Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders and Disasters
Roze Dornellas, None
Student
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Deridder, Louisiana
Ethan Hayes, B.A.
Graduate Student
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
lafayette, Louisiana
Ashlyn Suchand, B.S.
Gradaute Student
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana
Michael J. McDermott, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are commonly associated with poor physical health (e.g., cardiovascular disease), but less is known about the role of frequency of life stressors on physical health (Pietrzak et al., 2012). Therefore, the present study examined the role of PTSD symptoms and the frequency of life stressors on physical health among university students, a population who encounter unique and challenging stressors (Hurst et al., 2013).
A total of 97 university students (58.8% female; Mage = 19.81) completed measures of PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5; Weathers et al., 2013), frequency of life stressors (Undergraduate Stress Questionnaire; Crandall et al., 1992), and somatic physical health complaints (Cohen-Hoberman Inventory of Physical Symptoms; Cohen & Hoberman, 1983).
A moderation analysis (Hayes, 2018) indicated a significant interaction of PTSD symptoms and stressors (b=-.021, t[93]=-2.06, p=.042, 95%CI[-.04, -.00]) on poor physical health. PTSD symptoms were only significantly associated with poor physical health when a low to moderate frequency of stressors was reported (b=.634, t[93]=3.54, p< .001).
Results suggest that PTSD symptoms may be less relevant in poor physical health when the frequency of stressors experienced is high. Implications, limitations, and future research directions will be discussed.
