Trauma Blog

Research Methods: The Case for Nonlinear Dynamic Systems
Nonlinear dynamic systems (NDS) is a general theory that describes and predicts changes over time (i.e., dynamics; Gregson & Guastello, 2011). Whereas a linear approach assumes that input is proportional to output, NDS allows us to model sudden changes, such as properly timed jumps from small inputs producing vast changes to a system. Although a substantial body of research has identified variables critical to understanding trauma exposure and its aftereffects—such as factors related to resilience or vulnerability—it often attempts to examine these dynamic constructs in a static, linear fashion. I will briefly discuss why the general linear approach may fall short and how NDS allows us to look at critical variables in ways that capture complex relationships.
 

Occupational posttraumatic stress disorder & workplace violence
There is growing evidence that workers at jobs that involve face-to-face interactions with distressed or constrained populations, such as health care, retail services, and prison systems, face significant risk for workplace violence (WPV). Experiencing traumatic violent events at work can have serious mental health consequences, including the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Presidents Message
StressPoints
I know I am not alone in that the ISTSS Annual Meeting is one of the highlights of my year. The opportunity to gather as a community of traumatic stress professionals, to connect with old and new colleagues who become friends, and to learn about all of the cutting-edge science and clinical practice occurring across the globe is uplifting and energizing. One of the highlights of my ISTSS presidency thus far has been collaborating with the talented and hardworking 2022 Annual Meeting Committee Chairs Drs. Jennifer Sumner and Sierra Carter, Co-Chairs Drs. Isaac Galatzer-Levy and Joanne Mouthaan, and ISTSS Staff Members Raven Hardin and Dr. Diane Elmore Borbon. Your Annual Meeting Committee has an exciting and dynamic program in the works.
 

LGBTQIA+ Issues: Domestic Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community: A Silent Pandemic

The history of violence against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community has been originally tied to the notion of disparate identities. Stereotypes permeate popular perception associating homosexuality with criminal activity, mental illness, and deviance.  These views, despite some progress in awareness about the LGBTQ+ community, have resulted in a continued cycle of ridicule, harassment, discrimination, trauma, and even death.¹ Among all forms of violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community, domestic violence is often overlooked. 

President’s Message
Pakistan has experienced historic and devastating flooding resulting from the interaction between melting glaciers in the northern regions of the country and monsoon rains. Over 1,400 lives have been lost, and over 33 million people are directly affected, experiencing loss of housing, property, livestock, crops, and infrastructure. In addition to the direct effects of the flooding, the country now faces food shortages and the spread of infectious diseases, exacerbated by the potential of the flooding taking months to recede. In addition to the physical health needs of those affected, the mental health toll of the disaster will no doubt be high. The need for scalable prevention and early interventions for trauma-related psychological distress is clear. Building from the knowledge base of the ISTSS Treatment Guidelines, the Executive Committee coordinated ISTSS’s collaboration with the World Health Organization, and partner Phoenix Australia, to contribute to further guideline development in this area.  

Trauma profiles relate to differential alcohol use risk in military populations and intimate partner violence may be particularly important
It is important to consider a broader range of potentially traumatic exposures among military populations, to address cumulative risk. Our research suggests that non-combat traumatic exposures are common among reserve soldiers, and relate to differential risk for alcohol use, indicating a need for more comprehensive screening and connections to care. 

Student Perspectives: Changes in Conceptualization and Assessment of Resilience
StressPoints
Over time, scholars have asked, is resilience a trait or a state? Typically, traits (i.e., personality traits) are inherent, stable, and require great effort to develop when absent. For example, Klohnen (1996) describes ego-resiliency as “a personal trait comprised of confident optimism, productive and autonomous activity, interpersonal warmth and insight, and skilled expressiveness that leads to effective functioning in diverse areas of life.” On the other hand, states are transitory, and more accessible through learning (e.g., a person can learn to be in a mindful state). Connor and colleagues (2003) define resilience as a state, “a multi-dimensional characteristic that varies with context, time, age, gender, and cultural origin, as well as within an individual subject to different life circumstances.” For example, a person could be more resilient in one context than another. The state-based perspective implies that we all have the capacity to be resilient.

Media Matters: Staying Informed While Staying Safe: A Major Challenge in a World at ‎War Described by the 24-Hour News Cycle
StressPoints
For the past few months, the world has watched in horror as the invasion of Ukraine continues to unfold. Every day, viewers tune in to listen to more televised reports of indiscriminate bombings, civilian casualties, and fears/speculations of nuclear war. When journalists are not discussing the war in Ukraine, they often shift their focus to other fear-inducing topics such as global supply chain shortages, the rise in crime, pandemic deaths, or natural disasters. Reporting on international and local conflicts and other significant events is essential to raising awareness among the public of important issues and allowing journalists to counter misinformation and hold governments to account, yet the constant exposure to traumatic material can also be distressing for many viewers (Pfefferbaum et al., 2014). Although not officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as a potential cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there is at least some evidence that media consumption can worsen mental health outcomes among adults and children (Pfefferbaum et al., 2019). Given the central role journalism plays in society and the impact mass media can have on well-being, it is worth exploring how our need for reliable information and connection through the news can be best balanced with our need for psychological safety.