Do traumatic events influence cognitive schemata?

Within the field of crisis psychology empirical research on the subject whether cognitive schemata are influenced by victimization, and whether possible changes in cognitive schemata are related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is somewhat sparse. In the present study cognitive processing of 602 parents, who had lost an infant, were examined. Among other things results showed a significant relationship between level of cognitive processing and symptoms of PTSD. When items selected to reflect fundamental assumptions about the self and the world were assessed, there were only few differences between parents who had lost an infant, and the control group. Furthermore, there were numerous significant relations between items selected to reflect fundamental assumptions and symptoms of PTSD. The results are discussed in relation to central theories within the cognitive area of crisis psychology and recommendations for future research are offered.