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Stumps A, Bounoua N, Sadeh N. Emotional reactivity linking assaultive trauma and risky behavior: Evidence of differences between cisgender women and men. J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:492-503. [PMID: 38454638 PMCID: PMC11176033 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23028] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that trauma exposure is positively associated with future engagement in risky behavior, such as substance misuse, aggression, risky sex, and self-harm. However, the psychological factors driving this association and their relevance across gender groups require further clarification. In a community sample of 375 adults with a high rate of trauma exposure (age range: 18-55 years, M = 32.98 years, SD = 10.64; 76.3% assaultive trauma exposure), we examined whether emotional reactivity linked lifetime assaultive trauma exposure with past-month risky behavior. We also explored whether this model differed for cisgender women (n = 178, 47.6%) and men (n = 197, 52.5%). As hypothesized, assaultive trauma was positively related to emotional reactivity, β = .20, SE = 0.03, t(369) = 3.65, p < .001, which, in turn, partially accounted for the association between assaultive trauma and past-month risky behavior, indirect effect: β = .03, SE = 0.01, 95% bootstrapped CI [0.01, 0.06]. Gender moderated this association such that assaultive trauma was indirectly associated with risky behavior via emotional reactivity for women but not for men, index moderation: B = -0.03, SE = 0.02, 95% bootstrapped CI [-0.07, -0.01]. Cross-sectional results suggest that emotional reactivity may be a proximal target for clinical intervention to aid in the reduction of risky behavior among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stumps
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Nadia Bounoua
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Naomi Sadeh
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
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2
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Shevorykin A, Hyland BM, Robles D, Ji M, Vantucci D, Bensch L, Thorner H, Marion M, Liskiewicz A, Carl E, Ostroff JS, Sheffer CE. Tobacco use, trauma exposure and PTSD: a systematic review. Health Psychol Rev 2024:1-32. [PMID: 38711288 DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2024.2330896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Tobacco use remains one of the most significant preventable public health problems globally and is increasingly concentrated among vulnerable groups, including those with trauma exposure or diagnosed with PTSD. The goal of this systematic review was to update and extend previous reviews. Of the 7224 publications that met the initial criteria, 267 were included in the review. Summary topic areas include conceptual frameworks for the relation between trauma or PTSD and tobacco use; associations between trauma exposure or PTSD and tobacco use; number and type of trauma exposures and tobacco use; PTSD symptoms and tobacco use; Treatment-related studies; and the examination of causal relations. Evidence continues to indicate that individuals exposed to trauma or diagnosed with PTSD are more likely to use tobacco products, more nicotine dependent and less likely to abstain from tobacco even when provided evidence-based treatments than individuals without trauma. The most commonly cited causal association proposed was use of tobacco for self-regulation of negative affect associated with trauma. A small proportion of the studies addressed causality and mechanisms of action. Future work should incorporate methodological approaches and measures from which we can draw causal conclusions and mechanisms to support the development of viable therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Shevorykin
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Bridget M Hyland
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Robles
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Mengjia Ji
- Department of Psychology, The City College of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
| | - Darian Vantucci
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Lindsey Bensch
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Thorner
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Matthew Marion
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Amylynn Liskiewicz
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Carl
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jamie S Ostroff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christine E Sheffer
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Blais RK, Tannahill HS, Cue Davis K. Sexual Risk Taking among Survivors of U.S. Military Sexual Assault: Associations with PTSD Symptom Severity and Alcohol Use. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:683-690. [PMID: 37579247 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2232803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Sexual risk taking may be heightened among U.S. service members and veterans reporting military sexual assault (MSA) exposure. MSA increases the risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a common correlate of sexual risk taking among civilians. PTSD may relate to sexual risk taking through its association with alcohol use, which increases impulsivity and risky behavioral engagement. Male survivors may be at notably higher risk given greater overall alcohol use and engagement in sexual risk taking relative to female survivors. This study assessed whether higher alcohol use mediated the association between PTSD and sexual risk taking among MSA survivors, and whether this effect differed by sex. Participants included 200 male and 200 female service members and veterans (age: M = 35.89, SD = 5.56) who completed measures of PTSD symptoms, alcohol use, sexual risk taking, and a demographic inventory. In a moderated mediation analysis using linear regression, higher PTSD severity was associated with higher alcohol use, and higher alcohol use was associated with higher sexual risk taking. A significant indirect effect of alcohol use was observed, which was stronger among men. To reduce sexual risk taking among MSA survivors, it may be beneficial to target PTSD symptoms and alcohol use with sex-specific interventions. This line of inquiry would be strengthened by longitudinal studies that explore the fluidity of these experiences to identify periods of elevated risk. Studies that examine alcohol use expectancies and sexual delay discounting could expand our understanding of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Blais
- Psychology Department, Arizona State University
| | | | - K Cue Davis
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University
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Blais RK, Xu B, Tannahill H, Dulin P. Male sex and hazardous alcohol use following military sexual assault increase suicide risk among US service members and veterans. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2312756. [PMID: 38568596 PMCID: PMC10993746 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2312756] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Higher alcohol use and military sexual assault (MSA) are associated with increased risk of death by suicide. Risk for death by suicide is rapidly increasing among females, who report higher rates of MSA, yet actual death by suicide and alcohol use are higher among males. It is not well understood whether higher alcohol use confers greater suicide risk in male or female service members and veterans who have experienced MSA.Objective: To determine whether the association between alcohol misuse and suicide risk was moderated by biological sex in a sample of male and female service members (N = 400, 50% female) who reported MSA.Method: Participants completed surveys of alcohol use and suicide risk as well as a demographic inventory. Linear regression with an interaction term was used to determine if suicide risk differed by sex and alcohol use severity after accounting for discharge status, sexual orientation, and age.Results: Average scores on the suicide risk measure were consistent with an inpatient psychiatric sample and scores on the AUDIT-C were indicative of a probable positive screen for alcohol misuse. Suicide risk was most pronounced among males who reported higher levels of hazardous alcohol use. A sensitivity analysis examining suicide risk by sex and screening results for alcohol misuse (positive/negative) showed that men with a probable positive screen had higher suicide risk.Discussion: The current study provides novel findings on suicide risk among survivors of military sexual violence by including both male and female survivors. Interventions to decrease suicide risk following MSA may consider alcohol reduction strategies, and optimizing these interventions in males. Engaging military culture at both the US Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to encourage more healthy alcohol consumption may mitigate this public health concern. Future research may consider how country of origin relates to these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K. Blais
- Psychology Department, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Psychology Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Bingyu Xu
- Psychology Department, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Hallie Tannahill
- Psychology Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
- Wright-Patterson Medical Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
| | - Patrick Dulin
- Psychology Department, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Miggantz EL, Orchowski LM, Beltran JL, Walter KH, Hollingsworth JC, Cue Davis K, Zong ZY, Meza-Lopez R, Hutchins A, Gilmore AK. Alcohol-involved sexual assault in the US military: a scoping review. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2282020. [PMID: 38010375 PMCID: PMC10993808 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2282020] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Sexual assault and alcohol use are significant public health concerns, including for the United States (US) military. Although alcohol is a risk factor for military sexual assault (MSA), research on the extent of alcohol-involvement in MSAs has not been synthesised.Objective: Accordingly, this scoping review is a preliminary step in evaluating the existing literature on alcohol-involved MSAs among US service members and veterans, with the goals of quantifying the prevalence of alcohol-involved MSA, examining differences in victim versus perpetrator alcohol consumption, and identifying additional knowledge gaps.Method: In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for Scoping Reviews, articles in this review were written in English, published in 1996 or later, reported statistics regarding alcohol-involved MSA, and included samples of US service members or veterans who experienced MSA during military service.Results: A total of 34 of 2436 articles identified met inclusion criteria. Studies often measured alcohol and drug use together. Rates of reported MSAs that involved the use of alcohol or alcohol/drugs ranged from 14% to 66.1% (M = 36.94%; Mdn = 37%) among servicemen and from 0% to 83% (M = 40.27%; Mdn = 41%) among servicewomen. Alcohol use was frequently reported in MSAs, and there is a dearth of information on critical event-level characteristics of alcohol-involved MSA. Additionally, studies used different definitions and measures of MSA and alcohol use, complicating comparisons across studies.Conclusion: The lack of event-level data, and inconsistencies in definitions, measures, and sexual assault timeframes across articles demonstrates that future research and data collection efforts require more event-level detail and consistent methodology to better understand the intersection of alcohol and MSA, which will ultimately inform MSA prevention and intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L. Miggantz
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
- Health and Behavioral Sciences Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lindsay M. Orchowski
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jessica L. Beltran
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
- Health and Behavioral Sciences Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kristen H. Walter
- Health and Behavioral Sciences Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Julia C. Hollingsworth
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
- Health and Behavioral Sciences Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kelly Cue Davis
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Zoe Y. Zong
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Richard Meza-Lopez
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Anna Hutchins
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amanda K. Gilmore
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Zelkowitz RL, Kehle-Forbes SM, Smith BN, Vogt DS, Mitchell KS. Associations between DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder Criterion E2 endorsement and selected self-destructive behaviors in recent-era veterans: A focus on disordered eating. J Trauma Stress 2023; 36:1001-1009. [PMID: 37485630 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22960] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Revisions to the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria in the DSM-5 included a new criterion in the alterations in arousal and reactivity cluster (i.e., engagement in reckless and self-destructive behaviors; Criterion E2). Despite its clinical significance, little is known about how this symptom corresponds to engagement in specific direct and indirect self-harm behaviors. We examined associations between E2 and self-reported recent engagement in direct and indirect self-harm behaviors, including disordered eating, which is not included in the prototypical E2 symptom scope, in a trauma-exposed sample of 1,010 recent-era veterans (61.5% self-identified women, 38.5% self-identified men). We also tested whether gender moderated these associations. We repeated analyses in a subsample of participants with clinically elevated PTSD symptoms. Participants self-reported past-month PTSD symptoms (PCL-5) as well as past-month nonsuicidal self-injury, suicidal ideation, suicide planning, fasting, purging, binge eating, compulsive exercise, and problematic alcohol and drug use. We found no evidence for moderation by gender for any of the behaviors examined in the main sample. However, after controlling for gender and demographic covariates, weighted logistic regressions showed small, significant associations between E2 score and direct self-harm behaviors, substance use, purging, and binge eating, aORs = 1.30-1.91. Criterion E2 was linked to behaviors included in the typical symptom scope (self-directed violence, substance use) and those that are not (disordered eating behaviors). Comprehensive screening for self-destructive behaviors, including disordered eating, among veteran men and women who endorse Criterion E2 is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Zelkowitz
- Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shannon M Kehle-Forbes
- Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brian N Smith
- Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dawne S Vogt
- Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen S Mitchell
- Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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7
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Than CT, Bean-Mayberry B, Schweizer CA, Lee M, Chanfreau-Coffinier C, Clair K, Hamilton AB, Farmer MM. Ask and Ask Again: Repeated Screening for Smoking Increases Likelihood of Prescription for Cessation Treatment Among Women Veterans. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:2553-2559. [PMID: 37277666 PMCID: PMC10465439 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08227-y] [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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preventive screening at the point of care can increase desired clinical outcomes. However, the impact of repeated screening for tobacco use on receiving smoking cessation treatment among women Veteran population has not been documented. OBJECTIVE To examine screening for tobacco use using clinical reminders and the association between the number of screenings and prescription for cessation treatment. DESIGN A retrospective analysis using data from a 5-year implementation trial for cardiovascular risk identification conducted between December 2016 and March 2020. SUBJECTS Women patients who had at least one primary care visit with a women's health provider during the study period at five primary care clinics in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System. MEASURES The outcome is prescription of pharmacotherapy or referral to behavioral counseling for smoking cessation on or after the screening date. The exposure is the number of screenings for tobacco use from the trial and the annual VA national clinical reminders during the study period. RESULTS Of 6009 eligible patients, 5788 (96.3%) were screened at least once for tobacco use over five calendar years, and 2784 of those screened (48.1%) were reported as current and former smokers. Among current and former smokers, 709 (25.5%) received a prescription and/or referral for smoking cessation. In the adjusted model, the average predicted probability of prescription and/or referral for smoking cessation was 13.7% among current and former smokers screened once over 5 years, 18.6% among screened twice, 26.5% among screened thrice, 32.9% among screened four times, and 41.7% among screened five or six times. CONCLUSIONS Repeated screening was associated with higher predicted probabilities of being prescribed smoking cessation treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire T Than
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer Street (152), Building 25, North Hills, Los Angeles, CA, 91343, USA.
| | - Bevanne Bean-Mayberry
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer Street (152), Building 25, North Hills, Los Angeles, CA, 91343, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - C Amanda Schweizer
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer Street (152), Building 25, North Hills, Los Angeles, CA, 91343, USA
| | - Martin Lee
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer Street (152), Building 25, North Hills, Los Angeles, CA, 91343, USA
| | | | - Kimberly Clair
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer Street (152), Building 25, North Hills, Los Angeles, CA, 91343, USA
| | - Alison B Hamilton
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer Street (152), Building 25, North Hills, Los Angeles, CA, 91343, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Melissa M Farmer
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer Street (152), Building 25, North Hills, Los Angeles, CA, 91343, USA
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Stockman D, Haney L, Uzieblo K, Littleton H, Keygnaert I, Lemmens G, Verhofstadt L. An ecological approach to understanding the impact of sexual violence: a systematic meta-review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1032408. [PMID: 37292501 PMCID: PMC10244654 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1032408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim A systematic meta-review was conducted to examine (1) the broad range of negative and positive individual and interpersonal changes following adult sexual violence, as well as (2) the risk/protective factors at multiple levels of the social ecology (e.g., individual, assault, and micro/meso/exo/macro/chronosystem factors)-influencing the impact of sexual violence. Methods Searches of Web of Science, Pubmed, and ProQuest resulted in inclusion of 46 systematic reviews or meta-analyses. Review findings were extracted for summary and a deductive thematic analysis was conducted. Results Experiencing sexual violence is associated with many negative individual and sexual difficulties as well as revictimization risk. Only a limited number of reviews reported on interpersonal and positive changes. Factors at multiple levels of the social ecology play a role in the intensity of these changes. Reviews including macrolevel factors were non-existent, however. Conclusion Reviews on sexual violence are fragmented in nature. Although the use of an ecological approach is often lacking, adopting such a perspective in research is necessary for a fuller understanding of the multiple influences on survivor outcomes. Future research should evaluate the occurrence of social and positive changes following sexual violence, as well as the role of macrolevel factors in influencing post-assault outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Stockman
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Haney
- Department of Psychology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Kasia Uzieblo
- Department of Criminology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
- Forensic Care Specialists, Van der Hoeven Clinic, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Heather Littleton
- Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Ines Keygnaert
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gilbert Lemmens
- Department of Head and Skin, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lesley Verhofstadt
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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9
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Maguen S, Griffin BJ, Vogt D, Hoffmire CA, Blosnich JR, Bernhard PA, Akhtar FZ, Cypel YS, Schneiderman AI. Moral injury and peri- and post-military suicide attempts among post-9/11 veterans. Psychol Med 2023; 53:3200-3209. [PMID: 35034682 PMCID: PMC10235653 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721005274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our goal was to examine the association between moral injury, mental health, and suicide attempts during military service and after separation by gender in post-9/11 veterans. METHODS A nationally representative sample of 14057 veterans completed a cross-sectional survey. To examine associations of exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs; witnessing, perpetrating, and betrayal) and suicidal self-directed violence, we estimated two series of multivariable logistic regressions stratified by gender, with peri- and post-military suicide attempt as the dependent variables. RESULTS PMIE exposure accounted for additional risk of suicide attempt during and after military service after controlling for demographic and military characteristics, current mental health status, and pre-military history of suicidal ideation and attempt. Men who endorsed PMIE exposure by perpetration were 50% more likely to attempt suicide during service and twice as likely to attempt suicide after separating from service. Men who endorsed betrayal were nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide during service; however, this association attenuated to non-significance after separation in the fully adjusted models. In contrast, women who endorsed betrayal were over 50% more likely to attempt suicide during service and after separation; PMIE exposure by perpetration did not significantly predict suicide attempts before or after service among women in the fully adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that suicide assessment and prevention programs should consider the impact of moral injury and attend to gender differences in this risk factor in order to provide the most comprehensive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Maguen
- San Francisco VA Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brandon J. Griffin
- Central Arkansas VA Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, USA
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Dawne Vogt
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claire A. Hoffmire
- VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - John R. Blosnich
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Paul A. Bernhard
- Health Outcomes of Military Exposures, Epidemiology Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Fatema Z. Akhtar
- Health Outcomes of Military Exposures, Epidemiology Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yasmin S. Cypel
- Health Outcomes of Military Exposures, Epidemiology Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Aaron I. Schneiderman
- Health Outcomes of Military Exposures, Epidemiology Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
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10
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Forkus SR, Contractor AA, Raudales AM, Weiss NH. The influence of trauma-related shame on the associations between posttraumatic symptoms and impulsivity facets. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA : THEORY, RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND POLICY 2023; 15:576-583. [PMID: 35666935 PMCID: PMC10392103 DOI: 10.1037/tra0001288] [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: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The co-occurrence of posttraumatic symptoms (PTS) and impulsivity is associated with higher levels of risky and self-destructive behaviors and consequent safety and health risks. Trauma-related shame (TRS) may influence the association between PTS and impulsivity such that engaging in impulsive behaviors may serve to cope with emotional distress. Alternatively, TRS may motivate a deliberate consideration of behaviors (i.e., less impulsivity) to prevent further cognitive and emotional distress. OBJECTIVE The goal of the current study was to examine the influence of TRS on the associations between PTS and impulsivity facets (lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, negative urgency, positive urgency, sensation seeking). METHOD Data were collected from 506 community individuals who endorsed lifetime sexual trauma (Mage = 34.56, 54.3% women, 78.7% White). RESULTS Findings indicated that TRS moderated associations between PTS and impulsivity facets of lack of perseverance, b = -.001, SE = .0003; t = -2.68, p = .008, 95% confidence interval [-.001, -.0002], and premeditation, b = -.001, SE = .0003; t = -3.70, p < .001, [-.002, -.001]; these associations were significant at low, but not high, levels of TRS. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that in the context of PTS, TRS may reduce certain forms of impulsivity, potentially as a means to self-protect against further cognitive and emotional distress. Findings have important implications for understanding how individuals regulate and respond to shame in the context of PTS. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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11
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Blais RK, Xu B, Hoyt T, Lorenz T, Monteith LL. Sexual compulsivity, erectile dysfunction, and suicidality among male survivors of military sexual violence. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:1709-1720. [PMID: 36059231 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although military sexual trauma (MST) is associated with an increased risk of suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation among service members and veterans, there is limited knowledge regarding the mechanisms of MST and suicidality among men. The current study examined whether MST was associated with sexual compulsivity and/or erectile dysfunction and if these, in turn, explained elevated suicidal thoughts and the likelihood of engaging in future suicidal behavior after accounting for mental health, military, and demographic characteristics. Service members and veterans who reported their gender as male (N = 508) were recruited via social media and completed online self-report measures assessing MST, erectile dysfunction, sexual compulsivity, suicidal ideation frequency, and the likelihood of engaging in future suicidal behavior. Path analysis was used to examine the study hypotheses. In total, 67 participants (13.2%) reported a history of MST; of these individuals, 27 (40.3%) reported suicidal ideation in the past 12 months, and 29 (43.9%) reported an increased likelihood of engaging in future suicidal behavior. MST was associated with increased sexual compulsivity, which, in turn, predicted more frequent suicidal ideation as well as a higher self-reported likelihood of engaging in future suicidal behavior. MST was associated with higher levels of erectile dysfunction, but erectile dysfunction was not associated with suicidal ideation in the adjusted model. Although the data were cross-sectional, precluding determinations of causality, the results support assessing and intervening with regard to sexual compulsivity to mitigate the risk for suicide-related outcomes among men who experience MST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Blais
- Psychology Department, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Bingyu Xu
- Psychology Department, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Tim Hoyt
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Tierney Lorenz
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Lindsey L Monteith
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Veteran Suicide Prevention, Denver, Colorado, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Garcia-Vergara E, Almeda N, Martín Ríos B, Becerra-Alonso D, Fernández-Navarro F. A Comprehensive Analysis of Factors Associated with Intimate Partner Femicide: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127336. [PMID: 35742583 PMCID: PMC9223751 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
There has been a growing concern about violence against women by intimate partners due to its incidence and severity. This type of violence is a severe problem that has taken the lives of thousands of women worldwide and is expected to continue in the future. A limited amount of research exclusively considers factors related only to these women's deaths. Most focus on deaths of both men and women in an intimate partnership and do not provide precise results on the phenomenon under study. The necessity for an actual synthesis of factors linked solely to women's deaths in heterosexual relationships is key to a comprehensive knowledge of that case. This could assist in identifying high-risk cases by professionals involving an interdisciplinary approach. The study's objective is to systematically review the factors associated with these deaths. Twenty-four studies found inclusion criteria extracted from seven databases (Dialnet, Web of Science, Pubmed, Criminal Justice, Psychology and Behavioral Science Collection, Academic Search Ultimate, and APA Psyarticles). The review was carried out under the PRISMA guidelines' standards. The studies' quality assessment complies with the MMAT guidelines. Findings revealed that there are specific factors of the aggressor, victim, partner's relationship, and environment associated with women's deaths. The results have implications for predicting and preventing women's deaths, providing scientific knowledge applied to develop public action programs, guidelines, and reforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Garcia-Vergara
- Departament of Quantitative Methods, Universidad Loyola Andalucia, Avenida de las Universidades s/n, 41704 Seville, Spain; (D.B.-A.); (F.F.-N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nerea Almeda
- Departament of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucia, Avenida de las Universidades s/n, 41704 Seville, Spain;
| | - Blanca Martín Ríos
- Departament of Legal and Political Sciences, Universidad Loyola Andalucia, Avenida de las Universidades s/n, 41704 Seville, Spain;
| | - David Becerra-Alonso
- Departament of Quantitative Methods, Universidad Loyola Andalucia, Avenida de las Universidades s/n, 41704 Seville, Spain; (D.B.-A.); (F.F.-N.)
| | - Francisco Fernández-Navarro
- Departament of Quantitative Methods, Universidad Loyola Andalucia, Avenida de las Universidades s/n, 41704 Seville, Spain; (D.B.-A.); (F.F.-N.)
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Forkus SR, Weiss NH, Goncharenko S, Schick MR, Monteith LL, Contractor AA. Elucidating the Association Between Military Sexual Trauma Types and Different Types of Risky Behaviors. J Trauma Dissociation 2022; 23:324-338. [PMID: 34641771 PMCID: PMC9152949 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2021.1989110] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Military sexual harassment (MSH) and assault (MSA) are associated with serious mental and physical health outcomes among military personnel and veterans. However, less is known about how these experiences relate to risky, impulsive, and health-compromising behaviors. The goal of the current study was to assess MSH and MSA in relation to a wide range of risky behaviors. Participants were 512 veterans in the community (M age = 41.36, 71.3% male, 71.3% white) who completed an online survey via Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk). Compared to veterans who reported MSH only or no history of MST, veterans with a MSA history reported greater past-month risky behavior engagement, both overall and for specific behaviors, including problematic use of alcohol, drugs, gambling, technology, risky sexual behaviors, eating behaviors, illegal behaviors, reckless spending, physically aggressive behaviors, verbally aggressive behaviors, property destruction, reckless driving, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicidal behavior. Our findings emphasize the importance of differentiating between MSH and MSA when detecting and intervening with veterans at risk for engaging in risky behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon R Forkus
- Department of Psychology, Univeristy of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Nicole H Weiss
- Department of Psychology, Univeristy of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | | | - Melissa R Schick
- Department of Psychology, Univeristy of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Lindsey L Monteith
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Military Sexual Trauma: An Update for Nurse Practitioners. J Nurse Pract 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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