Influence of Multiple Traumatic Event Types on Mental Health Outcomes: Does Count Matter?

The experience of potentially traumatizing events (PTEs) may be associated with conflicting outcomes: individuals may experience greater psychological distress (dose-response theory), or individuals may become more resilient against repeated PTEs (stress-inoculation theory). With limited empirical data comparing these theories, we examined the relationships between the count of lifetime PTE types and psychological outcomes [posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, impaired distress tolerance] using linear and quadratic regressions. A linear relationship would support the dose-response theory, and a quadratic relationship would support the stress-inoculation theory. We also explored whether there was a threshold number of PTE types fostering resiliency before an increase of distressing outcomes. The sample included 123 (68.30% female) treatment-seeking patients at a community mental health center participating in a larger study (Contractor et al. in Psychiatry Research, 252, 252215–252222, 2017). Linear regression results indicated number of PTE types significantly predicted increasing PTSD and depression severity and distress tolerance difficulties. Quadratic regression model results were not significant. ROC analyses indicated exposure to at least 3.5 PTE types predicted PTSD with moderate accuracy. In conclusion, the dose-response theory was supported, with results indicating there may be a threshold count of lifetime PTE types (\u3e 3) influencing traumatic stress outcomes

The Relationship Between Negative Expressivity, Anger, and PTSD Symptom Clusters

More investigation is needed to understand how specific posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters relate to the internal experience of anger and overt negative behaviors in response to anger (negative expressivity). We investigated whether anger mediated relations between PTSD symptom clusters and negative expressivity. Multiple regression revealed lower PTSD intrusion symptoms associated with higher levels of negative expressivity. Anger mediated this relationship. Higher avoidance symptoms related to higher negative expressivity. Clinical implications, limitations, and strengths are discussed. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Influence of Multiple Traumatic Event Types on Mental Health Outcomes: Does Count Matter?

The experience of potentially traumatizing events (PTEs) may be associated with conflicting outcomes: individuals may experience greater psychological distress (dose-response theory), or individuals may become more resilient against repeated PTEs (stress-inoculation theory). With limited empirical data comparing these theories, we examined the relationships between the count of lifetime PTE types and psychological outcomes [posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, impaired distress tolerance] using linear and quadratic regressions. A linear relationship would support the dose-response theory, and a quadratic relationship would support the stress-inoculation theory. We also explored whether there was a threshold number of PTE types fostering resiliency before an increase of distressing outcomes. The sample included 123 (68.30% female) treatment-seeking patients at a community mental health center participating in a larger study (Contractor et al. in Psychiatry Research, 252, 252215–252222, 2017). Linear regression results indicated number of PTE types significantly predicted increasing PTSD and depression severity and distress tolerance difficulties. Quadratic regression model results were not significant. ROC analyses indicated exposure to at least 3.5 PTE types predicted PTSD with moderate accuracy. In conclusion, the dose-response theory was supported, with results indicating there may be a threshold count of lifetime PTE types (\u3e 3) influencing traumatic stress outcomes

Building a Culture of Respect Across Genders: Eliminating Sexual Misconduct

Clinical staff members at virtually all college counseling centers provide therapy for victims of sexual misconduct experiences such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, relationship violence, and stalking. A number of college counseling center counselors are also involved in primary, secondary, and tertiary sexual assault prevention efforts. This article develops a model of prevention based on the twin principles of affirmative consent and bystander intervention. We begin with a review of research on sexual assault prevention on campus. We then illustrate this model as it was developed and implemented at a particular institution over the past two decades. We provide effectiveness data in the form of event participation rates, satisfaction measures, and learning outcomes to demonstrate the results of this comprehensive approach. Finally, we end with recommendations for further development of prevention efforts

Do positive memory characteristics relate to reckless behaviours? an exploratory study in a treatment-seeking traumatised sample

Reckless and self-destructive behaviours (RSDBs), common among traumatised individuals, are associated with negative health consequences. Gaining a stronger understanding of factors associated with an increased likelihood of RSDBs among traumatised individuals offers potential new avenues for research and treatment. Mounting evidence indicates relations between traumatic experiences and deficits/disturbances in characteristics of positive memories; however, relations between RSDBs and positive memory characteristics has been understudied. Using hierarchical multiple regression, we examined relations between positive memory characteristics (Memory Experiences Questionnaire-Short Form; MEQ-SF) and RSDBs, controlling for PTSD and depression severity, among a sample of treatment-seeking trauma-exposed individuals (N = 77; Mage= 33.96; 57.10% female). Results indicated that MEQ-SF subscales of Accessibility, Coherence, Emotional Intensity, and Sensory Details were significantly associated with engagement in RSDBs, above and beyond PTSD and depressive severity. Those who easily accessed emotionally evocative positive memories tended to engage in elevated RSDBs; those with less coherence and fewer sensory details in their positive memories were also more likely to engage in RSDBs. Theories related to emotion dysregulation and cognitive deficits may explain these obtained relations

Relations between Emotional Expressivity Dimensions and DSM-5 Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Clusters in a Trauma-Exposed Community Sample

Background and Objective. A growing body of literature indicates a significant contribution and role of positive and negative emotions (specifically expressivity) in post-traumatic stress disorder\u27s (PTSD) symptomatology. The current study examined the facet-level relationships between emotional expressivity and PTSD. Specifically, we investigated which emotional expressivity dimension (impulse strength, negative emotional expressivity, and positive emotional expressivity) most strongly related to DSM-5 PTSD symptom clusters severity (intrusions, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity). Methods. The sample of 123 trauma-exposed participants seeking mental health treatment completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the Berkeley Expressivity Questionnaire (BEQ). Results. Results of multivariate multiple regression analysis indicated that only intensity of emotion and difficulty in controlling such emotions (i.e., impulse strength) was strongly related to all four PTSD symptom clusters. The valence of emotional expressivity (positive or negative) was not related to any of the PTSD symptom clusters. Conclusions. Study findings highlight the role of emotional expressivity, specifically impulse strength, in PTSD\u27s symptomatology and may inform guidelines for emotion-focused clinical work for trauma-exposed individuals with PTSD symptoms

PTSD\u27s Blame Criterion and Mental Health Outcomes in a Community Mental Health Treatment-Seeking Sample

Objective: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric condition that can manifest as a combination of debilitating symptoms, one of which is a distorted sense of responsibility for the traumatic event. The inclusion of DSM-5\u27s PTSD D3 criterion (blaming self or others for the stressful experience) has received little research attention in regard to its relation to post-trauma mental health outcomes. To address this gap in literature, we examined the relevance of the clinical endorsement of the D3 criterion to PTSD symptomology and other posttrauma mental health outcomes. Method: Participants were 123 trauma-exposed, treatment-seeking individuals (M age = 35.70, 68.3% female) who completed a series of self-report questionnaires assessing PTSD symptomology, depression severity, distress intolerance, rumination, and anger reactions. Results: Independent t tests comparing those that clinically endorsed the D3 criterion (vs. those that did not) revealed that the clinical endorsement of blame was significantly associated with PTSD severity, depression, distress intolerance, and rumination. Conclusions: Our findings support the significance of PTSD\u27s D3 criterion, and further emphasize the importance of addressing blame in posttrauma mental health outcomes

The relationship between distress tolerance regulation, counterfactual rumination, and PTSD symptom clusters

Highlights We examined counterfactual (CFT) rumination, distress tolerance (DT) regulation, and PTSD. DT\u27s regulation was negatively associated with DSM-5 PTSD symptom clusters. CFT rumination mediated between DT\u27s regulation and PTSD\u27s intrusion symptoms. CFT rumination mediated between DT\u27s regulation and PTSD\u27s avoidance symptoms. Researching underlying mechanisms can lead to more precise clinical interventions. Abstract Background Distress tolerance (DT) and rumination both influence the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, few studies have investigated these constructs simultaneously. We investigated whether the regulation dimension of DT was associated with PTSD symptom clusters (intrusions, avoidance, negative alternations in cognitions and mood, alterations in arousal and reactivity), and whether counterfactual rumination (CFT) mediated these relationships. Methods This cross-sectional study sampled trauma-exposed adults (N = 119) seeking mental health services at a community mental health center. Participants completed self-report measures of DT, rumination, and PTSD. Mediation analyses were conducted using the SPSS PROCESS Macro. Results Lower scores on the DT regulation dimension were associated with higher PTSD symptom severity for all four symptom clusters, controlling for depression and number of traumas. CFT significantly mediated this relationship between DT\u27s regulation and PTSD\u27s intrusions and avoidance symptoms. Limitations Limitations included use of self-report data and the cross-sectional nature of this data. Conclusions Clinically, this study highlights that difficulties with regulating negative emotions can result in the use of maladaptive cognitive strategies, such as CFT. This, in turn, may exacerbate PTSD symptom severity, particularly intrusions and avoidance. This study highlights the importance of understanding specific dimensions of DT, rumination, and PTSD symptom clusters to develop precise and efficient psychological interventions