The influence of data-driven processing on perceptions of memory quality and intrusive symptoms in children following traumatic events.
Ehlers and Clark [(2000). A cognitive model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 38, 319-345] cognitive model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been relatively untested with children. Seventy-five children (7-16 years) were interviewed within 4 weeks of an injury that led to hospital treatment to examine whether peri-traumatic processing strategies (data-driven processing and fear) were associated with perceptions of memory quality and intrusive memories. Perceptions of memory quality mediated the relationship between data-driven processing and intrusive reactions but not avoidance, arousal or depressive reactions. Finally, the relationship between peri-event fear and intrusion reactions was mediated by perceptions of memory quality even after data-driven processing was controlled. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of a cognitive developmental model of PTSD in children.
McKinnon
Anna C
AC
School of Psychology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia. anna.mckinnon@flinders.edu.au
Nixon
Reginald D V
RD
Brewer
Neil
N
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*