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Christ C, van Schaik DJF, Kikkert MJ, de Waal MM, Dozeman E, Hulstijn HL, Koomen LM, Krah IM, Schut DM, Beekman ATF, Dekker JJM. Internet-based emotion regulation training aimed at reducing violent revictimization and depressive symptoms in victimized depressed patients: Results of a randomized controlled trial. J Affect Disord 2024; 355:95-103. [PMID: 38521137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.028] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depressed patients who have become victim of violence are prone to revictimization. However, no evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing revictimization in this group exist. METHODS This multicenter randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of an internet-based emotion regulation training (iERT) added to TAU in reducing revictimization, emotion dysregulation, and depressive symptoms in recently victimized, depressed patients compared to TAU alone. Adult outpatients (N = 153) with a depressive disorder who had experienced threat, physical assault, or sexual assault within the previous three years were randomly allocated to TAU+iERT (n = 74) or TAU (n = 79). TAU involved psychotherapy (mainly cognitive behavioral therapy [77.8 %]). iERT comprised six guided online sessions focused on the acquisition of adaptive emotion regulation skills. The primary outcome measure was the number of revictimization incidents at 12 months after baseline, measured with the Safety Monitor. Analyses were performed according to the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS Both groups showed a large decrease in victimization incidents. Mixed-model negative binomial regression analyses showed that TAU+iERT was not effective in reducing revictimization compared to TAU (IRR = 0.97; 95%CI = 0.64,1.46; p = .886). Linear mixed-model analyses demonstrated that TAU+iERT yielded a larger reduction of emotion dysregulation (B = -7.217; p = .046; Cohens d = 0.33), but not depressive symptoms (B = -1.041; p = .607) than TAU. LIMITATIONS The study was underpowered to detect small treatment effects. Additionally, uptake of iERT was quite low. CONCLUSIONS Although TAU+iERT resulted in a larger decrease of emotion dysregulation than TAU alone, it was not effective in reducing revictimization and depressive symptoms. Patients' revictimization risk substantially decreased during psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Christ
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; GGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Department of Research and Innovation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Arkin Mental Health Care, Department of Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - D J F van Schaik
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; GGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Department of Research and Innovation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M J Kikkert
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Department of Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M M de Waal
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Department of Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - E Dozeman
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; GGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Department of Research and Innovation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - H L Hulstijn
- PuntP, Department of Affective Disorders, Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - L M Koomen
- Arkin BasisGGZ, Department of Primary Mental Health Care, Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - I M Krah
- GGZ Breburg, Department of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders, Breda, the Netherlands
| | - D M Schut
- Altrecht Mental Health Institute, Department of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders, Zeist, the Netherlands
| | - A T F Beekman
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; GGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Department of Research and Innovation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J J M Dekker
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Department of Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Huibregtse ME, Wallace S, Ravi M, Karra S, McAfee EE, Hinojosa CA, Mekawi Y, Powers A, Michopoulos V, Lathan EC. The Relations Among Childhood Maltreatment and Later Intimate Partner Violence Victimization With and Without a Weapon in a Sample of Pregnant Black Individuals. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241245386. [PMID: 38622881 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241245386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Black pregnant and postpartum individuals are at risk for intimate partner violence (IPV), and those with a history of childhood maltreatment and IPV are even more likely to be re-victimized during pregnancy. However, it is unknown if specific types of child maltreatment predict later IPV with and without a weapon better than others. The current study sought to (i) document the prevalence of childhood maltreatment and IPV and (ii) examine the relations among types of childhood maltreatment and later IPV with and without a weapon within a sample of Black individuals seeking prenatal care at a large public hospital in the southeastern United States. Participants (n = 186; mean age = 27.2 years, SD = 5.3) completed measures assessing childhood maltreatment and IPV with and without a weapon. Approximately 68.5% of participants (n = 124) endorsed experiencing childhood maltreatment, while 42.6% (n = 78) endorsed experiencing IPV. The bivariate relations among five childhood maltreatment types (i.e., sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, physical and emotional neglect) and IPV with and without a weapon were assessed. All childhood maltreatment subtype scores-except childhood physical neglect-were significantly higher among participants who reported a history of IPV with or without a weapon compared to participants who denied a history of IPV with or without a weapon. Logistic regression models revealed childhood sexual abuse emerged as the only significant predictor of experiencing IPV with a weapon (B = 0.10, p = .003) and IPV without a weapon (B = 0.11, p = .001). For every point increase in childhood sexual abuse subtype score, the odds of experiencing IPV with and without a weapon increased by 10% (OR = 1.10, 95%CI [1.04, 1.18]) and 12% (OR = 1.12, [1.05, 1.20]), respectively. Findings suggest that screening for childhood sexual abuse may provide a critical opportunity for maternity care providers to identify individuals at increased risk for IPV victimization with and without a weapon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Meghna Ravi
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sriya Karra
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emma C Lathan
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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3
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Güler A, Maas MK, Mark KP, Kussainov N, Schill K, Coker AL. The Impacts of Lifetime Violence on Women's Current Sexual Health. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2024; 5:56-64. [PMID: 38404678 PMCID: PMC10890937 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2023.0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Intimate partner violence (IPV), nonpartner sexual violence (SV), child sexual and physical abuse, and neglect have detrimental impacts on women's reproductive and sexual health. More empirical studies are needed to investigate the negative impacts of lifetime violence, including physical or sexual child abuse, nonpartner SV, physical, sexual, and psychological IPV on women's sexual health to better understand long-term impacts from IPV and physical or sexual child abuse. Materials and Methods We used data from Wellness, Health and You, an ongoing health registry. A total of 1,213 women were included in data analysis. Our aim was to investigate the associations between lifetime IPV, nonpartner SV, child abuse, and women's current sexual health defined using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures of sexual health (e.g., sexual satisfaction, interest, and functioning), sexual assertiveness, female sexual subjectivity, and use of online resources to address sexual needs. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to investigate demographic factors (e.g., age and current relationship) as potential correlates of current sexual health. Results Women with lifetime experiences of physical, sexual, or psychological IPV, nonpartner SV, and child physical or sexual abuse reported lower sexual satisfaction compared to women with no history of lifetime violence (p < 0.0001). However, lifetime violence was not correlated with sexual interest, sexual functioning, sexual subjectivity, nor sexual assertiveness. Conclusion Lifetime experiences of violence (i.e., IPV, nonpartner SV, child abuse) are associated with poorer sexual health. Asking questions about past sexual and physical violence/abuse in ways that support disclosure is important toward improving women's physical and sexual health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Güler
- Center for Research on Violence Against Women, Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Megan K. Maas
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, College of Social Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Kristen P. Mark
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Nurlan Kussainov
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Katie Schill
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Ann L. Coker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Krause-Utz A, Černáková R, Hoogenboom W, Schulze A, Büttner S, Demirelli Z, Mouthaan J, van Schie CC, Garnefski N, Kraaij V. Psychological Factors Linked to Intimate Partner Violence and Childhood Maltreatment: On Dissociation as a Possible Bridge Symptom. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:11400-11428. [PMID: 37431756 PMCID: PMC10515471 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231181377] [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: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious health concern, occurring worldwide in various forms and settings. Over the past years, multiple sources reported an increase of IPV globally, partly related to COVID-19 restrictions. Childhood maltreatment enhances the risk of IPV, possibly via alterations in emotion regulation, attachment, maladaptive core beliefs, dissociation, and psychopathological symptoms. However, studies investigating these associations simultaneously are still needed. This study aimed to investigate association between IPV, childhood maltreatment severity, maladaptive schemata (mistrust, alienation, enmeshment), attachment anxiety, social support, emotion regulation, dissociation, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms. We further explored the complex interplay of all factors, accounting for their shared associations. An anonymous online survey was posted on international online platforms for people experiencing domestic violence and on research platforms. Regression analyses and graph-theoretical network analysis were used to explore associations between all variables. N = 434 participants (40% in treatment) completed the survey. IPV perpetration and victimization were highly correlated. Both were significantly associated with childhood maltreatment severity, early maladaptive schemata, dissociation, BPD features, and PTSD symptoms. When including all variables in one model, IPV was associated with dissociation, which indirectly linked it to childhood maltreatment experiences, PTSD symptoms, withdrawal, and self-blame. Our findings suggest that IPV perpetration and victimization often co-occur. Dissociation may be an important bridge symptom, linking IPV to childhood maltreatment experiences, PTSD symptoms, and maladaptive coping. Prospective studies are needed to corroborate these findings and to establish psychological mechanisms underlying IPV.
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Sauer KS, Wendler-Bödicker C, Boos A, Niemeyer H, Palmer S, Rojas R, Hoyer J, Hitzler M. Treatment of Comorbid Disorders, Syndromes, and Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Related to Childhood Maltreatment with STAIR-NT. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KLINISCHE PSYCHOLOGIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2023. [DOI: 10.1026/1616-3443/a000686] [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
Abstract. Background: Early interpersonal traumatic events, such as childhood maltreatment, increase the risk of developing complex posttraumatic stress symptoms. The biphasic treatment program STAIR-NT (Skills Training for Affective and Interpersonal Regulation with Narrative Therapy), developed specifically for this patient group, combines interventions to improve emotion regulation and interpersonal skills with narrative therapy. Objective: Many affected patients with PTSD after childhood maltreatment also suffer from various comorbid mental disorders and symptoms that can affect and impede the course and outcome of treatment with STAIR-NT. Method: Based on experience from a current treatment study, we provide recommendations for integrating treatment of comorbid mental symptoms into STAIR-NT. Results / Conclusion: Training affective and interpersonal regulation skills in the first treatment phase offers various interventions to efficiently adapt transdiagnostic mechanisms such as emotion dysregulation. In cases of severe comorbid mental disorders or symptoms, adding disorder-specific interventions to STAIR-NT may be indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Sophie Sauer
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Anne Boos
- Psychotherapy Practice in Großhartau, Germany
| | - Helen Niemeyer
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Palmer
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Germany
| | - Roberto Rojas
- University Psychotherapeutic Outpatient Clinic, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hoyer
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Melissa Hitzler
- Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Germany
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Mazzarello O, Gagné ME, Langevin R. Risk Factors for Sexual Revictimization and Dating Violence in Young Adults with a History of Child Sexual Abuse. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2022; 15:1113-1125. [PMID: 36439663 PMCID: PMC9684360 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-022-00462-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Interpersonal revictimization, through sexual violence and psychological or physical dating violence, is one of the many consequences of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). This study examined how childhood maltreatment, sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, relational factors, and community factors are associated with 1) sexual revictimization 2) psychological dating violence victimization, and 3) physical dating violence victimization in a sample of young adults reporting a history of CSA. A sample of 190 young adults (18-25 y.o.) with self-reported experiences of CSA completed an online survey measuring childhood maltreatment (e.g. neglect, physical abuse, witness to domestic violence), sociodemographic characteristics (e.g. material deprivation, education), mental health (dissociation, posttraumatic stress symptoms), relational factors (e.g. insecure attachment style), and community factors (e.g. neighborhood disadvantage). Hierarchical logistic regressions indicated that once all risk factors were entered in the models, PTSD was positively associated with psychological dating violence, while dissociation was positively associated with physical dating violence. Physical abuse in childhood was positively associated with sexual revictimization. The present study shows the importance of simultaneously considering the impact of multiple characteristics surrounding CSA survivors when evaluating risks of revictimization. Additionally, it highlights the importance of providing CSA survivors with adequate mental health support for trauma-related disorders, as it may be crucial to prevent revictimization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie-Emma Gagné
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Rachel Langevin
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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A Single-Case Series Trial of Emotion-Regulation and Relationship Safety Intervention for Youth Affected by Sexual Exploitation. PSYCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/psych4030037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a significant global problem. Interventions implemented with youth affected by CSE frequently target singular adjacent issues (e.g., substance misuse or running away); however, research indicates these interventions are most efficacious when they simultaneously treat CSE sequelae (e.g., emotion dysregulation) paired with relationship skill-building; yet few such interventions exist. Furthermore, the evidence-based reports on CSE research currently lacks rigorous research methods, such as the use of validated measures and the provision of robust outcome data. The current study aimed to implement a combined emotion regulation and safe-relationships intervention (ERIC + YR: emotion regulation, impulse control and ‘your relationships’) in a community service providing outreach for young women affected by CSE. A randomised single-case series design was used to test the effects of ERIC + YR on emotion regulation strategies, psychological wellbeing, relationship safety knowledge and behaviours, across repeated measurements for young women affected by CSE (N = 2; Mage = 18.00). Phase A consisted of baseline measures for two to three weeks. Phase B consisted of 8-sessions of ERIC + YR delivered across three to six weeks by practitioners who had undertaken ERIC + YR training. Data collection included pre/post intervention measures as well as a daily questionnaire delivered via a smartphone application. While results showed clinically significant and reliable improvements in psychological wellbeing, no other outcome measures showed change between pre and post-intervention. The current study contributes to the evidence-base as an initial step in illuminating how an empirically driven intervention can be delivered as an adjunctive treatment for youth affected by CSE. Implications inform the current evidence-base, with future directions for intervention research discussed.
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8
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Krause-Utz A. Dissociation, trauma, and borderline personality disorder. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2022; 9:14. [PMID: 35440020 PMCID: PMC9020027 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-022-00184-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Dissociation is a complex phenomenon, which occurs in various clinical conditions, including dissociative disorders, (complex) post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD, PTSD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Traumatic stress is considered an important risk factor, while the etiology of dissociation is still debated. Next to traumatic experiences, temperamental and neurobiological vulnerabilities seem to contribute to the development of dissociation. Stress-related dissociation is a prevalent symptom of BPD, which may interfere with psychosocial functioning and treatment outcome. More research in the field is strongly needed to improve the understanding and management of this complex phenomenon. This article collection brings together research on dissociation and trauma, with a special focus on BPD or sub-clinical expressions of BPD. In this editorial, recent conceptualizations of dissociation and relevant previous research are introduced in order to provide a framework for this novel research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annegret Krause-Utz
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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9
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Krause-Utz A, Frost R, Chatzaki E, Winter D, Schmahl C, Elzinga BM. Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder: Recent Experimental, Neurobiological Studies, and Implications for Future Research and Treatment. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:37. [PMID: 33909198 PMCID: PMC8081699 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01246-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review article is to give an overview over recent experimental neurobiological research on dissociation in borderline personality disorder (BPD), in order to inform clinicians and to stimulate further research. First, we introduce basic definitions and models that conceptualize dissociation from a transdiagnostic perspective. Then, we discuss recent findings in BPD. RECENT FINDINGS Stress-related dissociation is a key symptom of BPD, closely linked to other core domains of the disorder (emotion dysregulation, identity disturbances, and interpersonal disturbances). The understanding of neurobiological correlates of dissociation across different psychiatric disorders (e.g., dissociative disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder) is steadily increasing. At the same time, studies explicitly focusing on dissociation in BPD are still scarce. There is evidence for adverse effects of dissociation on affective-cognitive functioning (e.g., interference inhibition), body perception, and psychotherapeutic treatment response in BPD. On the neural level, increased activity in frontal regions (e.g., inferior frontal gyrus) and temporal areas (e.g., inferior and superior temporal gyrus) during symptom provocation tasks and during resting state was observed, although findings are still diverse and need to be replicated. Conceptual differences and methodological differences in study designs and sample characteristics (e.g., comorbidities, trauma history) hinder a straightforward interpretation and comparison of studies. Given the potentially detrimental impact of dissociation in BPD, more research on the topic is strongly needed to deepen the understanding of this complex clinical condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annegret Krause-Utz
- Institute of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Rachel Frost
- Department of Psychology, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Elianne Chatzaki
- Institute of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dorina Winter
- Pain and Psychotherapy Research Lab, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Christian Schmahl
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bernet M Elzinga
- Institute of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
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Krause-Utz A. Stimulating research on childhood adversities, borderline personality disorder, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2021; 8:11. [PMID: 33785052 PMCID: PMC8008614 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-021-00152-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic events of a long-lasting invasive, primarily interpersonal nature (e.g., childhood abuse, intimate partner violence) can have wide-ranging consequences across various life domains. This involves an increased risk of developing mental disorders, such as (complex) post-traumatic stress (PTSD, CPTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Both within and outside of these diagnostic boundaries, complex trauma has been associated with emotional dysregulation, dissociation, distrust, interpersonal problems, and maladaptive coping behaviours, such as self-harm and suicidal behaviour. Knowledge on the devastating consequences of complex trauma has steadily increased. One of the remaining research questions is why some people develop certain psychopathological symptoms or disorders after complex trauma while others do not. Moreover, more research is needed to better understand how disorders such as BPD and CPTSD can be differentiated, both descriptively and empirically. This special issue brings together a collection of review articles and original research articles on this topic to stimulate further research in the field. Findings enhance the understanding of long-term consequences of childhood adversities and highlight important psychopathological mechanisms that may underlie an increased risk to develop certain mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annegret Krause-Utz
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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