Individual predictors of posttraumatic distress: a structural equation model.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Recent research has called into question the "dose-effect" model of understanding response to trauma and has turned attention to the contribution of personality and environmental factors. This research seeks to model the interrelation of relational capacity (a component of personality), perceptions of social support, and posttraumatic distress.

METHOD:

A group of firefighters (n = 164) completed questionnaires that addressed exposure to traumatic events, social support, current level of distress, and relational capacity. Structural equation modelling was used to develop a framework for understanding traumatic reactions.

RESULTS:

The overall fit of the hypothesized model was excellent. Relational capacity had a significant negative effect on support, indicating that perceived social support decreased as disturbances in relational capacity increased. Perceived social support had a significant negative effect on level of distress.

CONCLUSION:

While some emotional response to disturbing events may be normal, the severity of symptoms covaries with the ability of the individual to develop and sustain supportive relationships to buffer the impact of events.