[The relationship between trauma, consequences of trauma and personality structure: A mediation analysis]

The relationship between trauma, consequences of trauma and personality structure: A mediation analysis Background: This study deals with the hitherto scarcely explored relationship between the extent of traumatization, psychopathological consequences and personality structure. It is examined whether the structural integrity of the personality has a mediating influence on the relationship between trauma and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental pain after traumatization. Methods: The investigated community sample consisted of 381 adults (89 % female) who reported at least one lifetime traumatic experience. The path analysis technique was applied to estimate associations between the degree of traumatization, PTSD symptoms, mental pain and the integrity of personality structure. Results: The extent of experienced traumatization is significantly associated with increased impairment of personality structure (β = .40; p < .001), severity of the mental pain (β = .21; p < .001) and PTSD symptoms (β = .14; p < .01). Deficits in the personality structure were associated with increased mental pain (β = .67; p < .001) and PTSD symptoms (β = .73; p < .001). The mediation analysis showed an indirect effect of traumatization on mental pain (β = .27; p < .001) and PTSD symptoms (β = .29; p < .001), which is partially mediated by personality structure level. A detailed analysis showed that this mediation relationship can be attributed in particular to deficits in the ability to observe oneself. Discussion: The results of this study emphasize the significance of personality structure in the development of psychological consequences of traumatization. Regarding therapeutic practice, especially the ability to observe oneself seems to offer an important starting point for the treatment of mental pain and PTSD symptoms.