(PS11-C57) Emotion Dysregulations Influence on PTSD Symptoms and Social Competency

Childhood trauma exposure is associated with higher levels of emotion dysregulation and impaired social functioning (Dvir et al., 2022). Individuals with childhood trauma have been shown to display higher levels of PTSD symptoms and under-utilize effective emotion regulation (ER) strategies (McLean & Foa, 2016). Effective ER strategies linked to lower PTSD severity include acceptance, cognitive reappraisal, and problem-solving (Dvir et al., 2022). Additionally, emerging adults displaying higher levels of PTSD symptoms have shown lower social competency (Dvir et al., 2022). The present study examines how emotion dysregulation moderates the relation between current PTSD symptoms and social competency while controlling for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Specifically, it was hypothesized that emotion dysregulation would exacerbate the influence of PTSD symptoms on social competency. Participants (N = 736) completed four questionnaires: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL5), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire (ICQ). The findings indicated that the main effect between PTSD symptoms and social competency was not significant, β = -.08, p = .12, whereas the main effect between emotion dysregulation and social competency was significant, β = -.42, p < .001. There was a significant interaction effect of emotion dysregulation and PTSD symptoms on social competencies, β = .16, p < .001. Among emerging adults who reported higher emotion dysregulation, PTSD symptoms did not associate with social competencies, consistent with the non-significant main effect reported above. Among those with lower emotion dysregulation, PTSD symptoms shared a negative relation with social competencies, contrary to the overall main effect above. Higher emotion dysregulation appeared to flatten, rather than exacerbate, the effect of PTSD symptoms on social competence. These findings suggest the effect of PTSD on social competence depends on levels of emotion dysregulation. Individuals with higher levels of emotion dysregulation may benefit from targeted interventions to improve social functioning.