European Journal of Psychotraumatology最新文献

{"title":"EMDR treatment in patients with personality disorders. Should we fear symptom exacerbation?","authors":"Laurian Hafkemeijer, Ad de Jongh, Annemieke Starrenburg, Trynke Hoekstra, Karin Slotema","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2407222","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2024.2407222","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Clinicians are often hesitant to use trauma-focused therapy for patients with personality disorders (PDs) because of concerns that the pathology may worsen.<b>Objective:</b> Exploring trajectories of change and individual exacerbations in psychological distress and suicidal thoughts in patients with a PD without comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during EMDR therapy or waiting time.<b>Method:</b> In a randomized controlled trial, the effectiveness of five sessions of EMDR therapy was compared with a waitlist in 97 outpatients. Acute suicidal patients were not included in this study. Psychological distress and suicidality scores were measured on a weekly basis during the EMDR and waiting list (WL) periods and at 3-month follow-up. Data were analysed in a descriptive manner for individual patients, and hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify patterns of change among clusters of patients. Mann-Whitney U and chi-squared tests were used to explore differences in specific patient characteristics between the found clusters of patients.<b>Results:</b> Patients generally improved, and no clusters of patients deteriorated during the EMDR therapy. Session-to-session exacerbations occurred in both the EMDR (psychological distress: 10.0%; suicidal thoughts: 28.0%) and WL group (psychological distress: 28.0%; suicidal thoughts: 43.5%). Two percent of patients in the EMDR group and 8.7% of patients in the WL condition showed an increase in psychological distress, whereas 2.0% of patients in the EMDR group and 10.9% of patients in the WL condition showed an increase in suicidal thoughts posttreatment compared to baseline.<b>Conclusions:</b> These results show that although individual exacerbations in psychological distress and suicidal thoughts occur, these were less likely to occur in response to EMDR therapy compared with no therapy. Continuation of therapy following exacerbation led to a decrease in psychological distress and suicidal thoughts in most patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"15 1","pages":"2407222"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142461189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protocol for remote Tai Chi and wellness for PTSD and pain in veterans.","authors":"Barbara L Niles, Cameron Busser, Matthew Paszkiewicz, Maria Ting, Anica Pless Kaiser, Terence M Keane, Melissa Medich, Chenchen Wang, DeAnna L Mori","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2411140","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2411140","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychological disorder that is associated with a host of psychosocial and health ailments, including chronic pain. Although evidence-based psychological therapies are recommended as first-line PTSD treatments, a large proportion of individuals either drop out and/or do not achieve a therapeutic response. PTSD is increasingly recognized as a systemic disorder that impacts both physical and mental health, and mind-body approaches, such as Tai Chi, have shown promise. However, to date there have been no randomized clinical trials examining Tai Chi as a treatment for PTSD.<b>Objective:</b> To conduct a fully remote two-phased study designed to adapt, refine, and standardize two group treatments, Tai Chi and a Wellness comparison, for Veterans diagnosed with PTSD and chronic pain.<b>Method:</b> We deploy the project in two phases. In <i>Phase One</i>, we adapt both interventions for delivery via a videoconferencing platform. We then pilot the interventions in a 'dry run' with non-random assignment of 12 participants to Tai Chi or a Wellness comparison group. In <i>Phase Two</i>, we randomize 36 participants to one of the two group interventions. The feasibility and acceptability of the two remotely delivered interventions and assessment protocols are evaluated.<b>Conclusions:</b> This is the first study to our knowledge to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, adherence, and participant burden of the Tai Chi and Wellness comparison interventions for PTSD and chronic pain in Veterans. This information will facilitate the development of a future large, randomized control trial to evaluate the efficacy of Tai Chi to address PTSD and chronic pain in Veterans.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"15 1","pages":"2411140"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11520095/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142521362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted psychological first aid training intervention (Preparing Me) to support the mental health and well-being of front-line healthcare workers in China: a feasibility randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Ling Wang, Ian Norman, Tao Xiao, Yamin Li, Xizhao Li, Ting Liu, Jianjian Wang, Lina Zeng, Ziqing Zhong, Chengzhu Jian, Mary Leamy","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2023.2299195","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2023.2299195","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Psychological first aid (PFA) training helps to prepare healthcare workers (HCWs) to manage trauma and stress during healthcare emergencies, yet evidence regarding its effectiveness and implementation is lacking.<b>Method:</b> A two-arm feasibility randomized controlled trial design was conducted in a Chinese tertiary hospital. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either a culturally adapted PFA training (the intervention arm) or psychoeducation (the control arm). Feasibility indicators and selected outcomes were collected.<b>Results:</b> In total, 215 workers who expressed an interest in participating in the trial were screened for eligibility, resulting in 96 eligible participants being randomly allocated to the intervention arm (<i>n</i> = 48) and control arm (<i>n</i> = 48). There was a higher retention rate for the face-to-face PFA training session than for the four online group PFA sessions. Participants rated the PFA training as very helpful (86%), with a satisfaction rate of 74.25%, and 47% reported being able to apply their PFA skills in responding to public health emergencies or providing front-line clinical care. Positive outcome changes were observed in PFA knowledge, skills, attitudes, resilience, self-efficacy, compassion satisfaction, and post-traumatic growth. Their scores on depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout measures all declined. Most of these changes were sustained over 3 months (<i>p</i> < .05). Repeated measures analysis of variance found statistically significant interaction effects on depression (<i>F</i>_2,232 = 2.874, <i>p</i> = .046, <math><mi>η</mi><msup><mi>p</mi><mn>2</mn></msup></math> = .031) and burnout (<i>F</i>_2,211 = 3.729, <i>p</i> = .018, <math><mi>η</mi><msup><mi>p</mi><mn>2</mn></msup></math> = .037), indicating a greater reduction in symptoms of depression and burnout with PFA compared to psychoeducation training.<b>Conclusion:</b> This culturally adapted PFA training intervention was highly acceptable among Chinese HCWs and was feasible in a front-line care setting. Preliminary findings indicated positive changes for the PFA training intervention on knowledge, skills, attitudes, resilience, self-efficacy, compassion satisfaction, and post-traumatic growth, especially a reduction of depression and burnout. Further modifications are recommended and a fully powered evaluation of PFA training is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"15 1","pages":"2299195"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10812857/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139545984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can perpetrators discern survivors from voice?","authors":"Elisa Monti, Wendy D'Andrea, Linda M Carroll, Katherine Norton, Noga Miron, Olivia Resto, Kayla Toscano, John Williams, David Harris, Laurel Irene, Anne Maass","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2358681","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2358681","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Research has shown that potential perpetrators and individuals high in psychopathic traits tend to body language cues to target a potential new victim. However, whether targeting occurs also by tending to vocal cues has not been examined. Thus, the role of voice in interpersonal violence merits investigation.<b>Objective:</b> In two studies, we examined whether perpetrators could differentiate female speakers with and without sexual and physical assault histories (presented as rating the degree of 'vulnerability' to victimization).<b>Methods:</b> Two samples of male listeners (sample one <i>N</i> = 105, sample two, <i>N</i> = 109) participated. Each sample rated 18 voices (9 survivors and 9 controls). Listener sample one heard spontaneous speech, and listener sample two heard the second sentence of a standardized passage. Listeners' self-reported psychopathic traits and history of previous perpetration were measured.<b>Results:</b> Across both samples, history of perpetration (but not psychopathy) predicted accuracy in distinguishing survivors of assault.<b>Conclusions:</b> These findings highlight the potential role of voice in prevention and intervention. Gaining a further understanding of what voice cues are associated with accuracy in discerning survivors can also help us understand whether or not specialized voice training could have a role in self-defense practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"15 1","pages":"2358681"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11188952/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141247526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A history of PTSD changes the way people express themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic.","authors":"Amine Chakli, Grégory Lecouvey, Florence Fraisse, Julien Chavant, Laura Charretier, Denis Peschanski, Pierre Gagnepain, Vincent de La Sayette, Francis Eustache, Jacques Dayan","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2375904","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2375904","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The words people use in everyday life tell us about their emotions, their mental state and allow us to understand how people process and interpret an event. Previous research has established a link between the content analysis of narrative texts and the psychopathology of people who have experienced trauma.<b>Objectives:</b> This study examines whether the development of PTSD following exposure to a previous traumatic event alters the way people express themselves in the context of an anxiety-provoking event, the COVID-19 pandemic.<b>Methods:</b> This study is based on semi-structured interviews conducted during the first lockdown period in France (23 April-16 May 2020) with people exposed to the 13 November 2015 attacks (<i>N</i> = 31) and nonexposed people (<i>N</i> = 57).<b>Results:</b> People with PTSD had longer narratives and used more first-person singular pronouns, lower first-person plural pronouns, more words related to negative emotions and anxiety compared to the nonexposed group. Within the PTSD group, there was no significant difference between the use of words related to the attacks and the pandemic. Conversely, the nonexposed group used more words related to the COVID-19 pandemic compared to words related to the attacks.<b>Conclusion:</b> These results confirm, as have other studies, that a history of PTSD can specifically modify the style and narrative of past experiences. They underline the importance of including linguistic analyses in psychological assessments of PTSD.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"15 1","pages":"2375904"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11265308/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141733862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Healing grief - an online self-help intervention programme for bereaved Chinese with prolonged grief: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.","authors":"Suqin Tang, Wenjie Peng, Xueying Qian, Yulin Chen","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2323422","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2323422","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> In China, mental health services do not currently meet the needs of bereaved people with symptoms of prolonged grief disorder (PGD). Internet-based grief interventions may help fill this gap, but such programmes have not yet been developed or evaluated in China. The proposed study aims to investigate the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of an online self-help intervention programme named <i>Healing Grief</i> for bereaved Chinese with prolonged grief, and to explore the psychological mechanisms of potential improvements.<b>Methods:</b> We designed a two-arm randomised controlled trial. At least 128 participants will be randomly assigned to either an Internet-based intervention group or a waitlist-control group. The Internet-based intervention will be developed based on the dual process model, integrating techniques of psychoeducation, behavioural activation, cognitive reappraisal, and meaning reconstruction, and will be delivered via expressive writing. The intervention comprises six modules, with two sessions in each module, and requires participants to complete two sessions per week and complete the intervention in 6 weeks. The primary outcomes include effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility. The effectiveness will be assessed by measures of prolonged grief, posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Acceptability and feasibility will be evaluated using survey and interview on user experience characteristics. Secondary outcomes include moderators and mediators, such as dual process coping, grief rumination, mindfulness, and continuing bond, to explore the psychological mechanisms of potential improvement. Assessments will take place at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up.<b>Conclusion:</b> The proposed study will determine the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of the newly developed online self-help intervention for bereaved Chinese with prolonged grief and clarify how the intervention helps with symptom improvements. Such an intervention may play an important role in easing the imbalance between the delivery and receipt of bereavement psychological services in China.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"15 1","pages":"2323422"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10956920/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140179540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Traumatic stress, active engagement and resilience in first responders and civilians in the outbreak of war.","authors":"Rotem Saar-Ashkenazy, Yoav S Bergman, Omer Ashkenazy, Jonathan Guez","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2328506","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2328506","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The outbreak of war in Israel on 7 October and the unique events of that day have presented unprecedented challenges to first responders (FRs), who are professionally trained to engage in providing assistance in such circumstances. Moreover, while research demonstrates the long-term psychological consequences of FRs, little is known regarding how FR's engagement in providing assistance relates to stress and resilience levels as events continue to unfold.<b>Objective:</b> The current study examined the relationship between traumatic stress symptoms (TSS) and resilience levels among FRs and controls during the first weeks of the Iron Swords war, while focusing on the moderating role of active engagement in providing assistance.<b>Method:</b> Data were collected during the first month of the Iron Swords war from 374 participants living in Southern Israel, of whom 77 (20.6%) were FRs. All participants filled out scales assessing TSS and resilience and provided relevant background information.<b>Results:</b> High TSS levels were associated with reduced resilience in FRs and non-FRs. Moreover, both the study group and active engagement were significant moderators for the TSS-resilience link, which was insignificant among FRs who provided assistance and for civilians who did not provide assistance. However, the TSS-resilience association remained significant for FRs who did not engage in providing assistance and for civilians who did.<b>Conclusions:</b> Our findings highlight the importance of examining the extent to which FRs act in line with their duties during times of adverse stress. Clinical interventions aimed towards FRs who did not engage in providing assistance are needed and should focus on the extent to which their moral values, beliefs and expectations are met, as these appear critical parameters in preserving resilience.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"15 1","pages":"2328506"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10962308/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140184083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determinants of burnout in Canadian health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.","authors":"Nancy Liu, Rachel A Plouffe, Jenny J W Liu, Maede S Nouri, Priyonto Saha, Dominic Gargala, Brent D Davis, Anthony Nazarov, J Don Richardson","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2351782","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2351782","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Health care workers (HCWs) are among the most vulnerable groups to experience burnout during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Understanding the risk and protective factors of burnout is crucial in guiding the development of interventions; however, the understanding of burnout determinants in the Canadian HCW population remains limited.<b>Objective:</b> Identify risk and protective factors associated with burnout in Canadian HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate organizational factors as moderators in the relationship between COVID-19 contact and burnout.<b>Methods:</b> Data were drawn from an online longitudinal survey of Canadian HCWs collected between 26 June 2020 and 31 December 2020. Participants completed questions pertaining to their well-being, burnout, workplace support and concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Baseline data from 1029 HCWs were included in the analysis. Independent samples t-tests and multiple linear regression were used to evaluate factors associated with burnout scores.<b>Results:</b> HCWs in contact with COVID-19 patients showed significantly higher likelihood of probable burnout than HCWs not directly providing care to COVID-19 patients. Fewer years of work experience was associated with a higher likelihood of probable burnout, whereas stronger workplace support, organizational leadership, supervisory leadership, and a favourable ethical climate were associated with a decreased likelihood of probable burnout. Workplace support, organizational leadership, supervisory leadership, and ethical climate did not moderate the associations between contact with COVID-19 patients and burnout.<b>Conclusions:</b> Our findings suggest that HCWs who worked directly with COVID-19 patients, had fewer years of work experience, and perceived poor workplace support, organizational leadership, supervisory leadership and ethical climate were at higher risk of burnout. Ensuring reasonable work hours, adequate support from management, and fostering an ethical work environment are potential organizational-level strategies to maintain HCWs' well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"15 1","pages":"2351782"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11123547/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141075845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of a stepped care intervention model of evidence-based interventions for the management of posttraumatic stress in the Belgian Police.","authors":"Nils Rentmeesters, Dirk Wynsberghe, Dirk Hermans","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2349448","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2349448","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Police officers are frequently exposed to a wide variety of potentially traumatic events (PTE) and are therefore at a considerable risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research estimated the point prevalence of PTSD in Belgian police officers at 7.4%, significantly higher than in the general population. An effective organisational strategy to manage posttraumatic stress is essential.<b>Objective:</b> We aimed to develop a novel organisational approach regarding traumatic stress for Belgian police, combining evidence-based strategies for the prevention and treatment of posttraumatic stress in a stepped care intervention model.<b>Method:</b> In a broad development process, we combined scientific literature, case studies of best practices from other police organisations with insights gathered from a number of expert panels, thematic working groups and feedback groups.<b>Results:</b> A comprehensive stepped care intervention model was developed, consisting of evidence-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of posttraumatic stress.<b>Conclusions:</b> The intervention model is a promising organisational strategy for the management of posttraumatic stress in police organisations based on evidence-based interventions. Its effectiveness will be studied in the coming years.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"15 1","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11149569/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141199076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The nature and impacts of deployment-related encounters with children among Canadian military Veterans: a qualitative analysis.","authors":"Stephanie A Houle, Catherine Baillie Abidi, Michelle Birch, Kathryn Reeves, William Younger, Carl Conradi, San Patten, Stéphanie Bélanger, J Don Richardson, Anthony Nazarov, Samantha Wells","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2353534","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2024.2353534","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> As armed conflict grows increasingly complex, the involvement of children in armed violence across diverse roles is rising. Consequently, military personnel are more likely to encounter children during deployment. However, little is known about deployment-related encounters with children and their impact on the mental health of military personnel and Veterans.<b>Objective:</b> This study qualitatively examines the nature and impacts of deployment-related encounters with children.<b>Methods:</b> We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 Canadian Armed Forces Veterans, eliciting rich information on the nature of child encounters on deployment, the psycho-social-spiritual impacts of these encounters, and perceptions of support. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.<b>Results:</b> Six primary themes were identified: <i>types of encounters</i> (i.e. factual aspects of deployment-related encounters with children), <i>contextual factors</i> (i.e. aspects of the mission, environment, and personal context relevant to one's experience of the encounter), <i>appraisals of encounters</i> (i.e. sensory or sense-making experiences relevant to the encounter), <i>impacts of encounters</i> (i.e. psycho-social, existential, and occupational impacts), <i>coping strategies</i> engaged in both during and after deployment, and <i>support experiences</i>, describing both formal and informal sources of support.<b>Conclusions:</b> Encounters with children are diverse and highly stressful, resulting in impacts pertinent to mental health, including psychological and moral distress, and difficulties with identity, spirituality, and relationships. These impacts are prompted by complex interactions among appraisals, expectations of morality, cultural norms, and professional duties and are amplified by various personal factors (e.g. childhood maltreatment history, parenthood), feelings of unpreparedness, and lack of post-deployment support. Implications for prevention, intervention, and policy are discussed with the aim of informing future efforts to safeguard and support military personnel facing a high likelihood of encounters with children.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"15 1","pages":"2353534"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11151802/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141236921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}