Examination of the structural relations between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and reckless/self-destructive behaviors.

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms commonly co-occur with reckless and self-destructive behaviors (RSDBs; e.g., substance use, aggression). To better understand comorbidity mechanisms between RSDBs and PTSD symptom clusters (best-fitting PTSD model), this study examined their latent-level relations. Methodologically, the current study used a cross-sectional approach administering self-report surveys (PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, measuring PTSD severity and the Posttrauma Risky Behaviors Questionnaire measuring RSDBs) to a convenience sample. The study description (45–60 min survey to develop a posttrauma reckless behaviors measure), compensation, and eligibility information was posted on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk platform. A sample of 417 trauma-exposed community participants averaging 35.92 years of age (56.60% female) was recruited. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the seven-factor PTSD hybrid model provided optimal fit to the data. Wald χ2 tests of parameter constraint results indicated the strongest relation of the RSDB factor with PTSD’s Externalizing Behaviors factor (r = .70) and weakest relation with PTSD’s Avoidance factor (r = .37); PTSD’s Anhedonia factor (r = .53) had a stronger relation to the RSDB factor compared with PTSD’s Anxious Arousal factor (r = .43). Results support the construct validity of the PTSD hybrid model factors in relation to RSDBs. Additionally, results indicate that PTSD’s Positive Affect factor may be strongly embedded in the PTSD–RSDB relation, supporting the emotion dysregulation viewpoint and trauma interventions addressing emotion dysregulation (including for positive emotions). Lastly, our study results provide additional psychometric support for the Posttrauma Risky Behaviors Questionnaire.

Clusters of trauma types as measured by the Life Events Checklist for DSM–5.

“…In the current study, scores for 14 items were summed; higher scores represented greater extent of RSDB engagement. The Posttrauma Risky Behaviors Questionnaire has good psychometric properties (Contractor, Weiss, Dolan, & Mota, 2019;; the Omega value was .95 in the current study.…”

Positive affect processes and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms: Findings from an open label and uncontrolled pilot study using the positive memory processing technique.

“…Perhaps, more positive emotions (especially those that are low arousal and relaxing) following PPMT sessions may be protective against specific/all AAR symptoms. For instance, more positive affect may associate with less engagement in reckless behaviors (Contractor, Weiss, Dolan, & Mota, 2020; Taubman-Ben-Ari, 2012) and with better sleep (Ong et al, 2017). However, other positive affect processes such as reactivity as well dysregulation did not modify the trajectory of total/subscale PTSD symptom severity across PPMT sessions.…”

Examining indirect effects of emotion dysregulation between PTSD symptom clusters and reckless/self-destructive behaviors.

“…The last two items assess functional impairment due to RSDBs and the relation of the RSDB frequency to the onset of the worst trauma. The PRBQ demonstrates good psychometrics (Contractor et al, 2019(Contractor et al, , 2020(Contractor et al, , 2021); Cronbach's alpha in the current study = .92.…”