Anxiety sensitivity and social support in veterans with emotional disorders
APA Citation:
(=Pavlacic, J. M., Witcraft, S. M., Allan, N. P., & Gros, D. F. (2023). Anxiety sensitivity and social support in veterans with emotional disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 79(10), 2337-2350. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23554
Focus:
Veterans
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
Very old (85 yrs & older)
Methodology:
Quantitative Study
Authors:
Pavlacic, Jeffrey M., Witcraft, Sara M., Allan, Nicholas P., Gros, Daniel F.
Abstract:
Objective: An understanding of the incremental value of social support in predicting psychopathology above transdiagnostic risk factors could speak to the benefit of leveraging social factors into existing, evidence-based interventions in veterans with emotional disorders. This cross-sectional study aimed to expand our understanding of associations between domains of anxiety sensitivity and facets of psychopathology in veterans with emotional disorders. We also determined whether social support predicted psychopathology above anxiety sensitivity domains and combat exposure and explored these relationships with a path model. Methods: One hundred and fifty-six treatment-seeking veterans with emotional disorders completed diagnostic interviews and assessments of demographics, social support, symptom measures (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety, and stress), and transdiagnostic risk factors (i.e., anxiety sensitivity). After data screening, 150 were included in regressions. Results: Using regression analyses with cross-sectional data, cognitive anxiety sensitivity concerns predicted PTSD and depression above combat exposure. Cognitive and physical concerns predicted anxiety, and cognitive and social concerns predicted stress. Above combat exposure and anxiety sensitivity, social support predicted PTSD and depression. Conclusion: Focusing on social support in tandem with transdiagnostic mechanisms in clinical samples is critical. These findings inform transdiagnostic interventions and recommendations related to incorporation of assessment of transdiagnostic factors in clinical contexts.
Publication Type:
Article
Keywords:
depression, social support, anxiety sensitivity, ptsd
Military sexual assault as a mediator of the association between posttraumatic stress disorder and depression among lesbian, gay, and bisexual veterans
APA Citation:
Lucas, C. K., Goldbach, J. T., Marney, M. R., Kintzle, S., & Castro, C. A. (2018). Military sexual assault as a mediator of the association between posttraumatic stress disorder and depression among lesbian, gay, and bisexual veterans. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 31(4), 613-619. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22308
Focus:
Mental health
Other
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
Methodology:
Cross-Sectional Study
Quantitative Study
Secondary Analysis
Authors:
Lucas, Carrie L., Goldbach, Jeremy T., Mamey, Mary Rose, Kintzle, Sara, Castro, Carl Andrew
Abstract:
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) civilians report higher rates of sexual assault, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression compared to their heterosexual counterparts. In this study, we compared military sexual assault (MSA), PTSD, and depression in LGB individuals and their non-LGB peers in two community samples of veterans (N = 2,583). Participants were selected for inclusion if they identified as LGB (n = 110) and were matched 1 to 3 on gender and age with non-LGB veterans (n = 330). Chi-square analyses showed significant differences for LGB veterans compared to non-LGB veterans for experiencing MSA (32.7% vs. 16.4%, respectively), p < .001; probable PTSD (41.2% vs. 29.8%, respectively), p = .039; and probable depression (47.9% vs. 36.0%, respectively), p = .039. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed LGB veterans were 1.93 times more likely to have experienced MSA compared to non-LGB veterans, 95% CI [1.30, 2.88], p = .001. The experience of MSA significantly mediated associations with probable PTSD, odds ratio (OR) = 1.43, 95% CI [1.13, 1.80], p = .003, and probable depression, OR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.07, 1.64], p = .009. As the experience of MSA fully mediates the presence of PTSD and depression among LGB veterans, we highly recommend health providers assess for MSA among LGB veterans, especially those who meet clinical thresholds for PTSD and depression.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
John Wiley & Sons
Publication Type:
Article
Author Affiliation:
United States Air Force, Travis Air Force Base, CLL
Suzanne Dworak‐Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, JTG
Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Division of Hospital Medicine, Los Angeles, MRM
Keywords:
LGB, sexual assault, ptsd, depression, MSA
Sponsors:
Newman’s Own Foundation
Deloitte
UniHealth Foundation
Prudential
Orange County Community Foundation
The Nicholas Endowment