Same-gender couples face unique stressors that can impact relationship functioning, underscoring the need for culturally tailored, accessible interventions for this population. This study developed and tested a culturally adapted version of the evidence-based online OurRelationship program for relationally distressed same-gender couples. The tailored program included core activities from the OurRelationship program designed to address underlying relationship processes, enhanced with content addressing minority stressors, promoting relationship strengths unique to same-gender couples, and increasing representation of same-gender couples in program materials. The results showed significant within-group improvements over treatment in relationship satisfaction, emotional intimacy, communication during conflict, intimacy associated with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender identity, and several mental health symptoms (Cohen’s <em>d</em> = |0.41–1.07|), with a trend toward increased relationship confidence. No significant differences in treatment outcomes were found when compared to a matched subsample of mixed-gender couples who received the original, heteronormative version of the OurRelationship program in a previous study. Findings suggest that this adapted version is a promising and flexible intervention for distressed same-gender couples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

The present study evaluated if transgender and nonbinary (TNB) adults in intimate relationships with other TNB partners (referred to as “transgender-for-transgender” or “T4T” relationships) have higher relationship satisfaction compared to TNB adults in relationships with cisgender partners (“TNB-cis” relationships) through the indirect pathway of partner gender affirmation. We recruited 256 TNB adults who were in relationships of at least 6 months. Approximately 55% of participants had cisgender partners, while 45% of participants had TNB partners. We utilized Hayes PROCESS models to assess the indirect effect of partner gender (cisgender vs. TNB) on relationship satisfaction through partner affirmation. All hypotheses were supported, demonstrating that TNB adults in T4T relationships reported higher levels of relationship satisfaction compared to TNB adults in TNB-cis relationships and preliminary evidence that this relationship functioned through the indirect pathway of higher reports of gender affirmation from their partners. Results suggest that T4T relationships may offer some strengths, on average, compared to TNB-cis relationships. Clinical implications include that partner gender affirmation may be a potential treatment target to improve relationship satisfaction in intimate relationships with one or more TNB partners. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Depression is associated with decreased relationship satisfaction, and identifying what may moderate this association is important for informing clinical interventions for individuals in romantic relationships and suffering from depression. Dyadic coping, how couples manage stress together, has been demonstrated to have strong associations with relationship satisfaction. Most past research on dyadic coping, however, has been conducted with predominantly White samples. To extend these findings, we conducted a study examining the associations between depressive symptoms, dyadic coping, and relationship satisfaction among Asian American individuals. We hypothesized that dyadic coping from a partner, particularly in the form of supportive dyadic coping (i.e., providing emotional or problem-focused support) and joint dyadic coping (i.e., both partners trying to manage stress and cope together), would moderate the association between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction. We found that supportive dyadic coping attenuated the relationship between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction, such that the negative association between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction was stronger when supportive dyadic coping was low and weaker when supportive dyadic coping was high. Supportive dyadic coping may be particularly beneficial for Asian American adults in romantic relationships with elevated depressive symptoms. This is important insofar as Asian Americans may be less likely than their White counterparts to adopt supportive dyadic coping. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

This study sought to understand the psychological and relational impact of infidelity in a sample of Colombian college students, their understanding of how this happened in their relationships, and how they coped with the aftermath. Participants were 16 women and five men (<em>M</em>_age = 21.5 years, <em>SD</em> = 2.0). The analytic method was thematic analysis, facilitating the identification of patterns (themes) within the data. Narratives about the relationship before the infidelity revealed patterns of conflict avoidance and gender-based inequality. In their explanations of the context of the infidelity, participants referred to relationship difficulties, gender-based social expectations, double standards about fidelity, and partners’ individual characteristics. Coping responses included both proactive efforts to maintain their well-being (taking care of own needs, seeking friends’ social support) and strategies to avoid dealing with emotions (drug abuse and casual sex). The implications of these findings for college-based relationship education programs are presented. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Anger is a significant problem for military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Interventions designed to treat PTSD have been shown to decrease anger, which may be associated with improvements in psychosocial functioning. Couple-based PTSD treatments, which target both PTSD and relationship functioning, may be particularly useful for improving anger and associated psychosocial functioning. Thus, the present study sought to examine whether decreases in veterans’ and partners’ anger following participation in a brief couple-based treatment for PTSD (brief cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD) are associated with improvements in psychosocial impairment and relationship satisfaction, in addition to decreases in suicidal ideation. The sample included 184 veterans and their intimate partners (92 dyads). Each partner completed measures assessing several aspects of anger (angry temperament, angry reaction, and psychological aggression). Veterans also completed measures assessing their psychosocial impairment, relationship satisfaction, and suicidality. Latent growth curve models tested whether changes in anger over the course of treatment were associated with corresponding changes in veterans’ functional outcomes at the within-person and between-person levels. Findings showed that improvements in veterans’ anger were associated with improvements in their psychosocial impairment and relationship satisfaction over time. Partners’ psychological aggression was also associated with improvements in veterans’ psychosocial impairment over time. Neither veterans’ nor partners’ anger was associated with veterans’ suicidality. Findings add to the literature demonstrating that improvements in anger for both veterans and their partners in the context of PTSD treatment may be associated with improvements in broader psychosocial functioning for veterans. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Many studies have shown high rates of psychiatric comorbidity among post-9/11 veterans and highlighted the important role of intimate relationships in their functioning. However, none have identified (a) the degree of heterogeneity among profiles of veterans’ comorbid psychopathology symptoms and relationship satisfaction or (b) the predictors of which profile the veterans ultimately express. To examine this question, we used self-report survey data from 485 U.S. veterans in committed relationships across two timepoints (at baseline and 10-year follow-up) as part of the Veterans Integrated Service Network 6 Post-Deployment Mental Health Study. We conducted a latent profile analysis to examine (a) concurrent symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and alcohol use and (b) relationship satisfaction at follow-up. Profiles were compared on military, psychological, physical, and contextual factors at each timepoint to determine which risk and protective factors predicted profile membership over time. A three-class solution identified a healthy group with minimal symptoms and higher relationship satisfaction (62.5%), a distressed group with clinically significant depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and lower relationship satisfaction (31.75%), and a mixed group with clinically significant depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and alcohol use and higher relationship satisfaction (6%). Veterans with higher levels of social support between baseline and the 10-year follow-up were more likely to be in the healthy group. Those in the mixed group were more likely to report higher lifetime trauma exposure and physical health symptoms over time. Ultimately, treatments for U.S. veterans should continue to consider comorbid symptom presentations, social support, and the integration of partners in health care as important clinical targets. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their intimate partners often express a desire for partner involvement (e.g., communication with therapists) in veterans’ trauma-focused treatment, which can enhance treatment engagement and response. Although relationship satisfaction and PTSD symptoms in both partners may impact their interest in treatment involvement, there is a dearth of literature investigating these influences dyadically. The present study is a secondary analysis of data from veterans and their partners who completed a mailed survey as the veteran was beginning trauma-focused treatment through the Veterans Affairs (<em>n</em> = 211 dyads). We conducted an actor–partner interdependence model to examine the influence of veterans’ and partners’ relationship satisfaction, PTSD symptoms, and their interactions on each of their interest in having the partner talk with the therapist. Veterans were more interested in therapists speaking with their intimate partners when they experienced greater relationship satisfaction (β = .23, <em>SE</em> = 0.07) and when their partner had less relationship satisfaction and lower PTSD symptoms (<em>B</em> = −0.38, <em>SE</em> = 0.13). Intimate partners were more interested in speaking with the therapist when their own PTSD symptom severity was higher (β = .19, <em>SE</em> = 0.07) and when they experienced less relationship satisfaction and the veterans’ PTSD severity was high (<em>B</em> = −0.28, <em>SE</em> = 0.11). Results suggest the importance of considering interconnections between veterans’ and their partners’ PTSD symptoms and relationship satisfaction when determining when and how to encourage partner–therapist discussions during veterans’ trauma-focused treatment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Behavioral parent training (BPT) is the gold standard treatment for behavior problems, but not all families benefit. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether adaptations to BPT such as mindfulness lead to improved outcomes. Separately from BPT, mindful parenting programs (MPPs) have been implemented with parents of children with problem behaviors. However, research examining BPT and MPP together is limited. This comparative account detailed the conceptual basis for these treatments, including their purported mechanisms, and compared elements in BPT and MPP protocols to identify unique and shared elements. Four shared elements in BPT and MPP were identified, while three MPP elements and one BPT element were identified as unique. This review considered limitations in the literature and suggested future directions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Parents of Black youth face numerous challenges when raising their children, such as promoting racial pride and preparing children for a racialized society. Racial socialization (RS) competency seeks to complement parents’ messaging by examining three distinct areas: skills, confidence, and stress. The current cross-sectional study explores how discrimination experienced by parents influences child behavioral outcomes and whether the relationship is moderated by RS competency. A sample of 359 Black parents from across the United States (<em>M</em>_age = 37.8) were asked questions regarding their oldest child under the age of 18 (<em>M</em>_age = 9.5). Black parents completed an online questionnaire that assessed their competency in RS conversations, experiences with racial discrimination, and perception of their child’s internalizing (i.e., feelings of sadness and unworthiness) and externalizing (i.e., aggression and combativeness) behaviors. Moderation analyses found that greater racial discrimination experienced by parents was associated with more child behavioral problems when parents’ RS stress was high and when RS confidence was low. Further resources should be directed toward parents who have experienced more frequent racial encounters, especially those who lack confidence in conveying RS messages. Future studies should investigate whether clinical interventions could increase parental RS competency and protect against negative child behaviors. (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: Secondary traumatic stress (STS) can have significant deleterious effects on clinicians’ personal and professional lives and hinder the quality of care they deliver. However, the STS research is currently limited by methodological inconsistencies in both how it is measured and the populations studied, making it difficult to draw comprehensive conclusions. This review’s purpose is to provide an updated overview of how the concept of STS has been measured specifically in therapy-offering clinicians and offer recommendations for future research and clinical practice. Method: Five databases (APA PsycInfo, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched for quantitative, peer-reviewed studies on STS in mental health clinicians published in English up to December 2024. A descriptive metasynthesis summarized means, standard deviations, and score ranges of commonly used measures. A reliability generalization analysis was conducted using extracted internal consistency coefficients. Results: A total of 49 studies met the inclusion criteria, and seven different instruments used to measure STS were identified. The most popular measures were the Professional Quality of Life Scale (Stamm, 2010) and the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (Bride et al., 2004), which assess STS from different perspectives. The reliability generalization analysis suggested acceptable and excellent internal consistencies for these measures, respectively. Conclusions: At present, no single measure is available to capture the entire domain of STS. It is recommended that the choice for the most appropriate outcome measure is guided by the desired emphasis on STS symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: This study aimed to explore the experience of therapists whose clients report incestuous abuse continuing into adulthood. Method: Ten Australian therapist-participants were recruited through professional forums. After giving informed consent, they completed a semistructured interview. Therapists were asked about their experiences of providing therapy to people who disclosed incestuous abuse that continued into adulthood and their experiences of training, peer support, and supervision in relation to these cases. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, labeled with a pseudonym, and deidentified. The transcripts were subjected to reflexive thematic analysis (TA) following the guidelines of Braun and Clarke (2006, 2022). Results: The study found that three overarching themes described the therapeutic experience and response to this client group: (1) the therapist’s emotional distress, vicarious traumatization, and moral injury at the extent of abuse and suffering disclosed by the client; (2) the need to adjust therapeutic goals and their reactions to this; and (3) feelings of professional isolation and a lack of support within mainstream services. Conclusions: The study describes therapeutic experience of a sample of practitioners and concludes that this work is distressing and demanding, requiring therapists to find their own coping methods, training, and supervision. The study points to needs for changes in practitioner training, service delivery, and policy to enable more holistic care of clients reporting complex ongoing abuse. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: The present study explored rates of burnout and racial trauma among 182 Black mental health professionals (BMHPs) and utilized racial–cultural theory to explore potential protective factors against burnout and racial trauma. Method: We collected data from 182 Black psychologists and counselors who were active mental health professionals during 2020. Descriptive statistics, multivariate analyses of variance, follow-up univariate analyses of variance, bivariate correlations, and multiple regression analyses were used. Results: Both burnout and racial trauma were considerably higher among BMHPs than has been reported across general samples of helping professionals and across a sample of Black participants across the United States. Differences among rates of burnout and racial trauma existed across genders and specialties (i.e., counseling and psychology). Higher levels of social support and an external locus of control significantly predicted lower levels of burnout and racial trauma. In addition, higher levels of resilient coping predicted lower levels of burnout. Last, more frequent meetings with a mentor significantly predicted lower levels of racial trauma. Conclusions: Results from this study suggest that BMHPs may be more susceptible to burnout and race-based traumatic stress as a result of their work. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: The knowledge is growing about how exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs) among provincial and territorial correctional workers in Canada affects their mental health. In the present national study, we examine the frequencies at which correctional workers (<em>n</em> = 3,740) in diverse occupational roles across all provinces and territories are exposed to different PPTEs. Method: Using robustly established self-report measures in surveys of each provincial and territorial correctional system, participants were grouped into consistent occupational categories to allow for comparisons and measurements of PPTE exposure and mental health disorder prevalence. Results: Nearly all correctional workers were exposed to most PPTE types, across all employment jurisdictions (<em>M</em> = 9.74, <em>SD</em> = 4.24). The most prevalent PPTE exposure type was physical assault (88.5%), followed by exposure to a sudden violent death (81.1%), sudden accidental death (76.8%), and assault with a weapon (76.0%). The least prevalent PPTE exposure types were combat (25.5%); serious injury, harm, or death you caused to someone else (28.0%); and captivity (35.4%). Most PPTE exposures were related to statistically significantly increased odds of screening positive for various mental health disorders, evidencing correctional workers are frequently experiencing injurious psychological traumas associated with mental health disorder symptoms. Conclusions: We discuss our results in the context of correctional worker wellness and conclude with recommendations for policies to address mental health treatment and resource gaps in correctional services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: The present meta-analysis aimed to investigate which are the most efficient psychological and physical interventions for professional caregivers. Method: The study was realized using information extracted from 28 randomized controlled trials, totaling 2,168 participants, with mean ages between 22.88 and 48.54, of which 64.7% were females. The records were identified in relevant international databases of scientific articles, such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Cochrane, and dissertation databases ProQuest Dissertations, DART-Europe E-theses Portal, and EThOS, for gray literature. The targeted population was represented by professional trauma caregivers, a group consisting of medical personnel, psychologists, and social workers. Results: Out of the 28 trials included, 16 studies were performed on medical personnel, four on mental health personnel, two on social workers, and six on mixed groups. The statistical analysis revealed a main effect size of <em>g</em> = 0.541, 95% CI [0.383, 0.700], <em>p</em> < .001, which indicates an overall medium effect of the interventions. Effect sizes were compared and analyzed based on continuous and categorical moderators, which did not prove significant except for the female percentage. Conclusions: The current findings support that all interventions are adequate and outperform control groups. Based on the literature review that was made before the onset of this meta-analysis, there seems to be no other study realized in such an exhaustive format. The implications predominantly target practitioners in how to approach professional trauma caregivers who seek treatment. Future research should further investigate this population as a whole and consider including culture as a moderator. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: Oncology nurses frequently experience both vicarious trauma (VT) and vicarious posttraumatic growth (VPTG). However, the precise relationship and structure of symptomatic levels of VT and VPTG has not been well understood. Understanding these links is essential for improving nurse well-being and patient care quality. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the connections between VT and VPTG in oncology nurses. Method: Four hundred one oncology nurses were recruited from multiple hospitals. They completed the VT Questionnaire and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. The graphical Gaussian model was used to estimate the network model. Central and bridge components were identified based on “expected influence” and “bridge expected influence” indices, respectively. Results: The network analysis showed “Feel mentally fatigued at work” and “Whenever I think about the patient, I feel distressed or sad” as the most influential components in the VT network, and “Do better things with life” and “More likely to try and change things” as the most influential elements in the VPTG network. Five bridge components emerged between the VT and VPTG, namely “Life is fragile makes me scared,” “Feel distressed or sad,” “Can handle difficulties better,” “New life path,” and “More compassion for others.” Conclusions: Targeted interventions such as cognitive restructuring and emotion regulation training that focus on central and bridging symptoms in the combined network of VT and VPTG may help reduce VT severity and enhance VPTG among oncology nurses. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: Aggression toward health care workers is a growing global concern, contributing to psychological distress and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Trauma-related coping self-efficacy (CSE) is critical in mitigating such effects and promoting psychological resilience after traumatic events. However, Italian health care settings lack a validated tool to measure CSE. This study aimed to preliminarily validate an Italian version of the Trauma-Related CSE Scale, adapted to measure health care workers’ responses to verbal and physical aggression from patients or clients. Method: The study involved 1,999 health care professionals who faced verbal aggression (92.6%) or physical aggression (7.4%) from patients or clients. The sample was primarily consisting of female nurses, with an average age of 46.95 years and a mean job tenure of 20 years. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one for exploratory factor analysis (EFA; <em>n</em> = 996) and another for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; <em>n</em> = 1,003). The scale’s factorial structure was evaluated through EFA and CFA, with additional analyses for reliability, measurement invariance, and both nomological and concurrent validity. Results: EFA supported a unidimensional six-item structure, which was confirmed by CFA and demonstrated strong reliability. Full residual invariance was observed across health care professionals aged below and above 50 years. Higher CSE was negatively correlated with burnout and posttraumatic stress symptoms while positively associated with job satisfaction and emotional regulatory self-efficacy. Nurses reported lower CSE than doctors. Conclusions: This study offers a context-specific tool for assessing CSE in hospital health care settings, which can aid organizations in implementing practices to strengthen workers’ resilience. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: The Occupational Moral Injury Scale (OMIS) was designed to capture both morally injurious events and a general factor of moral injury symptoms in any occupational setting beyond the military. Although the initial development and refinement of the OMIS demonstrated excellent results, it was undertaken on a combined sample of high-risk occupations. Further research is required to establish the OMIS as a measurement invariant instrument separately in specific occupations. Method: This study ran bifactor multigroup confirmatory factor analyses on a sample of 1,431 participants from five separate, high-risk occupational groups (health workers, emergency services, police, government officials, and teachers) before making direct mean comparisons between groups. Results: The results demonstrated configural, metric, and scalar invariance of the OMIS across all occupational groups tested, as well as between men and women—indicating that items hold generally the same meaning across these groups and that their scores can be appropriately compared. The OMIS was also able to distinguish between occupational groups, according to mean score comparisons. Conclusions: These results validate the OMIS for use across occupational groups and genders, facilitating further research in this space and permitting direct comparisons between diverse occupational groups for the first time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: Trauma has a profound and lasting impact on individuals. Trauma prevalence continues to rise nationally, yet few health care providers are trained to intervene and address trauma appropriately. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) have a unique role in addressing trauma due to our profession’s ability to intervene across the lifespan. This study investigated the education and training OTPs received in trauma-informed care (TIC) practices and their perceptions and confidence levels in utilizing these approaches in practice. Method: Three hundred twenty-one participants were recruited online using convenience, purposeful, and snowball sampling methods. Participants completed an anonymous 14-question online survey. Results: The study indicated that over half the participants (51%) felt only moderately confident in applying TIC methods. A substantial percentage (46%) did not learn these practices during their occupational therapy education. For those who did, the training was typically limited to a single chapter or unit, suggesting a need for more in-depth curriculum integration. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the critical need for TIC education and training early in OTPs’ careers. While therapists recognize the importance of TIC approaches in their practice, they require additional education and support to integrate these approaches confidently. Addressing this gap through comprehensive TIC education in occupational therapy training programs is essential to enhancing the capacity of OTPs to provide TIC effectively. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Objective: Providing health care during the COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a high mental health burden for health care providers. This study examined patterns of responses and correlates of class membership across commonly assessed mental health symptoms, psychosocial functioning, and moral injury for providers in the United States in Fall 2022. Method: A convenience sample of 1,504 primary care physicians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who had been in practice for three or more years (<em>M</em>_age = 46.1 years, <em>SD</em>_age = 11.3, 58% male) completed self-report measures in an online, opt-in panel survey from September to November 2022. Results: Using latent class analysis, three classes were identified: No/Low Symptoms (64.8%), High Moral Injury (19.9%), and Elevated Symptoms (15.2%). Several factors were correlated with class membership including age, sex, social support, personal risk of COVID-19, pandemic-related work stressors, proportion of COVID-19 patients seen at the height of the pandemic, and death of a patient due to COVID-19. Conclusions: This study found high levels of mental health symptoms, and problems with psychosocial functioning and moral injury in health care providers well past the pandemic’s peak. The results also demonstrated the importance of considering the unique contribution of moral injury to psychosocial functional difficulties experienced by health care providers during the pandemic given their defined role as essential workers. These findings have implications for preventing and managing mental health problems and burnout among providers postpandemic as well as for future pandemics at both the organizational and individual levels. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)

Researchers discovered a brain-based “brake” that can shut down chronic nerve pain in mice by calming an overactive pain circuit. Targeting this system more precisely could one day lead to powerful pain relief without affecting opioid receptors throughout the entire body.

An intensive seven-day meditation retreat triggered striking changes across the brain and body, including shifts tied to neuroplasticity, immunity, metabolism, and natural pain relief. Participants also showed brain connectivity patterns resembling those associated with psychedelic experiences, suggesting that powerful altered states may be achievable without drugs.

A prescription form of THC helped many people with PTSD escape recurring trauma-related nightmares, with more than one-third reporting that the nightmares disappeared completely after ten weeks. The results could point toward a long-awaited treatment for one of PTSD’s most distressing and stubborn symptoms.

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.

Researchers analyzing data from more than 1.9 million people found that ADHD is associated with substantially higher rates of digestive problems. People with ADHD had nearly double the odds of constipation, 58% higher odds of irritable bowel syndrome, and more than four times the odds of encopresis.

Semaglutide, the drug behind Ozempic and Wegovy, may have benefits that extend well beyond weight loss and diabetes. In a large Swedish study of nearly 15,000 people with bipolar disorder, its use was linked to a 21% lower risk of psychiatric hospitalization. Researchers think effects on inflammation and brain-related biological pathways could help stabilize mood, though other GLP-1 drugs did not show the same association.

Frequent cannabis users may wake up with unusually high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, suggesting their daily stress rhythms could be disrupted. Researchers say the finding raises questions about whether using cannabis for stress relief might, over time, interfere with the very system that helps the body handle stress.

Stress may literally scramble the brain’s internal GPS. Researchers found that cortisol, a hormone released during stress, made people significantly worse at navigating a virtual environment and disrupted the precise activity of grid cells, specialized brain cells that help us understand where we are in space. When landmarks were missing, this navigation system nearly stopped functioning, while another brain region appeared to step in and compensate.

A new wearable patch may help people reach REM sleep faster and remain there longer without medication or surgery. In a study of 28 participants, the device shortened the time to REM by 43 minutes and extended it by about 16 minutes. Researchers also observed signs of improved stress regulation and changes in brain circuits tied to emotion.

A prescription form of THC helped many people with PTSD escape recurring trauma-related nightmares, with more than one-third reporting that the nightmares disappeared completely after ten weeks. The results could point toward a long-awaited treatment for one of PTSD’s most distressing and stubborn symptoms.

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.