Prior Adversity and Current Functioning Difficulties Predict Likelihood of Meeting the Criteria for Post-Traumatic...

Given that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic growth (PTG) are separate constructs that can co-occur following adversity, we examined how prior adversity and current functioning difficulties may relate to the likelihood of meeting criteria for PTSD and scoring above the cutoff for PTG among individuals who reported being impacted by their prior adversity.

Participants (n = 2112) in this international sample completed online measures assessing their adversity history, current functioning difficulties (i.e., negative world assumptions and autonomic reactivity), PTSD symptomatology, and PTG.

Chi square analyses suggested a trend toward an association between meeting criteria for PTSD and scoring above the cutoff for PTG, although not statistically significant (p = 0.061). Multivariable logistic regression analysis found that individuals most impacted by caregiver abuse and certain specific adversities (i.e., parent with a mental health problem, caregiver and non-caregiver sexual abuse, and being held captive) were more likely to meet the criteria for PTSD. Whereas those most impacted by life-threatening situations and the specific adversities of being impacted by a life-threatening illnesses or injury, were more likely to meet the criteria for PTG. However, the strongest predictor of the likelihood of PTSD was increased autonomic reactivity, and the strongest predictor of the likelihood of PTG was fewer negative world assumptions.

Our research suggests the need to assess the perceived impact of adversity history, as well as the potential negative consequences of autonomic reactivity and negative world assumptions, as these may be associated with PTSD symptomatology and PTG.