Abigail Robinson and Peter Oakes
Objective: Previous research has shown that coping styles, resilience and self-blame cognitions have predicted the experience of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However no previous research has examined these variables in conjunction before. Therefore, the aim of this present study was to examine the relationship between coping styles, resilience and self-blame cognitions to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, to identify the strongest predictor in a mixed adult trauma sample. Age, gender and length of time since the traumatic event was also included in the study, as past research has indicated these variables have also predicted PTSD symptoms.
Method: A sample of 87 participants who identified they had experienced a traumatic event took part. A cross-sectional design was used and measures were administered online. Participants completed self-report measures on coping styles, resilience, self-blame cognitions and PTSD symptoms. Demographic information was collected.
Results: Multiple regression analyses identified maladaptive coping was the only significant predictor of PTSD symptoms. Maladaptive coping accounted for 45.6% of the variance in scores. No other significant predictors were found.
Conclusion: The findings suggest there is a relationship between maladaptive coping style and PTSD symptoms in adults who have experienced a traumatic event. Maladaptive coping increases PTSD symptoms, and this study has found maladaptive coping appears to be a particular strong predictor in predicting PTSD symptoms. It appears maladaptive coping should be targeted during interventions. Further research is needed into exploring the specific types of traumatic events, and potential factors predicting PTSD symptoms depending on the nature of the traumatic event.
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