title: Reaction to stressful life events: what predicts symptom severity?
abstract: This study examined the effect of Criterion A and non-Criterion A (as defined by the DSM-IV-TR) events on symptomatology related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Two hundred and forty-one college students completed a series of questionnaires related to symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, psychological processes and psychopathology. Participants were divided into two groups: those that experienced a Criterion A traumatic life event as defined by the DSM-IV-TR, and those that experienced a non-Criterion A event. A chi-square analysis revealed a higher percentage of those with a Criterion A event meeting criteria for PTSD, although results indicated no differences on the overall severity of PTSD symptoms, or the re-experiencing, hyperarousal or avoidance subscales of PTSD symptoms between these two groups when time since event and distress were held constant. In a logistic regression analysis, the tendency to engage in thought suppression and level of distress were related to a diagnosis of PTSD, while type of event (Criterion A or non-Criterion A) was marginally related. Results are discussed in relation to ongoing discussion examining the description, classification and impact of a Criterion A event on PTSD symptoms, and the possible impact for treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610, USA. acameron@clarku.edu
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cameron
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Palm
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Follette
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires