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Although the negative impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on psychological distress is broadly consistent across the literature, the psychological mechanisms underpinning this relationship need further exploration. Pain paradox theory has postulated the important role of PTSD, avoidance strategies, mindfulness, and distress following trauma. However, a more comprehensive study is needed to understand their interactive effects over time. This current longitudinal study aimed to examine the associations between these factors. 201 participants completed the questionnaire survey (i.e., the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire) at two time points nine months apart. An autoregressive cross-lagged panel with structural equation modelling was used for data analysis. Initial PTSD symptoms predicted subsequent psychological distress. Initial mindfulness was significantly negatively correlated with subsequent alexithymia, PTSD, and distress outcomes. Furthermore, initial alexithymia was significantly positively associated with subsequent PTSD and distress. Following trauma exposure, individuals may develop PTSD that impairs mental health. However, individuals with higher levels of mindfulness tend to experience less alexithymia and PTSD symptoms, which in turn may lead to lower levels of psychological distress over time. Meanwhile, individuals with lower levels of difficulty identifying and describing emotions are less likely to develop PTSD symptoms and experience psychological distress over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following past trauma could lead to psychological distress. Little is known, however, about the roles of defense mechanisms and alexithymia may play in the process. The current study aimed to examine the potential impact of alexithymia and defense mechanisms on the relationship between past trauma and distress among Chinese university students. Method: 455 university students completed a set of questionnaires: PTSD Checklists for DSM-5, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Defense Style Questionnaire, and General Health Questionnaire-28. Results: PTSD following past trauma was associated with increased psychological distress. Alexithymia and defenses (especially immature defense) mediated the path between PTSD and psychological co-morbidities. Conclusion: Following past trauma, people developed PTSD and other psychological symptoms. The severity of these distress symptoms was influenced by the way they defended themselves psychologically, and their ability to identify, express, and process distressing emotions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Chinese students can develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following trauma. • PTSD from past trauma is associated with increased psychiatric co-morbidities. • Both distorted cognition and alexithymia mediate the association between PTSD and distress. • The severity of distress is influenced by the degree of distorted cognitions. • Distress severity is affected by the ability to identify, describe, and process emotions. Abstract Past traumatic events are distressing experiences which can result in the emergence of posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and other psychological symptoms among university students. However, little is known as to whether or not cognitive distortion and alexithymia would influence the severity of these distress outcomes. This study examined a cognitive-emotional framework depicting potential roles that cognitive distortion and alexithymia could play in influencing the relationship between past trauma and psychiatric co-morbidities among university students in China. One thousand one hundred and eleven participants completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, Cognitive Distortion Scale (CDS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Results indicated that PTSD following past trauma was significantly associated with increased psychiatric co-morbidities after controlling for covariates. Both alexithymia and distorted cognition mediated the association between PTSD and psychiatric co-morbidities. To conclude, university students can develop PTSD from past trauma and other mental health problems. The severity of psychological distress can be influenced by their distorted perceptions of themselves, the world, and the future, as well as their ability to identify, describe, and express distressing emotions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Relationship dissolution is a distressing experience which can result in the emergence of posttraumatic stress (i.e. post-dissolution PTSS) and other psychological symptoms among college students. Little is known, however, whether posttraumatic stress cognitions and interpersonal dependency may influence the severity of these distress outcomes. Aims: This study examined the interrelationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), posttraumatic stress cognitions, interpersonal dependency and psychological co-morbidities following relationship dissolution. Methods: One hundred and eighty college students (M = 69, F = 111) who had experienced relationship dissolution completed the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale, Posttraumatic Stress Cognition Inventory, Interpersonal Dependency Inventory and General Health Questionnaire-28. Results: Posttraumatic stress symptoms following relationship dissolution (post-dissolution PTSS) were associated with increased psychological co-morbidities. Negative view of oneself and self-blame mediated between PTSS and psychological co-morbidities. Assertion of autonomy moderated the mediational effects of negative cognitions on psychological co-morbidities. Conclusions: People can develop PTSSs and other psychological symptoms following the dissolution of a romantic relationship. Their concept of self and tendency to seek independence and control played a key role in determining the severity of distress symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychiatric co-morbidity and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among Chinese adolescents using network analysis.Methods: 867 Chinese adolescents (male = 424, female = 443) were recruited from three secondary schools. They completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and the General Health Questionnaire-28.Results: Domains of each construct mainly clustered within their respective communities with several bridging edges identified. The prominent roles of bridging nodes and edges (positive and negative) were highlighted. Key bridging nodes were negative alterations in cognitions and mood for PTSD, anxiety and insomnia for psychiatric co-morbidity and appreciation of life for PTG.Limitations: The cross-sectional nature of the present study may preclude the identification of real causal relationships between nodes.Conclusions: Following a trauma, adolescents displayed posttraumatic stress along with general psychological disorder symptoms. These distress reactions could affect the way they appreciated life and their motivation to seek future life possibilities. Findings from the current study may provide some clue for the facilitation of posttraumatic growth among clinical patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]