Post-Traumatic Stress and Alcohol-Related Problems Following a College Shooting: Effect of Help-Seeking. (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Siebert, Erin C.; Stewart, David G.; Hu, Emily M.; Estoup, Ashley C.; Underbrink, Erin G.; Moore, Lindsay S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of school violence. Volume 17:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 180
• Page End: 193
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Alcohol problems -- help-seeking -- psychological first aid -- PTS symptoms -- school shooting; School violence -- Prevention -- Periodicals; School environment -- Periodicals; 371.78205
• DOI: 10.1080/15388220.2017.1292918
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1538-8220

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Our aim was to test the hypothesized relationships between trauma exposure and alcohol-related problems, mediated by PTS symptoms, moderated by prior trauma exposure and help-seeking. Participants were 244 members of a private university who were enrolled or employed at the school on the date of a campus shooting. Online measures were distributed via e-mail in October 2014, and included the AUDIT, BTQ, PCL-5, and self-report measures of trauma exposure and counseling services utilized. The overall moderated mediation model examining the indirect effect of exposure to trauma on alcohol-related problems through PTSD symptoms, moderated by prior trauma and help seeking was significant, β ( SE ) = .310(.3554), p = .0001. This study highlights the importance of crisis interventions following trauma exposure.