Brief Report: Symptoms of PTSD,Coping Strategies,and Social Adjustment among Survivors of Early Life Interpersonal Trauma |
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Authors: | Christina M Hassija Donn W Garvert Marylene Cloitre |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernadino, California, USAchassija@csusb.edu;3. Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA |
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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. |
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Keywords: | active coping dysphoria emotional support social functioning |
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