ERIC Number: EJ776893
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Oct
Pages: 4
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-006X
EISSN: N/A
Maladaptive Self-Appraisals before Trauma Exposure Predict Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Bryant, Richard A.; Guthrie, Rachel M.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, v75 n5 p812-815 Oct 2007
This study tested the proposal that negative appraisals represent a risk factor for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after trauma. Trainee firefighters (N = 68) were assessed during training (before trauma exposure) for PTSD, history of traumatic events, and tendency to engage in negative appraisals. Firefighters were reassessed 4 years later (N = 52), after commencing firefighter duty (after trauma exposure), for PTSD and depression using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale (E. B. Foa, L. Cashman, L. Jaycox, & K. Perry, 1997) and the Beck Depression Inventory (Version 2; A. T. Beck, R. A. Steer, & G. K. Brown, 1996). At follow-up, 12% met criteria for PTSD. Pretrauma negative appraisals about oneself accounted for 20% of variance in PTSD severity at follow-up. These data provide the first evidence that preexisting negative appraisals are a risk factor for PTSD.
Descriptors: Risk, Depression (Psychology), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Fire Protection, Self Evaluation (Individuals), Measures (Individuals), Evaluation Criteria, Severity (of Disability), Self Concept
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Beck Depression Inventory
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A