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A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Developmental Psychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 25280

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kotaro Shoji

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Guest Editor

1. Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA
2. School of Nursing, University of Human Environments, Aichi 474-0035, Japan
Interests: trauma; stress; psychophysiological reactions of stress and trauma

Dr. Andrew J. Smith

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

1. Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Hanover, NH 03755-1404, USA
2. Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA
Interests: disaster mental health; population health; evidence-based treatment; resilience in chronic stress contexts

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore the complex interplay between trauma, resilience, and mental health. The Issue seeks to bring together the latest research and perspectives from diverse disciplines to deepen our understanding of how trauma affects mental health, and to identify effective strategies for building resilience in individuals and communities alike. We welcome manuscripts that address the following topics, including, but not limited to: (1) the impact of trauma on mental health across the lifespan; (2) the role of resilience in coping with trauma and adversity; (3) the effects of trauma on brain structure and function; (4) trauma-informed approaches to mental health care and treatment; (5) the intersection of trauma, resilience, and cultural diversity; (6) the social, economic, and political determinants of trauma and resilience; (7) innovative approaches to building resilience in individuals and communities affected by trauma; (8) the ethical and practical challenges of trauma research and practice; and (9) novel analytical approaches that can broaden the understanding of trauma, resilience, and mental health. This Special Issue will consider empirical research papers, reviews, and meta-analysis that contribute to the knowledge base of trauma, resilience, and mental health. We anticipate that this Issue will provide a platform for an interdisciplinary dialogue, stimulate innovative approaches to trauma research and practice, and promote the development of effective strategies necessary to build resilience in individuals and communities.

Dr. Kotaro Shoji
Dr. Andrew J. Smith
Guest Editors

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Keywords

mental health
resilience
trauma
adversity
health care
treatment

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Building Social Support and Moral Healing on Nursing Units: Design and Implementation of a Culture Change Intervention

by Timothy J. Usset, Cassandra Godzik, J. Irene Harris, Rebecca M. Wurtz, Jeffrey M. Pyne, Stephanie W. Edmonds, April Prunty, Rebecca J. L. Brown, Shoshana H. Bardach, Joel M. Bradley, Christopher L. Hubble, Brant J. Oliver, Renee L. Pepin, Joseph Currier and Andrew J. Smith

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14090796 - 10 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2328

Abstract

The healthcare industry continues to experience high rates of burnout, turnover, and staffing shortages that erode quality care. Interventions that are feasible, engaging, and impactful are needed to improve cultures of support and mitigate harm from exposure to morally injurious events. This quality improvement project encompassed the methodical building, implementation, and testing of RECONN (Reflection and Connection), an organizational intervention designed by an interdisciplinary team to mitigate the impact of moral injury and to increase social support among nurses. This quality improvement project was conducted in a medical intensive care unit (MICU) in a rural, academic medical center. We employed an Evidence-Based Quality Improvement (EBQI) approach to design and implement the RECONN intervention while assessing the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness via surveys (n = 17). RECONN was found acceptable and appropriate by 70% of nurses who responded to surveys. Preliminary effectiveness data showed small to moderate effect sizes for improving social support, moral injury, loneliness, and emotional recovery. Further evaluation is warranted to establish the effectiveness and generalizability of RECONN to other healthcare settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trauma, Resilience and Mental Health)

19 pages, 1552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Prospective Examination of Mental Health Trajectories of Disaster-Exposed Young Adults in the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Melissa Janson, Erika D. Felix, Natalia Jaramillo, Jill D. Sharkey and Miya Barnett

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 787; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14090787 - 7 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1617

Abstract

This longitudinal study examines young adult mental health (MH) trajectories after exposure to natural disasters (i.e., hurricanes, wildfires, mudslides) across four waves, two pre- and two during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants (n = 205) answered questions about anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) across Waves (Ws) s 1–4 and pre-pandemic factors (prior trauma history, disaster exposure, life stressors since disaster) at Wave (W) 1. Hierarchical linear modeling was conducted to examine MH trajectories and associations with pre-pandemic factors. Only the PTSS trajectory significantly differed across all Ws, with the largest increase between Ws 2 and 3 (pre- and during-pandemic time points). Prior trauma history and life stressors since the disaster were significantly associated with all MH trajectory intercepts but not growth rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trauma, Resilience and Mental Health)

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15 pages, 616 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Helping Institutionalised Children through a Trusting Relationship—Findings from a One-Year Psychosocial Intervention Programme

by Monika Misevičė, Lina Gervinskaitė-Paulaitienė and Sigita Lesinskienė

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14070595 - 13 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1237

Abstract

Children growing up in institutions lack a stable relationship—essential for development. A significant proportion of them have disorganised attachment, which is associated with negative outcomes. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving attachment security are needed. We conducted a case series study (involving five participants aged 8–11 years) in a newly established psychosocial rehabilitation daycare centre to describe the changes in attachment security and mental health of institutionalised children after one year of attendance. The intervention consisted of individualised care focusing on staff building a trusting relationship with participants using the principles of Trust-Based Relational Intervention^® (TBRI). Measures such as the Child Attachment Interview, SDQ, CBCL6/18, TRF6/18, and clinical interviews were used to follow change. The descriptive data of five participants are presented. All five children improved in mental health, and for two participants, organisation of attachment changed. Three children experienced relational ruptures. The findings suggest that psychosocial interventions that focus on building trusting relationships may be beneficial in institutionalised children. For these children, given their life history, it can be damaging to experience repeated breakdowns. Thus, the practical implication is that any new relationship for them with an adult should be established after an assessment of whether the relationship can be sustained. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trauma, Resilience and Mental Health)

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15 pages, 585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mental Health and Relational Needs of Cambodian Refugees after Four Decades of Resettlement in the United States: An Ethnographic Needs Assessment

by Chansophal Mak and Elizabeth Wieling

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14070535 - 26 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2511

Abstract

The United States has a long history of welcoming refugees fleeing persecution, organized violence, and war. However, the welcome often does not come with adequate immigration infrastructure support necessary to rebuild life and promote family well-being. Approximately 157,000 Cambodians were accepted to resettle in the U.S. between 1975 and 1994 due to the countrywide genocide. Upon resettlement, Cambodians were placed in impoverished neighborhoods with little resources to heal and rebuild. The purpose of this study, grounded in a Human Ecological Model and guided by Critical Ethnography principles, was to conduct a formal needs assessment of Cambodian refugee families across the United States. Eighteen professionals were interviewed virtually in Khmer and/or English. The data were analyzed using the Developmental Research Sequence. The results emphasized a critical need to address mental health complications resulting from untreated mental health disorders such as posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety-related disorders, and complicated grief, across generations. Severe disruptions in family relationships (i.e., parent–child and couple relationships) were also reported along with substance abuse in the absence of access to culturally responsive mental health treatments. Findings suggest the need for culturally tailored multilevel interventions to effectively address mental health and relational challenges of multigenerational Cambodian families. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trauma, Resilience and Mental Health)

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9 pages, 246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resilience, Coping Self-Efficacy, and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms among Healthcare Workers Who Work with Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Greece

by Bita Ghafoori, Sofia Triliva, Panagiota Chrysikopoulou and Andreas Vavvos

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14060509 - 20 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1932

Abstract

Due to occupational exposure to potentially traumatic events, health care workers (HCWs) may be at risk of developing posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms or probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined probable PTSD, coping, and resilience among national HCWs working in Greece. A total of 17.9% of the sample of participants (N = 112) met the screening criteria for probable PTSD. Logistic regression models were constructed to assess if trauma coping self-efficacy (CSE) and resilience predicted probable PTSD, and the results indicated that lower trauma CSE significantly predicted probable PTSD in unadjusted models (OR = 0.89, 95% CI, 0.82, 0.96, p < 0.01) and adjusted models (OR = 0.90, 95% CI, 0.83, 0.97, p < 0.01). Our study findings suggest that organizations that employ HCWs may support their workers through ongoing screening, assessment, and training that enhances coping self-efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trauma, Resilience and Mental Health)

15 pages, 286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Building Resilience and Social–Emotional Competencies in Elementary School Students through a Short-Term Intervention Program Based on the SEE Learning Curriculum

by Hee Jung Min, Sang-Hee Park, Seung-Hyun Lee, Bo-Hwa Lee, Mikyung Kang, Mi Ju Kwon, Myung Ju Chang, Lobsang Tenzin Negi, Tsondue Samphel and Seunghee Won

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14060458 - 29 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4433

Abstract

This study explored the positive effects of a six-week Social–Emotional and Ethical Learning^® (SEE Learning) program on resilience and social and emotional competences, adapted for elementary students in Daegu, South Korea, a region strongly affected by the first outbreak of COVID-19. A total of 348 third- and fourth-grade students from 15 elementary schools participated, and the curriculum was tailored, emphasizing key areas such as resilience, attention, kindness, attention training, and compassion. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) tests showed statistically significant improvements between pre- and post-tests in resilience and its subscales, including self-efficacy, tolerance of negative affect, positive support relations, power of control, and spontaneity, as well as in social and emotional competencies, including emotional regulation, social skills, empathy, and social tendencies. Despite a lack of maintenance in all areas, at follow-up, the mean scores for self-efficacy, tolerance of negative affect, and positive support relations, as well as emotional regulation, social skills, empathy, and social tendency, remained higher than pre-test levels, suggesting some lasting benefits. The findings underscore the potential of the SEE Learning program integrated with resilience, mindfulness, compassion, and ethical practices to enhance students’ resilience and social and emotional well-being. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of mindfulness and compassion-based SEL programs to mitigate the adverse effects of traumatic events on children’s mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trauma, Resilience and Mental Health)

15 pages, 451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Empathy and Coping Strategies Predict Quality of Life in Japanese Healthcare Professionals

by Kotaro Shoji, Norihito Noguchi, Fumiko Waki, Taku Saito, Masato Kitano, Naoki Edo, Minori Koga, Hiroyuki Toda, Nobuhisa Kobayashi, Takehito Sawamura and Masanori Nagamine

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050400 - 11 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2432

Abstract

Burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS), also referred to as compassion fatigue, are undeniable negative consequences experienced by healthcare professionals when working with patients. As frontline healthcare professionals are essential to communities, it is crucial to understand their mental health and how they cope with negative psychological responses. This study investigated the relationships between burnout, STS, compassion satisfaction, dispositional empathy, and stress management among Japanese healthcare professionals and students taking care of patients in clinical practice. The participants were 506 Japanese healthcare professionals and students (doctors, nurses, medical students, and nursing students) affiliated with Japanese Ministry of Defense Hospitals. The data were collected from March 2020 to May 2021. We assessed burnout, STS, and compassion satisfaction using the Professional Quality of Life Scale, dispositional empathy using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and coping with stress using the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE). Exploratory factor analysis of the Brief-COPE yielded three factors: active coping; support-seeking; and indirect coping. Personal distress, a self-oriented emotional empathy index, was related to higher burnout and STS scores and lower compassion satisfaction. Empathic concern, an other-oriented emotional empathy index, was associated with lower burnout and higher compassion satisfaction. Active coping strategies were associated with lower burnout and higher compassion satisfaction, whereas indirect coping strategies were associated with higher burnout and STS scores. In a comparison of empathy in professional categories, nurses presented higher personal distress than nursing students, and medical doctors showed lower fantasy tendencies than medical students. These results imply the complex relationships between empathy, coping strategies, and psychological responses among healthcare professionals. Further longitudinal study is needed to explore these complex relationships and to develop more precise and effective psycho-educational interventions to prevent burnout and STS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trauma, Resilience and Mental Health)

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13 pages, 493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sources of Social Support and Trauma Recovery: Evidence for Bidirectional Associations from a Recently Trauma-Exposed Community Sample

by Lauren M. Sippel, Rachel E. Liebman, Sarah K. Schäfer, Naomi Ennis, Alexandra C. Mattern, David C. Rozek and Candice M. Monson

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14040284 - 29 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3619

Abstract

Although the association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social support is well documented, few studies have tested the causal pathways explaining this association at several points in the acute post-trauma recovery period or examined whether the association varies for different sources of social support. To address these gaps, 151 community individuals (mean age = 37.20 years, 69.5% women) exposed to trauma within the previous 6 months were recruited to complete measures of PTSD and social support from intimate partners, friends, and relatives four times in 1 year. In line with recent recommendations for research on social support and PTSD symptoms, random intercept cross-lagged panel modeling (RI-CLPM) was used to examine dynamic changes between PTSD severity and social support over time. The pattern of RI-CLPM cross-lagged coefficients indicated that positive deviations from one’s expected stable level of total social support (across all sources) sped up the recovery of PTSD symptoms at the end of the post-trauma year, and more severe PTSD symptoms than expected based on one’s expected stable level of PTSD started eroding social support midway through the assessment year. When specific sources of social support were analyzed separately, the association between within-person increases in social support from friends at any given time point accelerated the recovery from PTSD across the entire year. Among participants with intimate partners (n = 53), intimate partner support did not predict PTSD symptoms, but more severe PTSD symptoms at any given time point predicted less support at the following time point. Results from this longitudinal study provide additional support for the bidirectional relationship between PTSD and social support over time and suggest that perceived social support from friends may be especially helpful during trauma recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trauma, Resilience and Mental Health)

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18 pages, 266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementing a Multi-Disciplinary, Evidence-Based Resilience Intervention for Moral Injury Syndrome: Systemic Barriers and Facilitators

by J. Irene Harris, Shawn Dunlap, Danielle Xanthos, Jeffrey M. Pyne, Eric Hermes, Brandon J. Griffin, Susannah Robb Kondrath, Se Yun Kim, Kristin B. Golden, Nathaniel J. Cooney and Timothy J. Usset

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14040281 - 28 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1559

Abstract

Moral injury syndrome (MIS) is a mental health (MH) problem that substantially affects resilience; the presence of MIS reduces responsiveness to psychotherapy and increases suicide risk. Evidence-based treatment for MIS is available; however, it often goes untreated. This project uses principles of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to assess barriers and facilitators to the implementation of Building Spiritual Strength (BSS), a multi-disciplinary treatment for MIS. Interviews were conducted with chaplains and mental health providers who had completed BSS facilitator training at six sites in the VA. Data were analyzed using the Hamilton Rapid Turnaround method. Findings included multiple facilitators to the implementation of BSS, including its accessibility and appeal to VA chaplains; leadership by VA chaplains trained in the intervention; and effective collaboration between the chaplains and mental health providers. Barriers to the implementation of BSS included challenges in engaging mental health providers and incorporating them as group leaders, veterans’ lack of familiarity with the group format of BSS, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results highlight the need for increased trust and collaboration between VA chaplains and mental health providers in the implementation of BSS and treatment of MIS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trauma, Resilience and Mental Health)

13 pages, 318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Appraisals of Social Trauma and Their Role in the Development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder

by Johann P. Hardarson, Berglind Gudmundsdottir, Audur G. Valdimarsdottir, Karen Gudmundsdottir, Arnrun Tryggvadottir, Kristjana Thorarinsdottir, Inga Wessman, Soley Davidsdottir, Gunnar Tomasson, Emily A. Holmes, Audur S. Thorisdottir and Andri S. Bjornsson

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13070577 - 11 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2166

Abstract

Cognitive theories of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) feature appraisal of trauma as a critical factor in the development and maintenance of the disorder. Here we explored appraisals of social trauma (severe rejection or humiliation). Participants were outpatients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and clinically significant PTSD symptoms (PTSS) after social trauma (n = 15); two clinical control groups of either SAD (n = 32) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD; n = 13); and a control group with no diagnoses (n = 38). Measures included a clinical interview to assess social trauma and related open-ended appraisals and the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI). Raters blind to group assignment performed content analyses of appraisals. Results showed that the PTSS group scored significantly higher than either clinical group on the PTCI SELF subscale. Only the SELF subscale predicted a diagnosis of both PTSS and SAD. All but one PTSS participant reported primarily negative beliefs about their social trauma, and the most common categories were flawed self and others are critical or cruel. Post-traumatic appraisals implicated in the course of PTSD are significant in how individuals respond to social trauma, with negative self-cognitions linked to both PTSS and SAD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trauma, Resilience and Mental Health)

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