Dr. Welburn and Dr. Jordan are actively involved in research in the areas of trauma, dissociation, and anxiety disorders. Research activities include ongoing research projects, publications, presentation of research at international and national conferences, and supervision of student research.

Thank You

We would like to thank all of the research participants who have volunteered their time, experiences, and insight in order to help us better understand reactions to trauma.

Publications

Welburn, K. R., Fraser, G. A., & Jordan, S. A. (2006). High Visual Imagery and Empathy Can Lead to PTSD. Canadian Psychiatry Aujourd’hui, 2(1), 6-7.

Welburn, K. R., Fraser, G. A., Jordan, S. A., Cameron, C., Webb, L. M., & Raine, D. (2003). Discriminating Dissociative Identity Disorder from Schizophrenia and Feigned Dissociation on Psychological Tests and Structured Interview. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 4(2), 109-130.
For Abstract see http://www.haworthpressinc.com/web/JTD/

Welburn, K., Coristine, M., Dagg, P., Pontefract, A. , & Jordan, S. (2002). The Schema Questionnaire—Short Form: Factor Analysis and Relationship Between Schemas and Symptoms. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 26(4), 519-530.
For Abstract see http://www.kluweronline.com/issn/0147-5916

Welburn, K., Dagg, P., Coristine, M., & Pontefract, A. (2000). Schematic Change from Twelve Weeks of Intensive Group Therapy. Psychotherapy, 37(2), 189-195.

Presentations

Welburn, K. R. (2007). PTSD, Compassion Fatigue, and Stress Management for First Responders. Annual Conference for Heart Savers, Ottawa.

Jordan, S. A. (2007). Anxiety Management for Parents of Children with Anaphylaxis. Presented to the Ottawa Anaphylaxis Support Group, Ottawa.

Welburn, K. R. & Jordan, S. A. Phased Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Therapist Training Workshop presented in Ottawa, ON (2005) and Yellowknife, NWT (2006).

Welburn, K. R. & Fraser, G. A. (November, 2002). Imagery and Empathy as Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Presented at the Annual Conference of the International Society for the Study of Dissociation, Baltimore, MD.

Jordan, S. A. & Welburn, K. R. (November, 2002). Parenting Skills in Survivors of Childhood Trauma. Presented at the Joint Conference of the International Society for the Study of Traumatic Stress and the International Society for the Study of Dissociation, Baltimore, MD.

Fraser, G. A. & Welburn, K. R. (November, 2000). The Dissociative Table Technique and the Integration of EMDR and Ego-State Therapy. Presented at the Annual Conference of the International Society for the Study of Dissociation, San Antonio, TX.

Jordan, S. A. (November, 2000). The Use of the SCID-D for Differential Diagnosis: A Qualitative Analysis. Presented at the Annual Conference of the International Society for the Study of Dissociation, San Antonio, TX.

Overview of Research Areas

Imagery and Empathy as Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Dr. Welburn and Dr. Fraser
This research includes the development of the Fraser Imagery Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Welburn Empathic Concern Scale (WECS).

To date, research has focused on:

  1. exploring the differences between PTSD samples and other anxiety disorders on imagery and empathy (with the assistance of Sheri Mayhew, B. A. Honours, University of Ottawa and Dr. Jordan);
  2. development of norms for the imagery and empathy questionnaires based on a large Canadian sample;
  3. examining how imagery and empathy may be risk factors for the development of PTSD. Download the Imagery, Empathy & Traumatic Stress Article.

Download the Scales & Scoring Information

Attentional Processes in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Dr. Jordan (with Laura Armstrong, B. A. Honours, University of Ottawa)
This research involves the exploration of attentional processes in a PTSD sample. Clinical and research evidence indicates that individuals with PTSD have difficulties with attention and concentration. The purpose of this research is to further understand these attentional deficits using measures commonly used in the assessment of Attention Deficit Disorder. Results indicate generalized attention deficits in a PTSD sample comparable to norms for Attention Deficit Disorder.

Acute and Long-term Effects of the September 11
Terrorist Attacks on a Canadian Sample
Dr. Fraser, Dr. Welburn, and Dr. Jordan
This research was based on a newspaper survey in the Ottawa Citizen focusing on the impact of the September 11th terrorist attacks on a Canadian sample. The survey included the Impacts of Events Scale-Revised, the Fraser Imagery Questionnaire, and the Welburn Empathic Concern Scale. A subsample of those surveyed responded to a follow-up six months later. Results indicated a significant acute stress response that decreased over time for most participants. Prior diagnosis of PTSD, high empathy, high imagery, female gender, and degree of exposure were vulnerability factors for a higher stress response. To acknowledge participation in this research, a donation was sent on behalf of the research team to the Twin Towers Fund.

Parenting Skills in Survivors of Childhood Trauma
Dr. Jordan (with Isa Côté, B. A. Honours, University of Ottawa)
The purpose of this research was to explore parenting patterns in a sample of parents who had experienced childhood trauma. Results indicated fears of repeating patterns experienced in childhood and a tendency to overcompensate with overprotective parenting styles. Although they reported few positive parenting role models, parents in the study exhibited resourcefulness in learning parenting skills (e.g., books, courses, talking to other parents). Based on the study, a parenting group was proposed that would include education about developmental milestones, normalization of parenting experiences, teaching good coaching and techniques of positive reinforcement to change children’s behaviour, teaching affect regulation strategies, and learning about access to social support networks.

Effects of a Natural Disaster: The Ice Storm of 1998
Dr. Fraser and Dr. Welburn
A community sample from Eastern Ontario was surveyed to explore responses to the ice storm. Results indicated a significant stress reaction based on the Impact of Events Scale-Revised. Both positive effects (i.e., increased community cohesion) and negative effects (i.e., increased stress on vulnerable groups such as elderly persons and persons with disabilities) were noted by participants.