Reaction to stressful life events: what predicts symptom severity?

This study examined the effect of Criterion A and non-Criterion A (as defined by the DSM-IV-TR) events on symptomatology related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Two hundred and forty-one college students completed a series of questionnaires related to symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, psychological processes and psychopathology. Participants were divided into two groups: those that experienced a Criterion A traumatic life event as defined by the DSM-IV-TR, and those that experienced a non-Criterion A event. A chi-square analysis revealed a higher percentage of those with a Criterion A event meeting criteria for PTSD, although results indicated no differences on the overall severity of PTSD symptoms, or the re-experiencing, hyperarousal or avoidance subscales of PTSD symptoms between these two groups when time since event and distress were held constant. In a logistic regression analysis, the tendency to engage in thought suppression and level of distress were related to a diagnosis of PTSD, while type of event (Criterion A or non-Criterion A) was marginally related. Results are discussed in relation to ongoing discussion examining the description, classification and impact of a Criterion A event on PTSD symptoms, and the possible impact for treatment.