The role of anxiety sensitivity in the relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms and negative outcomes in trauma-exposed adults. Issue 2 (3rd March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kugler, Brittany B.; Phares, Vicky; Salloum, Alison; Storch, Eric A.
• Is Part Of: Anxiety, stress, and coping. Volume 29:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 187
• Page End: 201
• Publication Date: 2016-03-03
• Subjects: trauma -- posttraumatic stress -- anxiety sensitivity -- physical health issues -- quality of life; Anxiety -- Periodicals; Anxiety -- Research -- Periodicals; Anxiety -- periodicals; Stress -- periodicals; Adaptation, Psychological -- periodicals; 616.8522
• DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2015.1028029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1061-5806

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The development of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSs) following a trauma is related to impairment, diminished quality of life, and physical health issues. Yet it is not clear why some trauma-exposed individuals experience negative outcomes while others do not. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of several influential factors related to PTS severity and negative outcomes.Methods: One hundred and twenty-two trauma-exposed adults were administered the following self-report measures: the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian, the Trauma History Questionnaire-Short, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale 21, Sheehan Disability Scale, World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF, and an abbreviated Patient Health Questionnaire.Primary Results: PTS severity was positively correlated with depressive symptom severity ( r = 0.54, p < 0.001), chronicity of the most distressing trauma ( r = 0.21, p = 0.017), and number of traumas ( r = 0.22, p = 0.012). Main effects were found for PTS severity ( β = −0.38, p < 0.01) and anxiety sensitivity (AS; β = −0.39, p < 0.01) on quality of life. No interaction was found between PTS severity and AS with any negative outcome. PTS severity mediated the relationship between AS and physical health issues (0.05; 95% CI: 0.02–0.08).Conclusion: This study helps clarify the role of various factors in the relationship between trauma and negative outcomes. Clinical and research implications are discussed.