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Susanti H, Putri AF, Susanti SS, Malini H, Alim S, Bintari DR. Improving post-traumatic growth of disaster survivors: An integrative literature review. Int Emerg Nurs 2024; 75:101484. [PMID: 38936279 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2024.101484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The psychological aspect is one of the important aspects of the affected disaster survivors. The change in the disaster management paradigm is one reason for the need to change interventions that previously only focused on handling posttraumatic distress syndrome into interventions to increase post-traumatic growth to prevent post-disaster psychological disorders. This review aims to synthesise recent research to develop further explanations regarding potential strategies to improve the post-traumatic growth of disaster survivors. METHOD This is an integrative review of previous studies. Articles were identified via SCOPUS, EMBASE, JSTOR, PROQUEST, MEDLINE and grey literature (Google Scholar). All subject-relevant literature from 2000 to 2022 was identified. This review included quantitative and qualitative studies and literature reviews, with criteria: all types of interventions used to improve the post-traumatic growth of disaster survivors and potential influencing factors that may affect the implementation as well as other relevant outcomes. RESULT From 400 initial search studies, 27 studies (24 quantitative. one qualitative, and two mixed methods) were eligible to be included in the review. Some factors promoting post-traumatic growth included religious coping, culture, social support, the severity of the trauma, coping strategies, education level and work satisfaction. CONCLUSION By systematically exploring the factors that foster post-traumatic growth of disaster survival, this integrative review will give fundamental information to develop an intervention that prevents or minimises the psychological impacts of a disaster towards survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herni Susanti
- Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Hema Malini
- Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia
| | - Syahirul Alim
- Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Dini R Bintari
- Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
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Malloy LC, Dykstra VW, Steen LAR, Filoso D, Salem H, Comer JS, Peris TS, Pincus DB, Ehrenreich-May J, Evans AD. Avoidant Parent-Child Communication About COVID-19: A Longitudinal Investigation of Associations with Youth Adjustment Across the First 6 Months of the Pandemic. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2024; 52:253-266. [PMID: 37801269 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-023-01133-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
In the aftermath of discrete disasters, how families discuss the event has been linked with child well-being. There is less understanding, however, of how family communication affects adjustment to a protracted and ongoing public health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The present research leveraged a large longitudinal sample of families (N = 1884) across the United States and Canada to investigate factors that predicted family communication styles (active versus avoidant communication) about the COVID-19 pandemic and examined the longitudinal sequelae of mental health outcomes for youth associated with different family communication styles. Parents of youth between 5 to 17 years old completed surveys about their own mental health, their child's mental health, and family communication about the COVID-19 pandemic at two time points 6 months apart. Overall, findings indicated that poorer parental mental health was related to greater use of avoidant communication, and avoidant communication styles were associated with poorer youth mental health over time. Findings suggest potential perils of avoidant family communication about ongoing threats and can help identify families at risk of negative mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay C Malloy
- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada.
| | | | | | - Daniella Filoso
- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hanan Salem
- Department of Counseling, Clinical, & School Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan S Comer
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Tara S Peris
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences / Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Donna B Pincus
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Angela D Evans
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharine's, ON, Canada
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3
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Zlotnick C, Manor-Lavon I. Resilience, optimism and posttraumatic growth in first-time mothers. Res Nurs Health 2023; 46:576-590. [PMID: 37670411 DOI: 10.1002/nur.22338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the association between posttraumatic growth (PTG) and two psychological attributes, resilience and optimism, in first-time mothers, after controlling for demographic and motherhood-related characteristics. PTG, the self-examination triggered by life-changing events, contains five factors: (1) relating to others, (2) new possibilities, (3) personal strength, (4) spiritual change, and (5) appreciation of life. Outcomes from studies conflict on whether PTG is associated with the two psychological attributes of resilience (the ability to resume one's life after adversity) and optimism (viewing life in a positive light). This study used a cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of first-time mothers whose infants were between 3 months and 1 year (N = 415) completed questionnaires containing several standardized and reliable instruments including those measuring the independent variables of resilience and optimism, and the dependent variable of PTG. A STROBE checklist guided the reporting of this study. Resilience was associated with overall PTG and four of its five factors. Optimism also was associated with overall PTG but only associated with two of its five factors. PTG profiles and squared semipartial correlations indicated that resilience had the stronger association, compared to optimism, with PTG and most of its factors. Our study's findings on the strong link between resilience and PTG suggest the need for research examining the impact of specific psychosocial nursing activities (e.g., providing emotional support; assisting others to identify their own strengths; encouraging the mobilization of one's internal resources; furnishing needed resources and referrals; and supplying health education and information), as these activities may not only promote resilience but also may contribute to PTG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Zlotnick
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, Haifa, Israel
| | - Inbal Manor-Lavon
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, Haifa, Israel
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Lee HJ, Lee DH, Lee DH, Kim JY. Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-Expanded: Factor Structure, Test-Retest Reliability, and Validity in Trauma-Exposed and Bereaved Adults. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231177847. [PMID: 37220767 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231177847] [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: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a positive psychological change experienced after trauma and it has gained global recognition in recent years. The present study aimed to validate a South Korean version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-Expanded (K-PTGI-X) for use with trauma-exposed and bereaved samples. A national sample comprising South Korean adults was used for the analysis. As a result, the 4-factor bi-factor model was best supported in both the trauma and bereaved groups in terms of personal strength, new possibilities, spiritual-existential change, and being able to relate to others. Additionally, the K-PTGI-X showed satisfying reliability, concurrent validity, and discriminant validity. Lastly, regarding the group differences, women showed higher rates of PTG than men and the bereaved group exhibited higher spiritual and existential growth in the PTG than the trauma group. Given these results, implications for adaptation in various fields when assessing and encouraging PTG in practical settings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa Jung Lee
- Traumatic Stress Center, Department of Education, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Hun Lee
- Traumatic Stress Center, Department of Education, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Deok Hee Lee
- Traumatic Stress Center, Department of Education, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Yun Kim
- Department of Wesley Creative Convergence, Hyupsung University, Hwaseong, South Korea
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5
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Tekin S, Burrows K, Billings J, Waters M, Lowe SR. Psychosocial resources underlying disaster survivors' posttraumatic stress symptom trajectories: insight from in-depth interviews with mothers who survived Hurricane Katrina. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2211355. [PMID: 37334999 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2211355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Weather-related disasters, including hurricanes, are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. Vulnerable populations, such as people with low income and racial and ethnic minorities, are particularly prone to increased levels of physical harm and psychiatric adversity from weather-related events.Objectives: We aimed to explore psychosocial resources and coping of survivors with three different posttraumatic stress symptom (PTSS) trajectories (High-Decreasing, Moderate-Decreasing, and High-Stable), after Hurricane Katrina across two different time points: F1 (1-year post-disaster) and F3 (12 years post-disaster).Method: Participants in this multi-method study were part of a larger cohort of the Resilience in Survivors of Katrina (RISK) project. Transcripts of interviews completed at the two time points were analysed using two qualitative methods, combining thematic analysis and narrative analysis, and providing both breadth of perspectives with the depth of specific case studies.Results: Sixteen survivors completed interviews at both F1 and F3. From our in-depth analysis of the data, we derived five inductive themes: 'Hope,' 'Adaptive vs maladaptive avoidance,' 'Emotional delay,' 'Acceptance, Finding Meaning and Being in the Moment,' and 'Coping strategies.' Survivors with High-Decreasing and Moderate-Decreasing PTSS trajectories experienced hope for future, accepted the hurricane and its results, and found efficient ways to cope with their situation. Survivors with High-Stable PTSS trajectories tended to express a lack of hope for future and struggled to be mindful and accept the hurricane and its harm. Unlike survivors with High-Decreasing and Moderate-Decreasing PTSS trajectories, survivors with High-Stable PTSS trajectories also reported less social and family support and faced more discrimination and racism.Conclusion: There are factors beyond individual-level psychosocial resources that may shape post-disaster resilience. When supporting survivors after a weather-related disaster, it is essential to provide ongoing psychological, financial, and physical assistance to bolster these resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahra Tekin
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kate Burrows
- Institute at Brown University for Environment and Society, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jo Billings
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mary Waters
- Department of Sociology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah R Lowe
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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López-Cepero A, O'Neill HJ, Marrero A, Falcon LM, Tamez M, Rodríguez-Orengo JF, Mattei J. Association between adverse experiences during Hurricane María and mental and emotional distress among adults in Puerto Rico. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:2423-2432. [PMID: 36048184 PMCID: PMC9434507 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02355-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association between adverse experiences during Hurricane María and mental and emotional distress in Puerto Rico. METHODS This cross-sectional study used baseline data from adult (30-75 years) participants of the Puerto Rico Observational Study of Psychosocial, Environmental, and Chronic Disease Trends (PROSPECT). Enrolled individuals prior to COVID-19 who completed a 33-item questionnaire on Hurricane María-related experiences (sub-categorized as personal, service, or property losses), depression symptomatology, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety were included for analysis (n = 456). RESULTS Most participants experienced fear for their family's safety, damage to their home and personal items, communication outages, and water shortages. Each additional stressor was significantly associated with higher odds of depression symptoms, PTSD, and anxiety. Personal losses were significantly associated with higher likelihood of all outcomes, while services losses were associated with depression symptoms and anxiety; property loss was not significantly associated with any outcome. CONCLUSIONS Adverse experiences during a major natural disaster are associated with mental and emotional distress. Strategies to minimize hardships during natural disasters, especially personal and service losses, are essential to preserve mental health. Post-disaster psychological support to individuals is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea López-Cepero
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H June O'Neill
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Abrania Marrero
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Luis M Falcon
- College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Martha Tamez
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - José F Rodríguez-Orengo
- FDI Clinical Research of Puerto Rico, 988 Luis Muñoz Rivera Ave, San Juan, PR, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, Paseo Dr Jose Celso Barbosa, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Josiemer Mattei
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Elansary M, Zuckerman B, Patts G, Antonio J, Mayes LC, Silverstein M. Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and the Quality of Maternal-Child Interactions in Mothers of Preterm Infants. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2022; 43:e605-e613. [PMID: 36040801 PMCID: PMC9712498 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001122] [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: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine associations between maternal trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and directly observed maternal-child interactions among a diverse cohort of mother-preterm infant dyads at 12-month corrected age. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study. Maternal trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms were measured using the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale at baseline and 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome was directly observed maternal-child interactions at 12-month corrected age using the Coding Interactive Behavior Manual. We used linear regression models to estimate the associations between trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms (and symptom clusters), and observer-rated maternal-child interactions. RESULTS Among the 236 participants, 89 (37.7%) self-reported as Black and 98 (41.5%) as Latina; mean gestational age of the infants was 31.6 weeks (SD 2.6). Mothers with posttraumatic stress symptoms demonstrated greater maternal sensitivity (β = 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06-0.58; standardized effect size = 0.39) and greater dyadic reciprocity (β = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.04-0.73; standardized effect size = 0.36) compared with those not exposed to trauma; however, we did not observe significant differences between trauma-exposed but asymptomatic women and those not exposed to trauma. Across symptom clusters, differences in maternal sensitivity and dyadic reciprocity were most pronounced for mothers with avoidance and re-experiencing symptoms, but not hyperarousal symptoms. CONCLUSION Maternal posttraumatic stress symptoms seem to be associated with the quality of maternal-child interactions at age 1 year among a cohort of urban, mother-preterm infant dyads. These findings have implications for strength-based intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Elansary
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Barry Zuckerman
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Gregory Patts
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Jocelyn Antonio
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Linda C. Mayes
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT
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8
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Henson C, Truchot D, Canevello A. Factors that hinder post-traumatic growth: A systematic review. Encephale 2022; 48:560-562. [DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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9
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Henson C, Truchot D, Canevello A. PTSD and PTG in French and American Firefighters: A Comparative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11973. [PMID: 36231272 PMCID: PMC9614603 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Studies show that experiencing traumatic events can lead to positive psychological change, or posttraumatic growth (PTG). In the hope of promoting PTG, authors have been focusing on identifying the factors that may foster PTG. Despite these attempts, the literature shows inconsistencies, making it difficult to know which variables may be involved in the process of growth. Indeed, authors seem to disagree on the nature of the relationship between PTSD and PTG, time since the event, social support, intrusive rumination, and sociodemographics. Thus, this study aims to clarify these discrepancies, and verify whether the processes involved are the same across two different cultural groups, both of which are confronted with traumatic events regularly: 409 American firefighters, and 407 French firefighters. Results indicate that, in both samples, PTG is positively related to PTSD, subjective perceptions of the event, stress during the event, disruption of core-beliefs, and deliberate rumination; and unrelated to social support, core-self evaluations, and socio-demographic variables (age, gender, relationship status, etc.). However, time since the event and the number of years on the job only predicted PTG in the American sample, while colleague and emotional support only predicted PTG in the French sample. Additionally, American firefighters reported more growth, more social support, more positive self-perceptions, more intrusive rumination, and more neuroticism than French firefighters. These results suggest that the process of growth, as defined by Tedeschi and Calhoun, is relatively stable among firefighters, but that some differences do exist between cultural groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Henson
- Laboratory of Psychology, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté à Besançon, 25000 Besançon, France
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Didier Truchot
- Laboratory of Psychology, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté à Besançon, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - Amy Canevello
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
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Assessing the Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Linkage Into Mental Health Care Program for Adults Affected by Hurricane Sandy. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 17:e238. [PMID: 36062582 PMCID: PMC9905213 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2022.176] [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
OBJECTIVE Research indicates that greater exposure to Hurricane Sandy is associated with increased mental health difficulties. This study examined whether Project Restoration, a program that linked adults into mental health care (L2C), was effective in reducing post-Sandy mental health difficulties as compared to a cohort of adults matched on mental health difficulties that were not linked into post-Sandy mental health care. METHODS Project Restoration participants (n = 52) with elevated self-reported mental health difficulties had the option to enroll into L2C. Project LIGHT (n = 63) used similar methodologies but did not have a L2C component and served as the matched control group. RESULTS Multivariable modeling showed significant decreases in all mental health difficulties except for depression in the Project Restoration group, whereas there were no significant decreases in LIGHT. The decrease in anxiety from baseline to follow-up was significantly greater for Project Restoration as compared to LIGHT. CONCLUSION Findings confirm the powerful impact community outreach and treatment have on reducing mental health difficulties after a disaster.
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Sherman AC, Williams ML, Amick BC, Hudson TJ, Messias EL, Simonton-Atchley S. Adjustment to the COVID-19 pandemic: associations with global and situational meaning. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 43:1-16. [PMID: 35813567 PMCID: PMC9256532 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03354-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has created pervasive upheaval and uncertainty in communities around the world. This investigation evaluated associations between discrete dimensions of personal meaning and psychological adjustment to the pandemic among community residents in a southern US state. In this cross-sectional study, 544 respondents were assessed during a period of reopening but accelerating infection rates. Validated measures were used to evaluate theoretically distinct dimensions of perceived global meaning (Meaning-in-Life Questionnaire) and pandemic-specific meaning (Meaning in Illness Scale). Adjustment outcomes included perceived stress, pandemic-related helplessness, and acceptance of the pandemic. In multivariate models that controlled for demographic and pandemic-related factors, stronger attained global meaning (i.e., perceptions that life is generally meaningful) and attained situational meaning (i.e., perceptions that the pandemic experience was comprehensible) were related to better adjustment on all three outcomes (all p's < .001). In contrast, seeking situational meaning (i.e., ongoing efforts to find coherence in the situation) was associated with poorer adjustment on all indices (all p's < .001). Results offer novel information regarding theoretically salient dimensions of meaning, which may have direct relevance for understanding how community residents adapt to the challenges of a major public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen C. Sherman
- Behavioral Medicine Division, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, #756, 4301 W. Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205 USA
| | - Mark L. Williams
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR USA
| | - Benjamin C. Amick
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR USA
| | - Teresa J. Hudson
- Center for Health Services Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR USA
| | - Erick L. Messias
- Faculty Affairs and Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR USA
- Present Address: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Stephanie Simonton-Atchley
- Behavioral Medicine Division, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, #756, 4301 W. Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205 USA
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Lee MH, Raitt J, Hong BA, Diduck A, Nguyen AMTT, Villareal A, Moden M, Turner B, North CS, Pollio DE. Making Meaning of Disaster Experience in Highly Trauma-exposed Survivors of the Oklahoma City Bombing. TRAUMATOLOGY 2022; 28:202-210. [PMID: 36035619 PMCID: PMC9400919 DOI: 10.1037/trm0000326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Survivors of disasters can be expected to form meaningful perspectives on their experiences that shape their trajectories of recovery; thus, these perspectives are important to study. If humans are naturally compelled to create meaning from traumatic experiences, the creation of meaning should be evident in survivors' discussion of the effects of the disaster in their lives. Therefore, the purpose of this study of highly trauma-exposed disaster survivors was to identify meaningful aspects or outcomes of their disaster experiences in their perspectives. This study examined a random sample (N=182) of survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing six months after the disaster using open-ended questions. Text responses (N=650) were compiled, themes identified by multiple coders, responses coded into the themes, interrater reliability established, and the themes were then interpreted. Six themes were identified and grouped into three general categories: personal aspirations (reprioritizing life and altruism and self-improvement), connection with others (a freestanding category/theme), and making meaning (appreciation for life, religion and spirituality, and contemplating life, death, and humanity), which contained the majority of the responses. The findings from this study affirm the human need to make meaning from the experience of a traumatic disaster and suggest the potential relevance to survivors' recovery of therapies based on the creation of meaning and the promotion of positive growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hyung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas at Southwestern
| | - Josh Raitt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas at Southwestern
- The Altshuler Center for Education and Research, Metrocare Services
| | - Barry A. Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Alexandra Diduck
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Texas at Southwestern
| | | | - Ariel Villareal
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Texas at Southwestern
| | | | - Brittany Turner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas at Southwestern
| | - Carol S. North
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas at Southwestern
- The Altshuler Center for Education and Research, Metrocare Services
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Willey B, Mimmack K, Gagliardi G, Dossett ML, Wang S, Udeogu OJ, Donovan NJ, Gatchel JR, Quiroz YT, Amariglio R, Liu CH, Hyun S, ElTohamy A, Rentz D, Sperling RA, Marshall GA, Vannini P. Racial and socioeconomic status differences in stress, posttraumatic growth, and mental health in an older adult cohort during the COVID-19 pandemic. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 45:101343. [PMID: 35291556 PMCID: PMC8917957 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable and widened the health disparity gap in both physical and mental well-being. Consequentially, it is vital to understand how to best support elderly individuals, particularly Black Americans and people of low socioeconomic status, in navigating stressful situations during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The aim of this study was to investigate perceived levels of stress, posttraumatic growth, coping strategies, socioeconomic status, and mental health between Black and non-Hispanic, White older adults, the majority over the age of 70. Additionally, we investigated which variables, if any, were associated with posttraumatic growth in these populations. Methods One hundred seventy-six community dwelling older adults (mean age = 76.30 ±8.94), part of two observational studies (The Harvard Aging Brain Study and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Study) in Massachusetts, US, were included in this cross-sectional study. The survey, conducted from March 23, 2021 to May 13, 2021, measured perceived stress, behavioral coping strategies, posttraumatic growth, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated associations with post-traumatic growth in a multiple linear regression model and examined their differences by race with t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and Fisher's exact tests. A second multiple linear regression model was used to examine which coping strategies were associated with posttraumatic growth. Findings Our results indicated no significant difference between the groups in terms of mental health or stress. However, Black participants showed significantly greater posttraumatic growth compared to non-Hispanic, White participants. Additionally, the coping strategies of religion and positive reframing were found to be significantly associated with posttraumatic growth. Furthermore, even with the effects of stress and coping strategies controlled for, race remained significantly associated with posttraumatic growth. Interpretation The COVID-19 pandemic has differentially impacted Black and non-Hispanic White older adults. These results may help encourage further analysis on geriatric psychiatry as well as understanding how cultural values and adaptations impact posttraumatic growth and mental health in diverse populations. Funding The Harvard Aging Brain Study (HABS) has been funded by NIH-NIA P01 AG036694 (PI: Reisa Sperling). The IADL study is funded by the National Institute on Aging (R01 AG053184, PI: Gad A. Marshall).
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Affiliation(s)
- Brea Willey
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Kayden Mimmack
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Geoffroy Gagliardi
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle L. Dossett
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Bioethics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Sharon Wang
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Onyinye J Udeogu
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy J. Donovan
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Gatchel
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, USA
| | - Yakeel T. Quiroz
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Amariglio
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cindy H. Liu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Newborn Medicine & Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Sunah Hyun
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Newborn Medicine & Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Abdelrahman ElTohamy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Newborn Medicine & Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Dorene Rentz
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Reisa A. Sperling
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gad A. Marshall
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrizia Vannini
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Menculini G, Albert U, Bianchini V, Carmassi C, Carrà G, Cirulli F, Dell'osso B, Fabrazzo M, Perris F, Sampogna G, Nanni MG, Pompili M, Sani G, Volpe U, Tortorella A. Did we learn something positive out of the COVID-19 pandemic? Post-traumatic growth and mental health in the general population. Eur Psychiatry 2022; 64:e79. [PMID: 35000665 PMCID: PMC8888429 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.2263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background When facing a traumatic event, some people may experience positive changes, defined as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Methods Understanding the possible positive consequences of the pandemic on the individual level is crucial for the development of supportive psychosocial interventions. The present paper aims to: 1) evaluate the levels of PTG in the general population; 2) to identify predictors of each dimension of post-traumatic growth. Results The majority of the sample (67%, N = 13,889) did not report any significant improvement in any domain of PTG. Participants reported the highest levels of growth in the dimension of “appreciation of life” (2.3 ± 1.4), while the lowest level was found in the “spiritual change” (1.2 ± 1.2). Female participants reported a slightly higher level of PTG in areas of personal strength (p < .002) and appreciation for life (p < .007) compared to male participants, while no significant association was found with age. At the multivariate regression models, weighted for the propensity score, only the initial week of lockdown (between 9-15 April) had a negative impact on the dimension of “relating to others” (B = −.107, 95% CI = −.181 to −.032, p < .005), while over time no other effects were found. The duration of exposure to lockdown measures did not influence the other dimensions of PTG. Conclusions The assessment of the levels of PTG is of great importance for the development of ad hoc supportive psychosocial interventions. From a public health perspective, the identification of protective factors is crucial for developing ad-hoc tailored interventions and for preventing the development of full-blown mental disorders in large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Menculini
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi 1, 06132Perugia, Italy
| | - Umberto Albert
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34128Trieste, Italy.,Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Clinic, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina-ASUGI, 34128Trieste, Italy
| | - Valeria Bianchini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Psychiatric Unit: Trattamenti Riabilitativi Psicosociali, Interventi Precoci, TRIP, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Treatment, Early Interventions University Unit, University of L'Aquila, 67100L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrà
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan Bicocca, 20126Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, National Institute of Health, 00161Rome, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'osso
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, 20157Milan, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences, Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Brain Therapeutic, University of Milan, 20142Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Fabrazzo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Largo Madonna delle Grazie, 80138Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Perris
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Largo Madonna delle Grazie, 80138Naples, Italy
| | - Gaia Sampogna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Largo Madonna delle Grazie, 80138Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Nanni
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Ferrara, 44121Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, University Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Volpe
- Clinical Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121Ancona, Italy
| | - Alfonso Tortorella
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi 1, 06132Perugia, Italy
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15
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Jian Y, Hu T, Zong Y, Tang W. Relationship between post-traumatic disorder and posttraumatic growth in COVID-19 home-confined adolescents: The moderating role of self-efficacy. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-10. [PMID: 35018083 PMCID: PMC8736319 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02515-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been traumatogenic for some people, posttraumatic growth (PTG) outcomes have also been observed. This study examined the PTG in adolescents and the moderating effect of self-efficacy on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and PTG. An online questionnaire was conducted on 2090 adolescent Chinese students to measure COVID-19 related exposure, self-efficacy, PTSD, and PTG. PTG prevalence was found in 20.6% of the sample, with the relationship between PTSD and PTG being found to be a reverse U-shaped curve. Objective exposure factors were found to be closely associated with PTSD symptoms but not with PTG. Similarly, subjective feelings of extreme fear were significantly associated with PTSD symptoms but not with PTG. Self-efficacy was found to be positively correlated with PTG (r = 0.551) and to moderate the relationship between PTSD and PTG. For those with low self-efficacy, the higher the PTSD, the higher the PTG, and for those with high self-efficacy, the higher the PTSD, the lower the PTG. As an improved sense of self-efficacy in adolescents could promote positive psychological transformations, these results could assist in identifying self-efficacy levels and providing guidance for targeted psychological interventions to promote positive growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunchao Jian
- Department of Psychology, Chengdu Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Hu
- Department of Psychology, Chengdu Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Zong
- Department of Psychology, Chengdu Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wanjie Tang
- Institute of Emergency Management and Post-disaster Reconstruction, No. 24, South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610065 China
- Department of Psychiatry, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Mental Health Center, Sichuan University, No. 24, South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610065 China
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16
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Wang D, Zhai S, Chen J, Chen Y, Hua S, Wang C, Fan F, Liu X. A Positive Legacy of Trauma? The Role of Perceived Social Support on Mental Health Among Earthquake Survivors During the COVID-19 Outbreak. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:845929. [PMID: 35573382 PMCID: PMC9091904 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.845929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with prior experience of severe trauma may be particularly vulnerable in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about mental health problems among prior trauma survivors during the pandemic outbreak. METHODS A total of 362 Wenchuan earthquake survivors were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, as well as Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, as part of an online survey between February 3 and 10, 2020. RESULTS Our results showed that 6.6 and 4.7% of the participants experienced depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak, respectively. Perceived social support was negatively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Earthquake exposure has no direct effect on current depressive and anxiety symptoms, but it would moderate the direct relationship between perceived social support and psychological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested that trauma exposure may lead to salutogenic outcomes. The protective effect of perceived social support on psychological symptoms was greater in people with a higher level of trauma exposure than in a lower one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Zhai
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jiaqiao Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiming Hua
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengchen Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Fan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianchen Liu
- Center for Public Health Initiatives, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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17
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Nan J, Lv ZY, Yang J, Jiang HJ. Posttraumatic stress symptom trajectories of Chinese university students during the first eight months of the COVID-19 pandemic and their association with cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, and posttraumatic growth. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/1995-7645.359786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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18
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Canale N, Marino C, Lenzi M, Vieno A, Griffiths MD, Gaboardi M, Giraldo M, Cervone C, Massimo S. How Communication Technology Fosters Individual and Social Wellbeing During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Support For a Digital Interaction Model. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2022; 23:727-745. [PMID: 34177363 PMCID: PMC8214064 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-021-00421-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to test an explanatory model for individual and social wellbeing which incorporates the advantages of using digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out in Italy, one of the countries that has been most severely affected by the pandemic worldwide. The study was designed to include variables that might be specifically pertinent to the uniqueness of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Adults living in Italy (n = 1412) completed an online survey during the lockdown period in March 2020. Results showed two distinct digital interaction processes highlighted by the facilitating use of online emotions ("e-motions") and online social support ("e-support"). In short, e-motions were positively related to posttraumatic growth, which in turn was positively associated with positive mental health and higher engagement in prosocial behaviors. Moreover, individuals who perceived themselves as having greater e-support were characterized by higher levels of positive mental health, which it turn was positively associated with prosocial behaviors. Collectively, these two digital interaction processes suggest that digital technologies appear to be critical resources in helping individuals cope with difficulties raised by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natale Canale
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Claudia Marino
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Michela Lenzi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessio Vieno
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Mark D. Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Marta Gaboardi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Giraldo
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Carmen Cervone
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Santinello Massimo
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
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19
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Henson C, Truchot D, Canevello A. What promotes post traumatic growth? A systematic review. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2020.100195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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20
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Na PJ, Tsai J, Southwick SM, Pietrzak RH. Factors associated with post-traumatic growth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a national sample of U.S. military veterans. Soc Sci Med 2021; 289:114409. [PMID: 34537394 PMCID: PMC8445520 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The COVID-19 pandemic has had numerous negative effects globally, contributing to mortality, social restriction, and psychological distress. To date, however, the majority of research on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has focused on negative psychological outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). OBJECTIVE Although there is debate about the constructive vs. illusory nature of post-traumatic growth (PTG), it has been found to be prevalent in a broad range of trauma survivors, including individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to identify pre- and peri-pandemic factors associated with pandemic-related PTG in a national sample of U.S. veterans. METHODS Data were analyzed from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, which surveyed a nationally representative cohort of 3078 U.S. veterans. A broad range of pre-pandemic and 1-year peri-pandemic factors associated with pandemic-related PTG were evaluated. Curve estimation and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to characterize the association between pandemic-related PTSD symptoms and PTG. RESULTS Worries about the effect of the pandemic on one's physical and mental health, PTG in response to previous traumas (i.e., new possibilities and improved interpersonal relationships), and pandemic-related avoidance symptoms were the strongest correlates of pandemic-related PTG. An inverted-U shaped relationship provided the best fit to the association between pandemic-related PTSD symptoms and endorsement of PTG, with moderate severity of PTSD symptoms optimally efficient in identifying veterans who endorsed PTG. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study suggest that psychosocial interventions that promote more deliberate and organized rumination about the pandemic and enhance PTG in response to prior traumatic events may help facilitate positive psychological changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic in U.S. military veterans. Longitudinal studies on functional correlates of PTG may help inform whether these changes are constructive vs. illusory in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Na
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Jack Tsai
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, Tampa, FL, USA; School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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21
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Wundrack R, Asselmann E, Specht J. Personality development in disruptive times: The impact of personal versus collective life events. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Wundrack
- Department of Psychology Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Eva Asselmann
- Department of Psychology Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Jule Specht
- Department of Psychology Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
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22
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Thomas EA, Owens GP, Keller EM. Relationships among non-interpersonal and interpersonal trauma types, posttraumatic stress, and posttraumatic growth. J Clin Psychol 2021; 77:2592-2608. [PMID: 34062610 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
METHODS Adults seeking behavioral health or medical treatment (N = 158) were recruited from a community healthcare agency and a residential support program in the southeastern United States. RESULTS Individuals who reported interpersonal trauma had significantly higher total PTS severity and symptom clusters. No significant difference was found in perceived PTG based on trauma type. No significant curvilinear relationship between PTS and perceived PTG was found. A significant negative linear relationship was observed between PTS and perceived PTG for non-interpersonal trauma, but not interpersonal trauma. CONCLUSION Trauma type may influence the PTS and perceived PTG relationship and, while associated with PTS, seems less important to reporting of perceived PTG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Thomas
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee - Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Gina P Owens
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee - Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Emily M Keller
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee - Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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23
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Mattei J, Tucker KL, Falcón LM, Ríos-Bedoya CF, Kaplan RM, O'Neill HJ, Tamez M, Mendoza S, Díaz-Álvarez CB, Orozco JE, Acosta Pérez E, Rodríguez-Orengo JF. Design and Implementation of the Puerto Rico Observational Study of Psychosocial, Environmental, and Chronic Disease Trends (PROSPECT). Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:707-717. [PMID: 33083832 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwaa231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Puerto Rico Observational Study of Psychosocial, Environmental, and Chronic Disease Trends (PROSPECT) is a prospective cohort study in Puerto Rico (PR) aiming to identify trends and longitudinal associations in risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In 2019, PROSPECT investigators started recruiting a sample of 2,000 adults aged 30-75 years in PR using multistage probabilistic sampling of households and community approaches. Culturally sensitive trained research assistants assess participants, at baseline and at 2-year follow-up, in private rooms at a network of partner clinics. The study collects comprehensive data on demographic factors, socioeconomic and environmental factors, medical history, health conditions, lifestyle behaviors, psychosocial status, and biomarkers of CVD and stress. PROSPECT will estimate the prevalence and incidence of psychosocial, lifestyle, and biological CVD risk factors, describe variations in risk factors by urbanicity (urban areas vs. rural areas) and exposure (before and after) to natural disasters, and determine predictors of longitudinal changes in CVD risk factors. The study has 4 coordinated operational strategies: 1) research productivity (including synergy with existing epidemiologic cohorts of Hispanics/Latinos for comparison); 2) research infrastructure (biorepository, ancillary studies, and clinical research network); 3) capacity-building, education, and training; and 4) community outreach, dissemination, and policy. PROSPECT will inform public health priorities to help reduce CVD in PR.
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24
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Psychological outcomes for young adults after disastrous events: A mixed-methods scoping review. Soc Sci Med 2021; 276:113851. [PMID: 33812159 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Young adulthood (18 to 34) is a time of transitional change where individuals can be highly susceptible to mental health concerns. Despite similar vulnerabilities to their adolescent counterparts, the psychological outcomes for young adults following disasters are not well understood. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aimed to explore the literature on the psychological outcomes for young adults after disaster events. METHODS A systematic search of the literature was conducted in seven electronic databases, including PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL, PILOTS, EMBASE, Scopus, and ProQuest dissertations and theses global. In total, 91 reports from 15 countries were included. RESULTS Findings suggested that young adults experience a range of psychological consequences after disasters, including posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, anxiety, and other psychological outcomes, such as general/non-specific psychological distress. Pre-disaster, peri-disaster, and post-disaster factors were also found to influence the degree of psychological outcomes experienced by young adults, including prior psychological functioning and disaster exposure, among a host of other factors. CONCLUSION Future research is recommended to better understand young adults' psychological outcomes, experiences, and service needs following disasters.
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25
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Gero K, Aida J, Shirai K, Kondo K, Kawachi I. Dispositional Optimism and Disaster Resilience: A natural experiment from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Soc Sci Med 2021; 273:113777. [PMID: 33639358 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dispositional optimism - the general belief that good things will happen - is considered a key asset for the preservation of mental health after a traumatic life event. However, it has been hypothesized that in extreme situations such as major disasters where positive expectations cannot overcome the grim reality on the ground, being optimistic might be a disadvantage. To test this mismatch hypothesis, this study explores whether higher pre-disaster dispositional optimism is associated with higher posttraumatic stress (PTS) and depressive symptoms among individuals who experienced the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. METHODS Information on optimism was collected from community-dwelling residents aged ≥65 years seven months before the 2011 Earthquake/Tsunami in Iwanuma, a Japanese city located 80-km from the epicenter. Data on disaster-related personal experiences (e.g., loss of relatives or friends/housing damage), as well as depressive and PTS symptoms, were collected during a follow-up survey in 2013, 2.5 years after the earthquake and tsunami. Multiple logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the associations between disaster experiences, optimism, and depressive/PTS symptoms among 962 participants. RESULTS Higher pre-disaster dispositional optimism was associated with lower odds of developing depressive symptoms (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.65 to 0.95) and PTS symptoms (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69 to 0.99) after the earthquake. Contrary to the mismatch hypothesis, high dispositional optimism buffered the adverse impact of housing damage on depressive symptoms (interaction term coefficient = -0.63, p = 0.0431), but not on PTS symptoms. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to the mismatch hypothesis, the results suggest that dispositional optimism is a resilience resource among survivors of a disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Gero
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, USA.
| | - Jun Aida
- Department of Oral Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kokoro Shirai
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Katsunori Kondo
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan; Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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26
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Ellena AM, Aresi G, Marta E, Pozzi M. Post-traumatic Growth Dimensions Differently Mediate the Relationship Between National Identity and Interpersonal Trust Among Young Adults: A Study on COVID-19 Crisis in Italy. Front Psychol 2021; 11:576610. [PMID: 33519591 PMCID: PMC7844087 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.576610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Italy, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a collective trauma. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) has been defined as the subjective experience of positive psychological changes as a result of a traumatic event. PTG can involve changes in five psychological main dimensions: relating to others, new possibilities, personal strength, spiritual change, and appreciation of life. In the context of national emergencies, those PTG dimensions encompassing changes at the social level (e.g., relating to others) can play a role in coping strategies that involve a renewed sense of self and one's social identities, including national identities, and in turn, foster a stronger sense of trust and connection to others. AIM To investigate how each of the five PTG dimensions mediates the association between the salience of national identity and interpersonal trust in a sample of Italian young adults. Trust in national and European institutions were expected to positively predict the strength of the Italian national identity which in turn was expected to be positively associated with interpersonal trust, and the PTG relating to others dimension to mediate this association. METHOD This study involves the secondary analysis of data from a representative sample of 2,000 Italian young adults (age range 18-34 years). Participants completed a web survey during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis in Italy with measures of trust in EU and national institutions, national identity, interpersonal trust, and the PTG Inventory. Structural equation modeling procedures were employed for key hypotheses tests. RESULTS Trust in national institutions positively predicted national identity, which in turn was positively associated with interpersonal trust. Evidence of a full mediation effect of the PTG relating to others dimension on the association between national identity and interpersonal trust was found. DISCUSSION Findings contribute to clarify the psychological responses to collective traumas. In the context of Italy's COVID-19 crisis, trust in national institutions reinforced Italian national identity, which was in turn associated with greater interpersonal trust, but only when psychological responses to the trauma involved changes in how individuals perceived and related to others, and not merely a focus on the self. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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Raker EJ, Arcaya MC, Lowe SR, Zacher M, Rhodes J, Waters MC. Mitigating Health Disparities After Natural Disasters: Lessons From The RISK Project. Health Aff (Millwood) 2020; 39:2128-2135. [PMID: 33284697 PMCID: PMC8533028 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2020.01161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Climate change exacerbates the severity of natural disasters, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Mitigating disasters' health consequences is critical to promoting health equity, but few studies have isolated the short- and long-term effects of disasters on vulnerable groups. We filled this gap by conducting a fifteen-year (2003-2018) prospective study of low-income, predominantly Black parents who experienced Hurricane Katrina: the Resilience in Survivors of Katrina (RISK) Project. Here we describe this project and synthesize lessons from work that has resulted from it. Our findings can guide policy makers, service providers, and health officials in disaster planning and response. We synthesize them into an organizational schema of five priorities: Primary efforts should be aimed at preventing exposure to trauma through investments in climate resilience and by eliminating impediments to evacuation, health care policies should promote uninterrupted and expanded access to care, social services should integrate and strive to reduce the administrative burden on survivors, programs should aid survivors in forging or strengthening connections to their communities, and policy makers should fund targeted long-term services for highly affected survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan J Raker
- Ethan J. Raker is a PhD candidate in the Department of Sociology at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Mariana C Arcaya
- Mariana C. Arcaya is an associate professor of urban planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah R Lowe
- Sarah R. Lowe is an assistant professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Yale School of Public Health, in New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Meghan Zacher
- Meghan Zacher is a postdoctoral fellow in the Population Studies and Training Center at Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jean Rhodes
- Jean Rhodes is the Frank L. Boyden Professor of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, in Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mary C Waters
- Mary C. Waters is the PVK Professor of Arts and Sciences and the John L. Loeb Professor of Sociology at Harvard University
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Hennein R, Lowe S. A hybrid inductive-abductive analysis of health workers' experiences and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240646. [PMID: 33104711 PMCID: PMC7588050 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic puts health workers at increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes. However, no studies have assessed health workers' experiences using qualitative methods during the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States to identify novel factors that could relate to their mental health. In May 2020, we distributed an online survey to health workers across 25 medical centers throughout the United States. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Primary Care-Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Concise and associated cutoff values were used to assess rates of probable major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol use disorder, respectively. To provide insight into the factors shaping these and other mental health conditions, we included two open-ended questions asking respondents to recount their most upsetting and hopeful experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it made them feel. Using a hybrid inductive-abductive approach and thematic content analysis, we created a Social Ecological Model to represent themes among health workers' experiences within five ecological levels: individual, interpersonal, organization, community, and public policy. Of the 1,132 participants who completed the survey, 14.0% had probable major depression, 15.8% probable generalized anxiety disorder, 23.1% probable post-traumatic stress disorder, and 42.6% probable alcohol use disorder. Individual level themes included participants' personal health and self-care behaviors. Interpersonal level themes included the health of their social circle, family functioning, and social support. Organization level themes included their hospital's management, resources, patient care, routine, and teams. Themes in the community level included the media, scientific knowledge about COVID-19, morale, behavior, and support of health workers. Lastly, government and health system leadership and shelter-in-place policy were themes within the public policy level. Our findings provide insights into novel factors that have impacted health workers' wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors should be further explored to inform interventions and public policy that mitigate mental health morbidities among health workers during this and future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hennein
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Sarah Lowe
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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Magne H, Jaafari N, Voyer M. [Post-traumatic growth: Some conceptual considerations]. Encephale 2020; 47:143-150. [PMID: 32928525 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2020.05.021] [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: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a quite new concept of positive psychology proposed in the mid-1990s which is still rather confidential in France. This article aims to propose a full description of this concept from an historical view to epidemiological data through underlying mechanisms and evaluation. METHODS A literature search identifying relevant results was performed through the Pubmed database. RESULTS PTG refers to positive psychological changes experienced as a result of a traumatic life event in order to rise to a higher level of functioning. That is to say that people experiencing psychological struggle following adversity may often see positive outcomes in the aftermath of trauma. Domains of PTG include appreciation of life, relationships with others, new possibilities in life, personal strength and spiritual change. A self-report scale, the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), has been developed. PTG has been demonstrated after various traumatic events such as transport accidents, natural disasters, interpersonal violence or medical problems, with a prevalence ranging from 3 to 98 % depending on the type of trauma. DISCUSSION The concept of resilience and some evaluation bias may have been deleterious for the development of the PTG concept in the French-speaking world. There is a need to consolidate data to understand the pathway leading to PTG, noticeably to identify factors contributing to PTG that can help to promote the growth as a new therapy for trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Magne
- Centre de psychotraumatologie, Pavillon Pierre-Janet, centre hospitalier Henri-Laborit, BP 587, 370, avenue Jacques-Cœur, 86021 Poitiers cedex, France.
| | - N Jaafari
- Centre de psychotraumatologie, Pavillon Pierre-Janet, centre hospitalier Henri-Laborit, BP 587, 370, avenue Jacques-Cœur, 86021 Poitiers cedex, France; Unité de recherche clinique intersectorielle en psychiatrie à vocation régionale Pierre-Deniker, centre hospitalier Henri-Laborit, CS 10587, 370, avenue Jacques-Cœur, 86021 Poitiers cedex, France
| | - M Voyer
- Centre de psychotraumatologie, Pavillon Pierre-Janet, centre hospitalier Henri-Laborit, BP 587, 370, avenue Jacques-Cœur, 86021 Poitiers cedex, France
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Das A. Women's greater late-life depression: Traumatic experiences or GxE? ADVANCES IN LIFE COURSE RESEARCH 2020; 45:100341. [PMID: 36698275 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcr.2020.100341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined the role of traumatic life experiences, and their interaction with genetic risk, in explaining gender differences in late life depression. METHODS Data were from the 2008-through-2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, nationally representative of U.S. adults over age 50. Analysis was restricted to white participants. Newly available polygenic risk scores indexed genetic propensity for depression. Linear growth models examined gender effects on depression, as well as their mediation by environmental and genetic risk. RESULTS Across-person results suggested greater depression among older white women than men. No disparities were found in within-person change. Women also did not have more traumatic life experiences. Nor did the few factors they reported more than men influence depression, or mediate the gender difference in this outcome. The sole exception was childhood parental physical abuse. This early experience mediated about a quarter of the gender disparity-but only at mean or high genetic vulnerability. In contrast, adulthood traumas common among women interacted negatively with polygenic risk-such that they mediated the gender effect only at low levels of the latter. DISCUSSION Traumatic life experiences and their genetic interactions appear to have minimal utility in explaining women's greater depression-at least among white older adults. Careful work is needed on the extent to which these factors underlie other social disparities in mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha Das
- Department of Sociology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2T7, Canada.
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Whealin JM, Pitts B, Tsai J, Rivera C, Fogle BM, Southwick SM, Pietrzak RH. Dynamic interplay between PTSD symptoms and posttraumatic growth in older military veterans. J Affect Disord 2020; 269:185-191. [PMID: 32339132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to positive psychological changes that may occur after experiencing a traumatic event. While cross-sectional studies have suggested that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with greater PTG, few longitudinal studies have evaluated interrelationships between PTSD and PTG. Further, little is known about which specific symptom clusters of PTSD and coping mechanisms may drive PTG over time. METHODS We evaluated interrelationships between PTSD symptoms and PTG using data from a 4-year, nationally representative, prospective cohort study of 2,006 older trauma-exposed U.S. veterans. RESULTS Autoregressive cross-lagged panel regression analyses revealed that greater severity of PTSD symptoms was associated with greater PTG over time. Specifically, greater severity of the avoidance and anxious arousal (e.g., hypervigilance) symptoms at Wave 1 predicted greater PTG at Wave 2; and greater severity of avoidance and lower severity of dysphoric arousal (e.g., sleep disturbance) at Wave 2 predicted greater PTG at Wave 3. Engagement in active coping and religious coping were associated with greater subsequent PTG above and beyond autoregressive associations between PTSD and PTG. LIMITATIONS The self-report nature of the assessments, discrete assessment periods assessed, and focus on older military veterans are study limitations. CONCLUSIONS Greater severity of PTSD symptoms, particularly avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms, may contribute to and maintain PTG over time in older veterans. Interventions that promote deliberate, constructive attempts to manage chronic PTSD symptoms via active coping and religious coping may help veterans better manage PTSD symptoms and experience greater PTG in late-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Whealin
- VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, 459 Patterson Road, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA; Department of Psychiatry, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 651 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
| | - Barbara Pitts
- VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, 459 Patterson Road, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA; Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, 492 Bluemont Hall 1114 Mid-Campus Dr North, Manhattan, Kansas 66506-5302, USA
| | - Jack Tsai
- VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, Tampa, FL, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Caleb Rivera
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii, 200W Kawili St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Brienna M Fogle
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Steven M Southwick
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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Tang W, Wang Y, Lu L, Lu Y, Xu J. Post-traumatic growth among 5195 adolescents at 8.5 years after exposure to the Wenchuan earthquake: Roles of post-traumatic stress disorder and self-esteem. J Health Psychol 2020; 26:2450-2459. [PMID: 32306761 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320913947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the level of post-traumatic growth in a large sample of Chinese adolescent earthquake survivors (n = 5195) and relationships among self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder, and post-traumatic growth. This cross-sectional study indicated that the prevalence of post-traumatic growth among adolescent survivors was 14.8 percent. Post-traumatic growth was independently associated with self-esteem, severity of exposures, and avoidance facets of post-traumatic stress disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder was found to be partially mediated by self-esteem on post-traumatic growth; and post-traumatic stress disorder was also a mediator between earthquake exposure and post-traumatic growth. This study suggests that future longitudinal research and clinical practice should test whether promoting self-esteem can enhance post-traumatic stress disorder treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Li Lu
- Sichuan University, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Sichuan University, China
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Maitlis S. Posttraumatic Growth at Work. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY AND ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR 2020. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-012119-044932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The phenomenon of posttraumatic growth—the transformative positive change that can occur as a result of a struggle with great adversity—has been a focus of interest for psychologists for more than two decades. Research on work-related posttraumatic growth has concentrated primarily on contexts that are inherently traumatic, either through direct exposure to trauma, such as in the military, or through secondary trauma, such as in professions that provide care for traumatized others. There is also an emerging literature on posttraumatic growth in “ordinary” work. Organized into seven sections, this review draws on the research on posttraumatic growth in response to both personal and work-based adversity to build a model of work-related posttraumatic growth. Later sections raise challenges in the study of posttraumatic growth at work and identify critical future research directions. Practical implications for organizations and their members are considered throughout the review and are summarized at the end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Maitlis
- Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 1HP, United Kingdom
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Gallagher MW, Long LJ, Phillips CA. Hope, optimism, self‐efficacy, and posttraumatic stress disorder: A meta‐analytic review of the protective effects of positive expectancies. J Clin Psychol 2019; 76:329-355. [DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W. Gallagher
- Department of Psychology, Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and StatisticsUniversity of HoustonHouston Texas
| | - Laura J. Long
- Department of Psychology, Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and StatisticsUniversity of HoustonHouston Texas
| | - Colleen A. Phillips
- Department of Psychology, Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and StatisticsUniversity of HoustonHouston Texas
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Schwartz RM, Rasul R, Gargano LM, Lieberman-Cribbin W, Brackbill RM, Taioli E. Examining Associations Between Hurricane Sandy Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by Community of Residence. J Trauma Stress 2019; 32:677-687. [PMID: 31487410 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to 2012's Hurricane Sandy differed by community across New York City and nearby Long Island, and the differential impact of exposure on mental health concerns must be studied to enhance resilience in vulnerable communities. We assessed the association between self-reported Hurricane Sandy exposure and subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, obtained through validated questionnaires completed by residents of lower Manhattan (n = 1,134), Queens/Long Island (LI)/Staten Island (SI; n = 622), and the Rockaways (n = 1,011); mean assessment times were 7, 14, and 32 months post-Sandy, respectively. The median number of hurricane exposures was similar for all communities; however, Rockaways residents had a higher proportion of likely PTSD symptoms (18.8%) compared to lower Manhattan (8.0%) and Queens/LI/SI residents (5.8%). Regarding likely PTSD, there was significant interaction between total hurricane exposure and community, p = .002, and flooding and community, p = .040. Number of hurricane exposures was associated with higher odds of likely PTSD in Queens/LI/SI, AOR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.34, 1.94]; lower Manhattan, AOR = 1.43, 95% CI [1.28, 1.59]; and the Rockaways, AOR = 1.25, 95% CI [1.16, 1.35]. Flooding was associated with increased odds of likely PTSD in the Rockaways, AOR = 1.65, 95% CI [1.01, 2.69]; and Queens/LI/SI, AOR = 3.29, 95% CI [1.08, 10.00]. This study emphasizes the differential impact of hurricane exposure on subsequent PTSD symptoms in three communities affected by Hurricane Sandy. Future preparedness and recovery efforts must understand community correlates of mental health concerns to promote resilience in vulnerable communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Schwartz
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Great Neck, New York, USA.,Department of Population Health Science and Policy and Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Disaster Health, Trauma and Resilience, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rehana Rasul
- Center for Disaster Health, Trauma and Resilience, New York, New York, USA.,Biostatistics Unit, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Lisa M Gargano
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, New York, USA
| | - Wil Lieberman-Cribbin
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy and Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Disaster Health, Trauma and Resilience, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert M Brackbill
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emanuela Taioli
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy and Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Disaster Health, Trauma and Resilience, New York, New York, USA
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36
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Zhou X, Zhen R, Wu X. Trajectories of posttraumatic growth among adolescents over time since the Wenchuan earthquake. J Adolesc 2019; 74:188-196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Bevilacqua K, Schneider S, Rasul R, Taioli E, Schwartz RM. Engagement in linkage to mental health care program in the Rockaways after Hurricane Sandy. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 47:743-756. [PMID: 30597560 PMCID: PMC6590356 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The Rockaways area of New York City was especially devastated by Hurricane Sandy. This study examined participant characteristics associated with acceptance of a linkage to and attendance at appointments for mental health difficulties (MHD). Participants (N = 1,011) completed questionnaires to assess mental health symptoms. Participants who met screening criteria (n = 442) were offered linkage to care. Individuals who had a higher mental health symptom burden (MHSB; i.e., those who screened in on more than one criteria vs. only one criterion) had 2.68 greater odds of accepting services (95% confidence interval [1.68, 4.26]). MHSB was not associated with attending a first appointment (p = 0.80). Female gender and Hispanic ethnicity were also associated with acceptance of linkage to care, though not attendance. Reducing stigma around MHD associated with natural disasters and increasing knowledge about the mental health care system could promote help-seeking behavior among survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Bevilacqua
- Department of Occupational MedicineEpidemiology and Prevention, Northwell Health
- Joint Center for Disaster HealthTrauma and Resilience
| | - Samantha Schneider
- Department of Occupational MedicineEpidemiology and Prevention, Northwell Health
- Joint Center for Disaster HealthTrauma and Resilience
| | - Rehana Rasul
- Department of Occupational MedicineEpidemiology and Prevention, Northwell Health
- Joint Center for Disaster HealthTrauma and Resilience
- Department of BiostatisticsNorthwell Health
| | - Emanuela Taioli
- Joint Center for Disaster HealthTrauma and Resilience
- Institute of Translational Epidemiology, Department of Population Health Science and PolicyThe Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | - Rebecca M. Schwartz
- Department of Occupational MedicineEpidemiology and Prevention, Northwell Health
- Joint Center for Disaster HealthTrauma and Resilience
- Institute of Translational Epidemiology, Department of Population Health Science and PolicyThe Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
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38
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van Westrhenen N, Fritz E, Vermeer A, Boelen P, Kleber R. Creative arts in psychotherapy for traumatized children in South Africa: An evaluation study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210857. [PMID: 30759101 PMCID: PMC6374007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To evaluate the feasibility and effect of a 10-session creative arts in psychotherapy group programme on posttraumatic stress symptoms, behavioural problems, and posttraumatic growth, in children who experienced a traumatic event. Design A multicentre non-randomized controlled trial with a treatment and a control condition conducted in South Africa (4 sites). Methods 125 children aged 7 to 13 years were assigned either to the treatment condition receiving creative arts in psychotherapy or a control condition with a low-level supportive programme without treatment. Attrition rates were 63.4% and in total 47 children completed the programme and questionnaires assessing posttraumatic stress, posttraumatic growth and behaviour problems both at baseline and follow-up; 23 in the treatment group and 24 in the control group. Adjusted mean differences were analysed using ANCOVA with bootstrapping. Results Results showed that both hyperarousal symptoms (d = 0.61) and avoidance symptoms (d = 0.41) decreased more in the treatment group compared to the control group. There was no significant effect of the intervention found for reported levels of behavioural problems and posttraumatic growth. Conclusion In spite of severe challenges implementing and executing this pioneering study in underprivileged areas of South Africa, support was found for creative arts in psychotherapy reducing hyperarousal and avoidance symptoms, but not for other symptoms. Valuable lessons were learned on feasibility of implementing this intervention in a developing context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine van Westrhenen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Elzette Fritz
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Adri Vermeer
- Department of Education and Pedagogics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Boelen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Rolf Kleber
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, The Netherlands
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Ochoa Arnedo C, Sánchez N, Sumalla EC, Casellas-Grau A. Stress and Growth in Cancer: Mechanisms and Psychotherapeutic Interventions to Facilitate a Constructive Balance. Front Psychol 2019; 10:177. [PMID: 30778323 PMCID: PMC6369350 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress and growth are common responses to adverse life events such as cancer. In this article, we establish how cancer becomes a "fertile land" for the emergence of stress and growth responses and analyze the main mechanisms involved. Stress-growth responses on adjusting to cancer is potentially determined by factors like the phase of the illness (e.g., initial phases vs. period of survivorship), patient's coping strategies, meaning-making, and relationships with significant others. We also review the mechanisms of constructive and adaptative stress-growth balances in cancer to study the predictors, interrelated associations, triggering mechanisms, long-term results, and specific trajectories of these two responses to cancer. Finally, we update the evidence on the role of these stress-growth associations in psychologically adjusting to cancer. Together with this evidence, we summarize preliminary results regarding the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions that aim to facilitate a constructive psychological balance between stress and growth in cancer patients. Recommendations for future research and gaps in knowledge on stress-growth processes in this illness are also highlighted. Researchers are encouraged to design and use psychotherapeutic interventions according to the dynamic and changeable patients' sources of stress and growth along the illness. Relevant insights are proposed to understand the inconsistency of stress-growth literature and to promote psychotherapeutic interventions to facilitate a constructive balance between these key responses in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Ochoa Arnedo
- Psycho-oncology Unit, Institut Català d'Oncologia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain.,Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology Department, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Enric C Sumalla
- Psycho-oncology Unit, Institut Català d'Oncologia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Casellas-Grau
- Psycho-oncology Unit, Institut Català d'Oncologia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
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Social support moderates association between posttraumatic growth and trauma-related psychopathologies among victims of the Sewol Ferry Disaster. Psychiatry Res 2019; 272:507-514. [PMID: 30616117 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Disasters have numerous harmful effects on the mental health status of trauma-exposed people. We investigated the differences in the association between trauma-related psychopathologies and posttraumatic growth according to the perceived social support level among victims of the Sewol Ferry disaster on April 16, 2014, in South Korea. Data from 241 bereaved family members, survivors, and family members of survivors were used. The Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, PTSD Checklist-5, Posttraumatic Embitterment Disorder Self-Rating Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 were used to evaluate perceived social support, posttraumatic growth, and trauma-related psychopathologies. We found that the severity of depression and anxiety showed inverse correlations with posttraumatic growth only in the low-social support group, while they did not demonstrate significant correlations in the high-social support group. The social support level had correlations with posttraumatic growth and the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic embitterment disorder only in female respondents. Furthermore, there was a mediation pathway from social support level to posttraumatic growth through depressive symptoms. This study explored the complex relationship between social support, posttraumatic growth, trauma-related psychopathologies, and gender among trauma-exposed individuals in the aftermath of the Sewol Ferry disaster.
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Manove EE, Lowe SR, Bonumwezi J, Preston J, Waters MC, Rhodes JE. Posttraumatic growth in low-income Black mothers who survived Hurricane Katrina. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY 2019; 89:144-158. [PMID: 30676050 PMCID: PMC6666311 DOI: 10.1037/ort0000398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This mixed-methods study aimed to gain knowledge of the lived experience of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in 32 low-income Black mothers whose New Orleans' homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, and half of whom had relocated indefinitely to Houston. Data from in-depth interviews with participants were examined in conjunction with quantitative scores on the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996). Participants were interviewed face-to-face on a range of postdisaster experiences, including positive changes, in 2009. Participants also completed the PTGI via a telephone survey within six months of being interviewed. Most (26 out of 32) participants described experiencing PTG within the 5 domains of the PTGI, with the domains most frequently coded, in descending order, being New Possibilities, Relating to Others, Personal Strength, Appreciation for Life, and Spiritual Change. PTG stemmed heavily from exposure to opportunities in survivors' postdisaster communities, including increased racial diversity, improved neighborhoods, and new educational and economic opportunities. Participants' frequency of all PTG codes was associated with their overall PTGI scores with a small-to-moderate effect size (r = .32; p = .078) in a relationship that trended toward significance. Without minimizing the catastrophic losses they entail, disasters may in some cases create spaces for PTG for survivors, including through new opportunities in areas where survivors formerly experienced oppression. Policymakers should examine how to make such opportunities available, visible and accessible to individuals absent a disaster. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Manove
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance/ Harvard Medical School, Harvard University
| | - Sarah R Lowe
- Department of Psychology, Montclair State University
| | | | - Justin Preston
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston
| | | | - Jean E Rhodes
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston
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Philipps A, Silbermann A, Morawa E, Stemmler M, Erim Y. Effectiveness of a Multimodal, Day Clinic Group-Based Treatment Program for Trauma-Related Disorders: Differential Therapy Outcome for Complex PTSD vs. Non-Complex Trauma-Related Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:800. [PMID: 31787906 PMCID: PMC6853865 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The effectiveness of the psychotherapeutic treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder is evidence-based and generally considered proven. However, the effectiveness of multimodal, group-based day clinic treatment programs has rarely been investigated. Moreover, there is no consensus in the literature concerning the question whether psychotherapeutic approaches for trauma-related disorders are also applicable for patients with complex PTSD (cPTSD). The aim of the study was to evaluate our multimodal group-based treatment program regarding a change of psychiatric burden, a change of protective factors, and possible differences in therapy outcome for patients with or without cPTSD. Methods: The group-based treatment for patients with trauma-related disorders was examined in 66 patients who filled out the following questionnaires in the first and in the last week of treatment: Essen Trauma Inventory (ETI), Screening for complex PTSD (SkPTBS), Patient Health Questionnaire-somatization module (PHQ-15), Beck Depression Inventory-Revised (BDI-II), Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and Questionnaire on social support (F-SozU). Results: The treatment was shown to significantly reduce depressive symptoms (p < 0.001, d = -0.536) and increase posttraumatic growth (New Possibilities: p = 0.004, d = 0.405; Personal Strength: p = 0.005, d = 0.414). For patients with cPTSD, depressive (p = 0.010, d = -0.63) as well as cPTSD symptoms (p = 0.020, d = -0.796) were significantly reduced; perceived social support was increased after day clinic treatment (p = 0.003, d = 0.61). Contrary to our expectations, somatoform symptoms were increased after therapy. Conclusions: The present work expands previous research by demonstrating that multimodal group-based, day clinic treatment is effective in the treatment of trauma-related disorders, also in their complex form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Philipps
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea Silbermann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva Morawa
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mark Stemmler
- Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yesim Erim
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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Wang W, Wu X, Tian Y. Mediating Roles of Gratitude and Social Support in the Relation Between Survivor Guilt and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Growth Among Adolescents After the Ya'an Earthquake. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2131. [PMID: 30455660 PMCID: PMC6230928 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to examine the mediating roles of gratitude and social support in the relationship between survivor guilt and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as the relationship between survivor guilt and posttraumatic growth (PTG). Methods: The current study used self-report questionnaires to investigate 706 adolescent survivors of Lushan county three and a half years after the Ya'an earthquake. The structural equation model was used to evaluate the relations between survivor guilt, gratitude and social support in PTSD and PTG. Results: The results indicated that survivor guilt had a positive effect on both PTSD and PTG. Gratitude partly mediated the relation between survivor guilt and both PTSD and PTG; social support partly mediated the relation between survivor guilt and PTG but not PTSD as well as the relation between gratitude and PTG. Conclusion: Survivor guilt has a double-edged sword effect. Survivor guilt affects PTSD and PTG through gratitude, and it could affect PTG but not PTSD through social support. Gratitude decreases PTSD and increases PTG, whereas social support only increases PTG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinchun Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxin Tian
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Magid K, El-Gabalawy R, Maran A, Serber ER. An Examination of the Association Between Post-traumatic Growth and Stress Symptomatology in Cardiac Outpatients. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2018; 26:271-281. [PMID: 30317415 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-018-9585-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the association between post-traumatic growth (PTG), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and trauma-related factors in cardiac outpatients. Participants recruited from four cardiology clinics between November 2014 and July 2015 (N = 52, 69.2% men, Mage = 65 years) completed self-assessments of PTG and PTSD along with demographic, cardiac health index, and trauma-related factors. In total, 75% of the sample endorsed their cardiac event as traumatic, while 17.2% reported their cardiac event as their 'worst trauma'; those endorsing the latter did not significantly differ from those endorsing 'other traumas' as their worst. Chi-square analyses indicated that the lifetime traumas of experiencing loss or abandonment, witnessing trauma, and experiencing a natural disaster were significantly related to PTG factors of new possibilities, relating to others, and spirituality. Bivariate correlations on all PTSD symptom clusters and factors of PTG revealed the strongest associations between the PTG factors of spiritual change and appreciation of life. Lifetime PTSD symptoms, duration of negative reactions, and re-experiencing symptoms were found to be significantly associated with higher PTG, and a unique independent effect emerged with avoidance symptoms. Our results suggest that PTG may be associated with particular facets of PTSD symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirby Magid
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Renée El-Gabalawy
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. .,Department of Clinical Health Psychology and Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, University of Manitoba, AE209, Harry Medovy House, 671 William Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0Z2, Canada.
| | - Anbukarasi Maran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Eva R Serber
- Department of Psychiatry/Bio-behavioral Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Schneider S, Rasul R, Liu B, Corry D, Lieberman-Cribbin W, Watson A, Kerath SM, Taioli E, Schwartz RM. Examining posttraumatic growth and mental health difficulties in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY 2018; 11:127-136. [PMID: 30113188 DOI: 10.1037/tra0000400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hurricane Sandy continues to affect the mental health of New York residents. This study examined associations between Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) and mental health difficulties (MHD) including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHOD Participants (N = 1,356) recruited from the New York metropolitan area completed questionnaires regarding their PTG, demographics, MHD, and hurricane experiences. A weighted least squares regression assessed the association between MHD and PTG. A post hoc analysis determined whether anxiety or depression moderated the effect of PTSD on PTG. RESULTS All MHD were crudely associated with greater PTG. After adjustment, an increased PTSD score was significantly associated with a 0.20 unit increase in PTG (t = 6.05, p < .001); this did not hold for depression or anxiety symptoms. Higher PTG was associated with being non-White (B = 5.90, t = 6.49, p < .001), Hispanic (B = 3.38, t = 2.89, p = .004), a smoker (B = 3.18, t = 3.28, p = .001), and greater Hurricane Sandy exposure (t = 7.11, p < .001). The positive association between PTSD symptoms and PTG was weaker among participants with probable depression. CONCLUSION Results suggest that participants with higher PTSD symptoms were more likely to grow from the impact of the storm, indicating resilience. Highly exposed participants were more likely to experience PTG. A decrease in PTG was found among those with both PTSD and depression symptoms. The development and implementation of interventions fostering PTG could be beneficial in clinical disaster response work. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Schneider
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention (OMEP), Northwell Health
| | | | - Bian Liu
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | | | - Wil Lieberman-Cribbin
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | - Alexis Watson
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Northwell Health
| | | | - Emanuela Taioli
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | - Rebecca M Schwartz
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
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Abstract
The projected behavioral impacts of global climate change emanate from environmental changes including temperature elevation, extreme weather events, and rising air pollution. Negative affect, interpersonal and intergroup conflict, and possibly psychological distress increase with rising temperature. Droughts, floods, and severe storms diminish quality of life, elevate stress, produce psychological distress, and may elevate interpersonal and intergroup conflict. Recreational opportunities are compromised by extreme weather, and children may suffer delayed cognitive development. Elevated pollutants concern citizens and may accentuate psychological distress. Outdoor recreational activity is curtailed by ambient pollutants. Limitations and issues in need of further investigation include the following: lack of data on direct experience with climate change rather than indirect assessments related to projected changes; poor spatial resolution in environmental exposures and behavioral assessments; few rigorous quasi-experimental studies; overreliance on self-reports of behavioral outcomes; little consideration of moderator effects; and scant investigation of underlying psychosocial processes to explain projected behavioral impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary W Evans
- Department of Design and Environmental Analysis and Department of Human Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA;
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The prevalence of posttraumatic stress in adolescents eight years after the Wenchuan earthquake. Psychiatry Res 2018; 262:262-269. [PMID: 29475105 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In 2008, an 8.0 Richter scale earthquake devastated Wenchuan in China, which resulted in heavy casualties, and had wide-reaching psychological effects on survivors. To examine its impact on the survivors, this study aims to investigate the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in adolescents eight years after the earthquake. The cross-section survey was conducted in two different earthquake-affected areas, and data were collected from 4118 respondents. Instruments included the questionnaire on demographic information, the questionnaire on seismic exposure, PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) questionnaire, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) and Simple Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ). During the survey, there were 1998 valid questionnaires from the generally affected area and 2120 questionnaires from the severely affected area. The rate of PTSD is 1.9% in the generally affected area and 2.7% in the severely affected disaster area; there is no significant difference between the two differently affected areas. Occurrences of PTSD and PTG are significantly positively correlated in the generally affected area, nevertheless, there is a significant negative correlation between PTSD and PTG in most systems of the severely affected area. The results of this study help to expand our knowledge regarding posttraumatic stress in adolescents 8 years after the Wenchuan earthquake, and it provides suggestions for specific long-term health interventions in such populations. To prevent earthquake-related psychological issues among adolescent survivors, social support, psychological aid, and improvement of the living environment are necessary to buffer negative posttraumatic stress.
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Zhou X, Wu X, Zhen R. Self-esteem and hope mediate the relations between social support and post-traumatic stress disorder and growth in adolescents following the Ya’an earthquake. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2017; 31:32-45. [DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2017.1374376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhou
- School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- I-Core Research Center for Mass Trauma, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Xinchun Wu
- School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhen
- School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Psychosocial Outcomes 3 to 10 Years After Donation in the Adult to Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study. Transplantation 2017; 100:1257-69. [PMID: 27152918 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000001144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of liver donors' psychosocial outcomes focus on the short term and rely largely on quality-of-life measures not specific to donation. We sought to examine long-term donation effects on 3 psychosocial domains: perceived physical, emotional, and socioeconomic outcomes. METHODS Individuals donating 3 to 10 years previously at 9 centers were eligible for telephone surveys. Survey responses were examined descriptively. Cluster analysis was used to identify distinct donor groups based on response profiles across psychosocial domains. Potential predictors of response profiles were evaluated with regression analysis. RESULTS Five hundred seventeen donors (66%) participated (M = 5.8 years postdonation, SD = 1.9). Fifteen percent to 48% of donors endorsed current donation-related physical health problems and concerns, and 7%-60% reported socioeconomic concerns (eg, insurance difficulties, financial expenditures). However, on average, donors experienced high psychological growth, and 90% felt positively about donation. Cluster analysis revealed 5 donor groups. One group showed high psychological benefit, with little endorsement of physical or socioeconomic concerns (15% of donors). Four groups showed less favorable profiles, with varying combinations of difficulties. The largest such group showed high endorsement of physical concerns and financial expenditures, and only modest psychological benefit (31% of donors). Men and nonHispanic whites were most likely to have unfavorable response profiles (Ps < 0.01). Compared with donors aged 19 to 30 years, older donors were less likely to have unfavorable profiles; these differences were significant for donors in the >40 to 50 year age group (Ps < 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Even many years postdonation, donors report adverse physical and socioeconomic effects, but positive emotional effects as well. Identification of response profiles and predictors may improve targeting of postdonation surveillance and care.
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Correlation Between Posttraumatic Growth and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Based on Pearson Correlation Coefficient: A Meta-Analysis. J Nerv Ment Dis 2017; 205:380-389. [PMID: 27875386 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000000605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The literature on posttraumatic growth (PTG) is burgeoning, with the inconsistencies in the literature of the relationship between PTG and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms becoming a focal point of attention. Thus, this meta-analysis aims to explore the relationship between PTG and PTSD symptoms through the Pearson correlation coefficient. A systematic search of the literature from January 1996 to November 2015 was completed. We retrieved reports on 63 studies that involved 26,951 patients. The weighted correlation coefficient revealed an effect size of 0.22 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.18 to 0.25. Meta-analysis provides evidence that PTG may be positively correlated with PTSD symptoms and that this correlation may be modified by age, trauma type, and time since trauma. Accordingly, people with high levels of PTG should not be ignored, but rather, they should continue to receive help to alleviate their PTSD symptoms.
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