Pub Date : 2025-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100516
Sania Mazher, Takashi Arai
Prisons are designed as institutions to punish criminal behavior, protect society from offenders, and rehabilitate individuals to reduce reoffending. However, research increasingly indicates that incarceration can exacerbate vulnerabilities and worsen mental health. Studies from numerous countries reveal that mental illness rates among prisoners are significantly higher than those in the general population. Evidence suggests that many inmates face considerable hardships prior to incarceration, which may contribute to their mental health challenges. Yet, other findings point to the prison environment itself as a factor that fosters mental health issues. This discussion centers on two key theories: the importation and deprivation models. The Importation Model (Irwin & Cressey, 1962) posits that inmates bring their pre-existing social backgrounds, values, and behaviors into prison, which influence how they interact with the institution. In contrast, the Deprivation Model (Skyes, 1958) emphasizes that prison conditions, such as the loss of autonomy and social connections, shape inmate behavior. Contemporary research (Dye, 2010; Edgemon, 2016; Kuo et al., 2023; Zhao et al., 2020; integrates both models, recognizing that individual characteristics and institutional deprivations interact to influence behavior. This paper explores these models through the lens of trauma, recognizing that trauma frequently precedes imprisonment and is often compounded within prison walls. This systematic review explored the association between childhood maltreatment, prison environment and mental health of prisoners (importation and deprivation model) based on systematic searches of five databases. In total, 31 studies met our inclusion criteria. Results suggested that both childhood maltreatment and prison environment had positive association with various mental health problems in prisoners. The review highlights the need for more research on deprivation model as researchers found only two studies. It further highlighted the importance of addressing childhood maltreatment, prison environment, and mental health issues in prisoners through prevention programs.
{"title":"Behind bars: A trauma-informed examination of mental health through importation and deprivation models in prisons","authors":"Sania Mazher, Takashi Arai","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100516","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100516","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prisons are designed as institutions to punish criminal behavior, protect society from offenders, and rehabilitate individuals to reduce reoffending. However, research increasingly indicates that incarceration can exacerbate vulnerabilities and worsen mental health. Studies from numerous countries reveal that mental illness rates among prisoners are significantly higher than those in the general population. Evidence suggests that many inmates face considerable hardships prior to incarceration, which may contribute to their mental health challenges. Yet, other findings point to the prison environment itself as a factor that fosters mental health issues. This discussion centers on two key theories: the importation and deprivation models. The Importation Model (Irwin & Cressey, 1962) posits that inmates bring their pre-existing social backgrounds, values, and behaviors into prison, which influence how they interact with the institution. In contrast, the Deprivation Model (Skyes, 1958) emphasizes that prison conditions, such as the loss of autonomy and social connections, shape inmate behavior. Contemporary research (Dye, 2010; Edgemon, 2016; Kuo et al., 2023; Zhao et al., 2020; integrates both models, recognizing that individual characteristics and institutional deprivations interact to influence behavior. This paper explores these models through the lens of trauma, recognizing that trauma frequently precedes imprisonment and is often compounded within prison walls. This systematic review explored the association between childhood maltreatment, prison environment and mental health of prisoners (importation and deprivation model) based on systematic searches of five databases. In total, 31 studies met our inclusion criteria. Results suggested that both childhood maltreatment and prison environment had positive association with various mental health problems in prisoners. The review highlights the need for more research on deprivation model as researchers found only two studies. It further highlighted the importance of addressing childhood maltreatment, prison environment, and mental health issues in prisoners through prevention programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 1","pages":"Article 100516"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100511
Sylvain Fevre Gilson , Héléna Joseph Theodore , Emilie Olié , Hala Kerbage
Introduction
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a prevalence of 0.7 % in the general population in France and significantly impairs functioning and quality of life. Medical residents are frequently exposed to traumatic events, and several studies highlight that the residency period is a source of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, burnout, and suicidal thoughts. However, PTSD remains understudied in this population. We aimed to assess the prevalence of PTSD symptoms among general practice residents.
Methods
This observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, epidemiological study was conducted among residents enrolled in the Diploma of Specialized Studies in General Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier-Nîmes (France). Participants received a questionnaire via the university email, including the Post-traumatic Check List (PCL) -5 self-assessment scale (positivity threshold ≥33). Only responses with all questions completed were included in the analysis.
Results
The prevalence of PTSD symptomatology among general practice residents was 6.8 % (95 %CI: 2.9–13). Women accounted for 87.5 % of cases with a positive PCL score. The traumatic events reported occurred in both professional and personal contexts, with emergency medicine and pediatrics being the types of residency trainings where most of the traumatic professional exposure occured. Mental health problems and addictive behaviors were reported in 60 % of cases even in the absence of PTSD symptoms.
Discussion
PTSD symptoms prevalence among general practice residents is 6 times higher than the French general population. The residency period poses a significant risk for PTSD, particularly in high-stress trainings such as emergency medicine and pediatrics. These findings underscore the need to expand investigations to residents across all specialties and to enhance awareness, prevention, and screening efforts for PTSD, ultimately aiming to improve the mental health of future general practitioners.
{"title":"Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among general medicine residents","authors":"Sylvain Fevre Gilson , Héléna Joseph Theodore , Emilie Olié , Hala Kerbage","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100511","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100511","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a prevalence of 0.7 % in the general population in France and significantly impairs functioning and quality of life. Medical residents are frequently exposed to traumatic events, and several studies highlight that the residency period is a source of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, burnout, and suicidal thoughts. However, PTSD remains understudied in this population. We aimed to assess the prevalence of PTSD symptoms among general practice residents.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, epidemiological study was conducted among residents enrolled in the Diploma of Specialized Studies in General Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier-Nîmes (France). Participants received a questionnaire via the university email, including the Post-traumatic Check List (PCL) -5 self-assessment scale (positivity threshold ≥33). Only responses with all questions completed were included in the analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The prevalence of PTSD symptomatology among general practice residents was 6.8 % (95 %CI: 2.9–13). Women accounted for 87.5 % of cases with a positive PCL score. The traumatic events reported occurred in both professional and personal contexts, with emergency medicine and pediatrics being the types of residency trainings where most of the traumatic professional exposure occured. Mental health problems and addictive behaviors were reported in 60 % of cases even in the absence of PTSD symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>PTSD symptoms prevalence among general practice residents is 6 times higher than the French general population. The residency period poses a significant risk for PTSD, particularly in high-stress trainings such as emergency medicine and pediatrics. These findings underscore the need to expand investigations to residents across all specialties and to enhance awareness, prevention, and screening efforts for PTSD, ultimately aiming to improve the mental health of future general practitioners.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 1","pages":"Article 100511"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100515
Mohammad Reza Ghasemzadeh , Hasan Safaie , Bonnie Bozorg , Amir Mohsen Rahnejat , Mohammad Reza Ebrahimi , Hasan Shahmiri Barzoki , Arash Pirali , Maral Mardaneh Jobehdar
Background
Investigation into the childhood and adolescence living conditions of homosexuals indicates that many of the problems affecting different aspects of their lives are due to conflicts between their sexual orientation and the moral and cultural norms of society. Homosexual individuals are often more prone to depression, feelings of hopelessness, repeated sexual abuse, and other psychological and emotional harm.
Method
The present study is a descriptive and analytical study that examines the archived files of individuals referred as homosexuals to the psychiatry hospital between the years 2014–2020. We designed the study based on the demographic information and clinical questionnaires completed by the participants and the results of the clinical interviews conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance in SPSS26.
Results
Sixty-six out of 193 subjects (34.2 %) reported a history of sexual abuse. Forty six individuals (69.7 %) were victimized during their childhood and elementary school.
Conclusion
The results of this study showed that the frequency of sexual abuse was significantly higher during childhood among homosexual subjects. This study emphasizes the role of community mental health professionals in educating families and other officials about the importance of preventing childhood sexual abuse.
{"title":"Characteristic and frequency of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in homosexual conscripts referred to a military Psychiatric Hospital in Tehran, Iran between 2014_2020","authors":"Mohammad Reza Ghasemzadeh , Hasan Safaie , Bonnie Bozorg , Amir Mohsen Rahnejat , Mohammad Reza Ebrahimi , Hasan Shahmiri Barzoki , Arash Pirali , Maral Mardaneh Jobehdar","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100515","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100515","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Investigation into the childhood and adolescence living conditions of homosexuals indicates that many of the problems affecting different aspects of their lives are due to conflicts between their sexual orientation and the moral and cultural norms of society. Homosexual individuals are often more prone to depression, feelings of hopelessness, repeated sexual abuse, and other psychological and emotional harm.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>The present study is a descriptive and analytical study that examines the archived files of individuals referred as homosexuals to the psychiatry hospital between the years 2014–2020<strong>.</strong> We designed the study based on the demographic information and clinical questionnaires completed by the participants and the results of the clinical interviews conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance in SPSS<sub>26</sub>.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Sixty-six out of 193 subjects (34.2 %) reported a history of sexual abuse. Forty six individuals (69.7 %) were victimized during their childhood and elementary school.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results of this study showed that the frequency of sexual abuse was significantly higher during childhood among homosexual subjects. This study emphasizes the role of community mental health professionals in educating families and other officials about the importance of preventing childhood sexual abuse.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 1","pages":"Article 100515"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The aim of this study was to develop a model of experiential avoidance based on childhood trauma and victimization, with insecure attachment styles as a mediator.
Methods
This was a descriptive-correlational study using structural equation modeling. The study population consisted of all high school students in Khorramabad city in the academic year 2023–2024. A cluster random sampling method was employed. The sample size was 220, considering the possibility of sample attrition. The research instruments included the Illinois Bully Scale, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and the Attachment Style Questionnaire.
Results
Insecure attachment style partially mediated the relationship between predictor and criterion variables. Moreover, childhood trauma and victimization collectively accounted for 70 % of the variance in insecure attachment style, and childhood trauma, victimization, and insecure attachment style collectively explained 69 % of the variance in experiential avoidance.
Discussion and Conclusion
Therefore, it is recommended that schools implement interventions and training to improve childhood trauma, victimization, and insecure attachment in order to control experiential avoidance among students.
{"title":"Developing a model of experiential avoidance based on childhood trauma and victimization, mediated by insecure attachment styles","authors":"Mohamad Hatami Nejad , Esmaeil Sadri Damirchi , Masoud Sadeghi , Mohammadreza Noroozi Homayoon","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100513","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100513","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The aim of this study was to develop a model of experiential avoidance based on childhood trauma and victimization, with insecure attachment styles as a mediator.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This was a descriptive-correlational study using structural equation modeling. The study population consisted of all high school students in Khorramabad city in the academic year 2023–2024. A cluster random sampling method was employed. The sample size was 220, considering the possibility of sample attrition. The research instruments included the Illinois Bully Scale, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and the Attachment Style Questionnaire.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Insecure attachment style partially mediated the relationship between predictor and criterion variables. Moreover, childhood trauma and victimization collectively accounted for 70 % of the variance in insecure attachment style, and childhood trauma, victimization, and insecure attachment style collectively explained 69 % of the variance in experiential avoidance.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion and Conclusion</h3><div>Therefore, it is recommended that schools implement interventions and training to improve childhood trauma, victimization, and insecure attachment in order to control experiential avoidance among students.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 1","pages":"Article 100513"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Recent investigations into lucid dreaming—a state where individuals achieve self-reflective awareness while asleep and can undertake deliberate actions—suggest potential healing benefits. A pilot study showed significant PTSD symptom reduction among participants following an online lucid dreaming workshop. The workshop, spanning 22 hours over six consecutive days, taught participants lucid dreaming induction techniques and how to use lucid dreaming to transform their nightmares and integrate their trauma.
Methods
We replicated this study using a randomized controlled design. Adults experiencing chronic PTSD symptoms were randomly assigned to either an active workshop group (n = 49) or a wait-list control group (n = 50).
Results
Roughly half of the participants in both the workshop and control groups experienced at least one lucid dream during the workshop period. Among these, 63 % of workshop participants versus 38 % of controls achieved a healing lucid dream, implementing a pre-devised healing plan. The workshop group exhibited significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and nightmare distress compared to the control group, with sustained improvements at one-month follow-up. Additionally, improved well-being and diminished negative emotions were observed among workshop participants compared to controls. No significant correlation was found between lucid dreams and reductions in PTSD and nightmare symptoms.
Conclusion
The workshop demonstrates efficacy as a viable alternative for individuals with PTSD.
{"title":"Decreased PTSD symptoms following a lucid dreaming workshop: A randomized controlled study","authors":"Garret Yount , Tadas Stumbrys , Sitara Taddeo , Cedric Cannard , Arnaud Delorme , Michael Kriegsman , Helané Wahbeh","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100510","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100510","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Recent investigations into lucid dreaming—a state where individuals achieve self-reflective awareness while asleep and can undertake deliberate actions—suggest potential healing benefits. A pilot study showed significant PTSD symptom reduction among participants following an online lucid dreaming workshop. The workshop, spanning 22 hours over six consecutive days, taught participants lucid dreaming induction techniques and how to use lucid dreaming to transform their nightmares and integrate their trauma.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We replicated this study using a randomized controlled design. Adults experiencing chronic PTSD symptoms were randomly assigned to either an active workshop group (<em>n</em> = 49) or a wait-list control group (<em>n</em> = 50).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Roughly half of the participants in both the workshop and control groups experienced at least one lucid dream during the workshop period. Among these, 63 % of workshop participants versus 38 % of controls achieved a healing lucid dream, implementing a pre-devised healing plan. The workshop group exhibited significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and nightmare distress compared to the control group, with sustained improvements at one-month follow-up. Additionally, improved well-being and diminished negative emotions were observed among workshop participants compared to controls. No significant correlation was found between lucid dreams and reductions in PTSD and nightmare symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The workshop demonstrates efficacy as a viable alternative for individuals with PTSD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 1","pages":"Article 100510"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100512
Amos Nnaemeka Amedu, Veronica Dwarika, Vera Victor Aigbodion
The exposure of students to traumatic events, including bullying and various forms of physical and sexual assaults, has a detrimental effect on their cognitive functioning. This assertion is supported by several recent review studies. Nevertheless, social support has been identified as a significant factor in alleviating the negative consequences of such traumatic experiences. In contrast, some review reports have highlighted a gap in the literature regarding the exploration of students' traumatic experiences and the potential role of social support in mitigating these effects.
Objective
This review aims to address the existing research gap by examining the traumatic experiences of students and evaluating the role of social support in alleviating the negative effects of these experiences on their academic outcomes.
Method
A literature search was conducted in online databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, PsychINFO, and ScienceDirect. The search result yielded 87 articles using carefully developed search terms. Based on the setup inclusion and exclusion criteria, 59 articles were excluded, and 28 articles were included. Our data extraction strictly followed the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-SCR).
Findings
This study found that the location of the schools and students’ levels are the significant factors that influence the types of traumatic events students experience. In the basic education level, bullying, teasing, victimization, and maltreatment were common experiences; in higher education, violence, sexual assault, and physical assault were common traumatic events students experience. Students residing in areas affected by conflict, such as war zones, encounter significantly more severe and distressing traumatic experiences than those in stable, non-conflict environments. Furthermore, this study found that social support serves as a protective factor against the negative impacts of trauma, facilitates recovery from the psychological aftermath of such experiences, and enhances the overall quality of life for these students. This review has highlighted several methodological limitations, including the prevalence of small sample sizes, a lack of longitudinal data, an excessive dependence on self-reported measures, and a dearth of experimental research. We recommended that future investigations prioritize the assessment of trauma-informed school interventions across diverse cultural settings, employing longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials. Additionally, future reviewers should expand the scope of this analysis by incorporating studies published in various foreign languages.
{"title":"Addressing students’ traumatic experiences and impact of social supports: Scoping review","authors":"Amos Nnaemeka Amedu, Veronica Dwarika, Vera Victor Aigbodion","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100512","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100512","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The exposure of students to traumatic events, including bullying and various forms of physical and sexual assaults, has a detrimental effect on their cognitive functioning. This assertion is supported by several recent review studies. Nevertheless, social support has been identified as a significant factor in alleviating the negative consequences of such traumatic experiences. In contrast, some review reports have highlighted a gap in the literature regarding the exploration of students' traumatic experiences and the potential role of social support in mitigating these effects.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This review aims to address the existing research gap by examining the traumatic experiences of students and evaluating the role of social support in alleviating the negative effects of these experiences on their academic outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A literature search was conducted in online databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, PsychINFO, and ScienceDirect. The search result yielded 87 articles using carefully developed search terms. Based on the setup inclusion and exclusion criteria, 59 articles were excluded, and 28 articles were included. Our data extraction strictly followed the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-SCR).</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>This study found that the location of the schools and students’ levels are the significant factors that influence the types of traumatic events students experience. In the basic education level, bullying, teasing, victimization, and maltreatment were common experiences; in higher education, violence, sexual assault, and physical assault were common traumatic events students experience. Students residing in areas affected by conflict, such as war zones, encounter significantly more severe and distressing traumatic experiences than those in stable, non-conflict environments. Furthermore, this study found that social support serves as a protective factor against the negative impacts of trauma, facilitates recovery from the psychological aftermath of such experiences, and enhances the overall quality of life for these students. This review has highlighted several methodological limitations, including the prevalence of small sample sizes, a lack of longitudinal data, an excessive dependence on self-reported measures, and a dearth of experimental research. We recommended that future investigations prioritize the assessment of trauma-informed school interventions across diverse cultural settings, employing longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials. Additionally, future reviewers should expand the scope of this analysis by incorporating studies published in various foreign languages.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 1","pages":"Article 100512"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163667","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100505
Blake A.E. Boehme , Omid V. Ebrahimi , R. Nicholas Carleton , Gordon J.G. Asmundson
Background
Due to the nature of their work, Public Safety Personnel (PSP; e.g., firefighters, paramedics, police officers) are frequently exposed to potentially psychological traumatic events (PPTE) and are at increased risk of developing posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) compared to the general population. To date, there are a limited number of published studies that have used the statistical tools of network analysis to examine PTSS in PSP, typically relying on small, homogenous samples.
Basic procedures
The current study used a large (n = 5,319) and diverse sample of PSP to estimate a network of PTSS and exploratory graph analysis to assess alternative structures of symptom clustering, compared to traditional latent models.
Main findings
The results of the analyses estimated two symptom clusters which differed from most latent models of PTSS. Re-experiencing and avoidance symptoms clustered together, instead of in two clusters. Similarly, hyperarousal symptoms (hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, startle reflex, concentration difficulties) clustered in a single community instead of two or three clusters in many latent models of PTSS. The symptom of detachment played the most central role in the network and acted as a bridge symptom between numerous clusters of symptoms. The least central symptom was amnesia, which also had the most inconsistent pattern of clustering and bridging. Other bridge symptoms included negative emotions, difficulty concentrating, and reckless behaviour.
Principal conclusions
The symptom of detachment played a pervasive role in centrality and bridging in a network of PTSS in PSP. Future research is necessary to identify whether central PTSS differ across populations based on their PPTE type (e.g., combat, assault, rape) or typical environmental factors (e.g., group cohesion in PSP and military).
{"title":"Feeling detached: The central role of detachment in a network study of posttraumatic stress symptoms in Public Safety Personnel","authors":"Blake A.E. Boehme , Omid V. Ebrahimi , R. Nicholas Carleton , Gordon J.G. Asmundson","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100505","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100505","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Due to the nature of their work, Public Safety Personnel (PSP; e.g., firefighters, paramedics, police officers) are frequently exposed to potentially psychological traumatic events (PPTE) and are at increased risk of developing posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) compared to the general population. To date, there are a limited number of published studies that have used the statistical tools of network analysis to examine PTSS in PSP, typically relying on small, homogenous samples.</div></div><div><h3>Basic procedures</h3><div>The current study used a large (<em>n</em> = 5,319) and diverse sample of PSP to estimate a network of PTSS and exploratory graph analysis to assess alternative structures of symptom clustering, compared to traditional latent models.</div></div><div><h3>Main findings</h3><div>The results of the analyses estimated two symptom clusters which differed from most latent models of PTSS. <em>Re</em>-experiencing and avoidance symptoms clustered together, instead of in two clusters. Similarly, hyperarousal symptoms (hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, startle reflex, concentration difficulties) clustered in a single community instead of two or three clusters in many latent models of PTSS. The symptom of detachment played the most central role in the network and acted as a bridge symptom between numerous clusters of symptoms. The least central symptom was amnesia, which also had the most inconsistent pattern of clustering and bridging. Other bridge symptoms included negative emotions, difficulty concentrating, and reckless behaviour.</div></div><div><h3>Principal conclusions</h3><div>The symptom of detachment played a pervasive role in centrality and bridging in a network of PTSS in PSP. Future research is necessary to identify whether central PTSS differ across populations based on their PPTE type (e.g., combat, assault, rape) or typical environmental factors (e.g., group cohesion in PSP and military).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 1","pages":"Article 100505"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100499
Emmanuelle Jay
The aim of this article is to describe the therapeutic effects of the epistolary form proposed as writing instructions to women who were victims of sexual abuse, within the context of a one-to-one art therapy/psychotherapy mediated by writing. Our work will be based upon the case of Victoire, a 18 year old woman who came to see us while suffering from severe. Victoire was raped when she was 14. While being treated through writing, Victoire kept up a fictional correspondence with her “chouchoune” (i.e. a word she coined to name her sex organs). Thanks to this subjectivity and bonding work involved in the writing of these imaginary letters, the patient was able to restore movement, creativity and continuity right where time, hope and the topic of meaning had come to a halt, were lost and frozen by the trauma's intrusion. The epistolary form has been shown to have an encompassing and stimulating therapeutic function in supporting victims of sexual abuse and, from there, in treating the traumatic intrusion. In line with Anzieu's work around envelopes, we also propose that the poetic letter be considered as a lyrical envelope enabling communication between two parts of the ego-splitting: the ego can express distress and offers to care at the same time. This proposal leans on the concept of tenderness as championed by Laurent Tigrane-Tovmassian.
Cet article vise à décrire les effets thérapeutiques de la forme épistolaire proposée comme consigne d’écriture à des femmes victimes de violences sexuelles dans le cadre d'une prise en charge en individuel en art-thérapie - psychothérapie à médiation par l’écriture. Nous prendrons appui sur le cas de Victoire, une jeune femme de 18 ans venue consulter dans un état de grande dépression. Victoire a subi un viol à l’âge de 14 ans. Au cours d'une psychothérapie à médiation par l’écriture, Victoire a entretenu une correspondance fictive avec sa « chouchoune » (petit mot pour désigner son sexe). Grâce à ce travail de subjectivité et de liaison engagé dans l’écriture de ces lettres imaginaires, la patiente a pu remettre du mouvement, de la créativité et de la continuité là où le temps, l'espoir et la question du sens s’étaient arrêtés, figés par l'effraction du traumatisme. La forme épistolaire démontre d'une fonction thérapeutique contenante et stimulante pour accompagner les victimes de violences sexuelles, et, par extension, pour traiter l'effraction traumatique. Nous proposons également, dans la lignée des travaux d'Anzieu autour des enveloppes, de concevoir la lettre poétique comme une enveloppe lyrique qui permettrait la communication entre les deux parts d'un Moi clivé : celle qui peut exprimer la détresse et celle qui, dans le même temps, se propose d'apporter du soin. Cette proposition s'appuie le concept de la tendresse soutenu par Laurent Tigrane-Tovmassian.
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Pub Date : 2025-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100501
Frédérique Gayraud , Yann Auxéméry
<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>During reification in the face of an aggressor, helplessness in the face of a natural disaster or the death of a loved one, or inability to flee political violence, the notion of loss of agency proves to be consubstantial with traumatic confrontations. The cardinal post-traumatic symptoms in themselves increase this loss of the sense of agency: uncontrollable flashbacks, extensive avoidances, depression that limits capacities for action, depersonalization. The psychotraumatic consequences sometimes take control of a large part of one's existence, even if it means inducing new traumas. The aim of this study was thus to examine how psychologically injured people encode agentivity in their traumatic discourses. Agency refers to the fact that humans can make choices that affect their existence or their environment, choices that produce changes. Several studies have shown that people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a diminished sense of agency. We therefore hypothesized that, linguistically speaking, subjects suffering from PTSD would use more stative verbs and fewer action verbs than controls.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Three corpora of trauma narratives produced by victims of the Paris attacks that took place in 2015, as well as the narratives of French soldiers returning from the war in Afghanistan, were compared with the narratives of a control group. The proportions of different types of static verbs and action verbs used with the first-person pronoun “I” were analysed. We thus detailed the uses of verbs of quality, existence, locations, cognitions, and perceptions, with a subdivision of action verbs into verbs of action, displacement, and movement.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our results show that traumatic discourses contained significantly fewer action verbs, particularly verbs denoting movement, in favour of static verbs, particularly verbs of cognition and perception, especially in the Paris attacks corpus. As for action verbs, the control group and to a lesser extent the Afghanistan group used more action and displacement verbs, while the immediate Bataclan group produced more movement verbs.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>As we suspected, traumatic speech was less prone to action verbs, this linguomarker reflecting a low sense of agency. The identifiable differences between the corpora of psychologically injured subjects can be linked to the traumatic circumstances (i.e., the place was closed after the Paris attacks) and to the populations studied (e.g., military staff engaged in combat action). These data confront us with the need to define not only clinical and psychometric sub-phenotyping of post-traumatic disorders, but also psycho-linguotyping according to certain variables: age of occurrence during the event, individual or collective trauma, temporality of exposures (single trauma, short, long, or repeated), etcetera.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion
{"title":"Linguistic agentivity as a marker of traumatic discourse","authors":"Frédérique Gayraud , Yann Auxéméry","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100501","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100501","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>During reification in the face of an aggressor, helplessness in the face of a natural disaster or the death of a loved one, or inability to flee political violence, the notion of loss of agency proves to be consubstantial with traumatic confrontations. The cardinal post-traumatic symptoms in themselves increase this loss of the sense of agency: uncontrollable flashbacks, extensive avoidances, depression that limits capacities for action, depersonalization. The psychotraumatic consequences sometimes take control of a large part of one's existence, even if it means inducing new traumas. The aim of this study was thus to examine how psychologically injured people encode agentivity in their traumatic discourses. Agency refers to the fact that humans can make choices that affect their existence or their environment, choices that produce changes. Several studies have shown that people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a diminished sense of agency. We therefore hypothesized that, linguistically speaking, subjects suffering from PTSD would use more stative verbs and fewer action verbs than controls.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Three corpora of trauma narratives produced by victims of the Paris attacks that took place in 2015, as well as the narratives of French soldiers returning from the war in Afghanistan, were compared with the narratives of a control group. The proportions of different types of static verbs and action verbs used with the first-person pronoun “I” were analysed. We thus detailed the uses of verbs of quality, existence, locations, cognitions, and perceptions, with a subdivision of action verbs into verbs of action, displacement, and movement.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our results show that traumatic discourses contained significantly fewer action verbs, particularly verbs denoting movement, in favour of static verbs, particularly verbs of cognition and perception, especially in the Paris attacks corpus. As for action verbs, the control group and to a lesser extent the Afghanistan group used more action and displacement verbs, while the immediate Bataclan group produced more movement verbs.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>As we suspected, traumatic speech was less prone to action verbs, this linguomarker reflecting a low sense of agency. The identifiable differences between the corpora of psychologically injured subjects can be linked to the traumatic circumstances (i.e., the place was closed after the Paris attacks) and to the populations studied (e.g., military staff engaged in combat action). These data confront us with the need to define not only clinical and psychometric sub-phenotyping of post-traumatic disorders, but also psycho-linguotyping according to certain variables: age of occurrence during the event, individual or collective trauma, temporality of exposures (single trauma, short, long, or repeated), etcetera.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 1","pages":"Article 100501"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163727","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-11DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100509
Nikola Doubková , Radek Heissler , Edel Sanders , Marek Preiss
Background
One way to explore the psychological consequences of state oppression is by focusing on the lasting effects on survivors and their descendants.
Objective
In the context of former Czechoslovakia, this study compares the experiences of two generations of families expelled from the country during the “Asanace” campaign with control groups of people whose families have not encountered any forms of oppression.
Method
Overall, 58 people participated; 29 from the first and second generations were matched with 29 controls. Questionnaires assessing the severity of stress and trauma-related symptoms, coping strategies, resilience, and family communication were administered.
Results
No significant differences were found between the first generation of survivors and the control group. The analysis revealed heightened vulnerability of the second generation as the group reported higher severity of stress and trauma-related symptoms and lower ability to recover from stress.
Conclusions
This study investigates the psychological consequences of state oppression on Czechoslovakian dissidents and their offspring, contributing to the understanding of historical trauma and resilience in post-totalitarian countries of Eastern and Central Europe.
{"title":"Transgenerational trauma and resilience in post-communist Central Europe: A comparative study of survivors, their descendants, and control groups","authors":"Nikola Doubková , Radek Heissler , Edel Sanders , Marek Preiss","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100509","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100509","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>One way to explore the psychological consequences of state oppression is by focusing on the lasting effects on survivors and their descendants.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>In the context of former Czechoslovakia, this study compares the experiences of two generations of families expelled from the country during the “Asanace” campaign with control groups of people whose families have not encountered any forms of oppression.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Overall, 58 people participated; 29 from the first and second generations were matched with 29 controls. Questionnaires assessing the severity of stress and trauma-related symptoms, coping strategies, resilience, and family communication were administered.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>No significant differences were found between the first generation of survivors and the control group. The analysis revealed heightened vulnerability of the second generation as the group reported higher severity of stress and trauma-related symptoms and lower ability to recover from stress.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study investigates the psychological consequences of state oppression on Czechoslovakian dissidents and their offspring, contributing to the understanding of historical trauma and resilience in post-totalitarian countries of Eastern and Central Europe.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 1","pages":"Article 100509"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143162799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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