Findings indicate that ERRT with and without nightmare exposure and rescripting can significantly alleviate nightmares and related distress. The addition of nightmare exposure and rescription did not contribute incrementally to outcomes in this sample. It is possible that the dose of exposure was not sufficient to result in group differences or that the treatment components included in both conditions (i.e., psychoeducation about trauma, nightmares, and sleep; sleep habit modification; and relaxation training) may adequately treat factors that maintain nightmares for some individuals. Theoretical implications of findings are discussed. The reduction of symptoms of other conditions following this brief intervention provides further evidence for the primary role of nightmares and sleep disturbances posttrauma. (PsycINFO Database Record
Objective: This study sought to understand the extent and influence of head injuries (HIs) on recovery from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of treatment-seeking survivors of interpersonal violence, including intimate partner violence (IPV). Method: Three randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of cognitive processing therapy were combined to form a repository resulting in 306 participants (92% women) diagnosed with PTSD. Participants were an average age of 36.83 years old (SD = 12.15), and 56% were White and 40% were Black. RCTs were conducted at the same location, with the same procedures and overlapping staff. PTSD was diagnosed via the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, depression was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory–II, and trauma history and injuries were assessed via the clinician-administered Trauma Interview. Results: Most of the sample (74.9%) reported HI during at least 1 interpersonal assault. Higher rates of HI were reported in those who endorsed IPV (84.5%; p = .001). To assess the influence of HI on outcomes, the sample was grouped into 3 conditions: HI (at least 1 significant head injury during trauma), NHI (denied head injuries, but reported serious nonhead injuries), and NI (denied any injury). All injury groups improved on PTSD and depressive symptoms with no moderation of group. Conclusion: Most individuals exposed to violence experienced at least 1 head injury, with higher rates in those assaulted by an intimate partner. The experience of HI did not negatively impact recovery from PTSD, including with participants histories of multiple head injuries.
Research has found that a majority of individuals, irrespective of gender, experienced their first intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization between the ages of 18 and 24 years. Indeed, researchers have found that college students' experiences of IPV are comparable if not higher than that of the general population. IPV victimization also places individuals at a higher risk for developing psychological conditions. In addition, when IPV experiences occur on college campuses, there are a variety of institutional factors that may impact the outcome of the traumatic event for the survivor. The present study seeks to examine whether institutional betrayal moderates the relationship between IPV and different psychological outcomes (i.e., depression, posttraumatic stress, anxiety). The study analyzed survey responses from a sample of 316 undergraduate students attending a Midwestern University. Three separate hierarchical regression analyses were conducted for each of the maladaptive psychological outcomes. Results showed that institutional
Baseline symptom severity on constructs targeted in treatment are the best indicators of response. Treatment initiation appears to be more significant than dropout. Identifying reasons for treatment noninitiation is needed to maximize engagement. (PsycINFO Database Record
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