Trauma Type and Gender Effects on PTSD, General Distress, and Peritraumatic Dissociation

This study examined the independent and interaction effects of trauma type and gender on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), general psychopathology, and peritraumatic dissociation. We assessed 1,503 college students (58.3% female) who experienced a natural disaster, loss of a loved one, or interpersonal violence. Interpersonal violence survivors, those with multiple trauma histories, and women reported more PTSD symptoms, general psychopathology, and peritraumatic dissociation than other trauma group survivors, single trauma group survivors, and men. A trauma type by gender interaction was identified for peritraumatic dissociation. The results are discussed within the context of clinical practice and assessment.