Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice and policy
May 1, 2016
Vincent R Starnino
28 citations
Spirituality can help people cope with trauma, but little is known about this relationship in those with severe psychiatric disorders, who often have trauma histories and identify as spiritual or religious. In a qualitative study of people with co-occurring psychiatric disabilities and trauma histories, participants used spiritual coping strategies such as prayer, meditation, and spiritual readings. One participant worked through spiritual struggles by shifting from a belief in a punishing God to seeing oneself as part of oneness with humanity. The study also examined meaning-making and posttraumatic growth, noting unique challenges like intrusive ruminations and voices with spiritual themes.
Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice and policy
July 1, 2016
Tobias Hecker, Eva Barnewitz, Hakon Stenmark et al.
27 citations
In the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, pathological spirit possession is a common explanation for unexplainable mental and physical health problems, especially among people affected by war. Among 73 formerly possessed individuals, mostly women, the most frequent explanation was that a family member or neighbor sent the spirit out of jealousy or conflict. Lifetime spirit possession was linked to more severe PTSD symptoms, depression, shame, guilt, psychotic symptoms, and physical complaints. Possession in the prior four weeks was linked to PTSD, impaired functioning, and psychotic symptoms. The findings suggest pathological spirit possession serves as a broad cultural framework for distress, including but not limited to trauma-related disorders.
Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice and policy
December 1, 2024
Brandon Weiss, Lê-Anh L Dinh-Williams, Nick Beller et al.
16 citations
A mixed-methods case series of eight military veterans with moderate posttraumatic stress symptoms who participated in a three-day ayahuasca intervention in Central America found that most participants showed reliable or clinically significant reductions in PTSD symptoms after treatment, and most of those improvements were maintained at a three-month follow-up. Veterans also reported improvements in momentary PTSD symptoms and daily negative and positive affect. Perceived benefits included deep positive emotions, acceptance, and a sense of purpose, though adverse acute experiences were also reported. The study provides preliminary support for lasting benefits of a brief ayahuasca intervention on PTSD and mood symptoms in veterans.
Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice and policy
July 1, 2025
Joseph Wielgosz, Robyn D Walser, Eric Kuhn et al.
8 citations
A pilot randomized trial tested a free, publicly available mobile app called Mindfulness Coach (MC) tailored to veterans with PTSD. Among 173 U.S. veterans, those assigned to self-guided use of the app showed medium reductions in PTSD symptoms and depression after eight weeks compared with a waitlist control group, but no change in psychosocial functioning. Higher-intensity users experienced greater benefits. App engagement was lower for women and minoritized subpopulations. Study attrition was high (68.4%), but diagnostic tests indicated no bias from missing data. Usability and helpfulness ratings were favorable. The findings suggest MC holds promise as a public health resource for veterans with PTSD, though further study is needed to confirm benefits and ensure consistent engagement across groups.
Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice and policy
December 1, 2024
Dana Rose Garfin, Alexandra Amador, Jessica Osorio et al.
8 citations
Women experiencing homelessness with trauma exposure, PTSD, and substance use disorder found mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) activities—including yoga, meditation, body scans, class discussion, and home practice—highly acceptable and feasible. Between 71% and 89% rated each activity as 'a great deal helpful.' Focus groups with 28 women at a drug treatment site yielded four themes: perceived feasibility and effectiveness of MBSR, strategies for recruitment and retention, and characteristics of the trainer. Recommendations support trauma-sensitive implementation of MBSR in community-based programs for this population.
Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice and policy
December 1, 2024
Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
1 citation
Trauma treatment has expanded to include holistic approaches such as yoga, mindfulness, arts, animal-assisted therapy, physical activity, and psychedelics, driven by clients seeking mind-body healing. Effective care now accounts for individual and cultural differences and recognizes clients' inherent strengths and resilience. This special issue presents current research on trauma-affected populations, symptoms, and treatment modalities from traditional to cutting-edge, along with resources for clinicians on treatment compliance and self-care.
Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice and policy
October 31, 2024
Caitlin L Mclean, Ashley Faytol, Gage M Chu et al.
1 citation
A brief mobile version of the Mantram Repetition Program (mMRP), a meditation-focused approach, was tested with 36 veterans who had significant PTSD symptoms. Participants completed four weekly video modules and used their mantram 4 to 5 days per week. The program was rated as acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. PTSD symptoms and general health improved from before to after the program, but depression and insomnia did not change significantly. Adding text message support did not improve outcomes over self-directed use; support was mostly used for administrative needs. Veterans suggested adding more guidance on using the skills and alternative support options. The findings indicate that mMRP can be delivered briefly and that veterans learn and use the technique.
Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice and policy
March 1, 2026
Jessica O'Connell, Michelle H Lim, Ilias Kamitsis et al.
Among 64 young people using an early psychosis service, 20% (12 individuals) who had both a history of trauma and hallucinations reported a hallucination that contained a sensory-perceptual element matching a traumatic experience or posttraumatic intrusion. However, 71% of those hallucinations also included novel content not directly from the trauma. The groups with and without such matching hallucinations did not differ in severity of childhood trauma, posttraumatic intrusions, hyperarousal, dissociation, or rates of PTSD diagnoses. The findings suggest that for a clinically significant minority, hallucinations may incorporate intrusive traumatic memories, but additional processes likely contribute to hallucination content.
Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice and policy
December 1, 2024
correction
A correction was issued for a study on ayahuasca for PTSD in military veterans because scoring errors overstated symptom severity. The original study examined eight military veterans with PTSD who attended a 3-day ayahuasca intervention. After correction, the veterans had moderate rather than clinical PTSD symptoms. The proportion showing reliable change in PTSD symptoms after treatment was revised from 87.5% to 71.4%, and some participants already met criteria for clinically significant change at baseline, affecting outcome interpretation. The original abstract reported that most participants showed reliable or clinically significant symptom changes after treatment, with some benefits maintained at 3 months, and that veterans reported improvements in daily PTSD symptoms and mood, though adverse acute experiences occurred.