Sandy Krammer

Validierung der deutschen Übersetzung des revidierten Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI-2) zur Erfassung komplexer posttraumatischer Belastungssymptomatik

The study aimed to validate the German version of the revised Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI-2) by John Briere. TSI-2 assesses complex posttraumatic stress symptoms. In order to validate it, further instruments were applied, namely the Adverse Childhood Experience Scale, the CIDI list, the revised Impact of Event-Scale, the interview for complex posttraumatic stress disorder, the revised symptom checklist 90, the dissociative experiences scale, the inventory for interpersonal problems, and the self-efficacy questionnaire. The participants were N=100 traumatized psychiatric in-patients of a psychiatric hospital localized in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. The sample consisted of N=42 women. The study design was longitudinal with 2 assessments. The second assessment took place 4 weeks after the first, in order to investigate retest reliability. Here, N=17 patients participated, of whom N=8 were women. Regarding the results, on average, 3.5 aversive or traumatic experiences during childhood were reported, and 2,1 during adulthood. The diagnosis of (classical) PTSD was estimated at 33%. The results indicate that TSI-2 is both reliable and valid with respect to different criteria: Most scales and subscales of the TSI-2 showed acceptable to very good internal consistencies (α from 0.73 to 0.95) as well as good discriminatory power, and an acceptable retest reliability. Results also indicate good divergent and convergent construct validity as well as good criterion validity. It was not possible to replicate the 4-factor-model presented by the original author of the TSI-2. Instead, in line with the study that validated the German translation of the first version of the TSI-1, a 2-factor-model was found. There were gender differences regarding the TSI-2 scales with higher posttraumatic stress symptoms in women. In conclusion, there is evidence that indicates that the German translation of the TSI-2 is a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of complex posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Structural analysis of the PCL-R and relationship to BIG FIVE personality traits and parenting characteristics in an Hispanic female offender sample

Valid measurement of psychopathic traits in females using the Psychopathy Checklist Revised (PCL-R) continues to be an under researched topic. Previous latent variable and other psychometric studies have raised questions concerning the structure and predictive effects of psychopathic traits in females. New cross-cultural research finds good support for a four-factor model of psychopathy in females and the predictive effects of the psychopathy factors (Declercq, Carter, & Neumann, 2015; Neumann, Hare, & Pardini, 2015). Nevertheless, additional research is needed on females, especially individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. We investigated the factor structure and construct validity of the PCL-R in a female Hispanic sample (n = 155). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the four-factor model provided an adequate fit. Furthermore, structural equation modelling revealed significant negative and positive predictive effects, respectively, between general personality (Agreeableness and Conscientiousness), and indifferent/abusive parenting with the broad syndrome of psychopathy.

Wirksamkeit des Programms "Reasoning and Rehabilitation Revised" für inhaftierte Frauen in der Schweiz - eine Erkundungsstudie

ZusammenfassungHintergrundBei dem revidierten Programm „Reasoning and Rehabilitation“ (R&R2) handelt es sich um einen gruppentherapeutischen Ansatz zur Behandlung spezifischer Probleme von Straftätern. Hier werden erstmals Effekte der deutschsprachigen Version für Mädchen und junge Frauen berichtet.Material und MethodeDie Effekte des Gruppentrainings wurden bei 11 inhaftierten Frauen durch standardisierte Fragebogen erfasst. Hierbei interessierten Veränderungen sozial-interpersoneller, motivationaler, psychopathologischer und emotionsregulatorischer Merkmale. Zudem wurden die Zufriedenheit mit der Behandlung und der klinische Eindruck erhoben.ErgebnisseDie erfassten proximalen Effektmaße unterstützen überwiegend die Hypothese einer Wirksamkeit des R&R2 bei Frauen. Das Programm erwies sich als veränderungsinduzierend und wurde gut angenommen.SchlussfolgerungDie Ergebnisse dieser isolierten Evaluation des R&R2-Trainings bei Frauen weisen auf positive Veränderungen spezieller Problembereiche hin. Jedoch werden weiterführende Studien zum intra- und extramuralen Verhalten sowie distalen Rückfälligkeitsmaß benötigt.AbstractBackgroundThe revised reasoning and rehabilitation program (R&R2) is a group therapy approach for the treatment of the specific problems of criminal offenders. This article presents the results of the evaluation of the German version for girls and young women.Material and methodsThe effects of this group therapy were assessed by means of a standardized questionnaire among 11 female prisoners. Changes concerning social-interpersonal, motivational, psychopathological factors as well as the regulation of emotions were of interest. Furthermore, contentment with therapy and clinical impressions were measured.ResultsThe results surveyed predominantly support the hypotheses regarding the effectiveness of the R&R2 for women prisoners. The program promoted specific changes and was well accepted.DiscussionThe results of this evaluation study indicate that the R&R2 program promotes positive changes concerning specific problems of women prisoners. Further studies are needed to assess intramural and extramural behavior as well as distal predictions of recidivism.

Wirksamkeit des Programms „Reasoning and Rehabilitation Revised“ für inhaftierte Frauen in der Schweiz

ZusammenfassungHintergrundBei dem revidierten Programm „Reasoning and Rehabilitation“ (R&R2) handelt es sich um einen gruppentherapeutischen Ansatz zur Behandlung spezifischer Probleme von Straftätern. Hier werden erstmals Effekte der deutschsprachigen Version für Mädchen und junge Frauen berichtet.Material und MethodeDie Effekte des Gruppentrainings wurden bei 11 inhaftierten Frauen durch standardisierte Fragebogen erfasst. Hierbei interessierten Veränderungen sozial-interpersoneller, motivationaler, psychopathologischer und emotionsregulatorischer Merkmale. Zudem wurden die Zufriedenheit mit der Behandlung und der klinische Eindruck erhoben.ErgebnisseDie erfassten proximalen Effektmaße unterstützen überwiegend die Hypothese einer Wirksamkeit des R&R2 bei Frauen. Das Programm erwies sich als veränderungsinduzierend und wurde gut angenommen.SchlussfolgerungDie Ergebnisse dieser isolierten Evaluation des R&R2-Trainings bei Frauen weisen auf positive Veränderungen spezieller Problembereiche hin. Jedoch werden weiterführende Studien zum intra- und extramuralen Verhalten sowie distalen Rückfälligkeitsmaß benötigt.AbstractBackgroundThe revised reasoning and rehabilitation program (R&R2) is a group therapy approach for the treatment of the specific problems of criminal offenders. This article presents the results of the evaluation of the German version for girls and young women.Material and methodsThe effects of this group therapy were assessed by means of a standardized questionnaire among 11 female prisoners. Changes concerning social-interpersonal, motivational, psychopathological factors as well as the regulation of emotions were of interest. Furthermore, contentment with therapy and clinical impressions were measured.ResultsThe results surveyed predominantly support the hypotheses regarding the effectiveness of the R&R2 for women prisoners. The program promoted specific changes and was well accepted.DiscussionThe results of this evaluation study indicate that the R&R2 program promotes positive changes concerning specific problems of women prisoners. Further studies are needed to assess intramural and extramural behavior as well as distal predictions of recidivism.

The relationship between childhood traumatic events, social support, and mental health problems in prisoners

Abstract This study examined the prevalence of childhood traumatic events (CTE), social support levels as well as mental health problems (MHP), to test for differences between traumatized and non-traumatized individuals, and to investigate the relationship among the aforementioned parameters in a sample of 49 prisoners in Switzerland. This cross-sectional study used standardized self-report measurements. In line with expectations, prisoners reported a high rate of traumatic events. Furthermore, results indicated that those traumatized differed from those non-traumatized regarding the level of social support, interpersonal sensitivity, and depression. However, no relationship between CTE and social support as well as MHP was found. This points to specific therapeutic needs of those traumatized, and to the necessity of a trauma-informed correctional care. Moreover, these study results are a further step into more integrated models of criminal behavior.

Die posttraumatische Belastungsstörung (PTBS) nach dem ICD-11 Kriterienvorschlag bei inhaftierten Männern

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND The eleventh version of the ICD, expected to be published in 2018, leads to changed criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) according to the online beta version. Such changes are likely to affect previously known features of PTSD, including the prevalence rate. Little is known about the prevalence of ICD-11 PTSD in imprisoned men. The present study examined this issue in this high-risk group for trauma disorders, as male prisoners are known to be more often affected by traumatic events compared to the general population. METHOD In n = 49 men imprisoned in Switzerland, cross-sectional and standardized self-assessment procedures (ACE, Cidi list, IES-R) were used to record traumatic events and possible trauma symptoms. The frequency of ICD-11 PTSD was calculated using the diagnostic heuristic of Hyland et al. (2017), on the basis of which ICD-11 PTSD is estimated by means of the IES-R. RESULTS Overall, 88 % of the detained men examined had been traumatized during childhood and / or life span; 78 % reported at least one event on the ACE, on average 1.5, with 25 % reporting four or more events. Emotional abuse was reported most frequently (51 %). Furthermore, 71 % reported at least one event on the Cidi list, on average 1.8, with 45 % reporting serious physical threat. The analysis of ICD-11 PTSD was carried out with n = 34 inmates after exclusion of those without a traumatic event and those who did not complete the IES-R, and ICD-11 PTSD was estimated at 26.5 %. CONCLUSION The study shows that imprisoned men are likely to be a high risk group for the development of PTSD even according to the new ICD. Considering the high prevalence of traumatic events and the numerous negative consequences for mental as well as physical health, specific psychotherapeutic programs and a trauma-informed imprisonment are necessary.

Erfassung der komplexen posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung mit dem revidierten Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI-2)

BACKGROUND This study tested whether it is possible to diagnose complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) according to the beta version of ICD-11 by means of the Trauma Symptom Inventory 2 (TSI-2). Currently, there is no established measurement for this. METHODS An algorithm for the TSI-2 was developed. This was tested in a sample of 100 psychiatric patients, who had experienced aversive and/or traumatic events. The frequency of CPTSD and differences regarding gender, age and traumatic events will be reported. RESULTS On the basis of this TSI-2 algorithm, 5% of the sample were estimated to suffer from CPTSD. A trend towards more women being affected was observed, and younger patients were more affected than older ones. Traumatized individuals reported more mental health problems than non-traumatized ones. CONCLUSION Tentatively, these results indicate that it may be possible to use a combination of certain scales of the TSI-2 to diagnose CPTSD in line with its current definition by the ICD-11.

Interpersonal Sensitivity as a Mediator Between Cumulative Childhood Traumatic Events and Adult Sexual Disturbance

ABSTRACT Previous research has shown that cumulative childhood traumatic events are stronger predictors of sexual disturbances than childhood sexual abuse. Additional factors are likely to influence this relationship. Whereas socio-interpersonal factors such as interpersonal sensitivity have repeatedly been shown to be salutogenic in the aftermath of traumatic events, the specific underlying mechanisms are little understood. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between cumulative childhood traumatic events and adult sexual disturbances (i.e., the avoidance of sexual contacts, disruptive sexual behavior, poor sexual boundaries, decreased regulation of sexual impulses) and to investigate the role of interpersonal sensitivity as a potential mediator. The sample comprised 100 adult psychiatric in-patients. As expected, cumulative childhood traumatic events were found to be strong predictors of sexual disturbances, with interpersonal sensitivity partially mediating this relationship.

Sociodemographic Information, Aversive and Traumatic Events, Offence-Related Characteristics, and Mental Health of Delinquent Women in Forensic-Psychiatric Care in Switzerland

The present study describes a much understudied group—namely, female prisoners under forensic-psychiatric care in the German-speaking part of Switzerland—to improve understanding of their risks and their needs. Data were derived from internal databases of a Forensic-Psychiatric Service. Data were collected in the form of their sociodemographic characteristics, prevalence of aversive and traumatic events, type of offence committed, and mental health conditions. Based on a full-sample approach, a total of 1,571 files were analysed. Results reveal that two thirds of the participants were not in a stable relationship, more than half did not complete a school degree, and three quarters were without stable employment prior to their incarceration. Two thirds were mothers and about one third did not grow up with their parents. Almost half grew up with an alcohol abusing parent, about half experienced violence and/or neglect in childhood, and about a quarter of the cases sexual abuse. About 95% had a mental health diagnosis according to International Classification of Diseases–Version 10 (ICD-10), and the most prevalent mental and behavioural disorder was due to psychoactive substance abuse. The most frequent offence type was drug-related crimes. Women convicted for drug-related crimes were more likely to have an ICD-10 F1 disorder compared with those convicted for other crimes. Conversely, women with violent offences were less likely to suffer from ICD-10 F1 disorder than those who had committed nonviolent offences. Findings have implications for practitioners and policy makers, and contribute to the cycle of violence theory discussion. In conclusion, future research areas are suggested.

A Biopsychosocial Model of Female Criminality: Implications for Assessment and Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

Female delinquency is a complex phenomenon that calls for a transdisciplinary, biopsychosocial model of explanation. In this chapter, we organize the phenomena associated with female criminality in the context of a tentative multilevel meta-model. Offending behavior is explained as a result of critical developmental patterns of interaction and information processing that emerge between multiple layers of biopsychosocial structure. Important etiological factors, risk characteristics and treatment goals that are specific for women are summarized. Findings of the cognitive, affective and social neurosciences as well as of behavioral and neurobiological genetics are interleaved with this model to expand the traditional criminological scope. Neuropsychological constructs help to bridge the gap between biological and psychosocial theories and contribute to a better understanding of critical intrapersonal and social processes.