Coping styles and protective factors as moderators of adjustment after trauma exposure

Abstract

Over 50% of individuals experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime which can range widely from a car accident to torture. These experiences are extremely aversive and result in negative life outcomes including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is believed that some individuals possess traits and characteristics, such as adaptive coping styles, that act in compensatory or buffering ways to reduce PTSD symptoms. This study examined how coping styles interact with a traumatic event to influence PTSD symptoms. Participants included 390 college students from an East Coast University. Compensatory effects revealed humor and trauma coping self-efficacy reduced PTSD symptoms while self-blame, substance use, avoidance, and distraction lead to increased PTSD symptoms. Buffering effects found active coping, acceptance, and trauma coping-self efficacy weakened the relationship between trauma and PTSD symptoms. Findings indicate the importance of adaptive coping styles when faced with aversive events in life.