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Biopsychosocial Predictors of Vulnerability, Resilience, and Intervention Responsiveness Among Trauma-Exposed...
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Biopsychosocial Predictors of Vulnerability, Resilience, and Intervention Responsiveness Among Trauma-Exposed Populations

A Special Issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 July 2027 | Viewed by 5255

Editor

Dr. Eamonn Arble

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Psychology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Interests: clinical personality assessment; first responders; trauma resilience
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors profoundly shapes human health and behavior. Understanding these complex dynamics is particularly vital when addressing vulnerability and resilience among trauma-exposed, marginalized, and at-risk populations. These groups face heightened exposure to adverse conditions and experiences such as violence, trauma, and systemic inequities, amplifying their risk of physical and mental health difficulties. Yet, within these same populations, remarkable resilience often emerges, reflecting the adaptive capacity of individuals and communities to thrive despite adversity.

This Special Issue, “Biopsychosocial Predictors of Vulnerability, Resilience, and Intervention Responsiveness Among Trauma-Exposed Populations”, invites researchers to explore the intricate pathways that contribute to vulnerability, foster resilience, and inform effective interventions. We seek studies that integrate perspectives across disciplines, including, but not limited to, neuroscience, psychology, public health, and sociology, to illuminate how biopsychosocial factors shape health outcomes. Of particular interest are contributions that identify specific stressors/difficulties among trauma-exposed populations, modifiable predictors of resilience, innovative treatment approaches, and measures of psychological and physical well-being.

We welcome original research, reviews, and theoretical papers that expand the boundaries of the extant literature.

Dr. Eamonn Arble
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • trauma
  • resilience
  • assessment
  • intervention

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 430 KB  
Article
Childhood Threat and Deprivation and Links to Mental Health Behaviors and Health Risk Behaviors Among Young Sexual Minority Men: The Differential Roles of Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation
by Jennifer A. Poon, David G. Zelaya, Vedhalakshmi Rajasankar, Matthew J. Murphy, Riley A. Russell and Shufang Sun
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(5), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23050609 - 5 May 2026
Viewed by 801
Abstract
Background: Young adult sexual minority men (SMM) disproportionately experience childhood interpersonal trauma. The Dimensional Model of Adversity and Psychopathology (DMAP) framework proposes that exposure to threat (i.e., emotional, physical, and sexual abuse) and deprivation (e.g., physical and emotional neglect) are differentially linked to [...] Read more.
Background: Young adult sexual minority men (SMM) disproportionately experience childhood interpersonal trauma. The Dimensional Model of Adversity and Psychopathology (DMAP) framework proposes that exposure to threat (i.e., emotional, physical, and sexual abuse) and deprivation (e.g., physical and emotional neglect) are differentially linked to adult psychopathology. Studies of predominantly heterosexual samples have revealed emotion regulation and mindfulness as mechanisms linking childhood trauma to mental health and health risk behaviors in adulthood. However, the influence of emotion regulation (ER) or mindfulness as associated with exposure to threat vs. deprivation has not been examined among SMM in adulthood. Objective: This study explored the relationships between childhood threat/deprivation and mental health and health risk behaviors among SMM with ER and mindfulness as mediators. Participants and Setting: The sample consisted of 317 SMM (Mage = 26.70; SD = 3.87; ages 18–35; 59.3% White) recruited from the community. Methods: Childhood experiences of threat and deprivation were assessed via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire; ER difficulties and dispositional mindfulness were assessed using self-report. Mental health behaviors were assessed using a composite score consisting of self-reported depressive, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and suicidality. Health risk behavior score included the Sexual Compulsivity Scale, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and smoking history (Y/N). Results: Threat and deprivation were both positively correlated with mental health and health risk behaviors. Threat was associated with both mental health and health risk behaviors via emotion regulation (ER) difficulties. Deprivation was associated with these outcomes through both ER difficulties and mindfulness. Conclusions: Treatment aimed at bolstering ER and mindfulness skills among those with histories of abuse and deprivation, respectively, may help reduce psychopathology risk among SMM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopsychosocial Predictors of Vulnerability, Resilience, and Intervention Responsiveness Among Trauma-Exposed Populations)
24 pages, 360 KB  
Article
Depression and Anxiety Outcomes Among Young Adults Who Self-Reported Experiencing Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Adolescence
by Sarah M. Godoy, Adam R. Englert, Nofar Mazursky, Luisa Prout and William J. Hall
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1062; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071062 - 2 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3453
Abstract
The commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) of children is a distinct form of sexual trauma, resulting in immediate mental health issues. Few studies explore associations between family-level factors in adolescence and health outcomes in adulthood among this population. Utilizing a nationally representative dataset, we [...] Read more.
The commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) of children is a distinct form of sexual trauma, resulting in immediate mental health issues. Few studies explore associations between family-level factors in adolescence and health outcomes in adulthood among this population. Utilizing a nationally representative dataset, we explored differences and associations between mental health outcomes and domains of the Family Health Development framework among respondents who self-reported CSE (N = 502; mean age = 15.03, SD = 1.34; 67% male; 50% white). We conducted ordinary least squares and binary logistic regressions using a hierarchical approach to analyze the CES-D depression scale, anxious personality scale, and self-reported diagnoses of depression and anxiety/panic disorder. At Wave IV, when participants were aged 24–32, 20% of participants reported ever having a diagnosis of depression, and 12% reported ever having an anxiety/panic disorder diagnosis. Family receipt of public assistance during adolescence significantly predicted depression and anxiety symptoms in adulthood, highlighting associations between family structure and mental health. Gender and race significantly predicted anxiety symptoms and having a diagnosis of depression and anxiety/panic disorder. Findings underscore the need for targeted training and comprehensive health screenings for providers to better understand and address the long-term mental health needs of CSE-impacted groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopsychosocial Predictors of Vulnerability, Resilience, and Intervention Responsiveness Among Trauma-Exposed Populations)
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