Objective: The present review aimed to examine the relationship between attachment styles and posttraumatic growth in adults exposed to traumatizing events.Method: A systematic literature search resulted in the inclusion of 14 studies in the review. Four correlational meta-analyses of the relationship between the attachment styles of secure, dismissive, preoccupied, and fearful, and posttraumatic growth, were conducted.Results: These revealed a significant small positive relationship between secure attachment and posttraumatic growth (r = 0.21, p < 0.001); a significant small negative relationship between dismissive attachment and posttraumatic growth (r = −0.12, p < 0.001), and a weak relationship between preoccupied attachment and posttraumatic growth (r = −0.04, p = 0.235), and fearful attachment and posttraumatic growth (r = 0.08, p = 0.248). Conclusions:The relationship between attachment styles and posttraumatic growth is modest and may be better explained by other variables. Nonetheless, findings provide useful information for clinicians regarding the potential small impact of attachment style following traumatizing exposure. Implications for future research are highlightedThis is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.

Public speaking anxiety (PSA) is a prevalent condition with disabling occupational, educational, and social consequences. Exposure therapy is a commonly utilized approach for treating PSA. Traditionally, this intervention has been delivered as in vivo exposure therapy (IVET). Limitations inherent to in vivo as a mode of delivery have been identified and studies have increasingly explored the use of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) as an alternative. Understanding the efficacy of both VRET and IVET as psychological interventions for PSA is important. A systematic search identified 11 studies with 508 participants. Meta-analysis yielded a large significant effect wherein VRET resulted in significant reductions in PSA versus control of −1.39 ( Z = 3.96, p < .001) and a similar large significant effect wherein IVET resulted in significant reductions in PSA versus control of −1.41 ( Z = 7.51, p < .001). Although IVET was marginally superior to VRET, both interventions proved efficacious. Given the advantages of utilizing VRET over IVET future research and clinical practice could explore VRET as a treatment option for PSA.

This study examined the relationship between posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth (PTG), as well as the role of wider trauma-related factors, demographic characteristics, and trauma appraisals in the development of PTG. This cross-sectional study used a quantitative survey methodology. An opportunity sample of 85 trauma-exposed adults (56 male and 28 female) with a mean age of 48.26 years was recruited from psychological support services in Northern Ireland. Participants had experienced an average of 4.11 traumatizing events in their lifetime. Hierarchical multiple regression modeling demonstrated that the number of psychological therapy sessions attended (β = .33, p = .009) and betrayal-based trauma appraisals (β = .47, p = .001) were positive predictors of PTG. Shame-based appraisals negatively predicted PTG (β = −.42, p = .020). In the final model, posttraumatic stress, trauma-related factors, age, gender, and appraisals of fear, anger, alienation, and self-blame were nonsignificant predictors. In this study, factors amenable to clinical change, such as the number of psychological therapy sessions attended and appraisals of betrayal and shame, were more influential in PTG than individual’s posttraumatic stress, demographic characteristics, and trauma typology.

Background and aims: This qualitative project sought to evaluate the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitor (FSLFGM) from the perspective of patients of an outpatient diabetes clinic. The aim was to evaluate patients’ experience of the device, and based thereon to create a brief assessment pro-forma for routine clinic use to justify continued prescription.Method: A purposive sample was recruited. Telephone interviews were conducted until saturation was achieved. A total of 10 patients were interviewed using a flexible topic guide created in collaboration with the multidisciplinary diabetes team and a consultative panel of people with diabetes. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interviews.Results and conclusions: Four superordinate themes, along with subordinate themes, were identified and triangulated by members of the multidisciplinary diabetes team: (1) checking bloods; (2) freedom; (3) impact on others; and (4) perceived disadvantages. Overall, patients reported a strongly positive experience of using the FSLGM, with all expressing a desire to continue use. Using these themes, a brief pro-forma was created for use in review clinics to facilitate discussion and to support decision-making about continued prescription.