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IntroductionSubstantial unmet need for mental health services (MHS) exists in the United States, with pronounced disparities among people of color. Research highlights the need to identify facilitators and barriers to MHS utilization among Black and Latinx individuals to better promote overall health. We tested an expanded model of MHS use based on Andersen's (1995) conceptual framework of health care utilization. Associations were examined between sociodemographic variables, trauma and adversity burden, living with HIV, and unmet need for MHS in a community sample of underresourced Black and Latinx individuals. Barriers to MHS utilization are described.MethodsFive-hundred participants completed the UCLA Life Adversities Screener (LADS), sociodemographic measures, and items assessing need for and barriers to MHS.Results228 (46%) participants reported a need for MHS; of these, 115 (51%) reported receiving MHS. A binomial logistic regression model estimated the relative contribution of the LADS on need for MHS. Severity of LADS, younger age, and living with HIV predicted unmet need for MHS. Barriers to MHS included financial and time constraints and health system-related issues. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests revealed differences in mental health symptoms by MHS need.DiscussionThe unmet need for MHS in this sample of Black and Latinx individuals highlights the importance of addressing the systemic roots of trauma and adversity burden, and eliminating structural barriers to treatment to reduce existing health and mental health inequities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

This article describes the nearly half a century career of Dr. Gail E. Wyatt, PhD, and her development of novel methodologies and measures of sexual trauma, specifically the Wyatt Sex History Questionnaire and the University of California, Los Angeles, Life Adversities Screener. These approaches broke the silence around experiences of sexual violence, particularly among African Americans, identifying their effects on sexual functioning and mental health. These novel methods are designed without assuming sexual literacy of respondents, knowledge of anatomy, or that discussing sex is easy or common; they include topics that are considered private and may evoke emotions. Trained professionals administering face-to-face interviews can serve to establish rapport and educate the participant or client while minimizing possible discomfort and shame around the disclosure of sexual practices. In this article, four topics are discussed focusing on African Americans, but they may also be relevant to other racial/ethnic groups: (a) breaking the silence about sex, (b) sexual harassment: its disclosure and effects in the workplace, (c) racial discrimination: identifying its effects as a form of trauma, and (d) the cultural relevance of promoting sexual health. Historical patterns of abuse and trauma can no longer be ignored but need to be better understood by psychologists and used to improve policy and treatment standards. Recommendations for advancing the field using novel methods are provided. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Previous research highlights the need to better understand the complex relationships between factors marginalizing Black men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) living with HIV, including HIV stigma, trauma, and hegemonic masculinity. We examined associations between gender role conflict (GRC), trauma, and HIV stigma in Black MSMW living with HIV. 117 participants completed the UCLA Life Adversities Screener (LADS), measures of GRC, and HIV stigma. A multivariate model with age, gender role, and the LADS as predictors of stigma was statistically significant F (4, 110) = 12.81, p <.0001. The LADS was significantly associated with stigma (b = 11.06, t = 4.17, p <.0001) and moderated by GRC (b = 12.19, t = 2.25, p <.05); stigma increased significantly at high, but not low GRC. High GRC heightens the relationship between trauma and HIV stigma in Black MSMW. Future research must investigate associations among trauma burden, stigma, and GRC among vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trauma-focused research highlights the reactions of seasoned professionals when engaging with vulnerable clients; however, less is known about the common reactions of novices engaged in trauma research, who may lack the skills to cope and interact with traumatized participants. The purpose of this study is to (a) describe common reactions experienced by novice trauma interviewers; (b) examine whether the issues they face are similar to those of seasoned helping professionals; and (c) discuss ways in which training and supervision can increase the well-being of interviewers in trauma research. A semi-structured assessment was administered to novice interviewers who had previously conducted psychosocial and trauma assessments with diverse community participants. Participation was voluntary. The assessment elicited responses concerning secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, posttraumatic growth, and self-help and resources. Audio files were transcribed; responses were compiled to explore themes and identify illustrative quotes. Eight interviewers (two males, six females) participated. Six reported no prior experience working with populations with histories of trauma. Novice interviewers described experiences of secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, posttraumatic growth, and resilience. Novice interviewers described symptoms consistent with those reported by seasoned helping professionals; positive and negative symptoms often coexisted. Interviewers who completed more assessments described reactions of sadness, anger, insomnia, and changes in worldview. Interviewers who shared similar traumatic histories or environments reported more examples of countertransference. All reported similar feelings of posttraumatic growth, such as hope and optimism, for their participants and an increased appreciation of their resilience. Implications for training and supervision are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]