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- Title
- The Examination of a Mobile Application for the Reduction of Posttraumatic Stress Related Symptoms in Emergency Dispatchers.
- Creator
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Willis, Emy, Beidel, Deborah, Bowers, Clint, Neer, Sandra, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Emergency dispatchers report that their jobs are stressful, yet there are few controlled investigations examining their specific psychological complaints. Additionally, research examining the use of interventions directed at alleviating their work-related stress is limited. This study aims to examine the efficacy and feasibility of a mobile application (PTSD Coach) on various indicators of psychosocial well-being among emergency telecommunicator dispatchers. A sample of 117 emergency...
Show moreEmergency dispatchers report that their jobs are stressful, yet there are few controlled investigations examining their specific psychological complaints. Additionally, research examining the use of interventions directed at alleviating their work-related stress is limited. This study aims to examine the efficacy and feasibility of a mobile application (PTSD Coach) on various indicators of psychosocial well-being among emergency telecommunicator dispatchers. A sample of 117 emergency dispatchers completed self-report psychological mood assessments at baseline, weekly for five weeks during PTSD Coach use and post-treatment. Participant report of psychological symptoms showed statistically significant decreases in mood severity over the period of one month.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007556, ucf:52595
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007556
- Title
- THE ROLE OF EXPECTATIONS IN THE PERCEIVED USEFULNESS AND ACCEPTANCE OF VIRTUAL REALITY AS A PREVENTATIVE TECHNIQUE FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.
- Creator
-
Kreutzer, Christine, Bowers, Clint, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Expectancy theory is based on the subjective probability (expectancy) and projected value (valence). Based on this notion, an individual chooses his or her behaviors based on the interaction between the valences perceived to be associated with the outcomes, and the appraisal of the probability of that behavior resulting in those outcomes. Expectancies have been found to be predictive of many outcomes, such as treatment outcomes, behavioral change, and training reactions. The goal of the...
Show moreExpectancy theory is based on the subjective probability (expectancy) and projected value (valence). Based on this notion, an individual chooses his or her behaviors based on the interaction between the valences perceived to be associated with the outcomes, and the appraisal of the probability of that behavior resulting in those outcomes. Expectancies have been found to be predictive of many outcomes, such as treatment outcomes, behavioral change, and training reactions. The goal of the present study is to empirically investigate this issue within the mental health field. While virtual reality appears to be a promising preventative technique for post-traumatic stress disorder, the literature has not yet accounted for expectations and their influence on reactions. More specifically, it is unknown how expectancies influence reactions. Therefore, this study examines videogame self-efficacy as a mechanism through which expectations influence reactions. In the present study 60 participants completed an expectancy scale, VGSE scale, played a serious game designed to prepare soldiers for the psychological challenges associated with deployment, and completed a reactions survey. A mediation analysis was conducted to examine if videogame self-efficacy is a mechanism through which expectations predict reactions. Analyses revealed that videogame self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between expectancies and reactions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004523, ucf:45189
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004523
- Title
- EXPLORING MDMA AND ITS THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL.
- Creator
-
Christian, Michael, Gilson, Richard, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The clinical application of MDMA has long been an issue of great interest for doctors, counselors, researchers, and users alike. Originally synthesized by a pharmaceutical company and subsequently tested on military personnel, the drug was then used by many clinicians and physicians prior to the DEA's strict regulation of the drug, which began in the mid 1980s (Mithoefer et al, 2010). The DEA has classified MDMA a "Schedule 1" drug, which means that it among the most controlled substances, a...
Show moreThe clinical application of MDMA has long been an issue of great interest for doctors, counselors, researchers, and users alike. Originally synthesized by a pharmaceutical company and subsequently tested on military personnel, the drug was then used by many clinicians and physicians prior to the DEA's strict regulation of the drug, which began in the mid 1980s (Mithoefer et al, 2010). The DEA has classified MDMA a "Schedule 1" drug, which means that it among the most controlled substances, a fact which has hindered the progress of research. For a detailed explanation of the DEA's scheduling of controlled substances, please refer to appendix A. Exception was made to this restriction, however, in 2003 when the US government permitted one organization, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies ("MAPS," for short), to conduct studies wherein the drug was to be administered to human participants in a clinically controlled experimental environment - a setting which allows for many of the most prevalent confounds found in MDMA research to be minimized and, in some cases, eliminated (Mithoefer et al., 2007; Mithoefer et al, 2010; MAPS.org, 2012). Though MAPS' studies are only just beginning, they have already had promising results in treating protracted cases of PTSD. These recent developments in MDMA research and the results of the subsequent studies have piqued the interest of academics and advocates alike as well as motive numerous other organizations to lend their support to the MAPS organization. This literature review aims to provide an overview of past and present paradigms within the body of MDMA research in order to provide an informational framework within which the recent works regarding the drug's therapeutic merit can be adequately examined.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004218, ucf:44951
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004218
- Title
- Odorants, memory, and presence in warfighters: Do the scents of war matter?.
- Creator
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Munyan, Benson, Neer, Sandra, Beidel, Deborah, Jentsch, Florian, Joseph, Dana, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Background: Exposure therapy (EXP) is a first-line intervention for combat-related PTSD. EXP works by repeatedly exposing the patient to the feared stimuli, situation, or physical sensations in the absence of actual danger until the stimuli no longer evoke maladaptive responses. Over the past decade, multiple technologies have been introduced to augment the EXP process by presenting multi-sensory cues (e.g., sights, smells, sounds) to increase patients' sense of presence. Exploratory research...
Show moreBackground: Exposure therapy (EXP) is a first-line intervention for combat-related PTSD. EXP works by repeatedly exposing the patient to the feared stimuli, situation, or physical sensations in the absence of actual danger until the stimuli no longer evoke maladaptive responses. Over the past decade, multiple technologies have been introduced to augment the EXP process by presenting multi-sensory cues (e.g., sights, smells, sounds) to increase patients' sense of presence. Exploratory research has only broadly examined the effect of odorants on the patient's sense of presence during simulated exposure tasks. This study hypothesized that those with autobiographical memories similar to the virtual environment (VE) and those who received odorants would report experiencing more presence than experimental controls. Methods: 61 veterans and civilian subjects were randomized and asked to participate in a virtual environment simulating a routine OIF/OEF/OND convoy. The effects of odorants and autobiographical memory on presence were assessed via electrodermal activity, respiration, heart rate variability, and self-report measures. Results: Odorants did not significantly influence presence. A relationship between military experience and presence, HRV, and realism was observed. Conclusion: Odorants did not have a statistically significant effect on presence while engaged in a simulated exposure task, which was inconsistent with previous research. The rationale for these findings and recommendations for future research are made.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007060, ucf:51999
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007060
- Title
- Habituation Trajectory During Exposure Therapy: Comparing Trauma Frequency and Trauma Type.
- Creator
-
Marks, Madeline, Bowers, Clint, Beidel, Deborah, Newins, Amie, Jasinski, Jana, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The current DSM-5 criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affords heterogeneous symptom presentations; however, current treatment fails to consider differences in trauma frequency and trauma type. These different symptom profiles that exist within the PTSD framework lead to questions about the generalizability of treatment outcomes from one group to another group. One group of interest is those that experience multiple traumatic events and report multiple index traumas (trauma...
Show moreThe current DSM-5 criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affords heterogeneous symptom presentations; however, current treatment fails to consider differences in trauma frequency and trauma type. These different symptom profiles that exist within the PTSD framework lead to questions about the generalizability of treatment outcomes from one group to another group. One group of interest is those that experience multiple traumatic events and report multiple index traumas (trauma frequency). The second group of interest is those with a PTSD diagnosis from occupational exposure to traumatic events (trauma type). Appreciation of the reinforcement schedule may be particularly crucial for understanding treatment response. The current study aims to investigate habituation responses during exposure therapy to inform treatment modifications and decisions. Exposure therapy process variables, session variables, and PTSD severity were examined for a sample of 128 participants that sought treatment for combat-related PTSD or occupation-related PTSD, some of whom endorsed multiple index traumas, and some of whom endorsed a single index trauma. Results revealed no significant differences based on trauma frequency or trauma type for within-session and between-session habituation. This suggests that the effectiveness of a flooding approach to extinguish avoidance behavior may overcome the impact of reinforcement schedule on fear habituation. The results of the present study contribute to the growing body of literature that suggests the exclusion of patients based on the pre-treatment characteristics of trauma frequency and trauma type is unfounded.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007676, ucf:52458
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007676
- Title
- A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MEDICAL AND LITERARY REPRESENTATIONS OF SHELL SHOCK, 1914-50.
- Creator
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Das, Madison, Kane, Louise, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis explores shell shock--a common but misunderstood disorder seen in soldiers of World War One--through a Medical Humanities framework. Chapter 1 conducts a traditional medical review of scientific articles published on the pathology, symptoms, and treatment of shell shock between 1914-50. Chapter 2 builds upon this by offering a literary reading of Rebecca West's novel, The Return of the Soldier, which was published as the war drew to a close in 1918. The reading of West draws upon...
Show moreThis thesis explores shell shock--a common but misunderstood disorder seen in soldiers of World War One--through a Medical Humanities framework. Chapter 1 conducts a traditional medical review of scientific articles published on the pathology, symptoms, and treatment of shell shock between 1914-50. Chapter 2 builds upon this by offering a literary reading of Rebecca West's novel, The Return of the Soldier, which was published as the war drew to a close in 1918. The reading of West draws upon the medical research detailed in Chapter 1 to offer new conclusions about Chris's shell shock. The thesis shows how taking an interdisciplinary approach to shell shock enables the development of new perspectives of and approaches to shell shock, its history and significance, and its links to present-day mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000543, ucf:45655
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000543
- Title
- THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE.
- Creator
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Merkley, Melissa J, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Although previous research identified exposure to significant adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as harmful to individuals in several psychological and physiological health domains, research examining the mechanisms of action driving this relationship has been lacking. As a result, the current study examined the role that psychological symptoms serve in the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors. The current study included a sample of 183 participants (i.e., 82 men and 101...
Show moreAlthough previous research identified exposure to significant adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as harmful to individuals in several psychological and physiological health domains, research examining the mechanisms of action driving this relationship has been lacking. As a result, the current study examined the role that psychological symptoms serve in the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors. The current study included a sample of 183 participants (i.e., 82 men and 101 women) who completed five questionnaires assessing exposure to ACEs; psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and substance misuse behaviors. Correlational analyses indicated significant associations among the variables of interest. Exposure to ACEs was a significant predictor of substance misuse behaviors in both men and women. Additionally, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and PTSD symptoms were significant predictors of men's substance misuse behaviors, whereas only PTSD symptoms were a significant predictor of women's substance misuse behaviors. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD each contributed unique and significant variance to the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors in men, consistent with partial mediations. A different pattern of prediction was evident for women. Such findings suggested that psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD may serve as a risk factor for substance misuse behaviors in men later in life, especially when they have had a history of ACEs. These results demonstrated the importance of promoting trauma-informed mental health care to remediate negative substance outcomes, particularly in those who have had significant ACEs. The importance of studying the relationships among these variables is discussed further.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000557, ucf:45609
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000557
- Title
- PRE-SCREEN OF TRAITS THAT LEAD TO POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.
- Creator
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Lee, Krystal, Hancock, Peter, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that is affecting many lives and families. Since it is believed that over 50% of Americans will experience a traumatic event and 25% will experience multiple traumatic events, PTSD is an issue that cannot be overlooked. Although PTSD is most commonly associated with war victims, the official definition of PTSD was stated in the DSM-IV as "an extreme traumatic stressor involving direct personal experience or that involves actual or threatened...
Show morePost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that is affecting many lives and families. Since it is believed that over 50% of Americans will experience a traumatic event and 25% will experience multiple traumatic events, PTSD is an issue that cannot be overlooked. Although PTSD is most commonly associated with war victims, the official definition of PTSD was stated in the DSM-IV as "an extreme traumatic stressor involving direct personal experience or that involves actual or threatened death or serious injury or other threat to one's physical integrity; or witness to an event that involves death, injury, or a threat to the integrity of another person..." This definition shows that PTSD can be generalized to not only war victims but to anyone who has a traumatic experience.This study shows 82% of the participants are likely to experience PTSD if exposed to a traumatic event. This study provides a pre-screen of traits that likely lead to PTSD, in hopes to raise awareness and provide a potential cure and preventative measure in the future. Current forms of treatment include cognitive therapy; however, there is no solution. The usage of simulations such as Virtual Reality Exposure (VRE) could provide both a treatment but also a preventative measure.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0003850, ucf:44690
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003850
- Title
- Neurological Reactivity to Personalized Odors and Sounds in Combat-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
- Creator
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Gramlich, Michael, Neer, Sandra, Beidel, Deborah, Bohil, Corey, Batien, Bryan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a neurophysiological procedure that offers immense clinical utility due to its cost effectiveness, ease of use, and mobile application. Using fNIRS to measure neurological reactions to personalized trauma-related cues might strengthen diagnostic screening, tailor treatment planning, and improve detection of remission among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Odors elicit strong emotional responses but remain underutilized in...
Show moreFunctional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a neurophysiological procedure that offers immense clinical utility due to its cost effectiveness, ease of use, and mobile application. Using fNIRS to measure neurological reactions to personalized trauma-related cues might strengthen diagnostic screening, tailor treatment planning, and improve detection of remission among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Odors elicit strong emotional responses but remain underutilized in clinical research. This fNIRS study examined whether personalizing combat-related odors and sounds to have a higher or lower match to distressing combat experiences increased the observed neurological effect among combat veterans with and without combat-related PTSD. This study gathered data from 58 male, right-handed combat veterans of Iraq or Afghanistan, ages 26 to 68, recruited from the community. The results indicated a significant increase in activation at the left ventral lateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) following an interaction between higher PTSD severity and higher match ratings for the combat-related odors (R2 = .20, p = .003; f2 = .25). Furthermore, the left VLPFC showed a significant increase in activation following an interaction between having a PTSD diagnosis and higher match ratings for the combat-related odors (R2 = .25, p = .005; f2 = .33). The findings for the combat-related sounds were less clear. The left VLPFC is associated with facilitating regulation of memory and emotional processes. Overall, the presentation of odors with higher similarity to distressing combat experiences altered the neurological response of the prefrontal cortex and may contribute to better understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms of combat-related PTSD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007809, ucf:52357
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007809
- Title
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder or Combat Experience? A Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy Study of Trauma-related Auditory and Olfactory Cues.
- Creator
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Gramlich, Michael, Neer, Sandra, Bowers, Clint, Beidel, Deborah, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
While the clinical communities are aware of the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among OEF/OIF/OND veterans, further efforts are necessary to bolster comprehensive strategies for assessment and treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a combat-related PTSD symptom provocation paradigm would elicit unique neurological responses via functional near-infrared spectroscopy across three groups (-) combat veterans with PTSD, combat veterans without PTSD, and...
Show moreWhile the clinical communities are aware of the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among OEF/OIF/OND veterans, further efforts are necessary to bolster comprehensive strategies for assessment and treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a combat-related PTSD symptom provocation paradigm would elicit unique neurological responses via functional near-infrared spectroscopy across three groups (-) combat veterans with PTSD, combat veterans without PTSD, and nonmilitary participants without PTSD. Results indicated that combat veterans with PTSD demonstrated significant activation during exposure to a trauma-related sound compared to nonmilitary personnel at channels 14 (d = 1.03) and 15 (d = 1.30) and combat veterans without PTSD at channel 14 (d = 0.87). Specifically, this increased neural activation was approximately located in the right superior/medial prefrontal cortex (BA 9/10), associated with evaluating cue-familiarity and emotional detachment. Results were less clear with respect to a combat-related odor. These results suggest a specific neurophysiological response to trauma-related cues and if replicated, may offer a biomarker for combat-related PTSD. Such a response could provide incremental validity over diagnostic assessments alone and assist in planning and monitoring of treatment outcome.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006596, ucf:51297
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006596
- Title
- Combat Related Guilt and the Mechanisms of Intensive Exposure Therapy.
- Creator
-
Trachik, Benjamin, Bowers, Clint, Beidel, Deborah, Jentsch, Florian, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly prevalent in military populations, and is associated with significant medical costs. Due to these high costs and corresponding health infrastructure required to meet the needs of military service personnel, it is essential that the most effective and efficient treatments be implemented. Exposure therapy (EXP) is one of the most widely used and empirically supported treatments for PTSD; however, some researchers have questioned its efficacy with...
Show morePosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly prevalent in military populations, and is associated with significant medical costs. Due to these high costs and corresponding health infrastructure required to meet the needs of military service personnel, it is essential that the most effective and efficient treatments be implemented. Exposure therapy (EXP) is one of the most widely used and empirically supported treatments for PTSD; however, some researchers have questioned its efficacy with specific populations and in targeting specific symptoms. One such symptom, guilt, has garnered increased attention in the PTSD treatment literature, as it is associated with worse symptomatology and outcomes. The current study examined cognitive changes in guilt in response to Intensive (3-week) and standard (17-week) Trauma Management Therapy (TMT) and the impact of these cognitions on the mechanisms underlying TMT treatment. Sample size for these analyses varied by the measure being considered. 102 individuals completed the PCL-M, 42 individuals completed the TRGI, and 39 individuals completed the CAPS supplemental guilt items. Results suggest that a secondary benefit in guilt symptoms is achieved by targeting anxious-related distress with exposure therapy. Furthermore, in this sample guilt did not seem to inhibit the mechanisms or effectiveness of exposure therapy.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006510, ucf:51365
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006510
- Title
- Sleep Disturbances Among Combat Military Veterans: A Comparative Study.
- Creator
-
Stout, Jeremy, Beidel, Deborah, Neer, Sandra, Bowers, Clint, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The sleep characteristics of 37 military combat veterans (17 with PTSD and 20 without PTSD) of recent wars were analyzed to determine if combat deployment, with its resultant wartime sleep restriction, may be an alternative explanation for the sleep duration complaints found among combat veterans with PTSD (as determined by PCL-M scores). Participants completed sleep actigraphy and a self-report measure of sleep duration over a 1-week period. Although strongly correlated, a comparison of...
Show moreThe sleep characteristics of 37 military combat veterans (17 with PTSD and 20 without PTSD) of recent wars were analyzed to determine if combat deployment, with its resultant wartime sleep restriction, may be an alternative explanation for the sleep duration complaints found among combat veterans with PTSD (as determined by PCL-M scores). Participants completed sleep actigraphy and a self-report measure of sleep duration over a 1-week period. Although strongly correlated, a comparison of subjective (e.g., self-report) and objective (e.g., actigraphy) sleep duration revealed a significant difference in sleep duration based on method of assessment. With respect to group differences, actigraphy data did not reveal a significant difference in sleep duration based on the presence of PTSD, whereas there was a significant difference based on self-report. Veterans without PTSD self- reported a significantly longer sleep duration than what was recorded by actigraphy; a difference of one hour and 11 minutes (p = 0.000); the difference was one hour and nine minutes. In an effort to determine why veterans without PTSD perceived that they slept longer than they actually did, factors related to sleep quality were examined. The results indicated that measures of hyper arousal (anger, anxiety, nightmares) were significantly correlated with sleep duration, suggesting a pattern of autonomic arousal that is known to interfere with restful sleep. Further research is necessary to determine if the sleep of veteran with PTSD is actually different from that of combat veterans without PTSD, and if such differences are actually amenable to treatment for PTSD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006232, ucf:51055
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006232
- Title
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: The effect of age and military status on the military population's awareness of community mental health resources.
- Creator
-
Stapp, Susan, Kaplan, Jeffrey, Cornell, Richard, Moskal, Patsy, Brophy-Ellison, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study sought to explore the existence of a relationship between age and/or military affiliation (active, veteran, or family member) and awareness of local community mental health programs available for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. The study separated age from military affiliation to better distinguish between influences on awareness level. Considerations that remain critical regarding post-traumatic stress disorder were described and used to guide a comprehensive...
Show moreThis study sought to explore the existence of a relationship between age and/or military affiliation (active, veteran, or family member) and awareness of local community mental health programs available for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. The study separated age from military affiliation to better distinguish between influences on awareness level. Considerations that remain critical regarding post-traumatic stress disorder were described and used to guide a comprehensive review of the literature to find directions to fulfill the goal of this study. A survey was conducted and 586 active military, veterans, and their family members responded to an instrument that contained 40 items. This study was constrained to three items from the survey; age, military affiliation, self-rated awareness of treatment for PTSD. Multiple analysis techniques found no significant (p (<) .05) correlation between either age and awareness or military affiliation and awareness. Further analysis found a significant (p = .003) correlation between veterans and awareness, as well as between family members of veterans (p = .017) and awareness. Veterans and their family members indicated a greater awareness of local community mental health programs available for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder than did active troops and/or their family members. The significance of this finding presents new opportunities to study and improve both the marketing and the delivery of mental health treatment for PTSD to the active military population. Multiple opportunities for future research are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005266, ucf:50586
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005266
- Title
- CANINE-ASSISTED THERAPIES AMONG U.S. VETERANS WITH POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.
- Creator
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Kondos, Olivia A, Bushy, Angeline, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
A sizeable number of U.S. veterans of all ages experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can impact their quality of life; physically, mentally and socially. Consequences of PTSD are associated with physical and emotional disabilities, including ideation of self-harm and even suicide. Increasingly, animal-assisted therapies (AAT) are used to treat PTSD and other physical and behavioral conditions in veterans. Over the decades, AATs have used dogs, cats, horses, and dolphins among...
Show moreA sizeable number of U.S. veterans of all ages experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can impact their quality of life; physically, mentally and socially. Consequences of PTSD are associated with physical and emotional disabilities, including ideation of self-harm and even suicide. Increasingly, animal-assisted therapies (AAT) are used to treat PTSD and other physical and behavioral conditions in veterans. Over the decades, AATs have used dogs, cats, horses, and dolphins among other animals. The purpose of this integrative review is to examine the use of AAT focusing on canine assisted therapy (CAT) among veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The methodology involved database searches, including MEDLINE, PubMed, PsychInfo, EBSCOhost, along with textbooks and popular media published from 2000 to 2016. Associated with the lack of more recent research, relevant articles published before 2000 were included in the review. Search terms included, 'veterans,' 'service dogs,' 'service animals,' 'animal-assisted therapy,' 'canine therapy,' 'PTSD,' 'post-traumatic stress disorder,' 'psychiatric,' 'U.S. veterans,' 'equine therapy,' 'horse therapy,' 'pet therapy,' and 'military veterans.' A total of ten relevant studies were identified which focused on the use of AAT among veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Different populations diagnosed with PTSD and other behavioral and psychiatric health conditions using AAT were examined as well. These articles were read, analyzed, and synthesized. Results of the review offer some support that AAT has psychological, physiological and psychosocial benefits for some populations across the lifespan with various diagnoses. Consistent and conflicting findings along with gaps in the literature are highlighted. Limitations and implications for nursing practice, research, policy and education also are noted in this thesis.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH0000239, ucf:44680
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0000239
- Title
- Vicarious Trauma, Emotional Intelligence, and The Impact On Job Satisfaction In Residence Life Staff.
- Creator
-
Hodge, Lynell, Owens, J. Thomas, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Allen, Kay, Preston, Michael, Winton, Mark, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
(")There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.(") ? Laurell K. Hamilton,Due to the proximity of working with and engaging students, residence life staff members, have a unique work experience. This functional area of student affairs is responding to myriad student needs. Staff are responding to varying levels of campus emergencies, student illness, and assault (physical or sexual) on a given workday or workweek (Ojo (&) Thomas, 2012...
Show more(")There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.(") ? Laurell K. Hamilton,Due to the proximity of working with and engaging students, residence life staff members, have a unique work experience. This functional area of student affairs is responding to myriad student needs. Staff are responding to varying levels of campus emergencies, student illness, and assault (physical or sexual) on a given workday or workweek (Ojo (&) Thomas, 2012). One study found college students' on-campus lifestyle and routine activities can create opportunities for victimization (Fisher, Sloan, Cullen, Lu, (&) 1998). What cumulative impact does responding to these victimizations have on residence life staff members? This study will investigate the relationship between the exposures to vicarious trauma, considering emotional intelligence as a mitigating factor to explain job satisfaction of residence life staff members. Taking a closer look at how the continued exposure to victimization of others (in this case students), the individual's job satisfaction provides context to burnout and attrition, specifically in residence life professionals. Understanding how secondary exposure can impact a professional is a concern that has been studied in other professions such as nursing, social work, and mental health counseling. The findings have provided invaluable insight to the professional's experience. This study will attempt to do the same by exploring how these three variables interact with each other, through the use of three scales, Vicarious Trauma Scale (VTS), Genos-Emotional Intelligence Inventory (Genos-I), and Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS). ?
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006325, ucf:51549
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006325
- Title
- Health Behaviors in Military Veterans with and without Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
- Creator
-
Kitsmiller, Emily, Neer, Sandra, Beidel, Deborah, Bowers, Clint, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
A link between posttraumatic stress disorder and health behaviors, such as exercise, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine has been suggested. However, it is unknown whether veterans with combat-related PTSD differ from combat veterans without PTSD and whether health behaviors change over the course of exposure therapy for PTSD or differ based on PTSD severity. This study examined the relationship between health behaviors and PTSD. More specifically, combat veterans with and without PTSD were...
Show moreA link between posttraumatic stress disorder and health behaviors, such as exercise, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine has been suggested. However, it is unknown whether veterans with combat-related PTSD differ from combat veterans without PTSD and whether health behaviors change over the course of exposure therapy for PTSD or differ based on PTSD severity. This study examined the relationship between health behaviors and PTSD. More specifically, combat veterans with and without PTSD were compared across self-reported levels of alcohol use, smoking, exercise, and caffeine. Health behaviors of combat veterans with PTSD were compared before and after a 17-week treatment for PTSD. Results showed a significant number of participants decreased alcohol use at post-treatment by an average of eight drinks over 30 days, regardless of their PTSD severity level or amount of improvement in PTSD symptoms. No significant differences were found for other health behaviors.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006891, ucf:51711
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006891
- Title
- Re-Conceptualizing Compassion Fatigue: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis.
- Creator
-
Marks, Madeline, Bowers, Clint, Beidel, Deborah, Jentsch, Florian, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Those who are not directly in danger themselves can and do experience negative effects, sometimes at higher rates than those directly exposed. These individuals who experience indirect exposure are often those who work in (")helping(") professions. Helping professionals include psychologists, physicians, nurses, social workers, and first responders, among others. Joinson (1992) described a phenomenon unique to helping professionals, which was termed compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue...
Show moreThose who are not directly in danger themselves can and do experience negative effects, sometimes at higher rates than those directly exposed. These individuals who experience indirect exposure are often those who work in (")helping(") professions. Helping professionals include psychologists, physicians, nurses, social workers, and first responders, among others. Joinson (1992) described a phenomenon unique to helping professionals, which was termed compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue describes these negative affects experienced by helping professionals as a cumulative process. These negative changes can be related to mood and/or a transformation in cognitions. Further, these changes are the result of the empathy and emotionally intense contact with people who experienced a traumatic event, which results in maladaptive psychological consequences that influence the ability to perform the role of a (")helper(") (Bride, Robinson, Yegidis, (&) Figley, 2004; Figley, 1995; McCann (&) Pearlman, 1990; McHolm, 2006; Pearlman (&) Saakvitne, 1995; Stamm, 1995). To measure compassion fatigue, the Professional Quality of Life Scale (Stamm, 2005, 2010) has emerged as the most widely used assessment of compassion fatigue. However, not enough theoretical information and psychometric data on the ProQOL exist to support compassion fatigue as the construct to explain the experiences of those in helping professions. The present study examines the most widely used measure of compassion fatigue, the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL-5; Stamm, 2010). Specifically, the current study examines the factor validity of the ProQOL-5 using confirmatory factor analysis. In light of the lack of model fit, the construct of compassion fatigue offers a unique and worthy view of the negative consequences of helping others. As a result, the current study proposes a novel approach to clarify a method for measurement and clear-up conceptual overlaps between related constructs. This novel method uses the framework of the information processing model of Whiting (1969).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006475, ucf:51434
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006475
- Title
- Yellowstone Exodus.
- Creator
-
Herceg, John, Poissant, David, Thaxton, Terry, Trouard, Dawn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Yellowstone Exodus, a novella, is a reminder of society's fragility in the wake of naturally occurring catastrophes. The first of three parts, Yellowstone Exodus is book one in a trilogy of novellas intended to entertain, inspire, and forewarn its reader. Beginning in Denver, Colorado, this story redefines brotherhood and friendship as two best friends, Clayton Rudd and Raymond Montero, set out on a journey to reach the Montero family home in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Obstacles awaiting them...
Show moreYellowstone Exodus, a novella, is a reminder of society's fragility in the wake of naturally occurring catastrophes. The first of three parts, Yellowstone Exodus is book one in a trilogy of novellas intended to entertain, inspire, and forewarn its reader. Beginning in Denver, Colorado, this story redefines brotherhood and friendship as two best friends, Clayton Rudd and Raymond Montero, set out on a journey to reach the Montero family home in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Obstacles awaiting them include a nightmarish environment caused by the Yellowstone super-volcanic eruption, hostile enforcement of state borders in a nation stripped of its federal government, and the prisons of their own physical, mental, and spiritual endurances. The struggle of these men dwells deeper than simply living during the time of the great American diaspora, as they will need to deal with addiction, PTSD, depression, and denial. Encounters with strangers, along their way, establish impressions and illuminate an understanding of a super-power nation's freshly dispossessed population.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006115, ucf:51202
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006115
- Title
- Childhood Predictors in the Severity of Combat Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Veterans with Combat Related Exposure.
- Creator
-
Bermes, Michael, Abel, Eileen, Burg, Mary, Steen, Julie, Johnson, Ann, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Emerging research suggests that childhood adversities may increase both the risk and symptomology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in our veteran population. Over 40% of our reintegrating military veterans return with significant mental health issues led by combat-related PTSD. PTSD impacts veterans in numerous areas including unemployment, increased criminal justice involvement, increased treatment costs, divorce, co-morbid mental illness, greater levels of domestic violence,...
Show moreEmerging research suggests that childhood adversities may increase both the risk and symptomology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in our veteran population. Over 40% of our reintegrating military veterans return with significant mental health issues led by combat-related PTSD. PTSD impacts veterans in numerous areas including unemployment, increased criminal justice involvement, increased treatment costs, divorce, co-morbid mental illness, greater levels of domestic violence, homelessness, high college dropout rates, suicide, and long term health problems. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of childhood adversities (abuse, neglect, and poverty) upon the severity of combat-related PTSD in veteran populations. Specifically, the researcher examines the direct effects of: (1) childhood trauma; (2) childhood neglect; and (3) childhood poverty (as assessed based on socioeconomic status [SES]) upon the severity of combat-related PTSD. This study of student veterans (n=102) receiving services from a veteran service center at a major metropolitan university in Central Florida is a non-experimental, explanatory, retrospective survey design using structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the relationships among study variables. Findings strongly supported a relationship between childhood trauma and neglect and the severity of combat-related PTSD. Similarly, findings also supported that no relationship existed between childhood SES and the severity of combat-related PTSD. Both childhood trauma and neglect were significantly associated with combat-related PTSD at an even greater effect than that of combat exposure. SES was not found to be significant in the severity of combat-related PTSD. The findings suggest that preventive screening policies to reduce costs and severity of combat-related PTSD might be needed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004815, ucf:49739
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004815
- Title
- Hidden Scars: The Art of PTSD.
- Creator
-
Gonzalez, Gabriel, Price, Mark, Kovach, Keith, Raimundi-Ortiz, Wanda, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Through the use of mixed media, I explore imagery that reveals the trauma of returning combat veterans, of which I am one, as we try to reintegrate into a society that does not understand the war that still lingers within us. In my work, I depict emotional disturbances that are related to my personal encounters with war.My working process starts by referencing mainstream media imagery, which I juxtapose against harsh images inspired by veterans' drug and alcohol use, trauma and death.My black...
Show moreThrough the use of mixed media, I explore imagery that reveals the trauma of returning combat veterans, of which I am one, as we try to reintegrate into a society that does not understand the war that still lingers within us. In my work, I depict emotional disturbances that are related to my personal encounters with war.My working process starts by referencing mainstream media imagery, which I juxtapose against harsh images inspired by veterans' drug and alcohol use, trauma and death.My black-and-white pixelated paintings feature the fragmented memories of a hostile combat environment, and although (")Out of My Mind(") depicts the chaotic emotions associated with PTSD, my whimsical style of illustration suggests a detachment from reality.Whether we call it shell shock, battle fatigue or PTSD, the war-related disorder is real. I want society to be aware of the hidden scars that our veterans carry with them. I do not anticipate my subject matter changing any time soon.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004684, ucf:49857
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004684
