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A prospective analysis of trauma exposure: The mediating role of PTSD symptomatology
Author(s) -
Orcutt Holly K.,
Erickson Darin J.,
Wolfe Jessica
Publication year - 2002
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 - 10.1023/a:1015215630493
Subject(s) - clinical psychology , psychology , psychiatry , injury prevention , poison control , medicine , medical emergency
Trauma exposure has been associated with increased risk of exposure to additional traumatic events. Reactions to trauma exposure, specifically PTSD symptomatology, may mediate the link between trauma exposure and later traumatic events. Data from a longitudinal sample of Gulf War veterans ( N = 2.949) were analyzed using a series of regression models. Higher levels of combat exposure were related to increased reports of PTSD symptomatology immediately upon return as well as increased reports of traumatic events in the 2 years following the Gulf War. PTSD symptomatology partially mediated the link between combat exposure and later trauma. Symptom clusters were also analyzed separately as potential mediators. Implications for the treatment of PTSD and prevention of exposure to multiple traumas are discussed.