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Recovery and adjustment trajectories among Hurricane Florence survivors: Analysis utilizing nonlinear dynamic system
Heather Littleton1, Bernard Ricca1, Ashley Batts Allen2
1University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA.
Journal of Traumatic Stress
|March 30, 2023
Summary
Most individuals recover from trauma through self-regulation, but some experience a self-determination violation leading to persistent psychopathology like PTSD. Nonlinear dynamic systems analysis identified distinct adjustment trajectories in hurricane survivors, with one linked to severe PTSD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Resilience Research
Background:
- Self-regulation shift theory (SRST) posits trauma recovery relies on self-regulation and resource utilization.
- A minority may experience self-determination violation when self-regulatory capacity is overwhelmed, leading to psychopathology.
- This violation is characterized by chaotic adjustment, maladaptive regulation, and impaired self-states, potentially causing PTSD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate adjustment trajectories following trauma using nonlinear dynamic system (NDS) analysis.
- To identify patterns of self-regulation and resource utilization in trauma survivors.
- To explore the link between adjustment dynamics and the development of persistent psychopathology, such as PTSD.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nonlinear dynamic system (NDS) analysis on daily ecological momentary assessments (EMAs).
- Assessed distress (negative mood, PTSD symptoms), regulation efforts (coping), and appraisals (coping self-efficacy) over 6 weeks.
- Analyzed data from 131 rural hurricane survivors in North Carolina.
Main Results:
- Identified four distinct adjustment trajectories.
- Two trajectories (69.0%, 5.7%) were largely adaptive.
- A fourth trajectory (18.4%) showed shifting adjustment, maladaptive regulation, negative appraisals, and was associated with more severe PTSD symptoms at enrollment and 6-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- NDS analysis can model posttrauma adjustment dynamics within the SRST framework.
- A distinct trajectory suggests a potential self-determination violation, linked to persistent PTSD.
- Future research should leverage NDS to understand trauma recovery patterns and identify individuals at risk for psychopathology.
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