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The structure of posttraumatic stress symptoms
1Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. taylor@unixg.ubc.ca
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
|March 20, 1998
Summary
This study found posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms cluster into two main factors: intrusions/avoidance and hyperarousal/numbing. These factors suggest PTSD arises from a general mechanism with specific contributing factors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined by 17 symptoms across intrusions, hyperarousal, and avoidance/numbing.
- Understanding the underlying dimensions of PTSD symptoms is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the basic dimensions (factors) underlying the 17 symptoms of PTSD.
- To determine if these symptom dimensions are consistent across different trauma populations.
Main Methods:
- Principal axis factor analysis was performed on two distinct samples: motor vehicle accident victims (n=103) and UN peacekeepers (n=419).
- Symptom severity data from both samples were analyzed to identify underlying factors.
Main Results:
- Two correlated factors emerged consistently across both samples.
- Factor 1 was labeled Intrusions and Avoidance; Factor 2 was labeled Hyperarousal and Numbing.
- These two factors loaded onto a single higher-order factor, explaining significant variance in symptom severity.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that posttraumatic stress reactions stem from a general underlying mechanism.
- Two specific mechanisms, represented by the Intrusions/Avoidance and Hyperarousal/Numbing factors, contribute to PTSD symptom presentation.