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Domains of quality of life and symptoms in male veterans treated for posttraumatic stress disorder
Author(s) -
Lunney Carole A.,
Schnurr Paula P.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1002/jts.20269
Subject(s) - psychology , posttraumatic stress , quality of life (healthcare) , clinical psychology , confirmatory factor analysis , structural equation modeling , psychotherapist , statistics , mathematics
This study examined the relationship between domains of quality of life and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in 319 male veterans in a randomized trial of group psychotherapy. Confirmatory factor analyses suggested a 4‐factor model of quality of life (achievement, self‐expression, relationships, and surroundings) fit better than a unidimensional model. Clinically meaningful symptom change was associated with greater change in all quality of life domains. At pretreatment, numbing symptoms uniquely predicted all quality of life domains. Change in avoidance and hyperarousal uniquely predicted change in achievement. Change in reexperiencing uniquely predicted change in self‐expression. Change in numbing uniquely predicted change in relationships. Examining change in PTSD symptoms and quality of life domains may provide important information for treatment planning and evaluation.