Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2026.100640
Matthew M. Yalch, Alana R. Gallagher
In the assessment of the sequelae of psychological trauma, there has long been an overwhelming focus on the diagnostic symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This has led to a proliferation of scales designed to measure PTSD and, to a lesser extent, scales for measuring the primary traumatic experience linked to PTSD symptoms (as is required by the diagnostic criteria for PTSD). This approach to assessment rests on two assumptions – (a) that the clinical assessor is aware of trauma, and (b) that PTSD is the only (or at least the most distressing) problem associated with this trauma – that may in many cases not be accurate. The potential inaccuracy of these assumptions raises the question of what other possible methods of assessment might be useful in the context of trauma. One answer to this question is broadband psychological assessments, which provide both holistic pictures of psychological functioning and potential clues to the experience of trauma in cases in which the patient may not have disclosed it. In this paper we review two sets of broadband assessments (omnibus inventories of personality and psychopathology, and dimensional assessments of psychopathology), highlighting their utility in the assessment of trauma survivors and how they might be used in trauma-focused (and/or trauma-informed) interventions. We also contrast use of these instruments with others more or less commonly used in the assessment of psychological trauma. Our general conclusion is that broadband assessments of psychological functioning are a useful complement to traditional trauma-focused assessment.
{"title":"Use of broadband assessments of personality and psychopathology in the assessment of psychological trauma","authors":"Matthew M. Yalch, Alana R. Gallagher","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2026.100640","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2026.100640","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the assessment of the sequelae of psychological trauma, there has long been an overwhelming focus on the diagnostic symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This has led to a proliferation of scales designed to measure PTSD and, to a lesser extent, scales for measuring the primary traumatic experience linked to PTSD symptoms (as is required by the diagnostic criteria for PTSD). This approach to assessment rests on two assumptions – (a) that the clinical assessor is aware of trauma, and (b) that PTSD is the only (or at least the most distressing) problem associated with this trauma – that may in many cases not be accurate. The potential inaccuracy of these assumptions raises the question of what other possible methods of assessment might be useful in the context of trauma. One answer to this question is broadband psychological assessments, which provide both holistic pictures of psychological functioning and potential clues to the experience of trauma in cases in which the patient may not have disclosed it. In this paper we review two sets of broadband assessments (omnibus inventories of personality and psychopathology, and dimensional assessments of psychopathology), highlighting their utility in the assessment of trauma survivors and how they might be used in trauma-focused (and/or trauma-informed) interventions. We also contrast use of these instruments with others more or less commonly used in the assessment of psychological trauma. Our general conclusion is that broadband assessments of psychological functioning are a useful complement to traditional trauma-focused assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"10 1","pages":"Article 100640"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037872","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-03DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100625
Yi Xu , Qiwen Ye , Cynthia Zhou , Wei Chen , Junru Guo , Chengqi Cao , Li Wang
Introduction
Dissociation is a significant topic on contemporary research, yet there is a scarcity of validated scales for its assessment. The Dissociative Experiences Measure, Oxford (DEMO) is a novel instrument designed to evaluate dissociative experiences. The current study aims to develop a Simplified Chinese version of the DEMO and assess its psychometric properties.
Method
A total of 2321 college students were recruited to complete the questionnaire. Structural validity was tested with confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). The test-retest reliability was then calculated for intervals of 2 weeks and intervals of more than 2 weeks. Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega were calculated to evaluate internal consistency. Additionally, convergent and divergent validity were assessed by computing correlations between the scores on the DEMO and those on the Dissociative Experiences Scale-Ⅱ (DES-Ⅱ), the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7).
Results
The CFA results support a 5-factor model with the factors ‘Unreality’, ‘Numb and Disconnected’, ‘Memory Blanks’, ‘Zoned Out’, and ‘Vivid Internal World’. The test-retest reliability, Cronbach's alpha, and Mcdonald's omega for the total scale were 0.85, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively. The correlation of the DEMO scores with the DES-II scores (0.73) was significantly higher than the correlation with the PHQ-9 (0.65) and the GAD-7 (0.62).
Discussion
The current study developed the Simplified Chinese version of the DEMO and validated its psychometric properties in a Chinese sample. The study provides a novel tool for the screening of dissociative symptoms in China and provides probable cross-cultural evidence.
{"title":"Simplified Chinese version of the dissociative experiences measure, Oxford","authors":"Yi Xu , Qiwen Ye , Cynthia Zhou , Wei Chen , Junru Guo , Chengqi Cao , Li Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100625","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100625","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Dissociation is a significant topic on contemporary research, yet there is a scarcity of validated scales for its assessment. The Dissociative Experiences Measure, Oxford (DEMO) is a novel instrument designed to evaluate dissociative experiences. The current study aims to develop a Simplified Chinese version of the DEMO and assess its psychometric properties.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A total of 2321 college students were recruited to complete the questionnaire. Structural validity was tested with confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). The test-retest reliability was then calculated for intervals of 2 weeks and intervals of more than 2 weeks. Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega were calculated to evaluate internal consistency. Additionally, convergent and divergent validity were assessed by computing correlations between the scores on the DEMO and those on the Dissociative Experiences Scale-Ⅱ (DES-Ⅱ), the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The CFA results support a 5-factor model with the factors ‘Unreality’, ‘Numb and Disconnected’, ‘Memory Blanks’, ‘Zoned Out’, and ‘Vivid Internal World’. The test-retest reliability, Cronbach's alpha, and Mcdonald's omega for the total scale were 0.85, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively. The correlation of the DEMO scores with the DES-II scores (0.73) was significantly higher than the correlation with the PHQ-9 (0.65) and the GAD-7 (0.62).</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The current study developed the Simplified Chinese version of the DEMO and validated its psychometric properties in a Chinese sample. The study provides a novel tool for the screening of dissociative symptoms in China and provides probable cross-cultural evidence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"10 1","pages":"Article 100625"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145738198","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}
Online sports betting has surged in France, creating significant public health and clinical issues. Although childhood trauma and PTSD are known risk factors for gambling disorder, their role in the context of addiction—especially with regard to online sports betting—has not been well-examined
Objective
Determine how five Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) subscales and International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) symptom severity are associated with gambling severity (GMQ-F) among French sports bettors and derive actionable insights for addiction interventions
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 135 adult French online sports bettors. Participants completed the CTQ, ITQ, GMQ-F, and the MIH5 impulsivity scale. Two hierarchical regressions modeled gambling severity: Step 1 included CTQ subscales, and Step 2 included the ITQ total score and CTQ × ITQ interactions. Covariates were age, gender, and impulsivity. Prevalence was as follows (valid n = 134 for CTQ): emotional abuse 44.03 % (59/134), sexual abuse 98.51 % (132/134), physical neglect 88.81 % (119/134), and physical abuse 39.55 % (53/134). All participants met the 'problematic' threshold (100 %, n = 135) on the French CPGI
Results
Physical abuse and overall PTSD symptoms independently were associated with higher betting severity. Unexpectedly, sexual abuse showed a negative association, warranting further exploration. No significant trauma × PTSD interactions were found
Conclusions
PTSD symptoms and childhood physical abuse are robust predictors of the severity of online sports betting. Incorporating trauma-informed modules into standard gambling interventions, particularly those targeting arousal regulation and coping, may enhance treatment efficacy. Future addiction research should integrate detailed trauma profiling to refine risk stratification and prevention strategies.
{"title":"Childhood trauma, complex PTSD, and severity of online sports betting in French bettors","authors":"Maeva d’Agostino , Samantha Tessier , Oulmann Zerhouni , Lucia Romo","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100602","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100602","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Online sports betting has surged in France, creating significant public health and clinical issues. Although childhood trauma and PTSD are known risk factors for gambling disorder, their role in the context of addiction—especially with regard to online sports betting—has not been well-examined</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Determine how five Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) subscales and International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) symptom severity are associated with gambling severity (GMQ-F) among French sports bettors and derive actionable insights for addiction interventions</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 135 adult French online sports bettors. Participants completed the CTQ, ITQ, GMQ-F, and the MIH5 impulsivity scale. Two hierarchical regressions modeled gambling severity: Step 1 included CTQ subscales, and Step 2 included the ITQ total score and CTQ × ITQ interactions. Covariates were age, gender, and impulsivity. Prevalence was as follows (valid <em>n</em> = 134 for CTQ): emotional abuse 44.03 % (59/134), sexual abuse 98.51 % (132/134), physical neglect 88.81 % (119/134), and physical abuse 39.55 % (53/134). All participants met the 'problematic' threshold (100 %, <em>n</em> = 135) on the French CPGI</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Physical abuse and overall PTSD symptoms independently were associated with higher betting severity. Unexpectedly, sexual abuse showed a negative association, warranting further exploration. No significant trauma × PTSD interactions were found</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>PTSD symptoms and childhood physical abuse are robust predictors of the severity of online sports betting. Incorporating trauma-informed modules into standard gambling interventions, particularly those targeting arousal regulation and coping, may enhance treatment efficacy. Future addiction research should integrate detailed trauma profiling to refine risk stratification and prevention strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 4","pages":"Article 100602"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145324339","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 tendency to re-experience abusive relationships (TREAR) is a maladaptive relational pattern linked to early adverse experiences and ingrained cognitive-emotional schemas. While prior studies have examined these constructions separately, the combined contribution of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and early maladaptive schemas (EMS) to TREAR remains underexplored, especially in non-Western populations. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of the tendency to re-experience abusive relationships with adverse childhood experiences and early maladaptive schemas in Iranians.
Methods
The research design was cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational. The statistical population consisted of individuals over 18 years old residing in Gilan province, Iran. Data were gathered in 2024 using an internet-based convenience sampling method. An online survey was conducted to collect data and included the following instruments: Demographic Characteristics Questions, the Adverse Childhood Experiences–Abuse Short Form (ACE-ASF), the Early Maladaptive Schemas Questionnaire (YSQ-S3), and the Tendency to Re-experience Abusive Relationships Scale (TREARS). A total of 894 individuals received the survey, but only 272 participated in the research. Of the participants, 72.1% were female, 28.3% were married.
Results
A large number of participants (81%) reported abuse in childhood, and more than half (56.3%) had high TREAR scores. People with a history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse were more likely to show signs of TREAR. We found strong links between TREAR and EMS (r = 0.705, p < 0.001), across all 18 schema domains. While demographic factors alone explained just 11% of TREAR, including ACE scores raised this to 18.3%. However, once EMS scores were added, the model explained 55.1% of TREAR, demonstrating that EMS plays a large role in perpetuating this cycle.
Conclusion
The result indicated that early maladaptive schemas play a key role in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult revictimization tendencies. These results showed the necessity of combining schema-targeted and trauma-sensitive therapies to stop re-experiencing abusive relationships and help people build safer and healthier relationships.
重新体验虐待关系的倾向（TREAR）是一种适应不良的关系模式，与早期的不良经历和根深蒂固的认知-情感图式有关。虽然先前的研究已经分别研究了这些结构，但不良童年经历（ace）和早期适应不良图式（EMS）对TREAR的综合贡献仍未得到充分探讨，特别是在非西方人群中。本研究的目的是确定伊朗人再次经历虐待关系的倾向与不良童年经历和早期适应不良图式之间的关系。方法采用横断面、描述性、相关性研究设计。统计人口包括居住在伊朗吉兰省的18岁以上的个人。数据收集于2024年，采用基于互联网的便捷抽样方法。通过在线调查收集数据，包括以下工具：人口统计学特征问题、不良童年经历-虐待简短表格（ACE-ASF）、早期适应不良图式问卷（YSQ-S3）和再体验虐待关系倾向量表（TREARS）。共有894人接受了调查，但只有272人参与了研究。在参与者中，72.1%为女性，28.3%为已婚。结果大量参与者（81%）报告童年受虐待，超过一半（56.3%）的TREAR得分较高。有身体、情感或性虐待史的人更有可能表现出TREAR的迹象。我们发现TREAR和EMS之间存在很强的联系（r = 0.705, p < 0.001），跨越所有18个模式域。虽然人口因素只解释了11%的TREAR，但包括ACE分数在内，这一比例上升到了18.3%。然而，一旦加入EMS分数，该模型解释了55.1%的TREAR，表明EMS在延续这一循环中发挥了重要作用。结论早期适应不良图式在儿童不良经历与成人再受害倾向的关系中起关键作用。这些结果表明，有必要将针对图式和创伤敏感的治疗相结合，以阻止再次经历虐待关系，并帮助人们建立更安全、更健康的关系。
{"title":"From childhood trauma to intimate harm: the role of maladaptive schemas in re-experiencing abusive relationships","authors":"Parisa Khanbeigi , Fatemeh SadeghMohammadi , Kosar Shafiei Rezvani Nejad , Zinat sadat Mirpour","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100584","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100584","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The tendency to re-experience abusive relationships (TREAR) is a maladaptive relational pattern linked to early adverse experiences and ingrained cognitive-emotional schemas. While prior studies have examined these constructions separately, the combined contribution of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and early maladaptive schemas (EMS) to TREAR remains underexplored, especially in non-Western populations. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of the tendency to re-experience abusive relationships with adverse childhood experiences and early maladaptive schemas in Iranians.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The research design was cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational. The statistical population consisted of individuals over 18 years old residing in Gilan province, Iran. Data were gathered in 2024 using an internet-based convenience sampling method. An online survey was conducted to collect data and included the following instruments: Demographic Characteristics Questions, the Adverse Childhood Experiences–Abuse Short Form (ACE-ASF), the Early Maladaptive Schemas Questionnaire (YSQ-S3), and the Tendency to Re-experience Abusive Relationships Scale (TREARS). A total of 894 individuals received the survey, but only 272 participated in the research. Of the participants, 72.1% were female, 28.3% were married.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A large number of participants (81%) reported abuse in childhood, and more than half (56.3%) had high TREAR scores. People with a history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse were more likely to show signs of TREAR. We found strong links between TREAR and EMS (<em>r</em> = 0.705, <em>p</em> < 0.001), across all 18 schema domains. While demographic factors alone explained just 11% of TREAR, including ACE scores raised this to 18.3%. However, once EMS scores were added, the model explained 55.1% of TREAR, demonstrating that EMS plays a large role in perpetuating this cycle.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The result indicated that early maladaptive schemas play a key role in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult revictimization tendencies. These results showed the necessity of combining schema-targeted and trauma-sensitive therapies to stop re-experiencing abusive relationships and help people build safer and healthier relationships.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 4","pages":"Article 100584"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007831","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100614
Clara Mucci , Raffaella Adamo
At the time of Freud, Ferenczi was among the first to consider the consequences of interpersonal trauma and therefore to give full value to human connectedness (Mucci, 2014, 2020). With the concept of “fragmentation” he also described, ahead of his time, some of the most destructive consequences of trauma of human origin, leading also to a split of personality, which we today understand as the basis of severe psychopathology. On the contrary, Freud viewed repression as the basis of neuropathology (Mucci, 2021). We also owe to Ferenczi his revision of the concept of “identification with the aggressor,” with the internalization of the guilt and the aggressiveness of the persecutor, which also explains some of the destructive dynamics of severe psychopathology. Even the Oedipus complex and the theory of the death drive can be revised in light of Ferenczi’s views. In therapy with the traumatized, “embodied witnessing” (Mucci, 2018, 2022) is recommended.
{"title":"The difference that Sándor Ferenczi made in the theory and treatment of trauma of human origin *","authors":"Clara Mucci , Raffaella Adamo","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100614","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100614","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>At the time of Freud, Ferenczi was among the first to consider the consequences of interpersonal trauma and therefore to give full value to human connectedness (Mucci, 2014, 2020). With the concept of “fragmentation” he also described, ahead of his time, some of the most destructive consequences of trauma of human origin, leading also to a split of personality, which we today understand as the basis of severe psychopathology. On the contrary, Freud viewed repression as the basis of neuropathology (Mucci, 2021). We also owe to Ferenczi his revision of the concept of “identification with the aggressor,” with the internalization of the guilt and the aggressiveness of the persecutor, which also explains some of the destructive dynamics of severe psychopathology. Even the Oedipus complex and the theory of the death drive can be revised in light of Ferenczi’s views. In therapy with the traumatized, “embodied witnessing” (Mucci, 2018, 2022) is recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 4","pages":"Article 100614"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519749","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}
Rising stress and mental health disorders in Ukraine underscore the need for effective psychophysiological interventions in healthcare.
Objective
The aim of this study was to examine in detail the potential for integrating psychophysiological interventions into the mental health care system for patients.
Method
The methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of the available scientific literature and a review of experimental data, enabling the identification of key approaches to utilising biofeedback, meditation, and relaxation techniques in the development of a new conceptual model.
Results
The study concluded that psychophysiological technologies exert a positive influence on physiological indicators, such as blood cortisol levels and heart rate, as well as on psychological aspects, including anxiety levels and overall emotional state. The integration of these methods into daily routines – such as practising mindfulness meditation in the morning or before bedtime, using mobile applications for biofeedback during breaks at work or study, and employing relaxation techniques in stressful situations – can support long-term stress resilience and help prevent mental and physical disorders. A detailed examination of these technologies will facilitate the development of programmes and protocols tailored to the needs of different population groups. The introduction of biofeedback training in primary care centres would equip patients with tools to regulate physiological responses to stress. The organisation of group mindfulness meditation sessions in educational institutions and workplaces would foster emotional self-regulation skills among both young people and adults.
Conclusion
Mobile apps that combine relaxing techniques with interactive feedback would make them more accessible. These technologies used with pharmacological treatment could reduce pharmaceutical dosages, side effects, and treatment efficacy. Interdisciplinary teams of psychologists, physiologists, and doctors would treat psychosomatic diseases comprehensively. These actions would improve public mental health and align the healthcare system with worldwide norms.
{"title":"Integrating psychophysiological technologies for stress management: Challenges and solutions in the Ukrainian healthcare system","authors":"Sergii Boltivets , Anatolii V. Furman , Oksana Furman , Valentyna Korolchuk , Mykola Korolchuk","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100603","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100603","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Rising stress and mental health disorders in Ukraine underscore the need for effective psychophysiological interventions in healthcare.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The aim of this study was to examine in detail the potential for integrating psychophysiological interventions into the mental health care system for patients.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>The methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of the available scientific literature and a review of experimental data, enabling the identification of key approaches to utilising biofeedback, meditation, and relaxation techniques in the development of a new conceptual model.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study concluded that psychophysiological technologies exert a positive influence on physiological indicators, such as blood cortisol levels and heart rate, as well as on psychological aspects, including anxiety levels and overall emotional state. The integration of these methods into daily routines – such as practising mindfulness meditation in the morning or before bedtime, using mobile applications for biofeedback during breaks at work or study, and employing relaxation techniques in stressful situations – can support long-term stress resilience and help prevent mental and physical disorders. A detailed examination of these technologies will facilitate the development of programmes and protocols tailored to the needs of different population groups. The introduction of biofeedback training in primary care centres would equip patients with tools to regulate physiological responses to stress. The organisation of group mindfulness meditation sessions in educational institutions and workplaces would foster emotional self-regulation skills among both young people and adults.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Mobile apps that combine relaxing techniques with interactive feedback would make them more accessible. These technologies used with pharmacological treatment could reduce pharmaceutical dosages, side effects, and treatment efficacy. Interdisciplinary teams of psychologists, physiologists, and doctors would treat psychosomatic diseases comprehensively. These actions would improve public mental health and align the healthcare system with worldwide norms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 4","pages":"Article 100603"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145361687","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-06DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100601
Jikun Yi , Jinghong Huang , Zixuan Zou , Miaomiao Si , Pan Kang , Xuan Yao , Jiani Ma , Yujia Zhang , Yongwen Cao , Liwei Ding , Xuemei Han
Background
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with an increased risk of low back pain (LBP). However, the role of depressive symptoms (DS) in this relationship remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of DS on the association between ACEs and LBP.
Method
This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). DS were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). Logistic regression analyses evaluated associations between ACEs and both DS and LBP. Mediation analysis further examined the mediating effect of DS on the ACEs-LBP association.
Results
This study included 8186 participants (3979 males; 4207 females). Logistic regression revealed associations between ACEs and both DS and LBP. Mediation analysis identified DS as a partial mediator in the relationship between LBP and eight ACEs: loneliness, peer bullied, poor self-reported health status, sibling death, parental mental health issues, starvation, and poor childhood neighborhood safety and quality. DS accounted for 18.42 % of the total association between ACE count and LBP. After adjusting for the demographics and DS, marginal analysis confirmed a dose-response relationship, with escalating ACE exposure linked to a higher probability of LBP.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrates a significant association between ACEs and LBP and DS in middle-aged and older Chinese adults. Critically, DS serves as a mediator in the relationship between ACEs and LBP, underscoring its role as a psychological pathway through which early-life adversity influences LBP.
{"title":"Association of adverse childhood experiences, depressive symptoms and low back pain in middle-aged and older adults: Evidence from China","authors":"Jikun Yi , Jinghong Huang , Zixuan Zou , Miaomiao Si , Pan Kang , Xuan Yao , Jiani Ma , Yujia Zhang , Yongwen Cao , Liwei Ding , Xuemei Han","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100601","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100601","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with an increased risk of low back pain (LBP). However, the role of depressive symptoms (DS) in this relationship remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of DS on the association between ACEs and LBP.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). DS were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). Logistic regression analyses evaluated associations between ACEs and both DS and LBP. Mediation analysis further examined the mediating effect of DS on the ACEs-LBP association.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study included 8186 participants (3979 males; 4207 females). Logistic regression revealed associations between ACEs and both DS and LBP. Mediation analysis identified DS as a partial mediator in the relationship between LBP and eight ACEs: loneliness, peer bullied, poor self-reported health status, sibling death, parental mental health issues, starvation, and poor childhood neighborhood safety and quality. DS accounted for 18.42 % of the total association between ACE count and LBP. After adjusting for the demographics and DS, marginal analysis confirmed a dose-response relationship, with escalating ACE exposure linked to a higher probability of LBP.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study demonstrates a significant association between ACEs and LBP and DS in middle-aged and older Chinese adults. Critically, DS serves as a mediator in the relationship between ACEs and LBP, underscoring its role as a psychological pathway through which early-life adversity influences LBP.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 4","pages":"Article 100601"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267182","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}
Background/Aim: Long-lasting psychological and physical problems have been reported in earthquake survivors. This study was planned to observe the relationship between mental symptoms and respiratory functions in university students exposed to earthquakes.
Material and Methods: In 2024, the study included 118 university students from Suleyman Demirel University, Türkiye. Of these, 57 were classified as Group 1 (earthquake-exposed) and 61 as Group 2 (non-exposed). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms were evaluated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5), depression tendency was assessed with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), anxiety level was determined with Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and sleep problems were evaluated with Jenkin's Sleep Scale. Respiratory functions were measured using a spirometer (COSMED Pony FX® Spirometry).
Results: In the group comparison, MIP, MEP, FEV1, FVC, PEF were significantly lower, PTSD symptoms, anxiety level and depression tendency were significantly higher in Group 1, while the FEV1/FVC was similar between the groups. In addition, within each group, certain mental symptoms were found to be associated with specific respiratory functions.
Conclusion: This study found correlation between mental symptoms and respiratory functions. It is recommended to observe this effect again after natural disasters and to examine the change with intermittent measurements.
{"title":"Evaluation of post-traumatic symptoms and respiratory functions in university students exposed to earthquake (6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes)","authors":"Caglayan Pinar Ozturk , Neriman Temel Aksu , Ferdi Baskurt , Zeliha Baskurt","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100592","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100592","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Background/Aim: Long-lasting psychological and physical problems have been reported in earthquake survivors. This study was planned to observe the relationship between mental symptoms and respiratory functions in university students exposed to earthquakes.</div><div>Material and Methods: In 2024, the study included 118 university students from Suleyman Demirel University, Türkiye. Of these, 57 were classified as Group 1 (earthquake-exposed) and 61 as Group 2 (non-exposed). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms were evaluated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5), depression tendency was assessed with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), anxiety level was determined with Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and sleep problems were evaluated with Jenkin's Sleep Scale. Respiratory functions were measured using a spirometer (COSMED Pony FX® Spirometry).</div><div>Results: In the group comparison, MIP, MEP, FEV1, FVC, PEF were significantly lower, PTSD symptoms, anxiety level and depression tendency were significantly higher in Group 1, while the FEV1/FVC was similar between the groups. In addition, within each group, certain mental symptoms were found to be associated with specific respiratory functions.</div><div>Conclusion: This study found correlation between mental symptoms and respiratory functions. It is recommended to observe this effect again after natural disasters and to examine the change with intermittent measurements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 4","pages":"Article 100592"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118541","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}
In the context of persistent insecurity linked to terrorism, firefighters in Burkina Faso are exposed to recurrent traumatic events. However, data on their mental health, particularly with regard to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), remain limited. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of PTSD and associated factors among firefighters in Burkina Faso
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted from 9 February 2023 to 3 April 2023 among 217 firefighters. The screening tool used was the PCLS scale (threshold score ≥44). Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with PTSD (significance level: p ≤ 0.05).
Results
The overall prevalence of PTSD was 17.05 % according to the PCLS. The most frequently reported events were terrorist attacks (36.40 %) and serious accidents (27.64 %). Female gender, family support, exposure to a terrorist attack, transport accidents and sexual assault were significantly associated with PTSD.
Conclusion
PTSD affects a significant proportion of Ouagadougou's firefighters. Specific prevention, screening and treatment measures need to be implemented to strengthen their psychological resilience.
{"title":"Prevalence and factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder among firefighters exposed to terrorism in Burkina Faso","authors":"Boubacar BAGUE , Zeinabou CISSE , Mahamane Mobarak SALIFOU ABDOU , Désiré NANEMA , Oumar SOURABIE , Konsam Cédric Christel SAWADOGO , Nadège OUEDRAOGO , Nazinigouba OUEDRAOGO","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100613","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100613","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In the context of persistent insecurity linked to terrorism, firefighters in Burkina Faso are exposed to recurrent traumatic events. However, data on their mental health, particularly with regard to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), remain limited. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of PTSD and associated factors among firefighters in Burkina Faso</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted from 9 February 2023 to 3 April 2023 among 217 firefighters. The screening tool used was the PCLS scale (threshold score ≥44). Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with PTSD (significance level: p ≤ 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The overall prevalence of PTSD was 17.05 % according to the PCLS. The most frequently reported events were terrorist attacks (36.40 %) and serious accidents (27.64 %). Female gender, family support, exposure to a terrorist attack, transport accidents and sexual assault were significantly associated with PTSD.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>PTSD affects a significant proportion of Ouagadougou's firefighters. Specific prevention, screening and treatment measures need to be implemented to strengthen their psychological resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 4","pages":"Article 100613"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519750","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-08-26DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100591
Bronwyn Milkins , Jeneva L. Ohan , Maryam Boutrus , Giulia Pace , Helen Milroy
Background
Dissociative symptoms are associated with a range of negative outcomes, yet little is understood about how adolescents experience dissociation in their daily lives.
Objective
This study aimed to describe adolescents’ dissociative symptoms from the perspective of adolescents, their parents, and their treating clinicians.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants about adolescents’ experiences of dissociation. Participants were 6 female adolescent patients (aged 14–17 years, M = 15.67) from a psychiatric outpatient service, 3 parents, and 4 clinicians. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse interview data.
Results
Dissociative experiences varied in frequency, duration, and type (theme 1, Dissociation is Diverse: “It can vary a lot”). However, commonalities were also observed: intense emotions experienced during dissociation were described as qualitatively different from typical emotional dysregulation (theme 2, Emotion Takes Over: “It’s like it just consumes me”). During dissociation, adolescents reported a pronounced detachment from the present moment (theme 3, Disconnecting from the Present: “I don’t really exist here” with subthemes of Affective Disconnection and Bodily Disconnection). The dissociative state, not reality, felt real (theme 4, Reality Feels Unreal: “I didn’t feel real”). Finally, a marked decline in memory and attention was described (theme 5, Problems with Memory and Attention: “My brain stops working”).
Conclusions
This study is the first to examine adolescent dissociative experiences from the perspective of adolescents, their parents, and their clinicians. Adolescents’ dissociative symptoms mostly aligned with symptoms for dissociative disorders in the DSM-5-TR/ICD-11. However, identity disruption appeared absent, while the presence of fantasy elements was potentially unique and warrants replication and clarification through formal assessment. Findings can inform the refinement of symptom criteria in diagnostic guides and the development of adolescent-focused assessment tools. This may support earlier and more accurate identification of dissociation and enable tailored interventions to improve clinical outcomes for this population.
{"title":"“I don’t really exist here”: A reflexive thematic analysis of dissociative symptoms described by adolescents and their parents and clinicians","authors":"Bronwyn Milkins , Jeneva L. Ohan , Maryam Boutrus , Giulia Pace , Helen Milroy","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100591","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100591","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Dissociative symptoms are associated with a range of negative outcomes, yet little is understood about how adolescents experience dissociation in their daily lives.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to describe adolescents’ dissociative symptoms from the perspective of adolescents, their parents, and their treating clinicians.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants about adolescents’ experiences of dissociation. Participants were 6 female adolescent patients (aged 14–17 years, <em>M</em> = 15.67) from a psychiatric outpatient service, 3 parents, and 4 clinicians. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse interview data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Dissociative experiences varied in frequency, duration, and type <em>(theme 1, Dissociation is Diverse: “It can vary a lot”)</em>. However, commonalities were also observed: intense emotions experienced during dissociation were described as qualitatively different from typical emotional dysregulation (<em>theme 2, Emotion Takes Over: “It’s like it just consumes me”)</em>. During dissociation, adolescents reported a pronounced detachment from the present moment (<em>theme 3, Disconnecting from the Present: “I don’t really exist here”</em> with subthemes of <em>Affective Disconnection</em> and <em>Bodily Disconnection)</em>. The dissociative state, not reality, felt real (<em>theme 4, Reality Feels Unreal: “I didn’t feel real”)</em>. Finally, a marked decline in memory and attention was described <em>(theme 5, Problems with Memory and Attention: “My brain stops working”).</em></div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study is the first to examine adolescent dissociative experiences from the perspective of adolescents, their parents, and their clinicians. Adolescents’ dissociative symptoms mostly aligned with symptoms for dissociative disorders in the DSM-5-TR/ICD-11. However, identity disruption appeared absent, while the presence of fantasy elements was potentially unique and warrants replication and clarification through formal assessment. Findings can inform the refinement of symptom criteria in diagnostic guides and the development of adolescent-focused assessment tools. This may support earlier and more accurate identification of dissociation and enable tailored interventions to improve clinical outcomes for this population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 4","pages":"Article 100591"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917033","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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