Self-Compassion and Psychological Flexibility in a Treatment-Seeking Sample of Women Survivors of Interpersonal Violence.

Interpersonal violence is pervasive and is related to numerous negative psychological outcomes. This study examines self-compassion and psychological flexibility as potential protective factors for the range of diverse problems associated with interpersonal trauma. A community sample of 27 women (mean age = 37.

Acceptance and commitment therapy as a nonpathologizing intervention approach for survivors of trauma.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2012) is proposed as a nonpathologizing approach to trauma-related problems. ACT has at its core a functional approach to understanding the human condition such that problems are maintained by functional processes, such as avoidance. Treatment focuses on these processes to institute change, stepping away from directly pursuing symptoms as an evaluative outcome.

Reaction to stressful life events: what predicts symptom severity?

This study examined the effect of Criterion A and non-Criterion A (as defined by the DSM-IV-TR) events on symptomatology related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Two hundred and forty-one college students completed a series of questionnaires related to symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, psychological processes and psychopathology. Participants were divided into two groups: those that experienced a Criterion A traumatic life event as defined by the DSM-IV-TR, and those that experienced a non-Criterion A event.

Adult disclosure of a history of childhood sexual abuse: implications for behavioral psychotherapy.

This article presents a behavioral conceptualization of the difficulties associated with adult disclosure in psychotherapy of a history of childhood sexual abuse. Using a contemporary behavioral perspective and a functional analysis of various clinical presentations, we examine the factors that may contribute to nondisclosure of a history of abuse. Traumagenic dynamics are used to frame a discussion of childhood factors that may further influence disclosure of abuse.

Sexual victimization and physical health: an examination of explanatory mechanisms.

There is a growing body of research illustrating a significant relationship between a history of sexual victimization and the development of physical health problems; however, few researchers have examined variables that mediate this relationship. The present study examined two potential mediating variables: experiential avoidance and current stress. Results indicated that current stress significantly mediated the relationship between adult sexual assault and physical health complaints, and experiential avoidance may be a partial mediator.

Sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction among women who report a history of childhood and/or adolescent sexual abuse.

This study examined the relationship between sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, and predictor variables (experiential avoidance, relationship violence, relationship satisfaction, anger, and psychological distress) in 22 women reporting a history of childhood and/or adolescent sexual abuse. Sexual satisfaction correlated significantly with all predictor variables. Sexual functioning correlated significantly with relationship violence only.

Thought suppression mediates the relationship between negative mood and PTSD in sexually assaulted women.

Sexually victimized individuals often report chronic attempts to avoid unpleasant internal experiences (e.g., thoughts, emotions, memories) as a means of affect regulation.

The effects of sexual assault-related intrusion suppression in the laboratory and natural environment.

Individuals with a history of sexual victimization often experience enduring intrusive thoughts associated with their assault history. Research suggests that the characteristic ways in which sexually assaulted individuals respond to aversive internal experiences (i.e.

Chronic avoidance helps explain the relationship between severity of childhood sexual abuse and psychological distress in adulthood.

Recent studies have found that chronic avoidance of unpleasant internal experiences (e.g., thoughts, emotions, memories) is a maladaptive means of affect regulation often adopted by women with a history of sexual victimization in childhood.

Vicarious traumatization: potential hazards and interventions for disaster and trauma workers.

Disaster and trauma workers often disregard their own reactions and needs when focusing on caring for those directly exposed to traumatic events. This article discusses the concept of vicarious traumatization, a form of post-traumatic stress response sometimes experienced by those who indirectly are exposed to traumatic events. It includes an examination of how vicarious trauma reactions are experienced across different professions, and suggestions on how to limit or prevent vicarious traumatization.

Experimental avoidance as a mediator of the effects of adolescent sexual victimization on negative adult outcomes.

The study examined experiential avoidance as a mediator between sexual victimization and negative adult outcomes. Baron and Kenny's (1986) regression analyses were performed on a sample of 304 undergraduate women to assess direct and indirect effects of sexual victimization on depressive, psychological distress, and alcohol abuse symptoms. Experiential avoidance accounted for statistically significant, but modest effects of victimization on depressive and distress symptoms.

Sexual functioning in women reporting a history of child sexual abuse: review of the empirical literature and clinical implications.

Researchers have frequently linked childhood sexual abuse (CSA) with some form of adult sexual disturbance. Unfortunately, research on how to treat sexual dysfunctions in women with a history of childhood sexual abuse has lagged behind. In this article, we review the literature concerning childhood sexual abuse and sexual dysfunction.