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)

Tonic immobility (TI) and shame are phylogenetically conserved passive defense mechanisms signaling submission. TI causes a loss of intentional motor control including speech. TI is engaged when escape and resistance fail in life-threatening situations, leading TI to be common in highly stressful and traumatic events. Shame is engaged when an individual’s or society’s expectations are violated. Because both engage without conscious awareness, they leave victims blaming themselves for their inaction and emotions. However, unlike shame, TI is absent from most theories of trauma. Amazon Mechanical Turk workers (<em>N</em> = 371, <em>M</em>_age = 40, 137 male), screened to have TI, provided brief narrative descriptions of the event that caused their greatest TI, rated properties of the event, completed individual differences measures, and attributed postevent symptoms to the event itself, to TI from the event, to shame, and to shame from the TI. The most frequently observed categories of events were sexual assaults, other assaults, motor vehicle accidents, medical and deaths, and gun violence. Categories varied widely in their rated properties and the characteristics of their narratives, with sexual assaults often being an outlier. Correlations among the measures, differences in their means, and narrative analyses were combined to demonstrate the importance of TI and shame for trauma. We introduce a theoretical framework for TI, shame, and their interaction based on evolution, biology, behavior, and clinical symptoms that clarifies how both increase symptoms and why both are so prevalent in sexual assaults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Following a traumatic injury, individuals are at higher risk for the development of psychological and physical health problems, such as posttraumatic stress, while the incidence and precipitating factors that lead to these negative outcomes continue to be a popular area of research. By contrast, an estimated two-thirds of survivors remain unaffected by these outcomes and are qualified as “resilient.” Despite its prevalence, significantly less is known about factors associated with resilience following traumatic injury, including the development of posttraumatic growth (PTG), a unique outcome associated with experiencing positive outcomes. Although prior reviews have documented the incidence and unique ways in which PTG manifests in other trauma samples, less is known about PTG in traumatic injury survivors. Here, a scoping review was conducted: four databases of peer-reviewed articles available in English were queried, and 31 articles describing PTG in traumatic injury samples were reviewed. This scoping review summarizes the incidence of PTG in traumatic injury survivors and describes its associated sociodemographic and injury factors, qualitative findings, relationship with psychopathology, quality of life, coping strategies, and treatment outcomes. In addition, we call attention to affective and cognitive processes associated with PTG as it manifests specifically to traumatic injury survivors. Implications for future research and clinical application are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Relational therapy is a contemporary psychoanalytic therapy, influenced by a paradigm shift that puts therapeutic relationships in the middle of the therapy and emphasizes intersubjectivity. This new relational paradigm also shapes the dynamics of trauma treatment while working with dissociation, enactment, and self-states. This therapeutic stance and techniques require high levels of empathy and intense use of the self from therapists. The main argument is that relational therapy holds high levels of empathic response. The empathic response was found to be a major factor in the secondary traumatic stress mechanism for developing compassion fatigue in the compassion fatigue resilience model. Therefore, relational therapists are a unique and important population that may hold the answers to questions about the in-depth mechanism of compassion fatigue. This study investigated 12 relational therapists treating mostly complex trauma and suggests that their empathy is a double-edged sword and a dialectical process that at the same time encompasses the cost of caring but also resilience and growth. The results offer a dialectical approach to trauma treatment and suggest that compassion fatigue is inevitable. But, at the same time, it is also a part of the therapeutic process and even the resilience and growth process. Indeed, the empathic response can include connectedness and separateness at the same time. The practical outcomes discussed here are the importance of self-care, the use of supervision, setting external and internal boundaries, and the implementation of trauma-informed care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Given the requirement for split-second decision making in unpredictable and morally ambiguous situations while in the line of duty, there is growing recognition that police officers are uniquely at risk for experiencing moral injury (MI). There is a need for valid and reliable assessment tools of MI within police populations to extend research initially conducted in or within the military context. The Moral Injury Assessment for Public Safety Personnel (MIA-PSP) is a population-specific measure developed to assess MI across police officers, firefighters, paramedics, correctional officers, and 911 dispatchers. Initial exploratory validation work by Roth et al. (2023) identified a three-factor structure capturing Emotional Sequelae, Perpetrations, and Betrayals. The structure of the MIA-PSP has yet to be validated using confirmatory modeling. The present study sought to investigate the psychometric properties of the MIA-PSP in a sample of police officers (<em>N</em> = 367, <em>Mdn</em> = 20 years of service, 72.5% men). We examined measurement invariance across gender and years of service, as well as the concurrent validity of the proposed factors with measures of traumatic stress, trauma-related outcomes, and well-being. Confirmatory factor analysis modeling supported a correlated three-factor structure that was invariant across gender and years of service. Controlling for shared variance among the subscales, the Emotional Sequelae and Betrayals subscales demonstrated unique predictive power with measures of trauma, trauma-related outcomes, and well-being. Findings suggest the MIA-PSP is a promising scale to assess MI within police populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Anti-Black racism and anti-Muslim discrimination in the Canadian context have been pervasive at the individual and systemic levels. Black Muslims face a unique set of challenges that stem from the intersection of anti-Black racism and Islamophobia. We analyzed data collected from the Black Community Mental Health (BCoMHeal) project in Canada to better understand the traumatizing impact of discrimination on Black Muslims. Participants (<em>N</em> = 860) completed measures of discrimination, anti-Black microaggressions, and trauma symptoms. Bivariate analyses compared trauma symptoms between religious groups and assessed the relationship between experiences of discrimination and traumatization. Two multiple regression models were conducted for trauma symptoms in Muslim and non-Muslim groups. The predictors included sociodemographic factors and racial discrimination variables. Our findings revealed that compared to Black Christians, Black Muslims exhibited the highest levels of trauma and encountered significantly more everyday discrimination and major discrimination. However, Muslims did not report significantly higher levels of anti-Black microaggressions, and these encounters appeared to be somewhat less traumatic for them. The study also found that Black Muslim women experienced significantly higher rates of major and everyday discrimination than Black Muslim men or Black Christians. Furthermore, after controlling for demographic differences, both major discrimination and anti-Black microaggressions robustly predicted trauma symptoms in Black Muslims. Religious participation was found to be a protective factor against trauma. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the complex interplay between race and religion and enhances our understanding of the mental health impact of having multiple marginalizing identities in Canadian society. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: Social constraints on disclosure of trauma-related thoughts and feelings may inhibit trauma processing and exacerbate distress. However, investigations of the relationships among social constraints, talking about the trauma, and adjustment are limited, particularly in recent trauma survivors. Method: Adult survivors of recent trauma (<em>N</em> = 61, <em>M</em>_age = 41.9, 87% female, <em>M</em>_{days since trauma} = 252) seeking treatment for trauma-related distress completed pretreatment baseline demographics, the Social Constraints Scale, questions regarding actual and desired talking about trauma in the past month, the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist for <em>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,</em> fifth edition, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale. Results: Social constraints were positively correlated with PTSD (<em>r</em>_s = .45, <em>p</em> = .000), depression (<em>r</em>_s = .51, <em>p</em> = .000), and the discrepancy between wanting to talk and actual talking about trauma (<em>r</em>_s = .37, <em>p</em> = .004), but were not related to actual talking (<em>r</em>_s = −.19, <em>p</em> = .15). Actual talking showed a trend negative relationship with depression (<em>r</em>_s = −.23, <em>p</em> = .07) and was unrelated to PTSD (<em>r</em>_s = −.07, <em>p</em> = .60). Talking discrepancy was positively associated with depression (<em>r</em>_s = .29, <em>p</em> = .03) but was unrelated to PTSD (<em>r</em>_s = .11, <em>p</em> = .38). Talking discrepancy did not mediate the positive relationship between social constraints and depression. Conclusion: Social constraints keep recent trauma survivors from talking about their traumatic experiences as much as they want, which in turn is related to greater depression. However, social constraints directly affect depression. Early assessment and interventions targeting the interpersonal context of trauma processing are warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Disasters and climate-related disasters are increasing worldwide, and particularly impact the health outcomes of vulnerable groups. Although a robust body of research on coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is emerging, less research has explored how COVID-19 has intersected with other disasters, such as hurricanes and floods, and how this in turn impacts the provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care services. Louisiana is a state that experiences SRH inequities, in addition to a disproportionate number of weather-related disasters, and there is a need for research exploring the provision of SRH services during these disaster events. A qualitative descriptive methodology was used to conduct semistructured virtual interviews with SRH, and disaster, service providers in Louisiana during 2021–2022. Key themes that emerged included: (a) The COVID-19 pandemic as a unique disaster; (b) the impact of the pandemic on the quality and quantity of SRH care; (c) providers also affected; (d) increased use of technology for SRH care; and (e) disasters detract from justice and infrastructure efforts. Across all themes, providers highlighted the compounding impacts of multiple disasters experienced by the Gulf Coast region. Policy and practice recommendations are offered. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

This review fills an important gap in the literature by identifying studies linking childhood maltreatment to adult opioid misuse, assessing methodological rigor including study measures and analyses, and reviewing substantive findings to identify common relationships across studies. We included empirical articles published, in-press, or published online without setting start dates, but setting an end date through November 30, 2023, from key databases including CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, and PubMed. Qualitative studies, reviews, animal studies, non-English studies, univariate studies, bivariate studies, and studies with individuals under 18 years old were excluded. After removing 278 duplicates, the initial screening yielded 392 articles with 11 meeting the criteria for the final qualitative synthesis. Across studies, the sample size ranged from 60 to 14,800 participants, with studies employing multivariate analyses (<em>n</em> = 11). Measures for child maltreatment varied widely, with studies setting different cutoffs for when child maltreatment ended and few studies establishing the frequency, intensity, duration, or perpetrators of child maltreatment. Despite the methodological issues with the studies included, child maltreatment was directly associated with opioid use disorder, prescription opioid use, or younger age of onset for opioid use in nine studies. Interventions and policies should address the enduring effects of child maltreatment on opioid use. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Perinatal loss, encompassing miscarriage, stillbirth, and termination because of fatal fetal diagnosis, is recognized as both a bereavement and a traumatic event, potentially leading to negative mental health outcomes. However, recent research suggests that women may also experience positive psychological changes following perinatal loss. The relationship between differential mental health associations in perinatally bereaved populations and factors affecting such relationships is not well understood. Available research findings conducted with other populations are mixed, indicating a complex relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and posttraumatic growth (PTG). This research aimed to understand the relationship between PTSD symptoms and PTG over the first year postloss, considering the impact of prior trauma history. Participants (<em>n</em> = 219) were assessed at three time points over 1 year. The results from the autoregressive cross-lagged models indicated that PTSD symptoms predicted PTG at all assessment points, suggesting a causal relationship. However, PTG did not significantly predict subsequent PTSD symptoms. The study highlights the importance of early interventions postloss to foster positive psychological changes and suggests that women with a history of trauma may require additional support. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Palestinians face ongoing trauma because of the persistent violence and political conflict in Palestine, leading to widespread mental health issues. Sleep disturbances are among the most common psychological disorders resulting from this trauma. This study examines the relationship between traumatic events and sleep disturbances among Palestinians, focusing on the moderating roles of resilience and posttraumatic growth (PTG). Data were collected from 520 participants in the West Bank using validated tools, including the Brief Trauma Questionnaire, <em>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,</em> Fifth Edition Sleep Disturbance Scale, Resilience Scale for Adults, and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form. The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between traumatic events and sleep disturbances, while resilience and PTG were negatively associated with sleep disturbances and positively associated with each other. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that traumatic events were a strong predictor of sleep disturbances (β = .31, <em>p</em> < .01), whereas resilience (β = −.21, <em>p</em> < .01) and PTG (β = −.20, <em>p</em> < .01) acted as protective factors. This research highlights the importance of resilience and PTG in mitigating the psychological effects of trauma, offering insights into how targeted interventions can improve sleep quality and overall well-being. The results provide valuable guidance for mental health practitioners and policymakers seeking effective strategies to address the widespread psychological impact of trauma in conflict-affected populations. Strengthening psychological resilience and promoting PTG can help Palestinians better cope with stress and recover from adverse experiences. (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)

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 identified SGK1 as a key chemical connecting childhood trauma to depression and suicidal behavior. High SGK1 levels were found in the brains of suicide victims and in people with genetic variants linked to early adversity. Drugs that block SGK1 could offer a new kind of antidepressant, especially for patients resistant to SSRIs.

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.

A large, decades-long study suggests that signs of ADHD in childhood may have consequences that extend well beyond school and behavior. Researchers followed nearly 11,000 people from childhood into midlife and found that those with strong ADHD traits at age 10 were more likely to experience multiple physical health problems and health-related disability by their mid-40s.

Researchers report that vagus nerve stimulation helped many people with long-standing, treatment-resistant depression feel better—and stay better—for at least two years. Most participants had lived with depression for decades and had exhausted nearly every other option. Those who improved at one year were very likely to maintain or increase their gains over time. Even some patients who didn’t respond initially improved after longer treatment.