APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR 2011 

 

 

 

ASTSS RESEARCH AWARD

 

 

 

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 2011 Research Award Cover Proforma

 Click here for a copy of the 2011 Research Award Guidelines

First Prize

Second Prize

Abstract



Although not typical organizational crises, chronic stressors like workplace
bullying have the capacity to shatter assumptions and create significant
disruption. This paper reviews literature linking organizational climate,
workplace bullying, and posttraumatic stress symptoms, and presents a
research case study that explores hypotheses raised by the review. Results
showed:

(1) that workplace bullying impacted upon posttraumatic stress symptoms; and
that psychosocial organizational climate was (2) related to the occurrence
of workplace bullying and (3) moderated the impact of bullying on
posttraumatic stress symptoms. Given the contribution of organizational
climate to the development of bullying and its effects, the paper concludes
with guidelines to develop climates conducive to employee

Third Prize

2009 Research Award Recipients

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

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.

Second Prize

Self Defining Memories in Complicated Grief

Fiona Maccallum

School of Psychology, University of New South Wales

Abstract

There is increasing attention to the mechanisms underpinning maladaptive responses to bereavement.  This study indexed self-defining memories in bereaved individuals with and without complicatedgrief (CG). Participants with and without complicated grief (N = 40) were asked to describe three self-defining memories. Results showed that CG participants provided more self-defining memories involving the deceased. Both groups were equally likely to report their loved one's death as a self-defining moment, however, the no-CG group showed more evidence of benefit finding in their memory narratives and experienced less negative emotion on recall. The findings suggest that CG is associated with distinctive patterns of autobiographical memory that are linked to self-identity. The pattern is consistent with self-memory system models of autobiographical remembering, and suggests that grieving individuals who experience ongoing yearning for their loved one view their self-identity as more closely linked to the deceased are more distressed by memories involving the loss.

Third Prize

Global Distribution and availability of epidemiological data for

posttraumatic stress disorder

Allison Ventura

University of Queensland, Masters in Public Health

Abstract

The human mind uses two main pathways for processing memories and experiences. The explicit memory is how the mind relates to the conscious awareness of factual information while the implicit memory relates to the unconscious awareness in skill learning, habit formation and conditioning.  When an individual experiences a traumatic event, the mind can process the event along both pathways abnormally which is thought to lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD). As a result of the development of PTSD, an individual can experience a increased arousal and avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma.  These include symptoms such as re-experiencing, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, amnesia and delayed recall. This study aims to review and critique the quality of prevalence data available for PTSD using a systematic review process. A better understanding of prevalence is important in order to develop strategies for preventing and targeting PTSD in high risk areas.  

 2008 Research Award Recipients

First Prize

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Abused Children with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study

Jacqueline Susan Feather

Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Health Building 32/2.26, Central Queensland University, Bruce Highway, Rockhampton


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.

Second Prize

Anna McKinnon

Department of Psychology, Flinders University of South Australia

Abstract
Ehlers and Clark (2000). A cognitive model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 38, [319-345] cognitive model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been relatively untested with children. Seventy-fivechildren (7-16 years) were interviewed within 4 weeks of an injury that led to hospital treatment to examine whether peritraumatic processing strategies (data-driven processing and fear) were associated with perceptions of memory quality and intrusive memories. Perceptions of memory quality mediated the relationship between data-driven processing and intrusive reactions but not avoidance, arousal or depressive reactions. Finally, the relationship between peri-event fear and intrusion reactions was mediated by perceptions of memory quality even after data-driven processing was controlled. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of a cognitive developmental model of PTSD in children.

Third Prize

Ruth O. Beltran

Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney


Abstract
ICD-10 has included a diagnostic category of "enduring personality change after catastrophic experience" (EPCACE). Preliminary investigation suggests there is considerable endorsement in principle for this new category amongst experts in the field of intentional human trauma, yet many aspects of the diagnosis remain contentious. Criticisms leveled at EPCACE raised issues that question the reliability, validity and clinical utility of this diagnostic category. ICD-10 has two sets of documents describing EPCACE criteria. These are diagnostic criteria for research (DCR) and clinical description and diagnostic guidelines (CDDG). This study examines how clinicians described the symptoms which conform to or exceed the criteria of EPCACE that they observed in their clients. No other published research has yet emerged examining the descriptive validity of this category. 

A qualitative approach from a social phenomenology and applied policy research perspectives was used to gather the views and experiences of clinicians. Twenty four clinicians working in the area of torture and refugee trauma, war trauma and sexual assault trauma were interviewed in depth.

Using the CDDG, clinicians were able to typify the characteristic symptom criteria of EPCACE. Hostile or mistrustful attitude was identified as a prominent  symptom. Somatization, self injurious behaviours, sexual dysfunction and enduring guilt are suggested additional features that are not encompassed by current EPCACE criteria.

This study contributes to the descriptive validity of EPCACE. It demonstrates the utility of a qualitative approach to descriptive validation of diagnostic criteria. Participation of clinicians as members of working parties in the development and review of diagnostic criteria is recommended. The symptom descriptors generated from this study could be used to enhance the CDDG. 

2007 Research Award Recipients

National Prize

Susan Palmer
 
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.

Queensland Chapter Award

James Scott
 

Click here to be taken to a pdf of the article

NSW/ACT Chapter Award

Laura Jobson

Australian National University, Canberra

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated cultural differences in self-cognitions, self-defining memories and goals in those with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Method: Trauma survivors with PTSD and without PTSD, from independent and interdependent cultures (N = 94) provided self-cognitions, self-defining memories and major personal goals. Results: Trauma survivors from independent cultures with PTSD reported more self-cognitions, self-defining memories and goals that were trauma-related than non-PTSD trauma survivors. In contrast, for those from interdependent cultures, there was no difference between trauma survivors with and without PTSD in terms of trauma-centred self-cognitions, goals and self-defining memories. Conclusions: These findings are discussed in terms of memory and self, a questioning of the universal applicability of clinical cognitive models of PTSD, and clinical implications of such findings such as cultural considerations of self in assessment and treatment in cognitive therapy for PTSD. 

2006 Research Award Recipient

First Prize

PTSD and Self-reported Physical Health in Victims of Crime: Impact of Counselling on these Symptoms 

Jo Rouston

Australian National University

Click here for abstract and reference data

2004 Annual Australasian Academic Award

National Award Recipient

PTSD among people with heroin dependence in the Australian Treatment Outcome Study

University of NSW

Click here for abstract and reference data

NSW Chapter Award

The problem of co-morbidity: Using event-related potentials to delineate temporal markers for posttraumatic stress disorder above co-morbid depression

Zoë Terpening

Sydney University

South Australian Award

Predicting children's early responses to trauma: A brief longitudinal evaluation of acute PTSD symptoms

Thomas Nehmy

Flinders University

Click here for abstract and reference data

Victorian Award

Trauma and posttraumatic reactions in German development aid workers: Prevalences and relationship to social acknowledgment 

Bronwyn Jones

University of Melbourne

Click here for abstract and reference data

New Zealand Award

To resolve or not resolve: Past trauma and secondary traumatic stress in volunteer crisis workers 

Petrina Hargrave

Victoria University of Wellington

Click here for abstract and reference data