The Relationship Between a Hierarchical Transdiagnostic Model of Vulnerability Factors and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Clusters

The Influence of Transdiagnostic Vulnerability Factors on PTSD Symptom Clusters in a Veteran Sample

“…Although multiple studies have shown anxiety sensitivity, overall, relates to PTSD symptom clusters (Cobb et al, 2017; Kreminski et al, 2021; Marshall et al, 2010), its various sub-factors may be differentially related to PTSD symptoms. Anxiety sensitivity includes three individual sub-factors: (1) cognitive concerns (where the individual fears the sensation of cognitive dyscontrol), (2) physical concerns (where the individual fears the physical sensations of their anxiety) and (3) social concerns (where the individual fears social judgment of their anxiety reactions; (McNally, 2002).…”

“…Building on those initial studies, Kreminski et al (2021) recently tested the hierarchical version of the model upon DSM -5 PTSD symptom clusters in a trauma-exposed community sample and found negative affect was the dominant explanatory factor in each of the symptom clusters. Anxiety sensitivity acted as a partial mediator across all symptom clusters, with additional unique direct effects upon the intrusions and hyperarousal constructs (Kreminski et al, 2021).…”

“…Building on those initial studies, Kreminski et al (2021) recently tested the hierarchical version of the model upon DSM -5 PTSD symptom clusters in a trauma-exposed community sample and found negative affect was the dominant explanatory factor in each of the symptom clusters. Anxiety sensitivity acted as a partial mediator across all symptom clusters, with additional unique direct effects upon the intrusions and hyperarousal constructs (Kreminski et al, 2021). However, contrary to the findings of both Oglesby and colleagues (2017) and Raines and colleagues (2019), intolerance of uncertainty was not a significant predictor of any PTSD symptom cluster, as either a direct effect or a mediator.…”

“…The previous study by Kreminski et al (2021) examined the total anxiety sensitivity construct, but not the sub-factors. It is therefore possible the potential effects of cognitive concerns may have been suppressed by the other two anxiety sensitivity sub-factors.…”

“…The aims of the current study were twofold. The first aim was to replicate and extend the findings with the original hierarchical model (Original Model; Kreminski et al, 2021) to a sub-clinical population typically experiencing multiple trauma exposures, and therefore at higher risk of developing PTSD (i.e. veterans of the ADF).…”