The co-occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) pathology with a substance use disorder (SUD) is associated with emotion regulation deficits. However, studies in this area generally rely on trait-based emotion regulation measures, and there is limited information on the relation of PTSD pathology to the use of specific emotion regulation strategies in response to trauma-related distress among SUD patients or the consequences of these strategies for trauma cue reactivity. This study examined the relation of PTSD symptom severity to the use of specific emotion regulation strategies during trauma cue exposure among trauma-exposed SUD patients, as well as the indirect relations of PTSD symptom severity to changes in negative affect, cravings, and cortisol levels pre- to posttrauma cue exposure through different emotion regulation strategies. Participants were 133 trauma-exposed SUD patients. Participants listened to a personalized trauma script and reported on emotion regulation strategies used during the script. Data on negative affect, cravings, and cortisol were collected pre- and postscript. PTSD symptom severity related positively to the use of more adaptive (e.g., distraction) and maladaptive (e.g., suppression) regulation strategies. Moreover, evidence for the indirect effects of PTSD symptom severity on negative affect and cortisol reactivity through both adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies was found. Implications of findings are discussed.

Learning and memory play a central role in emotional disorders, particularly in depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. We present a new, transdiagnostic theory of how memory and mood interact in emotional disorders. Drawing upon retrieved-context models of episodic memory, we propose that memories form associations with the contexts in which they are encoded, including emotional valence and arousal. Later, encountering contextual cues retrieves their associated memories, which in turn reactivate the context that was present during encoding. We first show how our retrieved-context model accounts for findings regarding the organization of emotional memories in list-learning experiments. We then show how this model predicts clinical phenomena, including persistent negative mood after chronic stressors, intrusive memories of painful events, and the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapies.

Learning and memory play a central role in psychopathology, particularly in depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. We present a new, transdiagnostic theory of how memory and mood interact in emotional disorders. Drawing upon retrieved-context models of episodic memory, we propose that memories form associations with the contexts in which they are encoded, including emotional valence and arousal. Later, encountering contextual cues retrieves their associated memories, which in turn reactivate the context that was present during encoding. We first show how our retrieved-context model accounts for findings regarding the organization of emotional memories in list-learning experiments. We then show how this model predicts clinical phenomena, including persistent negative mood after chronic stressors, intrusive memories of painful events, and the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapies.

Perseverative thinking (PT), or repetitive negative thinking, has historically been measured using global self-report scales. New methods of assessment are needed to advance understanding of this inherently temporal process. We developed an intensive longitudinal method for assessing PT. A mixed sample of 77 individuals ranging widely in trait PT, including persons with PT-related disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, major depression) and persons without psychopathology, used a joystick to provide continuous ratings of thought valence and intensity following exposure to scenarios of differing valence. Joystick responses were robustly predicted by trait PT, clinical status, and stimulus valence. Higher trait perseverators exhibited more extreme joystick values overall, greater stability in values following threatening and ambiguous stimuli, weaker stability in values following positive stimuli, and greater inertia in values following ambiguous stimuli. The joystick method is a promising measure with the potential to shed new light on the dynamics and precipitants of perseverative thinking.

Objective Despite the theoretical and empirical relevance of anxiety sensitivity (AS) to nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI), few studies have investigated this association. This study examined the incremental validity of AS dimensions in NSSI frequency and versatility, above and beyond emotion dysregulation and relevant covariates (racial/ethnic background, negative affectivity). AS dimensions were expected to account for additional unique variance in NSSI outcomes. Method Participants included 204 patients (50.5% female) with substance use disorders in residential treatment. Results In this sample, 37.2% reported a history of NSSI. The hierarchical regression models revealed a unique positive association between AS social concerns and NSSI outcomes when adjusting for model variables. In contrast, AS physical concerns were uniquely negatively associated with NSSI outcomes. Conclusion Findings provide support for AS social concerns as a vulnerability for engagement in NSSI behaviors and highlight this particular AS dimension as a potential treatment target for NSSI prevention and intervention programs.