Social Bonds and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Retrospective and prospective studies consistently show that individuals exposed to human-generated traumatic events carry a higher risk of developing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than those exposed to other kinds of events. These studies also consistently identify perceptions of social support both before and after a traumatic event as an important factor in the determining vulnerability to the development of PTSD. We review the literature on interpersonal traumas, social support and risk for PTSD and integrate findings with recent advances in developmental psychopathology, attachment theory and social neuroscience. We propose and gather evidence for what we term the social ecology of PTSD, a conceptual framework for understanding how both PTSD risk and recovery are highly dependent on social phenomena. We explore clinical implications of this conceptual framework.

The aetiology of post-traumatic stress following childbirth: a meta-analysis and theoretical framework

“…For example, a study of women's worst hotspots during birth (defined as of peak emotional distress) found that over a third of hotspots were due to interpersonal factors such as feeling abandoned, being ignored and lacking support (Harris & Ayers, 2012) . Similarly, in the PTSD literature there is evidence that interpersonal traumas where a person is perceived as the perpetrator are more likely to result in PTSD (Charuvastra & Cloitre, 2008). Conversely, there is evidence from experimental studies using birth stories that positive support may be critical in improving women's perceived control and reducing perceived trauma .…”

Making connections: exploring the centrality of posttraumatic stress symptoms and covariates after a terrorist attack

“…Among the well-known risk factors or covariates of posttraumatic stress are high severity of exposure (Santiago et al, 2013), being female (Olff, Langeland, Draijer, & Gersons, 2007), low levels of social support (Charuvastra & Cloitre, 2008; Ozer, Best, Lipsey, & Weiss, 2003), and high neuroticism (Ormel et al, 2013). Despite the numerous studies that have investigated these factors as predictors of posttraumatic stress, few have examined why or how they lead to the development of posttraumatic stress symptomatology.…”

Exploration of a cognitive model to predict post-traumatic stress symptoms following childbirth

“…Other women may have a seemingly "normal" birth but may feel traumatized by aspects such as loss of control, loss of dignity, or the hostile, difficult or disrespectful attitudes of the people around them. The interpersonal environment during birth may be particularly important in determining trauma responses (Charuvastra & Cloitre, 2008;Cigoli, Gilli, & Saita, 2006;Creedy et al, 2000;Czarnocka & Slade, 2000;Ford & Ayers, 2009;Lyons, 1998;Maggioni et al, 2006;Soet et al, 2003;Wijma, Soderquist, & Wijma, 1997).…”