22 posts · 10,218 views
Eva Alisic, PhD is trained as a psychologist, human resources professional, ski teacher, and fire fighter. Her main professional interests: promoting children's recovery after traumatic experiences and improving trauma-informed services.
Trauma Recovery
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- April 27, 2012
- 08:20 PM
- 137 views
5 key considerations for working with young traumatized children
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are particularly vulnerable to trauma exposure due to their stage of development. Young children interact with their environment before they become aware of potential dangers and threat, are strongly reliant on adults to keep them safe and have limited skills to protect themselves. As a result, young children typically fall within the highest risk category for exposure to sexual and physical abuse, unintentional injury and witnessing domestic violence.... Read more »
Young, A., Kenardy, J., & Cobham, V. (2011) Trauma in Early Childhood: A Neglected Population. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 14(3), 231-250. DOI: 10.1007/s10567-011-0094-3
De Young, A., Kenardy, J., & Cobham, V. (2011) Diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Preschool Children. Journal of Clinical Child , 40(3), 375-384. DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2011.563474
De Young, A., Kenardy, J., Cobham, V., & Kimble, R. (2012) Prevalence, comorbidity and course of trauma reactions in young burn-injured children. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 53(1), 56-63. DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2011.02431.x
- April 19, 2012
- 05:31 AM
- 133 views
We don’t want to talk about it: Treatment dropout
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
We do not like to talk about it but treatment dropouts and “no-shows” are a big problem in trauma therapy. Actually not in trauma therapy alone, but in outpatient settings in general. About 50% of adult patients drop out of outpatient therapy and the number of children dropping out of treatment seems to be even higher. ... Read more »
Wierzbicki, M., & Pekarik, G. (1993) A meta-analysis of psychotherapy dropout. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 24(2), 190-195. DOI: 10.1037//0735-7028.24.2.190
Miller, L., Southam-Gerow, M., & Allin, R. (2008) Who Stays in Treatment? Child and Family Predictors of Youth Client Retention in a Public Mental Health Agency. Child , 37(4), 153-170. DOI: 10.1007/s10566-008-9058-2
Saxe, G., Heidi Ellis, B., Fogler, J., & Navalta, C. (2012) Innovations in Practice: Preliminary evidence for effective family engagement in treatment for child traumatic stress-trauma systems therapy approach to preventing dropout. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 17(1), 58-61. DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-3588.2011.00626.x
- April 7, 2012
- 04:45 AM
- 165 views
Empowering children and parents
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
How do we involve children and parents when we design new research? And how do we involve them in the development of interventions? In other words, how can we make sure that the studies we conduct and the care we provide are answering their needs?... Read more »
Alisic E, van der Schoot TA, van Ginkel JR, & Kleber RJ. (2008) Looking beyond posttraumatic stress disorder in children: posttraumatic stress reactions, posttraumatic growth, and quality of life in a general population sample. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 69(9), 1455-61. PMID: 19193345
Alisic, E., Boeije, H.R., Jongmans, M.J., & Kleber, R.J. (2011) Children's Perspectives on Dealing With Traumatic Events. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 477-496. info:/http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2011.576979
- March 23, 2012
- 09:24 AM
- 194 views
The 20 most inspiring papers on trauma recovery (or related mental health topics)
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
A few days ago I made an overview of the 20 most cited research papers on traumatic stress. And then came to the conclusion that what I’m really after is sharing a list of what you find the most inspiring ones.... Read more »
Salmon, K., & Bryant, R. (2002) Posttraumatic stress disorder in children: The influence of developmental factors. Clinical Psychology Review, 22(2), 163-188. DOI: 10.1016/S0272-7358(01)00086-1
- March 17, 2012
- 07:14 AM
- 248 views
Psychological support after the bus crash in Switzerland
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
Yesterday was a day of national mourning in Belgium because of a tragic bus accident in Switzerland on Tuesday night. A bus with primary school children and their teachers, returning from a ski trip, had crashed into a tunnel wall near Sion. It caused the loss of 22 children and six adults.... Read more »
Hobfoll, S., Watson, P., Bell, C., Bryant, R., Brymer, M., Friedman, M., Friedman, M., Gersons, B., de Jong, J., Layne, C.... (2007) Five Essential Elements of Immediate and Mid–Term Mass Trauma Intervention: Empirical Evidence. Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes, 70(4), 283-315. DOI: 10.1521/psyc.2007.70.4.283
Watson, P., Brymer, M., & Bonanno, G. (2011) Postdisaster psychological intervention since 9/11. American Psychologist, 66(6), 482-494. DOI: 10.1037/a0024806
- March 13, 2012
- 07:30 AM
- 191 views
Posttraumatic growth: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
Posttraumatic growth is ”Positive change experienced as a result of the struggle with trauma”. Or, in non-academic terms, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” (Nietsche). Examples are feeling more connected to friends and family, having a clearer view of life priorities, or simply enjoying ‘the little things’ more. Meyerson and colleagues summarized..... Read more »
Meyerson, D., Grant, K., Carter, J., & Kilmer, R. (2011) Posttraumatic growth among children and adolescents: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(6), 949-964. DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2011.06.003
- February 28, 2012
- 04:23 PM
- 206 views
An epidemiological approach to stress and trauma: A valuable way to study individual differences in risk and resiliency?
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
It is no surprise that many children and adolescents we see in clinical practice need help after being exposed to severe stress. However, not all children who are exposed to stress seek clinical help; some are able to cope with severe stress without therapy. What defines the impact of severe stressors and who can cope with traumatic events and who cannot? And are all children at equal risk of getting exposed to these events, or can we distinguish factors that predict the likelihood of becoming a victim? Epidemiological research, the study of the distribution and patterns of mental and physical health and their causes or influences in a population, may help us to answer these questions.
... Read more »
Nederhof, E., Bouma, E., Riese, H., Laceulle, O., Ormel, J., & Oldehinkel, A. (2010) Evidence for plasticity genotypes in a gene-gene-environment interaction: the TRAILS study. Genes, Brain and Behavior, 9(8), 968-973. DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183X.2010.00637.x
Laceulle, O., Nederhof, E., Karreman, A., Ormel, J., & Aken, M. (2011) Stressful Events and Temperament Change during Early and Middle Adolescence: The TRAILS Study. European Journal of Personality. DOI: 10.1002/per.832
- February 14, 2012
- 07:58 AM
- 354 views
The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for children with PTSD
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is probably the most used, or at least most recommended, treatment for children with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As I am quite fond of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the new meta-analysis on the efficacy of trauma focused CBT by Kowalik and colleagues quickly grabbed my attention. Although (and because?) I have a few critical questions regarding the publication, I think it merits attention from researchers and clinicians.... Read more »
Kowalik, J., Weller, J., Venter, J., & Drachman, D. (2011) Cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder: A review and meta-analysis. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 42(3), 405-413. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2011.02.002
- February 5, 2012
- 07:50 AM
- 354 views
Pink elephants and trauma recovery
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
Don’t think of a pink elephant.
It’s a classic example of how thought suppression works: counterproductively. You will think of a pink elephant. Wegner and colleagues have shown that it is very difficult to suppress a thought. If you try, it’s very likely that you will think about it more than if you don’t...
... Read more »
Vincken, M., Meesters, C., Engelhard, I., & Schouten, E. (2012) Psychometric qualities of the White Bear Suppression Inventory in a Dutch sample of children and adolescents. Personality and Individual Differences, 52(3), 301-305. DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2011.10.023
Ehlers, A., & Clark, D. (2000) A cognitive model of posttraumatic stress disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 38(4), 319-345. DOI: 10.1016/S0005-7967(99)00123-0
Wenzlaff, R., & Wegner, D. (2000) Thought Suppression. Annual Review of Psychology, 51(1), 59-91. DOI: 10.1146/annurev.psych.51.1.59
- January 29, 2012
- 03:31 PM
- 442 views
8 Tips for Developing Preventive Interventions for Children Exposed to Acute Medical Events
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
As a field, we have made significant progress in developing models and identifying key risk factors associated with the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children who experience acute medical traumatic events. Additionally, we have given much attention to the evaluation of preventive interventions. However, a standard process for the development of preventive interventions is less clear.
... Read more »
Kazak AE, Kassam-Adams N, Schneider S, Zelikovsky N, Alderfer MA, & Rourke M. (2006) An integrative model of pediatric medical traumatic stress. Journal of pediatric psychology, 31(4), 343-55. PMID: 16093522
Marsac ML, Kassam-Adams N, Hildenbrand AK, Kohser KL, & Winston FK. (2011) After the injury: initial evaluation of a web-based intervention for parents of injured children. Health education research, 26(1), 1-12. PMID: 20858769
- January 22, 2012
- 05:07 AM
- 455 views
4 Meta-analyses of predictors of PTSD in children: An overview
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
One of the main questions of child trauma psychologists is which children are most vulnerable for PTSD after a traumatic event. The answer would help us to develop interventions that address causes of distress and to focus on the children most in need.
Recently, a fourth meta-analysis on predictors of posttraumatic stress in children has been published, which makes it interesting to compare findings and methods (yes, in that order, for busy people :-))
... Read more »
Kahana, S., Feeny, N., Youngstrom, E., & Drotar, D. (2006) Posttraumatic Stress in Youth Experiencing Illnesses and Injuries: An Exploratory Meta-Analysis. Traumatology, 12(2), 148-161. DOI: 10.1177/1534765606294562
Cox CM, Kenardy JA, & Hendrikz JK. (2008) A meta-analysis of risk factors that predict psychopathology following accidental trauma. Journal for specialists in pediatric nursing : JSPN, 13(2), 98-110. PMID: 18366377
Alisic E, Jongmans MJ, van Wesel F, & Kleber RJ. (2011) Building child trauma theory from longitudinal studies: a meta-analysis. Clinical psychology review, 31(5), 736-47. PMID: 21501581
Trickey D, Siddaway AP, Meiser-Stedman R, Serpell L, & Field AP. (2011) A meta-analysis of risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents. Clinical psychology review, 32(2), 122-138. PMID: 22245560
- January 19, 2012
- 09:46 AM
- 308 views
Trauma and PTSD researchers should tweet
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
Last week, I tried to compile a list of trauma and PTSD experts who are part of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). It turned out that we have only a handful of active twitterers, while the society has thousands of members. For the sake of research, they should tweet. ... Read more »
Mollett, A., Moran, D., & Dunleavy, P. (2011) Using Twitter in university research, teaching and impact activities. LSE Public Policy Group, London School of Economics and Political Science., London, UK. info:/
- January 15, 2012
- 06:07 AM
- 379 views
Sleep difficulties in children exposed to trauma
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
In childhood it is normal to have some nighttime fears. Most children outgrow them. However, when fears continue to exist, they endanger sleep quality and daily functioning. One situation in which this may happen, is after traumatic exposure.... Read more »
Brown, T., Mellman, T., Alfano, C., & Weems, C. (2011) Sleep fears, sleep disturbance, and PTSD symptoms in minority youth exposed to Hurricane Katrina. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 24(5), 575-580. DOI: 10.1002/jts.20680
- January 9, 2012
- 12:19 PM
- 336 views
Does intervening early after trauma help children recover?
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
Psychological debriefing is thought to be ineffective or even harmful for traumatized adults. What about early interventions for children? ... Read more »
Kramer, D., & Landolt, M. (2011) Characteristics and efficacy of early psychological interventions in children and adolescents after single trauma: a meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology. DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v2i0.7858
Rose, S.C., Bisson, J., Churchill, R., . (2009) Psychological debriefing for preventing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. info:/
Hobfoll SE, Watson P, Bell CC, Bryant RA, Brymer MJ, Friedman MJ, Friedman M, Gersons BP, de Jong JT, Layne CM.... (2007) Five essential elements of immediate and mid-term mass trauma intervention: empirical evidence. Psychiatry, 70(4), 283. PMID: 18181708
- December 14, 2011
- 08:43 AM
- 1,438 views
Trauma recovery after attack in Liège/Luik
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
Yesterday Belgium was shocked by the violent attack in Liège/Luik. More than 120 people were injured and five lost their lives. For everyone who wants to know more about trauma recovery & how to help. ... Read more »
Hobfoll SE, Watson P, Bell CC, Bryant RA, Brymer MJ, Friedman MJ, Friedman M, Gersons BP, de Jong JT, Layne CM.... (2007) Five essential elements of immediate and mid-term mass trauma intervention: empirical evidence. Psychiatry, 70(4), 283. PMID: 18181708
- December 6, 2011
- 04:57 PM
- 609 views
Does physical activity make a difference?
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
When looking at trauma recovery in children, we tend to search for solutions in the domain of therapy: cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, pharmacotherapy and the like. However, we may also be able to help in other ways.... Read more »
Ahn, S., & Fedewa, A. (2011) A Meta-analysis of the Relationship Between Children's Physical Activity and Mental Health. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 36(4), 385-397. DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsq107
- October 15, 2011
- 11:00 AM
- 452 views
Parents tell about their children’s recovery from trauma
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
A child has been injured in an accident. Or has witnessed a suicide. Or has been assaulted on the way home from school. What is parents’ story when such a thing happens? How do they describe the recovery of their child? And what can we learn from their experiences?... Read more »
Alisic, E., Boeije, H., Jongmans, M., & Kleber, R. (2011) Supporting Children After Single-Incident Trauma: Parents' Views. Clinical Pediatrics. DOI: 10.1177/0009922811423309
- September 16, 2011
- 06:23 PM
- 613 views
Predictors of PTSD in children and adults
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
We know that traumatic events occur quite often. We also know that most people are resilient, even though many survivors experience some distress in the direct aftermath of an event. Only a minority will develop longer-term stress symptoms. What are their characteristics? Who is ‘at risk’ after trauma? ... Read more »
Brewin, C., Andrews, B., & Valentine, J. (2000) Meta-analysis of risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in trauma-exposed adults. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(5), 748-766. DOI: 10.1037/0022-006X.68.5.748
Ozer, E., Best, S., Lipsey, T., & Weiss, D. (2003) Predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder and symptoms in adults: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 129(1), 52-73. DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.129.1.52
Kahana, S., Feeny, N., Youngstrom, E., & Drotar, D. (2006) Posttraumatic Stress in Youth Experiencing Illnesses and Injuries: An Exploratory Meta-Analysis. Traumatology, 12(2), 148-161. DOI: 10.1177/1534765606294562
Cox, C., Kenardy, J., & Hendrikz, J. (2008) A Meta-Analysis of Risk Factors That Predict Psychopathology Following Accidental Trauma. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 13(2), 98-110. DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-6155.2008.00141.x
Alisic, E., Jongmans, M., van Wesel, F., & Kleber, R. (2011) Building child trauma theory from longitudinal studies: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(5), 736-747. DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2011.03.001
- August 29, 2011
- 07:49 AM
- 709 views
To ask or not to ask children about trauma, that’s the question
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
Actually, I don’t think it’s the question. My impression from the research literature, clinicians’ comments, and my own experience is that it is not harmful when we discuss the topic in a respectful, open-minded way. On the contrary, I think it’s very important to ask children about traumatic exposure and posttraumatic stress reactions. But we should prove it. And if I turn out to be wrong, we should know as well.... Read more »
Kassam-Adams, N., & Newman, E. (2002) The reactions to research participation questionnaires for children and for parents (RRPQ-C and RRPQ-P). General Hospital Psychiatry, 24(5), 336-342. DOI: 10.1016/S0163-8343(02)00200-1
Kassam-Adams, N., & Newman, E. (2005) Child and parent reactions to participation in clinical research. General Hospital Psychiatry, 27(1), 29-35. DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2004.08.007
- August 15, 2011
- 08:33 AM
- 868 views
Does it hurt to ask children about trauma?
by Eva Alisic in Trauma Recovery
Is it harmful to ask children about their (potential) traumatic history or posttraumatic stress reactions? It’s a recurring question, especially in research settings, but also in the context of clinical services and day-to-day interactions with children. Often we decide to ask or not to ask based on gut feelings, but who knows whether they are correct?... Read more »
Salmon, K., & Bryant, R. (2002) Posttraumatic stress disorder in children: The influence of developmental factors. Clinical Psychology Review, 22(2), 163-188. DOI: 10.1016/S0272-7358(01)00086-1
Kassam-Adams N, & Newman E. (2005) Child and parent reactions to participation in clinical research. General hospital psychiatry, 27(1), 29-35. PMID: 15694216
Alisic, E., van der Schoot, T., van Ginkle, J., & Kleber, R. (2008) Looking Beyond Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69(9), 1455-1461. DOI: 10.4088/JCP.v69n0913
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