Prediction of posttraumatic stress disorder from peritraumatic dissociation and distress among men and women victims of violent crimes

Abstract

Contradictory evidence exists regarding the role of peritraumatic distress (PDI) and dissociation (PD) in the development of PTSD. Victims of certain trauma types may be more susceptible to these peritraumatic reactions. Few studies have assessed gender differences in these associations, particularly among victims of violent crimes. This prospective study evaluated the main and interactive effects of peritraumatic reactions with gender on PTSD onset, independently of known risk factors. Methods. 111 adult victims of violent crime (68 women, Mage = 41.23) completed the Structured Clinical Interview, the Modified PTSD symptom Scale, the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experience Questionnaire, and the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory. Hierarchical regressions and chi-square tests were conducted for continuous and categorical measures of PTSD. Results. Extremely elevated scores of PD and PDI were obtained for both sexes. Greater PDI and PD were related to more PTSD symptoms (b =0. 380, p =. 001; b =0. 217, p =. 025, respectively). No significant interaction effects with gender emerged. These results remained when acute stress disorder was controlled for. Analyses on categorical data produced similar results. Conclusion. Victims of violent crimes recall severe peritraumatic reactions. The more severe these are, the more likely they are to develop significant PTSD symptomatology in the months that follow.