Posttraumatic cognitions mediate the relationship between trauma type and PTSD symptoms
Sarah Reiland1, Ellen Harrington2
1Department of Psychology, Winthrop University, 701 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill, SC, 29733, USA.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|April 10, 2025
Summary
Interpersonal traumas are linked to higher posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Maladaptive cognitions partially explain this link, highlighting their importance in trauma recovery.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Trauma type influences mental health risks, with interpersonal traumas often associated with greater posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk.
- Understanding intervening variables is crucial for effective prevention and intervention in trauma-exposed populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating role of posttraumatic cognitions in the relationship between trauma type (interpersonal vs. non-interpersonal) and PTSD symptoms.
- To explore how interpersonal traumas may uniquely impact core beliefs, potentially leading to increased distress.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 408 mental health patients with trauma exposure was analyzed.
- Data collected included trauma type, posttraumatic cognitions, and PTSD symptom severity.
Main Results:
- Patients with interpersonal trauma reported higher PTSD symptom scores than those with non-interpersonal trauma.
- Posttraumatic cognitions were found to partially mediate the association between trauma type and PTSD symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Maladaptive cognitions play a significant role in the heightened PTSD risk following interpersonal trauma.
- Targeting maladaptive thinking patterns may be a key strategy for preventing and treating negative mental health outcomes after interpersonal trauma.
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