Threat Monitoring and Behavioral Health Throughout the Deployment and Career Cycles: A Translational Study
Abstract
Background: Biased processing of threat-related information confers vulnerability to stress-related psychopathology. Studies indicate that threat-related attention bias and attention bias variability (ABV; fluctuation of attention toward and away from threat) are modulated by traumatic exposure and correlate with stress-related symptoms. Objectives: a) To provide longitudinal information on the plasticity of threat monitoring throughout the transitions of military deployment and career cycles, and on its relations to combat exposure and stress-related symptoms. b) To elucidate the neuro-cognitive mechanisms underlying this plasticity. And c) to test the efficacy of a feedback-based application in reducing ABV and PTSD symptoms among veterans. Specific Aims and Design: Study 1 - Longitudinal follow-up of 579 IDF infantry soldiers in 5 time-points: 1) shortly after recruitment in basic training; 2)one year into the service; 3) two years into the service; 4) four-months post-discharge; and 5) one year of post-discharge, civilian life. At each assessment the following data will be collected: cognitive threat-monitoring, combat experiences, and self-reports on symptoms. In the last two assessments information on adjustment to civilian life will be added. Specific aims are: a) delineate the natural course of threat monitoring and mental health throughout the deployment and career cycles; and b) describe the interplay between changes in threat monitoring and changes mental health and adjustment over time. Study 2 This laboratory study of 60 participants will measure baseline threat-related attention bias and ABV, followed by instructed fear conditioning to safe (CS-) and danger (CS+) contexts. The effects of this induced stress on attention bias and ABV, and the effects of perceived control over the stressor will be measured.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1125031
Entities
People
- Yair B. Haim
Organizations
- Tel Aviv University