both groups performed at very low levels. However, this finding was not modulated by emotion. In addition, although all youths also had a ~ 20% bias toward interpreting ambiguous (surprise) faces as more negative, the high (vs. low) symptom youth were faster when allocating such a face to the positive (vs. negative) emotion category. The findings suggest the impact of war-related trauma on cognitive-affective processes essential to healthy development.
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Scharpf F, Mkinga G, Masath FB, Hecker T. A socio-ecological analysis of risk, protective and promotive factors for the mental health of Burundian refugee children living in refugee camps. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 30:1651-1662. [PMID: 32959157 PMCID: PMC8505296 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01649-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Children and adolescents' mental health risk and resilience arise from a complex interplay of factors on several socio-ecological levels. However, little is known about the factors that shape the mental health of refugee youth living in refugee camps close to ongoing conflict. We conducted a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 217 Burundian refugee children aged 7-15 and their mothers residing in refugee camps in Tanzania to investigate associations between risk, protective and promotive factors from various ecological levels (individual, microsystem, exosystem), and children's post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, internalizing and externalizing problems, and prosocial behavior. Data were collected using structured clinical interviews and analyzed using multiple regression models. Exposure to violence across all contexts and engagement coping were risk factors for PTSD symptoms and internalizing problems, while only violence by mothers seemed to increase children's vulnerability for externalizing problems. A differential impact of violence exposures on prosocial behavior was observed. Higher-quality friendships appeared to protect youth from PTSD symptoms and externalizing problems, while they also promoted children's prosocial behavior, just as mothers' social support networks. Prevention and intervention approaches should integrate risk, protective and promotive factors for refugee youth's mental health across multiple ecological contexts and take into account context-specific and adaptive responses to war and displacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Scharpf
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Getrude Mkinga
- Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Faustine Bwire Masath
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany
- Vivo International, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Tobias Hecker
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Wamser-Nanney R, Walker HE, Nanney JT. Trauma Exposure, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Aggression Among Civilian Females. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP9649-NP9669. [PMID: 31286814 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519860894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have evinced ties to increased risk for aggressive behavior. However, very little information is known regarding the relations between trauma exposure, PTSD, and aggression among non-veteran women. Furthermore, research has not examined the associations between trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, and aggression using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) PTSD criteria. The primary aim of the current study was to investigate the relationships between trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, and aggression among women. The secondary aim was to examine the specific PTSD symptom clusters in relation to indices of aggression. A total of 217 civilian, trauma-exposed female undergraduate students participated in the study (Mage = 24.30, SD = 6.83, 63.2% White). Higher levels of trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms corresponded with anger (b = .47, 95% CI = [0.11-0.83]; b = .11, 95% CI = [0.05-0.16], respectively) and verbal aggression (b = .50, 95% CI = [0.21-0.78]; b = .06, 95% CI = [0.01-0.10], respectively). PTSD symptoms, but not cumulative trauma exposure, was associated with hostility (b = .23, 95% CI = [0.14-0.59]), whereas physical aggression was only related to trauma exposure (b = .69, 95% CI = [0.31-1.06]). Furthermore, there was a significant indirect effect of cumulative trauma through PTSD symptoms on anger and verbal aggression (b = .15, 95% CI = [0.05-0.32]; b = .09, 95% CI = [0.02-0.20], respectively). Trauma-exposed civilian females with higher levels of PTSD symptoms may be at increased risk for several indices of aggressive behavior. Furthermore, PTSD symptoms may better account for some, but not all, aspects of aggression in trauma-exposed women.
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Hughesdon KA, Ford JD, Briggs EC, Seng JS, Miller AL, Stoddard SA. Interpersonal Trauma Exposure and Interpersonal Problems in Adolescent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. J Trauma Stress 2021; 34:733-743. [PMID: 34021624 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic experiences have been differentiated as interpersonal (i.e., the direct result of actions by other people) or noninterpersonal (i.e., other life-threatening events, such as severe accidents). Interpersonal trauma exposure generally has been shown to be associated with more severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms than noninterpersonal trauma exposure. Interpersonal problems also tend to be associated with trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms, but it is unclear whether a mediating association exists between trauma type, interpersonal problems, and PTSD symptoms. A clinical sample of 4,275 adolescents (age range: 12-18 years) from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network Core Data Set were classified as having experienced interpersonal trauma, noninterpersonal trauma, or both. Interpersonal problems were operationalized by social problem behaviors (e.g., immature and dependent behaviors) and aggressive behaviors on the Child Behavior Checklist. The results of path analyses showed that cumulative interpersonal trauma exposure was both directly and indirectly associated with PTSD symptoms via social problem behaviors but not aggressive behaviors, total effect β = .20, 95% CI [.17, .23]. In a second model, path analyses showed that cumulative interpersonal trauma exposure was associated directly and indirectly via PTSD symptoms with social problem behaviors, total effect β = .15, 95% CI [.11, .18], and aggressive behaviors, total effect β = .13, 95% CI [.09, .17]. These findings suggest that during adolescence, interpersonal problems play an important role in the association between interpersonal trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian D Ford
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Julia S Seng
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Alison L Miller
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sarah A Stoddard
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Zeller AC, Conrad D, Schneider A, Behnke A, Pfeiffer A, Blum GF, Wilker S, Elbert T, Kolassa I. A combination of combat experience, early abduction, and severe traumatization fuels appetitive aggression and violence among abductees of rebel war in Northern Uganda. Aggress Behav 2020; 46:465-475. [PMID: 32643160 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Individuals who perpetrate violence may likely perceive violence as appealing and infliction of violence to derive pleasure is termed as appetitive aggression. Individuals who were abducted as children into an armed group often experience a higher number of traumatic event types, that is traumatic load and are usually socialized in a violence-endorsing environment. This study aims to investigate the interaction between age at initial abduction with that of traumatic load, and their influence on appetitive aggression along with perpetration of violent acts by former members of an armed rebel group of both sexes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among a target group of formerly abducted rebel-war survivors (including participants with and without combat experience) from Northern Uganda. Participants included 596 women and 570 men with N = 1,166 (Mage = 32.58, SDage = 9.76, range: 18-80 years). We conducted robust linear regression models to investigate the influence of age at initial abduction, traumatic load, combat experience, and biological sex on appetitive aggression as well as their perpetrated violent acts. Our study shows, appetitive aggression and the number of perpetrated violent acts were specifically increased in individuals who were abducted young, experienced several traumatic events in their lifetime, and with previous combat experience. For perpetrated violence men showed increased levels whereas for appetitive aggression the association was independent of biological sex. Therefore, early abducted individuals with a higher traumatic load, who have combat experience, need to be given special intervention to prevent any further violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja C. Zeller
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology University of Konstanz Konstanz Germany
- vivo international e.V. Konstanz Germany
| | - Daniela Conrad
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology University of Konstanz Konstanz Germany
- Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education Ulm University Ulm Germany
| | - Anna Schneider
- vivo international e.V. Konstanz Germany
- Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education Ulm University Ulm Germany
| | - Alexander Behnke
- Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education Ulm University Ulm Germany
| | | | - Gerrit F. Blum
- Institute of Psychology and Education Ulm University Ulm Germany
| | - Sarah Wilker
- vivo international e.V. Konstanz Germany
- Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education Ulm University Ulm Germany
| | - Thomas Elbert
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology University of Konstanz Konstanz Germany
- vivo international e.V. Konstanz Germany
| | - Iris‐Tatjana Kolassa
- vivo international e.V. Konstanz Germany
- Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education Ulm University Ulm Germany
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Sheikh S, Chokotho L, Mulwafu W, Nyirenda M, Le G, Mbomuwa F, Pandit H, Lavy C. Characteristics of interpersonal violence in adult victims at the Adult Emergency Trauma Centre (AETC) of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. Malawi Med J 2020; 32:24-30. [PMID: 32733656 PMCID: PMC7366166 DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v32i1.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Globally, the burden of interpersonal violence and its significant impact on mortality, morbidity and disability makes it a major public health problem which necessitates intervention. This article examines characteristics of victims of interpersonal violence and violent events in Malawi. The focus is on a population that has been traditionally neglected in literature. Methods Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) maintains a trauma registry with data that is prospectively collected. Patients offered trauma care after interpersonal violence from May 2013 to May 2015 were evaluated. Results There were 1431 patients with violent events recorded at the Adult Emergency Trauma Centre (AETC) with a male predominance of 79.5%. The dominant age group was young adults between 25–29 years old (22%). Most attacks occurred during cold and dry season (46.9%) and most common location was on the road (37.2%). Alcohol use by victims was recorded in 10.5% of cases. Soft tissue injuries were the most common injuries sustained (74.1%). Most patients were treated as outpatients (80.9%). There were two deaths. At multivariate analysis, women had a lower risk of interpersonal violence as compared to men, (OR 0.82 [0.69–0.98]). Victims' use of alcohol was associated with increased risk of assault (OR 1.63 [1.27–2.10]). As compared to other places, odds of being assaulted were higher at home (OR 1.62 [1.27–2.06]) but lower at work (OR 0.68 [0.52–0.89) and on the road (OR 0.82 [0.65–1.03]). Odds of being assaulted were higher in the cold and dry season as compared to hot and dry season, (OR 1.26 [1.08–1.47]). Conclusion Young males were most involved in interpersonal violence. Location of injury and seasonal variation were significant factors associated with interpersonal violence and most commonly sustained injuries were soft tissue injuries. These findings will help in identifying targeted interventions for interpersonal violence in Malawi and other low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mulinda Nyirenda
- Adult Emergency and Trauma Center and Clinics (Ambulatory Unit), Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre
| | - Grace Le
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford
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Appetitive aggression in offending youths: Contributions of callous unemotional traits and violent cognitive patterns. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00759-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Augsburger M, Maercker A. Associations between trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder, and aggression perpetrated by women. A meta‐analysis. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY-SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/cpsp.12322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas Maercker
- Department of Psychology University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
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Gender differences in response to war-related trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder - a study among the Congolese refugees in Uganda. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:17. [PMID: 31924182 PMCID: PMC6954516 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2420-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The wars in the Democratic Republic of Congo have left indelible marks on the mental health and functioning of the Congolese civilians that sought refuge in Uganda. Even though it is clear that civilians who are exposed to potentially traumatizing events in war and conflict areas develop trauma-related mental health problems, scholarly information on gender differences on exposure to different war-related traumatic events, their conditional risks to developing PTSD and whether the cumulative exposure to traumatic events affects men and women differently is still scanty. METHODS In total, 325 (n = 143 males, n = 182 females) Congolese refugees who lived in Nakivale, a refugee settlement in the Southwestern part of Uganda were interviewed within a year after their arrival. Assessment included exposure to war-related traumatic events, and DSM-IV PTSD symptom severity. RESULTS Our main findings were that refugees were highly exposed to war-related traumatic events with experiencing dangerous flight as the most common event for both men (97%) and women (97%). The overall high prevalence of PTSD differed among women (94%) and men (84%). The highest conditional prevalence of PTSD in women was associated with experiencing rape. The dose-response effect differed significantly between men and women with women showing higher PTSD symptom severity when experiencing low and moderate levels of potentially traumatizing event types. CONCLUSION In conflict areas, civilians are highly exposed to different types of war-related traumatic events that expose them to high levels of PTSD symptoms, particularly women. Interventions focused at reducing mental health problems resulting from war should take the context of gender into consideration.
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Montagner Rigoli M, Rainho de Oliveira F, Klock Bujak M, Michaela Volkmann N, Haag Kristensen C. Psychological Trauma in Clinical Practice and Research: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis. JOURNAL OF LOSS & TRAUMA 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2018.1511286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Montagner Rigoli
- School of Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Klock Bujak
- Psychology Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Christian Haag Kristensen
- School of Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Serpeloni F, Nätt D, Assis SGD, Wieling E, Elbert T. Experiencing community and domestic violence is associated with epigenetic changes in DNA methylation of BDNF and CLPX in adolescents. Psychophysiology 2019; 57:e13382. [PMID: 31059136 PMCID: PMC7003421 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Experiencing violence changes behavior, shapes personalities, and poses a risk factor for mental disorders. This association might be mediated through epigenetic modifications that affect gene expression, such as DNA methylation. The present study investigated the impact of community and domestic violence on DNA methylation measured in saliva collected from 375 individuals including three generations: grandmothers (n = 126), mothers (n = 125), and adolescents (n = 124, 53% female). Using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array, in adolescents, we detected two CpG sites that showed an association of DNA methylation and lifetime exposure to community and domestic violence even after FDR correction: BDNF_cg06260077 (logFC −0.454, p = 3.71E‐07), and CLPX_cg01908660 (logFC = −0.372, p = 1.38E‐07). Differential DNA methylation of the CpG BDNF_cg06260077 associated with exposure to violence was also observed in the maternal but not the grandmaternal generation. BDNF (brain‐derived neurotrophic factor) and CLPX (caseinolytic mitochondrial matrix peptidase chaperone subunit) genes are involved in neural development. Our results thus reveal altered molecular mechanisms of developmental and intergenerational trajectories in survivors of repeated violent experiences. Violent attacks leave lasting imprints in memory. This has been shown in neural connectivity and also in gene expression. Here, we determined DNA methylation, as it controls gene expression, in grandmothers, mothers, and children exposed to high levels of community and domestic violence (N = 375). Especially in adolescents this epigenetic mark was associated with exposures to violence in at least two protein‐coding genes (BDNF, CLPX). Both genes are well known for their role in stress regulation, affecting intergenerational vulnerability or resilience to mental illness. We conclude that developmental and molecular trajectories may be modified in young survivors of repeated violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Serpeloni
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,National School of Public Health of Rio de Janeiro and National Institute of Women, Children and Adolescents' Health Fernandes Figueira, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Nätt
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Simone Gonçalves de Assis
- National School of Public Health of Rio de Janeiro and National Institute of Women, Children and Adolescents' Health Fernandes Figueira, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Wieling
- Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota
| | - Thomas Elbert
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Maine RG, Williams B, Kincaid JA, Mulima G, Varela C, Gallaher JR, Reid TD, Charles AG. Interpersonal violence in peacetime Malawi. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open 2018; 3:e000252. [PMID: 30687785 PMCID: PMC6326358 DOI: 10.1136/tsaco-2018-000252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The contribution of interpersonal violence (IPV) to trauma burden varies greatly by region. The high rates of IPV in sub-Saharan Africa are thought to relate in part to the high rates of collective violence. Malawi, a country with no history of internal collective violence, provides an excellent setting to evaluate whether collective violence drives the high rates of IPV in this region. METHODS This is a retrospective review of a prospective trauma registry from 2009 through 2016 at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. Adult (>16 years) victims of IPV were compared with non-intentional trauma victims. Log binomial regression determined factors associated with increased risk of mortality for victims of IPV. RESULTS Of 72 488 trauma patients, 25 008 (34.5%) suffered IPV. Victims of IPV were more often male (80.2% vs. 74.8%; p<0.001), younger (median age: 28 years (IQR: 23-34) vs. 30 years (IQR: 24-39); p<0.001), and were more often admitted at night (47.4% vs. 31.9%; p<0.001). Of the IPV victims, 16.5% admitted alcohol use, compared with only 4.4% in other trauma victims (p<0.001). In regression modeling, compared with extremity injuries, head injuries (3.14, 2.24-4.39; p<0.001) and torso injuries (4.32, 2.98-6.27; p<0.001) had increased risk of mortality. Compared with other or unknown mechanisms, penetrating injuries also had increased risk of mortality (1.46, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.81, p=0.001). Alcohol use was associated with a lower risk of mortality (0.54, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.75; p<0.001). DISCUSSION Even in a sub-Saharan country that never experienced internal collective violence, IPV injury rates are high. Public health efforts to measure and address alcohol use, and studies to determine the role of "mob justice," poverty, and intimate partner violence in IPV, in Malawi are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca G Maine
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brittney Williams
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer A Kincaid
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gift Mulima
- Department of Surgery, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Carlos Varela
- Department of Surgery, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jared R Gallaher
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Trista D Reid
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anthony G Charles
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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19
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Hecker T, Huber S, Maier T, Maercker A. Differential Associations Among PTSD and Complex PTSD Symptoms and Traumatic Experiences and Postmigration Difficulties in a Culturally Diverse Refugee Sample. J Trauma Stress 2018; 31:795-804. [PMID: 30431683 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Forced migration is one of the major challenges currently facing the international community. Many refugees have been affected by traumatic experiences at home and during their flight, putting them at a heightened risk of developing trauma-related disorders. The new version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) introduced two sibling disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD). So far, little is known about risk and protective factors in refugees that are specifically associated with the disturbances in self-organization (DSO) characteristic of CPTSD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between PTSD and DSO symptoms and traumatic experiences, postmigration difficulties, and social support in a culturally diverse sample of refugees who resettled in Switzerland. A total of 94 refugees (85.1% male; M age = 31.60 years, SD = 10.14, range: 18-61 years) participated in this study. Trained assessors performed either guided questionnaire assessments or structured interviews. In our advice- and help-seeking sample, 32.9% of individuals suffered from PTSD and 21.3% from CPTSD. After controlling for potential gender differences, we found positive associations between PTSD symptoms and trauma exposure, β = .22, as well as between DSO symptoms and postmigration living difficulties, β = .42, and lack of social support, β = .22. Our findings support the notion that it is highly important to consider differential associations among PTSD and DSO symptoms and risk and protective factors to gain a deeper understanding of the trauma-related problems refugees face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Hecker
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Stephanie Huber
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Maier
- Psychiatric Services of the Canton of St. Gallen-North, Wil, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Maercker
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Vasileva M, Petermann F, Nitkowski D, Petermann U. Den transgenerationalen Kreislauf der Gewalt durchbrechen. KINDHEIT UND ENTWICKLUNG 2018. [DOI: 10.1026/0942-5403/a000249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Die langfristigen Folgen des transgenerationalen Kreislaufs der Gewalt belegen die Notwendigkeit für evidenzbasierte Interventionen, um aggressiv-dissoziales Verhalten von Jugendlichen mit Misshandlungs- und Gewalterfahrungen abzubauen. Es erfolgt ein Überblick über solche Therapieansätze und ihre Wirksamkeit. Es werden etablierte Programme dargestellt, deren Wirksamkeit in randomisierten Kontrollgruppenstudien überprüft wurde. Es existieren wenige manualisierte Therapierogramme, die den Abbau aggressiven Verhaltens bei Jugendlichen mit Misshandlungs- und Gewalterfahrungen evaluieren. Solche Therapierogramme bauen aggressives Verhalten bei Jugendlichen mit traumatischen Erfahrungen effektiv ab. Ihre Effektivität wurde in sehr unterschiedlichen Kontexten beurteilt, was einen Vergleich erschwert. Komponenten, die wiederholt erfolgreich angewandt wurden, waren die Aufklärung und Sensibilisierung gegenüber dem Thema „Gewalt“ und die Aufarbeitung einer Narration, die darauf abzielt, die traumatische Erfahrung in das autobiographische Gedächtnis einzuordnen und eine Habituierung zu fördern. Daraus wird geschlossen, dass eine Bearbeitung von Traumata häufig im Vorfeld notwendig ist, um aggressiv-dissoziales Verhalten zu verringern oder abzubauen. Für einen langfristigen Erfolg im Rahmen des Abbaus von aggressiv-dissozialem Verhalten sind jedoch Therapieverfahren notwendig, die sich spezifisch auf aggressiv-dissoziales Verhalten als primäres und nicht sekundäres Ziel (neben der Traumabewältigung) beziehen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Vasileva
- Zentrum für Klinische Psychologie und Rehabilitation der Universität Bremen
| | - Franz Petermann
- Zentrum für Klinische Psychologie und Rehabilitation der Universität Bremen
| | - Dennis Nitkowski
- Zentrum für Klinische Psychologie und Rehabilitation der Universität Bremen
| | - Ulrike Petermann
- Zentrum für Klinische Psychologie und Rehabilitation der Universität Bremen
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Timshel I, Montgomery E, Dalgaard NT. A systematic review of risk and protective factors associated with family related violence in refugee families. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2017; 70:315-330. [PMID: 28683372 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The current systematic review summarizes the evidence from studies examining the risk and protective factors associated with family related violence in refugee families. Data included 15 peer-reviewed qualitative and quantitative studies. In order to gain an overview of the identified risk and protective factors an ecological model was used to structure the findings. At the individual level, parental trauma experiences/mental illness, substance abuse and history of child abuse were found to be risk factors. Family level risk factors included parent-child interaction, family structure and family acculturation stress. At the societal level low socioeconomic status was identified as a risk factor. Cultural level risk factors included patriarchal beliefs. Positive parental coping strategies were a protective factor. An ecological analysis of the results suggests that family related violence in refugee families is a result of accumulating, multiple risk factors on the individual, familial, societal and cultural level. The findings suggest that individual trauma and exile related stress do not only affect the individual but have consequences at a family level. Thus, interventions targeting family related violence should not only include the individual, but the family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Timshel
- DIGNITY-Danish Institute Against Torture, Bryggervangen 55, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Edith Montgomery
- DIGNITY-Danish Institute Against Torture, Bryggervangen 55, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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22
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Emerson JA, Tol W, Caulfield LE, Doocy S. Maternal Psychological Distress and Perceived Impact on Child Feeding Practices in South Kivu, DR Congo. Food Nutr Bull 2017. [PMID: 28627261 DOI: 10.1177/0379572117714385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal mental health problems are associated with poor child growth and suboptimal child feeding practices, yet little qualitative research has been conducted to understand mothers' perceptions about how maternal mental ill health and child nutrition are related. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to understand maternal perceptions on sources of psychological distress, and how distress impacts functioning, especially related to childcare and feeding practices among mothers of young children in South Kivu, DR Congo. METHODS Mothers of young children who were participating in a larger study were eligible. Using purposive sampling, participants were selected if they had high or low levels of psychological distress, based on their mean item score on measures of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Twenty in-depth interviews and 2 focus group discussions were conducted, with a total of 35 mothers. Key informant interviews were conducted with 5 local health workers. Audio recordings were transcribed and coded, and the analysis was guided by Grounded Theory methodology. RESULTS Major themes to emerge were that women's husbands were a significant source of distress, with husbands' infidelity, abandonment, and lack of financial support mentioned by participants. Psychological distress resulted in appetite and weight loss, and poor nutritional status made it difficult to breastfeed. Participants perceived psychological distress caused milk insufficiency and difficulty breastfeeding. CONCLUSION Mothers experiencing psychological distress may need greater support for maternal nutrition and breastfeeding, and engaging fathers through responsible parenting interventions may reduce psychological distress and have a positive impact on child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian A Emerson
- 1 Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wietse Tol
- 1 Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,2 Peter C. Alderman Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura E Caulfield
- 1 Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shannon Doocy
- 1 Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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23
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Haer R, Hermenau K, Elbert T, Moran JK, Hecker T. The role of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards in committing violence during combat: A cross-sectional study with former combatants in the DR Congo. Aggress Behav 2017; 43:241-250. [PMID: 27747888 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
It has been postulated that the violent behavior that characterizes armed conflict is reinforced by the possibility of receiving rewards. The present study examined the potential influence of two types of rewards in an ongoing setting of conflict: extrinsic and intrinsic rewards. Former combatants active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (N = 198) were interviewed and questioned about the way they were recruited, the offenses they committed during combat, their level of perceived intrinsic rewards (i.e., appetitive perception of violence), and the number of received extrinsic rewards during their time in the armed group (e.g., money, extra food, alcohol, or drugs). A moderated multiple regression analysis showed that the number of received extrinsic rewards and the level of intrinsic rewards were significantly positively related to the number of different types of offenses committed. In contrast to our expectations and previous findings, the recruitment type (forced conscription vs. voluntary enlistment) did not moderate this relation. Our findings suggest that both types of rewards play a role in committing violence during combat. We suggest, therefore, that reintegration programs should not only consider the influence of extrinsic rewards, but also need to address the influence of intrinsic rewards to counter violent behavior among former combatants. Aggr. Behav. 43:241-250, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos Haer
- Department of Politics and Public Administration; University of Konstanz; Konstanz Germany
- vivo international; Konstanz Germany; www.vivo.org
| | - Katharin Hermenau
- vivo international; Konstanz Germany; www.vivo.org
- Department of Psychology; University of Konstanz; Konstanz Germany
| | - Thomas Elbert
- vivo international; Konstanz Germany; www.vivo.org
- Department of Psychology; University of Konstanz; Konstanz Germany
| | - James K. Moran
- Department of Psychology; University of Konstanz; Konstanz Germany
| | - Tobias Hecker
- vivo international; Konstanz Germany; www.vivo.org
- Department of Psychology; University of Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
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24
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Ainamani HE, Elbert T, Olema DK, Hecker T. PTSD symptom severity relates to cognitive and psycho-social dysfunctioning - a study with Congolese refugees in Uganda. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2017; 8:1283086. [PMID: 28326164 PMCID: PMC5328389 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2017.1283086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), civilians have been heavily exposed to traumatic stressors. Traumatizing experiences cumulatively heighten the risk for trauma-related disorders, and with it affect cognitive and psycho-social functioning. Objectives: We aimed at investigating the association between trauma-related disorders and cognitive and psycho-social functioning and hypothesized that PTSD symptom severity would negatively correlate with executive functioning, working memory and psycho-social functioning in everyday life. Method: In total, 323 Congolese refugees (mean age: 31.3 years) who arrived in the Ugandan Nakivale refugee settlement after January 2012 were assessed regarding their exposure to traumatic events, PTSD symptom severity (posttraumatic symptom scale interview), executive functioning (Tower of London), working memory performance (Corsi block tapping task) and psycho-social dysfunctioning (Luo functioning scale). Results: Hierarchical regression analyses indicated a significant negative association between PTSD symptom severity and working memory (β = -0.32, p < 0.001), as well as executive functions (β = -0.19, p = 0.003). Furthermore, the impairment of psycho-social functioning in everyday life was positively related with PTSD symptom severity (β = 0.70, p < 0.001), and negatively with executive functioning (β = -0.15, p = 0.003). However, working memory performance was not significantly related to psycho-social dysfunctioning (β = 0.09, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Trauma survivors not only suffer from the core PTSD symptoms but also from impaired cognitive functioning. PTSD symptom severity seems furthermore to be related to impaired psycho-social functioning. Our findings suggest that trauma-related mental health problems may heighten the risk for poverty and lack of prospect and further aggravate the consequences of war and conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert E Ainamani
- Department of Psychology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Department of Psychology, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Thomas Elbert
- Department of Psychology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - David K Olema
- Department of Psychology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology , Mbarara , Uganda
| | - Tobias Hecker
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
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25
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Svob Strac D, Kovacic Petrovic Z, Nikolac Perkovic M, Umolac D, Nedic Erjavec G, Pivac N. Platelet monoamine oxidase type B, MAOB intron 13 and MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Stress 2016; 19:362-73. [PMID: 27112218 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2016.1174849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a disorder that develops following exposure to traumatic experience(s), is frequently associated with agitation, aggressive behavior and psychotic symptoms. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) degrades different biogenic amines and regulates mood, emotions and behavior, and has a role in the pathophysiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between different symptoms occurring in PTSD [PTSD symptom severity assessed by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), agitation and selected psychotic symptoms assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)] and platelet MAO-B activity and/or genetic variants of MAOB rs1799836 and MAOA-uVNTR polymorphisms in 249 Croatian male veterans with PTSD. Our study revealed slightly higher platelet MAO-B activity in veterans with PTSD with more severe PTSD symptoms and in veterans with agitation, and significantly higher platelet MAO-B activity in veterans with more pronounced psychotic symptoms compared to veterans with less pronounced psychotic symptoms. Platelet MAO-B activity was associated with smoking but not with age. Genetic variants of MAOB rs1799836 and MAOA-uVNTR were not associated with agitation and selected psychotic symptoms in veterans with PTSD. A marginally significant association was found between MAOB rs1799836 polymorphism and severity of PTSD symptoms, but it was not confirmed since carriers of G or A allele of MAOB rs1799836 did not differ in their total CAPS scores. These findings suggest an association of platelet MAO-B activity, but a lack of association of MAOB rs1799836 and MAOA-uVNTR, with selected psychotic symptoms in ethnically homogenous veterans with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dubravka Svob Strac
- a Division of Molecular Medicine , Rudjer Boskovic Institute , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - Zrnka Kovacic Petrovic
- b Department of Psychopharmacology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine , University of Zagreb, Zagreb , Croatia
- c Department of Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatry, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce , Zagreb , Croatia
| | | | - Danica Umolac
- a Division of Molecular Medicine , Rudjer Boskovic Institute , Zagreb , Croatia
| | | | - Nela Pivac
- a Division of Molecular Medicine , Rudjer Boskovic Institute , Zagreb , Croatia
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Maercker A, Hecker T. Broadening perspectives on trauma and recovery: a socio-interpersonal view of PTSD. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2016; 7:29303. [PMID: 26996533 PMCID: PMC4800282 DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v7.29303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the very few mental disorders that requires by definition an environmental context-a traumatic event or events-as a precondition for diagnosis. Both trauma sequelae and recovery always occur in the context of social-interpersonal contexts, for example, in interaction with a partner, family, the community, and the society. The present paper elaborates and extends the social-interpersonal framework model of PTSD. This was developed to complement other intrapersonally focused models of PTSD, which emphasize alterations in an individual's memory, cognitions, or neurobiology. Four primary reasons for broadening the perspective from the individual to the interpersonal-societal contexts are discussed. The three layers of the model (social affects, close relationships, and culture and society) are outlined. We further discuss additional insights and benefits of the social-interpersonal perspective for the growing field of research regarding resilience after traumatic experiences. The paper closes with an outlook on therapy approaches and interventions considering this broader social-interpersonal perspective on PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Maercker
- Division of Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Tobias Hecker
- Division of Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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