Trauma and Self-Directed Violence SIG

Mission

Self-directed violence (SDV) represents a significant global burden, with tremendous impacts in terms of morbidity, mortality, and devastating financial and personal costs. SDV encompasses “acts of fatal and nonfatal suicidal behavior, and non-suicidal intentional self-harm" (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). Trauma exposure and PTSD specifically are both linked to increased risk of suicidal SDV and nonsuicidal self-injury alike. As a result, the Trauma and SDV SIG seeks to foster an interdisciplinary community focused on advancing the understanding, prevention, and treatment of SDV among individuals with PTSD and traumatic stress.

This SIG aims to bridge research, clinical practice, education, advocacy, and lived experience to inform best practices related to understanding and addressing SDV and trauma. The SIG welcomes trainees, investigators, clinicians/practitioners, and policymakers from all career stages.

Objectives

The Trauma and Self-Directed Violence SIG advances its mission through the following key activities:

• • Advance research on the intersection of traumatic stress, PTSD, and SDV.
  • Promote communication about new findings related to the intersection of traumatic stress, PTSD, and SDV.
  • Facilitate collaborations among investigators and clinicians from all career stages who are focused on SDV among individuals impacted by traumatic stress.
  • Disseminate information about trauma-informed SDV assessment and treatment for the ISTSS community and others interested in this topic.
  • Advocate for increased research, policy, and clinical attention to the co-occurrence of traumatic stress, PTSD and SDV.

Co-chairs

Jaclyn Kearns, PhD
Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD
Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Rachel Zelkowitz, PhD
Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD
Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Announcement

We are recruiting a student co-chair to support the inaugural leadership team for the Trauma and SDV SIG. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Kearns (jaclyn.kearns@va.gov) and Dr. Zelkowitz (rachel.zelkowitz@va.gov).

Trauma and Self-Directed Violence SIG Listserv Address

Members of the Trauma and Self-Directed Violence SIG can use the SIG listserv to share information with the full SIG. istss-selfdirected-violence@groups.istss.org.