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Research Articles


ASTSS wishes to reward academic excellence in research in the traumatic stress field. The annual awards offered by ASTSS are designed to acknowledge and encourage relatively new researchers in the area. Applications are open to all research disciplines.

click here for a copy of the 2010 Research Award Cover proforma

false Click here for a copy of the 2010 Research Award Guidelines 
 

First Prize

The Impact of Ethnic Cleansing in Iraq on the

Mental Health of Mandaean Refugees

Angela Nickerson

Clinical Psychology, University of New South Wales

anickerson@psy.unsw.edu.au

 

Abstract

The ethnic cleansing ofthe Mandaeans in Iraq has been largely ignored. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of fears for family remaining in Iraq in these circumstances on the mental health of Mandaean refugees in Australia.  Adult Mandaean refugees (N = 315) from Iraq, living in Sydney, Australia, were interviewed regarding fear for family in Iraq, fear of genocide, pre-migration trauma, post-migration living difficulties and psychological outcomes. Participants with family in Iraq reported higher levels of symptoms of PTSD and depression, and greater mental health-related disability than those without family in Iraq. Intrusive fears about family independently predicted risk of PTSD, depression and disability after controlling for trauma exposure and current living difficulties. Threat to family members living in a context of ethnic cleansing predicted psychopathology and disability in Mandaean refugees. The effect of ongoing threat to family still living in conflict-ridden countries on the mental health of refugees should be further considered in the context of policy and health care.
 
First Prize
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Abused Children with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study
- Jacqueline Susan Feather

Address: Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Health Building 32/2.26, Central Queensland University, Bruce Highway, Rockhampton
Telephone: +61 7 4930 6856
Email: j.feather@cqu.edu.au

Abstract
A manualised trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) programme was developed for multiply-abused children diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Feather & Ronan, 2004). It was piloted with 4 children (aged 9-14 years) referred to a specialist clinic of the statutory child protection agency. The locally developed programme built on efficacious treatments for childhood anxiety and PTSD as a result of sexual abuse. It comprises psychosocial strengthening, coping skills training, gradual exposure using creative media, and special issues relevant to trauma and abuse. A multiple baseline design was used to demonstrate the controlling effects of the treatment. The results indicate a good deal of promise. PTSD symptoms generally decreased and child coping increased. Gains improved over 3, 6, and 12 month follow-ups. Results are discussed in terms of the value of clinicians engaging in local research aimed at increasing outcomes for their clients.
 
National Prize
The development of the ATOM: An adolescent screening tool for posttraumatic stress
- Susan Palmer
 
Address: Locked Bag 1, A'Beckett Street, Victoria, Australia, 8006
Email: Susan.Palmer@petermac.org     Tel: +61 3 9656 1755

Abstract
Current measurement of adolescent posttraumatic stress relies heavily upon knowledge of adult posttraumatic functioning. The appropriateness of this reliance has not been tested and may hamper the identification of traumatised young people. The importance of recognising developmental differences in trauma is highlighted through description of the development of an adolescent specific screening tool, the Adolescent Trauma Outcome Measure (ATOM). ATOM is a 36 item self report measure developed using a sample of 473 adolescents. Results indicated that the widely recognised symptom criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (APA, 2000) were not present in their adult form within this population. ATOM goes beyond these symptom criteria to incorporate a range of developmentally relevant posttraumatic stress reactions.
 
2006 Annual Australasian Research Award:
$1000 and ASTSS Membership for one year.
Jo Rouston: Australian National University
rouston@cyberone.com.au
Topic: PTSD and Self-reported Physical Health in Victims of Crime: Impact of Counselling on these Symptoms
Click here for abstract and reference data
 
2004 Annual Australasian Academic Award:
$1000 and ASTSS Membership for one year.
Katherine Mills: University of NSW
Topic: PTSD among people with heroin dependence in the Australian Treatment Outcome Study
Click here for abstract and reference data
 
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