title: Examining the Relationship Between Trauma Centrality and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: A Moderated Mediation Approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The degree to which a traumatic event is seen as central to one's sense of self (trauma centrality) has been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Based on cognitive models of PTSD that highlight the role that maladaptive appraisals play in generating PTSD symptoms, we hypothesized that appraising a trauma as violating one's core beliefs and goals mediates the link between trauma centrality and PTSD symptoms. Further, we reasoned that coping ability moderates the direct and indirect link as those with better coping ability will have more adaptive appraisals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hypotheses were examined in a cross-sectional sample of 367 undergraduates who have experienced a traumatic event.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected via an online survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, results of the moderated mediation analysis were consistent with the hypothesized mediating role for appraised violations and moderating role for coping ability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences and trauma appraisals in understanding the relationship between trauma centrality and PTSD - trauma centrality may be related to PTSD symptoms more so among people with poorer coping ability who appraise a trauma as violating their core beliefs and goals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut; Mailing Address: 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT 06269-1020; Phone #: 973-641-8851; login.george@uconn.edu.
authors.forename: Login S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: George
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut; Mailing Address: 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT 06269-1020; Phone #: 860-486-3520; crystal.park@uconn.edu.
authors.forename: Crystal L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, College of the Holy Cross; Mailing Address: 1 College Street, PO Box 38A, Worcester, MA, 01610; Phone #: 508-793-3620; schaudoi@holycross.edu.
authors.forename: Stephenie R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Chaudoir
keywords: PTSD; coping; meaning making; stress; trauma centrality