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Existing literature has provided support for an association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotion dysregulation. However, few studies have examined the relation between PTSD and emotion dysregulation that stems from positive emotions. Moreover, the role of trauma exposure, per se, on positive emotion dysregulation is unknown. Addressing these limitations, the current study compared levels of positive emotion dysregulation among (a) individuals without trauma exposure, (b) trauma-exposed individuals without probable PTSD, and (c) trauma-exposed individuals with probable PTSD. Participants were 400 community-dwelling individuals (M age = 43.76 years, 68.6% female; 24.2% Asian, 23.7% Black, 24.5% Hispanic, 27.6% White). Lower levels of positive emotion dysregulation were found among trauma-exposed participants without probable PTSD compared to trauma-exposed participants with probable PTSD, ds = 0.66-0.73, and unexposed participants, ds = 0.58-0.64. The present findings suggest the potential protective role of low levels of positive emotion dysregulation following trauma exposure. If replicated in longitudinal studies, these results may indicate the utility of enhancing skills for regulating positive emotions among individuals at risk for trauma exposure.

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Introduction: Military sexual trauma (MST) is a serious and pervasive problem among military men and women. Recent findings have linked MST with various negative outcomes including risky, self-destructive, and health-compromising behaviors. Objective: The current review summarizes the existing literature on the association between MST and risky behaviors among military men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Method: We systematically searched five electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PSYCINFO, PILOTS, and CINAHL Plus) using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Of the initial 2,021 articles, 47 met the inclusion criteria. Reviewed studies revealed three patterns of findings: (1) largely studied and consistent (i.e., suicidal behaviors, disordered eating), (2) mixed and in need of future research (i.e., alcohol and drug use, smoking), and (3) underexamined (i.e., sexual behaviors, illegal/aggressive behaviors) or completely neglected (e.g., problematic technology use, gambling). Discussion: The current systematic review advances literature by providing strong support for an association between MST and a wide range of risky behaviors. Moreover, it highlights important areas for future research.

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