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Tharaud JB, Murphy J, Smith DL, Valdespino-Hayden ZE, Held P. Changes in emotion regulation difficulties and PTSD symptom severity in an intensive treatment program for PTSD. J Affect Disord 2024; 361:620-626. [PMID: 38844167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Greater difficulties in emotion regulation (ER) and decreased use of adaptive ER strategies have been associated with higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. To date, limited research has explored whether ER improves with PTSD treatment or whether such improvements are linked with improvements in PTSD symptoms. METHODS Veterans and service members with PTSD (N = 223) participated in a 2-week intensive treatment program (ITP) based in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). ER was measured using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Short Form (DERS-SF) at baseline and on days 4 and 9 of treatment. PTSD symptoms were reported on the PTSD Symptom Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) at baseline, on days 3, 5, 6, and 8 of treatment, and at post-treatment. RESULTS DERS-SF scores decreased during treatment (Mchange = 5.12, d = 0.38). Baseline DERS-SF did not predict overall PCL-5 scores across timepoints (p = .377). However, scores on the DERS-SF over time were significantly associated with PCL-5 improvement over the course of treatment (p < .001, R2b = 0.07). Finally, improvements in all subscales of the DERS-SF across time except clarity were significantly associated with improvement in PCL-5 over time. LIMITATIONS Additional treatment components in the ITP beyond CPT may have contributed to ER improvements. Conclusions are also limited by the use of self-report data. CONCLUSIONS An intensive CPT-based treatment program for veterans and service members can lead to improved ER in two weeks. ER improvements are associated with PTSD symptom severity during the ITP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica B Tharaud
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, United States of America; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Dale L Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States of America
| | | | - Philip Held
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, United States of America.
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2
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Messman BA, Compton SE, Majeed I, Weiss NH, Contractor AA. Beyond the mean: examining associations between intraindividual variability in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and posttrauma reckless behaviors. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2024; 37:615-631. [PMID: 38268223 PMCID: PMC11266525 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2024.2307465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Posttrauma reckless behaviors have been linked to the onset and exacerbation of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, PTSD symptoms fluctuate across time, triggered by environmental stimuli in daily life, referred to as (intraindividual) variability in PTSD symptoms. DESIGN We utilized experience sampling methods to investigate associations between engagement in posttrauma reckless behaviors and variability in PTSD symptoms and the moderating role of emotion dysregulation in this association. METHODS Data from 166 trauma-exposed university students (Mage = 21.43 ± 5.07, 85.4% women) were collected between January 2019 to August 2020. Participants completed baseline and follow-up surveys to assess engagement in posttrauma reckless behaviors and daily surveys (10-days) to assess variability in PTSD symptoms. Results. Analyzes indicated greater baseline engagement in posttrauma reckless behaviors was associated with greater 10-day variability in PTSD symptoms (β = 0.23, p = .031), and baseline emotion dysregulation moderated this association (β = -0.33, p = .003). Additionally, greater 10-day variability in PTSD symptoms was associated with greater follow-up engagement in posttrauma reckless behaviors (β = 0.14, p = .045). CONCLUSIONS Findings substantiate the interplay between engagement in posttrauma reckless behaviors and daily fluctuations in PTSD symptoms and support therapeutically targeting both engagement in posttrauma reckless behaviors and emotion dysregulation to impact PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett A Messman
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Sidonia E Compton
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Ifrah Majeed
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Nicole H Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
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3
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Howlett JR, Park H, Paulus MP. Sensorimotor Feedback Control Dysfunction as a Marker of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2024:S2451-9022(24)00198-8. [PMID: 39053579 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized not only by its direct association with traumatic events but also by a potential deficit in inhibitory control across emotional, cognitive, and sensorimotor domains. Recent research has shown that a continuous sensorimotor feedback control task, the rapid assessment of motor processing (RAMP) paradigm, can yield reliable measures of individual sensorimotor control performance. This study used this paradigm to investigate control deficits in PTSD relative to both healthy volunteer and a non-PTSD psychiatric comparison group. METHODS We examined control processing using the RAMP paradigm in a sample of 40 individuals with PTSD, along with matched groups of 40 individuals with mood and anxiety (MA) complaints and 40 healthy controls (HC). We estimated Kp (drive) and Kd (damping) parameters using a proportion-derivative (PD) control modeling approach. RESULTS The Kp parameter was lower in the PTSD group compared to the HC (Cohen's d = .86) and MA groups (Cohen's d = 0.63). After controlling for color-word inhibition, Kp remained lower in the PTSD group versus HC (Cohen's d = 0.79) and versus MA (Cohen's d = 0.62). Mediation analysis showed that Kd significantly mediated the relationship between PTSD and control deficits in the Kp parameter, with 96% of the effect mediated by Kd. CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the potential of using dynamic control paradigms to elucidate the control dysfunctions in PTSD and suggests that different psychiatric conditions may distinctly influence subcomponents of sensorimotor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon R Howlett
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA.
| | - Heekyeong Park
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK; University of North Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX
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4
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Dowgwillo EA, Ruchensky JR. The influence of trauma symptoms on interpersonal attributions in daily life. J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:410-421. [PMID: 38538306 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
There is well-documented evidence that trauma exposure can disrupt relationships. However, limited research has examined whether posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) moderate interpersonal processes in daily life. To this end, undergraduates (N = 98) completed a measure of PTSS at baseline. They then completed smartphone-based surveys after every interpersonal interaction that lasted longer than 3 min. for 10 days. These surveys assessed perceptions of self and other agency and communion as well as feelings of rejection, neglect, abandonment, worthlessness, emptiness, guilt, and shame. Results of multilevel modeling suggest that interpersonal perception and PTSS predicted 10%-26% of the variance in outcomes. Regarding agency, more agentic participants reported higher levels of negative attributions, γs = .47-.56. Participants also reported higher rejection and guilt when they experienced their interaction partner as more agentic than usual, γs = .07, and PTSS did not moderate these associations. For communal perceptions, participants who experienced themselves and others as warmer than other participants reported fewer negative outcomes, γs = -.44--.58. Individuals also reported more negative outcomes when they experienced themselves and others as warmer than they usually did, γs = -.10--.28, and PTSS moderated these associations. The negative associations between self- and other communion ratings and feelings of neglect, abandonment, and shame were stronger in individuals with higher PTSS scores. Together, these findings support continued efforts to understand the ways in which trauma exposure and PTSS disrupt interpersonal dynamics in daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Dowgwillo
- Department of Psychology, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jared R Ruchensky
- Department of Psychology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, USA
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5
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Cannavò M, Sanchez-Ruiz MJ, Barberis N. Structural links from trait emotional intelligence to life satisfaction and depressive symptoms in women with breast cancer: post-traumatic responses as mediators. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024; 27:383-392. [PMID: 38294494 PMCID: PMC11116199 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-024-01438-0] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The diagnosis of a disease such as breast cancer (BC) can be experienced as a sudden, unexpected, and life-threatening event accompanied by considerable uncertainty. This experience can precipitate the development of post-traumatic symptoms and depression. Conversely, certain individuals exhibit the capacity to reframe this traumatic event and transform it into an opportunity for personal growth. Existing research shows that individuals with high trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) tend to experience fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTS), and greater post-traumatic growth (PTG). The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationship among these variables and specifically examine whether PTS and PTG play a mediating role between trait EI, depression, and life satisfaction. METHODS Questionnaires were administered to 338 women with BC to assess trait EI, PTS, PTG, depression, and life satisfaction. RESULTS Results highlighted that trait EI was negatively related to PTS and depression and positively related to PTG and life satisfaction. In addition, both PTS and PTG showed a mediating role in the relationship between trait EI, depression, and life satisfaction. This study highlights the close link between depressive symptoms and post-traumatic cognitions in women with BC. CONCLUSION Current findings highlight links between trait EI, PTS, PTG, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction. Clinicians could use these findings when developing interventions aimed at alleviating PTS, such as low mood and worry, and facilitating PTG. This study demonstrated that trait EI can reduce PTS and increase PTG, therefore it is important to include programs aimed at fostering trait EI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cannavò
- Dipartimento di Scienze della salute, Università degli Studi Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria-Jose Sanchez-Ruiz
- Faculty of Education, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Pza. San Diego, s/n, 28801, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nadia Barberis
- Dipartimento di Scienze della salute, Università degli Studi Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
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6
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Barden EP, Mattson RE, Mastroleo N, Balderrama-Durbin C. The impact of emotion regulation and dyadic coping within posttraumatic stress symptoms and risky drinking patterns on relationship distress among trauma-exposed individuals. J Trauma Stress 2024. [PMID: 38803095 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Individuals with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) often consume alcohol to manage PTSS-related discomfort, which can negatively impact individual and interpersonal functioning. Processes including emotion regulation and dyadic coping may influence the effects of PTSS and drinking patterns on relationship functioning. The present study examined how PTSS and risky drinking may function through the associations between maladaptive individual and interpersonal coping strategies and relationship distress among trauma-exposed individuals. Participants were 237 adults in a romantic relationship who endorsed lifetime trauma exposure and alcohol consumption within the past year and completed an online battery of self-report measures. Path analyses showed mixed support for the hypothesized theoretical causal model. PTSS was associated with maladaptive emotion regulation, β = .537, p = .010, and negative dyadic coping, β = .264, p = .009, whereas risky drinking was only related to negative dyadic coping, β = .193, p = .024. Negative dyadic coping was significant in the pathways between PTSS and relationship distress, β = .021, p = .009, and risky drinking and relationship distress, β = .030, p = .014. Exploratory analyses based on trauma type did not significantly change the overall model; however, a direct path suggested PTSS may have a stronger negative impact on relationship distress among individuals who experienced assault trauma (e.g., physical or sexual assault), β = .340, p = .012. Findings highlight the interrelations among intra- and interpersonal regulation and provide clinical targets of maladaptive emotion regulation and dyadic coping strategies for individuals with PTSS and harmful drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen P Barden
- Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard E Mattson
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Nadine Mastroleo
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
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Joseph AL, Jerram MW, Valera EM. Emotional Clarity and Psychopathology in Women Who Have Experienced Physical Intimate Partner Violence. Violence Against Women 2024:10778012241254852. [PMID: 38784989 DOI: 10.1177/10778012241254852] [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: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a chronic, traumatic stressor related to posttraumatic stress (PTS), depression, and anxiety. As psychological symptoms are exacerbated in those with poor emotional clarity, the present study evaluates the relationship between emotional clarity and PTS, dissociation, depression, and worry in women who experienced at least one instance of physical IPV (n = 88). Hierarchical regression analyses, controlling for childhood trauma, IPV abuse severity, and IPV-related brain injury, found that lack of emotional clarity was significantly related to greater PTS, dissociative experiences, depression, and worry. Results suggest that emotional clarity may be a relevant therapeutic target for individuals with a history of IPV and psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie-Lori Joseph
- Department of Psychology, Suffolk University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Eve M Valera
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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8
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Jessup SC, Adamis AM, Rast CE, Cox RC, Olatunji BO. Unique and interactive effects of emotion regulation difficulties and perceived stress on COVID-19 traumatic stress, anxiety, and safety behavior use: A four-year prospective study. Behav Res Ther 2024; 176:104503. [PMID: 38518395 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104503] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Given that emotion regulation difficulties confer risk for poor responses to stress, they may predict who is at risk for adverse psychological reactions to major, chronic stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific adverse reactions to the pandemic may include more severe traumatic stress, anxiety, and excessive safety behavior use (i.e., hand washing). While emotion regulation difficulties may be a diathesis for adverse reactions to chronic stressors, the context(s) by which they may confer elevated risk is unclear. Accordingly, the present longitudinal study examined the interaction between pre-pandemic emotion regulation difficulties and early pandemic perceived stress in predicting subsequent COVID-related traumatic stress, anxiety, and safety behavior use over 32 weeks of the pandemic. Community adults (N = 145) who completed a measure of emotion regulation in 2016 as part of a larger study were recontacted at the start of the pandemic (March 2020) and assessed every two weeks for 32 weeks. Consistent with a diathesis-stress model, the interaction between difficulties in emotion regulation and perceived stress was significant in predicting COVID-19 anxiety (p = 0.003, d = 0.52) such that at high, but not low, levels of perceived stress, difficulties in emotion regulation in 2016 significantly predicted higher COVID-19 anxiety in 2020. The interaction between difficulties in emotion regulation in 2016 and perceived stress early in 2020 approached significance in predicting COVID-19 traumatic stress (p = 0.073, d = 0.31) and safety behavior use (p = 0.069, d = 0.31). These findings highlight that current perceived stress is an important context that potentiates the effects of preexisting emotion regulation difficulties on the emergence of anxiety-related symptoms during COVID-19, which has important implications for diathesis-stress models of adverse reactions to chronic stressors.
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Sylvia AM, Jastrowski Mano K, Birkley EL, Mano QR. Systematic Review of Dispositional Mindfulness and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptomology: A Targeted Examination of Avoidance. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024:15248380231221278. [PMID: 38523454 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231221278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
High rates of nonresponse to evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have fueled the search for improved intervention. Evidence suggests that improvements in dispositional mindfulness (i.e., tendency to attend to the present with nonjudgment and nonreactivity) may help reduce PTSD symptoms. While some research suggests that transdiagnostic mindfulness-based interventions particularly target avoidance symptoms, the association between dispositional mindfulness and avoidance has yet to be systematically examined. To address this gap, we examined peer-reviewed studies that reported quantitative associations between avoidance and dispositional mindfulness among trauma-exposed adults, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2009 guidelines. Sixteen studies were identified for final review from PsycINFO and PubMed databases. Results suggest that mindfulness has a weak relationship with effortful avoidance. This weak relationship may be obscured in studies where effortful avoidance is measured among other symptoms (e.g., anhedonia). Mindfulness appeared to have stronger associations with symptoms of hyperarousal and negative alterations in cognition and mood. An important clinical implication is that high effortful avoidance may manifest among patients who report strong mindfulness skills. It may be helpful for clinicians to carefully assess how mindfulness is being used to cope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Sylvia
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Erica L Birkley
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Cinicinnati, OH, USA
- Birkley Consulting, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Quintino R Mano
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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10
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Adamis AM, Olatunji BO. Specific emotion regulation difficulties and executive function explain the link between worry and subsequent stress: A prospective moderated mediation study. J Affect Disord 2024; 348:88-96. [PMID: 38135221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worry is a transdiagnostic risk factor for stress-related mental health complaints such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Although worry may function as a form of avoidance of unwanted emotions and accordingly interfere with adaptive emotion regulation, the specific domains of emotion regulation that are perturbed by excessive worry to confer risk for stress-related symptoms are unclear. Further, it is unknown if cognitive control mechanisms that underlie successful emotion regulation influence the effect of worry on stress. The present study addressed these gaps in the literature by examining specific emotion regulation difficulties as mediators of the relationship between worry and subsequent stress, as well as executive function as a moderator of the mediated effects. METHOD 656 community adults were assessed for trait worry, emotion dysregulation, stress, and executive dysfunction once per month for three months (time 1 - time 3). RESULTS The effect of worry (time 1) on subsequent stress (time 3) was partially mediated by difficulties with emotional clarity and difficulty engaging in goal-directed behavior when upset (time 2) after controlling for age, gender, and baseline stress. Moderated mediation models revealed that the indirect effect of worry on stress via difficulty with goal-directed behavior was significantly moderated by executive dysfunction, such that fewer executive function difficulties acted as a buffer against the harmful effects of worry. LIMITATIONS Limitations include reliance on self-report measures, lack of experimental manipulation, and a nonclinical sample. CONCLUSIONS Findings point to specific domains of emotion regulation as treatment targets for individuals with high worry proneness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Adamis
- Vanderbilt University, 111 21(st) Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
| | - Bunmi O Olatunji
- Vanderbilt University, 111 21(st) Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
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11
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Canty AR, Windsor TD, Nixon RDV. Using experience sampling methodology (ESM) to improve our understanding of day-to-day intrusion frequency and related distress in survivors of trauma. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2024; 82:101921. [PMID: 37944379 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Cognitive models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggest that appraisals of traumatic sequelae and subsequent distress drive the development and maintenance of PTSD. Posttraumatic research has relied heavily on macro-longitudinal designs, with weeks or months between assessments of trauma-related cognitions and symptoms. The present study uses experience sampling methodology (ESM) better understand the day-to-day experiences of trauma exposed individuals. METHODS One-hundred trauma exposed adults reported their posttraumatic symptoms, interpretations, and behaviours four times a day over a 10-day ESM period. RESULTS As anticipated, within-person fluctuations in negative appraisals of intrusions and maladaptive coping strategies (e.g., thought suppression) were significantly positively associated with intrusion frequency and related distress. In all cases, the associations for negative appraisals and maladaptive coping were stronger with intrusion related distress than intrusion frequency. LIMITATIONS The observed contemporaneous associations only demonstrate that variables reliably fluctuated together and cannot indicate causality. CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate that day-to-day fluctuations in trauma related perceptions and sequelae are significant and should be explored alongside broader individual differences to advance our understanding of the development, maintenance, and treatment of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R Canty
- College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Tim D Windsor
- College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia; Flinders University Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Reginald D V Nixon
- College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia; Flinders University Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, Australia.
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12
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Jacques DT, Sturge-Apple ML, Davies PT, Cicchetti D. Maternal alcohol dependence symptoms, maternal insensitivity to children's distress, and young children's blunted emotional reactivity. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-23. [PMID: 38426705 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000324] [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: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Maternal insensitivity to children's emotional distress (e.g., expressions of sadness or fearfulness) is one mechanism through which maternal alcohol dependence may increase children's risk for psychopathology. Although emotion dysregulation is consistently associated with psychopathology, it remains unclear how or why alcohol dependence's effects on caregiving responses to children's distress may impact children's emotion regulation over time, particularly in ways that may engender risks for psychopathology. This study examined longitudinal associations between lifetime maternal alcohol dependence symptoms, mothers' insensitivity to children's emotional distress cues, and children's emotional reactivity among 201 mother-child dyads (Mchild age = 2.14 years; 56% Black; 11% Latino). Structural equation modeling analyses revealed a significant mediational pathway such that maternal alcohol dependence predicted increases in mothers' insensitivity to children's emotional distress across a one-year period (β = .16, p = .013), which subsequently predicted decreases in children's emotional reactivity one year later (β = -.29, p = .009). Results suggest that mothers with alcohol dependence symptoms may struggle to sensitively respond to children's emotional distress, which may prompt children to suppress or hide their emotions as an adaptive, protective strategy. The potential developmental benefits and consequences of early, protective expressive suppression strategies are discussed via developmental psychopathology frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa L Sturge-Apple
- Department of Psychology and Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Patrick T Davies
- Department of Psychology and Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Dante Cicchetti
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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13
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Ucuz I, Uzun Cicek A, Komurcu Celik M, Akan M, Kesriklioglu E, Gungor S, Ozel Ozcan O. Emotional Dysregulation and Temperament-Character Traits in Adolescents With Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (Conversion Disorder). J Nerv Ment Dis 2024; 212:152-158. [PMID: 38090971 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate emotion dysregulation and temperament-character traits in adolescents with functional neurological symptom disorder (FNSD). Forty adolescents with FNSD and 40 healthy adolescents were evaluated by a semiconstructed diagnosis interview, Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Regulation of Emotions Questionnaire (REQ), and Children's Somatization Inventory-24 (CSI-24). The external and internal dysfunctional emotion regulation scores of REQ, all subscales of DERS, except the awareness subscale, and CSI-24 scores were significantly higher in FNSD patients compared with healthy controls. There were significant differences between the groups in terms of harm avoidance and reward dependence subscale scores of TCI. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the external dysfunctional emotion regulation strategy, somatization, and reward dependence are significant predictors of FNSD. Our results provide evidence that adolescents with FNSD experience emotional dysregulation and that the differential value of some temperament-character traits in the diagnosis of FNSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilknur Ucuz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Ayla Uzun Cicek
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Merve Komurcu Celik
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Akan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Turgut Ozal University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Esma Kesriklioglu
- Department of Econometrics, Ataturk University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Serdal Gungor
- Department of Child Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Ozel Ozcan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
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14
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Seong E, Lee KH, Lee JS, Kim S, Seo DG, Yoo JH, Han DH, Hwang H, Choi CH, Kim JW. Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder in adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury: comparisons of the psychological correlates and suicidal presentations across diagnostic subgroups. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:138. [PMID: 38373899 PMCID: PMC10877746 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05533-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) combined with suicide ideation increases the risk of suicidal behaviors. Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are comorbidities of NSSI compounding this relationship. The present study compared diagnostic subgroups of NSSI based on current depression and PTSD on psychological correlates (i.e., vulnerabilities and impairment) and suicidal presentations (i.e., suicidal cognitions and behaviors) in a psychiatric sample of adolescents. METHODS Eighty-seven adolescents meeting DSM-5 criteria for NSSI and 104 age-range-matched nonclinical controls (NC) participated. Participants completed self-report measures on psychological vulnerabilities and impairment (e.g., emotion regulation difficulties, negative cognitions). Adolescents with NSSI also completed clinical interviews on psychiatric diagnoses and a recent self-injurious behavior (SIB). Scores on the psychological correlates of NSSI were compared between adolescents with NSSI and NC, and across three diagnostic subgroups of NSSI (A: NSSI+/depression-/PTSD-, n = 14; B: NSSI+/depression+/PTSD-, n = 57; C: NSSI+/depression+/PTSD+, n = 14). Differences between NSSI diagnostic subgroups were tested on the motives for SIB and accompanying suicidal presentations (e.g., desire, intent, motive, lethality). RESULTS Common comorbidities of NSSI included depression, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD. The NSSI subgroup classification was significantly associated with panic disorder, which was controlled for in the subsequent group comparisons. Overall, adolescents who engage in NSSI with vs. without depression reported more psychological vulnerabilities and impairment and a greater degree of suicidal thoughts/desire in SIB (i.e., groups B, C >A), which remained significant after controlling for panic disorder. An increased odds of the suicidal motive for SIB was found in adolescents with all three conditions (i.e., group C: NSSI+/depression+/PTSD+) compared to those with NSSI but neither depression nor PTSD (i.e., group A: NSSI+/depression-/PTSD-); however, this was not significant after controlling for panic disorder. CONCLUSIONS Psychological underpinnings of adolescent NSSI in clinical contexts may be largely associated with concurrent depression. Suicidal motives in adolescents who engage in NSSI in the presence of depression and PTSD may be confounded by the co-occurrence of panic disorder. This study warrants the importance of attending to the comorbid depression with NSSI in adolescents as it is related to an increase in suicidal desire accompanying SIB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Seong
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hwa Lee
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Sun Lee
- Department of Psychology, Kangwon National University, 1 Gangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Sojung Kim
- Department of Psychology, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Gi Seo
- Department of Psychology, Hallym University, 1 Hallymdaehak-gil, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyun Yoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Doug Hyun Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06973, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunchan Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06973, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi-Hyun Choi
- Seoul Alpha Neuropsychiatric Clinic, 511 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06131, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Won Kim
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Mojallal M, Simons RM, Simons JS, Swaminath S. Daily exposure to combat-related cues and posttraumatic stress symptoms among veterans: Moderating effects of peri- and postdeployment experiences. J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:57-68. [PMID: 37985123 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
One of the central symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heightened reactivity to trauma cues. The current study used experience sampling to investigate the associations between exposure to combat-related cues and PTSD symptoms in 93 U.S. veterans who served in support of recent military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. We also examined the effects of peri- and postdeployment factors, including exposure to combat, unit support during deployment, and postdeployment social support on PTSD. Participants completed eight brief random surveys daily for 2 weeks using palmtop computers. The results indicated that more daytime exposure to trauma cues was associated with experiencing more PTSD symptoms at the within-person level, B = 3.18. At the between-person level, combat exposure, B = 4.20, was associated with more PTSD symptoms, whereas unit support, B = -0.89, was associated with experiencing fewer symptoms. At the cross-level interaction, unit support, B = -0.80, moderated the association between trauma cue exposure and PTSD symptom count. Contrary to our hypothesis, postdeployment social support, B = -0.59, was not associated with PTSD symptoms. These findings suggest a functional association between exposure to trauma cues and PTSD symptoms among recent-era U.S. veterans and underscore the importance of unit support during deployment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Mojallal
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Raluca M Simons
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Simons
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Surabhi Swaminath
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
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16
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Boyle SH, Upchurch J, Gifford EJ, Redding TS, Hauser ER, Malhotra D, Press A, Sims KJ, Williams CD. Military exposures and Gulf War illness in veterans with and without posttraumatic stress disorder. J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:80-91. [PMID: 37997023 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Gulf War illness (GWI) is a chronic multisymptom disorder of unknown etiology that is believed to be caused by neurotoxicant exposure experienced during deployment to the Gulf War. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) covaries with GWI and is believed to play a role in GWI symptoms. The present study examined the association between self-reported military exposures and GWI, stratified by PTSD status, in veterans from the Gulf War Era Cohort and Biorepository who were deployed to the Persian Gulf during the war. Participants self-reported current GWI and PTSD symptoms as well as military exposures (e.g., pyridostigmine [PB] pills, pesticides/insecticides, combat, chemical attacks, and oil well fires) experienced during the Gulf War. Deployed veterans' (N = 921) GWI status was ascertained using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition. Individuals who met the GWI criteria were stratified by PTSD status, yielding three groups: GWI-, GWI+/PTSD-, and GWI+/PTSD+. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for covariates, was used to examine associations between GWI/PTSD groups and military exposures. Apart from insect bait use, the GWI+/PTSD+ group had higher odds of reporting military exposures than the GWI+/PTSD- group, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.15, 95% CI [1.30, 3.56]-aOR = 6.91, 95% CI [3.39, 14.08]. Except for PB pills, the GWI+/PTSD- group had a higher likelihood of reporting military exposures than the GWI- group, aOR = 2.03, 95% CI [1.26, 3.26]-aOR = 4.01, 95% CI [1.57, 10.25]. These findings are consistent with roles for both PTSD and military exposures in the etiology of GWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen H Boyle
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Julie Upchurch
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Gifford
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Child and Family Policy, Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas S Redding
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Hauser
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Ashlyn Press
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kellie J Sims
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christina D Williams
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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17
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Li ST, Chien WC, Chung CH, Tzeng NS. Increased risk of acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a nation-wide cohort study in Taiwan. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1329836. [PMID: 38356908 PMCID: PMC10864464 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1329836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be particularly vulnerable to the impact of traumatic events, yet the association between ASD and the risk of developing acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate this association, addressing the gap in large-scale evidence on the subject. Methods Conducted as a retrospective and matched cohort study, data was sourced from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan, spanning from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2015. The study included patients aged 18 years or under newly diagnosed with ASD (n=15,200) and compared them with a matched control group (n=45,600). The Cox proportional regression model was employed to assess the risk of acute stress disorder and PTSD. Results Over the 15-year follow-up period, a total of 132 participants developed either acute stress disorder or PTSD. Among them, 105 cases (0.691% or 64.90 per 100,000 person-years) were in the ASD group, while 27 cases (0.059% or 5.38 per 100,000 person-years) were in the control group. The adjusted hazard ratio for the ASD group was significantly higher compared to the control group (25.661 with 95% CI = 15.913-41.232; P < .001). Discussion This study provides compelling evidence that individuals with ASD face an elevated risk of developing acute stress disorder and PTSD. The findings underscore the importance of clinicians recognizing and addressing this vulnerability in ASD individuals exposed to traumatic events. This emphasizes the need for heightened attention to the risk of PTSD and acute stress disorder in the ASD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Tao Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Chien Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taiwanese Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Association, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hsiang Chung
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taiwanese Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Association, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nian-Sheng Tzeng
- Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Student Counseling Center, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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18
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Glanton Holzhauer C, Sherrill A, Musicaro RM, Ellis RA. The Role of Emotion Dysregulation in Heightened Alcohol Craving Related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Symptoms. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:874-885. [PMID: 38263678 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2305805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Objective: Compared to their male counterparts, women with alcohol use disorders (AUD) alone and those with symptoms of co-occurring emotional disorders (posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD, and depression) are particularly likely to have increased alcohol craving in response to negative affect and daily stressors. Emotion dysregulation is one transdiagnostic construct that may underlie heightened craving in response to stress within this population. In a secondary data analysis, the current study examined emotion dysregulation as a mediator of the associations of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and depression symptoms with heightened stress-induced alcohol craving, as measured in the lab. Given the overlap in symptoms, the relative associations of PTSD and depression symptom clusters with stress-induced craving were explored. Method: 50 women Veterans (84% White, 88% Non-Hispanic, Mage=45.68) attended two in-lab sessions. Self-report measures of emotion dysregulation, PTSD, and depression symptoms were administered at baseline. During session two, participants reported on alcohol craving and negative affect at baseline and again after a personalized stress induction procedure. Results: Emotion dysregulation mediated the association of greater PTSS with heightened stress-induced craving, although emotion dysregulation was not a mediator of the association between depression and stress-induced craving. Greater alcohol craving after the stress induction was positively associated with cognitive-affective symptoms in PTSD and depression (and not with other symptom clusters of these diagnoses, e.g., avoidance, somatic-vegetative symptoms). Conclusions: Emotion dysregulation may be a transdiagnostic factor that helps to explain greater alcohol cravings and drinking in stressful contexts among women Veterans with heightened symptoms of co-occurring emotional disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathryn Glanton Holzhauer
- Division of Research and Education, VA Central Western Massachusetts, Leeds, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Ashley Sherrill
- Division of Research and Education, VA Central Western Massachusetts, Leeds, MA, USA
| | - Regina M Musicaro
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Research Institute of Montefiore Einstein, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robyn A Ellis
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Belmont, MA, USA
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19
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Wen A, Rao U, Kinney KL, Yoon KL, Morris M. Diversity in emotion regulation strategy use: Resilience against posttraumatic stress disorder. Behav Res Ther 2024; 172:104441. [PMID: 38091721 PMCID: PMC11292606 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104441] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with impaired emotion regulation (ER). ER diversity, the variety, prevalence, and relative abundance of ER strategy use, may provide resilience against PTSD. This study examined the prospective relation between ER diversity and PTSD, while accounting for negative and positive life events, in interpersonal violence (IPV) survivors. IPV-exposed women with PTSD onset (PTSD; n = 22), without PTSD onset (IPV; n = 37), and non-traumatized control participants (NTC; n = 41) rated their ER strategy use and experience of negative and positive life events. The ER diversity index differentiated the participant groups. Importantly, group differences in ER diversity depended on the experience of life events. When experiencing fewer positive life events and more negative life events, the IPV and NTC groups, but not the PTSD group, demonstrated higher ER diversity. Thus, greater ER diversity during periods with more negative life events and fewer positive life events may play a protective role against PTSD onset for IPV survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alainna Wen
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, 390 Corbett Family Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Uma Rao
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, 5251 California Avenue, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA; Children's Hospital of Orange County, 1201 West La Veta Ave, Orange, CA, 92868, USA.
| | - Kerry L Kinney
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA; Department of Psychological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA.
| | - K Lira Yoon
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD, 21250, USA.
| | - Matthew Morris
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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20
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Bathe-Peters R, Priebe K, Schulte S, Meyer K, Schulte-Herbrüggen O, Ülsmann D, Bermpohl F, Schoofs N. The Affect Intolerance Scale (AIS), German version: A validation study in a student and clinical sample of patients with trauma-related disorders. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 81:101841. [PMID: 36827946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The Affect Intolerance Scale (AIS) assesses two core concepts of emotion regulation: appraisals of negative emotions as threatening and proneness to emotional avoidance. Maladaptive emotion regulation is associated with various psychopathologies. We translated and validated the AIS in a German student and clinical sample of patients with trauma-related disorders. METHODS 340 patients, 161 with post-traumatic stress disorder and 179 with adjustment disorder, and 322 students were enrolled. We employed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in a cross-validation design to investigate construct validity, convergent and discriminant validity, and reliability. RESULTS We replicated the originally described two-factor structure in both samples. Cronbach's α was 0.947 in the student and 0.950 in the clinical sample. AIS subscales showed moderate to high correlations with convergent and low correlations with discriminant measures. AIS total scores were significantly larger in the clinical sample, controlled for gender and age. LIMITATIONS This study provides a unified cross-validation model in a clinical and a student sample at the cost of reduced sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS The AIS is a valid measure of affect intolerance with the discriminative ability to distinguish between patients with trauma-related disorders and students. Test redundancy within both sub-constructs of the AIS might lead to biased estimates but allows for increased test precision, rendering the AIS a tool suitable for individual treatment monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouven Bathe-Peters
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Kathlen Priebe
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Schulte
- Friedrich von Bodelschwingh Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristina Meyer
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olaf Schulte-Herbrüggen
- Friedrich von Bodelschwingh Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Ülsmann
- Friedrich von Bodelschwingh Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Bermpohl
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nikola Schoofs
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Berlin, Germany
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21
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Oliva V, De Prisco M, Fico G, Possidente C, Fortea L, Montejo L, Anmella G, Hidalgo-Mazzei D, Grande I, Murru A, Fornaro M, de Bartolomeis A, Dodd A, Fanelli G, Fabbri C, Serretti A, Vieta E, Radua J. Correlation between emotion dysregulation and mood symptoms of bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2023; 148:472-490. [PMID: 37740499 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotion dysregulation (ED) is a transdiagnostic construct characterized by difficulties regulating intense emotions. People with bipolar disorder (BD) are more likely to show ED and use maladaptive emotion regulation strategies than adaptive ones. However, little is known about whether ED in BD is a trait or it is rather an epiphenomenon of mood symptoms. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence across major literature databases reporting correlations between measures of emotion regulation (overall ED and different emotion regulation strategies) and measures of depressive and (hypo)manic symptoms in BD from inception until April 12th, 2022. RESULTS Fourteen studies involving 1371 individuals with BD were included in the qualitative synthesis, of which 11 reported quantitative information and were included in the meta-analysis. ED and maladaptive strategies were significantly higher during periods with more severe mood symptoms, especially depressive ones, while adaptive strategies were lower. CONCLUSION ED significantly correlates with BD symptomatology, and it mainly occurs during mood alterations. ED may be a target for specific psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments, according to precision psychiatry. However, further studies are needed, including patients with mood episodes and longitudinal design, to provide more robust evidence and explore the causal direction of the associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Oliva
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospìtal Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele De Prisco
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospìtal Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giovanna Fico
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospìtal Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Chiara Possidente
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospìtal Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lydia Fortea
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospìtal Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Montejo
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospìtal Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerard Anmella
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospìtal Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Hidalgo-Mazzei
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospìtal Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iria Grande
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospìtal Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Murru
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospìtal Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Alyson Dodd
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Giuseppe Fanelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Chiara Fabbri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospìtal Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquim Radua
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospìtal Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatric Research and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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22
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Meijer L, Franz MR, Deković M, van Ee E, Finkenauer C, Kleber RJ, van de Putte EM, Thomaes K. Towards a more comprehensive understanding of PTSD and parenting. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 127:152423. [PMID: 37722204 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on parenting and the parent-child relationship has been well-documented in the scientific literature. However, some conceptual and methodological challenges within this research field remain. PROCEDURE We reflect on a number of challenges that we identified while examining the literature in preparation of an individual participant data meta-analysis on the relationships between PTSD and parenting. FINDINGS We address 1) the presence of 'trauma-islands'; 2) the need for transdiagnostic theoretical frameworks for mechanisms between PTSD and parenting; 3) the lack of developmental perspectives; 4) the overuse of self-reported retrospective measures; 5) the need to study more diverse samples and cultural contexts; and 6) the lack of research on resilience and post-traumatic growth in parenting. Based on these reflections, we offer suggestions on strategies for responding to these challenges through: 1) welcoming open science; 2) working towards shared theoretical frameworks; 3) doing more longitudinal research 4) expanding the methodological palette; 5) centering lived experience; and 6) taking systemic inequality into account. CONCLUSION With this commentary, we aim to open a discussion on next steps towards a more comprehensive understanding of the association between PTSD and parenting, and inspire collaborative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurien Meijer
- Sinai Centrum Arkin Mental Health Care, Amstelveen, Laan van de Helende Meesters 2, 1186 AM Amstelveen, the Netherlands; Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 14, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Molly R Franz
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, United States
| | - Maja Deković
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Elisa van Ee
- Psychotraumacentrum Zuid Nederland, Den Bosch, Bethaniestraat 10, 5211 LJ 's Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Thomas Van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Catrin Finkenauer
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 14, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rolf J Kleber
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands; ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Elise M van de Putte
- Wilhelmina Children's Hospital / University Medical Center Utrecht, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kathleen Thomaes
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centre/VUmc, Laan van de Helende Meesters 2, 1186 AM Amstelveen, the Netherlands
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23
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Walker HE, Wamser-Nanney R. Revictimization Risk Factors Following Childhood Maltreatment: A Literature Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:2319-2332. [PMID: 35476548 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221093692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Revictimization research, to date, has primarily focused on sexual revictimization (i.e., child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault), which has resulted in a lack of understanding of trauma revictimization more generally. Specifically, it is unclear what factors are placing individuals with a history of child maltreatment (i.e., sexual abuse, physical abuse, and witnessing intimate partner violence [IPV]) at greater risk for subsequent adult victimization (i.e., sexual assault and IPV). Existing theoretical and empirical work on revictimization suggest that multiple risk factors are likely present within this framework (e.g., posttraumatic stress symptoms [PTSS], emotion dysregulation, and risk-taking behaviors). Prior research has suggested that PTSS are often linked with these other risk factors, and it is possible that the development of PTSS following child maltreatment may be related to the development or maintenance of additional factors that increase the likelihood of revictimization. The purpose of this review was to synthesize findings regarding risk factors that place maltreated individuals at greater risk for adult revictimization. Approximately 228 studies were identified following a thorough search of the peer-reviewed literature using multiple databases (PsycINFO, PILOTS, and Google Scholar). Each study was critically analyzed for relevance. The included studies were used in our review of prevalence, specific risk factors that have been identified, and unanswered questions in this literature. PTSS were noted to be particularly important in the revictimization framework, and thus, a novel model of revictimization was also proposed where PTSS are illustrated as being associated with the development and maintenance of other factors within the revictimization framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Walker
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri- St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rachel Wamser-Nanney
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri- St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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24
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O'Brien H, Kalokerinos EK, Felmingham K, Lau W, O'Donnell M. Emotion regulation strategy use in PTSD: A daily life study. J Affect Disord 2023; 338:365-372. [PMID: 37302510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is associated with emotion regulation difficulties. However, our understanding of these difficulties has been limited by the reliance of previous work on retrospective trait self-reports, which are unable to capture dynamic, ecologically-valid use of emotion regulation strategies. METHODS To address this issue, this study used an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) design to understand the impact of PTSD on emotion regulation in daily life. We conducted an EMA study in a trauma exposed sample with varying levels of PTSD severity (N = 70; 7 days; 423 observations). RESULTS We found that PTSD severity was linked to greater use of disengagement and perseverative-based strategies to manage negative emotions, regardless of emotional intensity. LIMITATIONS Study design did not allow investigation into the temporal use of emotion regulation strategies and small sample size. CONCLUSIONS This pattern of responding to emotions may interfere with engaging with the fear structure and thus impair emotion processing in current frontline treatments; clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope O'Brien
- Phoenix Australia-Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Elise K Kalokerinos
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kim Felmingham
- Phoenix Australia-Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Winnie Lau
- Phoenix Australia-Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Meaghan O'Donnell
- Phoenix Australia-Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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25
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Messman BA, Fentem A, Compton SE, Griffith EL, Blumenthal H, Contractor AA, Slavish DC. The role of affect in associations between sleep disturbances and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms: A systematic review. Sleep Med 2023; 110:287-296. [PMID: 37689045 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2023.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Strong evidence supports a bidirectional association between sleep disturbances and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Affect - temporary internal states experienced as feeling good or bad, energized or enervated - may play a central role in explaining this link. The current systematic review summarizes the literature on associations between sleep, PTSD, and affect among trauma-exposed adults. We systematically searched five electronic databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, PTSDpubs, Web of Science, CINAHL) using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Of 2656 screened articles, 6 studies met inclusion criteria. Four findings emerged: (1) greater insomnia symptom severity predicted greater PTSD symptom severity above the influence of negative affect, (2) negative affect mediated the effect of sleep quality on next-day PTSD symptom severity, (3) positive affect mediated the effect of PTSD symptom severity on insomnia symptom severity and sleep disturbances, and (4) greater negative affect (specifically, greater anger) was associated with greater severity of PTSD and sleep disturbances. Findings highlight areas for future research, such as the need to investigate more dimensions, timescales, and methods of studies simultaneously assessing affect, sleep, and PTSD, as well as the need for more longitudinal and experimental work to determine causality across these constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett A Messman
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX 76203, USA.
| | - Andrea Fentem
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Sidonia E Compton
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Griffith
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Heidemarie Blumenthal
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Ateka A Contractor
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Danica C Slavish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX 76203, USA
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26
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Pilkington PD, Karantzas GC, Faustino B, Pizarro-Campagna E. Early maladaptive schemas, emotion regulation difficulties and alexithymia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023. [PMID: 37735142 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotion regulation is an integral part of the schema therapy model. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the evidence on the associations between early maladaptive schemas (EMSs), difficulties with emotion regulation and alexithymia. METHOD PsycINFO, PubMed and CINAHL Complete databases were searched on 28 May 2022 and 3 February 2023 in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Included studies were in English, in peer-reviewed journals and reported on the association between one or more of the 18 EMSs or five schema domains and emotion regulation difficulties or alexithymia. Methodological quality was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. Meta-analyses were conducted to examine difficulties with emotion regulation and alexithymia as correlates of each EMS and domain. RESULTS A total of 19 studies published between 2008 and 2022 were included (Pooled N = 5957). Difficulties with emotion regulation were positively correlated with all 18 EMSs (range: entitlement r(7) = .28, 95% CI [.13, .42] to negativity pessimism r(5) = .53, 95% CI [.23, .74]) and schema domains (range: impaired limits r(5) = .34, 95% CI [.08, .56] to disconnection rejection r(5) = .44, 95% CI [.33, .73]). Alexithymia was positively correlated with the other-directedness domain (r(2) = .40, 95% CI [.09, .64]) and 16 of the 18 EMSs (range: unrelenting standards r(5) = .21, 95% CI [.12, .28] to emotional inhibition r(5) = .50, 95% CI [.34, .63]). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggested that almost all 18 EMSs are implicated in emotion regulation difficulties and alexithymia, particularly those relating to unmet needs for attachment and autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela D Pilkington
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gery C Karantzas
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bruno Faustino
- HEI-Lab, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Psicologia da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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27
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Russell B, Mussap AJ. Rumination and threat-biased interpretation mediate posttraumatic stress and growth responses to military stressors. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 35:451-466. [PMID: 37615560 PMCID: PMC10453989 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2022.2127618] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
We examined the role of rumination and threat-biased interpretation in stress and growth responses to military stressors. Two online surveys were completed by 183 (survey 1) and 393 (survey 2) currently serving or retired military personnel. The surveys measured exposure to potential military stressors (exposure to combat, witnessing the consequences of war, and perceived moral injury), posttraumatic stress symptomatology (PTSS), posttraumatic growth (PTG), and personal wellbeing, with survey 1 including measures of rumination, and survey 2 including a measure of threat-biased interpretation. Path analyses revealed that indirect paths from both witnessing the consequences of war and experiencing betrayal to PTSS were mediated by intrusive rumination and threat-biased interpretation, and that indirect paths from both betrayal and transgressions by others to PTG were mediated by deliberate rumination and threat-biased interpretation. The results reveal the idiosyncratic nature of military stressors, their differential involvement with cognitions that underpin rumination about past events and interpretation of current events, and their relevance to posttraumatic stress and growth in military personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenton Russell
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
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28
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Russo JE, Dhruve DM, Oliveros AD. Childhood Trauma and PTSD Symptoms: Disentangling the Roles of Emotion Regulation and Distress Tolerance. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:1273-1287. [PMID: 37039922 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-023-01048-x] [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] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Research documents that a history of childhood trauma increases risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), greater emotion regulation difficulties (ERD), and reduced distress tolerance (DT). Independent lines of research implicate ERD and DT as transdiagnostic risk factors and link them to PTSD. To elucidate how such mechanisms may influence the etiology, maintenance, and treatment of PTSD, the current study investigates the distinct mediating roles of emotion regulation and DT, exploring which explains a larger indirect effect from childhood trauma to PTSD symptom severity. Participants (N = 385, aged 18-48) who endorsed a history of childhood trauma provided retrospective report of cumulative childhood trauma exposure, and of current ERD, DT, and PTSD symptom severity. Single and dual mediation analyses were used to assess indirect effects through ERD and DT in the relation between cumulative childhood trauma exposure and current PTSD symptom severity. ERD and DT were significantly and inversely related. Higher current self-ratings of PTSD symptom severity were explained by cumulative childhood trauma through ERD (B = 0.93, p < 0.001) and DT (B = 0.50, p < 0.05). The full model explained 36% of the variance in PTSD symptom severity. Current findings provide preliminary evidence of DT and emotion regulation (with specific facets identified) as distinct mechanisms in the development of PTSD. Of clinical relevance, current findings support post-trauma processing theories that contend individuals' recovery requires accepting and learning to modulate trauma-related emotional states. Implications for methods of treatment and prevention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna E Russo
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, 110 Magruder Hall, P.O. Box 6161, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Deepali M Dhruve
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, 110 Magruder Hall, P.O. Box 6161, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Arazais D Oliveros
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, 110 Magruder Hall, P.O. Box 6161, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
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29
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Wilder J, Lauderdale DS, Hawkley L. Did Resilience and Socioeconomic Status Predict Older Adults' Finding a Silver Lining in COVID? Innov Aging 2023; 7:igad058. [PMID: 37719663 PMCID: PMC10500972 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic stretched our limits-physically, mentally, and economically. However, some older adults report that it led to positive changes. This study aims to understand whether prepandemic resilience, education, or income predicted older adults' subsequent likelihood of reporting positive changes in their lives during the pandemic. Research Design and Methods We use data from the National Social Life, Heath, and Aging Project, an ongoing panel study with a COVID-19 ancillary supplement (N = 2,650). Results The study results aligned with the fundamental cause theory. In demographically adjusted models including resilience, education, and income, as well as the effect of the pandemic on employment and a COVID-disruption score, the odds of reporting any positive change were 2.6 times higher for those with an associate degree (p < .01) and 4.7 times higher for those with a bachelor's or higher (p < .001), compared to those without a high school degree. In contrast, neither resilience nor income was significantly associated with endorsing a positive change. We also categorize specific changes thematically coded from open-ended responses and examine their demographic distributions. Categories include spirituality, home organization, hygiene practices, and increased quality time with others. Discussion and Implications These findings show that older adults with more education could navigate COVID-19 challenges in a way that improved their perspectives on at least one aspect of their lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Wilder
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Diane S Lauderdale
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Louise Hawkley
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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30
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Hernández-Posadas A, Lommen MJJ, de la Rosa Gómez A, Bouman TK, Mancilla-Díaz JM, del Palacio González A. Transdiagnostic factors in symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress: a systematic review. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37359653 PMCID: PMC10226442 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04792-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The current systematic review sought to identify quantitative empirical studies that focused on the transdiagnostic factors of intolerance of uncertainty, emotional dysregulation and rumination, and their relation with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The overall research aim was to examine the relationship between these transdiagnostic factors and their relation with depression and PTSD symptoms. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Out of the 768 articles initially identified, 55 met the inclusion criteria for the current review. The results determined that intolerance of uncertainty is indirectly related to depression and PTSD symptoms, mainly through other factors including emotion dysregulation and rumination. Additionally, emotional dysregulation is a significant predictor of both depression and PTSD symptoms. Rumination is a robust factor related to depression and PTSD symptoms, this relationship was significant in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. This review provides evidence on the transdiagnostic factors of intolerance of uncertainty, emotional dysregulation and rumination in the relationship with depression and PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandrina Hernández-Posadas
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Faculty of Higher Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Av. De los Barrios Núm. 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Torre de Tutorías, 2do. Piso, Cubículo 22, Edo. de Mexico 54090 Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Miriam J. J. Lommen
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Anabel de la Rosa Gómez
- Faculty of Higher Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Av. De los Barrios Núm. 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Torre de Tutorías, 2do. Piso, Cubículo 22, Edo. de Mexico 54090 Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Theo K. Bouman
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Juan Manuel Mancilla-Díaz
- Faculty of Higher Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Av. De los Barrios Núm. 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Torre de Tutorías, 2do. Piso, Cubículo 22, Edo. de Mexico 54090 Tlalnepantla, Mexico
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31
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Oberg C, Sharma H. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Unaccompanied Refugee Minors: Prevalence, Contributing and Protective Factors, and Effective Interventions: A Scoping Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:941. [PMID: 37371174 DOI: 10.3390/children10060941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
In 2021, there were close to 37 million children displaced worldwide. There were 13.7 million refugees and an additional 22.8 million internally displaced. In Europe, this included 23,255 unaccompanied minors seeking asylum, up 72% compared with 2020 (13,550). The objective was to review the current literature regarding PTSD in unaccompanied refugee minors (URM). The authors searched Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library from 1 January 2008 through 15 January 2019. Thirty full texts were chosen that specifically studied unaccompanied refugee minors (URM). The results showed that URM had a prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD of 17-85% across the studies reviewed. There were numerous factors that contributed to PTSD, including cumulative stress and trauma, guilt, shame, and uncertainty about legal status. Protective factors included resilience, a trusted mentor, belonging to a social network, religion, having an adult mentor, and having a family (even if far away). Immigrant youth can thrive most easily in multiculturally affirming countries. Five interventions demonstrated effectiveness, comprising trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT); "Mein Weg", a TF-CBT combined with a group-processing mixed therapy approach; teaching recovery techniques (TRT), narrative exposure therapy for children (KIDNET), and expressive arts intervention (EXIT). The significant mental health conditions include depression, anxiety, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and frequently PTSD. It is fair to conclude that the high levels of mental health problems experienced in URM are due to exposure to traumatic experiences, separation from parents, and lack of social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Oberg
- Global Pediatrics Program, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Hayley Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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32
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Fine NB, Ben-Aharon N, Armon DB, Seligman Z, Helpman L, Bloch M, Hendler T, Sheppes G. Reduced emotion regulatory selection flexibility in post-traumatic stress disorder: converging performance-based evidence from two PTSD populations. Psychol Med 2023; 53:2758-2767. [PMID: 37449489 PMCID: PMC10244008 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721004670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contemporary views of emotion dysregulation in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) highlight reduced ability to flexibly select regulatory strategies according to differing situational demands. However, empirical evidence of reduced regulatory selection flexibility in PTSD is lacking. Multiple studies show that healthy individuals demonstrate regulatory selection flexibility manifested in selecting attentional disengagement regulatory strategies (e.g. distraction) in high-intensity emotional contexts and selecting engagement meaning change strategies (e.g. reappraisal) in low-intensity contexts. Accordingly, we hypothesized that PTSD populations will show reduced regulatory selection flexibility manifested in diminished increase in distraction (over reappraisal) preference as intensity increases from low to high intensity. METHODS Study 1 compared student participants with high (N = 22) post-traumatic symptoms (PTS, meeting the clinical cutoff for PTSD) and participants with low (N = 22) post-traumatic symptoms. Study 2 compared PTSD diagnosed women (N = 31) due to childhood sexual abuse and matched non-clinical women (N = 31). In both studies, participants completed a well-established regulatory selection flexibility performance-based paradigm that involves selecting between distraction and reappraisal to regulate negative emotional words of low and high intensity. RESULTS Beyond demonstrating adequate psychometric properties, Study 1 confirmed that relative to the low PTS group, the high PTS group presented reduced regulatory selection flexibility (p = 0.01, ŋ²ₚ= 0.14). Study 2 critically extended findings of Study 1, in showing similar reduced regulatory selection flexibility in a diagnosed PTSD population, relative to a non-clinical population (p = 0.002, ŋ²ₚ= 0.114). CONCLUSIONS Two studies provide converging evidence for reduced emotion regulatory selection flexibility in two PTSD populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi B. Fine
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol Brain Institute Tel-Aviv, Wohl Institute for Advanced Imaging, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Noa Ben-Aharon
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Daphna Bardin Armon
- Department of Psychiatry, Lotem Center for Treatment of Sexual Trauma, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Zivya Seligman
- Department of Psychiatry, Lotem Center for Treatment of Sexual Trauma, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Liat Helpman
- Psychiatric Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Miki Bloch
- Psychiatric Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Talma Hendler
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol Brain Institute Tel-Aviv, Wohl Institute for Advanced Imaging, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Gal Sheppes
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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33
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Walker HE, Thomsen KN, Jamison LE, Wamser-Nanney R, Howell KH. The Role of Dimensions of Emotion Dysregulation Following Exposure to Maltreatment and Adult Victimization. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:5661-5681. [PMID: 36205437 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221127188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Child maltreatment is related to a host of negative consequences, including difficulties with emotion regulation (ER), posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and greater risk for revictimization. Yet, the literature has largely focused on sexual revictimization, while relations between maltreatment and other adult victimization types (e.g., intimate partner violence [IPV]) are less clear. Further, associations between emotion dysregulation and both child and adult trauma exposure have been identified, but aspects of dysregulation (i.e., nonacceptance of emotional responses, difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior, impulsivity, lack of emotional awareness, limited access to ER strategies, and lack of emotional clarity) have received less attention. This study aimed to: (1) investigate the associations between maltreatment and adult victimization and the six ER dimensions while accounting for PTSS, and (2) determine whether there are indirect effects between maltreatment and adult victimization through each ER component. Seven hundred and forty-four undergraduates from two universities participated in the study (Mage = 21.48, SD = 4.12; 80.9% women; 56.2% white). Maltreatment and PTSS were directly linked with adult victimization (B = 0.14, B = 0.01, respectively). PTSS was inversely associated with each ER aspect (Bs = 0.02-0.10). Unexpectedly, neither maltreatment nor adult victimization was related to the ER dimensions, and no indirect effects were observed between maltreatment and adult victimization through emotion dysregulation. These findings suggest that specific components of emotion dysregulation may not be tied to trauma exposure outside of PTSS. Further, it may be that the ER dimensions are not differentially related to increased risk for adult victimization.
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Tipsword JM, Southward MW, Adams AM, Brake CA, Badour CL. Daily Associations Between Trauma-Related Mental Contamination and Use of Specific Coping Strategies: Results of a Daily Monitoring Study. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:5699-5720. [PMID: 36184917 PMCID: PMC10145604 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221127205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mental contamination (MC)-a sense of dirtiness experienced without contacting an identifiable pollutant-is a distressing and enduring experience among many survivors of sexual trauma. MC has been linked to more frequent use of avoidant coping behaviors (e.g., washing behavior, substance use, binge eating) and approach coping. However, it is unclear if specific approach and avoidant coping strategies are more consistently related to perseverative experiences of trauma-related MC, if the use of certain strategies predicts changes in MC, and if fluctuations in MC predict the use of certain strategies. The present study evaluated contemporaneous and prospective relationships between sexual trauma-related MC and use of 11 specific coping strategies among 41 women with a history of sexual trauma using an experience sampling design. Women completed twice-daily assessments of coping strategy use and MC for 14 days. Between-persons, women reporting more intense MC on average reported more frequent use of distraction, denial, giving up, self-blame, thought suppression, washing behavior, emotional processing, and emotional expression than those experiencing less intense MC. Within-person increases in MC were associated with more frequent concurrent use of all coping strategies except seeking support. Lastly, within-person increases in MC predicted more frequent use of giving up, substance use, and seeking support at the next assessment and within-person increases in substance use predicted less severe MC at the next assessment. Future work should aim to identify factors influencing the selection and/or quality of use of these specific coping strategies among individuals experiencing MC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - C Alex Brake
- Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, RI, USA
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Raudales AM, Carosa CL, Weiss NH, Schatten HT, Armey MF. Emotion dysregulation as a mechanism linking posttraumatic stress disorder to subsequent suicidal thoughts and behaviors following inpatient psychiatric discharge. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 161:34-39. [PMID: 36893669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a well-known risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). However, there is a scarcity of longitudinal studies exploring underlying pathways. This study sought to examine the mechanistic role of emotion dysregulation in the relations between PTSD and STBs following discharge from psychiatric inpatient treatment, a particularly high-risk period for suicide. Participants were 362 trauma-exposed psychiatric inpatients (45% female, 77% white, Mage = 40.37). PTSD was assessed via a clinical interview (Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale) during hospitalization, emotion dysregulation was assessed via self-report 3-weeks post-discharge, and STBs were assessed via a clinical interview 6-months post-discharge. St'1ructural equation modeling showed that emotion dysregulation significantly mediated the relation between PTSD and suicidal thoughts (β = 0.10, SE = 0.04, p = .01, 95%CI [0.04, 0.39]) but not suicide attempts (β = 0.04, SE = 0.04, p = .29, 95%CI [-0.03, 0.12]) post-discharge. Findings highlight a potential clinical utility of targeting emotion dysregulation among individuals with PTSD to prevent suicidal thoughts following discharge from psychiatric inpatient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa M Raudales
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | | | - Nicole H Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Heather T Schatten
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA; Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael F Armey
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA; Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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Clauss K, Gorday JY, Bardeen JR. Investigating the specific domains of the cognitive attentional syndrome that predict posttraumatic stress symptoms: The moderating effect of attentional control. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 94:102670. [PMID: 36701955 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The metacognitive model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggests that persistent use of the maladaptive self-regulation strategies that comprise the cognitive attentional syndrome (CAS) increases the likelihood of developing PTSD symptoms following trauma exposure. The metacognitive model also suggests that flexible regulation of attention might be protective against developing maladaptive outcomes that are associated with the CAS. The aims of this study were to (1) examine associations between all seven domains of the CAS and PTSD symptoms using a recently developed, multidimensional measure of the CAS, and (2) examine the moderating effect of self-reported attentional control on associations between the CAS and PTSD symptoms. Participants were trauma-exposed community adults (N = 237) who completed a battery of self-report measures. Results from linear regression analyses showed that worry, substance use, and internal threat monitoring accounted for unique variance in PTSD symptoms when all seven CAS domains were entered into the same model. Moderation analyses showed that attentional control dampened the effect of the CAS, specifically external threat monitoring, on PTSD symptoms. Study results support attentional control as a protective factor against the maladaptive effects of the CAS on PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Clauss
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Julia Y Gorday
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Joseph R Bardeen
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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Dolan M, Slavish DC, Weiss NH, Contractor AA. The Role of Emotion Dysregulation in the Relationship Between Sleep Disturbances and PTSD Symptom Severity. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:203-215. [PMID: 36827634 PMCID: PMC9978949 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001631] [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] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Emotion dysregulation is implicated in the development, maintenance, and treatment of sleep disturbances and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) separately. However, few studies have assessed interactions among these variables. To address this gap, this study examined whether the associations of sleep quality and sleep quantity with PTSD severity were stronger at higher levels of negative and positive emotion dysregulation in a community sample of 199 trauma-exposed individuals. This study found that both poorer sleep quality and lower sleep quantity were associated with greater PTSD severity at low to average (but not high) levels of negative emotion dysregulation. Positive emotion dysregulation did not moderate the relationships between sleep quality or quantity and PTSD severity. Exploratory additive multiple moderation analyses showed significant associations between poorer sleep quality and lower sleep quantity with greater PTSD severity at low to average levels of negative emotion dysregulation, coupled with any level of positive emotion dysregulation. Findings inform theoretical perspectives on the sleep-PTSD relationship and clinical applications of targeting emotion dysregulation in the treatment of sleep disturbances and PTSD symptoms for trauma-exposed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Dolan
- Department of Psychology, 1155 Union Circle #311280, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
| | - Danica C. Slavish
- Department of Psychology, 1155 Union Circle #311280, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
| | - Nicole H. Weiss
- Department of Psychology, 142 Flagg Road, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Ateka A. Contractor
- Department of Psychology, 1155 Union Circle #311280, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
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Fredman SJ, Fischer MS, Baucom DH, Le Y, Taverna EC, Chow SM, Ram N, Marshall AD. PTSD Symptom Cluster Severity Predicts Momentary Emotion Dynamics During Couple Conversations. Behav Ther 2023; 54:330-345. [PMID: 36858763 PMCID: PMC10760910 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2022.09.004] [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: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the associations between momentary emotion dynamics and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Using a sample of 61 couples (N = 122 individuals) in which all individuals were trauma exposed and at least one partner screened positive for PTSD, we examined the intra- and interpersonal regulation of vocally encoded emotional arousal (fundamental frequency [f0]) and how these momentary emotion regulatory patterns relate to specific PTSD symptoms during two couple conversations: one designed to elicit conflict and one to elicit intimacy. PTSD symptoms were assessed using a gold standard clinical interview. In both conversations, higher reexperiencing symptoms were associated with greater emotional inertia (i.e., more resistance to change in emotional state following deviation from one's emotional equilibrium), and higher avoidance symptoms were associated with less emotional inertia (i.e., quicker return to emotional equilibrium). In the intimacy conversations, individuals also responded to their partners' arousal. Furthermore, individuals whose partners exhibited higher emotional numbing symptoms exhibited more emotional inertia, suggesting that emotion regulation may be a function of both one's own and one's partner's PTSD symptoms. Attending to the interpersonal context of emotion dynamics during PTSD treatment may enhance outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nilam Ram
- The Pennsylvania State University and Stanford University
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Brown RL, Innes PA, Carter JD, Wood A, Love S, Kannis-Dymand L. Beliefs About Traumatic Memories, Thought Control Strategies, and the Impact on PTSD Symptoms After a Natural Disaster. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:182-189. [PMID: 36095259 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the relationships among self-reported meta-memory beliefs, thought control strategies ( i.e. , distraction, reappraisal, worry, social control, and punishment), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology, among a sample of earthquake survivors ( N = 412). Correlational analysis and structural equation modeling were used on the responses and showed that stronger positive and negative meta-memory beliefs, and greater worry and punishment, were associated with greater PTSD symptom severity. The results also indicated that meta-memory beliefs had a prominent indirect influence toward PTSD symptomology via their effects toward thought control strategies. Follow-up analysis of variance indicated that those with a history of mental health difficulties reported higher levels of PTSD symptom severity, were more likely to score in the range of clinically relevant PTSD, and had a stronger tendency to negatively appraise unwanted thinking styles. The results of this research provide overall support for the validity of the metacognitive model for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Janet D Carter
- Department of Psychology, Speech, and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Schmitz M, Back SN, Seitz KI, Harbrecht NK, Streckert L, Schulz A, Herpertz SC, Bertsch K. The impact of traumatic childhood experiences on interoception: disregarding one's own body. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2023; 10:5. [PMID: 36788573 PMCID: PMC9930318 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-023-00212-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficient interoception, the processing and perception of internal bodily signals, has been discussed as a mechanism underlying various mental disorders. First results indicate a mediating role of interoception in the interplay of traumatic childhood experiences and adult mental disorders. Traumatic childhood experiences may hinder the adequate processing, integration, and trust in bodily signals that are important in order to understand and regulate own needs and emotions, thereby increasing the vulnerability for mental disorders. However, an overarching study investigating alterations in different interoceptive measures and trauma-related disorders as well as their mediating role between early trauma and emotion dysregulation is still missing. METHODS One hundred thirty-six individuals with varying levels of traumatic childhood experiences who either had a current diagnosis of major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, or somatic symptom disorder, or no mental disorder, took part in a multidimensional assessment of interoceptive processes, including interoceptive accuracy, sensibility, and awareness. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare groups regarding interoceptive processes and associations with traumatic childhood experiences and emotion dysregulation were analyzed with Spearman correlations. Furthermore, mediation analyses were computed to examine and compare interoceptive processes as potential mediators between traumatic childhood experiences and emotion dysregulation. RESULTS Only body dissociation, a measure for interoceptive sensibility, was significantly reduced in individuals with a current mental disorder. Body dissociation was also the only interoceptive measure significantly associated with traumatic childhood experiences and emotion dysregulation and the only significant mediator in the relationship between traumatic childhood experiences and emotion dysregulation across groups. CONCLUSION Results suggest body dissociation, but not other interoceptive measures, as an important feature linking traumatic childhood experiences to current emotion dysregulation, an important transdiagnostic feature. As body dissociation refers to a habitual non-attendance or disregard of interoceptive signals, integrative therapeutic interventions could help affected individuals to overcome difficulties in emotion perception and regulation. TRIAL REGISTRATION The general study design was preregistered; see the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00015182). This study's analysis plan was not preregistered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Schmitz
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany. .,Institute of Psychology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sarah N Back
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja I Seitz
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Psychology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nele K Harbrecht
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lena Streckert
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - André Schulz
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Clinical Psychophysiology Laboratory, University of Luxembourg, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Sabine C Herpertz
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Bertsch
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Miethe S, Wigger J, Wartemann A, Fuchs FO, Trautmann S. Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and its Association with Rumination, Thought Suppression and Experiential Avoidance: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-023-10022-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental disorder causing high individual and societal costs. The use of maladaptive emotion regulation (ER) strategies has been identified as a potential contributing factor. This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the associations between PTSD symptoms and rumination, thought suppression and experiential avoidance. The systematic literature search resulted in 5574 studies, 75 of which were included in the analysis. From those eligible studies 189 effect sizes were obtained. For symptoms of posttraumatic stress, large effects were found for associations with rumination (r = .52) and experiential avoidance (r = .48), whereas a medium effect size was found for thought suppression (r = .29). With respect to different PTSD symptom clusters, associations ranged between r = .35 and r = .41 for associations with intrusive re-experiencing, between r = .39 and r = .41 for associations with avoidance, between r = .50 and r = .53 for associations with alterations in cognitions and mood and between r = .41 and r = .45 for associations with alterations in arousal and activity. Few available studies provide some evidence that associations might be somewhat reduced but still substantial in longitudinal compared to cross-sectional studies. These findings provide valuable targets for future investigations with the long-term goal of improving targeted interventions for the prevention and treatment of PTSD symptoms.
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42
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Raudales AM, Yang M, Schatten HT, Armey MF, Weiss NH. Daily reciprocal relations between emotion dysregulation and non-suicidal self-injury among individuals with a history of sexual assault: The influence of posttraumatic stress symptoms. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2023; 53:124-136. [PMID: 36326152 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a serious public health concern that can be understood within an emotion dysregulation framework. The current study adds to the literature by utilizing a micro-longitudinal design and novel statistical modeling to test reciprocal associations between emotion dysregulation and NSSI, as well as the potential moderating effect of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). METHODS Participants were 81 individuals with a history of sexual assault and NSSI (Mage = 33.80; 67.9% women; 80.2% white) recruited from the community who self-reported on symptoms of emotion dysregulation and NSSI thoughts/behaviors once daily for 7 days. Average compliance rate was 72.8% (SD = 31.3%) and 34 participants (42.0%) endorsed NSSI thoughts/behaviors over the course of the study. RESULTS Findings revealed a significant positive effect of NSSI thoughts/behaviors on subsequent abilities to regulate negative emotions. Furthermore, while results did not detect a moderating influence of baseline PTSS on the relation between emotion dysregulation and NSSI thoughts/behaviors over time, individuals with higher baseline PTSS were found to experience heightened levels of NSSI thoughts/behaviors and emotion dysregulation on average. CONCLUSION Information from this study may be useful for future research and intervention development focused on the intersection of NSSI, PTSS, and emotion dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa M Raudales
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Manshu Yang
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Heather T Schatten
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Michael F Armey
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Nicole H Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression Symptoms After Potentially Traumatic Events: Latent Classes and Cognitive Correlates. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:141-149. [PMID: 36095251 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
People exposed to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) may develop distinct symptom patterns, which may require different therapeutic approaches. We aimed to identify classes of people exposed to PTEs based on the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) clusters, anxiety, and depression and to explore which cognitive factors (rumination, worry, and negative cognitions) are associated with class membership. Latent class analyses were conducted to identify subgroups of 258 PTE-exposed Spanish adults. A three-class solution emerged: a resilient class with low odds of all symptoms ( n = 188); a partial PTSD class, characterized by partial PTSD clusters, moderate anxiety, and low depression ( n = 36); and a high symptom class, characterized by high PTSD, moderate anxiety, and low depression ( n = 34). These classes related meaningfully to rumination, worry, and negative cognitions. Distinct symptom patterns of PTSD clusters, anxiety, and depression can be distinguished in people exposed to PTEs and relate to cognitive risk factors of psychopathology.
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Actigraphic Wake after Sleep Onset and Symptom Severity Correspond with Rumination in Trauma-Exposed Individuals. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13010139. [PMID: 36672120 PMCID: PMC9856627 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13010139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rumination and worry are forms of repetitive negative thinking (RNT) commonly associated with internalizing psychopathologies, although less is known about RNT in trauma-exposed individuals with internalizing psychopathologies. Separate lines of research show RNT also plays a role in problematic sleep, which is frequently experienced after trauma exposure. To address gaps in the literature, the current study examines the impact of sleep and symptoms on RNT in trauma-exposed participants. A transdiagnostic sample of 46 unmedicated treatment-seeking trauma-exposed participants completed standard measures of rumination and worry, as well as clinical measures that assessed posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety severity. Actigraphic sleep variables were sleep duration, wake after sleep onset (WASO), and sleep efficiency. Sleep and clinical measures were submitted to multiple regression analyses with rumination and worry as dependent variables. The regression results showed that rumination was significantly explained by WASO and posttraumatic stress symptom (PTSS) severity, and the omnibus test was significant. Depression, anxiety, and other estimates of sleep were not significant. No significant results emerged for worry. Preliminary findings suggest that PTSS and WASO, an index of fragmented sleep, may contribute to rumination, but not worry, in trauma-exposed individuals. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine potential causal relationships.
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Fernandes O, Marra da Silva R, Rego Ramos L, Gama TM, Lobo I, Guerra Leal Souza G, Arruda Sanchez T. The impact of a violent community on mental health and the benefits of a sport program for social development. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:51-66. [PMID: 35583853 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22877] [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: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of a violent environment on mental health and the impact of a sport for social development (SSD) program on quality of life, mental distress symptoms, and heart rate variability (HRV). HRV and psychometric data were measured from 20 men professional athletes assisted by the SSD and 20 men living in the same violent community. The comparison of groups revealed greater sympathetic parameters of HRV, positive affect, and quality of life in the SSD group. Multiple regression analysis showed that the quality of life in the SSD group was positively predicted by positive affect, while in the control group the quality of life was negatively predicted by their history of traumatic events. Both groups reported high levels of exposure to traumatic events and posttraumatic stress symptoms. However, this study demonstrates the benefits of SSD programs in mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Fernandes
- Laboratório de Neuroimagem e Psicofisiologia, Departamento de Radiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ruy Marra da Silva
- Laboratório de Neuroimagem e Psicofisiologia, Departamento de Radiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Cardiologia, Instituto do Coração Edson Saad, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucas Rego Ramos
- Laboratório de Neuroimagem e Psicofisiologia, Departamento de Radiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tamires M Gama
- Laboratório de Neuroimagem e Psicofisiologia, Departamento de Radiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabela Lobo
- Grupo de Psicobiologia/Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade/NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Guerra Leal Souza
- Laboratório de Psicofisiologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tiago Arruda Sanchez
- Laboratório de Neuroimagem e Psicofisiologia, Departamento de Radiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Cardiologia, Instituto do Coração Edson Saad, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Geng F, Liang Y, Zhan N, Wang J. Prevalence, Clinical Features, and Psychological Characteristics of Dissociative Subtype of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Chinese Prisoners. J Trauma Dissociation 2023; 24:63-78. [PMID: 35611661 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2022.2079797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine prevalence, clinical symptoms, and psychological characteristics of D-PTSD in a sample of Chinese prisoners with probable PTSD. A total of 1458 male prisoners were recruited from a large prison in Guangdong, China. Participants completed self-administrated questionnaires that assessed PTSD and dissociative symptoms, psychopathology, emotion regulation, emotional expressivity, social pleasure, traumatic events, and social support. According to DSM-5 criteria, participants were classified into four groups: D-PTSD, PTSD only, derealization/depersonalization (DD) only, and neither. The proportions of D-PTSD, PTSD only, DD only and neither were 2.5%, 4.7%, 2.4%, and 92.2%, respectively. PTSD symptoms and emotion regulation difficulties were distinguishing for the four groups: PTSD symptoms declined gradually in the order of D-PTSD, PTSD only, DD only, and neither, while emotion regulation difficulties declined in an order from D-PTSD, DD only, and PTSD only to neither, all ps < .001. D-PTSD and DD only had higher depressive and dissociative symptoms than PTSD only and the neither groups, all ps < .001. D-PTSD also had more borderline personality symptoms, emotion regulation difficulties, and more negative emotional expressivity than PTSD only and DD only, all ps < .05. Logistic regressions indicated that D-PTSD reported lower social support compared to PTSD only (OR = 0.95, p < .01), DD only (OR = 0.96, p < .05) and neither (OR = 0.93, p < .001). D-PTSD is common in probable PTSD in prisoners and is associated with complex clinical presentations as well as emotional processing. Social support is an important protective factor of D-PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulei Geng
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yingxin Liang
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Nalan Zhan
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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47
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Sease TB, Cox CR, Knight K. Existential isolation and well-being in justice-involved populations. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1092313. [PMID: 36591099 PMCID: PMC9795838 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1092313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Much work in psychology has focused on feelings of social isolation and/or loneliness. Only recently have psychologists begun to explore the concept of existential isolation (EI). EI is the subjective sense that persons are alone in their experience and that others are unable to understand their perspective. EI thus occurs when people feel that they have a unique worldview unshared by others. Measured as either a state or trait, empirical studies have shown EI undermines life meaning and decreases well-being; people scoring high on EI report lower levels of need satisfaction, purpose in life, and meaningfulness and increased death-related concerns. There is also a positive correlation between EI and anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. The purpose of this perspective paper is to review literature on EI and discuss its relevance to people who have been involved with the justice system. Given their higher rates of substance use, mental health difficulties, and trauma, this traditionally underserved population is particularly susceptible to compromised well-being. We theorize that EI may impede the impact of therapeutic interventions in justice settings as more isolated individuals may feel disjointed from their counselors and peers, thereby decreasing levels of treatment engagement, participation, satisfaction, and perceived social support. Professionals may be able to mitigate issues related to EI by an enhanced focus on establishing authenticity within the therapist-client relationship (e.g., empathy, perspective taking, compassion), connecting with clients via I-sharing [i.e., matching on a shared experience(s)], and/or encouraging active participation in client's behavioral healthcare needs (e.g., self-reflection).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B. Sease
- Institute of Behavioral Research, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Cathy R. Cox
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Kevin Knight
- Institute of Behavioral Research, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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48
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Dell’Acqua C, Mura F, Messerotti Benvenuti S, Patron E, Palomba D. Reduced heart rate variability and expressive suppression interact to prospectively predict COVID-19 pandemic-related post-traumatic stress symptoms. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21311. [PMID: 36494439 PMCID: PMC9734110 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25915-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a unique period of stress that, in some cases, led to post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs). Emotion regulation strategies are known to modulate the emotional response to stressful events. Expressive suppression (ES) is a maladaptive strategy related to the exacerbation of the physiological stress response. Heart rate variability (HRV), an index of cardiac autonomic balance strictly related to ES, was also shown to predict PTSSs. This was the first study to investigate whether the pre-pandemic ES use and resting-state HRV predicted pandemic-related PTSSs. Before the pandemic, 83 (58 females) university students completed the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), self-report measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and a three-minute resting-state electrocardiogram recording. After 12 months, 61 (45 females) participants completed a self-report measure of pandemic-related PTSSs and repeated the self-report psychological measures. Pre-pandemic anxiety symptoms prospectively predicted greater PTSSs. Moreover, a significant interaction between HRV and ES in predicting PTSSs emerged, whereby those who had higher levels of ES and reduced HRV showed higher PTSSs. These findings suggest that an integrated assessment of HRV and ES might be useful for identifying individuals who are more vulnerable to the development of PTSSs during crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Dell’Acqua
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8, 35131 Padua, Italy ,grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Mura
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8, 35131 Padua, Italy ,grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Simone Messerotti Benvenuti
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8, 35131 Padua, Italy ,grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padua, Padua, Italy ,grid.411474.30000 0004 1760 2630Hospital Psychology Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Patron
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Daniela Palomba
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8, 35131 Padua, Italy ,grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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49
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Janssen PGJ, Stoltz S, Cillessen AHN, van Ee E. Deployment-related PTSD symptomatology and social functioning: Probing the mediating roles of emotion regulation and mentalization in an outpatient veteran sample. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 156:444-450. [PMID: 36327767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Deployment-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) impacts social functioning in families. Therefore, it is important to examine the factors that contribute to social functioning in families that are confronted with deployment-related PTSD. The goal of this study was to assess the association between PTSD symptom severity and social functioning using self-report questionnaires in an outpatient veteran sample and to test the mediating roles of emotion regulation (Study 1, N = 100) and mentalization (Study 2, N = 38). Study 1 demonstrated that emotion regulation problems fully mediated PTSD associated family dysfunctioning. Study 2 did not demonstrate a mediation role of mentalization, but also did not demonstrate an association between PTSD and social dysfunctioning. Maladaptive mentalization was associated with poor child adjustment. Critically, a between-study comparison revealed that PTSD symptom severity was significantly higher in Study 1 than in Study 2. Overall, our findings suggest that social dysfunctioning may only appear when a given severity threshold of PTSD is reached, in which emotion regulation might be a key clinical factor. Maladaptive mentalization may be critical for post-deployment child adjustment. Future research should further examine social functioning in samples with different PTSD severity profiles and include the role of mentalization. Longitudinal data are needed to gain further insight into the causal relationships among the factors considered and the etiological pathways that lead to developing social dysfunction over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petrus G J Janssen
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Psychotraumacentrum Zuid Nederland, Reinier van Arkel, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.
| | - Sabine Stoltz
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Elisa van Ee
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Psychotraumacentrum Zuid Nederland, Reinier van Arkel, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
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50
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Boersma-van Dam E, van de Schoot R, Engelhard IM, Van Loey NEE. Posttraumatic stress symptoms and interpersonal processes in burn survivors and their partners. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2151097. [PMID: 36867741 PMCID: PMC9731584 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2151097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A burn event can elicit symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in survivors and their partners and may impact the way these couple members interact with each other. They may try to protect each other from further emotional distress by avoiding talking about the burn event, but they may also show concern towards each other.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate bidirectional relationships between survivor's and partner's PTSD symptoms and two interpersonal processes: partner-oriented 'self-regulation', which is avoidance-oriented, and 'expressed concern', which is approach-oriented.Method: In this longitudinal multi-centre study, 119 burn survivors and their partners participated. Measures of PTSD symptoms, self-regulation, and expressed concern were administered in the acute phase following the burns, and follow-ups took place up to 18 months postburn. Intra- and interpersonal effects were examined in a random intercept cross-lagged panel model. Exploratory effects of burn severity were also investigated.Results: Within individuals, survivor's expressed concern predicted later higher levels of survivor's PTSD symptoms. In their partners, self-regulation and PTSD symptoms reinforced each other in the early phase postburn. Between the two couple members, partner's expressed concern predicted later lower levels of survivor's PTSD symptoms. Exploratory regression analyses showed that burn severity moderated the effect of survivor's self-regulation on survivor's PTSD symptoms, indicating that self-regulation was continuously related to higher levels of PTSD symptoms over time within more severely burned survivors, but not in less severely burned survivors.Conclusion: PTSD symptoms and self-regulation reinforced each other in partners and possibly also in more severely burned survivors. Partner's expressed concern was related to lower levels of survivor's PTSD symptoms, whereas survivor's expressed concern was related to higher levels of survivor's PTSD symptoms. These findings emphasize the importance of screening for and monitoring PTSD symptoms in burn survivors and their partner and of encouraging couple's self-disclosure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Boersma-van Dam
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, Netherlands
| | - Rens van de Schoot
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Optentia Research Program, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Iris M Engelhard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Nancy E E Van Loey
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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