Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements Master’s Degree in Technology: Public Management, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / Trauma is worldwide phenomenon that affects many individuals and communities. In the case of South Africa, the apartheid regime has been the major cause of trauma for individuals as well as for communities. Although the Truth and Reconciliation Commission played a kind of healing role for traumatized individuals and communities, many were left unhealed and not reconciled. To bridge the gap left by the TRC in the context of trauma healing, some NGOs, such as the Institute for Healing of Memories, have taken up the task by organizing workshops aimed at healing affected individuals, churches and communities. In addition, they also helped people to forgive one another, reconcile and build peace. This research examines the impact of Healing of Memories workshops carried out in Durban some years ago. The participants reported significant progress towards trauma healing and reconciliation.

Thesis (MA) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The effects that a traumatic event can have on an individual and the high crime rate in South Africa (SA) were grounds for this two-phase study investigating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptom severity within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Two aims of the study were to investigate the relationship of six variables with the outcome variable (PTSD symptom severity) and to construct a regression model that could be used to predict levels ofPTSD symptom severity amongst SAPS members. A third aim was to construct a current list of duty-related stressors that SAPS members face. Phase one comprised 19 officers compiling a duty-related stress list that would form the basis of the stressor questionnaire in phase two. Phase two comprised 97 officers in 12 stations in the West Metropol completing a battery of questionnaires, including the PTSD Symptom Scale: Self-Report Version (Foa, Riggs, Dancu, & Rothbaum, 1993), the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (Folkman & Lazarus, 1988), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet, & Farley, 1988), an extent of service experience questionnaire, and the duty-related stress list. The results from the regression model showed perceived social support to have significant beneficial effects on PTSD symptom severity as did emotion-focused coping. Problem-focused coping was found to exacerbate PTSD symptom severity. Regression model 1 and regression model 2 were found to not significantly predict the outcome variable and the model of best fit was suggested. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die uitwerking wat 'n traumatiese gebeurtenis op 'n individu kan he en die hoe misdaadsyfer in Suid-Afrika (SA) was die beweegredes agter 'n tweefasige studie na die ernstigheid van die simptome van posttraumatiese stresversteuring (PTSV) in die Suid- Afrikaanse Polisiediens (SAPD). Die doel van die studie was om die verwantskap van ses veranderlikes met die uitkomsveranderlike te ondersoek en om 'n regressiemodel te skep wat gebruik kan word om die vlak van ernstigheid van PTSV-simptome by SAPD-Iede te voorspel. 'n Derde doel was om 'n bygewerkte lys van die werksverwante stressors wat SAPD-Iede in die gesig staar, saam te stel. In fase een het 19 polisiebeamptes 'n werksverwante streslys saamgestel wat as grondslag vir die stressorvraelys van fase twee gedien het. Fase twee het die voltooiing van 'n reeks vraelyste deur 97 beamptes van 12 stasies in die Wes-Metropool behels. Vraelyste het die volgende ingesluit: die PTSVsirnptoomskaal: self-aanmeldingsweergawe (Foa, Riggs, Daneu & Rothbaum, 1993), die maniere-van-hantering-vraelys (Folkman & Lazarus, 1998), die multidimensionele skaal van waargenome sosiale ondersteuning (Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet & Farley, 1998), 'n vraelys oor die mate van dienservaring, en die stresvraelys. Die uitslae van die regressiemodel het getoon dat waargenome sosiale ondersteuning, asook emosioneelgefokusde hantering, 'n betekenisvolle voordelige uitwerking op die ernstigheid van PTSV -sirnptome het. Daar is gevind dat probleemgefokusde hantering die ernstigheid van PTSV-simptome vererger. Regressiemodel 1 en die gewysigde regressiemodel 2 het nie die uitkomsveranderlike betekenisvol voorspel nie en die model wat die meeste van pas was, is aanbeveel.

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine whether the post-deployment screening instrument currently utilized to assess active-duty Marines for symptoms of PTSD upon their return from a combat deployment can be solely relied upon to accurately assess for PTSD. Additionally, this study sought to compare the number of Marines who have sought trauma-related mental health treatment based on their answers on the Post-Deployment Health Assessment (PDHA) to the number who have sought trauma-related mental health treatment based on their answers on their PTSD Checklist â?? Military Version (PCL-M). The participants in this study were comprised of a sample of active-duty Marines that had recently returned from a combat deployment. A quantitative secondary data analysis used Item Response Theory (IRT) to examine the answers provided by the participants on both the PDHA and PCL-M. Both instruments proved to be effective when assessing symptoms of PTSD and the participants identified as having symptoms of PTSD were referred for mental health services as required. According to the results, more Marines were identified as having symptoms of PTSD using both assessment instruments (PDHA and PCL-M) compared to those identified using just the PDHA. The result was a better understanding of predictors of Marines who may later develop PTSD. The results of this study can also assist the Marine Corps with its post-deployment screening for symptoms of PTSD which in turn can provide appropriate mental health referrals for Marines if deemed appropriate.

Thesis (MScMedSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a multifactorial disorder, with substantial evidence for a genetic contribution. Although genetic association studies have been conducted to identify vulnerability factors in PTSD, the results remain largely inconsistent. Identifying ligands of proteins that are involved in the aetiology of PTSD represents a means of delineating the network of interactions that may play a role in the development of the disorder. Numerous animal studies have identified the Wolframin protein (WFS1) as a putative biomarker for the development of PTSD. However, the function of WFS1 has not yet been fully elucidated. The aim of the present investigation was to identify proteins that interact with the N-terminal domain of WFS1, in order to possibly elucidate the function of the protein, and to subsequently hypothesise on the role that WFS1 may play in the development of PTSD. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) methodology was used to identify putative ligands of the N-terminal domain of WFS1 (amino acids 1-300) by screening a human adult brain complementary DNA (cDNA) library. Successive selection stages reduced the number of putative WFS1 N-terminal ligand-containing colonies (preys) from 878 to three. Putative ligands were sequenced and indentified by BLAST-search. Four preys were excluded because they were either out of frame with the vector or the protein they encoded occurred in a subcellular location that was not compatible with the location of the N-terminal domain of WFS1. An interesting putative ligand was identified as carboxypeptidase E (CPE). Colocalisation analyses verified that CPE colocalises with WFS1 in rat hypothalamic GT1-7 cells. Coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) further verified a direct interaction between WFS1 and CPE in rat hypothalamic GT1-7 cells, providing conclusive evidence that WFS1 and CPE interact. Both WFS1 and CPE are upregulated in response to fear and both are localised to the secretory granules of the regulated secretory pathway. WFS1 has been detected in both the ER and secretory granules it seems to play an important role in protein biosynthesis, modification, folding, trafficking and the regulation of calcium homeostasis. CPE is involved in neuropeptide processing and trafficking of secreted proteins. The interaction between CPE and WFS1 may thus serve to facilitate an optimal environment in which neuropeptides can be processed and secreted. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Posttraumatiese stresversteuring (PTSV) is 'n multifaktoriese siekte, met aansienlike bewyse vir 'n genetiese bydrae. Hoewel genetiese assosiasie-studies uitgevoer word om kwesbaarheidsfaktore in PTSV te identifiseer, is die resultate grootliks teenstrydig. Identifiseering van ligande van proteїene wat betrokke is in die etiologie van PTSV dien as middel om die netwerk van interaksies wat ń moontlike rol in die ontwikkeling van die versteuring kan speel, te oudersoek talle diere studies het die Wolframin proteien (WFS1) geїdentifiseer as 'n moontlike biomerker vir die ontwikkeling van PTSV. Die funksie van WFS1 is egter nog nie ten volle beskryf nie. Die doel van die huidige studie was om proteїene wat interaksie met die N-terminale domein van WFS1 her te identifiseer, om sodoende die funksie van die proteїen uit te lig, en daardeur die rol wat WFS1 kan speel in die ontwikkeling van PTSV te bepaal. Die gis twee-hibried metodologie is gebruik om moontlike ligande van die N-terminale domein van WFS1 te identifiseer, deur die sifting van 'n mens volwasse brein komplementêre DNS biblioteek. Opeenvolgende seleksie stappe het die aantal moontlike WFS1 N-terminale ligand wat moontlike prooi kolonies bevat van 878 tot en met ses verminder. Die DNS volgorde van die moontlike prooi-plasmiede is bepaal en geїdentifiseer deur die BLAST soek-engin. Vier prooi-plasmiede is uitgesluit omdat hulle of nie in die korrekte lees-raam in die vektor was nie of die subsellulêre ligging van die proteїen wat uitgedrukword is nie versoenbaar met die N-terminale domein van WFS1. 'n Interessante moontlike ligand is geїdentifiseer as Karboxypeptidase E (CPE). Ko-lokalisering ontleding bevestig dat CPE ko-lokaliseer met WFS1 in rot hipotalamiese selle (GT1-7). Ko-immunopresipitasie (Ko-IP) toon verder 'n direkte interaksie tussen WFS1 and CPE in rot GT1-7 selle. Wat dus bewys dat WFS1 en CPE wel met mekaar 'n interaksie het. Beide WFS1 en CPE toon 'n verhoogde uitdrukking in respons tot ń vrees-situasie. Beide van hierdie proteїene kom voor in die sekretoriese korrels van die gereguleerde sekretoriese pad. Die WFS1 proteien word bevind in die endoplasmiese retikulum (ER) van die sel, waar dit verantwoordelik is vir proteien biosintese, modifikasie, vouing, vervoer en die reguleering van kalsium homeostase. Die CPE proteїen is verantwoordelik vir die proseseering van neuropeptiede en die vervoer van uitgeskiede proteїene. Dus kan die interaksie tussen CPE en WFS1 dien om 'n optimale omgewing te skep waarin neuropeptiede geproseseer en uitgeskei kan word. / The National Research Foundation (NRF), the Harry Crossley Foundation and the Medical Research Council (MRC)

Members of the SAPS come into contact with violent crimes on a daily basis. They also have to deal with changes on an organisational level, as well as large amounts of administrative work. The Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced Questionnaire (COPE) was completed by police members in the North West Province, and eight items focusing on emotion-focused coping were added. The objectives of this study were to assess the construct validity and internal consistency of the COPE in the SAPS, with added scales for emotional processing and emotional expression. Another objective was to conceptualise coping, and specifically coping within the policing context from the literature. Finally, analyses of the differences between the coping strategies of different demographic groups in the SAPS were conducted. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The study population (N=229) included samples of police personnel across the North West Province. In addition to the COPE, a biographical questionnaire compiled by the researcher, was administered. The dispositional version of the COPE was used, consisting of 53 items. Eight additional items which measure emotional processing and emotional expression were also used. Initial analysis revealed the COPE subscales to be unreliable. Subsequent analysis indicated that two coping mechanisms which reflected emotionality in broad terms were employed by SAPS members. These factors were termed Active Emotional Expression and Emotional Reappraisal, and showed acceptable Cronbach Alpha coefficients. Item bias analysis was conducted and two items indicated uniform bias, and another two non-uniform bias. Tucker's phi coefficients for Active Emotional Expression and Emotional Reappraisal were all acceptable, indicating equivalence for both the Afrikaans and "other" languages groups. With regard to the two coping factors, no significant differences were found between the created language categories, or gender. Differences between the coping strategies of police members with different ranks, marital states and salary categories were also not significant. Recommendations for the organisation and future research were made. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Transportation-related collisions are ubiquitous and often traumatic. Identifying post-collision psychological distress and the characteristics of the collision survivor that lead to distress are vital to the development of early and appropriate interventions. The goals of this study were: 1) to use a questionnaire as opposed to a typical diagnostic interview, 2) to confirm that psychological distress is present in currently hospitalized transportation-related collision survivors, 3) to confirm that different types of distress co-occur, 4) to determine if distress is more likely to occur in those who have had prior distress, and 5) to explore the relationship between symptoms of distress and perception of control by self, others, and God/Higher Power of past, present, and future collision-related events. Subjects were 100 English speaking adult inpatients, 16 years and older, who were less than 3 weeks post-injury, and receiving some rehabilitation. Participants completed a questionnaire which included the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS) as well as questions regarding demographics, details of the collision/injury, alcohol/drug use, pain, past and present stressors, social support, and perceptions of life change. Information about head injury and collision-concurrent alcohol and/or drug use was collected from the patient's medical chart. Compared to other traumatic experiences (e.g., physical/sexual abuse, war combat), transportation-related collisions share the characteristics of being sudden, unexpected, relatively brief in duration, and potentially lethal. Prior studies used diagnostic interviews to identify psychological distress in post hospitalized collision survivors. This study used questionnaire-based depression, anxiety, and trauma symptom inventories in a currently hospitalized sample and included head injured patients. As hypothesized there was a significant correlation between the CES-D total score and the BAI total score [Hypothesis 1], the DTS total score [Hypothesis 2], and collision concurrent alcohol and/or drug use (as indicated by medical chart records or score on the CAGE) [Hypothesis 3]. Further, there was a significant correlation between the patient's self-reported history of depression, anxiety, or stress reaction and CES-D, BAI, and DTS total scores, respectively [Hypothesis 4]. Also as hypothesized, perceived personal control of the past "events that caused the collision" was significantly correlated with the CES-D total score [Hypothesis 5] while perceived control of the present "life in general right now" was negatively correlated to the CES-D total score [Hypothesis 6]. Contrary to hypothesis, perceived control of the present "recovery process right now" was not correlated to the CES-D total score [Hypothesis 6] nor was perceived control of the future "preventing a collision like this from happening...again" [Hypothesis 7]. Perception of control by "others" of the present "recovery process right now" was negatively correlated to the CES-D total score. Results support the theory that perceived personal control of past traumatic events increases the likelihood of psychological distress. Some evidence of post traumatic growth was found.

Mental suffering costs the society amounts of money every year due to sick leave, suicide and general production loss. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the conditions that can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic event.  This thesis examines the positive experiences and limitations of the treatment form Imagery rehearsal therapy for war veterans’ post-traumatic nightmares. The results show that this treatment reduces post-trauma nightmares both in frequency and in intensity. It also improves the quality of sleep and reduces PTSD- and depression symptoms. However, veterans with multiple traumas as a basis for their PTSD may need more sessions of imagery rehearsal therapy. The results also indicate that the treatment also can show positive results in the reduction of the nightmare frequency and intensity in individuals who suffer from other types of traumatic nightmares than the war veterans had. / Psykiskt lidande kostar samhället stora summor årligen genom sjukskrivningar, självmord och allmänt produktionsbortfall. Posttraumatiskt stressyndrom (PTSD) är ett av dessa sjukdomstillstånd och kan drabba vem som helst som upplevt en traumatisk händelse. Detta examensarbete undersöker de positiva erfarenheterna av och begränsningarna hos behandlingsformen imagery rehearsal therapy vid posttraumatiska mardrömmar hos krigsveteraner. Resultatet visar att denna behandlingsform minskar posttraumatiska mardrömmar både i frekvens och i intensitet. Den förbättrar även sömnkvalitén, samt minskar PTSD-och depressionssymptom. Dock, så kankrigsveteraner med flera trauman som grund för deras PTSD behöva fler sessioner av imagery rehearsal therapy. Resultaten visar också att behandlingen även kan visa positiva resultat i minskning av mardrömmars frekvens och intensitet hos individer som lider av andra typer av traumatiska mardrömmar än de krigsveteranerna hade.

Previous research indicates that those with a history of abuse have an increased risk to experience subsequent traumatic events. This study utilized a convenience sample of undergraduate students to examine the reaction of those with a history of abuse to subsequent traumatic experiences. In addition, the study assessed the level of posttraumatic growth an individual experiences following childhood abuse. The level of posttraumatic growth was examined to determine if the growth allowed for participants to better handle successive traumas. Those with a history of abuse experienced higher levels of symptomology following a successive traumatic event. Results did not support the hypothesis that among those with a history of abuse, lower levels of posttraumatic growth would predict higher levels of symptoms following a later trauma. Implications and limitations of the study, as well as directions for future research are discussed.

Plusieurs études telles que le NESARC ont démontré la comorbidité chez les joueurs pathologiques dans la population générale et dans des échantillons cliniques. Le jeu pathologique se présente souvent avec des troubles comorbides tels que les toxicomanies, les troubles de l’humeur, les troubles anxieux et les troubles de la personnalité. Cette étude a été réalisée auprès de 40 joueurs pathologiques admis en traitement au Centre Dollard-Cormier, Institut universitaire sur les dépendances à Montréal. Les objectifs étaient d’évaluer : la consommation d’alcool et de drogues, la présence d’une détresse psychologique caractérisée par des symptômes et des syndromes cliniques ainsi que par des troubles de la personnalité et la prévalence du trouble de l’ÉSPT dans l’échantillon. L’ICJE a été utilisé pour évaluer la gravité du jeu. Les autres troubles ont été mesurés à travers l’IGT, l’AUDIT, le MCMI-III, le QÉT et l’ÉMST. Les résultats montrent que 65 % des participants présentent une consommation problématique d’alcool (25 % actuellement, 40 % dans le passé), 27,5 % une consommation problématique de drogues; 52,5 %, un diagnostic probable d’au moins un syndrome clinique (surtout anxiété et dépression), 55 %, un diagnostic probable d’au moins un trouble de la personnalité; 30 %, des symptômes du trouble d’ÉSPT et 17,5 %, un diagnostic probable du trouble. Alors, la comorbidité est présente chez les joueurs pathologiques de l’échantillon. Il est essentiel de l’identifier pour mieux répondre aux besoins particuliers de l’individu et l’aider avec les symptômes qui aggravent le problème de jeu et augmentent le risque de récidive. / Several studies such as the NESARC have demonstrated the comorbidity in pathological gamblers in the general population and in clinical samples. Pathological gambling often occurs with other comorbid disorders, such as addictions, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. This study was conducted among 40 pathological gamblers admitted in treatment at Centre Dollard-Cormier, Institut universitaire sur les dépendances, in Montreal. The objectives were to assess the use of alcohol and drugs, the presence of psychological distress characterized by clinical symptoms and syndromes as well as by personality disorders, and the prevalence of PTSD in the gamblers of the sample. The CPGI was used to assess the severity of gambling. The other disorders were measured through the ASI, the AUDIT, the MCMI-III, the QÉT and the ÉMST. The results show that 65% of participants had a problem with alcohol (25% currently, 40% in the past), 27.5% presented a problematic drug use, 52.5% had a potential diagnosis of at least one clinical syndrome (mainly anxiety and depression), 55% had a potential diagnosis of at least one personality disorder, 30% presented symptoms of PTSD and 17.5% had a potential diagnosis of PTSD. In conclusion, comorbidity exists in the pathological gamblers of the sample. It is essential to identify it in order to better address the needs of the individual and to help him with the symptoms that worsen the gambling problem and increase the risk of recurrence.

Little empirical research has been done to examine the effects that working with traumatized individuals has had on their therapists. It is known that mental health professionals often do suffer ill effects, especially symptoms of secondary traumatic stress disorder. The present investigation tested predictors of secondary traumatic stress disorder in the therapists who provided services for the Oklahoma City bombing. Predictors were therapist social network involvement, years of counseling experience, and amount of self-reported empathy experienced from others. Indicators of secondary traumatic stress were the Frederick Reaction Index-A, the Compassion Fatigue Self-test for Helpers, and the SCL-90R. Hypotheses were tested using a series of hierarchical multiple regressions. Results demonstrated no significance for years of experience or social network, but perceived empathy accounted for 11% of the variance on the SCL-90 and the Compassion Fatigue Self-test for Psychotherapists with social network and years of experience controlled.