Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Identity Transformation After Experiences of Psychological Abuse: A Mixed-Methods Approach.

Psychological abuse (PA) is being associated with the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, few studies have focused exclusively in this type of abuse. This study aimed to examine the relationship between PA and PTSD symptoms according to gender and understand the impact of severe PA in identity transformation, in a Portuguese university sample. Using a mixed-methods approach, 158 students answered an e-survey containing closed and open-ended questions. Results indicated a positive correlation between PA and PTSD symptoms. Women were significantly different from men concerning PA, contrarily to PTSD symptoms that did not present significant gender differences. The qualitative analysis revealed two different forms of adjustment, in both genders: positive-indicating personal growth-and negative changes-impacting relationships and emotional states. The more negative changes were described, the more PTSD symptoms were presented, regardless gender. Raising awareness can help young recognize themselves as victims and prevent the development of detrimental mental health status.

Screening Tool for Psychological Intimate Partner Violence: Portuguese Validation of the Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory-Short Form (PMWI-SF) is a well-established and brief instrument for assessing psychological intimate partner violence (IPV). In the absence of a specific tool to assess psychological IPV in Portuguese women, this study sought to confirm the factor structure of the Portuguese PMWI-SF and analyze its psychometric properties. METHOD: Five hundred and six women filled out the e-survey including the assessment of IPV (Revised Conflict Tactics Scales, Psychological Abuse Survey, and PMWI-SF) and psychopathology through the Brief Symptom Inventory. Sociodemographic characteristics, construct validity, and internal consistency were analyzed, and a cutoff for the PMWI-SF was established. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis for the 2-factor structure (emotional/verbal abuse and domination/isolation) showed an excellent fit for the last 6 months and across the life span. Factors possessed good internal consistency (α ≥ .70) and test-retest reliability (r ≥ .90). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed the PMWI factors were positively correlated with proximal variables. PMWI-SF scores demonstrated excellent differentiation between women with and without psychological IPV (area under the curve [AUC] = .948; confidence interval or CI [.93, .97]). The PMWI-SF cutoff score that provided the optimal balance was 32 (sensitivity = 83.8%; specificity = 91.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The PMWI-SF is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the experience of psychological IPV in Portuguese women.

Clinically speaking, psychological abuse matters.

BACKGROUND: The adverse effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) on mental health are well-established, except in the cases of psychological abuse and men's victimization. This research study examines the prevalence and the independent contribution of psychological IPV on mental health for both genders. METHODS: The initial sample comprises 661 college students from a Portuguese public university, who completed an e-survey. Statistical analysis focused on a subsample (n=364), 23% of which were men, after removing cases of physical and/or sexual abuse. RESULTS: A total of 75% of men and 72% of women reported lifetime psychological victimization and no differences were found for sociodemographic factors, including gender. However, women reported significantly more instigations of psychological abusive acts (OR =5.41, 95% CI=1.88-15.55). Multivariate linear regression models revealed that post-traumatic stress symptoms-PTSS (ß=.51; p<.001), depression (ß=.34; p<.001) and anxiety (ß=.22; p<.001)-were predicted by psychological IPV. The strongest relationship was established between psychological IPV and PTSS, and the final model accounts for 28.6% of the variance (F(6357)=23.86, p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This article provides an empirical basis to recognize the unique and serious impact of psychological IPV on mental health, and recommends screening psychological IPV as part of the clinical routine, developing a gender-inclusive approach, and implementing evidence-based protocols tailored to the needs of these victims.

Determinantes da utilização de serviços de saúde em ex-combatentes da Guerra Colonial Portuguesa: estressepós-traumático, neuroticismo e apoio social / Determinants of health services use in veterans of Portuguese Colonial War:PTSD, neuroticism and social support

A exposição a situações traumáticas, especialmente quando dá origema sintomas do Transtorno de Estresse Pós-Traumático (TEPT), está relacionada ao aumento de queixas físicas e à maior procura dos serviços de saúde. Este estudo explora variáveis associadas à procura dos serviços de saúde em 25 ex-combatentes da Guerra Colonial Portuguesa, comparativamente a 25 não combatentes, nomeadamente exposição a trauma, sintomas de TEPT, doenças relatadas, neuroticismo e apoio social. Os resultados revelam elevada prevalência de sintomas de estresse pós-traumático nos ex-combatentes e diferenças signifi cativas entre os dois grupos quanto ao número de doenças e à procura dos serviços de saúde,superior nos ex-combatentes. Neste grupo, o neuroticismo encontra-se associado à maior procura de serviços de saúde, enquanto menor apoio social correlacionase com a procura da consulta de especialidade. Estes resultados sugerem que os profissionais deverão estar atentos aos sujeitos com sintomas de TEPT, procurandoadaptar os cuidados médicos às suas especifi cidades. (AU)

The exposure to traumatic events, especially when it origins Post-TraumaticStress Disorder (PTSD), is related to the increase of physical complaints anda larger demand of health services. This study explores variables associated withhealth services use among 25 Portuguese Colonial War Veterans, compared to 25 Non-Combatants, particularly Trauma Exposure, PTSD Symptoms, Reported Diseases, Neuroticism and Social Support. The results reveal a high prevalence ofPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans and significant diff erences between both groups in number of diseases and health services use, higher among Veterans. On this group, Neuroticism is associated to a higher health services use, while a smaller Social Support is correlated to specialized consultation use. Theseresults suggest that professionals should be regardful to subjects with PTSDsymptoms, seeking to adapt medical care to their specificities. (AU)