Coping with Stressful or Traumatic Events: What Aspects of Trauma Reactions are Associated with Health Outcomes?

Abstract

The presence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms has been shown to be related to a number of health outcomes. In the current study, we explored which specific aspects of PTSD are most related to health measures. The associations between the specific DSM-IV-TR PTSD criteria (criteria A-F) and five indicators of health and well-being--physical health symptoms, quality of life, mental health, depression and negative affect--were examined. The sample consisted of 711 undergraduates. A non-clinical sample was recruited so there would be variability in the various criteria for PTSD. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the hyperarousal (criterion D) was the most consistent and strongest predictor of outcomes. However, the F criterion (causes significant impairment) predicted additional variance in quality of life, depression and negative affect. These results suggest that it is not just the mere frequency of trauma symptoms that affect well-being but also the disruptive capability of these symptoms. In addition, follow-up analyses indicated that hyperarousal mediated the association between the A2 criterion (traumatic response) and all five outcome measures. These results underscore the importance of the hyperarousal criterion, while also suggesting the need for increased attention to the F criterion when considering the impact of stressful events on health and well-being.

Posttraumatic stress and other health consequences of catastrophic avalanches: A 16-year follow-up of survivors

“…Previous research indicates that the initial state of hyperarousal can become chronic for some trauma survivors, essentially causing dysregulation of the physiological stress system leading to abnormal levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and norepinephrine and the development of stress-related diseases over time (Kendall-Tackett, 2000). Although the specific pathways by which trauma leads to physical health problems is still inconclusive, recent research has indicated that hyperarousal symptoms may uniquely mediate the relationship between trauma and health symptoms (Boals, Riggs, & Kraha, 2013;Perez, Abrams, Lopez-Martinez, & Asmundson, 2012). Testing this model is beyond the scope of this paper, but our results warrant further testing of the association between PTSD symptoms and stress-related medical conditions in long-term survivors of disasters.…”

The role of anxiety sensitivity in the relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms and negative outcomes in trauma-exposed adults

“…Second, the presence of hyperarousal symptoms such as insomnia and irritability may be related to the presence of somatic complaints (Boals, Riggs, & Kraha, 2013). Additionally, there were strong correlations between AS severity and physical health issues as well as physical health quality of life.…”

“…Interestingly, there is evidence that the hyperarousal symptoms (e.g., irritability, insomnia, hypervigilance) following a traumatic event mediate the relationship between trauma and physical health symptoms (Boals, Riggs, & Kraha, 2012).…”

Creating the Trauma‐to‐Prison Pipeline: How the U.S. Justice System Criminalizes Structural and Interpersonal Trauma Experienced by Girls of Color

“…61 Perhaps the most well-known conception of trauma reactions is PTSD, a diagnosable mental disorder classified by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which requires that a person exhibit a number of trauma reactions over a specified period of time to be clinically significant. 61 Perhaps the most well-known conception of trauma reactions is PTSD, a diagnosable mental disorder classified by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which requires that a person exhibit a number of trauma reactions over a specified period of time to be clinically significant.…”

“…Trauma reactions are the specific and varied psychological, physiological, and behavioral responses that an individual might have after experiencing one or more traumas. 61 Perhaps the most well-known conception of trauma reactions is PTSD, a diagnosable mental disorder classified by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which requires that a person exhibit a number of trauma reactions over a specified period of time to be clinically significant. 62 Trauma reactions vary by individual and often do not rise to the level of a PTSD diagnosis.…”