Testing predictions from the Memory and Identity Theory of ICD-11 Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Measurement development and initial findings

Background: The ‘Memory and Identity Theory’ of ICD-11 Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) was recently published but has not yet been subjected to empirical testing. The objective of this study was to evaluate newly developed measures of memory and identity disturbances and test hypothesized structural relations between these constructs and CPTSD symptoms. Methods: Self-report data were collected from a nationwide sample of adults living in Ukraine (N = 2050) in September 2023. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the latent structure of the newly developed measures, and structural equation modeling was used to test the associations between memory and identity disturbances and CPTSD symptoms. Results: 90 % of participants experienced a lifetime trauma, and 9.2 % screened positive for ICD-11 CPTSD. Results indicated that the newly developed measures of memory and identity problems possessed satisfactory psychometric properties, and all but one of the model-implied structural associations were observed. Conclusion: This study provides initial empirical support for the Memory and Identity theory of ICD-11 CPTSD, indicating that the basis of this disorder lies in distinct memory and identity processes. Several effects not predicted by the theory were observed, and these can provide the basis for further model testing and refinement.</p

Measuring positive memories of home and family during childhood: The development and initial validation of the ‘Memories of Home and Family Scale’

There is a burgeoning evidence base highlighting the positive influence of benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs), even in the context of adversity. However, few measures are available to assess BCEs. The current study sought to develop and validate a measure which assesses positive recollections of experiences and emotions at home and with family during childhood called the ‘Memories of Home and Family Scale’(MHFS). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to test the latent structure of the preliminary MHFS item scores in a sample of university students from the United Kingdom (N = 624). Following selection of the best-fitting model and final items for inclusion in the scale, total and subscale scores were correlated with a range of mental health outcomes. CFA results indicated that the latent structure of the MHFS items was best represented by a correlated six-factor first-order model. The final MHFS demonstrated high levels of internal reliability and convergent validity

The association of being in quarantine and related COVID-19 recommended and non-recommended behaviors with psychological distress in Chinese population

Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, emerged in Wuhan China but rapidly spread to other regions in China. This led to the quarantine of Wuhan city, and the recommendation of a number of precautious behaviors by both the World Health organisation (WHO) and the Chinese centre for Disease control (CDC). Mortality salience increases distress (Greenberg et al., 1986), and previous studies reported increased psychological distress during the previous SARS-CoV coronavirus (Lee et al., 2007; Hawryluck et al., 2004). Anxiety can motivate people to adopt preventive measures during a pandemic (Leung et al., 2005). Drawing on health belief models (Weinstein and Nicolich, 1993), research conducted during H1N1 (‘swine flu’) and SARS-CoV positively associated distress with internationally recommended health behaviours (Leung et al., 2005). However, anxiety may also encourage non-recommended, avoidant behaviours (Rubin et al., 2009). To date no empirical study to date has examined associations between psychological distress, quarantine and the use of recommend and non-recommended behaviors. Understanding this may be crucial for comprehending the psychological drivers of important behaviors at a time of national crisis, as well as the avoidance of behaviors with negligible or negative impact on health outcomes

Quarantine, distress and interpersonal relationships during COVID-19

Novel zoonosis COVID-19 first emerged in Wuhan, China, but rapidly spread to the other regions in China. The spread of this severe acute respiratory syndrome led to the quarantine of 60 million Chinese citizens. Such isolation measures have been associated with increased depression, stress and emotional disturbance.1–3 However, major traumatic events can amplify both positive and negative aspects of interpersonal relations, leading to competing narratives of both harm and enhancement.4 5 Quarantine can create family dependencies, threaten livelihoods and lead to the stigmatisation of those infected.3 6 School closures and disruption of family care seriously disrupt regular domestic practices.2 7 Domestic abuse may burgeon in a situation of forced confinement.1 2 Community relations may become strained as individuals fear infection from others. Anxiety may quickly spread through social networks via a process of ‘emotional contagion’ in which people ‘catch’ the worry of others.8 At the same time, however, large-scale containment may promote common solidarities.3 6 Romantic relationships can provide a sense of security during a time of existential concern.9 New liaisons may arise within and across communities, with community-level support associated with lower levels of distress.10 At present, it is unclear the extent to which relationship enhancement or decline will apply across different forms of relationships. In this forum, we report early work where we explore the associations between quarantine and reported changes across a range of relationships while controlling for psychological distress