Disclosure of traumatic experiences, dissociation, and anxiety in group therapy for posttraumatic stress.
This study examined the relationships among the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, dissociation with self-disclosure among 72 male military veterans with PTSD who were attending an eight-week group therapy treatment program. At intake to the program, participants were administered a baseline demographics questionnaire, the Clinicians Administered PTSD Scale, a dissociation measure, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Participants completed the dissociation measure and the HADS again at discharge from the program and at a follow-up three months later. We found that the frequency and severity of dissociation reported by participants decreased over time. It was also found that high self-disclosers had higher levels of dissociation when compared to low self-disclosers at baseline and program end, but showed a greater decline in levels of dissociation at three-month follow-up. It was also found that, regardless of the level of disclosure, anxiety levels at follow-up were significantly lower than baseline levels of anxiety.
Bowen
Alana
A
Department of Psychology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
Shelley
Mike
M
Helmes
Edward
E
Landman
Martha
M
D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology*; D003710:Demography; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D030881:Disclosure; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012179:Retirement; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000523:psychology*