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Howe ES, Dworkin ER. The day-to-day relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms and social support after sexual assault. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2311478. [PMID: 38376992 PMCID: PMC10880566 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2311478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Experiencing sexual assault is associated with a significant increase in risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder and related concerns (e.g. alcohol misuse). Cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence suggests that social support may be both broadly protective against and eroded by posttraumatic stress symptoms. However, little is known about how different aspects of social support and posttraumatic stress symptoms influence each other in the weeks and months immediately following sexual assault, when posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms first emerge.Objective: The present study assessed the day-to-day relationship between social support and PTS in a sample of distressed, alcohol-using, recently-assaulted female survivors participating in a clinical trial of an app-based intervention (N = 41).Method: Participants completed 3 weeks of daily diaries starting within 10 weeks of sexual assault. Mixed-effects models were used to examine prior-day and same-day relationships between PTS and four social support constructs (social contact, emotional support, pleasantness of social interactions, and talking about sexual assault).Results: Results indicate that higher quantity and pleasantness of social interactions over the full sampling period was associated with lower PTS symptoms on any given day. Experiencing better-than-typical social interactions on one day was associated with lower than typical PTS symptoms on that day and the next day. On days when participants discussed their sexual assault with others, they tended to be having higher than usual PTS symptoms.Conclusions: Findings suggest that increasing the quantity and pleasantness of social interactions soon after sexual assault might protect against worsening posttraumatic stress symptoms.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03703258.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther S. Howe
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Emily R. Dworkin
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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2
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Jibb LA, Nanos SM, Alexander S, Malfitano C, Rydall A, Gupta S, Schimmer AD, Zimmermann C, Hales S, Nissim R, Marmar C, Schultebraucks K, Mah K, Rodin G. Traumatic stress symptoms in family caregivers of patients with acute leukaemia: protocol for a multisite mixed methods, longitudinal, observational study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e065422. [PMID: 36332954 PMCID: PMC9639100 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The diagnosis, progression or recurrence of cancer is often highly traumatic for family caregivers (FCs), but systematic assessments of distress and approaches for its prevention and treatment are lacking. Acute leukaemia (AL) is a life-threatening cancer of the blood, which most often presents acutely, requires intensive treatment and is associated with severe physical symptoms. Consequently, traumatic stress may be common in the FCs of patients with AL. We aim to determine the prevalence, severity, longitudinal course and predictors of traumatic stress symptoms in FCs of patients with AL in the first year after diagnosis, and to understand their lived experience of traumatic stress and perceived support needs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This two-site longitudinal, observational, mixed methods study will recruit 223 adult FCs of paediatric or adult patients newly diagnosed with AL from two tertiary care centres. Quantitative data will be collected from self-report questionnaires at enrolment, and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after admission to hospital for initial treatment. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive and machine learning approaches and a multilevel modelling (MLM) approach will be used to confirm machine learning findings. Semi-structured qualitative interviews will be conducted at 3, 6 and 12 months and analysed using a grounded theory approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR number PJT 173255) and has received ethical approval from the Ontario Cancer Research Ethics Board (CTO Project ID: 2104). The data generated have the potential to inform the development of targeted psychosocial interventions for traumatic stress, which is a public health priority for high-risk populations such as FCs of patients with haematological malignancies. An integrated and end-of-study knowledge translation strategy that involves FCs and other stakeholders will be used to interpret and disseminate study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Jibb
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie M Nanos
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Alexander
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carmine Malfitano
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne Rydall
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron D Schimmer
- Department of Medical Oncology/Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Hales
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rinat Nissim
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charles Marmar
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Katharina Schultebraucks
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kenneth Mah
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Johansen VA, Milde AM, Nilsen RM, Breivik K, Nordanger DØ, Stormark KM, Weisæth L. The Relationship Between Perceived Social Support and PTSD Symptoms After Exposure to Physical Assault: An 8 Years Longitudinal Study. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP7679-NP7706. [PMID: 33140665 PMCID: PMC9092899 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520970314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Consequences of nondomestic violence are known to be multifaceted with high rates of emotional and psychological problems in addition to physical injuries, and victims report many trauma related symptoms. This study explore if perceived social support (PSS) (Social Provisions Scale [SPS]) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (Impact of Event Scale [IES-22]) are interrelated among adult victims at four assessment points up until eight years after the exposure to physical assault; soon after the event (T1), three months after T1 (T2), one year after T1 (T3), and eight years after T1 (T4). One hundred and forty-three subjects participated at T1, 94 at T2, 73 at T3, and 47 accepted a follow-up at T4. At T1, 138 of 143 completed the questionnaires within 16 weeks after the incident. PTSD symptoms were highly correlated across time (p < .001); PSS were significantly correlated only between T1 and T2 (p < .001), T1 and T3 (p < .05), and between T2 and T3 (p < .05). Cross-lagged analyses showed an inverse relationship between prior PSS and later PTSD symptoms across all time points (ps < .05); not proved between prior PTSD symptoms and later PSS (ps > .1). PSS at T1 was an independent predictor of PSS one year and eight years after the incident. We conclude that higher perception of social support protects against the development of PTSD symptoms; diminished perception of social support increases the risk of developing PTSD symptoms. These findings suggest that PSS after experiencing a violent assault should be considered as an important factor in natural recovery in the long run, as well as essential alongside psychiatric treatment. Establishing psychosocial interventions for victims of physical violence in the acute phase may prevent prolonged trauma reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venke A Johansen
- Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne Marita Milde
- NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Bergen, Norway
- University of Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Dag Øystein Nordanger
- Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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4
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Carbone JT, Dell NA, Issa M, Watkins MA. Associations between Allostatic Load and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Scoping Review. HEALTH & SOCIAL WORK 2022; 47:132-142. [PMID: 35244700 DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic events may lead to the development of PTSD or PTSD symptomology that can negatively impact health outcomes. Allostatic load, which represents the cumulative biological wear and tear of exposure to stress, can be employed to better understand the physiological etiology of PTSD. A scoping review, informed by the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews, was completed to identify published and unpublished empirical studies that explored the relationship of allostatic load and PTSD. Eight databases were searched yielding four studies, with the results summarized narratively and in tabular form. Findings were mixed as to the association between allostatic load and PTSD. Allostatic load was positively associated with PTSD diagnosis; however, studies measuring only PTSD symptomatology found no relationship. Few PTSD researchers have tested the relationship of a comprehensive measure of allostatic load to PTSD. Among those who have, studies show that allostatic load can be a beneficial tool and applicable theoretical framework for understanding the biological changes associated with PTSD. Future research should focus on standardizing measures of both allostatic load and PTSD and identifying potential confounders. A better understanding of the physiological changes associated with PTSD could lead to more effective prevention and treatment efforts.
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5
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Liu SY, Li J, Leon LF, Schwarzer R, Cone JE. The Bidirectional Relationship between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Social Support in a 9/11-Exposed Cohort: A Longitudinal Cross-Lagged Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052604. [PMID: 35270297 PMCID: PMC8910094 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research on the longitudinal relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social support among survivors of large-scale trauma is limited. This study assessed bidirectional relationships between PTSD and perceived social support in a large sample of the 9/11-exposed cohort over a 14-year follow-up. We used data from 23,165 World Trade Center Health Registry (WTCHR) enrollees who were exposed to the 9/11 attacks and participated in the first four WTCHR surveys (Wave 1 (2003−2004) to Wave 4 (2015−2016)). PTSD symptoms were measured using the 17-item PTSD Checklist. Perceived social support was measured using the five-item version of the Modified Social Support Survey. We used a cross-lagged panel analysis and found an inverse relationship between PTSD symptoms and social support. PTSD at Wave 2 (W2) predicted less social support at Wave 3 (W3) (β = −0.10, p < 0.01), and PTSD at W3 predicted less social support at W4 (β = −0.05, p < 0.01). Conversely, social support at W3 buffered PTSD symptoms at W4 (β = −0.03, p < 0.05). Sub-analyses by types of perceived social support suggest greater effects of PTSD on emotional support than tangible support and in community members than rescue/recovery workers. Our findings suggest a bidirectional effect between PTSD symptoms and social support in a longitudinal study of 9/11-exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Yan Liu
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, NY 10279, USA; (S.Y.L.); (L.F.L.); (J.E.C.)
| | - Jiehui Li
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, NY 10279, USA; (S.Y.L.); (L.F.L.); (J.E.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-718-786-4412
| | - Lydia F. Leon
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, NY 10279, USA; (S.Y.L.); (L.F.L.); (J.E.C.)
| | - Ralf Schwarzer
- Department of Psychology, Freie University of Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
- Department of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland
| | - James E. Cone
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, NY 10279, USA; (S.Y.L.); (L.F.L.); (J.E.C.)
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Polusny MA, Marquardt CA, Campbell EH, Filetti CR, Noël VV, Disner SG, Schaefer JD, Davenport N, Lissek S, Noorbaloochi S, Sponheim SR, Erbes CR. Advancing Research on Mechanisms of Resilience (ARMOR) Longitudinal Cohort Study of New Military Recruits: Results from a Feasibility Pilot Study. RESEARCH IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 2021; 18:212-229. [PMID: 34887706 DOI: 10.1080/15427609.2021.1964898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Psychological resilience as a longitudinal process is highly relevant for understanding the functioning outcomes of military populations. Here, we review the extant literature on resilience among military service members, focusing on National Guard Soldiers. Our specific project (Advancing Research on Mechanisms of Resilience, "ARMOR") aims to develop a comprehensive model of resilience using a multilevel perspective. We report results from our prospective pilot study (n = 103) conducted in preparation for our large-scale longitudinal cohort study of Basic Combat Training (BCT) and its impact on military recruits' wellbeing. Results support feasibility of the larger study, evidence for a new measure of BCT stressor exposure, and demonstrate preliminary associations with BCT-related stressors and longitudinal changes in adaptive functioning. Future directions for our larger study will utilize data from survey responses, structured clinical interviews, neurobehavioral tasks, and neurobiological measures (functional and structural MRI and electroencephalography [EEG]) to examine individual differences in self-regulation as a predictor of resilience-related processes. ARMOR is well positioned to elucidate mechanisms that could be targeted for promoting wellbeing, preventing psychopathology, and facilitating long-term recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Polusny
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN.,Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, MN.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Craig A Marquardt
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Emily Hagel Campbell
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, MN.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Clarissa R Filetti
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Valentin V Noël
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Seth G Disner
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | - Nicholas Davenport
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Shmuel Lissek
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
| | - Siamak Noorbaloochi
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN.,Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, MN.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Scott R Sponheim
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Christopher R Erbes
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN.,Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, MN.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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7
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Wang Y, Chung MC, Wang N, Yu X, Kenardy J. Social support and posttraumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 85:101998. [PMID: 33714168 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.101998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Social support has long been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there is no consistent evidence on the strength and direction of this relationship. Whereas the social causation model claims that social support buffers against PTSD, the social selection model states that PTSD reduces social support resources. As the first meta-analysis of the prospective relationships between social support and PTSD, this study synthesized the available longitudinal data (75 samples including 32,402 participants) on these two constructs with a random-effects model. In total, three hundred and fifty-five effect sizes (including cross-sectional, prospective and cross-lagged coefficients) were included in the meta-analysis. With prior levels of the relevant outcomes controlled for, results showed that social support and PTSD reciprocally predicted each other over time with similar effect sizes: Social support predicted PTSD with β = -0.10; PTSD predicted social support with β = -0.09. Moderator analyses suggested that the effects held across most sample characteristics and research designs except for several moderators (gender, time lag, publication year, source of support). These findings provided strong evidence for both the social causation and social selection models, suggesting that the link between social support and PTSD is symmetrically reciprocal and robust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabing Wang
- School of English Education, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Man Cheung Chung
- Department of Educational Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Educational Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Xiaoxiao Yu
- School of Foreign Languages, Guangzhou College, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Justin Kenardy
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Australia.
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8
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Birze A, LeBlanc V, Regehr C, Paradis E, Einstein G. The "Managed" or Damaged Heart? Emotional Labor, Gender, and Posttraumatic Stressors Predict Workplace Event-Related Acute Changes in Cortisol, Oxytocin, and Heart Rate Variability. Front Psychol 2020; 11:604. [PMID: 32373009 PMCID: PMC7179683 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Vital to the everyday operation of police services, police communicators (911 call-takers and dispatchers) are persistently subject to imminent challenges in the workplace; they must always be prepared to engage and deal with a wide variety of circumstances that provoke various intense emotions and physiological stress responses. Acute changes in cortisol, oxytocin, and heart rate variability are central to adaptive responses in stressful complex social interactions, but they might also be indicative of physiological dysregulation due to long-term psychosocial stress exposures. Thus, we examine acute stress-induced release of peripheral oxytocin and cortisol along with changes in heart rate variability, and how each relates to persistent workplace stressors and symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Findings indicate chronic forms of gendered workplace stress such as emotional labor, gender role stress and, posttraumatic stress each have differential associations with, and predict physiological responses to, acutely stressful events in the workplace. These associations suggest potential mechanisms through which communicators become more vulnerable to developing stress-related disorders such as posttraumatic stress injuries, especially after cumulative traumatic exposures in this context. The results also suggest potential pathways for the biological embedding of stressful gendered workplace experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arija Birze
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vicki LeBlanc
- Department of Innovation in Medical Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Cheryl Regehr
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elise Paradis
- Department of Sociology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gillian Einstein
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tema Genus, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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9
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Gao ZW, Ju RL, Luo M, Wu SL, Zhang WT. The anxiolytic-like effects of ginsenoside Rg2 on an animal model of PTSD. Psychiatry Res 2019; 279:130-137. [PMID: 31103345 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the mental illness. The antidepressant-like properties of ginsenoside Rg2 (GRg2) have been shown, while little is known about its anti-PTSD-like effects. In the present study, the PTSD-associated behavioral deficits in rats were induced following exposure to single prolonged stress (SPS). The results showed that the decreased time and entries in the open arms in elevated plus maze test (EPMT) and increased freezing duration in contextual fear paradigm (CFP) were reversed by GRg2 (10 and 20 mg/kg) without affecting the locomotor activity. In addition, GRg2 (10 and 20 mg/kg) could block the decreased levels of progesterone, allopregnanolone, serotonin (5-HT), 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), corticosterone (Cort) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the brain or serum. In summary, GRg2 alleviated the PTSD-associated behavioral deficits with biosynthesis of neurosteroids, normalization of serotonergic system and HPA axis dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Wei Gao
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, P.R. China; Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P.R. China; Shunde Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528333,P.R. China
| | - Rong-Le Ju
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, P.R. China
| | - Min Luo
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P.R. China.
| | - Shu-Lian Wu
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Tong Zhang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P.R. China
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Maercker A, Ben-Ezra M, Esparza OA, Augsburger M. Fatalism as a traditional cultural belief potentially relevant to trauma sequelae: Measurement equivalence, extent and associations in six countries. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2019; 10:1657371. [PMID: 31528270 PMCID: PMC6735334 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2019.1657371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Fatalism, known as the propensity to believe that one's destiny is externally determined, has so far been examined selectively, and not yet in a cross-cultural study. Moreover, a general, non-data-based speculation assumes that fatalism occurs to a lesser extent in countries of the Global North than in the Global South. Objective: Fatalism as a global psychological belief seems to have a prima facie validity, but this is to be investigated by measurement equivalence calculations across different countries from different world regions. Furthermore, socio-demographic and cultural geographic associations with fatalism scores will be investigated. Method: A six items fatalism scale was introduced in six large population-based samples from Europe, Africa, and Latin America (total n = 6'537). Testing of invariance followed standardized procedures for cross-cultural comparisons with a comprehensive parallel analysis. Regression analyses provided information on associations with socio-demography and cultural geography. Results: The fatalism construct divided into accentuated pessimistic and non-judgmental subscores in five of the six countries. The German sample showed the highest fatalism scores compared to almost all other countries. In particular higher age and lower educational attainment determine fatalism scores across countries. An explorative analysis of the associations between PTSD symptoms and fatalism scores for African countries revealed small correlations. Discussion: Fatalism as indicated by its subscores seems not to be an exclusive phenomenon of countries with higher economic and socio-cultural vulnerability. For all countries, sociodemographic groups can be identified in which these parts of a traditional belief system are more pronounced. Only for a subset of the countries examined has it been possible to analyse the associations with trauma. Further elaborated analyses in other samples should follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Maercker
- Department of Psychology, Division of Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wissenschaftskolleg Berlin-Institute of Advanced Study, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Oscar A Esparza
- Institute of Social Sciences and Administration, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
| | - Mareike Augsburger
- Department of Psychology, Division of Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Bosmans MWG, Van der Velden PG. The Effect of Employment Status in Postdisaster Recovery: A Longitudinal Comparative Study Among Employed and Unemployed Affected Residents. J Trauma Stress 2018; 31:460-466. [PMID: 29958334 PMCID: PMC6055859 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Population studies have shown that employed adults are healthier than unemployed adults. In this study, we examined whether this "healthy worker effect" is relevant in postdisaster mental health by examining whether trauma-exposed employed individuals have lower postdisaster initial mental health problems and/or whether they recover faster than trauma-exposed unemployed individuals. We compared the course of postevent intrusion and avoidance reactions, anxiety, depression, and sleeping difficulties of employed residents (n = 291) and unemployed residents (n = 269) affected by a fireworks disaster in a residential area of Enschede, The Netherlands. Measurements took place at 2-3 weeks (T1), 18 months (T2), and 4 years (T3) postdisaster. We used linear mixed-effect models to examine the course of mental health problems. Employment status was relevant, to a degree, in posttrauma recovery; although affected employed residents had significantly lower levels of mental health problems (initially and over time) than the unemployed, ds = 0.41-0.72, the recovery rate was the same for both groups. At T1 (neglecting the DSM 1-month criterion), T2, and T3, the prevalence of probable posttraumatic stress disorder was 45.4%, 18.9%, and 11%, respectively, among employed individuals, and 70.1%, 32.5%, and 30% among unemployed individuals. We concluded that research into the mental health of disaster victims should take employment status into account. Regarding postdisaster care, unemployed individuals may need special attention; although they may recover at the same rate as employed individuals, they suffer from more severe mental health problems, even years after the disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W. G. Bosmans
- Reseach Institute for FlexicurityLabour Market Dynamics and Social Cohesion (ReflecT)Tilburg UniversityTilburgThe Netherlands
| | - Peter G. Van der Velden
- International Victimology Institute Tilburg (INTERVICT)Tilburg UniversityTilburgThe Netherlands
- NETHLABTilburg University's Network on Health and Labor
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Dworkin ER, Ullman SE, Stappenbeck C, Brill CD, Kaysen D. Proximal relationships between social support and PTSD symptom severity: A daily diary study of sexual assault survivors. Depress Anxiety 2018; 35:43-49. [PMID: 28960606 PMCID: PMC5760275 DOI: 10.1002/da.22679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In cross-sectional studies, social support and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms appear related, in that higher severity of PTSD is associated with lower social support and vice versa. Theoretical models of the causal direction of this relationship differ. Most longitudinal studies suggest that PTSD symptoms erode social support over time, although some suggest that higher social support is prospectively associated with decrease in PTSD symptom severity. It is unclear, though, how social support and PTSD affect each other in the short term. The purpose of this study was to test day-to-day relationships between PTSD and social support to elucidate how PTSD and social support influence each other. METHODS Using 1173 daily observations from 75 college women who met screening criteria for lifetime sexual assault and past-month PTSD, this study tested same-day and next-day relationships between PTSD and social support using mixed models. RESULTS Within-person analyses indicated that, when PTSD was higher than usual on a given day, social support was higher the next day. Between-person analyses suggested that people with generally higher social support tended to have lower PTSD symptoms on a given day, but average PTSD symptom severity was not associated with day-to-day fluctuations in social support. CONCLUSIONS Rather than eroding in response to daily symptoms, social support might be sought out following increases in PTSD, and when received consistently, might reduce symptoms of PTSD in the short term. Interventions that increase college women's access to social support after sexual assault may thus be helpful in addressing PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Dworkin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Sarah E Ullman
- Department of Criminology, Law and Justice, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA
| | - Cynthia Stappenbeck
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Charlotte D Brill
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Debra Kaysen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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