Dynamics of Emotion Regulation, Trauma, and Grief Among Those Impacted by the World Trade Center Attacks

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The September 11th, 2001 World Trade Center (WTC) attacks resulted in extensive mental health challenges for survivors, including post-traumatic stress (PTS) and grief due to traumatic bereavement. Effective emotion regulation (ER) is crucial for recovery, but traumatic events can impair self-regulation, complicating survivors' ability to manage their distress effectively. This study is part of a broader effort aimed at enhancing ER and mental health outcomes among those affected by the WTC disaster. Utilizing Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), the study will identify distinct, momentary profiles of ER difficulties (e.g., non-acceptance, modulation challenges, lack of emotional clarity) and emotion-focused coping strategies (e.g., rumination, suppression, reappraisal) among WTC survivors experiencing varying levels of PTS and prolonged grief (PG). The study’s goals are to: (1) employ multilevel latent profile analysis of EMA data to uncover group patterns in momentary profiles of ER difficulties and coping strategies and their associations with PTS and PG severity; (2) explore how these momentary profiles relate to emotional intensity, thereby elucidating mechanisms of emotion dysregulation; and (3) validate these group patterns of momentary profiles by examining their connections to PTS, PG, functioning, and quality of life in post-EMA and 1-week follow-up assessments. The study recruits participants from the WTC Survivor Grief Study (WTCSGS), prioritizing individuals with elevated PTS and PG symptoms. By identifying these patterns and their implications for PTS, PG, and quality of life, the research will inform the development of a targeted mobile health intervention aimed at improving ER difficulties and emotion-focused coping strategies, supported through future R01 funding. Dr. Rice, with published research in emotional coping and bereavement, will expand his skills in EMA and intensive longitudinal data analysis. Conducted at a leading trauma-focused research center and supported by experts in ER, grief, and trauma, this project provides an ideal environment for his professional growth. The study aligns with NIOSH’s objectives to improve life quality for individuals facing chronic conditions and multimorbidity among WTC survivors.