Posttraumatic Growth and Sexual Violence: A Literature Review

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is the positive psychological growth that a person might experience after enduring a traumatic event. PTG is a relatively new area of research identified by researchers because it represents a shift in thinking. Rather than focusing on the negative consequences of trauma, it explores the potential for positive outcomes associated with trauma. Although PTG is well documented across different types of traumas, it is unclear how this kind of growth stems from sexual violence, specifically. This review provides an overview of the literature concerning PTG that is associated with sexual violence. Results across the literature indicate that sexual violence is consistently associated with PTG. However, given the inconsistency in research designs, assessment, and operational definitions used to study PTG, many researchers suggest that it might be difficult to determine how and when PTG occurs. This study provides a literature review of the research on PTG in the aftermath of sexual violence. Important implications for future directions and trauma-based therapy are discussed and include the identification of relevant predictors, the importance of context, and how service providers might benefit from a better understanding of PTG.     

Introduction: Multicultural Perspectives of Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma

Intergenerational transmission of trauma (ITT) has increasingly been a topic of interest among researchers. What still appears lacking is the thorough understanding of ITT in various marginalized cultural groups. This special issue is the second part of a 2-part series that systematically reviews the literature, synthesizes the literature, and conducts original research in ITT in marginalized groups. Due to known devastating and far-reaching effects of ITT, the authors of the 4 articles in this special issue attempt to shed light on ITT mechanisms and salient sociocultural factors that might lead to or exacerbate ITT in 4 marginalized communities. The authors also offer suggestions on culturally responsive ways of healing from ITT in these cultural groups.     

Criminogenic Thinking Mediates the Relation Between Violent Media Exposure and Aggression

For decades researchers have been exploring the connection between exposure to violent media and aggression in adolescents. In this study, we hypothesized that criminogenic thinking would mediate the relationship between violent media exposure and aggression. A sample of 382 undergraduate students completed questionnaires regarding exposure to violent media during their adolescent years, and their current endorsement of criminogenic thinking and level of aggression. Results indicated that criminogenic thinking patterns did, in fact, mediate the relationships between exposure to various forms of violent media and aggression. The implications of these findings toward a better understanding of the relationship between violent media exposure and aggressive behavior are discussed.     

Interpersonal Trauma,Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms,and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide in Women Seeking Shelter from Intimate Partner Violence

This study examined how trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms of reexperiencing, avoidance, numbing, dysphoric arousal, and anxious arousal relate to the major components of the interpersonal theory of suicide; namely, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and the acquired capability for suicide. A sample of 137 women seeking shelter from intimate partner violence completed self-report assessments. Symptoms of dysphoric arousal and numbing were uniquely and positively associated with thwarted belongingness. Numbing symptoms were uniquely and positively associated with perceived burdensomeness. Reexperiencing and anxious arousal symptoms were uniquely but negatively associated with the acquired capability for suicide. Interpersonal trauma was also positively associated with acquired capability, but only when examined independently. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms of dysphoric arousal and numbing symptoms might complement brief screenings for acute suicide risk and can help inform in-shelter activities as well as postshelter treatment recommendations to decrease suicide risk for shelter-seeking women.     

John Plaifere (d.1632) on conditional predestination: a well-mixed version of scientia media and resistible grace

This article argues that John Plaifere's doctrine of predestination appearing in Appello Evangelium (1651) can be labelled as ‘conditional predestination’, since it embodies two Arminian features: scientia media and resistible grace. His conditional predestination needs to be considered as recognizing at least five different variations of predestination in his time. It is distinctive in English Arminianism, but not because Plaifere introduces scientia media and resistible grace or because he is unique in adopting these notions (as is not the case). Rather, Plaifere's doctrine of predestination is distinctive because it is a hybrid version embracing core tenets of Molina, Arminius, Arminianism, and the Remonstrants. Although not every English Arminian or Dutch Remonstrant had much concern for scientia media, Plaifere's conditional predestination advances resistible grace, which is substantially based on the notion of scientia media as its metaphysical foundation. In analyzing Plaifere's Appello Evangelium, one can gain a sense of the specific technical-theological components with which English Arminianism was constructed.     

Predicting aggressive collective action based on the efficacy of peaceful and aggressive actions

We examine whether aggressive forms of collective action are predicted by their perceived efficacy and the perceived efficacy of peaceful collective action, and whether the two predictors interact. We present data from surveys examining support for and tendencies toward aggressive collective action among university students who are opposed to increases in tuition fees in Britain (Study 1) and support for suicide bombings against Israeli civilians among Palestinians during the Second Intifada (Study 2). Our results reveal an interaction between the efficacy of peaceful and aggressive collective actions: The more efficacious aggression is perceived to be, the greater its appeal and the less it is assuaged by the efficacy of peaceful action. This implies that (i) people may consider aggressive action whenever it works, even if peaceful action is efficacious, and (ii) people may consider aggressive action even when it seems unpromising, if peaceful action is not efficacious, in an apparent nothing‐to‐lose strategy.     

青少年物质主义的成因、测量与干预

物质主义是一种看重个体所拥有的财物的价值观。本文回顾了青少年物质主义的成因、测量与干预方法。青少年物质主义价值观的形成主要受家庭、同伴和媒体等因素的影响。常用的测量方法包含青少年物质主义量表、物质主义价值观量表—儿童版以及消费者卷入度等自陈量表,操作性测量工具——拼贴画,以及想象、观看社会榜样视频等启动青少年物质主义的方法。干预活动主要通过家庭、学校、媒体和社会等渠道展开。未来研究值得关注下述两点,一是从新角度考察环境对青少年物质主义价值观的影响;二是开展本土化的青少年物质主义研究。     

How positive processes function in negative relationships: Dispositional gratitude moderates the association between affective need and frequency of dating violence victimization

Evidence indicates that dispositional gratitude may improve romantic relationships by reinforcing positive emotions between partners and by increasing awareness of affective needs, such as receiving emotional support, nurturance, and reassurance. However, little research has investigated the influence of gratitude on relationships characterized by violence. In the present study, participants (N = 421) completed a cross-sectional survey of experiences with dating violence, dispositional gratitude, and affective need. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Among individuals with lower rates of dispositional gratitude, higher levels of affective need were associated with lower frequency of dating violence victimization. However, among individuals with higher rates of dispositional gratitude, there was no evidence to suggest an association between affective need and frequency of victimization. These preliminary findings compel further investigation of how positive processes impact the perceived qualities of negative romantic relationships.     

Connecting in the Twitterverse: Using Twitter to satisfy unmet belonging needs

The current study explored how social media can satisfy unmet needs for belonging. We predicted that, of those who experience chronic ostracism (feeling excluded and ignored frequently), people high in need to belong would utilize Twitter to satisfy their unmet belonging needs more than those low in need to belong. Specifically, individuals high in need to belong and chronic ostracism should use Twitter to form and maintain parasocial relationships (one-sided relationships with media figures). Participants (n = 315) completed a survey assessing their chronic ostracism experiences, dispositional need to belong, and Twitter behavior, particularly regarding potential parasocial relationship targets (n = 229). As expected, when participants reported experiencing high rates of chronic ostracism, participants high in need to belong used Twitter more than those low in need to belong, particularly following more parasocial relationship targets. Thus, maintaining parasocial relationships on Twitter may be an effective way to satisfy unmet belonging needs.     

Sports Media Representations of Concussions in the National Rugby League

Objective

Concussion is poorly understood by the general public who are regularly exposed to this type of injury via televised sports such as the National Rugby League (NRL). This study investigated media representations of concussion by examining the terminology used by the commentators during the 2010 and 2011 NRL seasons.

Method

Data was obtained through a surveillance design where commentary statements were recorded for each observable concussion.

Results

Dramatic terminology was the most frequently used followed by entertaining and humorous terminology. Commentators often portrayed the way the incident had occurred and the player's reaction to being concussed. However, information about a player sustaining an injury that required medical attention was rarely conveyed.

Conclusion

Media tend to trivialise concussion and this may have an impact on the public's knowledge of, and influence their response to, concussion.