U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI Academy Library
Quantico, Virginia 22135

 

Subject Bibliography

 
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS
 
 
(10/2006)
 
  Agaibi, Christine E. and John P. Wilson. "Trauma, PTSD, and Resilience: A Review of the Literature." Trauma, Violence, & Abuse (July 2005): pp. 195-216. Notes: http://TVAsagepub.com
Abstract: Based on the available literature, this review article investigates the issue of resilience in relation to trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder. Resilient coping to extreme stress and trauma is a multifaceted phenomena characterized as a complex repertoire of behavioral tendencies.

Ai, Amy L. and Crystal L. Park. "Possibilities of the Positive Following Violence and Trauma: Informing the Coming Decade of Research ." Journal of Interpersonal Violence (February 2005): pp. 242-50.
Abstract: The effects of trauma and violence may be better understood by taking a broader perspective that includes resiliencce and recovery as well as damage and symptomology. Based on this broader view, this article describes three interrelated, cutting-edge trends in mental health research: (a) the positive psychology movement, (b) the recognition of the role of spirituality and religion in health and well-being, and (c) stress-related growth. The integration of these trends into mainstream studies of trauma and violence will provide a counterbalance to the predominant orientation of victimization and pathology currently evidenced in the literature. All three have important implications for survivors of violence and trauma.

Anderson, Scott. "Bringing It All Back Home." New York Times Magazine (May 2006): pp. 36-63. Notes: Available fulltext on Proquest (Criminal Justice Periodical Index, CJPI)
Abstract: Discusses the psychological difficulties soldiers in a Pennsylvania National Guard unit faced after their return home from deployment to the Sunni Triangle in Iraq. Guardsman Chuck Norris, who was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, is profiled.

Anonymous. "Trauma From Lethal Force Incidents Is Issue for State Troopers in Vermont." Crime Control Digest (April 6, 2004): pp.1-2.
Abstract: Vermont has begun an assessment of the after-effect of life-threatening situations on a state trooper's equilibrium and whether an officer should undergo immediate treatment to recover from stress.

Atkinson-Tovar, Lynn. "The Impact of Repeated Exposure to Trauma." Law & Order (September 2003): pp. 118-23.
Abstract: During the course of police officers' career, they will witness acts of violence and horror that most people cannot imagine, which will have some type of effect on their personal and professional life. The author discusses the impact of repeated exposure to trauma.

Brewin, Chris R. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Malady or Myth? New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2003. Call Number: RC 552.P67B745 2003
Abstract: Provides valuable information on who will be vulnerable to traumatic stress, how to tell whether somone is lkiely to be suffering from PTSD, why some interventions work and others are ineffective, and what could and should be done to help survivors.

Briere, John. Psychological Assessment of Adult Posttraumatic States. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2004. Call Number: RC 552.P67B75 2004
Abstract: Focuses on different forms of posttraumatic responses. In addition it has an extensive reference section.This book brings attention not only to symptoms and disorders, but also some understanding of the various ways and contexts in which people can be traumatized in Western culture.

Cross, Chad L. and Larry Ashley. "Police Trauma and Addiction: Coping With the Dangers of the Job." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin (October 2004): pp. 24-32.
Abstract: The rigors and stresses inherent in the law enforcement profession can lead to tragic consequences for its members. Cross and Ashley discuss trauma and stress responses that law enforcement administrators need to understand and the strategies for intervention and treatment needed to help their officers survive the rigors of their chosen profession.

Daniels, Linda. Healing Journeys: How Trauma Survivors Learn to Live Again. Far Hills, NJ: New Horizon Press, 2004. Call Number: RC 552.P67D35 2004
Abstract: Healing Journeys will show trauma victims how to live again, jump-starting the recovery process for ordinary people who have been dealt terrible blows, allowing them to be happy, hopeful and healthy once again.

Dominus, Susan. "Mending a Psyche." New York Times Magazine (November 2001): pp. 68-72.
Notes: Available fulltext on Proquest (Criminal Justice periodical Index, CJPI)
Abstract: The mental recovery of a Port Authority nurse following the World Trade Center disaster is related.

Elsesser, Karin et al. " Attention, Heart Rate, and Startle Response During Exposure to Trauma-Related Pictures: A Comparison of Recent Trauma Victims and Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder." Journal of Abnormal Psychology Vol. 113, no. 2(2004): pp. 289-301.
Abstract: Victims of recent trauma were compared with posttraumatic stress disorder patients and healthy controls to assess whether a specific anxiety response and an attentional bias were evident initially or only in chronic PTSD. Heart rate, and startle response were measured. Results of the study are discussed.

Films for the Humanities & Sciences. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Princeton, NJ: Films for the Humanities & Sciences, 1997. Call Number: RC 552.P67P67 1997 A-V Notes: VHS, color, 15 min.
Abstract: Examines the disorder associated with anxiety symptoms experienced following the witnessing of a traumatic event. One man, who witnessed the deaths of his two daughters, and another man shot in an IRA ambush, give highly personal accounts of the behavioral changes experienced as a result of the traumas.

Flouri, Eirini. "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): What We Have Learned and What We Still Have Not Found Out." Journal of Interpersonal Violence (April 2005): pp. 373-79.
Abstract: Discusses the biomedical and social constructionist model applied to response to trauma, presents the prevalence and etiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and describes its biological and psychological correlates in children and adults.

Griffing, Sascha et al. "Exposure to Interpersonal Violence As a Predictor of PTSD Symptology in Domestic Violence Survivors." Journal of Interpersonal Violence (July 2006): pp. 936-54.
Abstract: This study examines the interrelationships between childhood abuse, exposure to maternal domestic violence, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology in a multiethnic sample of 111 adult female residents of a domestic violence (DV) shelter. Participants completed structured interviews about the DV and their prior violence exposure, as well as the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed.

Herron, Shawn. "Dealing With the Aftermath." Sheriff (May/June 2001): pp. 36-7.
Abstract: The cumulative stress of responding to shootings, car wrecks and battered families, coupled with the immediate terror of an officer-involved shooting or triple-fatality vehicle crash, may eventually take its toll on even the strongest officers. Critical incident stress management issues that law enforcement agencies must address are discussed.

Information Centers. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Guide. Madison, WI: Madison Institute of Medicine, 2000. Call Number: Rc 552.P67G85 2000
Abstract: This book is a guide to understanding what posttraumatic stress is, treatments used for PTSD, and how family and friends can help.

Karlson, Ingemar and Sven-ake Christianson. "The Phenomenology of Traumatic Experiences in Police Work." Policing Vol.26, no. 3(2003): pp. 419-38.
Abstract: Investigates situations that were perceived as stressful by Swedish police officers and the kind of support and help they had received in connection with that. Results show that that most of the traumatic experiences occured early in their careers. The traumatic experiences often remained in their memories in the form of visual, tactile, and olfactory sensations. As regards ways of working through the experiences, more than half reported that it helped to talk about the event with their colleagues. Only a few had been offered debriefing or professional help in connection with the event. A notable finding is that the majority of the officers did not receive any support from their superiors in connection with the event.

Kates, Allen R. CopShock; Surviving Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Tucson, AZ: Holbrook Street Press, 1999. Call Number: RC 552.P67K37 1999
Abstract: Nightmares, flashbacks, anger, concentration problems, emotional detachment, avoidance of people and places....These are some of the signs of PTSD, a condition that could lead to depression, suicidal thoughts, addictions, eating disorders as well as job and family conflict. CopShock reveals how to prevent or manage dangerous PTSD symptoms that can destroy a police officer's career and family life.

Kureczka, Arthur. "Perspective: Surviving Assaults--After the Physical Battle Ends, The Psychological Battle Begins." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin (January 2002): pp. 18-21.
Abstract: Researchers have estimated that approximately eighty-seven percent of all emergency service personnel will experience a critical incident, an extraordinary event that causes extraordinary stress reactions--at least once in their careers. Kureczka discusses an event and his following experiences after being involved in a critical incident.

Law Enforcement Wellness Association, Inc. "Law Enforcement Wellness Association, Inc. " [http://www.cophealth.com].
Abstract: This website is dedicated to the overall physical and psychological health of the nation's law enforcement personnel.

Liberman, Akiva M. et al. "Routine Occupational Stress and Psychological Distress in Police." Policing Vol. 25, no. 2(2002): pp. 421-39.
Abstract: The relationship between routine work stress and psychological distress was investigated among 733 police officers in three US cities, during 1998-1999. The Work Environment Inventory (WEI) was developed to assess exposure to routine work stressors, while excluding duty-related traumatic stressors (critical incidents). The WEI and its general properties are presented.

Lonsway, Kimberly A. and Susan Welch. "Witnessing an Accidental Shooting at the Police Training Academy: Professional and Psychological Outcomes." Women & Criminal Justice Vol. 15, no. =3/4(2004): pp. 59-79.
Abstract: After an accidental shooting at a police training academy, outcomes of the class involved were compared with those of several comparison classes immediately and one year later. Results revealed a modest impact, but an increase in PTSD symptomology was observed from academy training to the one-year follow-up. Recruits in the affected class demonstrated more prejudicial attitudes toward women in law enforcement, perhaps because the shooter was a woman. The findings suggest that mistakes made by women within law enforcement may be generalized as stereotypes, and that further research is needed on the psychological impact of becoming a police officer.

Maass, Peter. "A Bulletproof Mind." New York Times Magazine (November 2002): pp.52-57.
Notes: Available fulltext on CJPI
Abstract: Peter Maass discusses the military training program for the US Special Forces in Afghanistan. Tens of thousands of US soldiers engaged in close-quarters battle in Vietnam, and the psychological wreckage was enormous. Todays Special Forces are being trained not only for the traumas of battle but also for its aftermath. Maass profiles one soldier in particular, Maj.
Christopher Miller.

Marshall, Ellen K. "Cumulative Career Traumatic Stress (CCTS): A Pilot Study of Traumatic Stress in Law Enforcement." Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology (Spring 2006): pp.62-71.
Abstract: This study measured the existance of traumatic stress symptomatology as reported by certified law enforcement officers within the State of Delaware. A questionnaire was devised which documented age, sex, race, education, years of service, marital status, children, rank, position, and shift work. The questionnaire was divided into parts which assessed the exposure and the frequency of specific traumatic incidents experienced in the line of duty, and the frequency of experienced traumatic symptomatology criteria: reexperiencing, numbing, and arousal.

Plaxton-Hennings, Charity. "Law Enforcement Organizational Behavior and the Occurence of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptomology in Law Enforcement Personnel Following a Critical Incident." Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology (Fall 2004): pp. 53-63.
Abstract: Research suggests that being shot in the line of duty or the shooting of a partner are often ranked by officers, despite their infrequent occurence, as the most sytessful field events. This study was designed to elucidate factors within the organizational structure of law enforcement, other than the incident itself, which promote ineffective coping and increases in PTSD-like symptomology in police officers. This study found that both police officers, and the organization in which they work , practice predominately ineffective emotion-focused coping strategies following an officer-involved shooting. Possible links between organizational behavior and long-term posttraumatic symptomology were discovered; it appears that officers have readily available models of poor coping responses merely by imitating the behavior of their organization.

Rothschild, Babette. The Body Remembers. New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 2003.
Call Number: RC 552.P67R685 2003
Abstract: The main goal of this book is to inspire psychotherapists working with traumatized individuals to learn as much as possible about theory, tools, and treatment so that they can be well-equipped in working with the unpredictability of trauma and the diverse needs of clients.

Ruscio, Ayelet Meron John Ruscio. "The Latent Structure of Posttraumatic Stress DIsorder: A Taxometric Investigation of Reactions to Extreme Stress." Journal of Abnormal Psychology Vol. 111, no. 2(2002): pp.290-301.
Abstract: Mental health professionals have debated whether posttraumatic stress disorders can be qualitatively distinguished from normal reactions to traumatic events. The authors examined the latent structure of PTSD in a large sample of male combat veterans. Three taxometric procedures were performed. Results across the procedures all converged on a dimensional solution, suggesting that PTSD reflects the upper end of a stress-response continuum rather than a discrete clinical syndrome.

Scott, Michael J. and Stephen Palmer (eds.). Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. New York: Cassell, 2000. Call Number: _Rc 552.P67T73 2000
Abstract: The authors discuss an extensive range of methods for helping people with PTSD, including brief group counseling alongside focusing on helping the helpers. Uniquely , specific strategies for counseling sessions are located in a theoretically sound biological and psychological framework to allow adaptation for individual clients.

Scurfield, Raymond. "Commentary About the Terrorist Acts of September 11, 2001." Trauma, Violence, & Abuse (January 2000): pp.3-14. Notes: http://TVA.sagepub.com
Abstract: Like many people in the United States and internationally, the author was profoundly affected by the terrorist attacks on September 11th and the massive deaths in New York City, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania. The objectives of this commentary are to identify (a) the range of normal and expectable reactions to the acts that have been and are being experienced by millions of Americans--and especially those who were distant from trauma sites, and (b) the relationship between people's personal reactions to the acts and several related social and national policy issues Americans are facing.

Violanti, John M. et al (eds.). Posttraumatic Stress Intervention. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, 2000. Call Number: RC 552.P67P675 2000
Abstract: Since trauma intervention is practiced across different situations and persons in need, the ideas expressed in this book may be useful for mental health professionals, disaster workers, emergency workers counselors, police counselors, relief workers, and many group or individual that works with persons exposed to trauma.

Weiss, kenneth J. and J. Michael Farrell. "PTSD in Railroad Drivers Under the Federal Employers' Liability Act." Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Vol. 34, no. 2(2006): pp.191-9.
Abstract: Railway and subway drivers can experience psychological trauma when trains strike or nearly miss other trains, motor vehicles, or persons or become instruments of death. Derailments, collisions, and suicides on the tracks can induce feelings of helplessness, horror, guilt, and anxiety in the drivers. Although some drivers experience acute stress disorder (ASD) or posttraumatic disorder (PTSD), their conditions are not always acknowledged within the occupational setting. In the US, the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) governs the adjudication of work-related injuries among railroaad employees. In practice, it is difficult for railroad drivers with PTSD to receive benefits if there is no "direct impact" linked to the employer's negligence. In this article the authors review the literature on PTSD among railroad drivers, discuss relevant case law, and explain how the FELA militates against some employees with PTSD.

Weiss, Peter A. "New Approaches to Disaster Mental Health: What Did We Learn From September 11th?" Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology (Spring 2005): pp.48-54.
Abstract: Reviews the approaches taken by various mental health professionals and organizations in helping individuals affected by the World Trade Center attacks of September 11th, 2001. Approaches to distributing information about psychological effects of the disaster and providing counseling and psychotherapy to those affected are discussed. Implications of this article for future research in this area are also discussed.

Wilson, John P. and Terence M. Keane (eds.). Assessing Psychological Trauma and PTSD. New York: Guilford Press, 2004. Call Number: RC 552.P67A85 2004
Abstract: Addresses issues in classification and diagnosis, summarizing current understandings of PTSD. Contributers then provide a thorough review of available assessment tools and techniques.

Wilson, John P. et al. " Posttraumatic Shame and Guilt." Trauma, Violence, & Abuse (April 2006): pp. 122-41. Notes: http://TVA.sagaepub.com
Abstract: Posttraumatic shame and guilt are important dimensions of posttraumatic syndromes, including simple and complex posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The concepts of posttraumatic shame and guilt have received little theoretical or empirical investigation in the field of traumatology. It is proposed that there are acute and prolonged states of post-traumatic shame and guilt that can be compared in their consequences across eight psychosocial dimensions; (a) self-attribution processes, (b) emotional states and capacity for effect regulation, (c) appraisal and interpretation of actions, (d) the impact of states of shame and guilt on personal identity, (e) suicidality, (f) defensive patterns, (g) proneness to psychopathology and PTSD, and (h) the dimensions of the self-structure adversly affected by states of posttraumatic shame and guilt. The experience of posttraumatic states of shame and guilt are associated with compounded affected processes in PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders.