Impact Of Trauma Exposure Research Articles

Recovery and trauma among urban African Americans with serious mental illness.

Traumatic experiences are prevalent among people with serious mental illness and can significantly worsen outcomes. This study aimed to identify an urban cluster of trauma types, compare continuous distress ratings versus categorical experience of trauma for predicting outcomes such as depression and quality of life, and investigate the mediating role of recovery orientation in the impact of trauma exposure on outcomes. Data came from an intervention study on African Americans with serious mental illness living in a large urban area; 212 participants completed baseline self-report measures of past trauma experiences, related distress levels, recovery, depression, and quality of life. Data were assessed using correlations and regressive path modeling. Overall, 56.6% of participants reported experiences with trauma. Analyses suggested an urban cluster of trauma types that was self-reported by over 25% of participants. Distress due to trauma strongly correlated with greater depression as well as reduced quality of life and recovery. Interestingly, the categorical presence of trauma history (yes/no) had no significant relationship with any outcomes. Path analyses revealed that recovery mediated the impact of trauma distress on depression and quality of life, specifically implicating the recovery subfactor of hope. Results suggested that cognitive reframing focused on positive appraisals of overall recovery, and the hope subfactor can have a positive influence on trauma outcomes. The study supported the role of recovery in posttraumatic growth and suggests that hope can be used to help patients process trauma healthily. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Trauma Exposure and the Mental Health Needs of Latinx Youth: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Although trauma exposure is common among youth in the United States, it is not evenly distributed. In fact, Latinx youth have higher rates of trauma exposure than their non-Latinx White counterparts with approximately 78% of Latinx youth experiencing one traumatic event by the time they are 18years old. Despite this, the impact of trauma exposure on Latinx youth's mental health needs is not well-established. This is largely because Latinx youth are vastly underrepresented in many of the large-scale, epidemiological studies on childhood trauma exposure. To address this gap in the literature, this study applied PRISMA protocol guidelines to systematically review the methodologies, participant characteristics, and findings from 22 studies examining the relation between Latinx youths' trauma exposure and their mental health needs. Results revealed that while trauma exposure is common among Latinx youth, its association to Latinx youth's mental health needs is not well understood. Indeed, while some studies found a positive association between Latinx youth's trauma exposure and their mental health risk, other studies found no such relation. An examination of the included studies' methodologies and participant characteristics revealed several limitations in the existing research that are likely contributing to these inconsistencies. Concrete recommendations for how future research can address these limitations are put forth. Taken together, the results of this study underscore the urgent need to understand the role that trauma exposure plays in contributing to and/or maintaining mental health disparities among Latinx youth.

Impact of trauma exposure and depression comorbidity on response to transdiagnostic behavioral therapy for pediatric anxiety and depression

By adolescence, two-thirds of youth report exposure to at least one traumatic event, yet the impact of trauma history is not routinely considered when evaluating the effect of psychotherapeutic interventions. Trauma may be a particularly important moderator of the effects of transdiagnostic therapies for emotional disorders, as trauma exposure is associated with risk for the development of comorbid depression and anxiety. The current study examined the history of trauma exposure and the presence of clinically significant depression as moderators of treatment outcomes in the Brief Behavioral Therapy (BBT) trial, the largest study of transdiagnostic psychotherapy for youth. Youths (age 8–16 years) were randomized to BBT (n = 89) based in pediatric primary care or assisted referral to outpatient community care (ARC; n = 86). Clinical response, functioning, anxiety symptoms, and depression symptoms were assessed at post-treatment (Week 16) and at follow-up (Week 32). A significant three-way interaction emerged between the treatment group, comorbid depression, and trauma exposure. BBT was broadly effective for 3/4 of the sample, but, for anxious-depressed youth with trauma exposure, BBT never significantly separated from ARC. Differences in outcome were not accounted for by other participant characteristics or by therapist-rated measures of alliance, youth engagement, or homework completion. Implications for models of learning and for intervention theory and development are discussed.

The Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions on the Impact of Trauma Exposure in Foster Care: A Meta-Analysis.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40653-023-00563-9.

Impact of Trauma Exposure on Psychosocial Functioning of Media Professionals: Sense of Coherence as Moderator

Media professionals may experience impaired psychosocial functioning (PF) as a result of direct or indirect exposure to distressing content or events. The literature suggests that exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) does not necessarily lead to psychopathology. It is thus necessary to identify the role of protective factors—for example, sense of coherence (SOC)—that result in healthy PF. For this purpose, 307 media professionals were surveyed to assess the moderating role of SOC in the relationship between PTEs and PF. Results demonstrate that a significant positive correlation exists between SOC and PF and both are negatively but nonsignificantly associated with PTEs. Furthermore, SOC moderated the relationship between PTEs and PF.

The Impact of Trauma Exposure on Mental Health Outcomes an Examination of Depression, Anxiety, and Substance use Disorders among Trauma Survivors

Background: The impact of trauma exposure on mental health outcomes has been extensively studied; however, there is a need for further investigation into the specific relationship between trauma exposure, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders among trauma survivors. Aim: This study aims to examine the association between trauma exposure and negative mentalincluding depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, among trauma survivors. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional correctional design to study the relationship between trauma exposure, mental health, and substance use disorders. Trauma exposure is assessed using the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5). Depression levels are measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), anxiety levels are assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and substance use and associated risk levels are evaluated using the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Results: Correlation analysis revealed that trauma exposure is strongly correlated with depression (r = .965, p < .01), anxiety (r = .851, p < .01), and substance use scores, including tobacco (r = .624, p < .01), alcohol (r = .654, p < .01),] marijuana (r = .553, p < .01), amphetamine (r = .300, p < .01), and inhalant (r = .420,p < .01). However, no significant correlation is found between trauma exposure and substance use types such as cocaine (r = .063, p < .01), sedative (r = .029, p < .01), hallucinogen (r = .068, p < .01), and opioid (r = .032, p < .01). Conclusion: The study provides evidence of a significant relationship between trauma exposure and negative mental= health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, among trauma survivors. These findings underscore the importance of addressing trauma exposure in therapeutic interventions to mitigate the risk of developing mental health disorders and substance abuse problems in individuals who have experienced trauma.

Vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue in residential care workers of traumatized children

This research comprised of 13 face-to-face semi-structured interviews with residential care workers (seven males and six females), all based within the same UK residential care organisation, offering care for adolescents aged 11 to 17 years. Interviews focussed on the psychological impact of traumatic events on staff functioning. Findings noted that participants had been exposed to varied distressing and traumatic experiences, occurring within and outside their employment. Experiences included witnessing or being a victim of physical and sexual aggression, witnessing self-injury or suicidal behaviour, and reading about neglect, abuse, self-injury, suicidal behaviour, and physical and sexual aggression from residents’ histories. When considering the psychological impact on staff, qualitative analyses identified themes of emotional distress and interpersonal discord. Furthermore, increased exposure to a young person’s traumatic experience led to endurance being prioritised over emotional wellbeing, ineffective coping, and poor sleep hygiene. A reduction in the impact of exposure to a young person’s traumatic experiences related to emotional and proactive support from others, use of effective coping, and increased knowledge and preparation into distressing events. The findings are discussed in relation to the overall impact of trauma exposure on staff, protective factors, and suggestions for staff intervention to reduce and/or remove potential impact.

Perceived social stigma, self‐concealment, and suicide risk among North Korean refugee women exposed to traumatic events

Suicide among North Korean (NK) refugee women is one of the most concerning public health problems in South Korea. Pre-resettlement trauma exposure and post-resettlement factors can contribute to suicide risk among NK refugee women; however, few studies have explored these associations. This study aimed to assess suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among NK refugee women in South Korea (N=212) and to examine the impact of pre-resettlement trauma exposure on suicide risk. Perceived social stigma and self-concealment in the post-resettlement phases were investigated as moderating factors for suicide risk related to trauma exposure using multiple regression analyses. Trauma exposure significantly increased suicidal ideation severity and the risk of suicide attempt. Furthermore, perceived social stigma significantly moderated this relationship such that the impact of trauma exposure in the pre-resettlement phases was amplified as perceived social stigma increased. Based on our study findings, professionals working with refugee populations should assess for perceived social stigma and exposure to traumatic events to reduce and prevent suicidal ideation and attempts.

Potentially Traumatic Events and the Association Between Gender Minority Stress and Suicide Risk in a Gender-Diverse Sample.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are at an elevated risk of trauma exposure and other negative mental and physical health outcomes. The present study examined the interaction between minority stressors, reported potentially traumatic events (PTEs), and suicide risk (i.e., ideation and behavior) in a TGD sample. A convenience sample of 155 self-identified TGD individuals completed questionnaires assessing distal (e.g., gender-related discrimination) and proximal (e.g., internalized transphobia) gender identity-related stressors, lifetime PTE history, and suicide risk. The results of a mediation analysis demonstrated that proximal stressors partially mediated the association between distal stressors and suicide risk, B = 1.12, t(152) = 3.72, p < .01, 95% CI [0.53, 1.72], and the results of a moderated mediation analysis showed that the interaction term was not significant, and that the number of PTEs did not moderate the mediation model that examined proximal stressors as a mediator of the association between distal stressors and suicide risk, F(3, 151) = 18.74, MSE = 0.75, R2 = 0.27, B = 0.07, t(151) = 0.89, p = .371, 95% CI [-0.08, 0.21]. These findings suggest that minority stressors may contribute to suicide risk in a TGD population above and beyond the impact of trauma exposure. Risk reduction efforts for suicide risk may be enhanced by attending to minority stressors in addition to PTEs.

The impact of trauma exposure on headache outcomes

ABSTRACT Limited research exists regarding the relationship between trauma exposure and headache in youth despite the knowledge that pain symptoms often occur with persistent traumatic stress. This study examined the relationship between trauma exposure and headache outcomes in youth via retrospective chart review for 95 participants evaluated through a multidisciplinary headache clinic in a children’s hospital. Youth with trauma exposure were more likely to report chronic and daily headaches, greater severity in headache disability, and more frequent headaches than youth without trauma history. Our results indicate the importance of screening as trauma exposure may contribute to headache outcomes and headache-related disability.

Moral injury: the effect on mental health and implications for treatment

Moral injury: the effect on mental health and implications for treatment

Trauma during Early Adolescence and Boys' Social Behavior: A Focus on Teen Dating Violence.

Although early adolescence is increasingly recognized as commencing a sensitive period for social development, little research exists on the impact of trauma exposure during this juncture. We hypothesized that trauma experienced during early adolescence would be particularly disruptive to the acquisition of social skills necessary for healthy future relationships. Among 1500 boys from the National Comorbidity Study Adolescent Supplement, we examined trauma exposure across developmental periods on interpersonal outcomes in late adolescence. Most (62.3%) participants reported prior exposure to at least one potentially traumatic event, and rates of such exposures generally increased linearly over time with a relative spike in exposure occurring at age 15. Trauma exposure during early adolescence, but not other developmental periods, uniquely predicted boys' perpetration of physical teen dating violence (TDV; OR = 2.2) and broader social problems (B = 2.061, SE = .091) in late adolescence. In contrast, and consistent with existing literature, trauma exposure early in development and during mid-adolescence predicted late adolescence conduct disorder diagnoses. At least in the context of early adolescent exposure, the link between trauma and TDV perpetration may be conceptualized within a broader framework of social competence rather than oft-purported antisociality. Early adolescence may present opportunities for targeted prevention of TDV and broader social problems.

The Impact of Trauma Exposure: Vicarious Traumatization and Posttraumatic Growth among Counselor Trainees

Trauma is an endemic concern among counselors, and its presence may impact counselor trainees differently than seasoned counselors. Using consensual qualitative research, we explored the professional development of counselor trainees’ and how providing counseling to clients who had experienced trauma impacted them personally and professionally. We outline nine domains gleamed from interviews that include elements of vicarious traumatization and posttraumatic growth, and include implications for counselor education, supervision, and research.

The impact of trauma exposure and moral injury on UK military veterans: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Background: Exposure to a potentially morally injurious event (PMIE) has been found to be associated with a range of adverse mental health outcomes. However, how the psychological consequences following PMIEs compare to those encountered after a traumatic, but not a PMIE, remain poorly understood. Objective: The aim was to qualitatively explore UK military veterans’ responses to experiences of trauma and moral injury and the impact of such events on psychological wellbeing. Method: Thirty male veterans who reported exposure to traumatic and/or morally injurious events were recruited. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Six veterans described exposure to a non-morally injurious traumatic event, 15 reported experiencing a PMIE, and 9 described exposure to a ‘mixed’ event which was simultaneously morally injurious and traumatic. Veterans who encountered a PMIE described experiencing moral dissonance, or a clash between concurrently held sets of values (e.g. military values versus civilian values), which provoked considerable psychological distress. Veterans’ cognitions and responses were found to differ following a PMIE compared to a traumatic, but not PMIE, which could have negative implications for daily functioning. Several risk and protective factors for experiencing distress following a PMIE were described. Conclusions: This study provides some of the first evidence that events experienced by UK veterans can simultaneously be morally injurious and traumatic or life-threatening as well as highlighting the process by which moral injury may occur in UK veterans. These findings illustrate the need to examine effective pathways for prevention and intervention for veterans who have experienced a morally injurious event.

The impact of trauma exposure on explicit and implicit memory

ABSTRACTObjectives: The present study aimed to determine whether explicit and implicit memory systems are modulated by the type of content (neutral, emotional trauma-related and generally-emotional) in sexual abuse victims who did not develop PTSD, compared to non-exposed controls.Design: A mixed-factorial design with Content (neutral, trauma-related, generally-emotional) as a within-subject variable and Group (victims, controls) as a between-subject variable was used in two experiments.Methods: In both experiments, participants were required to learn three stories presented orally: a neutral, an emotional trauma-related (sexual abuse) and a generally-emotional story. In Experiment 1, participants’ memory was tested with two explicit tasks (free recall and Remember/Know/Guess) and one implicit task (word-fragment completion task). In Experiment 2, a modified version of the word-fragment completion task was presented, followed by an awareness questionnaire to ensure the implicit character of the test.Results: Victims showed lower performances with neutral contents, relative to controls, in explicit and implicit tasks. However, this difference was not observed with trauma-related contents suggesting this information is preferentially processed by trauma-exposed participants (with increased attentional resources).Conclusions: Our results show that trauma exposure may itself be associated with implicit and explicit memory alterations, even for individuals who did not develop PTSD.

The Influence of Giving and Receiving Social Support on the Psychological Outcomes of Two Trauma-Exposed Samples

Much research has sought to understand factors that predict both positive and negative posttrauma outcomes. Social support is one factor that has been widely investigated, primarily as a buffer against the negative effects of stressful life events. While receiving social support has claimed much empirical attention attesting to its positive impact on psychological outcomes following exposure to trauma, the influence of giving social support has received less empirical attention. The current study aimed to assess the influence of giving as well as receiving social support on psychological outcomes in two trauma-exposed samples: flood survivors (N = 351) and firefighters (N = 337), controlling for perceptions of trauma severity. The study used the Brief 2-Way SSS, a measure of both receiving and giving, emotional and instrumental support. Results indicated that although giving social support showed a significant bivariate relationship with depression and stress in the firefighter sample, the unique contribution of giving social support was found only for posttraumatic growth. In contrast, the influence of social support on measures of depression, anxiety, and stress was seen through the receipt of social support. These findings provide support for the value of examining both receiving and giving social support, as they may have differential impacts in buffering against the impact of trauma exposure on psychological outcomes.

Enhancing the Lives of Children in Out-Of-Home Care: An Exploration of Mind-Body Interventions as a Method of Trauma Recovery.

The prevalence and impact of trauma exposure among young people in the child welfare system in Canada warrants holistic intervention as a means of trauma recovery for this vulnerable population. A trauma-informed approach to practice is outlined through consideration of traditional trauma treatments and mind-body interventions that serve as complementary methods of therapy. Despite limited research on the effectiveness of mind-body interventions with children and adolescents in out-of-home care in Canada, a review of available literature on mindfulness, arts-based methods, and yoga suggests these therapeutic interventions promote resilience and positive development. Additional research is needed to support the use of mind-body interventions with young people in out-of-home care. Practice implications and recommendations for future research within Canada are included to increase awareness and support a working understanding of the pervasiveness of trauma exposure among this population and the value of trauma-informed, holistic intervention.

The impact of trauma exposure on the development of PTSD and psychological distress in a volunteer fire service

Emergency service workers (ESWs) are at increased risk of trauma-related mental disorders. However, volunteer ESWs, who comprise the majority of firefighters in Western countries, have limited access to the necessary support services for mental health problems. This study aimed to examine the impact of the level and types of trauma exposure on the development of mental disorders in a volunteer fire service. Members of an Australian volunteer fire service (N = 459) completed a cross-sectional survey. Information on the number and types of distressing critical incidents involved within the last year was collected. Validated, self-report measures were used to determine probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychological distress caseness. The risk of probable PTSD was significantly higher for those with the most frequent involvement with distressing incidents and the highest levels of cumulative trauma exposure. Being trapped in a dangerous situation or being assaulted by other people, resulted in the greatest odds of developing a mental disorder. Volunteer fire service members with the highest levels of trauma exposure and involvement with particular types of critical incidents are at elevated risk of mental health problems. The implications for the provision of psychological support measures amongst volunteer emergency services are discussed.

Impact of trauma exposure and acculturative stress on internalizing symptoms for recently arrived migrant‐origin youth: Results from a community‐based partnership

AbstractMigrant youth face cultural challenges upon initial adjustment into the United States. Although there is considerable empirical evidence that trauma impacts interpersonal relations, there is a dearth of research examining the association between adverse events and the initial social and cultural exchange experience, and whether this is associated with psychological adjustment. This study examined self‐report data for 87 newly arrived migrant‐origin students in Grades 5–10 from Latin American, Caribbean, Asian, and African backgrounds attending a public alternative school in the Southeastern United States. Data were collected as part of a community‐based partnership. The relation between cumulative trauma exposure and internalizing symptoms was fully mediated by acculturative stress (p &lt; .05), suggesting prior trauma exposure negatively affected these students’ capacity to navigate a new cultural milieu, which in turn is directly associated with internalizing symptoms. Behavioral health care practitioners can use screening procedures early in the academic year to detect which migrant students may be experiencing difficult cultural transitions.

Sexual Traumatic Event Exposure, Posttraumatic Stress Symptomatology, and Alcohol Misuse Among Women: A Critical Review of the Empirical Literature

The current review summarizes and critically evaluates the existing literature to shed light on two key questions: (a) the impact of trauma exposure on alcohol use (and vice versa; the impact of alcohol use on risk for trauma exposure) in women, and (b) the nature of PTSD–alcohol misuse comorbidity in women. The secondary aim was to explore moderators or mechanisms of action. Findings suggest that sexual trauma may be especially relevant to alcohol misuse in women. Cross-sectional data generally support PTSD–alcohol misuse associations; however, findings from prospective studies are mixed. Significantly less is known about moderators/mediators of these relations, with the majority of work focused on emotional and motivational processes. Limitations, future directions, and clinical implications are discussed.