{"title":"Adverse childhood experiences and interpersonal functioning in adulthood: A systemic review","authors":"Emma Maloney , Clodagh Dowling , Gary O'Reilly","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100534","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100534","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>There is substantial research linking adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to negative health and wellbeing outcomes in adulthood, with a dose-response relationship often indicated. The impact of ACEs on adult interpersonal functioning remains comparatively underexplored. Social connections are suggested to hold a central role in building resilience and the management of psychological distress. Understanding the relationship between ACEs and adult interpersonal dynamics is therefore important for the development of effective supports for those with histories of adversity.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to review the quantitative and mixed-methods literature on the impact of cumulative ACEs, as measured by the ACEs questionnaire, on interpersonal functioning in adulthood.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A systematic search using the PRISMA guidelines was conducted across five databases. This search resulted in 9054 studies, 26 of which met predetermined inclusion criteria. Study quality was assessed using the MMAT.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The included studies were grouped according to their focus: (1) intimate relationships, (2) familial relationships, and (3) unspecified relationships. Greater exposure to ACEs had a deleterious effect on many aspects of interpersonal functioning across all three categories. Difficulties were identified in the areas of communication, conflict management, and supportive relationships. An ACEs associated risk of perpetrating interpersonal harm was also indicated. Some studies reported factors that may mediate the impact of ACEs on interpersonal functioning, such as positive experiences, gender, PTSD symptoms, and social support.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In line with the established literature on ACEs and health and mental health, the findings of this review suggest that cumulative ACEs lead to greater interpersonal difficulties. Future research would do well to focus on the subtleties of everyday interpersonal functioning to add to the existing knowledge of ACEs-associated interpersonal risk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 2","pages":"Article 100534"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143844842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Simon Taïb , Philippe Birmes , Wissam El Hage , Claire Thalamas , Guillaume Vaiva , Antoine Yrondi , Pascal Roullet
{"title":"Specific properties changes of traumatic memory in PTSD patients after multiple reactivations of this memory under propranolol or placebo: An exploratory study","authors":"Simon Taïb , Philippe Birmes , Wissam El Hage , Claire Thalamas , Guillaume Vaiva , Antoine Yrondi , Pascal Roullet","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100532","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100532","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Intrusive memories from a traumatic event are a core criterion for a PTSD diagnosis. Very few studies have assessed the specific properties of traumatic memories and their evolution over time in patients with PTSD. The aim of this study was to compare the evolution of trauma-related memory features before and after treatment by traumatic memory reactivation under propranolol and placebo.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this randomized controlled trial, 46 adults diagnosed with longstanding PTSD had an evaluation of the specific properties of their trauma-related memory using the autobiographical memory questionnaire, as well as the PTSD Checklist and Beck's Depression Inventory-II. Each of them underwent six consecutive weeks of traumatic memory reactivation under propranolol and placebo before reassessment of the psychometric properties mentioned above.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After the six-treatment sessions, we did not observe any effect on the 19 questions on the memory of the traumatic event between patients with placebo or propranolol treatment.</div><div>However, in all patients, we found a significant positive association between PTSD symptom improvement after traumatic reactivation treatment and the reduction of emotional intensity of the memory event but also on the fact that patients felt less like returning to the past</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>A consecutive six-week reactivation treatment in patients with PTSD led to changes in the properties of the core-features of trauma-related memories but these changes are the same in the propranolol or placebo groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 2","pages":"Article 100532"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143823318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Examining the relationship between coping strategies and post-traumatic stress disorder in forcibly displaced populations: A systematic review","authors":"Sandra Figueiredo , Adelė Petravičiūtė","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100535","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100535","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forcibly displaced people, especially refugees, experience traumatic events in pre-migration and post-migration stages. Extremely distressing challenges mainly caused by war and harsh traveling conditions during involuntary mobilization may affect severely the mental health of these populations. Research identifies Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as one negative diagnosis for refugees and with associated comorbidities, but no prevalent evidence was determined for the link between coping strategies and PTSD. This systematic review examines psychological variables involved in the selection of coping strategies among refugees with PTSD or at risk to develop PTSD. By using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines (PRISMA), the database search method was employed with Scopus, EBSCOhost, and PubMed. 648 records were extracted and 289 were screened. 14 were eligible and reviewed by two independent authors, using the critical appraisal tool to assess the quality of cross-sectional studies (AXIS). Main dimensions of coping strategies were identified, including problem-focused, emotion-focused, avoidant-focused, social support-seeking, and religious coping. Regarding associations, problem-focused coping was often uncorrelated with PTSD levels or linked to lower PTSD. Emotional-focused coping strategies varied considerably, despite of representing significant correlation with lower PTSD. Avoidant coping was associated to higher PTSD. To add, maladaptive strategies, such as other-blame and emotion-focused disengagement, were associated with higher levels of PTSD among forcibly displaced individuals. Mental health services, as well research replication, should provide differentiated care according to sociocultural sensitivity of these displaced persons and attending to knowledge of traumatic events they were exposed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 2","pages":"Article 100535"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143792397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Psychose et EMDR: Un cas de réduction de symptômes psychotiques par EMDR protocole EMDR de stabilisation sur deux axes, hypothèses psychopathologiques et perspectives","authors":"Marine Timsit","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100530","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100530","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>malgré la réticence première des cliniciens à l'utilisation de l'EMDR sur la psychose, les études et interventions se développent depuis une quinzaine d'années et objectivent des résultats encourageants. Cependant, nous observons encore peu d'articles cliniques sur les troubles psychotiques traités par EMDR. Cette étude de cas décrit les résultats positifs de la thérapie EMDR dans la réduction des symptômes psychotiques chez un patient pharmaco-résistant de 17 ans à travers un protocole EMDR ciblant notamment les symptômes hallucinatoires de façon directe.</div></div><div><h3>Situation</h3><div>le patient a été suivi durant un an par thérapie de soutien classique, puis durant un an, en introduisant l'EMDR au cours des séances. Lors de la première année de prise en charge, le patient présentait des manifestations hallucinatoires protéiformes non stabilisées par voie médicamenteuse et soutien psychothérapeutique classique. Lors de la seconde année de thérapie associée à l'EMDR, le patient présentait une amélioration globale de son état.</div></div><div><h3>Objectifs</h3><div>l'objectif est d’œuvrer à l'amélioration de l’état clinique du patient par EMDR en tenant compte du contexte et des contraintes liés à ses troubles.</div></div><div><h3>Méthode</h3><div>la thérapie EMDR a été introduite sur 10 séances entre septembre 2023 et juillet 2024, sous la forme de séances de 60 min, sans procédure de stabilisation et en adaptant le protocole standard aux troubles du patient. La symptomatologie psychotique de type positif a été prise pour cible en axe 1. Les évènements aversifs du présent ont été pris pour cibles en axe 2.</div></div><div><h3>Résultats</h3><div>post-séance, nous avons systématiquement constaté l'absence de récidive des phénomènes hallucinatoires pris pour cibles, ainsi qu'une amélioration de la présentation clinique globale, c'est-à-dire une diminution de la symptomatologie psychotique positive, négative et cognitive.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>d'une part, nous affirmons que les cibles hallucinatoires sont directement réductibles par EMDR. D'autre part, nous envisageons le protocole de <em>stabilisation sur deux axes</em>, comme un outil de réduction de la pathologie. Nous affirmons donc que l'EMDR peut être un outil de stabilisation.</div><div>Cet article conceptualise un protocole EMDR dit <em>de stabilisation sur deux axes</em> et fait état d'un certain nombre d'hypothèses sur les mécanismes sous-jacents à la psychose. Il est à noter qu'il n'existe encore aucun fondement scientifique justifiant l'utilisation de l'EMDR dans la psychose. Cet article permet de contribuer à l'intérêt de son utilisation clinique.</div><div>L'EMDR dans les troubles psychotiques doit impérativement être combiné à d'autres interventions recommandées telles que l’évaluation et le suivi psychiatrique des troubles, la psychoéducation, la TCC, l'approche familiale et l'ajustement du cadre de vie du patient.Il s'agit d'u","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 2","pages":"Article 100530"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143844843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Maternal dissociative symptoms and their emotional and cognitive responses to infant crying: Is there a link?","authors":"A. Soubelet, L. Colamarino, A. Raison","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100531","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100531","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Dissociative symptoms have the capacity to influence the processing of emotional information and guide the emotional and cognitive responses of the person experiencing them. However, no research has investigated the link between dissociation in the parent and the management of infant crying. The aim of this work was to explore empirically, for the first time, the relationship between maternal dissociative symptoms and maternal behavioral and emotional management of infant crying. In particular, we wished to investigate (1) whether higher levels of maternal dissociation were associated with less adaptive emotional and behavioral management; (2) which dissociative symptoms among those reported were the strongest predictors of behaviors less adapted to the child's needs; and (3) whether the relationship between affect in response to crying and behavioral management was mediated by the level of maternal dissociative symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>An online questionnaire was completed by 250 mothers aged 20–49 with a baby aged between 6 and 24 months. Dissociative symptoms were assessed by the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) and the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20), behavioral and emotional management by the Infant Crying Questionnaire (ICQ) and the Positive and Negative Affect Scales (PANAS).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Higher dissociation scores were associated with lower scores on the dimensions of attachment, perception of crying as communication, and positive affect in response to infant crying. Conversely, they were associated with minimization of crying and higher levels of negative affect when hearing crying. The results also showed that the behavioral and emotional management of infant crying was predicted by dissociative symptoms of a psychoform (defensive dissociation in particular) and somatoform nature (sensory neglect in particular). They were also consistent with the hypothesis that the link between negative affect and behavioral management of infant crying was mediated by the level of maternal dissociation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The hypothesis of a link between dissociative symptoms and the behavioral and emotional management of infant crying in mothers is supported. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and thus better prevent early relational trauma.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 2","pages":"Article 100531"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143783644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How adult patients with complex trauma experiences (CTE) experience yoga as treatment","authors":"Kari Evelin Arellano Lorentzen , Dag Øystein Nordanger , Bente Margrethe Weimand , Åse Marit Hammersbøen , Shirley Telles , Margrethe Seeger Halvorsen","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100529","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100529","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The therapeutic potential of practising yoga for trauma-related mental health problems is being increasingly investigated. However, there is little research on yoga as treatment for patients with Complex Trauma Experiences (CTE) specifically, and how adult patients with CTE experience yoga as treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The aim of this Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) was to explore and synthesize qualitative research on how adult patients with CTE experience yoga as treatment for trauma-related mental health problems.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched seven databases until July 25, 2024, and screened 1973 studies. We included studies written in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, English, or Spanish, with qualitative design, that were peer-reviewed, published, and available during the search period. Five studies were included after quality appraisal. Thematic Synthesis was used to synthesize the findings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>An overarching analytical theme “yoga as a multifaceted, transformative treatment process that extends beyond the yoga mat into daily life and self-reformation” was developed with three main themes: 1) “Yoga as new encounters with oneself on the yoga mat”, 2) “Yoga as possibilities for daily life coping”, and 3) “Yoga as opportunities for personal growth”. The confidence in the findings were assessed to be of moderate to high confidence.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This review indicates that adult patients with CTE experience yoga as treatment as a comprehensive therapeutic journey. Based on these findings, implications regarding the integration, recognition and exploration of yoga as a multifaceted, transformative treatment process for adult patients with CTE are presented to support future practice, policy and research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 2","pages":"Article 100529"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143725743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Structural dissociation of the personality: Increasing clinicians' literacy on the hidden phenomenon, based on their experiences","authors":"Sara Neves, Nuno Conceição","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The goal of the present study is to empirically explore the potential benefits in using a conceptualization lens that contemplates a Structural Dissociation of Self in Parts, in it's identification and the clinical process of clients who manifest it. Considering the clinical experience of therapists who have developed or applied some variant of this lens and a therapeutic approach adjusted to patients of this nature, this study aims to understand how therapists developed and articulate this conceptualization map, as well as what changed in the Self and in the clinical action after the recognition of structural dissociation of Self in parts.</div><div>Through a thematic qualitative analysis of data from 26 participants, the study showed the presence of 3 dimensions related with the use of a variant of the conceptualization lens about the structural dissociation of parts: difficulties experienced in the absence of a conceptualization lens; coping with the phenomenon without training or experience; and the impact of the new conceptualization lens on the therapist and the client.</div><div>The findings support the clinical validity of this lens in identifying and interpreting the signs that may be causing difficulties in therapy, providing a better emotional self-regulation for the therapist. Moreover, the findings provide evidence for the utility of this lens towards more effective work, enhancing the changing processes in the clients, and their willingness to collaborate in the therapeutic process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 2","pages":"Article 100527"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143705912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohammad Sajjad Afsharzada , Sajjad Saadat , Basir Ahmad Azizi , Somaya Haqyar
{"title":"Dari version of International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ): In a sample of Afghan students","authors":"Mohammad Sajjad Afsharzada , Sajjad Saadat , Basir Ahmad Azizi , Somaya Haqyar","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100528","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100528","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) is a validated tool based on the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) criteria for assessing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). While it is well-established, further validation is needed across diverse samples and broader psychopathological measures.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The present study aimed to retranslate and validate the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) in a sample of Afghan students. The present study was descriptive and validation-based.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>The statistical population of this study was 227 undergraduate students at Herat University, Afghanistan, who were studying in the 2024–2025 academic year. In this study, students were selected using convenience sampling and completed an online survey (Qualtrics). To calculate test-retest reliability, 50 people were also selected and completed the ITQ within two weeks. In this study, the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) was administered.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Different models were tested for confirmatory factor analysis; the findings showed that the second-order six-factor model was the most appropriate model for ITQ in the present sample. Additionally, the ITQ exhibited high reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.86 and a test-retest reliability of 0.70 over two weeks.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Given the strong psychometric properties of the Dari version of the International Trauma Questionnaire, it is a reliable tool for both research and clinical assessments. Its use is highly recommended for psychologists and mental health professionals in diagnostic and investigative contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 2","pages":"Article 100528"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143621519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Iman Mesbah , Esmaeil Sadri Damirchi , Ali Sheikholslamy , Ali Rezaei Sharif
{"title":"Investigating psychological and interpersonal problems in traumatic marriages among women: A phenomenological analysis of unwanted marriages","authors":"Iman Mesbah , Esmaeil Sadri Damirchi , Ali Sheikholslamy , Ali Rezaei Sharif","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The consequences of traumatic marriages for women represent a significant area of concern that has garnered attention from researchers across various studies. Despite the critical nature of this issue, there exists a considerable gap in the foundational classification of problems associated with such marriages, which hinders effective therapeutic interventions. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the lived experiences of women who have undergone unwanted marriages. Specifically, this research seeks to identify and categorize intrapersonal issues, with a focus on psychological harm, as well as interpersonal challenges stemming from unwanted marriages in women.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study employed a qualitative methodology utilizing a phenomenological approach. The sample comprised 16 women who had experienced unwanted marriages, selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was performed via semi-structured interviews, with subsequent coding and analysis conducted using thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings indicate that psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts, feelings of inadequacy, pessimism, distrust, internal shame, emotional void, and sexual dysfunction, alongside interpersonal issues including violence, dependence, isolation, and lack of solidarity, are significant consequences of unwanted marriages among women.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>By identifying both psychological and interpersonal problems and facilitating timely interventions by therapists, it is possible to encourage women to seek therapeutic support, thereby taking a crucial step toward preventing or alleviating these challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 2","pages":"Article 100526"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143577629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Direct and indirect traumatization in first responders: An exploratory qualitative study with firefighters and humanitarian workers","authors":"Baptiste Alleaume , Damien Fouques , Marie-Carmen Castillo , Nelly Goutaudier","doi":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100521","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100521","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>First responders are exposed to traumatic events.These professions share common characteristics, both in traumatic exposure and in recovery or growth processes. The aim of this exploratory study is to qualitatively analyze these parameters in a sample of firefighters and humanitarian aid workers.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Fifteen firefighters and 15 humanitarian workers participated to the study. After completing a LEC-5, each participant participated to a semi-structured interview. Lexicometric discourse analysis was performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The sample of 30 first responders had a huge proportion of occupational exposures (234 on 605 total traumatic events). Discourse analysis identified three semantic classes: (1) Factors shared by both populations (37.98%); (2) A class specific to firefighters (33.77%); and (3) A class specific to humanitarian aid workers (28.34%). The results tend to converge on 3 strong similarities among first responders: (1) a significant and sustained exposure to traumatic events; (2) the presence of a complex and dynamic set of phenomena for coping with adversity; (3) institutional and organizational factors, leading a strong entitativity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>It is important to systematically include impacts of internal resources and external resources to prevention and psychotherapy. The results tend to reinforce the idea that professional adversive events and multifactorial resources can be considered as part of an constantly changing equilibrium in this type of population.</div></div><div><h3>Public relevance</h3><div>By gaining a better, qualitative understanding of the adversities and resource mechanisms of the first responders, it is possible to develop a model of post-traumatic growth in these particular populations, and a fortiori, to propose appropriate lines of therapy and prevention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"9 2","pages":"Article 100521"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143465545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}