The Relationship between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Interpersonal Sensitivity and Specific Distress Symptoms: the Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation

This study examined 1) the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from past trauma, interpersonal sensitivity and psychiatric co-morbidity, and 2) whether cognitive emotion regulation strategies would mediate the impact of PTSD on specific distress outcomes. Four hundred seventy-five Kazakh students (F = 336, M = 139) participated in the study and completed a demographic page, Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale for DSM-5, General Health Questionnaire-28, Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. The results showed that 71% reported that they had experienced at least one trauma throughout their lifespan, of whom 39% met the criteria for full-PTSD. Controlling for age and university majors, PTSD was associated with interpersonal sensitivity and psychiatric co-morbidity. Cognitive emotion regulation strategies were correlated with specific distress outcomes. Whilst positive reappraisal and refocusing on planning were associated with interpersonal sensitivity, self-blame and putting the trauma into perspective were associated with psychiatric co-morbidity. Self-blame mediated the impact of PTSD on psychiatric co-morbidity. To conclude, trauma can heighten levels of sensitivity in interpersonal interaction and psychological symptoms. Having specific thoughts about the trauma can impact on specific psychological reactions. Blaming oneself for the trauma can influence its impact on the severity of psychological symptoms.