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Objective Cognitive models posit negative trauma appraisals as maintaining symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Recent research has demonstrated that alienation appraisals (feeling disconnected from the self and others) are salient in trauma-related distress. Studies show that alienation appraisals fully mediated the relationship between trauma exposure and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma-exposed adults. This study explored alienation appraisals in student and clinical samples, assessing whether alienation significantly mediated the relationship between cumulative trauma and trauma-related distress. It also explored whether alexithymia, social support, and loneliness also mediated the relationship between cumulative trauma and markers of trauma-related distress, clarifying the role of alienation. Method Mediation and hierarchical regression models were tested with questionnaire data from a student sample (N = 100) and clinical sample of trauma-exposed treatment-seeking adults (N = 93). Results In the student sample, alienation (B = 1.27) fully mediated the relationship between cumulative trauma and posttraumatic stress, but not depression. When alexithymia, social support, and loneliness were entered as parallel mediators, only alienation appraisals (B = 1.03) significantly mediated the relationship between cumulative trauma and posttraumatic stress. For the clinical sample, alienation appraisals (β = .53) were the only significant predictor of posttraumatic stress, while alienation appraisals (β = .75) and, to a lesser extent, social support (β = .19) and loneliness (β = .30) significantly predicted depression. Conclusions Alienation was a salient predictor of posttraumatic distress. Clinical assessment of alienation appraisals is recommended to inform psychological interventions for trauma survivors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

ObjectivesDissociative identity disorder (DID) and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSD) share some overlapping phenomenological features making accurate diagnosis more difficult. Childhood abuse and depersonalization have been associated with psychotic symptoms across psychological disorders but their relationship to psychotic phenomenology remains understudied.MethodThe present study used quantitative measures to examine (1) similarities and differences in phenomenological voice hearing experiences, interpretations of voices, and thought disorder symptoms in individuals with DID (n = 44) or SSD (n = 45), and (2) whether depersonalization and childhood maltreatment influenced the initial pattern of findings.ResultsDID participants perceived their voices as being more internally located and generated, louder, and uncontrollable than SSD participants. Furthermore, the DID participants endorsed a greater frequency of thought disorder symptoms. Adding the covariates (sex, depersonalization, and child maltreatment) did not change the findings associated with location and origin of voices, and derailment, but there were now no differences in loudness or controllability. However, the schizophrenia sample reported more distress and metaphysical beliefs associated with voices, as well as more thought disorder incoherence and word substitution with the covariates controlled.ConclusionWhile tentative, metaphysical interpretations of voices, incoherent thoughts and word substitution may reflect more psychotic processes.

Previous research has shown that the relationship between childhood abuse and the presence of auditory hallucinations is mediated by dissociation, specifically depersonalization and absorption. The current study assessed dissociation as a mediator of the relationship between childhood abuse and auditory hallucination

Rationale Theoretical models regarding the automaticity of attentional processes highlight a progression of attentional bias style from controlled to automatic in drinking populations as alcohol use progresses. Previous research has focused on older adolescent and adult drinking populations at later stages in their drinking career. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate alcohol attention bias in 14–16-year-old adolescent social drinkers and abstainers. Methods Alcohol attention bias was measured in social drinking and abstaining groups in an eye-tracking paradigm. Questionnaires measured alcohol use, expectancies, exposure and socially desirable response styles. Results Social drinkers fixated to alcohol stimuli more frequently and spent a larger proportion of their fixation time attending to alcohol stimuli compared to non-drinkers. Groups displayed differences in their style of attentional processing of alcohol-related information, with heavy drinkers fixating significantly longer to alcohol information across alcohol stimulus presentation and exhibiting a delayed disengagement style of alcohol attention bias that differentiated them from light drinking and abstaining peers. All social drinkers fixated significantly more than abstainers in the latter half of alcohol stimulus presentation. Conclusion Alcohol attention bias was present in this adolescent sample. Drinking subgroups are defined from abstaining peers by unique features of their attentional bias that are controlled in nature. These findings are comparable to those in other adolescent and adult social drinking populations. The identification of specific attentional bias features according to drinking subpopulations has implications for our theoretical understanding of developing alcohol attention bias and problematic drinking behaviours, as well as at-risk identification and early intervention.

It has been suggested that treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) be framed within a staged or phase-oriented model, particularly in cases of increased trauma symptom severity and complex PTSD. However, ambiguity remains around this model's definition and efficacy. The present literature review aimed to examine the efficacy of treatments adopting a phase-oriented model for individuals with PTSD symptoms with a subanalysis of a potential high complexity sample. A systematic search of the literature found 1,180 articles, of which 13 met predefined criteria. To analyze effect sizes, a random effects meta-analysis was conducted. The analysis showed a large effect size in the differences between the beginning and end-of-treatment timepoints on PTSD symptoms (d = 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.45, 2.08], z = 10.97; p < .001) with moderate heterogeneity. A subanalysis showed that the large effect size was maintained when compared with control groups (d = 0.82, 95% CI [0.29, 2.29], z = 3.04; p < .005). Further subanalysis of a predefined potential high complexity population also revealed a large effect size (d = 1.39, 95% CI [0.99, 1.79], z = 6.79; p < .001). Results concurred with previous literature supporting the effectiveness of phase-oriented models for PTSD symptoms, but limitations existed in finding appropriate definitions of the model, symptom severity, appropriate control groups, and generalizing findings.

The psychological literature has re-awakened its interest in shame. Research demonstrates that shame is negatively linked with intimacy through direct and indirect associations with intimacy fear and intimacy levels. This study explored the pathways between trait shame and perceived risk in intimacy. We hypothesised there would be an indirect relationship between shame and risk in intimacy via associations with introjective (self-definition) and anaclitic (dependent) personality orientation, identity impairment and abandonment concerns. University students (N = 501) from New Zealand and Northern Ireland completed an online survey, and path analysis was used to analyse data. Some support for the hypotheses was found, with shame being positively associated with risk in intimacy and half the magnitude of the effect operating indirectly through introjective orientation. Shame was positively associated with anaclitic personality, abandonment concerns and identity impairment, but these latter variables were not associated with risk in intimacy. Moreover, anaclitic orientation was associated with abandonment concerns and introjective orientation was associated with identity impairment. These findings extend the literature by demonstrating that shame may impact on feelings of intimacy risk directly and indirectly via introjective personality orientation. The results are consistent with research that shame has negative associations with intimacy, while also demonstrating that shame can be linked to approach behaviours via anaclitic personality orientation. This study provides further evidence of the complex nature and multifaceted effects of shame.

Mindfulness may improve well-being through increasing one’s ability to self-regulate stressors, which are common and multifaceted among the student-athlete population. However, the mechanis...

The relationship between posttraumatic stress (PTS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) has been extensively studied; however, the nature of the relationship remains unclear. Inconsistencies in the literature could be, in part, due to the use of variable level approaches. Person centered methods may further our understanding of this relationship, as they enable the identification of clinically meaningful subgroups based on PTS/PTG scores. This review aimed to identify commonly found subgroups of PTS and PTG, clinically relevant factors that distinguish the subgroups and to critically appraise the utility of categorizing individuals into subgroups based on PTS/PTG scores. Five databases (Embase, Medline, Web of Science, PILOTS, and PsycINFO) were searched. Seven studies (with a total of eight study samples; n = 6,776) met the eligibility criteria. A narrative synthesis of the findings revealed that the majority of the analyses ( n = 6) found three patterns of PTS/PTG. These were categorized as: (1) low PTS/PTG (representing 26.89% of the entire sample), (2) high PTS/PTG (weighted mean percentage = 20.05%), and (3) low PTS/high PTG (weighted mean percentage = 43.1%). The role of social support was examined in five studies and higher social support was consistently found to predict membership in the low PTS/high PTG class. All five studies that examined the role of trauma characteristics found that it was a significant predictor of class membership. These findings could inform the developments of tailored interventions. The utility of person-centered approaches was discussed and recommendations to improve the application and reporting of such methods were made.

Objective: To conduct a systematic review of controlled studies to determine the effect of digital health technologies on psychotic symptoms.Method: Electronic databases were searched up to...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test the effects of augmenting an evidence-based physical activity intervention within an existing commercial weight loss program to assess effects on increasing physical activity and reducing psychological distress. Design/methodology/approach The CONSORT guidelines were adopted for the study. In total, 49 women with overweight or obesity (M age=39.5, SD:12.4; M Body Mass Index=31.02, SD: 2.10) enrolled in a six week commercial weight loss program were randomized to an intervention or a control group. Participants in the control group received care as usual; participants in the intervention group additionally received an evidence-based intervention to increase physical activity that included behavior change techniques including implementation intentions, goal-setting and self-monitoring. Findings Weekly steps increased in the intervention group (M=31,516.25; SD=9,310.17 to M=62,851.36; SD=13,840.4) significantly more (p η p 2 =0.32) than in the control group (M=30,207.67; SD=7,833.29) to M=46,969.33 (SD=9,470.96), along with experiencing significantly lower anxiety (p η p 2 =0.15), social dysfunction (p η p 2 =0.16) and depression symptoms (p η p 2 =0.08) at follow-up. Research limitations/implications This intervention warrants extension to those seeking to improve mental health through physical activity. Originality/value This study took a novel approach of augmenting a commercial weight loss program with a theory-based physical activity module, showing positive effects for physical activity behavior and psychological health.

People respond differently to potentially traumatic events. To explore predictors of a chronic and delayed trajectory of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) after a natural disaster, we analyzed psychometric data collected from 412 residents of Christchurch, New Zealand after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck in February 2011. Participants from suburbs with different levels of socioeconomic status (SES) and earthquake impact completed a door-to-door survey 4-7 months after the earthquake (Time 1; N = 600) and again 10-11 months after the earthquake (Time 2; N = 412). The survey included the Acute Stress Disorder Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire's nine-item Depression subscale, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, along with single-item measures of variables including aftershock anxiety and family tension. Hobfoll's conservation of resources theory was used to guide data interpretation. High levels of depression, odds ratio (OR) = 1.24, and anxiety, OR = 1.24, at Time 1 significantly predicted membership in the chronic trajectory. Predictors of a delayed onset of symptoms included increased aftershock anxiety, OR = 1.29, and family tension, OR = 1.35, over time, as well as living in an area defined as being of low, OR = 5.36, or medium, OR = 11.39, SES. Results highlight risk factors for elevated PTSS and resources that individuals can use to offset threatened loss. These findings have implications for service providers, agencies, and the public.Spanish Abstracts by Asociación Chilena de Estrés Traumático (ACET) Predictores de las trayectorias de los síntomas de estrés postraumático después de un terremoto fatal TRAYECTORIAS SEPT DESPUÉS DE UN TERREMOTO MORTAL Las personas responden de manera diferente a eventos potencialmente traumáticos. Para explorar los predictores de la trayectoria de los síntomas de estrés postraumático (SEPT) crónicos y retardados después de un desastre natural, analizamos los datos psicométricos recopilados de 412 residentes de Christchurch, Nueva Zelanda, después de un terremoto de magnitud 6.3 ocurrido en febrero de 2011. Participantes de suburbios con diferentes niveles de estatus socioeconómico (NSE) y el impacto del terremoto completaron una encuesta puerta a puerta 4-7 meses después del terremoto (Tiempo 1, N = 600) y nuevamente 10-11 meses después del terremoto (Tiempo 2, N = 412). La encuesta incluyó la Escala de Trastorno de Estrés Agudo, la escala de depresión de nueve ítems del Cuestionario de Salud del Paciente y la escala de Desorden de Ansiedad Generalizada-7, junto con medidas de un solo ítem de variables que incluyen ansiedad por réplica y la tensión familiar. La teoría de la conservación de los recursos de Hobfoll se utilizó para guiar la interpretación de los datos. Altos niveles de depresión, odds ratio OR = 1.24 y ansiedad, OR = 1.24, en el Tiempo 1 predijeron significativamente la pertenencia a la trayectoria crónica. Los predictores de un inicio retardado de los síntomas incluyó aumento de la ansiedad por replica, OR = 1.29, y tensión familiar, OR = 1.35, a lo largo del tiempo, además de vivir en un área definida como baja, OR = 5.36 o NSE medio, OR = 11.39. Los resultados destacan los factores de riesgo para SEPT elevados y recursos que los individuos pueden utilizar para compensar la amenaza de pérdida. Estos hallazgos tienen implicaciones para los proveedores de servicio, agencias, y el público.Traditional and Simplified Chinese Abstracts by the Asian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (AsianSTSS) 簡體及繁體中文撮要由亞洲創傷心理研究學會翻譯 Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Trajectories following a fatal earthquake Traditional Chinese 標題: 嚴重地震後, 創傷後壓力症狀軌跡的預測變量 撮要: 不同的人對潛在創傷事件都有不同反應。為了探索在自然災害後, 創傷後壓力症狀(PTSS)的慢性和延遲軌跡的預測變量, 我們分析於2011年2月的6.3級地震後, 412名新西蘭基督城居民的心理測量數據。樣本居於郊區, 並有不同社會經濟狀況(SES)水平和地震影響水平。他們於地震後4-7個月(時點1, N = 600)和10-11個月(時點2, N = 412), 接受了家訪。訪問中包含急性壓力症量表、病人健康問卷的9項抑鬱症量表、廣泛性焦慮症7項量表, 以及單項變量測量, 包括受驚後焦慮和家庭張力的測量。我們使用Hobfoll資源保存理論作為指引詮釋數據。在時點1有高水平的抑鬱症(勝算比 (OR) = 1.24)和焦慮症(OR = 1.24), 顯著地預測了樣本有慢性軌跡。至於症狀延遲出現的預測變量, 則包括受驚後焦慮隨時間提升(OR = 1.29)和家庭張力隨時間提升(OR = 1.35), 以及居住在低水平(OR = 5.36)或中水平(OR = 11.39)SES區域。結果凸顯PTSS提升的風險因素, 並反映人們因失去而感到恐慌時可用以緩解的資源。研究結果對治療人員、中介和公眾亦有幫助。 Simplified Chinese 标题: 严重地震后, 创伤后压力症状轨迹的预测变量 撮要: 不同的人对潜在创伤事件都有不同反应。为了探索在自然灾害后, 创伤后压力症状(PTSS)的慢性和延迟轨迹的预测变量, 我们分析于2011年2月的6.3级地震后, 412名新西兰基督城居民的心理测量数据。样本居于郊区, 并有不同社会经济状况(SES)水平和地震影响水平。他们于地震后4-7个月(时点1, N = 600)和10-11个月(时点2, N = 412), 接受了家访。访问中包含急性压力症量表、病人健康问卷的9项抑郁症量表、广泛性焦虑症7项量表, 以及单项变量测量, 包括受惊后焦虑和家庭张力的测量。我们使用Hobfoll资源保存理论作为指引诠释数据。在时点1有高水平的抑郁症(胜算比 (OR) = 1.24)和焦虑症(OR = 1.24), 显著地预测了样本有慢性轨迹。至于症状延迟出现的预测变量, 则包括受惊后焦虑随时间提升(OR = 1.29)和家庭张力随时间提升(OR = 1.35), 以及居住在低水平(OR = 5.36)或中水平(OR = 11.39)SES区域。结果凸显PTSS提升的风险因素, 并反映人们因失去而感到恐慌时可用以缓解的资源。研究结果对治疗人员、中介和公众亦有帮助。.

Objective: The present review aimed to examine the relationship between attachment styles and posttraumatic growth in adults exposed to traumatizing events. Method: A systematic literature search resulted in the inclusion of 14 studies in the review. Four correlational meta‐analyses of the relationship between the attachment styles of secure, dismissive, preoccupied, and fearful, and posttraumatic growth, were conducted. Results: These revealed a significant small positive relationship between secure attachment and posttraumatic growth (r = 0.21, p < 0.001); a significant small negative relationship between dismissive attachment and posttraumatic growth (r = −0.12, p < 0.001), and a weak relationship between preoccupied attachment and posttraumatic growth (r = −0.04, p = 0.235), and fearful attachment and posttraumatic growth (r = 0.08, p = 0.248). Conclusions: The relationship between attachment styles and posttraumatic growth is modest and may be better explained by other variables. Nonetheless, findings provide useful information for clinicians regarding the potential small impact of attachment style following traumatizing exposure. Implications for future research are highlighted with respect to methodological rigor and the role of other potentially influential variables.

Background Research suggests that motor difficulties may be closely associated with severe emotional and behavioural problems in children. However, there is limited research on the role of motor function in young adults who offend. Aims To assess motor skills, balance, and primary reflex persistence in young people who offend, and to examine the relative association of different motor factors with self-reported levels of aggression. Methods We recruited three groups of males (14–18 years); young people serving custodial sentences (n = 33) in a youth justice centre, and an IQ-matched comparison group (n = 36) and an average-IQ comparison group (n = 38) of non-offenders. All completed a standardised test of motor skills, clinical assessment protocols for balance and primary reflex persistence, and a standardised self-report behavioural rating scale. Results The youth justice group showed significantly lower abilities in some motor skills and balance and significantly higher levels of primary reflex persistence and aggression than both comparison groups. In a multiple regression model, only manual dexterity (p = .032) and primary reflex persistence (p = .002) were significant predictors of aggression. Conclusions A broad range of motor difficulties are likely to occur in young people who offend. We discuss the implications of motor difficulties for approaches to rehabilitation of persistent offenders.

Public speaking anxiety (PSA) is a prevalent condition with disabling occupational, educational, and social consequences. Exposure therapy is a commonly utilized approach for treating PSA. Traditionally, this intervention has been delivered as in vivo exposure therapy (IVET). Limitations inherent to in vivo as a mode of delivery have been identified and studies have increasingly explored the use of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) as an alternative. Understanding the efficacy of both VRET and IVET as psychological interventions for PSA is important. A systematic search identified 11 studies with 508 participants. Meta-analysis yielded a large significant effect wherein VRET resulted in significant reductions in PSA versus control of −1.39 ( Z = 3.96, p

Attentional biases have been overlooked as a treatment focus in CBT practice. This pilot study examined patterns of attentional bias in an OCD clinical sample with a view to understanding the key mechanisms in order to inform assessment and intervention. It was hypothesised that individuals with OCD would demonstrate vigilance, delayed disengagement, and maintenance attentional biases towards OCD-related stimuli relative to a matched control group. Participants with OCD (n = 16) were compared with healthy controls (n = 16) matched by age and gender. Vigilance, disengagement and maintenance biases were measured by recording eye-movements during a free gaze task in which pairs of neutral-OCD and neutral-aversive images were presented. The OCD group demonstrated no evidence of vigilance or delayed disengagement biases toward OCD stimuli but did exhibit a maintenance bias towards OCD and, to a lesser extent, general aversive images. Clinical implications include the assessment of patient attentional biases to aid CBT interventions.

Background:Whilst data-driven processing (DDP) during trauma has been shown to play a role in poor memory integration and is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) re-experiencing symptoms, the pre-trauma risk factors and related cognitive mechanisms are uncertain.Aims:This experimental study aimed to investigate predictors of peri-traumatic DDP, as well as its role in attention bias to threat and free recall.Method:A virtual reality video was used to simulate an analogue trauma. Questionnaires, a free recall task, and an eye-tracking measure assessed cognitive changes after exposure.Results:Regression analysis demonstrated that trait dissociation at pre-exposure to trauma significantly predicted DDP. Attention bias towards threat-related images was found. Results showed that DDP and poorer free recall predicted attention bias to threat images and higher levels of DDP actually predicted higher overall scores in the free recall task.Conclusions:This study showed that DDP is strongly linked to dissociative traits, and along with memory disintegration it may predict attention changes after exposure to a trauma.

Public speaking anxiety (PSA) is a prevalent condition which is highly interrelated with social anxiety. PSA can be effectively treated with exposure therapy. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is increasingly being explored as a novel and cost-effective mode of treatment. No previous randomized controlled trial has examined whether stand-alone 360° video VRET is an effective intervention for treating PSA and interrelated disorder relevant fears. Further, studies have not explored whether 360° video content influences VRET outcomes. Participants with high PSA (n = 51) were randomly allocated to: 360° video VRET incorporating stimuli of audiences (360°Audience) (n = 17), 360° video VRET incorporating stimuli of empty rooms (360°Empty) (n = 16) and no treatment control (n = 18). Outcomes were measured over five time-points. Mixed ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between time and intervention group for PSA, social anxiety and fear of negative evaluation (FNE). Within-group analysis demonstrated there was a significant pre-intervention to post-intervention reduction across measures for both 360° video VRET groups: PSA 360°Audience (ηp2 = .90, p

Aim: To determine if poor sleep makes a unique contribution in predicting the likelihood of experiencing six or more attenuated psychotic symptoms and associated distress, after examining and controlling for sociodemographic factors, depression and drug/alcohol use. Method: An online survey was conducted using Amazon's online crowdsourcing service Mechanical Turk (MTurk). The sample was 1013 adults (18 to 36 years) from the general population in the United States. The survey consisted of the Prodromal Questionnaire 16 (PQ-16), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Patient Health Questionnaire 9, the Drug Abuse Screening Test 10 and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Regression analyses were performed with the PQ-16 as the dependent variable, and sleep quality as the predictor variable, holding constant sociodemographic variables, depression, and alcohol/drug abuse. Results: 37% of the sample endorsed six or more PQ-16 items, which may be suggestive of an at-risk mental state, with sleep disturbance significantly increasing the likelihood (Odds ratio 2.09 < .001) of endorsing six or more PQ-16 items. After controlling for sociodemographic variables, depression and drug/alcohol abuse, poor sleep quality made a unique contribution of 5.8% of the variance accounted for in level of distress experienced by attenuated psychotic symptoms. Conclusion: Effective treatment of sleep disturbance may reduce the likelihood of experiencing attenuated psychotic symptoms and associated distress.

Rates of posttraumatic stress are elevated in individuals who have experienced childhood and/or cumulative trauma, and trauma appraisals have been suggested as a possible mediator of this effect. This study tested the proposed mediating role of trauma appraisals between both childhood and cumulative trauma, and two markers of trauma-related distress; posttraumatic stress and depression. Mediation models were developed and tested with data collected from a sample of trauma-exposed, treatment receiving adults (N = 106). Trauma appraisals fully mediated relationships between childhood trauma and PTSD/depression. Appraisals also mediated the relationships between cumulative trauma and depression. When appraisal subscales were simultaneously entered, alienation appraisals were the only significant mediator of these relationships. The study found support for the proposed mediating role of trauma appraisals between different forms of trauma and trauma related distress. Alienation appraisals were particularly emphasised.

Background Mental disorders in pregnancy are common causes of morbidity and mortality with associated risks of adverse neonatal outcomes. Our aims were to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported mental disorders in women presenting to maternity services and to determine the association between history of self-reported maternal mental disorder and adverse neonatal outcomes. Methods Data on all singleton pregnancies known to maternity services in Northern Ireland over the period 2010 to 2015 were extracted from the Northern Ireland Maternity System (NIMATS), including frequency data for number of pregnancies where the mother reported a history of mental disorder. Odds ratios were derived from logistic regression analyses to determine the associations between self-reported maternal mental disorder and preterm birth, low infant birth weight and APGAR scores. Results In total, 140,569 singleton pregnancies were registered using NIMATS over this period. In 18.9% of these pregnancies, the mother reported a history of at least one mental disorder. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, significant associations were demonstrated between self-reported maternal mental disorder and preterm birth (odds ratio [OR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25–1.37), low infant birth weight (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.21–1.38) and APGAR score Conclusions These findings emphasise the critical importance of routine enquiry regarding psychiatric history when women present to maternity services and the impact of maternal mental illnesses upon outcomes for their infants.

Background:The Salkovskis (1999) model of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), which emphasizes the role of inflated responsibility, has proven highly influential in both the understanding and treatment of OCD.Aims:This study aimed to empirically test several core processes of this model.Method:The individual components of the model were measured using multiple indicators in a sample of undergraduate students (n = 170), and confirmatory factor analyses were used to ascertain the most reliable, valid and theoretically consistent latent variables. Structural equation modelling was used to test proposed relations between latent constructs in the model.Results:The inflated responsibility model was a good fit for the data in the present sample. As predicted by the model, misinterpretations of intrusive thoughts as indicating personal responsibility fully mediated the relationships between responsibility beliefs and counterproductive safety strategies, neutralizing actions and mood changes.Conclusions:The Salkovksis (1999) inflated responsibility model of OCD is empirically supported in the present sample of undergraduate students, lending support to the proposed mechanisms in the model and supporting prior evidence.

Addiction models theorise that alcohol attention bias (AAB) for alcohol-related cues develops through a process of classical conditioning and that attentional processes shift from controlled to automatically modulated responses. At the point of automaticity, alcohol cues grab the attention of problem drinkers beyond conscious control and can trigger alcohol use. To fully understand this shift, AAB should be thought of as developing on a continuum from when alcohol use commences. Despite this, little is known about AAB differences in younger populations who are at an early stage in their exposure to alcohol and related cues. This study compared AAB for alcohol cues across age groups (early adolescent, late adolescent, and young adult) and drinking groups (heavy drinkers, light drinkers, and non-drinkers) to provide a cross-sectional examination of differences in AAB and their relationship to alcohol use and age. Eye tracking was employed to measure several elements of attentional processing during exposure to alcohol cues. Differences across age groups and drinking groups were examined. Differences in controlled attention were found between heavy and light drinkers. As age increases, a shift towards automaticity can be seen with alcohol-related cues attracting the attention of young adult drinkers earlier in stimulus presentation. This cross-sectional approach provides an insight into AAB across a key developmental period. It highlights that influential processes underpinning AAB may change and how rapidly it may approach automaticity. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Background Self-determination theory (SDT) has been used to predict children’s physical activity and well-being. However, few school-based SDT intervention studies have been conducted, and no research exists with children of low socio-economic status (SES). Therefore, SDT-derived needs-supportive teaching techniques informed the design and analyses of the Healthy Choices Programme (HCP). The aim was to determine if the HCP could enhance moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and well-being among children of low SES through increasing autonomy-support, needs satisfaction and intrinsic motivation. Method A mixed factorial two (group) × two (time) wait-list controlled trial was conducted and reported using the TREND guidelines. A total of 155 children (56% females; intervention n = 84, control n = 71) took part and completed measures at baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 11). The effect of the intervention on MVPA (model 1) and well-being (model 2) was tested through serial mediation models with three mediators (i.e. autonomy-support, needs satisfaction and intrinsic motivation). Results In comparison to the control group, the intervention was related to increases in MVPA (β = .45) and autonomy-support (β = .17). In model 1, analyses revealed partial mediation of the MVPA change through autonomy-support (β = .14), intrinsic motivation (β = .51) and all three SDT mediators in sequence (total r2 = .34). In model 2, well-being was indirectly enhanced through autonomy-support (β = .38) and autonomy-support and needs satisfaction in sequence (total r2 = .21). Conclusions The HCP enhanced MVPA and well-being by engendering a needs-supportive physical activity environment. The scientific and practical contribution of this study was the application of SDT in all aspects of the HCP intervention’s design and analyses. Practitioners may consider integrating SDT principles, as implemented in the HCP, for health promotion. Trial Registration This study is registered on Research Registry (number researchregistry2852). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40798-018-0129-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

This study used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore the lived experiences of five individuals diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who underwent a group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention program to address their symptoms. Two master themes were identified: experiences and processes of change and reflections on change. For all participants, the degree of group cohesion or connectedness they established with group members emerged as highly important in facilitating therapeutic progress. A number of technical elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were also notable therapeutic factors, including questioning/rationalizing maladaptive interpretations about intrusions. However, the commonality of non-specific group processes as key features for subsequent therapeutic change prompts the need for further research in dynamics within CBT group interventions for OCD.

Background Physical activity (PA) has been shown to improve psychological wellbeing in adults, however less is known about this relationship in children. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between PA and wellbeing in children for the first time across Ireland and to explore potential differences by gender, jurisdiction (Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) and region of Ireland. Method A sample of 673 8–9 year olds attending school in socially disadvantaged areas took part. Participants completed a measure of PA and the KIDSCREEN-27 quality of life questionnaire. Results 18% of children accumulated the recommended 60 min of MVPA per day for health, with 18% of boys (n = 63) and 17% girls (n = 55) achieving this level. Children in Northern Ireland reported higher wellbeing scores than those in Republic of Ireland. Children achieving the recommended level of MVPA scored significantly higher on measures of wellbeing than less active children. Gender differences in wellbeing were found for perceived parental, social and school support with girls scoring higher than boys. Conclusions Children who meet the recommended MVPA guidelines and those who live in Northern Ireland report a higher level of wellbeing than their peers who live in the Republic of Ireland.

Aim This study aimed to examine the relationship between types of childhood adversity and attenuated psychotic symptoms in a general population sample, and to determine the predictive role of other psychosocial factors such as resilience, coping style and social support. Methods An online survey was conducted with a US-based general population sample of 748 participants (aged 18 to 35 years) using Amazon's Mechanical Turk (an online crowd-sourcing service). Participants completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q), the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ-16), the Brief COPE Scale, the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Neighbourhood Cohesion Scale. A series of backwards stepwise hierarchical regression analyses was employed to determine the predictors of PQ-16 score. Results Participants reported an average of 2.99 attenuated psychotic symptoms (from a total of 16), and an average of 2.77 childhood adversities (from a total of 10). In the final model, the specific types of childhood adversity which significantly predicted PQ-16 score were verbal abuse, sexual abuse and physical neglect. Resilience, as well as the coping styles of self-distraction, denial, substance use, emotional support, venting, religion and self-blame, were significant predictors; perceived social support and neighbourhood cohesion were not. This model predicted 33% of the variance in PQ-16 score. Conclusions The results of this study support the association between childhood adversity and attenuated psychotic symptoms in the general population. Resilience and coping styles were also important predictive factors. These data suggest potential strategies on which to focus for early intervention and prevention.

Background: Need-supportive environments have been shown to contribute to children’s physical activity levels, and in a few cases, well-being. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the aim of this study was to determine the influence of psychological needs (competence and social relatedness) satisfaction on physical activity levels and well-being in children from areas of social and economic disadvantage.Method: A total of 211 children aged 8-9 years from areas of low socio-economic status wore an accelerometer for one week, and completed a questionnaire assessing psychological needs satisfaction and well-being. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and path analysis was conducted to assess the factor structure of the measures, and test for theory predicting significant relationships between psychological needs, physical activity and well-being. Results: The factor structure of the instruments was supported, and a significant positive relationship was found between athletic competence and physical activity (β=.19). Athletic competence (β=.19), along with parental relatedness (β=.32), positively predicted children’s well-being. Physical activity alone, did not predict well-beingConclusions: Practitioners may want to consider components of SDT, reflective of need-supportive environments, when designing physical activity interventions. Interventions aimed at supporting children’s perceptions of competence, and the involvement of parents, may offer the opportunity to increase well-being.

Cognitive models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) place an emphasis on the role of negative appraisals of traumatic events. It is suggested that the way in which the event is appraised determines the extent to which posttraumatic stress symptoms will be experienced. Therefore, a strong relationship between trauma appraisals and symptoms of PTSD might be expected. However, this relationship is not as firmly established in the child and adolescent literature. A systematic literature review of this relationship returned 467 publications, of which 11 met full eligibility criteria. A random effects meta-analysis revealed a large effect size for the relationship between appraisals and PTSD symptoms in children and adolescents, r = .63, 95% CI [.58, .68], Z = 17.32, p < .001, with significant heterogeneity present. A sensitivity analysis suggested that this relationship was not contingent on 1 specific measure of appraisals. Results were consistent with the cognitive behavioral theory of PTSD, demonstrating that appraisals of trauma are strongly related to posttraumatic stress in children and adolescents. However, this relationship was not observed in a sample of 4- to 6-year-olds, indicating that further research is required to explicate cognitive processing of trauma in very young children.

Background Background: One factor known to be associated with attenuated psychotic symptoms is poor sleep but it is not known if poor sleep increases the likelihood of experiencing multiple attenuated psychotic symptoms, which research suggests may be suggestive of an At-Risk Mental State (ARMS). The study aimed to determine if poor sleep quality makes a unique contribution to predicting the number of attenuated psychotic symptoms endorsed in a prodromal questionnaire and the level of distress associated with the symptoms, when accounting for demographics, depression and drug/alcohol use variables. Methods Method: An online survey was conducted using Amazon’s online crowdsourcing service Mechanical Turk (MTurk). The sample was 1,013 adults (18 to 36 years) from the general population in the USA. The survey consisted of the Prodromal Questionnaire 16 (PQ-16), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), the DAST-10 and the AUDIT. Regression analyses were performed with the PQ-16 as the dependent variable, and sleep quality as the predictor variable, while controlling for sociodemographic variables, depression, and alcohol/drug abuse. Results Results: 37% of the sample endorsed six or more PQ-16 items, which may be suggestive of an at-risk mental state, with sleep disturbance significantly increasing the likelihood (Odds ratio 2.09 Discussion Conclusion: A significant proportion of young adults in the general population may have an at-risk mental state. The results add to the evidence that sleep disturbance is a contributory factor in attenuated psychotic symptoms. Further research is required to investigate the possible mechanisms (e.g. impaired cognitive processes) through which poor sleep influences attenuated psychotic symptoms and if effective treatment of sleep disturbance can influence the likelihood of developing an at-risk mental state.

Experiences of childhood trauma such as physical and sexual abuse are common among offender populations, and a trauma history is related to increases in the risk of criminal conduct. Previous reviews on the link between childhood trauma and reoffending are limited in scope as they only investigate adolescent populations. The aim of the current systematic review was to explore the association between childhood physical and sexual abuse and its prediction on actual reoffending rates in adult population(s). Four databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, and PILOTS) were searched, and the final included articles were quality assessed by two reviewers. A total of 3,151 studies were identified, and 13 met the a priori eligibility criteria. Most of the studies obtained high quality ratings. A narrative synthesis of the results suggests that childhood physical and sexual abuse are generally high among the prison population and tend to be even higher among those who reoffend. A substantial number of studies found that childhood physical and sexual abuse predict reoffending, and the majority of the studies found a positive direction for this association, albeit of a small magnitude. These findings suggest that prisons should consider trauma-informed assessment and rehabilitation of offenders.

Background School-based interventions offer the opportunity to increase physical activity, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and nutritional behaviours, yet methodological limitations hinder current research, particularly among under-represented children from low socio-economic status (SES). The aim was to determine the effect of a 12-week physical activity programme, Sport for LIFE: All Island (SFL:AI), on physical activity levels, HRQOL, and nutritional attitudes and behaviours in children of low SES across the island of Ireland. Methods A 2 (groups) × 4 (data collection points) clustered randomised controlled trial was conducted comprising an intervention group who received SFL:AI for 12 weeks, and a waiting-list control condition. In total 740 children (381 boys, 359 girls) aged 8–9 years (mean = 8.7; SD = .50) from 27 schools across four regions of Ireland (Ulster, Leinster, Connacht and Munster) took part. Physical activity was measured by accelerometers, and children completed a validated questionnaire at baseline, mid (i.e. 6-weeks), post-intervention (i.e. 12 weeks) and follow-up (i.e. 3 months post-intervention). Results No significant interaction effects for the intervention were found on any of the study outcomes. Main effects were reported for physical well-being, parental relations and autonomy and financial resources, as well as sweetened beverages, environment and intake, and attitude to vegetables. However, these changes were not statistically attributable to the intervention. Conclusions It remains unclear if school-based physical activity interventions can improve HRQOL through physical activity with children from low SES. Logistical and methodological considerations are outlined to explore the null effect of the programme, and to provide suggestions for future research and practice. Trial registration Trial registration number: ISRCTN76261698. Name of registry: ICRCTN. Date of registration: 23/08/2017. Date of enrolment: September 2014.

OBJECTIVE Exposure to traumatic events is prevalent, with the impact of trauma and its relationship with other conditions widely documented. Research suggests that clinicians do not routinely ask about trauma history in clinical settings. Trauma-related training has been recommended as a means of addressing this. Neither the impact of training on clinician behavior (i.e., frequency of asking about or detection of trauma history) nor the relationship between training and these variables have been formally reviewed. METHOD A systematic literature review was conducted using PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. The grey literature and reference lists of included articles were consulted. Nine articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. RESULTS Two-thirds of studies reported statistically significant evidence to suggest that trauma-related training is related to (1) increased frequency of asking about trauma history and (2) greater detection of trauma history. CONCLUSIONS While acknowledging the limited number and variable quality of studies, as well as the failure to detect statistical significance in all studies, this review provides some evidence that trauma-related training is related to clinician inquiry and detection of trauma history. Further high-quality research is needed. Training should address barriers to inquiry, acknowledge the potential variation in inquiry behavior across trauma subtypes, and encompass a skill and educational approach to both inquiry and response to trauma. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

BACKGROUND: The Prodromal Questionnaire-16 (PQ-16; Ising et al., 2012) is a measure used to screen for attenuated psychotic symptoms that may indicate the presence of the at-risk mental state. The PQ-16 has been validated for use in help-seeking populations and the structure of the measure in this population is categorized by three subscales. These are perceptual abnormalities/hallucinations subscale, the unusual thought content/paranoia subscale, and negative symptoms subscale. The present study aimed to examine the structure of the PQ-16 in a non-help-seeking population through exploratory factor analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis. METHODS: Participants (n=722) were recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and completed the PQ-16 as part of a battery of questionnaires. For the exploratory factor analysis, the mean age of the sample was 27.93 years (SD=4.8), 55% of the sample were male, and 49% were single. The exploratory factor analysis, using principal axis factoring and oblique rotation, indicated a two-factor model was suitable for the PQ-16 in this population. Based on the current study and previous studies, three separate confirmatory factor models will be analyzed using SPSS Amos Version 25. RESULTS: The exploratory factor analysis indicated that there was a two-factor model suitable for this sample. Factor 1 appeared to represent perceptual abnormalities/hallucinations, while factor 2 was interpreted as general symptoms. Factor loadings indicated that items 2 & 14 of the PQ-16 did not fit into either factor and were excluded from the two-factor confirmatory factor model. Exploratory factor analysis has been completed, and confirmatory factor analysis of the PQ-16 in a similar non-help-seeking population is underway. DISCUSSION: The exploratory factor analysis indicated that a two-factor model is suitable for this sample (Factor 1 representing perceptual abnormalities/hallucinations; factor 2 representing general symptoms). The confirmatory factor analysis will allow us to explore what model is the best fit for the PQ-16 in this population.

Background There is growing evidence that children with motor difficulties are at risk of psychosocial problems and vice versa. However, it is not clear how far different aspects of motor function are predictive of psychosocial well-being in the context of other powerful factors, such as family upset, that are known to affect psychosocial development. Aims To investigate the role of basic motor skills and primary reflex persistence in young children with severe emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD). Sample From a total sample of 225 children, three groups were selected: children excluded from school (severe EBD) (n = 29), a male comparison group (n = 38), and a female comparison group (n = 45). The groups were matched (at group level) on age, IQ, and level of social disadvantage. Method All of the selected children completed a range of standardized motor, cognitive, social, and behavioural measures, as well as a clinical protocol for primary reflex persistence. Results Children with severe EBD had significant levels of motor difficulties, primary reflex persistence, and family upset, as well as significant literacy problems, attention deficits, and raised levels of hyperactivity/impulsivity relative to the comparison groups. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that basic motor skills, primary reflex persistence, family upset, hyperactivity, and literacy were all significant predictors of psychosocial functioning. Conclusions The findings suggest that motor difficulties and primary reflex persistence may act as independent stressors of psychosocial functioning in children with EBD. We suggest that specific movement interventions should be adopted to complement existing provision for children at risk of psychosocial problems.

Ehlers and Clark's (2000) cognitive model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) highlights the importance of negative appraisals in maintaining posttraumatic stress. Recent research suggests that alienation appraisals, defined as feeling disconnected from the self and others, mediate the association between traumatic experiences and subsequent PTSD symptoms. To our knowledge, no systematic review has yet explored the relation between alienation appraisals and PTSD symptoms in trauma-exposed adults, despite the important clinical implications posed by this association. A systematic search of the SCOPUS, Web of Science, PsycInfo, MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, and PILOTS databases resulted in 470 studies, nine of which met full inclusion criteria. Studies were quality-assessed for risk of bias using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD) quality assessment tool. A random-effects meta-analysis for the association between alienation appraisals and PTSD symptoms showed a large total effect size, r = .57, 95% CI [.46, .66], z = 8.41, p < .001. This large effect suggests that as alienation appraisals increase, PTSD symptoms increase. Although a strong positive association was found between alienation and PTSD symptoms, the mechanism of this association remains unclear. Limitations of the research included significant heterogeneity across studies and the fact that data were correlational. Future research to explore why alienation appraisals are significant in posttraumatic stress may further help to inform therapeutic approaches to targeting alienation appraisals in trauma survivors. Recommendations are made for the clinical assessment of alienation appraisals when exploring the impact of the traumatic experience on the survivor.