TY - JOUR
T1 - Posttraumatic stress symptoms, posttraumatic growth, and personality factors
T2 - A network analysis
AU - Graziano, Robert C.
AU - Brown, Wilson J.
AU - Strasshofer, David R.
AU - Yetter, Marissa A.
AU - Berfield, Jillian B.
AU - Haven, Sophie E.
AU - Bruce, Steven E.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Elsevier B.V.
PY - 2023/10/1
Y1 - 2023/10/1
N2 - Background: After experiencing a traumatic event, two possible outcomes are experiencing positive changes, such as posttraumatic growth (PTG), and/or experiencing distress in the form of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). These constructs are not mutually exclusive; those who experience PTSS may concurrently or at a later date likewise undergo PTG. Pretrauma factors, such as personality as measured by the Big Five Inventory (BFI), can interact with both PTSS and PTG. Methods: The present study utilized Network theory to examine the interactions between PTSS, PTG, and personality in 1310 participants. Three networks were computed (PTSS, PTSS/BFI, PTSS/PTG/BFI). Results: Within the PTSS network, strong negative emotions emerged as the strongest influence on the network. Again, in the PTSS and BFI network, strong negative emotions exerted the strongest overall influence in addition to bridging the PTSS and personality domains. In the network with all variables of interest, the PTG domain of new possibilities was the strongest overall influence on the network. Specific relationships between constructs were identified. Limitations: Limitations of this study include the cross-sectional design and utilization of a sub-threshold PTSD, non-treatment seeking sample. Conclusions: Overall, nuanced relationships between variables of interest were identified, informing personalized treatment and furthers our understanding of both positive and negative responses to trauma. As the primary influence across two networks, the experience of strong negative emotions appears to be central to the subjective experience of PTSD. This may indicate a need to modify present treatments for PTSD, which conceptualize PTSD as a primarily fear-based disorder.
AB - Background: After experiencing a traumatic event, two possible outcomes are experiencing positive changes, such as posttraumatic growth (PTG), and/or experiencing distress in the form of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). These constructs are not mutually exclusive; those who experience PTSS may concurrently or at a later date likewise undergo PTG. Pretrauma factors, such as personality as measured by the Big Five Inventory (BFI), can interact with both PTSS and PTG. Methods: The present study utilized Network theory to examine the interactions between PTSS, PTG, and personality in 1310 participants. Three networks were computed (PTSS, PTSS/BFI, PTSS/PTG/BFI). Results: Within the PTSS network, strong negative emotions emerged as the strongest influence on the network. Again, in the PTSS and BFI network, strong negative emotions exerted the strongest overall influence in addition to bridging the PTSS and personality domains. In the network with all variables of interest, the PTG domain of new possibilities was the strongest overall influence on the network. Specific relationships between constructs were identified. Limitations: Limitations of this study include the cross-sectional design and utilization of a sub-threshold PTSD, non-treatment seeking sample. Conclusions: Overall, nuanced relationships between variables of interest were identified, informing personalized treatment and furthers our understanding of both positive and negative responses to trauma. As the primary influence across two networks, the experience of strong negative emotions appears to be central to the subjective experience of PTSD. This may indicate a need to modify present treatments for PTSD, which conceptualize PTSD as a primarily fear-based disorder.
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U2 - 10.1016/j.jad.2023.06.011
DO - 10.1016/j.jad.2023.06.011
M3 - Article
C2 - 37290526
AN - SCOPUS:85162120159
SN - 0165-0327
VL - 338
SP - 207
EP - 219
JO - Journal of Affective Disorders
JF - Journal of Affective Disorders
ER -