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Predicting post‐traumatic stress disorder following first onset acute coronary syndrome: Testing a theoretical model
Author(s) -
Marke Victoria,
Bennett Paul
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
british journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.479
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 2044-8260
pISSN - 0144-6657
DOI - 10.1111/bjc.12001
Subject(s) - psychology , alexithymia , traumatic stress , social support , distress , coping (psychology) , clinical psychology , psychological intervention , psychiatry , psychotherapist
Objectives This research identified which theoretically predicted factors (Joseph, Williams, & Yule, 1997) were associated with the severity of post‐traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) symptoms 1 and 6 months following onset of acute coronary syndrome ( ACS ). Predictor variables included event factors , peri‐traumatic distress; and maintaining factors including coping strategies, social support, re‐appraisal of event threat, and beliefs about the nature of ACS . Associations with alexithymia were also explored. Method One hundred and fifty participants completed questionnaires in hospital and at 1‐ and 6‐month follow‐up. Results Hierarchical multiple regression including both baseline and contemporaneous variables explained 52 and 42% of the variance in PTSD symptoms at each follow‐up. At 1‐month follow‐up, predictors of PTSD symptoms were as follows: peri‐traumatic distress, concern over symptoms, illness comprehension, and lack of social support. At 6‐month follow‐up, predictors were: peri‐traumatic distress, lack of social support, use of problem‐focused coping, and continued symptoms. Conclusions The Joseph et al . model was generally supported. The data allow some degree of prediction of high risk individuals and suggest some possible interventions.