Examining the relationship between trauma centrality and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms: A moderated mediation approach.

Abstract

Background and Objectives The degree to which a traumatic event is seen as central to one's sense of self (trauma centrality) has been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Based on cognitive models of PTSD that highlight the role that maladaptive appraisals play in generating PTSD symptoms, we hypothesized that appraising a trauma as violating one's core beliefs and goals mediates the link between trauma centrality and PTSD symptoms. Further, we reasoned that coping ability moderates the direct and indirect link as those with better coping ability will have more adaptive appraisals. Design Hypotheses were examined in a cross-sectional sample of 367 undergraduates who have experienced a traumatic event. Methods Data were collected via an online survey. Results Overall, results of the moderated mediation analysis were consistent with the hypothesized mediating role for appraised violations and moderating role for coping ability. Conclusions Findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences and trauma appraisals in understanding the relationship between trauma centrality and PTSD — trauma centrality may be related to PTSD symptoms more so among people with poorer coping ability who appraise a trauma as violating their core beliefs and goals.

Internet-delivered cognitive processing therapy for individuals with a history of bullying victimization: a randomized controlled trial

“…The final regression, however, indicated that only catastrophizing mediated the relationship between event centrality and strength of maladaptive appraisals. These findings are in line with previous research indicating that individual differences in coping mediate the relationship between event centrality and maladaptive trauma appraisals (George, Park, & Chaudoir, 2016).…”

Decreasing Event Centrality in Undergraduates Using Cognitive Bias Modification of Appraisals

“…Lancaster et al (2011) showed that no significant difference could be found between their two proposed mediation models, which could suggest that event centrality is a type of posttraumatic appraisal. Further studies showed that the effect of event centrality was partially mediated by the violation of beliefs and intrinsic goals (George et al 2016), or by self-efficacy (Chung et al 2017). The mediation model in a bereaved sample tested by Boelen (2012b) showed that the relation between event centrality and PTSD symptoms was fully mediated by memory intrusiveness, negative appraisals, rumination, and depressive avoidance.…”

Posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic growth in a national sample of pediatric oncology professionals

“…However, frequent exposure to patient trauma and mortality may elicit symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) . PTSD is conceptualized to arise in response to life‐threatening events that threaten core beliefs and expectations, including through the repeated witnessing or hearing of others' trauma as part of one's professional role . Review of epidemiological studies suggests that PTSD affects less than 7% of the population over the lifetime .…”

“…1 PTSD is conceptualized to arise in response to life-threatening events that threaten core beliefs and expectations, including through the repeated witnessing or hearing of others' trauma as part of one's professional role. [2][3][4] Review of epidemiological studies suggests that PTSD affects less than 7% of the population over the lifetime. 4 In pediatric oncology, repeated exposure to patient trauma and mortality may threaten core beliefs such as the commonly held belief that it is "unnatural" for children to die and trigger symptoms of re-experiencing, hyperarousal, negative mood.…”