Objective: Despite the well-established link between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), little is known about factors that may lead to self-injury among trauma-exposed individuals. Moreover, no research to date has examined these relations in the context of the newly revised Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) PTSD criteria. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to explore the associations between DSM-5 PTSD symptom clusters (i.e., intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, alterations in arousal and reactivity) and self-injury functions using a small sample of college students. Method: Participants (N ϭ 81) were recruited for a lifetime history of NSSI and trauma exposure. Results: Findings revealed a statistically significant path from PTSD avoidance symptoms to NSSI social functions and from PTSD negative alterations in cognitions and mood symptoms to NSSI intrapersonal functions, even after controlling for relevant covariates. Conclusions: Results of the current study highlight the importance of assessing for NSSI among trauma-exposed individuals. Considering that NSSI is a risk factor for suicidal behavior and potentially a clinically distinct diagnosis, future research should continue to explore these associations using larger, more diverse clinical samples.
Clinical Impact StatementThis study examined the link between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters and reasons for engaging in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), referred to as a NSSI function. Results indicated that PTSD symptom clusters are differentially related to NSSI functions. Specifically, PTSD negative alterations in cognitions and mood symptoms were associated with engaging in NSSI for intrapersonal (i.e., emotion regulation) functions, whereas PTSD avoidance symptoms were related to NSSI for social functions (i.e., communication, avoidance). These results suggest that PTSD symptom clusters may differentially maintain NSSI behaviors, and highlight the importance of assessing for NSSI among those who experience PTSD symptoms.
Executive function is a broad construct that encompasses various processes involved in goal-directed behavior in non-routine situations (Banich, 2009). The present study uses a sample of 560 5- to 16-year-old twin pairs (M = 11.14, SD = 2.53): 219 MZ twin pairs (114 female; 105 male) and 341 DZ twin pairs (136 female, 107 male; 98 opposite-sex) to extend prior literature by providing information about the factor structure and the genetic and environmental architecture of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF; Gioia, Isquith, Guy, & Kenworthy, 2000a, 2000b), a multi-faceted rating scale of everyday executive functions. Phenotypic results revealed a 9-scale 3-factor model best represents the BRIEF structure within the current sample. Results of the genetically sensitive analyses indicated the presence of rater bias/contrast effects for the Initiate, Working Memory and Task-Monitor scales. Additive genetic and non-shared environmental influences were present for the Initiate, Plan/Organize, Organization of Materials, Shift, Monitor and Self-Monitor scales. Influences on Emotional Control were solely environmental. Interestingly, the etiological architecture observed was similar to that of performance-based measures of executive function. This observed similarity provided additional evidence for the usefulness of the BRIEF as a measure of “everyday” executive function.
Highlights
Examined factors that contribute to likelihood of death among veterans with COVID-19.
Retrospective chart reviews were conducted on 440 SARS-CoV-2 positive veterans.
Older age and male gender increased risk of death.
Further, immunodeficiency, endocrine, and pulmonary diseases increased risk of death.
Notably, lifetime tobacco use predicted veteran mortality above and beyond these variables.
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