Brief report: Symptoms of PTSD, coping strategies, and social adjustment among survivors of early life interpersonal trauma

Christina M. Hassija, Donn W. Garvert, Marylene Cloitre

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Dysphoria symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been associated with impairments in social functioning; however, this relationship has been unexamined among interpersonal trauma populations. A sample of 303 women with a history of early life interpersonal trauma completed measures of PTSD severity, coping, and social functioning. Results revealed that dysphoria symptoms had a strong and unique association with total social adjustment and social functioning (i.e., social activities). Active coping significantly mediated the relationship between dysphoria symptoms and total social adjustment, and active coping and seeking emotional support significantly mediated the relationship between dysphoria symptoms and social functioning. Findings elucidate variants of coping that might compound impaired social functioning and highlight the value of integrating coping skills into PTSD interventions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)520-531
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma
Volume24
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 28 2015

Keywords

  • active coping
  • dysphoria
  • emotional support
  • social functioning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Professions (miscellaneous)
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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