Negative Posttraumatic Cognitions Research Articles

Posttraumatic cognitions about the self are associated with depression symptoms in veterans endorsing a history of assaultive military sexual trauma.

Depressive symptoms are a commonly observed yet understudied mental health sequalae of military sexual trauma (MST). Prior research supports the relationship between negative posttraumatic cognitions (NPCs) and the onset and course of trauma symptoms more broadly. We hypothesized that NPCs would be associated with depression symptoms in veterans endorsing a history of MST, specifically assaultive type MST. Our clinical sample included veterans presenting for treatment related to assaultive MST (N = 158; 70.9% female, 65.2% White, 27.8% Black). Participants completed self-report measures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and NPCs during intake at a Veteran's Affairs specialty trauma clinic. Linear regressions were used to analyze the association between NPCs and depression symptoms controlling for PTSD symptom severity. PTSD severity and NPCs about the self were significantly associated with depression symptoms, explaining 46% of the variance severity, F(4, 153) = 33.16, R² = .46, p < .001. These findings newly demonstrate a relationship between NPCs about the self and depression in veterans with a history of MST. Clinicians may benefit from incorporating cognitive interventions into preexisting depression treatments to directly address NPCs in this population. Future study is needed to determine how these results may extend to other forms of MST or trauma types. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Factor structure, measurement invariance, and psychometric properties of the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI) and its brief version (PTCI-9) in Chinese adolescents and adults.

The Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI) is a widely used self-report tool to assess negative posttraumatic cognitions about self, world, and self-blame, but the factor structure remains controversial. Recently, a brief version of the PTCI with nine items (PTCI-9) loading onto three factors has been developed, and an excellent model fit was obtained. In this study, we examined the psychometric properties of the PTCI and PTCI-9 in a large sample of trauma-exposed Chinese adolescents (n = 1,451; mean age = 13.67 years, SD = 1.24) and adults (n = 924; mean age = 39.6 years, SD = 5.43). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an acceptable model fit for the original PTCI but a better model fit for the PTCI-9. Furthermore, the configural, metric, and scalar invariances of the PTCI-9 were supported across age groups (adolescent and adult), gender (male and female), trauma exposure (direct and indirect), and types of traumatic events (interpersonal and noninterpersonal). The PTCI and PTCI-9 and their subscale scores showed adequate internal consistency reliability in adolescent and adult samples. The PTCI-9 also demonstrated good convergent validity, as demonstrated by statistically significant correlations with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction. Overall, the present study supports the Chinese PTCI and PTCI-9 as valid measures of negative cognitions in both adolescents and adults and makes meaningful comparisons of negative cognitions across gender, trauma exposure, and types of traumatic events. Notably, as a brief and valid tool, the PTCI-9 is suggested to be used in survey and longitudinal studies for adolescents and adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Worry differentially mediates posttraumatic cognition and posttraumatic stress symptom relationships among veterans seeking treatment associated with military sexual trauma.

Research has established negative posttraumatic cognitions (NPC) affect the development and course of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) following trauma exposure (L. A. Brown et al., 2019). Previous studies in civilian and combat veteran populations also suggest positive associations among worry, NPC (Beck et al., 2004; Bennett et al., 2009), and PTSS (Fergus & Bardeen, 2017). However, little research has investigated the prevalence of worry in veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), and no research has examined the role of worry in the relation between NPC and PTSS among veterans seeking treatment associated with MST. This project examined the prevalence of worry in a MST sample and whether worry mediated NPC-PTSS associations. Veterans (N = 91) seeking MST-related treatment presented to a Veterans Affairs Posttraumatic Stress Disorder specialty clinic for assessment and treatment recommendations. Veterans completed questionnaires assessing NPC, worry, and PTSS. Bootstrapped mediation analyses examined NPC-PTSS associations. Veterans reported similar levels of worry as nonveterans seeking treatment associated with generalized anxiety disorder. Mediation analyses showed worry significantly mediated NPC-PTSS relationships for beliefs about the world, self-blame, and coping competence but not for beliefs about the self or global NPC severity. Further, the degree of mediation differed by NPC type. Though a limitation of this study is the use of cross-sectional data, these results inform the use of clinical intervention strategies targeting worry in trauma-focused interventions and necessitate further research on whether trauma-focused interventions ameliorate co-occurring worry among veterans exposed to MST. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Posttraumatic cognition change trajectories in veterans with PTSD who completed an intensive Cognitive Processing Therapy treatment program

ABSTRACT Negative posttraumatic cognitions (NPCs) have been linked to symptoms of PTSD and are an important target of cognitive behavioral treatments for PTSD, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Yet to be explored are the different change trajectories of NPCs during CPT. Knowledge of such change trajectories could elucidate common NPC change processes within CPT and their relationship to PTSD symptom severity. We examined NPC change trajectories in a group of 443 veterans who completed a 2-week intensive CPT program. We identified four NPC trajectory groups termed start high end high, start high end moderate, start moderate end low, and start low end low. Most of the groups showed an increase in NPCs at the midpoint of treatment before ultimately decreasing. As predicted, baseline PTSD symptom severity predicted change trajectory group membership. Also, NPC change trajectories were associated with PTSD severity at the end of treatment such that individuals in smaller NPC change groups had higher PTSD symptoms at the end of treatment, and vice versa. Clinicians can use this knowledge to make predictions of a particular client’s NPC change trajectory and set expectations for what progress in treatment may look like, including normalizing increases in NPCs from the start of treatment.

Negative posttraumatic cognitions about self potentially mediate the relation between sexual revictimization and suicide risk in a sample of military sexual assault survivors.

Military sexual trauma (MST) is a risk factor for suicide among service members/veterans. Research reported that around half of MST survivors were exposed to pre-MST, making MST a revictimization experience. Unfortunately, little is known about mechanisms of the association between revictimization and suicide risk among MST survivors. One possible mechanism is posttraumatic cognitions (PTCs), which include the survivor's (a) negative cognitions about themselves, (b) negative cognitions about the world, and (c) self-blame. The current study examined each of the PTC subscales as potential mediators of the association between sexual revictimization and suicide risk. Participants were 383 service members/veterans reporting a history of MST that involved assault (50.65% female). Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing demographics, suicide risk, history of sexual victimization (MST and premilitary sexual victimization), and PTCs. Of these, 340 (88.8%) reported a history of MST and premilitary victimization and comprised the revictimization group. Parallel mediation analysis with suicide risk regressed on each of the PTCs subscales and covariates revealed that negative cognitions about self had a significant indirect effect on the association between revictimization and higher suicide risk, above and beyond negative cognitions about the world and self-blame. Targeting negative cognitions about self among sexual revictimization survivors may be a therapeutic strategy to reduce suicide risk most effectively. Cognitive processing therapy may be particularly useful given the focus on altering PTCs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Criterion A and Non-Criterion A Racial Discrimination Experiences, Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, and Posttraumatic Cognitions Among Black or African Americans.

Racial discrimination is an unfortunately common experience for Black Americans with detrimental physical and mental health consequences. Prior research has established an association between discrimination and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS); yet, trauma-related cognitions have not been studied. The majority of the existing empirical work in this area has not examined specific forms of discrimination experiences, despite potential key differences in these adversities. Relatedly, some forms of discrimination constitute "traumatic" events as defined by Criterion A for PTSD in the DSM-5 while others do not, and these distinctions have also been overlooked. Thus, the present study aimed to (a) examine discrimination, including specific types, in relation to PTSS and posttraumatic cognitions and (b) investigate whether Criterion A and non-Criterion A discrimination experiences were tied to PTSS and trauma-related thoughts. Participants were 172 undergraduate students who identified as Black or African American (Mage = 25.11, SD = 8.25, range = 18-56; 84.9% female). Results indicated that while cumulative trauma was unrelated to PTSS, discrimination experiences were linked with higher PTSS and negative posttraumatic cognitions. Specifically, avoidance discrimination experiences were associated with both outcomes. Criterion A discrimination events were not tied to PTSS. These findings support previous research showing a link between racial discrimination and trauma-related outcomes. In addition, the results suggest that avoidance discrimination, while not classified as "traumatic," may have an important contribution to PTSS and posttraumatic cognitions among Black individuals. The study underscores the need to address racial discrimination experiences, including microaggressions, within a traumatic stress context.

French Validation of Two Questionnaires Measuring Posttraumatic Cognitions After Sexual Assault

ABSTRACT People who have been sexually assaulted are at risk of developing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including negative posttraumatic cognitions such as self-blame. Although targeting maladaptive cognitions is an important part of cognitive-behavioral treatment for PTSD, no validated questionnaire targeting posttraumatic cognitions after a sexual assault is available in French. The aim of this study was to translate the Posttraumatic Maladaptive Beliefs Scale (PMBS) and the Rape Attribution Questionnaire (RAQ) in French, adapt the content of the latter to make it more inclusive of all genders and widen the representation of sexual assault contexts, and document their psychometric qualities in the general population who self-reported having experienced a sexual assault. Participants were 439 adults recruited via e-mails to the members of the Laval University community and postings on social media. They completed online sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires, including the PMBS, the RAQ and four questionnaires targeting PTSD symptom severity, posttraumatic cognitions, depression, and anxiety symptoms. The PMBS and the RAQ were completed a second time one week later. The French versions of the questionnaires showed good convergent and divergent validity, internal consistency (PMBS: α between .740 and .868; RAQ: .806 and .901) and test-retest reliability (r between .785 and .833 for the PMBS, .776 and .840 for the RAQ). The French versions of the PMBS and the RAQ are useful instruments to assess posttraumatic cognitions and can be used in clinical and research settings to improve the treatment of PTSD in people who have been sexually assaulted.

Differential Associations Between Posttraumatic Cognitions, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, and Race Among Black and White Veterans Seeking Treatment for Assaultive Military Sexual Trauma.

Past research supports the role of negative posttraumatic cognitions (NPCs) in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The relationship between NPCs and PTSD may be uniquely impacted by racial status and experiences of military sexual trauma (MST), both of which may have a unique impact on one's understanding of self, others, and the world. We explored racial differences in the association between NPCs and PTSD symptom clusters in a sample of veterans endorsing MST (N = 139; 74.8% White, 25.2% Black). A path model was created and analyzed both with the full sample and separately by racial group. In the full sample, NPCs about the self and world were significantly associated with intrusion, negative alterations in cognitions and mood (NACM), and arousal, but not avoidance. Self-blame was not a significant predictor of negative alterations in cognition in mood. This model was consistent in the White veteran model, whereas only negative cognitions about the self were associated with NACM in the Black veteran path model. NPCs about the self and world appear important to non-avoidance PTSD symptomatology related to MST and thus should be targeted in treatment. For Black veterans endorsing distress related to NACM symptoms, negative beliefs about the self should be specifically considered for intervention.

Examining trauma cognition change trajectories among initial PTSD treatment non-optimal responders: a potential avenue to guide subsequent treatment selection

ABSTRACT Background: Despite their general effectiveness, 14-50% of individuals do not fully respond to evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although changes in negative posttrauma cognitions (NPCs) are considered a likely PTSD treatment mechanism, less is known about how NPCs change among individuals who continue to be symptomatic following treatment (non-optimal responders). Objective: The objective of this study was to examine NPC change trajectories among individuals who were determined to be non-optimally responsive to intensive PTSD treatment. Method: Using a 3-week Cognitive Processing Therapy-based intensive PTSD treatment sample (ITP; N = 243), the present study examined the number of distinct NPC change trajectories among non-optimal responders via Group Based Trajectory Modeling and assessed predictors of non-optimal responders’ NPC change trajectory membership. Analyses were replicated in a separate 2-week ITP sample (N = 215). Results: In both non-optimal responder samples, two trajectories emerged; a no NPC change group which represented those with an overall lack of NPC change throughout treatment and an NPC change group which represented those with an overall reduction of NPCs occurring primarily later in treatment. Changes in PTSD symptom severity during treatment was the only consistent predictor of NPC change trajectory group membership among treatment non-optimal responders across ITPs. Conclusions: Findings suggest NPC change among non-optimal responders is nuanced and may inform subsequent intervention selection, resulting in testable hypotheses for future research.

Sexual Assault History May Moderate Posttraumatic Cognition and Posttraumatic Stress Among Trauma-Exposed Sexual Minority Women

Sexual minority women (SMW) are highly vulnerable to trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following trauma exposure. Negative posttraumatic cognitions (i.e., negative cognitions about self, world, and self-blame following trauma exposure) are hypothesized to exacerbate and maintain the relationship between trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms. Posttraumatic cognitions are particularly important to examine in relation to PTSD symptoms among trauma-exposed SMW given their elevated risk for trauma exposure and PTSD. It is also important to understand whether the strength of this relationship differs as a function of trauma type to elucidate potentially differential pathways for risk by trauma type in this population. The current study explored whether trauma type (sexual assault vs. nonsexual trauma) moderated the relationship between negative posttraumatic cognitions and PTSD symptom severity among a sample of trauma-exposed SMW. Participants were SMW (n = 516) users of an online survey platform, Prolific. Data were collected via 20-minute online survey. Results indicated that trauma type moderated the relationship between negative posttraumatic cognitions and PTSD symptom severity, such that the relationship was stronger among those who had experienced at least one sexual assault in their lifetime. Results suggest that negative posttraumatic cognitions may be more strongly related to PTSD symptom severity among SMW who have experienced at least one sexual assault. Notably, this difference was in magnitude only, as the posttraumatic cognition–PTSD symptom relationship remained significant among nonsexual trauma survivors. Negative posttraumatic cognitions may be an especially relevant treatment target among SMW survivors of sexual assault.

The Role of Negative Posttraumatic Cognitions in the Treatment of Patients with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

BackgroundNegative post-traumatic cognitions (PTC) are a risk factor for the development and maintenance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTC have further been linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and emotion regulation (ER). We investigated the role of PTC in the treatment of PTSD patients.MethodWe analyzed data from 339 inpatients (279 female) who received inpatient trauma-focused treatment for eight to twelve weeks. PTC, symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and ER were assessed at admission and discharge. PTC assessment included negative cognitions about the self, the world, and self-blame.ResultsThe results show that all symptoms and ER, and all PTC except for self-blame, decreased during treatment. Only baseline level of PTC about the self was related to changes in depression severity. The other baseline levels of PTC were not related to any changes in symptom severity. Changes in PTC about the self were related to changes in all symptoms and ER. Changes in PTC about the world were only linked to symptoms of PTSD. Changes in self-blame were only associated with symptoms of re-experiencing.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that PTC about the self play a more general and PTC about the world a more specific role in the treatment of PTSD. Further research is needed to clarify the role of self-blame in the treatment.

Posttraumatic negative cognitions and nurses’ mental health: One year after the Great East Japan earthquake and nuclear accident in Fukushima

The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake hit Fukushima Prefecture with an unprecedented array of disasters—an earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant accident, causing trauma to residents. Nurses in local hospitals were traumatized both as victims of the disasters themselves, and secondarily due to experiences treating other victims instead of evacuating. A questionnaire survey was administered to 118 nurses at a hospital within 50 km of the nuclear accident site to determine their posttraumatic negative cognitions, posttraumatic stress symptoms, anxiety and depressive symptoms, social support, resilience, and relationship to the events experienced by the nurses during the disaster. A significant proportion of nurses (87.3%) reported experiencing a traumatic event during the disaster, with 15.3% subsequently missing work. The latter group showed significantly higher posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms than those who continued working. Additionally, negative posttraumatic cognitions were associated with evacuation. The study found that 26.3% of respondents met the criteria for a positive posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cutoff; 11.9% reported high levels of anxiety and depression. The results also showed that resilience and supervisor support significantly reduced stress levels. These findings suggest that participants remained under high stress one year post-disaster, possibly due to persistent anxiety about radiation exposure. Additionally, those who took time off work during the disaster showed higher negative cognitions and PTS symptoms. Establishing a supportive workplace culture that does not stigmatize employees for taking leave during disasters is crucial. Developing external support systems and enhancing resilience can help alleviate stress and trauma among affected individuals.

Temporal sequencing of change in trauma-related beliefs and therapeutic alliance during prolonged exposure and sertraline for chronic PTSD

Objective: Changes in trauma-related beliefs and therapeutic alliance have been found to temporally precede symptom reduction; however, it is likely these processes do not act in isolation but rather in interactive ways. Methods: The present study examined the temporal relationships between negative posttraumatic cognitions (PTCI) and therapeutic alliance (WAI) in 142 patients who were part of a randomized trial comparing prolonged exposure (PE) to sertraline for chronic PTSD. Results: Using time-lagged mixed regression models, improvements in the therapeutic alliance predicted subsequent improvements in trauma-related beliefs (d = 0.59), an effect accounted for by between-patient variability (d = 0.64) compared to within-patient variability (d = .04) giving weaker support to the causal role of alliance on outcome. Belief change did not predict improvements in alliance and neither model was moderated by treatment type. Conclusion: Findings suggest alliance may not be an independent driver of cognition change and point to the need for additional study of the impact of patient characteristics on treatment processes.

Changes in trauma-related cognitions predict subsequent symptom improvement during prolonged exposure in patients with childhood abuse-related PTSD

Change in negative posttraumatic cognitions is a proposed mechanism through which Prolonged Exposure (PE) leads to symptom reduction of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A strong case for posttraumatic cognitions as a change mechanism in PTSD treatment can be made by establishing temporal precedence of change in cognitions. The current study examines the temporal relationship between change in posttraumatic cognitions and PTSD symptoms during PE, using the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory. Patients with DSM-5 defined PTSD following childhood abuse (N = 83) received a maximum of 14–16 sessions of PE. Clinician-rated PTSD symptom severity and posttraumatic cognitions were assessed at baseline, week 4, 8, and 16 (post-treatment). Using time-lagged mixed effect regression models, we found that posttraumatic cognitions predicted subsequent PTSD symptom improvement. Notably, when using the items of an abbreviated version of the PTCI (PTCI-9), we found a mutual relationship between posttraumatic cognitions and PTSD symptom improvement. Crucially, the effect of change in cognitions on PTSD symptom change was greater than the reverse effect. The current findings corroborate change in posttraumatic cognitions as a change process during PE, but cognitions and symptoms cannot be completely separated. The PTCI-9 is a short instrument that appears suitable to track cognitive change over time.

The Indirect Effects of Proximal Stressors Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Severity among Sexually Victimized Sexual Minority Women: A Cross-Sectional Path Analysis.

Sexual minority women (SMW) are at risk for sexual victimization and stressors specifically related to their minority identity (e.g., discrimination). However, SMW experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at rates beyond what may be explained by elevated risk for sexual victimization alone. This study aimed to examine the impact of stigma on PTSD symptoms among SMW survivors of sexual victimization. Results indicate that in relation to minority-specific distal stressors (i.e., heterosexist experiences), both minority-specific and general proximal stressors (i.e., internalized heterosexism, negative posttraumatic cognitions) indirectly affected PTSD symptom severity among this cross-sectional sample of sexually victimized SMW.

The Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI): Psychometric evaluation in veteran men and women with trauma exposure.

The Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI) is a self-report measure of negative posttraumatic cognitions, which is an important construct in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Evidence for the most appropriate PTCI item and factor structure is mixed, and this measure has not been extensively studied in veterans. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the PTCI in two national samples of veteran men and women. Participants in Sample 1 (veterans from all service eras) and Sample 2 (recently separated veterans) completed the PTCI and additional measures of mental health symptoms. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a brief version of the PTCI (PTCI-9; 3-factor, nine-item) was a superior fit relative to other examined factor structures. Consistent with the original conceptualization of the measure, these factors were labeled: Negative cognitions about self, negative cognitions about the world, and self-blame. Scores on the PTCI-9 were differentially associated with the PTSD symptom clusters and with scores on self-report measures of external comorbidities. PTCI-9 scores were higher among individuals with trauma exposure and with a probable PTSD diagnosis. There was evidence of full (Sample 1) and partial (Sample 2) scalar invariance across men and women. Overall, the present study supports the use of the PTCI-9 as a measure of negative cognitions; however, scores may not be specific to PTSD and may represent a global negative thinking style. Even so, the PTCI-9 appears to be a suitable and abbreviated measure that could be used with veterans in research and clinical practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Using Bayesian methods to clarify the role of trauma-related cognitions on the course of posttraumatic stress in nonspecific trauma-focused therapy.

There is strong empirical evidence that a reduction of trauma cognitions lessens PTSD symptoms, but there are discrepancies, including evidence that baseline negative posttrauma cognitions are associated with more, less, or are not associated with changes in PTSD symptoms. Discrepancies may be a function of power, sample size, analytic method, or measure. The rate of PTSD symptoms change across 16 trauma-focused treatment sessions in a community clinic (n = 56) was estimated using a Bayesian mixed-effects model with repeated measures nested within participants. Number of treatment sessions was the level-1 predictor variable with baseline levels of trauma-related cognitions (overaccommodation, assimilation, accommodation, and optimism) as time-invariant level-2 predictors. The relations between baseline trauma-related cognitions and PTSD symptoms change across sessions were assessed by cross-level interactions. PTSD symptoms declined over treatment (b = -1.57, 95% CrI [-1.89, -1.25]). Higher levels of overaccommodation and assimilation were associated with attenuated (b = .38, 95% CrI [.03, .73]) and greater (b = -.36, 95% CrI [-.69, -.02]) rates of symptom reduction, respectively. The relations between PTSD symptom reduction and accommodation (b = -.12, 95% CrI [-.43, .20]) and optimism (b = -.13, 95% CrI [-.45, .20]) were uncertain. There may be a nuanced role of trauma-related cognitions on PTSD symptoms during treatment. More research is needed to examine theoretically grounded trauma-related cognitions that align with the different treatments for PTSD, particularly in reference to the current diagnostic criteria for PTSD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychometric Properties of the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory-9 items in an Iranian sample.

The Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory is a largely used measure to assess negative posttraumatic cognitions that are common among individuals with trauma-related disorders. There was a need to have a valid and reliable short form of it in Persian. This study aimed to translate the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory-9 item (PTCI-9) into Persian, and evaluate its characteristics and psychometric properties. This was a cross-sectional psychometric study using the translation and back-translation technique, experts assessed the content validity of the scale. Participants were 207 Iranian individuals recruited from the general population and 151 of them were trauma-exposed. Participants completed the Persian version of the PTCI-9, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and the WHO Quality of Life (WHO-QOL) scale. The psychometric properties of the Persian version of PTCI-9 were assessed using Exploration and Confirmatory factor analysis methods. Cronbach's α coefficient and Pearson's analysis were calculated, as well. Factor analyses supported a 3-factor model including the Self, World, and Self-blame subscales. The Cronbach's alpha of the Persian version of PTCI-9 (α=0.74) and its subscales (0.76, 0.82, 0.78) demonstrated its acceptable reliability. The Persian PTCI-9 also had strong test-retest reliability (r=0.79). The correlation between the Persian version of PTCI-9 and the BDI-II (r=0.60), and WHO-QOL (r=-0.54) indicated the convergent validity of the scale. The Persian version of PTCI-9 showed acceptable psychometric properties. It is a brief and pragmatic measure that can be used in Iranian trauma-exposed patients for research and clinical purposes.

Posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic cognitions in patients with myocardial infarction

Objective: Myocardial infarction is a life-threatening condition that occurs unexpectedly and can cause posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and predictors of PTSD symptoms for patients with myocardial infarction and to investigate the relationship between posttraumatic cognitions and PTSD symptoms. Method: This study included 152 patients with a history of myocardial infarction. The patients were administered the Impact of Event Scale to assess PTSD symptoms, the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory for evaluating negative cognitions about the self and world after the traumatic event, and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale for anxiety and depression symptoms. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with PTSD symptoms. Results: Twenty-two (14,5%) patients had clinically significant PTSD symptoms. Having clinically significant PTSD symptoms was associated with the intensity of negative posttraumatic cognitions (negative cognitions about self p=0.010, negative cognitions about the world p<0.001), previous history of mental illness (p=0.028), the severity of pain during an acute myocardial infarction (p=0.038), and the severity of fear of death (p=0.047), which are subjective severity indicators of a heart attack. Conclusion: In patients with myocardial infarction, close monitoring of high-risk individuals in terms of PTSD symptoms and treatment of those with PTSD may be beneficial in preventing the negative effects of PTSD symptoms on the individuals and the course of the heart attack.

Main and interactive effects of negative posttraumatic cognitions and disgust sensitivity in predicting daily experiences of sexual trauma-related mental contamination.

Main and interactive effects of negative posttraumatic cognitions and disgust sensitivity in predicting daily experiences of sexual trauma-related mental contamination.