The latent structure of posttraumatic stress disorder among adolescents.
Debate has arisen over whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is most accurately conceptualized as representing a discrete clinical syndrome or an extreme reaction to traumatic life events. Recent taxometric research using predominantly adult samples appears to support a dimensional model of PTSD, raising questions about the utility of current psychiatric nosology which depicts PTSD as a distinct entity. The present study sought to use taxometric procedures to examine the latent structure of posttraumatic stress reactions among a national epidemiologic sample of 2,885 adolescents. Results were consistent with previous taxometric studies in supporting a dimensional model of posttraumatic stress reactions. The implications of these findings for public policy, as well as the etiology and assessment of posttraumatic stress reactions, are discussed.
Broman-Fulks
Joshua J
JJ
Department of Psychology, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA. bromanfulksj@appstate.edu
Ruggiero
Kenneth J
KJ
Green
Bradley A
BA
Smith
Daniel W
DW
Hanson
Rochelle F
RF
Kilpatrick
Dean G
DG
Saunders
Benjamin E
BE