Exploring how positive and negative social exchanges relate to posttraumatic stress disorder severity among previously deployed men service members/veterans.

Abstract

Objective: Research in civilians and women shows negative social support is more deleterious for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms than are the buffering effects of positive social support. However, this is understudied in male military samples. Moreover, appraisals of social support appear to be the mechanism of the association of social support type and PTSD severity, but appraisals as mediators have not been explored in military samples. Method: Previously deployed male service members/veterans (SM/Vs; n = 333) completed a demographic inventory, the Positive and Negative Social Exchange Scale, which assesses positive and negative social support and their appraisals, and the PTSD Checklist-5. Path analyses examined associations of positive and negative social support with PTSD severity and whether appraisals mediated these associations. Results: The magnitude of the association of negative social support and PTSD symptom severity (standardized estimate = .33; SE = .06, p , .001) was statistically greater than the association of positive social support and PTSD symptom severity (standardized estimate = À.26; SE = .06, p , .001). Higher positive support was associated with higher appraisals, and in turn, higher appraisals were associated with lower PTSD severity, suggesting mediation. In contrast, the association of negative social support with PTSD was direct. Conclusion: Causality cannot be inferred. Positive support exhibits a weaker relationship with PTSD because its effect is dependent on how an individual appraises the support whereas negative support has a direct relationship with PTSD regardless of appraisals. Findings suggest positive support interventions should focus on individual perceptions whereas negative support interventions should focus on decreasing how often these interactions occur. Clinical Impact StatementOur study showed that for previously deployed male service members/veterans (SM/Vs), negative social support had a stronger relationship with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms than positive social support. Moreover, positive social support was only related to PTSD symptoms when SM/Vs had positive appraisals of the support whereas negative social support had a direct relationship with PTSD symptoms that was not mediated by appraisals. Though we cannot determine causality, our findings suggest that positive support interventions should focus on individual perceptions whereas negative support interventions should focus on decreasing how often these interactions occur.

Perceived friendships protect against the development of anger following childhood adversities in UK military veteran men residing in Northern Ireland

“…These results are consistent with studies which have found child neglect has a stronger effect on adult depression (Merrick et al, 2017 ) and serious suicide attempts (De Araújo & Lara, 2016 ; Merrick et al, 2017 ) than child physical or sexual abuse. Further, negative perceived social support, including neglect, has been directly linked to greater PTSD symptom severity in military veteran men (Blais & Zalta, 2023 ). Experience of child neglect, rather than child physical or sexual abuse or household challenge, may be particularly salient for the development of adult anger in military veteran men.…”

Examining the relationship between negative social exchange and suicidal ideation: the role of thwarted interpersonal needs

“…NSE can include hurtful or insensitive comments from friends, family or strangers; hostile interactions between retail workers and customers; and other interactions wherein an individual is yelled at, ridiculed, made fun of or feels taken advantage of. Interactions characterized by NSE are associated with a range of negative physical health symptoms and mental health outcomes, including depression and loneliness (Tsai et al , 2019), PTSD symptom severity (Blais and Zalta, 2023), drug cravings among recovering opioid users (Knapp et al , 2021) and NSE may even impact the rate of symptoms change in cognitive behavioral therapy for depression (Eidelman et al , 2018). Unfortunately, there is a paucity of research examining the role of NSE as a contributor to suicidal thoughts and behaviors (Blais et al , 2021).…”

Posttraumatic Cognitions Differ Between Men and Women after Military Sexual Assault Revictimization in Their Contribution to PTSD Symptoms

“…Keywords revictimization, sexual assault, military, gender, posttraumatic stress symptoms, posttraumatic cognitions Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders among Veterans Affairs (VA)-enrolled veterans (Veterans Health Administration, 2013) and active duty service members (Meadows et al, 2018), accounting for over 55% of those with a probable mental health diagnosis (VA, 2017). PTSD and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are associated with lower quality of life (Vogt et al, 2017), sexual dysfunction , poorer interpersonal functioning (Blais, 2020(Blais, , 2022Blais & Zalta, 2023), substance misuse (Schumm & Chard, 2012), and suicidal ideation and attempts (Wisco et al, 2014), highlighting the importance of continuing to study risk factors of PTSS to fine-tune assessments and treatments. Traumas that involve sexual violation are associated with the highest risk for PTSS (Blais et al, 2020;Wisco et al, 2014), with repeated exposure conferring even greater risk (see review, Classen et al, 2005;Tirone, Bagley et al, 2020a).…”