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Longitudinal interplay between posttraumatic stress symptoms and coping self-efficacy: A four-wave prospective study
Mark W G Bosmans1, Peter G van der Velden1
1INTERVICT, Tilburg University, The Netherlands.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|April 16, 2015
Summary
Coping self-efficacy (CSE) significantly reduces posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after potentially traumatic events (PTEs). Higher CSE predicts lower PTSD, while PTSD symptoms do not predict CSE, highlighting CSE's crucial role in trauma recovery.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Mental Health
Background:
- Coping self-efficacy (CSE) influences psychological outcomes after potentially traumatic events (PTEs).
- Understanding the direction of influence between CSE and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms is crucial for effective interventions.
- Previous research suggests a link, but cross-lagged relationships require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the cross-lagged relationships between CSE and PTSD symptoms following PTEs.
- To determine the direction of influence between CSE and PTSD symptoms over time.
- To investigate the role of personality traits and peritraumatic distress in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A four-wave longitudinal study with 4-month intervals was conducted.
- Participants (N=400) with recent PTEs completed measures of CSE, PTSD symptoms, peritraumatic distress, and personality traits.
- Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the cross-lagged relationships.
Main Results:
- Coping self-efficacy (CSE) significantly predicted lower subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom levels.
- PTSD symptoms did not predict subsequent levels of CSE, indicating a dominant effect of CSE on PTSD.
- Higher peritraumatic distress was linked to higher initial PTSD and lower initial CSE; emotional stability and agreeableness were linked to higher initial CSE.
Conclusions:
- Coping self-efficacy plays a dominant role in mitigating PTSD symptoms after trauma.
- Interventions aimed at enhancing CSE may be vital for promoting recovery from PTEs.
- Personality traits and peritraumatic distress are important factors influencing initial CSE and PTSD levels.
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