Adverse Experiences Research Articles

Childhood Adversity and Incident Psychotic Experiences in Early Adulthood: Cognitive and Psychopathological Mediators.

Childhood adversity is often described as a potential cause of incident psychotic experiences, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We aimed to examine the mediating role of cognitive and psychopathological factors in the relation between childhood adversity and incident psychotic experiences in early adulthood. We analyzed data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a large population-based cohort study. Childhood adversity was measured prospectively from birth to age 11 years, mediators (anxiety, depression, external locus of control [LoC], negative symptoms) were assessed at approximately 16 years of age, and incident psychotic experiences were assessed at ages 18 and 24 years. Mediation was examined via the counterfactual g-computation formula. In total, 7% of participants had incident suspected or definite psychotic experiences in early adulthood. Childhood adversity was related to more incident psychotic experiences (ORadjusted = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.21; 1.49), and this association was partially mediated via all mediators examined (proportion mediated: 19.9%). In separate analyses for each mediator, anxiety, depression, external LoC, and negative symptoms were all found to mediate the link between adversity and incident psychotic experiences. Accounting for potential confounders did not modify our results. Our study shows that cognitive biases as well as mood symptomatology may be on the causal pathway between early-life adversity and the development of psychotic experiences. Future studies should determine which mediating factors are most easily modifiable and most likely to reduce the risk of developing psychotic experiences.

From Feeling Tough to Mental Growth: Coping with Sexual Bullying During Childhood in Gay and Bisexual Men

ABSTRACT This qualitative study was conducted to understand how gay and bisexual men (GBM) in Taiwan cope with childhood bullying because of their sexual orientation or gender nonconformity. We explored their journey from feeling disturbed to receiving social support, developing coping strategies, and achieving self-growth. Colaizzi’s phenomenological approach was used to investigate subject experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 GBM who had experienced high-level sexual bullying in childhood. Relevant data were collected to assess their experiences of sexual bullying, their coping strategies, and subjective effects of corresponding adjustments in interpersonal interactions. Subject experiences concentrated on six themes related to sexual bullying and coping strategies: bullying at developmental stages, bullying everywhere, facing bullying alone, various impacts of bullying, overcoming challenges of interpersonal relationships, and building a strong and carefree self. Our findings can provide mental health professionals with key insights into the contexts of sexual bullying and the associated psychological distress in GBM. This study further clarifies the coping responses of these individuals and their psychological growth following such adverse experiences.

Self-Determination Theory: A Framework Well Suited to Informing Research of Adverse Inpatient Mental Health Experiences

Contrary to the expectations and intentions of inpatient mental healthcare, reports of adverse experiences by people admitted to inpatient settings are common and on the rise. Such experiences negatively impact individuals’ mental health and recovery and incur costs to their networks, mental health providers, the healthcare system, and society at large. Research indicates ongoing challenges in understanding and addressing the complex interplay of factors that contribute to a diverse range of adverse experiences, from seclusion, restraint, and coercion, to boredom, loneliness, and lack of therapeutic relationships. There is a pressing need to better understand the mechanisms of adverse inpatient mental health experiences and identify frameworks to aid in more efficient and effective translation of knowledge into practice. This paper proposes self-determination theory (SDT) as a framework that can assist nurse researchers and practitioners elucidate the nature of adverse experiences and guide developments to mitigate adverse outcomes. Critically, SDT prioritises human psychological needs and wellbeing, and thus has potential to inform rights-based, person-centred, recovery-oriented research and development. This paper provides an overview of recent literature on adverse experiences before introducing SDT. It then considers adverse inpatient mental health experiences through the lens of SDT, providing actionable guidance for nursing research and development.

“Why Couldn’t We?”: Experiences of Adversity, Cultural Strengths and Support Among First, Second, and Third+ Generation Mexican-origin Youth in Los Angeles

Latino/a/Hispanic adversity and adaptation literature has focused on cultural, acculturative and immigration-related stressors. Cultural and social strengths, key Latino/a/Hispanic features, and their concurrence, remain qualitatively underexplored. To enhance intervention and prevention, research understanding experiences of Latino/a/Hispanic youth adaptation representing three generations is needed. Forty participants participated in semi-structured interviews detailing adversity, cultural strengths and support during their youth. Thematic analysis approach guided coding of transcripts. Three coders met regularly to discuss and resolve differences, identifying emergent themes. The sample included 24 females and 16 males ( Mage = 27.9) characterizing three generations (first n = 15; second n = 14; third+ n = 11). Three main themes emerged: (1) perceived adversity, described discrimination, and related adversities; (2) cultural adaptation, adjustment, and the shaping of bicultural identities; and (3) supportive and formative relationships buffering adversity. Themes illustrated adversity and cultural strengths within Latino/a/Hispanic protective relationships and contexts. Findings inform policies that support Latino/a/Hispanic youth and family engagement and intervention approaches.

NREM parasomnia-related behaviors and adverse childhood experiences

PurposeTo assess the prevalence, types, sociodemographic factors, and reported dangerous activities of sleep-related behaviors likely representing NREM parasomnia episodes, as well as their association with adverse childhood experiences in Hungary. MethodsCross-sectional survey of 1000 adults (aged ≥18 years) representing the Hungarian population, using a non-probability quota sampling with a random walk method and a structured face-to-face interview. A multi-criterion weighting procedure was applied to correct bias along the main sociodemographic variables to the data available. Binary logistic regression estimated the odds of NREM parasomnia-related behaviors associated with sociodemographic factors and adverse childhood experiences. ResultsThe prevalence of NREM parasomnia-related behaviors was 2.7 %, and self-reported sleep-eating was 0.1 % of the population (4.6 % of parasomnia-like activities). For middle-aged adults, the odds of sleep ambulation were significantly lower than for younger adults (OR 0.3; P = 0.03). A participant's family occurrence of reported parasomnia-like activity increased their odds of having it by more than 7 times (OR 7.1; P < 0.001). Nine participants out of those 27 people reporting NREM parasomnia-related behavior episodes, reported childhood adverse experiences, increasing the odds of parasomnia-related behavior by more than six times (OR 6.2; P < 0.001) compared to those not reporting it. ConclusionThis is the first population survey in Hungary on adult sleep-related behaviors likely representing NREM parasomnia episodes and the potential association with childhood traumatic events preceding them. The related dangerous behaviors call for safety measures and prevention. The significant association between adverse childhood events and NREM parasomnia-related behaviors needs further analysis.

The interplay between borderline personality disorder and oxytocin: a systematic narrative review on possible contribution and treatment options.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition marked by instability in mood, relationships, self-image, and behavior. Individuals with BPD often struggle with intense emotions, impulsivity, and maintaining stable relationships. Oxytocin, known as the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone," plays a crucial role in social bonding, trust, empathy, and emotional regulation and its dysregulation may contribute to BPD difficulties. This systematic review aims to analyze existing literature, examining the intricate interplay and encouraging future research and treatment strategies. A systematic search of Literature in PubMed, Embase and Psychinfo, without any language or time restriction, was performed until March 2024 combining thesaurus and free-search indexing terms related to "borderline personality disorder" and "oxytocin", producing 310 results (77 in PubMed, 166 in Embase and 67 in Psychinfo). Ninety-four full texts were analyzed, and 70 articles were included in qualitative analysis. Oxytocin may influence attachment styles, parental behaviors, and stress responses, particularly in individuals with a history of childhood trauma. The interaction between oxytocin, genetics, early life experiences, and environmental factors contributes to the complexity of BPD. Genetic variations in the oxytocin receptor gene may influence social and emotional abilities and contribute to the development of psychopathology. Additionally, early adverse experiences, such as childhood maltreatment, can alter oxytocin functioning, impacting social cognition and emotional regulation.However, oxytocin's role in BPD treatment remains uncertain, with some studies suggesting potential benefits for specific symptoms like social threat avoidance, while others indicate adverse effects on nonverbal behavior and mentalizing. Understanding oxytocin's role in BPD offers insights into potential therapeutic interventions. While oxytocin-based treatments may hold promise for addressing specific symptoms, further research is needed.

Performing 1-1 Interventions to Address Mathematics Anxiety – An Intervention Case Study of 3 Brazilian Women Who Believed They Were Stupid in Mathematics

Mathematics Anxiety is well-researched, but solutions are few. This study shows the potential to provide an affordable solution, one that could ultimately be rolled out across the country and the world. The 1:1 interventions involve inviting the participants to tell their math story and then introducing the Mathematical Resilience Framework and reframing adverse prior experiences as unrelated to intrinsic ability. The framework includes three tools: the hand model of the brain, the growth zone model, and the relaxation response. The intervention participants were Brazilian volunteers living in England from the local and virtual communities. The levels of Mathematics Anxiety were measured before the intervention using the Betz (1978) scale, and narrative records were made. The qualitative data were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis (Braun Clarke, 2006) through the lens of the Mathematical Resilience Framework. The data indicated the positive impact of performing this kind of intervention.

Inclusion policies for social minorities in higher education: dialogue between the Brazilian and Nordic contexts

ABSTRACT This article examines the impact of socially constructed meanings regarding social minorities on the development of inclusion policies for these groups in higher education. This analysis is based on a comparative case study between Global South and Global North, specifically focusing on a dialogue between Brazil and Nordic contexts. Social minorities, such as women, the impoverished, black people, LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants and people with disabilities, are more likely to be socially underserved, making them more susceptible to adverse experiences. From this perspective, we analyse the definitions and characteristics currently applied to social minorities and reflect on how these traits function in the field of higher education in order to support student inclusion. Using a theoretical approach from Semiotic Cultural Psychology, we examine the current political landscape and how socially constructed meanings related to these groups influence the development of inclusion policies. These debates reflect an overriding need to reimagine higher education as an arena for inclusion and critical thinking, not only fostering access for social minorities, but also ensuring such debates continue within academia, and, therefore, within society.

“Plaster solutions” – Providing support for children residing in emergency housing motels in Hamilton, Aotearoa New Zealand

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, motels have become increasingly used as sites for emergency accommodation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Consequently, children now reside in motel rooms intended for seven day emergency stays for much longer periods of time. Ten key-informant interviews were conducted with service providers supporting children residing in motels in the Waikato region. Thematic analysis generated five themes relating to child wellbeing: 1.) Living conditions, 2.) Physical and psychological safety, 3.) Inappropriateness of existing service models, 4.) Disjointed collaboration between service providers, and 5.) Imagining emergency motels as a “site to build strengths”. The findings suggest the motel environment restricted children’s access to nutrition, safe physical activity and health care. In addition, proximity to adult residents could increase exposure to adverse experiences. Participants suggested creative ways to collaborate and use motel facilities to build family strengths. However ultimately, long stays in emergency housing motels create an environment where systemic barriers to child health, development and education are likely to be entrenched rather than alleviated. Initiatives that significantly reduce the time children spend in motels, and appropriate support for children in these contexts are urgently required to prevent widening health inequities for the “motel generation”.

Objects as Armour; Objects as Container: Form and Thing-Writing as Means of Balancing Disclosure in Life Writing

ABSTRACT In 2023, I completed my Creative Writing PhD, which included a collection of personal essays that explored the relationship between autobiographical memory and objects, but also depicted some of my own experiences of grief, mental illness and other challenges. While writing these essays, I became attuned to the ways such self-representation can be psychologically and emotionally challenging, particularly when it involves drawing on adverse or traumatic lived experience—traditionally a somewhat neglected topic in studies of life writing ethics, but one whose relevance is increasingly being recognised in scholarly and wider publishing circles. In this essay, I delineate some of these challenges, suggesting they can be grouped into two distinct types: anxieties or issues relating to the production of the work, and those relating to its reception, post-publication. Accordingly, I identify two categories of potential responses to these risks: those extrinsic to the writing itself (such as consultation with a psychologist), and those intrinsic to it. In doing so, I draw on my practice-led research, and the work of essayist Brenda Miller, to propose that writing autobiographically with or through objects may be one way to help life writers to manage and mitigate some of the risks of self-representation.

The role of environmental sensitivity in the experience and processing of emotions: implications for well-being.

Several theories suggest that people differ significantly in their environmental sensitivity, defined as the capacity to perceive and process information about the environment. More sensitive people, who make up between 25% and 30% of the population, are not only more negatively affected by adverse experiences but also benefit disproportionately from positive ones, in line with differential susceptibility theory. Heightened emotional reactivity has been identified as one of the key markers of sensitivity. However, the current understanding of the relationship between sensitivity and the experience and processing of emotions remains limited. In the current paper we propose a new conceptual framework for the multiple ways in which environmental sensitivity may impact on different aspects of the experience and processing of emotions. This includes heightened perception of emotions, increased emotional reactivity, as well as the important role of emotion regulation for the well-being of highly sensitive people. In addition, we also consider rearing experiences in shaping sensitivity and emotion regulation. The reviewed empirical studies largely support the conceptual model but more research is needed to explore the dynamics between sensitivity and emotions further. Finally, we discuss several implications for well-being before making a case for the inclusion of individual differences in environmental sensitivity in affective science. This article is part of the theme issue 'Sensing and feeling: an integrative approach to sensory processing and emotional experience'.

Infertility as Trauma: Understanding the Lived Experience of Involuntary Childlessness.

Infertility, to those who are affected by it, is much more than whether one manages (or not) to have a child: it can be a traumatizing experience. Based on a clinical case study that involved one-to-one psychotherapy sessions and semi-structured interviews with six involuntarily childless women living in Norway, this article develops the argument that there is a need to treat infertility as trauma, both conceptually and from the perspective of therapeutic practice. The analysis contributes to our understanding of trauma as a disruptive event that erodes a person's moral agency. It does so by outlining conceptual and therapeutic tools that illuminate what happens in the psyche as a result of the trauma: they help explaining why the moral agency of different individuals is damaged to different extents, and how therapy can repair it. In relation to the issue of involuntary childlessness, the analysis shows where infertility fits within one's traumabiography-a map of the way adverse experiences over the life-course have affected one's psyche and behavior-both as traumatizing in itself and connected to previous traumas. This understanding enables more effective therapeutic support and better care for many individuals whose long-term suffering would otherwise remain unacknowledged and untreated.

Validation of the Chinese version of the adverse life experiences scale.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are strongly linked to many mental health problems, and play important role in the intergenerational transmission of psychopathology. Additionally, the developmental timing may also be critical in ACEs' impact on these problems. The Adverse Life Experiences Scale (ALES), as a recently developed measure, has demonstrated good reliability and validity in indexing cumulative risk, developmental timing, and intergenerational transmission. This scale has not been used in China. The purpose of present study was to revise the Chinese version of the ALES and examine its psychometric properties. A total of 527 parents (fathers n = 246, mothers n = 281) from families with at least one child (12-18 years) completed this online survey. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, correlations, regression models were examined for assessing the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the ALES. The Chinese version of the ALES showed acceptable internal consistency (children: α = .72, parents: α = .74) and test-retest reliability (children: r = .86, parents: r = .84). In terms of validity, both parents and children's ACEs scores (total score and most age intervals scores) were significantly correlated with their current symptoms; ACEs scores of some age intervals in early childhood and adolescence significantly predicted symptoms in regression models; and parents' ACEs total score significantly correlated with children's ACEs total score and symptoms (all, girls, boys) except boys' Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire total score. The Chinese version of the ALES showed good psychometric properties for assessing ACEs cumulative risk, developmental timing, and intergenerational transmission, and can serve as a reliable tool to evaluate ACEs in Chinese samples.

Understanding the phenomenological experiences of schema therapy for those with an eating disorder.

Schema therapy expands traditional cognitive-behavioral models, weakening early maladaptive schemas and schema modes while strengthening adaptive modes. This study investigated participant experiences of schema therapy for eating disorders, focusing on schema modes and the eating disorder voice, how these maintained disordered eating, and how therapy helped. Semistructured online video interviews with clients receiving schema therapy for eating disorders (N=10) were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four group experiential themes were developed: (1) adverse experiences, typically in childhood and adolescence, (2) interpersonal relationships, especially with primary caregivers and the benefits of a good therapeutic relationship, (3) self-awareness of schema modes and the eating disorder voice and their impact on participants' eating disorders, and (4) recovery using schema concepts, including finding one's inner child, better self-management, and ambivalence about recovering. Overall, schema therapy was perceived as beneficial, specifically regarding participants' awareness of their inner child, development of their eating disorder, and awareness of their eating disorder voice. Participants expressed a growing positive sense of agency, connecting with their inner child's needs and developing a connection to their healthy adult mode. They also felt that schema therapy had equipped them with the tools to strengthen their healthy adult mode, while simultaneously weakening their maladaptive modes.

Investigating Stress Sensitization and Steeling for Early-Life Adversity and Recent Stressful Life Experiences: Health and Illness in Older Adulthood

Early-life adversity (ELA) and recent stress experiences are relevant explanatory factors in the understanding of health differences across the life span. However, their particular role in explaining the vast health heterogeneity in older adulthood has yet to be defined. To address this gap, this study examined (a) the health of older individuals with differing levels of ELA and recent stressful experiences; and (b) the type (i.e., linear, curvilinear) of the expected stress-health relationships. Longitudinal quantitative data were collected on health, ELA, and stressful life experiences of the previous 21 months in N = 216 participants ( Mage = 69.8 years, 45.8% female). Findings support linear (rather than curvilinear) stress-health relationships for ELA and recent stress with physical and mental health. Furthermore, ELA significantly moderated the relationship between recent stress and physical illnesses. As the detrimental health impact of ELA can still be detected in older adulthood, ELA may be critical for understanding later life health heterogeneity.

The impact of COVID-19 on the stamina of Kabaddi players: a noteworthy adverse experience

The COVID-19 pandemic is a memorable and challenging period for the global population, particularly for athletes. The ability to train outdoors and gather in groups became highly restricted and often prohibited, leading to adverse effects. Kabaddi athletes in Bali, Indonesia, were among those significantly impacted. This group had the potential to contribute champions to the national team. The aim of this study was to assess the arm muscle endurance of Denpasar Kabaddi athletes before and during the pandemic. This research is descriptive-quantitative in nature and employed purposive sampling, involving 15 core athletes. The endurance test consisted of performing pushups for one minute. Data were analyzed descriptively to determine the average arm muscle endurance level of the athletes. Results indicated that before the pandemic, 100% of the athletes had good arm muscle endurance. During the pandemic, however, only 5 out of 15 athletes (33.33%) maintained a good level, while 10 athletes fell to a medium level. The study concluded that the arm muscle endurance of Denpasar male kabaddi athletes decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic by an average of 9.33 times per minute. Keywords: Arm Muscle Endurance, Kabaddi, Covid-19 Pandemic

북한이탈청소년의 부정적 생애경험이 학교생활 적응에 미치는 영향

This study aimed to investigate the ways in which North Korean refugee studentsstruggle with adapting to school life due to adverse childhood experiences (ACE). For thispurpose, the study surveyed 194 North Korean refugee students regarding their childhoodadverse experiences and three main factors of school maladjustment: task avoidance behavior,lack of school activity participation, and truancy. The results showed that students whoexperienced four or more types of adverse experiences during childhood exhibited higher ratesof school maladjustment in all three areas compared to those with fewer experiences. Additionally, it was found that students born in third countries and older students facedgreater risks in all three sub-factors of school maladjustment. This research provides importantimplications for preventing or reducing the impact of adverse childhood and other traumaticexperiences among North Korean refugee students.

Social and Emotional Skills in at-Risk Adolescents through Participation in Sports.

(1) Background: Adolescents who are under the care of child and youth institutions are vulnerable due to factors that can include disruption to family structure or education and adverse experiences. They often experience poor or unstable support systems, leaving them at risk of delinquency. In this context, sports engagement may provide a stable structure and have positive effects in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions, knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors regarding social and emotional skills among at-risk adolescents, with a specific focus on their engagement in sports. (2) Methods: Ninety-six adolescents aged 12 to 17 years (66 female, 30 male), residing in child and youth care institutions across Italy, Portugal, the UK, and Turkey, participated in this study. The participants were divided into 14 focus groups, each with six to eight participants of similar ages. (3) Results: Thematic analysis revealed four main themes: Emotional causes of behavioral problems; Emotional skills to regain control; Social support makes sports worthwhile; Sport as a socio-emotional resource. (4) Conclusions: The study findings highlight that although sports create many challenging emotional situations for these adolescents, they also provides resources that may help them cope with their emotions within and beyond sports.

Factors Associated With Gun Possession Among High-School Students in the U.S. Before and During the Pandemic.

Background: Adolescents' possession of guns was a matter of concern even before the pandemic. It is pertinent to examine whether students continued possessing guns after schools reopened, and if so, identify factors that might have been associated with such behaviors. Towards this end, the present study examined the relationship between highschool students' experiences and their propensity to possess guns. Methods: This used responses from multiple nationally representative cross-sectional surveys of high school students from the 2019 and 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES). Gun possession within the past year was the main outcome of interest. Experiences of violence, assault, injury, and other adverse experiences were the independent variables. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions, adjusting for sample weights, were performed using SAS. Results: Out of a total of more than 25,000 and 38,000 valid responses, respectively in 2019 and 2021 to the question on gun possession, 4.7% and 4.2% reported carrying a gun at least once within the past year. Experiences of sexual violence, involvement in physical fight, perceived lack of safety, and being threatened/injured by weapons, were associated with higher adjusted odds of guns possession among males and females. Among ABES 2021 respondents (more than 7500), those who witnessed violence in the neighborhood were more likely to possess guns. This association was significant among males, whereas parents being informed about whereabouts was significant for females. Conclusion: This study shows that adverse experiences were associated with a higher odds of guns possession among female and male highschool students. Witnessing violent attack on someone in the neighborhood emerged as a risk factor for males. This suggests that social determinants of health as well as adverse experiences are associated with gun possession among high-school students.

The Impact of Childhood Adversity on Life Course Alcohol Use Patterns and Health Status Among People Living with HIV

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and financial hardship are associated with increased likelihood of heavier alcohol use and health challenges in adulthood among persons living with HIV (PWH). We examined whether retrospectively captured lifetime drinking trajectories are a pathway through which childhood hardships affect current health in a sample of 365 adult PWH. Childhood economic hardship and ACEs were used as main predictors. Measures of alcohol use included age at first drink and lifetime drinking trajectories. Health indicators included health-related quality of life, frailty, number of comorbidities, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to estimate both direct and indirect pathways between childhood hardship and physical and mental health. Participants were mostly male; Black (84%); and averaged 48 years of age. SEM results supported both direct and indirect pathways between childhood experiences and adult health. ACEs were connected to physical health directly and mental health both directly and indirectly through age at first drink and drinking heaviness during ages 10–20. Childhood economic hardship related to mental health indirectly through higher drinking levels during ages 10–20. Childhood adverse experiences, economic hardship, and early drinking patterns appear to accumulate, resulting in later life physical and mental health concerns for PWH. Findings support taking a life course approach to health. This includes considering individual trauma histories in HIV care engagement and taking preventative approaches which support the economic and social well-being of vulnerable children to improve health in subsequent decades.