Personality functioning, positive outlook for the future, and simple and complex post-traumatic stress disorder

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Personality Psychology

Background:

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its complex form (C-PTSD) are associated with various personality traits.
• Understanding these associations is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between impairment of personality functioning (IPF) and positive outlook for the future (POF) with PTSD and C-PTSD.
• To differentiate the strength of these associations between PTSD and C-PTSD.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 304 Brazilian adults completed an online survey.
• IPF was assessed using the alternative model for personality disorders.
• POF was measured via optimism and hope scales.
• PTSD and C-PTSD were evaluated using the ICD-11 model.
• Statistical analyses included correlation, structural equation modeling, MANOVA, and multinomial logistic regression.

Main Results:

• IPF and POF showed moderate correlations with PTSD and C-PTSD.
• These personality factors were more strongly associated with C-PTSD than PTSD.
• From a categorical perspective, IPF and POF were exclusively linked to C-PTSD.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first empirical evidence on the associations of IPF and POF with both PTSD and C-PTSD.
• Identifying links between personality domains and PTSD/C-PTSD can inform targeted therapeutic strategies.
• The findings highlight the distinct relationship between personality functioning and C-PTSD.