Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing severe psychological trauma. Several predictors of PTSD have been identified, including pre-existing vulnerabilities, exposure to trauma, and social support.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing severe psychological trauma. Several factors have been identified as predictors of PTSD following trauma:
- Pre-existing vulnerabilities: Certain personality traits, such as neuroticism and a history of mental health problems, may increase the risk of developing PTSD. For example, a study by Bramsen et al. (2000) found that predeployment personality traits predicted post-traumatic stress symptoms in former peacekeepers.
- Exposure to trauma: The severity and duration of the traumatic event can influence the likelihood of developing PTSD. For instance, a study by DiGrande et al. (2008) found that residents of lower Manhattan who were directly exposed to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were at higher risk of developing posttraumatic stress symptoms.
- Social support: The availability of social support can buffer the impact of trauma and reduce the risk of developing PTSD. Research by Ozer et al. (2003) has shown that individuals with greater social support are less likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder.
It is important to note that these predictors are not deterministic and other factors may also contribute to the development of PTSD.
The question probable may be;
What are some of the identified predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and how do pre-existing vulnerabilities, exposure to trauma, and social support play roles in the development of PTSD following severe psychological trauma?