The competing demands of the military can adversely affect the relationships of military couples. However, there is little U.K. research, and most research focuses only on the role of personnel mental health on relationship outcomes. Data from 219 female partner/male military personnel couples collected during a study of military-connected children (2010–2012) were used to determine relationship distress among U.K. serving military couples (Dyadic Adjustment Scale–7 < 21). Dyadic analyses were used to examine associations between individual couple member Dyadic Adjustment Scale–7 scores and sociodemographic, military, and health factors. 29.2% of personnel and 26.9% of partners met criteria for relationship distress; 41.5% of couples contained at least one member who met criteria. Relationship satisfaction was associated with relationship satisfaction in the other couple member (β = 0.460), partner posttraumatic stress disorder scores (β = −0.276), and lower personnel rank (β = −0.344). Partners of personnel of lower rank and personnel with increased posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms may be more at risk of lower relationship satisfaction. Findings highlight the importance of examining the mental health of both serving and nonserving couple members when examining military family outcomes given the impact of partner health on personnel relationship satisfaction. Additional information should be provided to military partners and couples on the realities of Service life prior to joining, with greater advertisement of military initiatives to raise awareness of available services for personnel and their partners. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Relationship distress can impact various dynamics within romantic relationships. Disclosure of trauma commonly occurs in relationships and can mitigate posttraumatic stress symptoms. Social support from one’s romantic partner (i.e., partner support) can facilitate a supportive environment conducive to disclosure. The present study investigated how type and adequacy of partner support influenced the association between relationship distress and trauma disclosure avoidance among 254 partnered individuals with a trauma history. Data were collected from participant questionnaires from March 2021 to December 2021. Stratified moderation analyses were conducted for participants with and without probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results indicated that among those without probable PTSD, no moderation effects emerged (<em>p</em>s = .470–.910). However, partner support showed significant moderation effects across all support types (<em>p</em>s = .001–.007) for participants with probable PTSD. Specifically, at low levels of relationship distress, underprovision of partner support was associated with the highest levels of trauma disclosure avoidance, whereas at high levels of relationship distress, the pattern inversed such that overprovision of partner support was associated with greater trauma disclosure avoidance. Findings underscore the critical role of partner support in disclosure behaviors of individuals with probable PTSD. Clinical implications include emphasizing the importance of reducing relationship distress and fostering supportive romantic relationships to enhance the environment for potential trauma disclosure. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Romantic relationship distress impacts the physical and mental health of couples. While couple therapy is effective, many barriers limit its accessibility. Online programs offer a broader reach but may lack personalized depth. The OurRelationship (OR) program—a coach-assisted, online adaptation of Integrated Behavioral Couples Therapy—circumvents those barriers. The present study employs an instrumental collective case study approach to elucidate how the OR program can be adapted for diverse populations to address unique couple dynamics and improve program outcomes. Four couples represented populations accessing OR: low-income, racial minority, same- and mixed-gender, military-affiliated, were <em>M</em> = 37.5 years old and had at least some college education. Couples were White, non-Hispanic (50%), African American or Black, non-Hispanic (37.5%), and mixed race (12.5%). They were selected based on varying presenting problems, population representation, program outcomes, and the availability of recorded coach interactions. Reliable change results indicated all participants improved, but 50% of individuals showed statistically reliable change. During coach appointments, participants praised the program’s safe environment for expressing emotions and breaking longstanding barriers. This case study illustrates the flexibility and impacts of coach-level interventions to enhance emotional connection and understanding of issues that couples experience in the OR program. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Romantic couples moving in together (i.e., cohabitation) is a normative stage of romantic relationships, and people report different reasons for moving in together. Few studies have examined whether reasons for cohabitation have implications for relationship functioning over time. This study investigated how three commonly endorsed reasons for cohabitation (i.e., to spend time together, to test the relationship, and out of convenience) were associated with relationship outcomes (relationship functioning and dissolution) over time. In a 5-year longitudinal study (from 2007 to 2012), adults (<em>N</em> = 485) who were in opposite-sex relationships and moved in with their partner were surveyed on their reasons for cohabitation (closest in time to moving in together) and their relationship status and functioning (in up to 11 waves of surveys). Results showed that greater endorsement of cohabiting to spend time together predicted better overall relationship functioning after cohabiting. Greater endorsement of testing the relationship predicted worse overall relationship functioning and a higher likelihood of relationship dissolution after cohabiting. Moving in together out of convenience did not predict postcohabitation relationship outcomes. The three reasons did not predict overtime trajectories (i.e., slopes) of relationship functioning. Instead, people showed similar trajectories of relationship functioning after moving in together regardless of their reasons for cohabitation, albeit at different levels that were differentiated at the time of moving in together. Reasons for cohabitation appear to reflect preexisting relationship quality, instead of impacting its postcohabitation trajectories. Findings highlight the importance of couples discussing their reasons for cohabitation when making decisions about moving in together. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

The transition to parenthood (TTP) is a major life event in which romantic partners undergo significant changes in their relationship. For this reason, understanding the ways that couples change and adapt when welcoming a child into their home has been of long-standing interest to couple and family psychologists. The major body of research on TTP has successfully built a strong understanding of relationship development during this important period, but these insights have been overwhelmingly focused on the experience of affluent married couples, with little focus on changes in the relationships of unmarried couples or those from economically and racially minoritized backgrounds. To increase our knowledge about TTP among couples who have historically been excluded from couple and family psychology research, the current research describes a study designed to yield a sample of one particular group of couples who have been underrepresented in TTP literature, namely, low-income, unmarried, Spanish-speaking couples living in the United States. We present a narrative description of our processes as well as descriptive statistics for (a) recruitment strategies, (b) scheduling and administering data collection sessions, and (c) characteristics of couples who ultimately participated in the study. Results of this study will help inform other researchers who wish to expand our understanding of the TTP period by moving beyond samples of married, affluent, White, English-speaking couples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Recent research has focused on couple values, namely what the partners perceive as important for their couple as a whole. In Study 1, we investigated whether respondents’ couple values, as perceived by each partner, when controlling for individual values, were related to coparenting among 546 individuals, all being parents (54.1% mothers; <em>M</em>_age = 41.52 years, <em>SD</em> = 7.19). Results showed the relevant role of both couple self-transcendence and self-enhancement values, over and above the respective individual values. In Study 2, we focused on the discrepancy between couple values of heterosexual parents (167 couples; <em>M</em>_age of mothers = 42.14 years, <em>SD</em> = 6.78; <em>M</em>_age of fathers = 45.41 years, <em>SD</em> = 7.57), that is the extent to which partners have different perceptions of what is relevant for their couple, in relation to their coparenting. While couple values are more strongly related to coparenting compared to individual values, the couple value discrepancy between the two partners is not. It appears that each partner’s perception of which values are relevant for the couple is more important for a supportive coparental relationship than the actual similarity in couple values between partners. Results are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Anxiety sensitivity (AS), or fear of anxious arousal, has been posited as a risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the origin of AS is less clear. Some have proposed environmental causes of elevated AS such as trauma exposure, but previous research has been inconsistent. Pinpointing AS as a risk factor for PTSD, and not simply an epiphenomenon of trauma exposure, is crucial in determining its relevance as an intervention target for those with PTSD. The current study examined trauma exposure, AS, and PTSD symptoms in a diverse cross-sectional sample of 404 undergraduates to elucidate trauma exposure’s role in heightened AS. We hypothesized AS, especially cognitive and physical subdomains, would be elevated among participants with trauma exposure and likely PTSD but not those with trauma exposure without PTSD or those without trauma exposure. Consistent with hypotheses, the analyses of covariance showed the highest levels of AS total and subdomain scores among those with trauma exposure and likely PTSD, with no difference between those with trauma exposure without PTSD and those with no trauma exposure (η² = .08). The results indicate AS is not simply an outcome of trauma exposure but a potentially relevant PTSD risk factor, underlining the potential value of AS-focused interventions in the prevention and treatment of PTSD. Future research should consider prospective designs and representative samples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are an important part of the U.S. strategy to address the opioid epidemic and reduce overdose deaths. OTP providers face a heightened risk for secondary trauma exposure and vicarious trauma (VT) reactions. This study is the first to characterize trauma, VT, and substance use histories among OTP staff and assess how these factors impact provider well-being. Staff across three OTP clinics (<em>N</em> = 40, 37.5% Hispanic/Latina) completed validated assessments of lifetime trauma, VT, posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, compassion satisfaction, and perception of workplace safety. Staff reported high rates of traumatic stress (62.5% with clinical symptoms) and VT (72.5% with moderate to high symptoms). Lifetime trauma exposure was associated with increased compassion satisfaction (β = .31, <em>p</em> = .04) and perceived workplace safety (β = .37, <em>p</em> = .04), while VT symptoms predicted higher burnout (β = .52, <em>p</em> < .01) and lower compassion satisfaction (β = −.39, <em>p</em> = .04). Staff with lived substance use disorder experience showed greater vulnerability to VT, including higher depression (β = .55, <em>p</em> = .02) and lower perception of workplace safety (β = −.51, <em>p</em> = .01). Results highlight the complexity of provider lived trauma and substance use disorder as both resilience and risk factors. To enhance provider well-being and quality of patient care, OTPs should implement strategies to reduce VT exposure and provide opportunities for staff to address trauma symptoms and participate in reflective trauma-informed supervision. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Mental health professionals working in the context of war face unique and complex issues related to trauma, stress, and mental health. However, little is known about the Professional Quality of Life (ProQoL) of these professionals in Ukraine since the Russian invasion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the levels and possible predictors of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress (STS) among Ukrainian mental health professionals. A sample of 137 Ukrainian mental health professionals completed an online survey about their ProQoL and their attitudes toward evidence-based practice between May 2022 and February 2023. Data were analyzed descriptively and through multiple regression. Participants reported moderate to high levels of compassion satisfaction (<em>M</em> = 40.63, <em>SD</em> = 4.13) and low to moderate levels of burnout (<em>M</em> = 19.74, <em>SD</em> = 3.69) and STS (<em>M</em> = 19.64, <em>SD</em> = 4.32). Attitudes toward evidence-based practice were associated with stronger compassion satisfaction and weaker burnout and STS. While working in the context of ongoing war is intensely stressful, mental health professionals in Ukraine reported favorable levels of ProQoL. Dissemination of evidence-based treatments might help to further improve the well-being of professionals working in contexts of war. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Exposure to disaster media coverage can result in negative mental health reactions, and this relationship has been observed for people directly exposed to a disaster and those who are not. Concurrently, the use of disaster media has been hypothesized to contribute to individual resilience and community resilience, which are protective against negative mental health reactions. Thus, there are possible negative and positive outcomes of disaster media use. The current study examined this dichotomy in adults affected by Hurricane Harvey. We found disaster exposure was related to worse posttraumatic stress (PTS) and depression after a disaster, though disaster media use was only connected to PTS. Additionally, more disaster media consumption was linked to more positive perceptions of community resilience, which was linked to fewer negative mental health reactions in a relationship mediated by individual resilience. Disaster media use was not directly related to individual resilience. From a resilience perspective, disaster media use is associated with perceptions of community resilience, which fosters individual resilience that is, in turn, protective against PTS and depression symptoms following a disaster. Implications and suggestions for future research in this area are suggested. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Co-occurring psychiatric problems can be conceptualized through their shared connectivity, such as whether there is a functional connection between them (dynamic) or not (static). This conceptual approach has been applied to case studies describing patients with co-occurring obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) following trauma exposure; yet, no study to date has examined the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of dynamic and static OCS and PTSS presentations. Accordingly, a convenience sample of 234 trauma-exposed adults with OCS (92% and 56% of whom indicated that they had been formally diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, respectively) completed a series of self-report measures of trauma history, OCS, and PTSS. Most participants (88.5%) indicated a dynamic connection between their OCS and PTSS, endorsing more severe OCS and trauma-related cued emotional and physiological reactivity than those with a static presentation. Dynamic OCS and PTSS were also associated with a greater likelihood of being female, having indirect exposure to nontransportation accidents, and having direct exposure to sexual trauma and severe human suffering. Static presentations, conversely, were associated with direct exposure to a fire/explosion. Timing of OCS onset relative to trauma did not differ between individuals with static and dynamic presentations, suggesting that functional connectedness of symptoms may be more central to dynamic OCS and PTSS presentations than etiology. The findings support a holistic approach to assessment, conceptualization, and treatment of trauma-exposed individuals with OCS and PTSS. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Distal experiences of childhood maltreatment have been linked to allostatic load (AL) in middle adulthood. Despite findings that link maltreatment to AL, an indicator of cumulative physiological wear and tear, few studies have considered factors that contribute to changes in AL over time among survivors of maltreatment. Moreover, the moderating process and gender differences remain understudied. Change scores in stress were examined as a moderator of child maltreatment severity and AL over 12 years, and gender differences were tested. Using data from the study of Midlife Development in the United States, a sample of 479 adults was analyzed. Over approximately 12 years, adults participated in four waves of data collection that included surveys, telephone interviews, and fasting blood draws. Using the PROCESS macro, change scores in perceived stress moderated the association between child maltreatment and AL but only for women. Women who experienced a +1 <em>SD</em> increase in stress were associated with higher levels of AL. Changes in stress did not moderate the relationship between maltreatment and AL in men. The findings from the study indicate that as levels of childhood maltreatment and change scores in stress increased, so did AL among women. Addressing stress among midlife women would be a particularly fruitful area of prevention research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected individuals both physically and mentally, emphasizing that mental health care workers are facing similar psychological difficulties and are not immune to mental illness. However, limited research exists on the mental health effects of the pandemic on mental health care workers, specifically those within the South African context. This study aimed to investigate the psychological effects of COVID-19 on mental health care workers in South Africa. Participants included 259 mental health care workers (i.e., clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, counselors, and social workers) who completed a demographic survey and six electronic self-report questionnaires: Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The results demonstrated that mental health care workers were experiencing lower levels of psychological distress compared to previous studies. The findings showed a significant relationship between COVID-19 fear and mental health outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, and loneliness) and a significant inverse association between resilience and social support and mental health outcomes. No moderating or mediating effects were found for resilience and social support relative to mental health outcomes. The study confirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic exhibited distinctive psychological effects on mental health care workers in South Africa. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Emergency nurses experience traumatic situations as part of their professional role, leaving them vulnerable to secondary traumatic stress (STS) and symptoms that negatively impact their well-being and ability to provide high-quality care. Emergency nurses have reported high STS levels, but the associations between demographic characteristics, coping strategies, and work-related factors with STS are unclear. This study aimed to describe postpandemic levels of this stress and explore demographics, coping, and work-related factors to identify explanatory variables of STS. Using a cross-sectional design with an online questionnaire, we collected data from nurses working in hospital-based emergency departments in the United States between June and August 2023. We used bivariate analysis to determine demographic, coping, and work-related candidate variables for further analysis. We then used multiple linear regression to explain the relationship of these variables to STS. Of 216 emergency nurses included in this study, 81% scored at or above the cutoff score for STS, with 60.6% scoring in the “severe” STS range. The regression model was significant, explaining 70% of the variation in STS. Several statistically significant coping strategies and work-related variables emerged, but no personal demographic variables were significant in the model. Differing from prior studies, this postpandemic study reported severe STS scores in this sample of emergency nurses. Modifiable variables identified in this study should guide strategic efforts to recognize STS and enable early intervention, prior to negative clinician and organizational impact. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Evidence suggests that racial discrimination plays a role in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder, but may also produce a set of symptoms that, while similar to posttraumatic stress disorder, has important distinctions from currently defined diagnoses. The Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale (TSDS) was developed to evaluate the presence of trauma-related anxiety and avoidance symptoms that occur after experiencing discriminatory distress. Development and validation of symptom measures following discrimination are critical steps for understanding and measuring this construct empirically. Whereas initial validation of the TSDS provided evidence of good psychometric properties (e.g., internal consistency, convergent validity), this study aimed to confirm the factorial validity of the TSDS in a large sample of racial and/or ethnic minoritized students. A sample (<em>N</em> = 711) of undergraduate students at a large midwestern university completed the TSDS and additional self-report measures through an online platform. Confirmatory factor analysis suggested middling-to-poor fit for the original four-factor solution, resulting in subsequent exploratory factor analysis. However, factor retention methods (i.e., parallel analyses, scree plot inspection) failed to converge regarding the identification of an alternate factor structure. Thus, models ranging from one to five factors were conducted for descriptive purposes. Convergent validity was only supported for the TSDS total score. This study extends the existing literature by attempting to replicate the factor structure of the TSDS in a large sample of racial and/or ethnic minoritized students. These results indicate that its proposed factor structure lacks stability in the current configuration and warrants further exploration. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Child protective workers (CPWs) are at high risk for exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs). However, little is known about the types of PMIEs encountered by CPWs and the emotional and cognitive consequences of encountering PMIEs within this occupation. Forty-eight adults employed at the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services who had an occupational trauma exposure and PMIE exposure completed a survey that assessed for the CPW’s worst workplace PMIE, the frequency of exposure to PMIEs, PMIE-related deliberate and intrusive rumination, internalized shame, guilt, distress, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Each CPW’s worst workplace PMIE was coded using thematic analysis for the CPW’s role in the event, what occurred during the event, and who was responsible for the event. Participants mostly reported that their worst PMIE involved departmental betrayal, followed by child abuse or neglect. Correlational analyses revealed positive and large associations between PMIE-related shame with anxiety (<em>r</em> = .51) and depression (<em>r</em> = .55) symptoms. Correlations between PMIE-related guilt with anxiety (<em>r</em> = .34) and depression (<em>r</em> = .33) symptoms were moderate. Correlational analyses revealed positive and moderate to large associations between PMIE-related intrusive rumination with anxiety (<em>r</em> = .46) and depression (<em>r</em> = .39) symptoms and between PMIE-related deliberate rumination with anxiety (<em>r</em> = .38) and depression (<em>r</em> = .36) symptoms. Our findings suggest that CPWs commonly face PMIEs that involve systematic betrayal. Additionally, PMIE-related intrusive rumination and shame are strongly associated with psychopathology in CPWs exposed to PMIEs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: The present study investigated the factors associated with posttraumatic stress manifestations among the civilian population in the proximity of the war between Russia and Ukraine, which commenced on February 24, 2022. We aimed to test the moderating role of proximity to the war on the relationships between event centrality and intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal. Method: The research was conducted on a sample of 676 participants (23.4% males and 76.6% females) aged between 18 and 56 years old (<em>M</em> = 33.88; <em>SD</em> = 10.66). The participants consisted of civilians residing either within Ukraine or outside its borders, with a maximum distance of 100 km from the border at the onset of the conflict. They completed questionnaires designed to assess event centrality and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Results: The results of the present study highlighted the role of both psychological and physical proximity to the war in predicting posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms of intrusions and hyperarousal. Also, event centrality interacted with the physical distance to the war in predicting intrusions and avoidance. Conclusions: The present study contributes to the understanding of the studied variables in the context of the war between Ukraine and Russia, as well as to a deeper comprehension of how physical proximity is related to individual emotional outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: In February 2022, Ukraine suffered a devastating assault by Russia, leading to destruction, casualties, and displacement. Among those displaced were over 1.5 million families with children. War and displacement expose families to a heightened risk of mental health issues. These risks increase when both the parents and the children are exposed to trauma and develop mental health difficulties. This study investigated the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues among parents and children and the associations between them. Method: The study included 50 dyads of children and parents who had arrived in Israel after fleeing the war in Ukraine. Parents completed self-report questionnaires to assess their mental health and their children’s mental health. Results: About 56% of the parents and 2% of the children met the criteria for PTSD, and 50% of the children and 56% of the parents met the cutoff for clinical general psychological distress. Significant correlations were found between the parent’s PTSD levels and the children’s PTSD symptoms. Significant correlations were found between the parent’s general distress and the children’s PTSD symptoms, general distress, and externalizing problems. Children whose parents showed high rates of PTSD showed significantly higher PTSD and distress rates. Conclusions: Parents and children of refugees show high levels of mental health difficulties. The children’s mental health is associated with the parent’s mental health. A deeper understanding of the challenges faced by refugee families can inform the development of targeted assistance programs and the recruitment and training of personnel in host countries. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: The present research examines the disparities among Ukrainians residing in the United States, comparing Ukrainians who migrated before the February 2022 Russian invasion against those who arrived afterward. We compare these two cohorts vis-a-vis anxiety, depressive symptoms, optimism, posttraumatic stress, life satisfaction, family economic stress, cultural stress (discrimination, negative context of reception, and language stress), hazardous alcohol use, and domestic violence perpetration and victimization. Method: The present sample included 703 Ukrainians (53.63% women) residing in the United States. We conducted a series of multivariate analyses of variance using arrival cohort (pre- vs. postinvasion) and gender (male vs. female) as independent variables. Results: Results indicated that postinvasion participants reported greater internalizing symptoms, cultural/economic stress, and hazardous alcohol use, whereas preinvasion arrivals reported greater levels of optimism and life satisfaction. No significant interactions between cohort and gender emerged for any of the outcomes. Conclusion: Our findings offer valuable insights into the mental health and well-being of displaced Ukrainians within the backdrop of ongoing conflicts. These findings have significant implications for support and intervention efforts not only for Ukrainians but also for other crisis migrant groups. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: The present study aimed to explore several dimensions and potential factors of the mental state of the Ukrainian population during the Russia–Ukraine war which began on February 24, 2022. Specifically, relationships between complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) overall, individual CPTSD symptoms, and prolonged grief disorder (PGD) were investigated. Additionally, differences in overall CPTSD, individual CPTSD symptoms, and PGD were examined concerning various sociodemographic factors (e.g., age or place of residence) and personal exposure to death. Method: The study was conducted with a sample of 359 Ukrainian participants (87.2% females, <em>M</em>_age = 36.81, <em>SD</em> = 9.97) who were living in Ukraine at the onset of the war. Measures included assessments of CPTSD, PGD, and sociodemographic data. Results: Significant positive associations were identified between CPTSD overall, intrusion, avoidance, hyperarousal, PGD, and age. Significant differences were observed between participants who had a relative who died in this war and those exposed to the death of an acquaintance regarding CPTSD and PGD, with participants who have lost a relative reporting higher scores compared with those exposed to the death of an acquaintance. Furthermore, 33.4% of respondents likely exhibit diagnostic symptoms of CPTSD and 18.11% likely exhibit diagnostic symptoms of PGD. Conclusions: This research contributes to the understanding of CPTSD and PGD within the context of a contemporary war. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: While the factors facilitating and compromising stress coping by civilians in an active war zone and those who have fled it are critical to the experiences of trauma, they are underexplored, which the current article aims to address. Method: Between March 23 and May 15, 2023, 122 Ukraine-based and 132 Poland-based Ukrainian participants completed a survey measuring different aspects of trauma, social beliefs, and coping. Results: Compared to the war zone civilians, the Poland-based refugees scored significantly higher in terms of <em>general war repercussions, peritraumatic experiences, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, loneliness, anxiety about the loved ones,</em> and<em> chemical/biological/missile/drone attack anxiety.</em> While no differences between them were found in terms of other factors, regression and structural equation model analyses suggest that the general well-being was compromised in both samples by lower <em>sensation seeking,</em> higher <em>loneliness, higher fantasy proneness</em>, lower <em>expected support from the West,</em> and higher <em>expected Chinese and Iranian support for Russia. Religiosity</em> did not play a role. Conclusions: While the role of perceived social support (at the levels of friends and family) turned out to be limited, the (broader) expected support (from the West) played a more significant role. Additionally, our exploratory <em>Civilian War Trauma Structural Equation Model</em> suggests that anxiety interacts with the individual’s overall vulnerability, thus exacerbating the psychological impact of war. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: The present study was designed to examine the mental health challenges facing Ukrainian migrants exposed to the 2022 Russian invasion and who now reside in the United States, focusing on trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, and emotional distress. Our study explored how anticipatory grief and perseverative worry intersect and contributed to migrants’ emotional distress, which is further compounded by their ongoing emotional connection to Ukraine, where many relatives remain in danger. Method: Using a general inductive approach, we analyzed data from interviews with eight Ukrainian war migrants in the U.S. interviews were conducted in Ukrainian or Russian and analyzed using Dedoose Version 9.2.005. Results: The majority (five of eight) of participants discussed posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and extreme emotional distress (six of eight) as a direct result of their exposure to war and violence, either firsthand or through loved ones. Participant statements suggested that emotional distress and strong emotional connection to Ukraine often co-occurred, with (a) 62.5% of individuals reporting both concerns for the safety of family members still in Ukraine, (b) material/emotional connections to Ukraine, and (c) 75% of participants indicating that their emotional distress was highly linked to trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder. Conclusion: Ukrainian migrants face a complex spectrum of trauma and emotional distress, influenced by their ongoing connection to a conflict zone and by constant worry for their families’ safety. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: In the context of the Adult Attachment Interview, an “unresolved/disorganized” attachment status is characterized by lapses in reasoning or discourse when discussing traumatic experiences. A comprehensive body of research indicates that an unresolved/disorganized adult attachment status plays a crucial role in understanding complex mental health problems. The Disorganized Response Scale (DRS) is a novel self-report measure that mirrors the general focus of the Adult Attachment Interview in assessing disorganized verbalizations and cognitions related to attachment experiences. The scale has exhibited promising psychometric properties in a student sample, but evaluations in more diverse populations and in clinical samples are not yet available. Method: A German translation of the DRS was assessed in a general population sample (<em>N</em> = 1,101) and in a clinical sample of outpatients (<em>N</em> = 176). The psychometric properties and validity of the scale with respect to its associations with other self-report measures of attachment and psychopathology were examined. Results: Unidimensionality of the scale was overall confirmed with limitations in the clinical sample. The scale exhibited high internal consistency in both samples. There was evidence for incremental validity of the DRS over and above the standard self-report measures of organized attachment, that is, attachment anxiety and avoidance in predicting psychopathology (particularly dissociation). Conclusions: The DRS allows for measuring disorganized responses related to early attachment experiences through self-report. Although findings overall suggest that the German version of the DRS is a valid measure of disorganized responses, some aspects such as its dimensionality warrant critical discussion. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: Massed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments, in which therapy is provided 3 days a week to multiple times a day, have become increasingly popular and implemented in various care settings since 2010. Existing assessment methods to monitor PTSD symptom change to inform clinical decision making and treatment benefit have not been adapted to this accelerated care model, causing significant clinical and statistical challenges. This study evaluates an intuitive solution to this problem by examining the psychometric properties of a Past Day version of the widely used PTSD Checklist for <em>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,</em> fifth edition (PCL-5). Method: In the present study, we present findings from four massed PTSD treatment sites (N = 222) that used the Past Day PCL-5 to assess PTSD symptoms over the past day at each treatment appointment. Psychometric properties of the Past Day PCL-5 (i.e., internal consistency, test–retest reliability, sensitivity to change, and convergent validity) were analyzed by comparing the Past Day PCL-5 to Past Week and Past Month versions of the PCL-5, as well as the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for <em>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</em>, fifth edition. Results: Consistent psychometric support for the Past Day PCL-5 was observed across sites. Conclusions: These findings provide initial support for use of the Past Day PCL-5 in monitoring symptom change in the context of massed PTSD treatment. Limitations of the current data and recommendations for extension of this work are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: Recent studies have emphasized the value of a person-centered, dimensional approach to understanding the heterogeneity of <em>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition</em> posttraumatic stress disorder by showing that among adults there are underlying homogeneous posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) profiles. However, similar patterns have yet to be examined among adolescents, particularly at-risk justice-involved youth. This is an important gap to bridge given that there may be developmental differences in symptom expression and specific risk factors associated with youth profiles. Method: The present study used latent profile analysis among a sample of 296 justice-involved youth to examine patterns of <em>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition</em> PTSS and the associations of these profiles with exposure to cumulative trauma and specific interpersonal traumas, as well as demographic characteristics. Results: Findings supported the presence of five distinct profiles of PTSS, including a classic presentation, an externalizing pattern, and several presentations with dissociation. Findings also showed that higher levels of cumulative and specific interpersonal traumas, being older, and identifying as female were correlates of the more severe profile of PTSS with dissociative subtype. Conclusions: Broadly, these results contribute to our understanding of posttraumatic stress disorder as a heterogeneous condition among adolescents, particularly at-risk justice-involved youth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: Research indicates that parents of autistic children may have a higher risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than parents of neurotypical children. This study was to determine the optimal factor structure of two trauma screening assessments: the PTSD Checklist for <em>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5)</em> and the International Trauma Questionnaire, within this parent population. Method: Confirmatory factor analysis examined and compared one novel <em>DSM-5</em> model and 14 previously identified <em>DSM-5</em> and<em> International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11)</em> trauma symptom models among Australian parents of autistic children (<em>N</em> = 563). Results: Three <em>DSM-5</em> PTSD models (anhedonia, hybrid, and intrusion/distress) provided a marginal fit, with the novel intrusion/distress model offering a superior fit. None of the five<em> DSM-5</em> models tested achieved a good overall fit. For <em>ICD-11</em>, a three-factor model best fit the latent structure of PTSD symptoms. For complex PTSD (CPTSD), a two-factor second-order model and a six-factor first-order model provided a superior fit over five alternative CPTSD models. Conclusions: Results strongly support the internal reliability and construct validity of the <em>ICD-11</em> PTSD and CPTSD models in Australian parents of autistic children, as measured by the International Trauma Questionnaire. The<em> ICD-11</em> models outperformed the best <em>DSM-5</em> models, highlighting their superiority for this population. While more complex <em>DSM-5</em> models showed better fit than simpler ones, they still did not achieve a good overall fit. Notably, the results were largely consistent when assessing individuals meeting Criterion A for PTSD, specifically in relation to parenting-related traumatic experiences. The International Trauma Questionnaire is a more reliable and suitable tool for assessing PTSD and CPTSD in Australian parents of autistic children. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

A Rutgers study suggests GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy may weaken the link between impulsive tendencies and violent behavior. The surprising finding hints that these medications could affect how people act on impulses, though researchers stress that cause and effect have not been proven.

For millions battling chronic nerve pain, even the softest touch can feel agonizing — but scientists may have uncovered a radically new way to stop it at the source. Researchers at Duke University found that damaged nerves can be revived by supplying them with healthy mitochondria, the tiny energy producers inside cells.

Cannabis use among older adults is rising fast, but today’s marijuana is far more potent than many people realize — and experts warn the risks may be underestimated. Stanford Medicine specialists say modern cannabis can increase the chances of heart problems, falls, memory issues, dangerous drug interactions, and even addiction, especially for people over 65.

Deep within the brain, scientists have uncovered a hidden “switch” that may decide whether pain fades away—or lingers for months or even years. Researchers found that a small, little-known region called the caudal granular insular cortex (CGIC) acts like a command center, telling the body to keep pain signals alive long after an injury has healed. In animal studies, shutting down this pathway not only prevented chronic pain from forming but could even erase it once it had taken hold.

Scientists have developed a new gene therapy that quiets pain at its source in the brain—without the addictive risks of opioids. Using AI to map how pain is processed, they created a targeted “off switch” that mimics morphine’s benefits but skips its dangerous side effects. In early tests, it delivered lasting relief without affecting normal sensations. The discovery could mark a major step toward safer, non-addictive pain treatments.

The largest review of medicinal cannabis to date found it doesn’t effectively treat anxiety, depression, or PTSD—despite millions using it for those reasons. Researchers warn it could even make mental health worse, raising risks like psychosis and addiction while delaying proven treatments. Some limited benefits were seen for conditions like insomnia and autism, but the evidence is weak. The findings are fueling calls for stricter oversight as cannabis use continues to rise.

Cannabis products with higher THC levels may slightly reduce chronic pain, particularly nerve pain, according to a review of multiple clinical trials. The improvement was small and short-lived, while side effects were more common. Products with little or no THC, including CBD-only formulations, showed no clear benefit. Researchers say more long-term studies are needed.

A massive global genetics study is reshaping how we understand mental illness—and why diagnoses so often pile up. By analyzing genetic data from more than six million people, researchers uncovered deep genetic connections across 14 psychiatric conditions, showing that many disorders share common biological roots. Instead of existing in isolation, these conditions fall into five overlapping families, helping explain why depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders so frequently occur together.

A massive veteran study found a strong connection between untreated sleep apnea and a higher chance of Parkinson’s. CPAP users had much lower odds of developing the condition. Researchers believe that repeated dips in oxygen during sleep may strain neurons over time. The results suggest that better sleep might help protect the brain.

Researchers have uncovered a surprising way the brain switches pain on, revealing that neurons can release an enzyme outside the cell that activates pain signals without disrupting normal movement or sensation. This enzyme, called VLK, modifies nearby proteins in a way that intensifies pain and strengthens connections tied to learning and memory. Removing VLK in mice dramatically reduced post-surgery pain while leaving normal function untouched, offering a promising path toward safer, more targeted pain treatments.

Researchers have identified the brain circuitry that links deep sleep with the release of growth hormone, revealing how the two regulate each other. The newly discovered feedback loop helps explain why poor sleep can interfere with growth, muscle repair, fat metabolism, and brain function. Understanding this system could pave the way for new therapies for sleep disorders and diseases tied to metabolism and the brain, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Teens who use cannabis may face a substantially greater risk of developing serious mental health conditions, including psychotic and bipolar disorders, according to a study of more than 463,000 adolescents. Researchers found cannabis use often preceded these diagnoses by nearly two years, strengthening concerns about its long-term effects on developing brains.

A major analysis of brain scans found that people with anxiety disorders have noticeably lower levels of choline, a nutrient crucial for healthy brain function. The strongest evidence appeared in the prefrontal cortex, the region tied to emotional control and decision-making. Researchers say the discovery is the first clear chemical brain pattern linked to anxiety and could eventually lead to new nutrition-based treatments.

Cannabis use among older adults is rising fast, but today’s marijuana is far more potent than many people realize — and experts warn the risks may be underestimated. Stanford Medicine specialists say modern cannabis can increase the chances of heart problems, falls, memory issues, dangerous drug interactions, and even addiction, especially for people over 65.

Scientists have uncovered evidence that serotonin — the same brain chemical boosted by many antidepressants — may actually worsen tinnitus. Using advanced light-based brain stimulation in mice, researchers identified a serotonin-driven circuit linked directly to tinnitus-like behavior. The findings may explain why some people experience louder ringing in their ears while taking SSRIs.

Scientists have uncovered a striking brain difference linked to psychopathy: people with psychopathic traits were found to have a striatum — a brain region tied to reward, motivation, and decision-making — that was about 10% larger on average than those without such traits. Using MRI scans and psychological assessments on 120 participants, researchers connected this enlarged brain region to thrill-seeking, impulsive behavior, and a stronger drive for stimulation.

A hidden force may be quietly shaping how you feel—and you’d never even know it. Infrasound, an ultra-low-frequency vibration below the range of human hearing, is everywhere from traffic to old buildings. In a small experiment, people exposed to it became more irritable, less engaged, and even showed higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol—despite having no idea it was present. The findings suggest our bodies can “sense” these vibrations without conscious awareness, potentially explaining eerie sensations in places like basements or supposedly haunted buildings.

Deep sleep does far more than rest the body — it activates a powerful brain-driven system that controls growth hormone, fueling muscle and bone strength, metabolism, and even mental performance. Scientists have now mapped the neural circuits behind this process, uncovering a delicate feedback loop in which sleep boosts growth hormone, and that same hormone helps regulate wakefulness.

A new international study points to a specific brain network as the core driver of Parkinson’s disease. Scientists found that this network becomes overly connected, disrupting not just movement but also thinking and other bodily functions. When researchers targeted it with non-invasive brain stimulation, patients showed much stronger symptom improvement than with conventional stimulation. The discovery could reshape how Parkinson’s is diagnosed and treated.

Scientists still don’t know how the brain turns physical activity into thoughts, feelings, and awareness—but a powerful new tool may help crack the mystery. Researchers at MIT are exploring transcranial focused ultrasound, a noninvasive technology that can precisely stimulate deep regions of the brain that were previously off-limits. In a new “roadmap” paper, they explain how this method could finally let scientists test cause-and-effect in consciousness research, not just observe correlations.