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Objectives: Existing research recognizes the critical role that social, sociodemographic, and acculturative processes play in increasing vulnerability for experiencing psychological distress among second-generation migrants. However, to date, far too little attention has been given to the study of psychological distress in this social group. The main objective of this study is to examine cultural identities, as well as expressions and causes of psychological distress among second-generation Albanian-speaking migrants in Switzerland. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 13 Albanian-speaking participants between 19 and 35 years of age using the interview of the Barts Explanatory Model Inventory. Data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis using MAXQDA-2018 software. Findings: Study participants showed bicultural identities, which caused value conflicts and a feeling of being "caught" between Swiss and Albanian culture. Some participants experienced the fear of disappointing their parents. Others find it difficult to deal with conflicting norms and values. Parentification was another important cause within their cultural concept of distress. At the same time, (implicit) social support, i.e., spending time with the family and the community, was an important coping mechanism. Conclusion: Second-generation immigrants are exposed to specific risk factors for psychological distress. A better understanding of these risk factors and their coping mechanisms is essential for providing them with meaningful support services, both in prevention and psychotherapy., + ID der Publikation: hslu_106650 + Art des Beitrages: Wissenschaftliche Medien + Sprache: Englisch + Letzte Aktualisierung: 2024-07-03 14:13:16

Background: With the introduction of the ICD-11 into clinical practice, the reliable distinction between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) becomes paramount. The semi-structured clinician-administered International Trauma Interview (ITI) aims to close this gap in clinical and research settings. Objective: This study investigated the psychometric properties of the German version of the ITI among trauma-exposed clinical samples from Switzerland and Germany. Method: Participants were 143 civilian and 100 military participants, aged M = 40.3 years, of whom 53.5% were male. Indicators of reliability and validity (latent structure, internal reliability, inter-rater agreement, convergent and discriminant validity) were evaluated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and partial correlation analysis were conducted separately for civilian and military participants. Results: Prevalence of PTSD was 30% (civilian) and 33% (military) and prevalence of CPTSD was 53% (civilians) and 21% (military). Satisfactory internal consistency and inter-rater agreement were found. In the military sample, a parsimonious first-order six-factor model was preferred over a second-order two-factor CFA model of ITI PTSD and Disturbances in Self-Organization (DSO). Model fit was excellent among military participants but no solution was supported among civilian participants. Overall, convergent validity was supported by positive correlations of ITI PTSD and DSO with DSM-5 PTSD. Discriminant validity for PTSD symptoms was confirmed among civilians but low in the military sample. Conclusions: The German ITI has shown potential as a clinician-administered diagnostic tool for assessing ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD in primary care. However, further exploration of its latent structure and discriminant validity are indicated.

Background The novel concept of cultural scripts of trauma sequelae captures culture-specific expressions of posttraumatic distress (e.g., cognitive, emotional, interpersonal, psychosomatic changes) and their temporal associations. Cultural scripts of trauma sequelae complement pan-cultural (etic) diagnoses, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD, as well as the cultural syndromes concept. Objective This study aimed to develop the cultural scripts of trauma inventory (CSTI) for German-speaking Switzerland and to explore temporal associations of script elements. Method Five semi-structured focus groups were conducted with psychotraumatologists (n = 8) and Swiss trauma survivors (n = 7). The interview schedule included open questions about different domains of potential posttraumatic changes (emotions, cognitions, worldviews, interpersonal relationships, body-related experiences, behavior, and growth). Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results The Swiss CSTI includes 57 emic elements that represent salient trauma sequelae (30 conformed with a theoretically derived item pool, 27 were newly phrased). Temporal script associations were visualized in a network, whereby self-deprecation, the urge to function and overcompensate, and the urge to hide and endure suffering had the highest number of connections. Conclusion While many posttraumatic changes identified in the present work seem to mirror pan-cultural phenomena represented in the Complex PTSD concept (e.g., self-deprecation), others (e.g., urge to function and perform, urge to hide and endure suffering) may be prominently related to Swiss culture with its value orientations. Knowledge about cultural scripts of trauma sequelae may provide a culture-specific framework that can help to understand individual experiences of distress and enable mental health practitioners to administer culturally sensitive interventions. Pending further validation, the Swiss CSTI bears the potent

Hintergrund und Methode Die 11. Version der Internationalen Statistischen Klassifikation der Krankheiten und verwandter Gesundheitsprobleme (ICD-11) hat im Bereich der psychischen Störungen diverse Neuerungen implementiert, wie z. B. die Einführung der belastungsbezogenen Störungen als neue Störungsgruppe. Darin enthalten sind u. a. die posttraumatische Belastungsstörung (PTBS), die komplexe PTBS (KPTBS), die anhaltende Trauerstörung und die Anpassungsstörung. Das Ziel dieses Beitrages ist es, die genannten Störungsbilder differenziert darzustellen und wichtige Neuerungen im Vergleich zur ICD-10 herauszuarbeiten. Ergebnisse und Diskussion Die PTBS und die Anpassungsstörung wurden in der ICD-11 neu konzeptualisiert und sind im Vergleich zur ICD-10 vereinfacht und spezifischer definiert. Die KPTBS stellt ein neues Störungsbild dar, das in ihrer Psychopathologie über die PTBS hinausgeht und eine sog. Störung der Selbstorganisation aufweist. Auch die anhaltende Trauerstörung wurde in der ICD-11 neu eingeführt und besitzt ein für Personen in Trauer spezifisches Störungsprofil.

Background Older adults are an important target group for loneliness interventions. However, most existing interventions aimed at older individuals do not focus on the strategy that has proven most effective (i.e., modifying maladaptive social cognition). Additionally, given the low mental health service use in this population, innovative treatment approaches are needed in order to provide support to this age cohort. The aim of the current study was to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a newly developed internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for loneliness in older individuals using a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT). Methods In the current study N = 36 older adults aged between 65 and 87 years were randomly assigned to either a 7-week internet-based intervention or a wait-list condition. Treatment satisfaction, usability, attrition, and adherence were assessed as indicators for feasibility and acceptability. To investigate preliminary treatment effects, measures on loneliness, depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and life-satisfaction were administered. Results Overall, the intervention program was found to be acceptable and feasible. No significant difference between conditions on loneliness were observed; however, results indicated a trend towards lower reported loneliness levels in the treatment compared to the control group. Regarding secondary outcomes, results pointed at age-specific treatment effects, such that improvements on depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction were observed in the young-old, but not old-old adults in our sample. Limitations The sample was small and no follow-up assessment was included. Conclusions An internet-based CBT intervention for loneliness seems to be feasible and acceptable in older individuals.

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to culturally sensitive interventions for bereaved individuals. A particular aim is to inform future research on the development of grief interventions. Introduction: Prolonged grief disorder is associated with a range of negative psychosocial consequences, making treatment crucial for affected individuals. Culture plays a large role in the expression of grief, mourning rituals and practices or the meaning of and beliefs about death. Although there is growing interest in culturally sensitive interventions for grief, the current literature lacks a comprehensive synthesis of evidence. A scoping review is considered appropriate to fill this gap. Inclusion criteria: This review will include sources with participants having experienced bereavement following the loss of a loved one and having taken part in a culturally sensitive psychosocial grief intervention. Studies conducted in non-WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) contexts or studies targeting a cultural or subcultural group outside the majority group (regarding age, religion, sexual orientation, etc.) will be included. Methods: This review will be conducted following the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Searches will be conducted in 11 databases (Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Sociological Abstracts, IBSS, PTSDpubs, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, SocINDEX and Web of Science). Limits include language (English and German) and publication date (from 2000). The two-step screening process (titles and abstracts, full text) will be piloted, data extracted and collated. Results from the data extraction will be presented in a narrative summary and tabular form.