Posttraumatic stress disorder and physical health symptoms among women seeking help for relationship aggression.
This study examined associations between intimate partner aggression and physical health symptoms among a sample of help-seeking women experiencing relationship aggression (N = 388). Using a structural equation modeling framework, the authors found posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms to fully mediate the associations of both physical and psychological aggression with physical health symptoms. The influence of PTSD symptoms on physical health symptoms was partially mediated by anger/irritability. Results were consistent with studies from other trauma groups suggesting that PTSD is pivotal with respect to explaining the effects of trauma on health.
Taft
Casey T
CT
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA. casey.taft@med.va.gov
Vogt
Dawne S
DS
Mechanic
Mindy B
MB
Resick
Patricia A
PA
D000328:Adult; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires